Ayurveda
Shala
When
alternative lifestyles and stressful schedules are talking points in the cosmopolitan
circuits, Ayurveda, the art of ancient Indian healing cannot be far behind.
The inability of modern allopathy to allay all sicknesses and diseases has made
an increasing number of people turn to ayurveda, which has a cornucopia of ancient
secret cures for stubborn diseases. Along with yoga, Ayurveda is the new balm
for fevered souls. It uses natural herbs and their oils to treat ailments and
ensure a healthy life. Most of the centres for Ayurveda, called Ayurveda Shalas,
are in Kerala on the South Coast. This is beach country as well, so bring along
your sunscreens and hats. In fact many westerners have made ayurvedic spas their
annual treat, combining a relaxing holiday with cleansing for their bodies.
Ayurvedic Massages
Say "massage" in the context of an Asian country, and the first thoughts that
come flooding in are those of the exotic massage parlors of Pattaya. But an
ayurvedic massage is the real thing. These are serious life-enriching massages,
so be prepared to get some energetic flesh pounding from experts. While you
soak in the herbs you can watch the beaches of Vizhinjam packed with boats out
to sail in the sunset. From the beach you can see their lights strung out like
pearls in a necklace from the coast. Look forward to being draped with pieces
of linen, dipped in lukewarm herbal oils, all over the body by two to four trained
therapists in a special rhythmic way. This goes on continuously for about 60
to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days, and is said to be an effective
remedy for rheumatic diseases. It's supposed to be good for your nerves too
and should pep up your overall energy levels as well.
Restoring Balance
Ayurveda
believes that the imbalance of fire, air and phlegm causes disease in the human
body and tries to correct it majorly through cleaning and massage. Once the
balance of humors is restored, the body copes better with external factors like
pollution, strain and infections.
Oils and herbs
The herbs used in ayurveda are indigenous to Kerala's moist climate. The type
of oil used for massage differs according to the ailment being treated. It is
one of these: camphor, neem, mustard and castor. To these are added various
powdered herbs, nuts and the bark of trees. The Ayurvedic practitioner may conduct
the massage using the palm of the hand, poultices, and cloth.
Traditionally, Ayurvedic massage is used on trainee Kathakali dancers, and students
of kalaraipayatt. The guru massages the student's head and shoulders with his
hands, but uses his feet to stretch and flex the student's legs and back, since
flexibility is essential to classical dance and martial art.
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