Kerala, the land of Ayurveda

About Kerala, the land of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a perfect ancient science of life. The word Ayur literally means life and Veda the science or knowledge.

An ancient healing tradition that draws on 3,000 years of Vedic culture, Ayurveda is the subcontinent's traditional science of "life, vitality, health, and longevity" or, to tap into a more contemporary buzzphrase, "the science of well-being." It explains the knowledge of the do’s and don’ts one has to follow, which favours the well being of each individual to lead a healthy, happy, comfortable and advantageous life both physically, mentally and socially.

Ayurveda also emphasizes that prevention is better than cure. Renowned for its curative and rejuvenating powers and a gift from no other than Lord Brahma, Ayurveda works on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being by rectifying any imbalances in the three doshas -- vata (air), pitta (fire), and kapha (water) which are believed to make up the human constitution. The Charaka Samhita states that the mind, body, and soul are like a tripod, and that the world's continued existence relies on their combination.

Ayurveda, the 5000-year-old natural herbal health care system has been recognized the world over as the most perfected body-mind health care system.

Kerala, the tropical paradise on the southwest seaboard, is well known as the heart land of Ayurveda. It has long been considered the home of Ayurveda, no doubt due to the abundance of herbal and medicinal plants that thrive in its tropical environment.

Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants, and the cool monsoon season are best suited for Ayurveda’s curative and restorative programs. In fact, today Kerala is the only state in India, which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication. Kerala, the confluence of different natural herbal systems, enriched and fine-tuned Ayurveda. While the Ayurvedic system was enriched by Siddha and Marma systems in southern Kerala, it joined hands with Kalaripayattu and Kalari Therapy in northern Kerala.