What does the word “Ayurveda” remind you of? For most people, especially if you’re not from India, it’s the massages (thanks to our tourism ads!. Massages are definitely a part of Ayurveda. But, beyond that, Ayurveda is a traditional “system of medicine” like Allopathy or any other that helps you heal from diseases. As an Ayurvedic doctor, I can say from my experience that a large part of Ayurveda has been commercialised today to fit the modern society. But the truth is real Ayurveda is still relevant today. It has solutions to almost all health conditions. So, if you’re planning to come to India to experience Ayurveda, make sure that what you experience is real, authentic Ayurveda. And the best way to do that is understanding the basic Ayurvedic practices and principles you may come across and be well prepared.
Understanding Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that primarily focuses on healing health conditions not by just suppressing the symptoms, but by treating the root cause and helping individuals be in their best of health. That does not mean just physical health. Ayurveda emphasises the balance of mind, body, and soul in supporting health and wellness. Treatment in Ayurveda does not focus just on the symptoms of a health condition. Rather, it focuses on finding the root cause of your condition and healing from the bottom so that the disease does not recur in the long run.
Ayurvedic treatments are usually majorly through food and a combination of lifestyle practices and herbal medicines. Also, remember that anything that is Ayurvedic isn’t always safe. You cannot blindly follow an Ayurvedic diet or have Ayurvedic medicines without guidance. Ayurveda believes that each person is different, in terms of their constitution, Dosha dominances and health conditions. So, do not simply go for an Ayurvedic treatment just because your friend or relative tried it and got positive results. It’s always best to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic doctor to figure out a treatment plan that works best for you.
Popularity of Ayurveda Among Foreigners
People have long started looking for natural ways to heal from health conditions rather than popping one pill after another. As a result, Ayurveda has seen a rise in popularity globally since COVID happened. However, many countries still do not accept Ayurveda as a system of medicine. Hopefully, things would change with the growing popularity of Ayurveda around the world.
How to Prepare for Your Trip for Ayurvedic Treatment?
Here are some tips to follow before you start your Ayurvedic journey:
- Research and Plan
Research well about Ayurvedic clinics or hospitals and ensure that the services they offer are authentic. Make sure that the doctors are well qualified. It’d be great if they prepare their own medicine at the clinic using traditional methods. A real Ayurvedic doctor will only recommend treatments to you based on factors like your body type (Prakriti), Dosha imbalances and health conditions.
- Consult an Ayurvedic doctor
If the Ayurvedic hospital you opt for offers online consultations, go for it before flying down for treatment. In my online consultations, I talk to my patients to know about their health conditions and requirements in detail.
After I have a clear idea of their Prakriti, Dosha imbalances and health conditions, I come up with a treatment plan that works for them.
You should consult a skilled Ayurvedic doctor who can advise you on the treatments considering your Prakriti, Dosha and health conditions.
- Pack Accordingly
Choose your outfits carefully, e.g. casual clothes for yoga/meditation sessions. Take note of the climate, for example, monsoon in Kerala can be cold and summers can be hot and humid. So, pack accordingly.
Key Ayurvedic Treatments
Here are some common Ayurvedic treatments which you can have in India.
Sukha Chikitsa
If you are a generally healthy person, but would like to further enhance your health, Sukha Chikitsa works the best for you. This treatment strengthens your immunity and boosts your energy levels, preventing you from being prone to diseases very often.
Panchakarma
If you’re someone who follows content related to Ayurveda, you might have come across this treatment. Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic therapy that helps remove the accumulated toxins or Ama and rejuvenate your body through the following five steps:
- Vamana
- Virechana
- Basti
- Nasya
- Rakta Moksha
Abhyanga
Abhyanga means massage. It’s the Ayurvedic treatment that involves massaging the whole body with, preferably, organic black sesame oil. Abhyanga helps improve blood circulation, reduce stress and improve overall health.
You can also do it at home.
Shirodhara
Shirodhara is one of the best treatments if you have a stressed mind. During this treatment, medicated oil or liquids are poured in a continuous stream on the forehead. Shirodhara is known to pacify the mind, reduce stress and help in sleep.
Swedana
Swedana is an Ayurvedic steam therapy. In this treatment, sweat is induced in the body through different methods. It is one of the preparation procedures for Panchakarma. Swedana opens up all pores of the body, releases toxins and relaxes muscles. Instead of choosing the treatments you need by yourself, it’s always safe to seek the guidance of an Ayurvedic doctor.
Yoga and Meditation
Many Ayurvedic centres provide daily yoga and meditation sessions along with treatments. Consult with your Ayurvedic doctor to check whether you need these sessions as you get treated. Yoga and meditation help keep the equilibrium between mind, body and spirit. It promotes flexibility, acts as a great stress buster and makes the mind clearer.
Ayurvedic Diet
According to Ayurveda, a poor gut health is the main cause of all illnesses. And this is best treated through dietary corrections. Ayurveda sees food as medicine. This is one philosophy I strongly believe in and use in my treatment. 80% of my treatment is mainly through food. Only the rest 20% consists of herbal medicines, that too if necessary.
- Eat Based on your Dosha
Your diet has an influence on keeping your Dosha (Vata, Pitta or Kapha) in balance.
For example, Vata dominant people benefit from warm, moist and grounding foods, while Pitta dominant people need cooling, soothing foods.
To understand your Dosha or Prakriti, here’s a basic guide:
- Use spices
Use herbs, such as turmeric, ginger, coriander, etc. in cooking. They make your food taste better and also have remarkable healing properties.
- Stay away from processed food
Eat whole foods to ensure that the nutrients are intact and for better digestion.
- Eat local and seasonal foods
Eat freshly procured fruits and vegetables from local sources only. Have warm, freshly cooked and easy to digest meals.
Ayurvedic Treatment in Kerala
When we talk about Ayurvedic treatment in India, we cannot exclude Kerala. Out of all Indian states, Kerala is well known for Ayurveda. In fact, it is considered the “land of Ayurveda.
Kerala has plenty of Ayurveda hospitals and wellness centres that provide genuine treatments in a peaceful environment amidst nature.
Here are some things to consider if you are planning your trip to Kerala:
- Flights and travel
Kerala is well connected by air through major airports in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Calicut. You can choose for a direct flight to Kerala or a connection flight based on the rates.
- Accommodation
Most Ayurvedic centres offer packages that include stay with meals. Confirm it with the place you choose before you decide on taking their treatment.
- Ideal Time
Monsoon season is the right time for Ayurvedic treatments.
The climate is ideal for therapies and the body’s pores are more receptive to herbal oils and treatments.
You can also go for Karkidaka Chikitsa during monsoon. Almost all Ayurveda centres offer the treatment during monsoon.
Adopt Ayurvedic Practices In Your Everyday Life
You can continue with Ayurvedic practices even after returning from your trip. Here are some tips:
- Daily Routine
Establish a daily routine or Dinacharya that involves Ayurvedic practices, such as oil pulling, Nasya and Abhyanga.
Dinacharya brings in consistency and a sense of discipline.in your life.
- Diet
Avoid outside food. Instead, opt for warm, freshly cooked and light to digest foods that suit you. Also, practise mindful eating.
- Be Active
Add exercise to your daily routine. Being active is one of the factors that leads you towards the road of wellness. Ayurveda resonates with many who are looking for natural and preventive healthcare options. Learning and incorporating Ayurvedic ways into our daily lives equips us with greater health. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start to find the rejuvenating power of Ayurveda.
If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.