THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- The southern Indian state of Kerala, popularly known as "God's own country", enjoys its embellishment with tranquil backwaters, tempting beaches and super lush green coconut groves.
Every year thousands of tourists from across the globe come here to explore the serene beauty of this southern Indian state. Of late, Kerala has attained a pride of place in the field of ancient Indian medicine or "Ayurveda". Rightly thus, medical tourism is the new facet of Kerala's tourism industry.
Although Ayurveda evolved centuries ago in India, it is only in the recent years that it has become a huge selling point for Kerala's tourism industry.
Ayurveda or the "Science of Life" is practiced sincerely in this divine state of Kerala. No doubt, a tour to Kerala takes you to the enchanting backwaters and divine greenery; but Ayurveda is one such element that lets you a lifetime opportunity to be reborn in the lap of nature.
"Ayurveda is a complete treatment of physical, mental and spiritual well-being. This kind of medical treatment involves use of natural elements like tree bark, leaves, milk, curd, medicated oil, herbal powder and herbal pastes, which do not have any kind of side effects. Any treatment is applied to a person on the basis of his nature, age, body system and the severity of the disorder," Kerala Tourism Department Deputy Director Suresh Kumar P.G. said.
Kerala is globally becoming the leading destination for medical tourists. Health tourism in Kerala is an upcoming field, which combines benefits through the medical expertise alongwith the memorable holidays in the lap of the nature away from the hectic city life.
The numerous resorts in the state have drawn out specific plans ranging from a few days to even three weeks.
Going back in time, Ayurveda is believed to be originated in India more than 10,000 years ago and it boasts of being the oldest healing science in existence. The best part with this medicinal science is that it does not cause any side effects and, therefore, can be consumed or applied for a long duration.
The ancient science of Ayurveda is credited to Lord Dhanvantari who is considered as the physician of gods in Hindu mythology. It is believed that Lord Dhanvantari received this science from Lord Brahma, who classified it into various branches that deal with various medicinal systems.
According to Suresh Kumar, "a person is seen in Ayurveda as a unique individual made up of five primary elements. These elements are ether (space), air, fire, water and earth. Just as in nature, we too have these five elements in us. When any of these elements find imbalance in the environment, they will in turn have an influence on us. The foods we eat and the weather are just two examples of the influence of these elements."
When the monsoons make a grand entry into Kerala, tourist resorts and ayurvedic spas get all ready with rejuvenating health packages. According to ayurveda specialists, the monsoon season is the best time for treatments as the atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, which helps open the pores of the body to the maximum.
"This makes the body more receptive to herbal oils and other ayurveda medicines. Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but also the individual as a whole. It is considered a natural way to refresh oneself by eliminating all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regain good health," Suresh Kumar said.
Source: Xinhua News Agency
URL: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/indepth/2010-02/03/c_13161585.htm
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