Ayurveda, the ancient system of healing and wellness, is not only India’s traditional treasure. It is also an age-old science of life that emphasises the balance between body, mind, and soul through means of various natural remedies, herbal therapies, detox treatments, customized diet plans, herbal concoctions, and lifestyle modifications. Ayurveda is rooted in the ancient Indian philosophy. It is Kerala that moved on to embrace modern Ayurveda and offer formulas from forests through various Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala. Over generations and centuries, Kerala has preserved and nurtured Ayurveda to develop from a traditionally forest-based healing system into a modern approach that not only offers the authentic Ayurvedic treatments to the wellness seekers but also combines them with the contemporary requirements and modern-day problems and solutions. Today, Ayurveda is not only accepted as a unique healthcare system, but there are various research studies conducted under modern science that support it. The evolution of Ayurveda is not only a symbol of cultural and economic growth, but is also a genuine wisdom that can be applied today with scientific validation. The ayurvedic therapies, remedies, and formulas, along with in-depth knowledge about herbs and their application, begin in the forests and are today carried out in the form of advanced formulations through certified medical practitioners or ayurvedic vaidyas, reflecting Kerala’s journey into modern Ayurveda.
Ayurveda’s traditional roots in Kerala’s forest
The reason that Ayurveda is said to have its traditional roots in Kerala is that the natural topography, biodiversity, and tropical herbal species of Kerala support and aid in Ayurvedic formulations. Traditionally, the Ayurvedic sages and medical practitioners (Vaidyas) used to depend upon forests and natural remedies for all kinds of ailments. The Western Ghats not only hold the title of being a UNESCO World Heritage site, but also cater to more than 1500 herbal plant species. All parts of the plant, including the herbs, leaves, bark, roots, etc., directly come from the forest and are used in various applications. These ingredients are then broken down into various forms as per the formula, Such as oils, powders, concoctions etc. This knowledge about processing forests to produce herbal medications and treatments has been preserved in Kerala and passed down over generations through day-to-day practice.
Evolution of Ayurveda in the royal patronages of Kerala
During the medieval period in Kerala, Ayurveda gained importance through recognition in the royal patronages of Kerala. The Kings and the local chiefs not only supported the Ayurvedic Vaidyas but also helped them develop manuscript libraries and various treatment centres. The reason that Ayurveda gained prominence and developed in the Royal Patronages of Kerala is that Ayurveda not only came in handy in healing ailments and treating diseases, but it offered a lifestyle alternative for disease prevention and maintaining overall health and immunity in general. In addition to this, Kalaripayattu, which is Kerala’s traditional Martial art form came up with various ayurvedic healing treatments like Marma therapy, which is effective in healing injuries. So this close symphony between treating ailments, training, medicine and lifestyle modifications established Kerala Ayurveda’s unique identity.
Ayurveda and Kerala’s monsoon
Another major reason that has led to the development and global recognition of Ayurveda, especially as a wellness treatment, is Kerala’s monsoon, which elevates the efficiency and application of Ayurveda. As per Ayurveda, the monsoon season which is also known as Karkidaka in Kerala, is the most suitable time for natural Ayurvedic detox Kerala treatments and rejuvenation therapies such as Panchkarma. Since the body is more receptive to absorb the therapeutic benefits of herbs and medicines, the Karkidaka Chikitsa became popular in Kerala. And it attracts wellness seekers and fitness enthusiasts from all around the globe to enjoy the monsoon-based treatments of Ayurveda.
From day-to-day rituals to state-recognised institutions
Today the ancient practise and centuries-old wisdom of Kerala is not just confined to the local communities and local ayurvedic practitioners, but it has also been holistically recognised by state institutions. The organized form of Ayurveda began in the early 20th century, which not only mark the turning point for the development of Ayurveda in Kerala, but also let the rich knowledge of Kerala’s Ayurveda benefit people from various parts of the world and allow curious seekers and learners to seek the authentic knowledge of Ayurveda through certified Ayurvedic programmes.
Ayurveda in Kerala’s wellness tourism
One of the most important appeals of Kerala’s Ayurveda is its close connection with the growing wellness tourism in Kerala. Since, Kerala has not only proven its mettle, but also excelled at preserving and developing ayurvedic therapies and establishing modern day modifications along with customized healing, it attracts people seeking various kinds of ayurvedic treatments, wellness vacations and healthy getaways. This influx of wellness tourists not only promotes the state’s tourism but also encourages and elevates the development and application of Ayurvedic treatments, Ayurveda, even though developed during ancient times, finds its relevance in today’s modern times as well.
Conclusion
Kerala’s connection with Ayurveda is not only a testament to the time-tested wisdom, but it is also a symbol of evolution and resilience. Having its origins in the local forests of Kerala, where herbs are naturally grown, handpicked and then processed to be used under various applications, the local communities and households of Kerala have kept the tradition of Ayurveda alive in their day-to-day practice. Ayurveda finds relevance and application now more than ever. Backed up by modern-day formula and customised healing developed for the modern wellness seekers. If you want to benefit from some effective and authentic Kerala Ayurvedic Rejuvenation treatments you can enrol with Lokah Ayurveda and find true transformation, externally as well as internally.
