Kerala is the only place in the world where Ayurveda, the ancient form of science and the holistic system of medicine based on nature is practised to perfection. The State's equable climate, natUral abundance of forests (with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June - November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative programmes. In fact, ancient texts recommend the monsoon to be the best season for Ayurvedic regimens. This is the time when the atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.

Abhyanga: Total body massage with herbal oils that tones up the skin and rejuvenates and strengthens all the tissues so as to achieve ideal health and longevity. This is also a cure for rheumatism.

Elakizhi (Patraswedam): The entire body is massaged with herbal poultices prepared with various herbs and medicated powder dipped in warm medicated oils. Promotes circulation and increases perspiration which in turn revitalises the skin.

Njavarakizhi: The entire body is made to perspire by the external application of medicated rice packs in the form of boluses tied in muslin bags. Revitalises the skin and is a therapy for ailments like rheumatism, pain in the joints, wasting of muscles etc.

Pizhichil: Lukewarm herbal oil applied with fi:esh linen all over the body in a rhythmic manner for a particular period. Therapy for spondilosis, arthritis, hemiplegia and nervous disorders.

Udhwardhanam: Therapeutic massage with herbal powders. Therapy for obesity and rheumatic ailments.

Dhara: Herbal oils, medicated milk or butter milk and decoctions pouted gently on the forehead/ whole body in a continuous stream. Therapy for stress, mental tension, insomnia, headaches etc.

Nasyam: Inhalation of medicated herbal preparations, decoctions, oils, ghee ete. to eliminate the morbid factors from the head and neck area. Also includes massaging the body from the shoulders upward. Therapy for sinusitis, migraine and chronic cold.
Ayurvedic rejuvenation and therapeutic programmes are offered by approved Ayurveda centres, Ayurvedic health resorts and hotels that offer Ayurveda facilities.

Yoga

Eight stages in Ashtangayoga

• Disciplined behaviour (yama)
• Self purification (niyama)
• Bodily postures such as the lotus position (asana)
• Control of breathing (pranayama)
• Control of the senses (pratyahara)
• Fixing of the mind on a chosen object (dharana)
• Meditation (dhyana)
• Samadhi - a state of being where you experience absolute tranquility and well being.

Steps of yoga

Kerala has come out as the premier yoga and meditation destination in India, offering the best of environs and natural therapy treatments to cure those lethargic muscles of yours. So garb the mentioned yoga-meditation tours and say hello to the healthy life!

YAMA : Conditional yoga behaviour, personal and social
NIYAMA: Attitude sublimate to yoga norms
ASANA : Discipline of the physical body
PRANAYAMA: Control over bio energy through respiratory action
PRATYAHARA: Withdrawal of the senses inwards through abstraction
DHARNA : Concentration
DHYANA : Meditation
SAMADHI: Tranconsciousness

Of these, the first five, which border on the Psychosomatic Approach, are referred to as External (Bahiranga) yoga, popularly known as Hatha Yoga, while the latter three, which directly affect the psyche are known as internal (Antaranga) yoga, popularly known as Raja Yoga. It is almost impossible to try internal yoga (Raja Yoga) for the average man before accomplishing the external one (Hatha Yoga). The respective sequence of the eight steps as the standard methodology of yoga.

Yoga is based on a deep understanding of man and his position in this world and was the first system evolved in the world to recognise the connection and the interaction between body and mind. It studies in depth the very structure of the human personality, through analysis the psychological complexities and the cause of human pain, sorrow and suffering. It has laid down psychosomatic means through its various psycho-physiological processes for dealing with the body mind complex and tries to harmonize and integrate the human personality at all levels and stages of life.

Yoga is basically a way of LIFE which has been evolved as a system to go beyond the personality - complex and achieve absolute freedom-liberation of the spirit from the matter.