Ayurveda in India and Kerala

Ayurveda in India and Kerala

The term 'ayurveda' literally breaks up to mean the knowledge (veda) of life (ayu). It is a comprehensive system of medicine that believes in preventing body ailments along with curing them. It also aims at treating the entire body as distinguished from the modern system where stress is laid only on curing the affected part.

Though the origin of Ayurveda is wrapped in mystery, yet if you believe legends, then ayurveda was the creation of Lord Brahma himself. Ayurveda finds mention in the ancient vedas and he was the one who created the four vedas - Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda. Legends apart, the fact is that ayurveda has, since ages, managed to establish its credence despite the growth and development of modern treatment.

In India, Kerala is the only place where ayurveda is practised in the same previous way. The ayurvedic doctors here, unlike the rest of India, are fairly well aware of the Sanskrit language. This enables them to understand the ancient system of treatment much better than others (since the early ayurvedic books were written in Sanskrit). Moreover, the salubrious climate of Kerala and abundance of herbs and medicinal plants add to the effective treatment.

Today, the popularity of ayurvedic treatment has gained such popularity that tourists from far off come to Kerala just to cure their disease. Some even have an ayurvedic treatment for pleasure - sukh chikitsa - endorsing the very basic of ayurvedic principles.