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Kerala, the land of
spices, is the best place to get to know and experience.
Ayurveda, be it Ayurvedic products or service.
Ayurveda, the 5000-year-old natural herbal health
care system has been recognized the world over as
the most perfected body-mind health care system.
Ayurveda, a holistic system of medicine that is
rejuvenative and therapeutic, is widely practiced
in India. Kerala, the tropical paradise on the southwest
seaboard, is well known as the heart land of Ayurveda.
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Kerala, the confluence of different
natural herbal systems, enriched and fine-tuned Ayurveda.
While the Ayurvedic system was enriched by Siddha and
Marma systems in southern Kerala, it joined hands with
Kalaripayattu and Kalari Therapy in northern Kerala. This
resulted in the emergence of a new stream noted for its
special procedures and formulations.
Agasthyakoodam :
Agasthyakoodam, a legendary herbal mountain near Neyyar
Dam, 20 kms south of Thiruvananthapuram, has a hoary history
as the home of Siddha medicine. Agasthyakoodam is considered
to be the abode of sage Agasthya, the foremost among the
Siddhars who developed the Siddha medical system. Agasthyakoodam
and its surrounding Western Ghats, 1500m above sea level,
constitute the hot bed of bio-diversity. Eight percent
of the plant species found here is endemic to this region.
According to Buddhist tradition, Sage Agasthya was a Buddhist
monk whose contributions developed Siddha medicine. The
2,500- year old Tamil Sangam literature talks about Agasthyakoodam
as a mountain Potalaka which is considered to be the abode
of Avolikideswara, a Buddhist deity. Many Buddhist scholars
from all over the world used to visit this place in the
days of yore. Potala in Tibet, which is the seat of the
Dalai Lama, is believed to be the replica of Potalaka.The
herbal healing culture, which spread around this mystical
herbal mountain, gave birth to a very potent branch of
Ayurveda which is found in southern Kerala. Kalari system
contributed to the growth of Ayurveda in northern Kerala.
Ashtavaidyas :
While Ayurvedic physicians who practiced all the eight
branches of Ayurveda were rare in other parts of India,
there were a number of families in Kerala called the Ashtavaidyas
who practiced all the eight branches for generations.
Some of the Namboothiri Brahmin families called the Ashtavaidyans
are Pulamanthol, Alathiyur Kuttanicherry, Thrissure, Thaikad,
Eledath, Chirattam, Vayaskara, Vellod. These Ayurvedic
families, with their long practice and total dedication,
have developed a body of knowledge which gives Kerala
a primacy in Ayurveda.
Herbal wealth :
Kerala, situated in the tropical region, has an unparalleled
herbal wealth compared to the other parts of India. Though
the very same herbs are found in the Himalayas, the herbs
of Kerala have a special potency due to its unique geographical
position and tropical climate. These aspects made it possible
for the healers of Kerala to perfect the preparation of
Ayurvedic medicine. Even for classic Ayurvedic preparations,
Kerala Ayurveda has evolved its own formulations that
are superior in effect.
Sanskrit tradition :
Kerala has an unbroken tradition of Sanskrit (the language
of ancient wisdom) learning. This knowledge of Sanskrit
enables the healers of Kerala to interpret the Ayurvedic
system accurately and get a proper insight. The Namboothiri
Brahmins even today follow the Vedic tradition and knowledge
systems. They are the only people who can perform the
fire sacrifices or yajnas as they were done during the
Vedic times and pronounce the Vedic chants the original
way. They still practice Ayurveda and contribute to the
efficacy of the system. Sanskrit learning has spread to
all layers of Kerala society. Ayurveda is a living tradition
belonging to people of all socio-cultural groups.
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