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Ayurveda & Spa Tour Home » Ayurveda & Spa Tour Ayurveda
The system of Ayurveda says that there are unique proportions of the dosha's in each body & the accumulation of any one dosha could cause physical ailments or disorders. Ayurveda suggests lifestyle & nutritional remedial measures and sometimes medicines or massages to reduce the excess of the dosha. This Art of healing has been held in high esteem in India. In mythology Dhanwantari is regarded as the god of medicine & the parishioners were known as Ashwini kumars. Benefits of Ayurveda When alternative lifestyles and stressful schedules are talking points in the cosmopolitan circuits, Ayurveda, the art of ancient Indian healing cannot be far behind. The inability of modern allopathy to allay all sicknesses and diseases has made an increasing number of people turn to Ayurveda, which has a cornucopia of ancient secret cures for stubborn diseases. Along with yoga, Ayurveda is the new balm for fevered souls. It uses natural herbs and their oils to treat ailments and ensure a healthy life. Most of the centres for Ayurveda, called Ayurveda Shalas, are in Kerala on the South Coast. This is beach country as well, so bring along your sunscreens and hats. In fact many westerners have made Ayurvedic spas their annual treat, combining a relaxing holiday with cleansing for their bodies. Ayurvedic Massages Say "massage" in the context of an Asian country, and the first thoughts that come flooding in are those of the exotic massage parlours of Pattaya. But an Ayurvedic massage is the real thing. These Benefits of Ayurveda When alternative lifestyles and stressful schedules are talking points in the cosmopolitan circuits, Ayurveda, the art of ancient Indian healing cannot be far behind. The inability of modern allopathy to allay all sicknesses and diseases has made an increasing number of people turn to Ayurveda, which has a cornucopia of ancient secret cures for stubborn diseases. Along with yoga, Ayurveda is the new balm for fevered souls. It uses natural herbs and their oils to treat ailments and ensure a healthy life. Most of the centres for Ayurveda, called Ayurveda Shalas, are in Kerala on the South Coast. This is beach country as well, so bring along your sunscreens and hats. In fact many westerners have made Ayurvedic spas their annual treat, combining a relaxing holiday with cleansing for their bodies. Ayurvedic Massages Say "massage" in the context of an Asian country, and the first thoughts that come flooding in are those of the exotic massage parlours of Pattaya. But an Ayurvedic massage is the real thing. These are serious life-enriching massages, so be prepared to get some energetic flesh pounding from experts. While you soak in the herbs you can watch the beaches of Vizhinjam packed with boats out to sail in the sunset. From the beach you can see their lights strung out like pearls in a necklace from the coast. Look forward to being draped with pieces of linen, dipped in lukewarm herbal oils, all over the body by two to four trained therapists in a special rhythmic way. This goes on continuously for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days, and is said to be an effective remedy for rheumatic diseases. It's supposed to be good for your nerves too and should pep up your overall energy levels as well. Restoring Balance Ayurveda believes that the imbalance of fire, air and phlegm causes disease in the human body and tries to correct it majorly through cleaning and massage. Once the balance of humours is restored, the body copes better with external factors like pollution, strain and infections. Oils and herbs The herbs used in Ayurveda are indigenous to Kerala's moist climate. The type of oil used for massage differs according to the ailment being treated. It is one of these: camphor, neem, mustard and castor. To these are added various powdered herbs, nuts and the bark of trees. The Ayurvedic practitioner may conduct the massage using the palm of the hand, poultices, and cloth. Traditionally, Ayurvedic massage is used on trainee Kathakali dancers, and students of kalaraipayattu. The guru massages the student's head and shoulders with his hands, but uses his feet to stretch and flex the student's legs and back, since flexibility is essential to classical dance and martial art. NATUROPATHY The nature cure movement was started in Germany by a farmer named by Vincent Priessnitz (1799 - 1851) but it gained momentum in India under the aegis of Mahatma Gandhi. He established a Bapu nature cure Hospital in Uruli Kanchan in Pune. Naturopathy believes that nature is the greatest healer and the body has the capacity to prevent itself from the diseases regain health. The treatment can include consultations on lifestyle and diet, recommendations of mantras medication, moxibustion (burning of herb mugwort), use of supplements and massage with specially formulated herbal oil, and occasionally, acupuncture. The practice of nature cure is based on the three principles : -
The system of nature cure states that the basic cause of disease is not bacteria. Bacteria develop after the accumulation of morbid matter when a favourable atmosphere for their growth develops in the body. All diseases arise due to this morbid matter in the body, and if latitude is given for its removal, the body provides a cure. It also believes that the human body possesses inherent self-constructing and healing powers. Nature cure takes into account the totality of factors responsible for diseases such as habits in living, working, sleeping, relaxing, sexual indulgence and considers the environmental factors involved, which on the whole disturbs the normal functioning of the body and leads it to a morbid, weak and toxic state. A nature cure physician helps in nature's effort to overcome disease by controlling the nature forces to work within safe limits. The five main modalities of treatment are air, water, heat, mud & space. The recent development of nature cure advocates the practice of drugless therapies like massage, electrotherapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, acupressure and magneto therapy. ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture is based on an ancient Chinese theory. This theory states that life force flows through human body via fourteen invisible channels regulating the mental and physical processes. The 'puncture' in the word acupuncture, refers to the insertion of tiny needles in specific points on the surface of body. The use of this therapy has been widely successful in easing withdrawal from the addiction to drugs and alcohol, and is used in many detoxification clinics in the United States. Although it has been practised for many years as a method of traditional healing. Indians have only recently started to embrace this method . ACUPRESSURE This science deals with the human body and the flow of natural energy within the body. It is practised with the use of only one tool, the human thumb. Pressure is applied on different pressure points on the body stimulates the corresponding glands of the body. GEM THERAPY Crystals, gems and minerals are solidified reflection of properties that are already within the human body. Gems and precious metals are used to balance planetary influences and to act directly on life forces. Having the capacity to both attract and dispel positive or negative energies, their healing properties are applied by wearing them in or having them in some way close to the body. The healing effect of gems can be experienced even by placing them in water overnight and drinking the water the next day, drinking water from vessels made of specific metals such as gold, silver or copper. Precious stones and metals are also oxidized and purified in medicines in India. Called 'bhasma', these substances go deep into the body and can help in the healing of deep-seated illness or in rejuvenation. Healing using the crystals is among the most ancient of all known therapies. Due to their perfect molecular structure, crystals vibrate at a constant rate. It is this quality of crystal that makes them ideal tools for harmonizing and balancing the body. Al crystals and gemstones vibrate at their own unique frequencies. By selecting the crystal with the correction vibration to counter an individual's malady, the body's natural rhythm is resorted. If gems are to be used for healing they should be purified. Immersing germs in salt water for two days purifies them. There power can also be enhanced by chanting sacred syllables (mantras) over them. Gems are most effective when they weigh more than two carats and are worn in contact with skin. If a precious stone of two carats or more is not available, it is better to use a semi precious stone that is larger to allow direct contact with skin, all rings and pendants should have an open backed setting and the preferred metal is gold. Individual stones have properties that influence the "doshas" in individuals and increase the well being of the wearer.
AROMATHERAPY Aromatherapy has been around for over 6000 years. In India and other ancient civilizations of the East, plant essences were used for their fragrance to purify the air. Agarbattis and dhoop (incense sticks) are still in use as they were in ancient times in India. The modern era of aromatherapy in 1930 when the French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse coined the term 'aromatherapy' for the therapeutic use of essential oils. He was fascinated by the benefits of lavender oil in healing his burnt hand without leaving any scars. He started investigating the effect of other essential oils for healing and for their psychotherapeutic benefits. Our sense of smell works at a subconscious level. Olfactory nerves conduct smell sensations to a part of the brain, which also regulates and controls our moods, emotions, memory and learning. Studies with 'Briar wave frequency' have shown that smelling lavender increases alpha waves, which are associated with relaxation in the back of the head. Fragrance of jasmine increases beta waves, which are associated with a more alert state in the front of the head. Essential oils are contained in plant materials like leaves, flowers roots, seeds, bark and resin. Each essential oil contains as much as 100 chemical components, which together exert a strong effect on the whole person. Depending on which component is predominating in oil, the oils act differently. For example, some oils are relaxing some soothing and some pain relieving. They leave no harmful residues. Aromatherapy is particularly effective for stress, anxiety, and psychosomatic induced problems, muscular and rheumatic pains, digestive disorders and gynaecological problems, such as P M S, menopausal complaints and postnatal depression. MAGNETO THERAPY The history of magnetism dates before the birth of Christ. The earliest mention of the magnet being used as a healing agent is in the Atharva Veda, the ancient Indian treatise on medicine and a part of one of the four Vedas. The ancient Egyptians were also familiar with the properties of magnetic forces, as they utilized it to preserve mummies. Their legendry queen, Cleopatra was said to have worn a tiny magnet on her forehead in order to preserve her charm. It was only in the beginning of the 16th century that, magnets became an object of scientific research. A Swiss alchemist and physician, Paracelsus, discovered magnets healing powers, and was soon followed by other researchers. Dr Samuel Hahneman, the father of homeopathy, was convinced of the magnet's healing powers and recommended its use. Today, Magneto therapy is widely recognized and has scientific support. Magnetic therapy is very effective in drawing out pain and reliving stiffness. When the body comes into contact with magnets. The magnetic waves passes through the tissues and induce secondary current, which produce heat, thus reducing pains and swellings magnets also promotes the growth of cells and increase the number of healthy red blood corpuscles. The red corpuscles contain haemoglobin, which in turn contain iron. The magnets influence the iron in the blood, thereby removing calcium, cholesterol and other deposits. It cleanses, purifies and ionises the blood. The ionised blood flows easily, resulting in case in the activity of the heart and normalization of blood pressure. The secretion of hormones is also regulated and this improves the lustre of the skin. Magnet of various shapes, sizes and strengths are used to regulate and strengthen the natural system and preserve the balance of magnetic field in the body. Two types of artificial magnets are used electromagnets and permanent magnets. For most treatments, disc shaped magnets of medium to high potency are generally used. PRANIC HEALING Pranic Healing is based on the principle that the body has the capacity to heal itself, and a catalyst is used to accelerate the healing process. This catalyst is called the Prana (vital source of life that is all around us). It is a non-touch, non-invasive process. This system of medicine believes that all living beings have two selves, the physical self and the energy that form the exterior cover. The two are said to be intertwined and intrinsic, so much so that the energy is often referred to as the "ethnic twin". According to pranic healing. The requirement for being healthy is when both the energy and the physical self are in harmony. Healers try to cure disease by clearing or cleaning energy systems. The system comprises of 11 major chakras (corresponding to vital organs), or power centres in the body. These are the basic chakra (located at the base of spine), Sex chakra, Meng Mein chakra (located approximately at the back of navel), Navel chakra, Spleen chakra Solar Plexus chakra, Heart chakra, Throat chakra, Ajna chakra, Forehead chakra and the Crown chakra. Each chakra has its own position and it controls a set of organ. The healers use their hands to detect malfunctioning in the body (called scanning). They clean the used up or diseased energy with sweeping movements of there hands and dispose the waste energy in a bowl of salt and water (water dissolves the diseased energy and salt disintegrates it) Then, they receive the prana from the atmosphere with one hand and project it to the diseased charkas of the patient with other hand. This system can be used to alleviate a large number of ailment ranging from brain tumours, stomach disorder, and ulcers. Skin diseases to mental diseases like depression schizophrenia, and mental retard ness. CHAKRA THERAPY Energy healing (aura and chakra healing) is one of the most profound and fundamental alternative therapies in the field of alternative medicine and holistic health. It employs spiritual healing methods which expand the awareness of the energy healer and uses energy, color and light healing techniques to catalyse healing in the patient's energy field (aura and chakra system)-helping the patient break free from afflictions and limitations of body, mind and spirit. It may provide enhanced quality of life for the patient, and facilitate spiritual growth. Energy healing is often a powerful spiritual path for the practitioner, as well. What is Chakra Healing? The human energy body is composed of seven major energy wheels or chakras. Each chakra is associated with a particular color, tone, fragrance & area of the body. The stress of everyday life takes a toll on your physical body, but also on your energy system. Some chakras are affected more than others, creating an imbalance in your aura, or energy field. Chakra meditation is a useful way to restore balance. Those ancient Singing Bowls, found to be spiritually attuned to each Chakra, are allowed to dominate in this music, so affording the maximum stimulation to the chakra in question, i.e., it is possible to focus one's listening attention upon the bowl(s) in question in each piece whilst allowing them to convey teaching or whatever other form of spiritual communication to your Being. REIKI Allowing energy to flow through peoples and directing the excess energy either to our selves or to others is the essence of REIKI. 'Re' means universal and 'Ki' means vital like force. Disease according to Reiki is caused by an energy imbalance, the depletion or congestion of energy. The treatment in this system of medicine consists of correcting imbalance. Reiki is similar to pranic healing; as it also uses Prana or energy to affect a cure but the technique of Reiki vary from pranic healing. Here the healer draws the prana or energy through his or her crown (chakra), and allows the energy to flow through the hands or the chakra. The healer or therapist is the energy channel. HOMEOPATHY Homeopathy dissatisfied with the common medical practices of the time, Dr.Samnal Hahnemana sought to create a system of gentler healing. He began creating a new system using plants, minerals and animal substances, combining them into energetic compounds. With there substances, he stimulated and encouraged the body's natural healing forces of recovery. The word 'Homeopathy' is derived from two Greek works, 'homeo' meaning similar 'pathos', meaning suffering. Homeopathy simply means treating diseases with remedies, prescribed in minute disease, which produce symptoms similar to the disease when taken by healthy people. It is based on the natural law of healing -'Similia Similibus Curarantur' which means "like is cured by like". For example, the effects of peeling an onion are very similar to acute cold. The remedy prepared from the red onion Allium cepa is used to treat that type cold. Conventional medicine believes that symptoms are caused by the illness of the body, whereas homeopathy views the symptoms as the body's natural reaction to fighting illness, and socks to stimulate the symptoms rather than suppress them. Homeopathy is concerned with the treatment of the whole person as an individual. Rather than the disease alone a homeopathy does not concentrate his therapy on, say arthritis or bronchitis or cancer. Rather he treats the mental, emotional and physical aspects of the patients. The physician's interest is not only to alleviate the patient's present symptoms but also his long-term well being. Homeopathic medicines contain extremely small quantities of substance called potencies. Prepared in a special way by diluting shaking and pounding the mixture. These high dilutions not only enhance their curative properties, but also avoid undesirable side effects. Homeopathy has been serving humanity for over two centuries and has emerged as a time-tested therapy. Homeopathy came to India in 1839 when Dr. John Martin Honigberger was called to treat Maharaja Ranjit Singh the ruler of Punjab, for paralysis of vocal cords and oedema. The Maharaja was relieved of his complaints and in return Dr. Honigberger received valuable rewards and was made the officer-in-charge of a hospital. This royal patronage gave Homeopathy its roots in India Homeopathy has blended so well into the tradition of the country that it has been recognised as one of the national system of medicine and plays an important role in providing health care to a large number of people. Spa’s Amarvilas, Agra If you're heading on to the home of the Taj Mahal, pamper yourself at Amarvilas, where every suite has a view of this magnificent Mughal monument to love. The spa menu includes an extravagant essence of rice massage where rice, warm buttermilk, herbal and aromatic lotions are used to compelling effect. The "Noor-e-Taj" is right royal three-hour experience that includes an almond cleansing scrub, honey citrus wrap, Balinese massage and an old-fashioned lavender milk bath. Rajvilas, Jaipur, Rajasthan In the pink city Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, is Rajvilas where you can delight in a turmeric skin purifier or rose sandalwood wrap - luxurious recipes used widely by the royals of this desert state. After a day of storming through Jaipur's fabulous sightseeing, don't miss out on the "Spirit of Ayurveda" treatment, which includes a sand bundle massage, shirodhara - an ancient Ayurvedic practice, where a stream of sesame oil is poured over your third eye, and a flower bath. Vanyavilas, Ranthambore, Rajasthan In Rajasthan, the Oberoi Group has two other resorts - in the Ranthambore tiger reserve and in the haunting lake city of Udaipur. In Ranthambore, the Vanyavilas signature treatment is the guava scrub followed by a luscious orange wrap, aromatic massage and a delicious mint bath. Vanyavilas, Ranthambore. Udaivilas, Udaipur, Rajasthan And in the spa suites at Udaivilas in Udaipur, rejuvenation and relaxation is on a royal scale. There are spectacular views of Picchola Lake and the City Palace outside, while inside, the awesomely-named "Royal Treasures" will assail you with sandalwood and turmeric scrubs, tomato body wraps, and a massage capped by a milk and rose bath. Udaivilas, Udaipur. Wildflower Hall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Back in the rarefied environs of the Himalayas, near the one-time summer capital of British India, Shimla, is Oberoi's Wildflower Hall. Here, pine-scented mountain air and nature take charge of your senses. While wild lavender scrubs and geranium cream wraps are a must, or try out the chakra head and shoulder massage to "centre yourself". Then dive into "Himalayan Mysteries" - lavender-scented scrub, Hawaiian massage, cleansing facial and a fragrant jasmine bath. And The Oberoi, Mumbai is a good choice for spa treatments in India's commercial capital. Yoga is a system of exercises for the physical & mental well being. It combines stylised poses with deep breathing and meditation. The term yoga itself is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning 'to join together'. The ultimate aim of yoga it to unite the human soul with the universal sprit Yoga was developed about 5 thousand years ago. Its founders were great Sages who carried out intense feats of physical and mental concentration. Yoga has its origins in the Vedas, the oldest records of Indian culture. The great Indian sage Patanjali who described a series of postures or Asanas, which the student gradually tries to attain, systematized it. Maharishi Patanjali rightly called as the "Father of Yoga" compiled and refined various aspects of Yoga systematically in his "Yoga Sutras" (aphorisms). He advocated the eight-fold path of Yoga, popularly known as "Ashtanga Yoga" for the all-round development of the human personality. According to Patanjali, within the human body there are channels called Nadi & centres called chakra. If these channels & centres are tapped, energy hidden in the body can be released. This energy is called kundalini. The eight stages of yoga stated by Patanjali : -
Besides the different stages in yoga, there are various forms of discipline touching different aspects of human life. These disciplines include
BENEFITS OF YOGA This ancient health & fitness practice provides both physical & mental therapy. It considers ageing as largely an artificial condition, caused mainly by autointoxication or self-poisoning. By keeping the body parts clean and well lubricated, cell deterioration can be greately reduced. To get the maximum benefits of yoga one has to follow three main guidelines i.e. practice of asanas, pranayama and yoga nidra. With the regular practice of asanas, we control our cholesterol level, reduce weight, normalise blood pressure and improve cardiac performance. Asanas harmonize our mental energy flow by clearing any blockages in the subtle body, leading to mental equilibrium & calmness. PRANAYAMA The practice of pranayama, the correct breathing technique, helps to manipulate our energies. Most of us breathe incorrectly (only thoracically not using our abdomen, thereby utilizing only half of our lung capacity). Pranayama is a technique where in it re-educates our breathing process, helps to release tensions and develop a relaxed state of mind. It balances our nervous system, reduces the need for sleep and encourages creative thinking. Increasing oxygen to our brain, improves mental clarity, alertness and physical wellbeing. Yoga nidra is a form of medication. Performed while lying on the back in the shavasana pose, it relaxes the physiological & psychological systems. This technique completely rejuvenates the body & mind, giving a sense of wellbeing. People from all over the world travel to India to learn the ancient science of yoga. The tradition of Yoga was born in India several thousand years ago. Yoga is practiced all over the world today. TRAINING IN YOGA Gurus such as Bikram Singh have coined their own brand of Bikram Yoga and popularized it. It continues to be practiced in the traditional way in India and its gentle stretching and mental concentration exercises have been proven to have a beneficial effect on the body and mind. Each posture or asana exercises some of the muscles of the body and combinations of these asanas can provide you with a complete physical and mental workout routine. Asanas such "Suryanamaskara," an invocation to the Sun god can be the ideal way to start your day. Savasana while involves meditation while lying flat on ones back, can provide relief from stress and restore you to a sense of calm. There are many ashrams across India where Yoga is practiced. Yoga is not merely a form of exercise or meditation but is a complete health giving system that will keep you fit as you travel on your journey through life. MEDITATION More and more doctors are prescribing meditation as a way to lower blood pressure, improve exercise performance in people with angina, help asthmatics breathe easier, relieve insomnia and generally ease the everyday stresses of life. Medication is a safe and simple way to balance a person's physical, emotional and mental states. The concept of meditation works on the principle that when the mind is calm and focussed on the present. Neither is it reacting to memories from the past nor being preoccupied with plans for the future: two major sources of chronic stress known to impact health. There are several techniques of meditation but they all have one thing in common -- focus on quietening the busy mind. The concept is not to remove stimulation but rather to direct concentration to one healing element: one sound, one word, one image, or one's breath. All forms of meditation can be broadly classified into concentrative meditation and mindful meditation. Concentrative meditation focuses attention on a breath, an image, or a sound (mantra), in order to still the mind and allow greater awareness and clarity to emerge. The simplest form of concentrative meditation is to sit quietly and focus attention on the breath. Yoga and meditation practitioners believe that there is a direct correlation between one's breath one's state of the mind. For example, when a person is anxious, frightened, agitated or distracted, the breath will tend to be shallow, rapid and uneven. On the other hand, when the mind is calm focussed and composed the breath will tend to be slow, deep and regular. As one focuses one's awareness on the breath, the mind becomes absorbed in the rhythm of inhalation and exhalation. As a result, breathing will become slower and deeper, and the mind will become more tranquil and aware. Mindful meditation, involves becoming aware of the continuously passing parade of sensations and feeling, images, thoughts, sounds, smells, and so forth without becoming involved in thinking about them. The person sits quietly and simply witnesses whatever goes through the mind, not reacting or becoming involved with thoughts, memories, worries or images. This helps to gain a more calm, clear and non-reactive state of mind. Studies show that after meditation, reactions are faster, creativity greater and comprehension broader. In addition, by silencing the mind, meditation can also put one in touch with the self, allowing the body's own inner wisdom to be heard. |
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