At Palm Trees Ayurvedic Heritage, we offer Ayurvedic retreats and spa facilities. Ayurveda translates as ‘the science of life’ and is often referred to as the ‘mother of all healing.’ Knowledge was passed down orally until The Vedas were written about 5000 years ago. It was in The Vedas that Ayurveda was first recorded. As the practice evolved over the millennia, it was a prevalent feature of society. The oldest texts detailing the principles of this traditional practice are the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and the Ashtanga Hrudaya. These were written around 400 BC, in Sanskrit and have been translated throughout the ages.
Did Ayurveda originate in Kerala?
Ayurveda is considered to be a huge part of Indian heritage with strong roots and foundations coming from Kerala. It is as popular in India today as it was thousands of years ago when Ayurveda was founded and developed. It is said that, here in India, Ayurveda was passed down from the Gods to the sages. Vedic texts, still studied today, passed from generation to generation, communicate how best to maintain health and wellbeing through massage, diet, lifestyle choices, yoga and natural medicine. People looked towards these Vedic texts in search of health and happiness. Illness, ailments and disease were cured through Ayurveda.
Ayurveda is the science of life and it has a very basic, simple kind of approach: we are part of the universe and the universe is intelligent and the human body is part of the cosmic body.
Deepak Chopra
The Doshas
The practice is dependent on understanding and balancing your constitution or functional principles. These are referred to as the tridoshas and are governed by the 5 great elements known as Panchamahabhutas. They are earth, water, fire, air and space. The different constitutions are broken into 3 different doshas: vata, pitta and kapha.
Doshas are determined by your body type, bodily tendencies and functionality; your daily preferences and routine; your temperament, mind and emotional health. In understanding the qualities of a balanced dosha, the practice encourages recognition of when a dosha is out of balance. Balance can then be restored through diet, lifestyle choices, yoga and herbal medicine.
Vata is dominated by the elements of air and space and is associated with the energy of movement. The qualities of a vata person include creativity, spontaneity and activity. They thrive on new experiences and the delving into the unknown. They can get restless and bored pretty quickly and need new stimulus often. When out of balance, vata types can be fearful, lacking in stability, anxious and ungrounded with physical symptoms of constipation, flatulence, dry skin and aching joints.
Pitta is dominated by fire and is associated with the energy of digestion and metabolism. Pitta types therefore have great appetites with mealtimes being an important part of their day. They are usually well organised and scheduled to the last minute, making great managers. They can be easily agitated when things don’t go to plan. When out of balance, a pitta type can be aggressive and temperamental with physical symptoms of skin rashes, acne and inflammations.
Kapha s dominated by water and air and is associated with structure and the energy of lubrication. The qualities of a kapha type include endurance, stamina and loyalty. They are usually very calming by nature and easy to be around. With oily smooth skin and thick hair, they usually have well developed bodies and are prone to gaining weight. When out of balance, a kapha type can be overweight, lethargic, greedy and possessive with physical symptoms of water retention and headaches.
You can study the doshas as part of our 200 hr Yoga TTC in Ashtanga Yoga and Ayurveda.
Recognising Imbalance
Ayurvedic doctors use 8 methods to diagnose imbalance. They are called Nadi (pulse), Mootra (urine),Mala (stool), Jihva (tongue), Shabda (speech), Sparsha (touch), Druk (vision) and Aakruti (appearance.) These would be evident in an Ayurvedic consultation. In applying the principles of Ayurveda, the practice encourages balance through diet, lifestyle choices, yoga, massage and herbal medicines. It promotes a holistic approach to heal and cure. In having a healthy metabolism, good digestion and regular bowel movement, with regular exercise, yoga and meditation, vitality can be achieved.
Kerala is arguably the home of Ayurveda and has played a great role in the development of this holistic approach. Indeed, the Ayurvedic system is prevalent in today’s society in preference of modern Western medicine. Many of the prestigious schools of Ayurvedic medicine can be found in India’s most southern state of Kerala.
Join us……
Our Keralan trained therapists offer a range of treatments for you to enjoy during your stay at Palm Trees Ayurvedic Heritage. Join us for an Ayurvedic Retreat and take full advantage of our Ayurvedic Spa and yoga shala,
For all enquires about what we have to offer at the resort in terms of Ayurveda, please contact us.
