Ayurveda - the oldest and most holistic medical system available in the world. Based on indigenous Indian medicine, it draws not only on a deep understanding of psysiology, but also elements of philosophy, psychology and spirituality. It was so influential that traditional Tibetan Chinese medicine and Greek medicine embraced many of the concepts introduced by Ayurveda.

Ayurveda is more than a system of herbal medicine. It is a way to a healthy & long life and can complement modern medicine. Ayurveda has two main aims: It treats the symptoms of a disease and it helps individuals to strengthen their immune system. Ayurveda treats the body, mind and spirit of a person as a whole entity, and works on the basis that the mind and body affect each other, and together can overcome disease.

What is Ayurveda? It is an ancient system of medicine developed in our part of the world, long before the father of medicine, Hippocrates, was even born. The name comes from two conjoined Sanskrit words 'Ayuh' (life) and 'Veda'(science or knowledge), so Ayurveda translates as "The Sience of Life". Ayurveda has two aims to preserve health and to cure a body afflicted by disease.
One of the fundamental beliefs of Ayurveda is the doctrine of 'Tri Dosha' or the Three Vital Forces 'Vata, Pita and Kapha'. Generally translated into Wind, Fire and Earth, a more accurate interpretation of Vata is the transmission of energy within the body; in modern medical terms, nerve impulses, muscle contraction and hormonal activity. 'Pita' may not be confined to bile but signifies the whole scope of metabolism and internal heat production while 'Kapha' means mucus, often described as 'The Protective Fluid'. The modern concept of mucus as an antibody containing liquid which coats and protects internal linings of the body, seems to fit in with Ayurvedic thinking.

The basis of Ayurveda treatment is a process of purification and rejuvenation. According to Ayurveda the accumulation of "Ama" or toxic substances in the body, years of poor diet, weak digestion and incomplete elimination of waste matter, inadequate sleep, pollution and stress lead to the imbalance of the Tri Dosha and the build up of toxins, which can lead to ill-health.

Ayurveda treatment is designed to gather the toxins in specific parts of the body and then expel these substances from the body. Once the body is purified it is ready to receive and benefit from the rejuvenation process, which can lead to lasting good health.

Ayurveda Herbal Steam Bath - herbal leaves and roots are boiled and the steam passed through the body for a prescribed period of time. Indications - obesity, joint pains.
Ayurveda Nasal treatment - medicated oils, herbal juices, powders etc. are administered through the nose tract. This treatment is very effective for chronic sinusitis, chronic headache, migraine, facial paralysis, nasal congestion, cataract and diseases of eye, nose, ear, mouth and head.
Ayurveda Arm Massage - headaches, neck pain, and aching shoulders or tired hands can all be caused by tension in the arms. Massaging the arms helps the arms and shoulders to relax, and can alleviate many of these problems.
Ayurveda Leg Massage - by stimulating the circulation, massage brings blood and nutrients to the legs and helps to prevent varicose veins. Gentle stroking up the legs towards the lymph nodes can help to reduce puffiness or swelling in the lower legs. Help to reduce accumulation of cellulite, the dry skin and flabby thighs.
Ayurveda Neck & Shoulder Massage - special herbal oil is applied to the neck and the shoulder to release muscular spasms, rheumatic pain and stress related conditions as the neck and the shoulder area is so often stiff and tense. This is due to the neck muscles having to continuously to support the head and also many people habitually hunch their shoulders, making the muscles at the sides of the neck very tense.
Ayurveda Foot Massage - during foot massage, special attention is focused on the tender spots. This massage produces a reflect effect on the internal organs as well as creating a combined soothing and invigorating effect. Massage of the feet prevents and cures dryness, numbness, roughness, fatigue, and cracking of the heels. It strengthens walking and running.

Swedhana - you are placed in, or on, a wooden chest in which herbs are boiled and the resulting steam escaping through perforations embraces your body, helping to extricate impurities.

Pizhichil - is somewhat different, consisting of a relaxing massage - sometimes using two therapists - in which soothing oils are rubbed into your joints.

Shirodhara - ("Third Eye Drip") treatment in which oils and other liquids are gently poured from a special vessel onto the "third eye" on your forehead for 30 minutes. Profoundly relaxing, this treatment is used for conditions such as headaches and mental tension.

Other treatments which can be added at the discretion of your therapist include gandusha (herbal gargling), akshitarpana (eye-care), karnapurna (ear-care), shirovasthi (head oil treatment), and kati vasthi (back oil treatment).

In Ayurveda, food is classified into six categories: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and astringent. Ayurvedic philosophy recommends you have all these categories in every meal to achieve the proper nutritional balance. As important as the right mix of ingredients is the right proportions: over-eating or eating before the previous meal has been digested is liable to cause an imbalance in the Doshas. Eating in moderation and at the correct time is central to the proper fulfilment of an Ayurvedic diet.