Celebrities, politicians and business tycoons land in God’s own country for rejuvenating sessions of detox Ayurveda treatment and procedures such as pizhichil, kizhi, dhara, shodhana chikitsa and so on, to pamper the body, mind and soul when the monsoon sets in.
“In Ayurveda, the monsoon is considered the best season for panchakarma and allied treatments, as the potency of the medicines is increased when the temperature drops considerably,” explains TS Madhavan Kutty, chief, research and development, Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, Malappuram.
When the monsoon began to be promoted as a unique experience in 2006, a deluge of promotional work was launched by Kerala Tourism. Along with the promise of exploring rain-washed landscapes, tourists were invited to experience Ayurveda as a de-stresser and wellness package.
A 2009 survey of Kerala Tourism says that while 85.4% of international tourists visit Kerala for leisure and recreation, nearly 8.4% of Germans visit the State for health reasons. In recent years, tourists from West Asia and Russia have also been exploring Kerala as a health destination.
- Pizhichal: Cotton cloth immersed in lukewarm medicated oil is squeezed over the body.
- Chavitti Uzhichil: The body is massaged using the foot of the masseuse after applying medicated oil.
- Dhara: Process of pouring medicated oil, buttermilk and decoction on forehead or on a specific part of the body.
- Udwarthanam: Special therapeutic deep-tissue massage using medicated powders and oils too.
- Courtesy Poomully Mana Heritage Ayurveda Treatment Centre
“It is word-of-mouth that brings visitors to our centre,” says Aparna Poomullymana Saraswathy, chief resident physician, Poomully Mana Heritage Ayurveda Treatment Centre, Peringod, favoured by many stars in Kerala. She adds: “The monsoon months coincide with vacations in the Gulf countries and many non-resident Keralities set aside some time for their health.”
However, Ayurveda practitioners insist that the treatment they chalk out for patients cannot be lumped together under the ubiquitous ‘wellness package’. In the Government Ayurveda College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, it is the Department of Community Health that caters to patients who come for annual detoxification programmes. “Our rates are affordable. So, treatments that come to ₹1 lakh and more in private centres would cost only around ₹30,000. But then, our facilities are in tune with that of a hospital and not that of a resort,” explains Sajitha Bhadran, Associate Professor.
Customised treatment
At the same time, properties like Niramayam Heritage Ayurveda Hospital at Thayamkulangara and Kalari Rasayana in Kollam are located in breathtakingly landscaped surroundings with comfortably furnished rooms. However, both follow strict Ayurveda procedures. “Our treatment and diet are customised for each patient. In Ayurveda, there is no fit-all treatment. Since many of the procedures in Ayurveda follow seven-,14- and 21-day procedures, we formulate a vegetarian diet for them during that period,” explains Rakesh Olappamanna, managing director, Niramayam. Niraamaya Retreats, with three properties in Kerala, has witnessed an increase in occupancy rates all through the monsoon.
Ayurveda treatment at Niramaya Retreats in Kerala
“While undergoing the 7- or 14-day treatment, they can choose to travel to our other properties. So from Kovalam, they can go to the backwaters in Kumarakom and even to our property in Wayanad without a break in the treatment,” says Stanley Simon, marketing head.
K Krishnadas, chief medical officer, Majlis Ayurvedic Health Park, and managing director Kshetraayur Pharmacy, Thrissur, strikes a note of caution when he says that the profusion of Ayurveda spas, massage parlours and dispensaries catering to tourists might not be completely following the procedures as laid down in the principles of Ayurveda.
In spite of the quibbles and worries, the monsoon brings in a rain of opportunities and a windfall for those practising authentic Ayurveda. And for harried clients, it is a period of rest and relaxation away from the cares of the world.
