Keralam has become a haven for Ayurveda seekers
From herbal treatments to yoga and specially prepared meals, the Indian state has made traditional wellness part of the travel experience.
Keralam, previously known as Kerala, has emerged as a popular destination for those seeking Ayurvedic treatments. The Indian state is renowned for its traditional healing system that utilizes herbs, oils, diet, massage, and other therapies to promote well-being. Wellness in Keralam is not confined to clinics but is integrated into various aspects of travel, such as its backwaters, beaches, lush landscapes, and cultural attractions.
Visitors can experience Ayurveda through short treatments or extended stays centered around personalized wellness programs.
During a recent visit, Bernama witnessed this model firsthand at The Raviz Kadavu resort in Calicut, where an Ayurvedic center operated within the hotel grounds. This arrangement enables guests to combine their resort experience with Ayurvedic treatments, receiving herbal medicines and consuming meals prepared according to their individual wellness plan. While some travelers opt for Ayurveda exclusively, others incorporate it into their broader holiday itinerary.
Dr. Roufi Ahammed C, an Ayurvedic physician, clarified that Ayurveda is more than just massages. It encompasses a holistic approach to health, including food, medicine, external therapies, yoga, and meditation. Ayurveda aims to promote a balanced way of living, recognizing each individual's unique constitution and condition. Personalization is a key principle, as treatments and medicines are tailored to each person's specific needs.
The state of Keralam has implemented a classification system for Ayurveda centers, rating them as Ayur Silver, Ayur Gold, or Ayur Diamond based on factors like cleanliness, staff qualifications, safety standards, patient records, and treatment facility quality. This system offers reassurance to travelers, as standards and approaches can vary significantly across different centers.
However, Dr. Roufi emphasized that Ayurveda should not be treated casually, as herbal treatments can still have side effects, and conventional medicine remains crucial for emergencies and conditions requiring immediate medical intervention. He stressed that both Ayurveda and modern medicine have their respective roles and limitations.
To ensure a successful Ayurvedic experience, Dr. Roufi highlighted the importance of preparation. Programs like Panchakarma, a well-known Ayurvedic cleansing procedure, cannot be initiated immediately upon arrival. The process can take up to 21 days to prepare the body adequately, similar to how one must allow fruit to ripen before consuming it.
Keralam's success in integrating Ayurveda into travel experiences offers valuable insights for Malaysia, which has shown growing interest in wellness tourism. K Saravana Kumar, Malaysia's consul-general in South India, suggested that Malaysia could learn from Keralam's long-standing experience in traditional medicine and its efforts to integrate Ayurveda with conventional healthcare.
The key, Kumar noted, lies in developing wellness offerings carefully, establishing clear standards, and ensuring appropriate regulation rather than merely replicating India's model.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
