Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kerala, India

Ayurveda

Dharma Ayurvedic Haven was established in 1965 by a family of renowned traditional physicians practicing the Dravidian style of Ayurveda for centuries through generations. Today, Dharma is trusted as an exclusive centre where genuine age-old traditions and treatments are still practiced by highly qualified and reputed physicians. Dharma has frequently been in the news for creating remarkable results in succession by curing patients from illnesses unresponsive to modem medicines and treatments.

Ayurveda, the knowledge of life (Ayu means life, Veda means knowledge or science) traces its antiquity of over 5000 years. It is a holistic system of medicine that has imbibed the essence and fragrance of Mother Nature. A tradition of health care that cannot still be explained by the strict logic and theories of modern medicine. And yet cures many diseases incurable to modern medicine.

Dharma Ayurvedic Haven manages the Ayurvedic Centre at the Kumarakom Lake Resort. The centre has qualified doctors and trained personnel.

Programmes promoted by Dharma: 1. Programme for weight reduction [7, 14 and 21 days]. 2. Rejuvenation programme [7, 14 and 21 days]. 3. Panchakarma Treatment [7, 14 and 21 days]. 4. Skin & Beauty Treatments. 5. Anti Arthritic Treatments. 6. Antineuropathic Treatments. 7. Orientation course on Ayurveda, nutrition and herbs. 8. Workshops on Ayurveda Massages and Treatments. 9. Workshops on Yoga and Meditation.

History of Ayurveda Centre
Chathamangalathu Mana: The history of Kumarakom Lake Resort Ayurveda Centre has an ancestry of Ayurveda treatment and holistic well-being. The ancestral house of Chathamangalathu Mana of Puthenkavu at Udayamperoor in Tripunithura is a Nallukettu (four-sided mansion). It was lovingly dismantled by expert carpenters and re-assembled at Kumarakom Lake Resort. Today, it houses the Ayurveda Centre.

An ancestral Brahmin house, it is believed to have the genuine grace of the Kodungalloor Goddess and Narasimha Moorthy. The former residents of the Mana were believed to have practiced Ayurveda and reputed to have cured and provided solace to many patients who came seeking a cure. In those days, the village of Manakunnam belonged to Chathamangalathu family.

Now the same Nalukettu, which nurtured peace and security for many years among people of both the Travancore and Cochin Kingdoms is reconstructed in all its glory and rightly devoted to medical treatment at the Kumarakom Lake Resort Ayurveda Centre.

Dharma's Unique Rejuvenation Programme: Discover the magic of Ayurveda. Our physician makes a thorough analysis of your body constitution to prescribe a personal Panchakarma treatment. This complete Ayurvedic healing experience becomes more profound each day as you are guided through healing and cleansing panchakarma treatment. And return home refreshed and rejuvenated.

Dharma's programme for weight reduction: This breakthrough treatment helps you loose extra. A revolutionary method scientifically blending yoga, diet, customised massages and herbal medicine. In addition, the programme mobilises and eliminates toxins that have accumulated in the body over the years. It enhances immunity and rejuvenates the nervous system.

Treatment for neurological disorders: Dharma's effective treatment for neurological problems has attracted the attention the medical fraternity and the media. quite frequently. The miraculous improvements to patients suffering from Motor neuron disease, Demyelianating disease, Stroke, Migraine etc., [files available at the centre] are being closely studied by specialists in modem medicine. India's national daily the New Indian Express has carried a scientific feature on Dharma's commendable successes.

Dharma's Unique Therapy in Rheumatic Disease: Despite an unending deluge of steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics, rheumatic disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, gout etc, still continue to defy modem medicine. In fact, for many, treatment at the Dharma Ayurvedic Haven has resulted in total and long lasting remission of signs and symptoms without any adverse side effects.

Ayurveda for Beauty & Rejuvenation: The best way to promote your good looks is to promote your health. Ayurveda is a time tested system of medicine to promote and maintain good health. Along with a robust health, it can bring you an attractive look with a glowing skin. Dry skin, hair loss; over weight, underweight, and depression are some of the problems of beauty. Internal and external applications of Ayurvedic medicines with massages can reduce these problems. Factors like hard work, stress, strain and tension leads to premature aging and old age symptoms. Ayurvedic overhauling can cure this premature aging and bring back to a natural youthfulness. The basic approach of Kerala's traditional Ayurvedic treatment is rejuvenation, which refreshes, reactivates, and regenerates the entire body.

Reminders Before Treatment: There are some very important points which are to be borne in mind before undergoing intensive Ayurvedic treatments:
A) Pizhichil (oil bath) is contra indicated in serious liver and renal problems. After each set of 7 oil baths purgation is essential, because the toxins and waste materials collected in the intestine, as a result of the oil baths, should be expelled or it will be reabsorbed in the body. B) Blood parameters should be checked and kept in safe level before starting any of the intensive treatments. C) Whole body rice bundle massage is contra indicated in diabetics, obese and patients with serious cardiac, hepatic and renal problems. D) In summer and in-patients with elevated pitta, leaf or medicated powder bundle massage (whole body) is not good. E) Sirodhara should not be done in cerebral thrombosis or may lead to fatal embolisms. F) Sirovasti has strong impact on brain. So it should be done with proper care and under the guidance and presence of a physician and only in serious brain and nerve diseases. G) Perfect rest, regular oil massage, oral drugs and peace of mind are essential throughout the curative period (after the intensive treatments) or it may affect body negatively.
H.) Steam bath should not be done: If you are not treated with oil inside and outside OR if you are obese, too lean, too weak, having loose motion (diarrhoea) or bleeding of any sort, having cataract, ascots, some of skin conditions, tuberculosis, arthritis, prolapsed rectum, fatigue, anger, depression, fear, hunger, thirst, jaundice, hepatitis, anaemia, diabetes, excessive pith and pregnancy.
Dharma's specialised treatment procedures: Andaja kizhi - Eggs [54nos:] and powders of medicinal herbs are prepared and tied in cotton bags and gently heated in medicated oil. This is then applied over the body in rhythmic massage and is done continuously for 45mts to Ihr. It's very effective in muscle wasting paralysis & rheumatic complaints.
Karpasa kizhi - Boluses prepared with the seed of karpasam and coconut is applied to the whole body after warming in hot medicated oil. This treatment lasts for 40 mts to one hour. Effective in arthritis, spinal disorders, muscle wasting etc.
Kanakizhi – Pure cleaned kanam is tied in cotton bags & gently heated in medicated oil. This is applied over the whole body or locally with rhythmic massage & continued for 35 mts to 50 mts. This treatment is useful for numbness, pain etc.
Avagaham – Body is anointed with medicated oil and plunge bath given in a tub filled with either the decoction of vatahara leaves or milk or medicated oils.
Patra podala swedam - Leaves & powders of medicinal herbs are fried in medicated oil and applied over the body in rhythmic massage. Useful in arthritis, spondylitis, inflammatory conditions etc.
Pizhichil – It's a highly rejuvenative treatment useful in nervous break down and as a treatment for paralytic, rheumatic, diabetic patients etc and as a rejuvenative course.
Njavarakizhi - Massage combined with the application of extracts of a glutinous rice (Njavarai) or broken wheat and milk. Used in muscle wasting and weakness of body.
Dhara - A steady stream of decoctions or oil is allowed to flow on the forehead. This treatment is especially useful for mental disorders, neurasthenia and for toning up debilitated persons.
Pichu - Sponging the body with cotton sponges dipped in medicated oils. Useful for paralysis, rheumatism, nervous breakdown etc.
Advantages Of Massages: Massages using Ayurvedic Medicinal oil are a positive approach to good health. Even for people having no ailments these massages can used for Health Promotion.
The massages relieve stress and induce relaxation to the mind and body. They also reduce fatigue and refresh the body. Massages improve the blood circulation, digestion and other vital physiological functions of the body. For people over forty, it is a good tone up to ward off the middle-age syndrome. Ayurvedic massages are effective pain healers in a natural way. It can help you to get good sleep, good memory, and skin vitality and make you mentally and physically fit. It can throw away toxins excess fat and reduce your tummy. At the same time it can add flesh to your bones to get you enough weight. Ayurvedic medicines have no side affects as it is toxic free and made mainly out of herbs.

Basic Types Of Massages

Uzhichil: Effective for health promotion and relaxation, Uzhichil Improves blood circulation. Using pleasantly warmed oil the body is massaged all over with mild or hard pressure as per the requirement. The duration of Uzhichil is 45 minutes. 3 massage experts are engaged to conduct an Uzhichil using 200ml of medicinal oil.

A sure cure for all rheumatic ailments and allied manifestations like arthritis, paralysis, spondilitis, muscular distrophy, motor neuron diseases, gout, sciatica, slipped disc, polio, post polio diseases, asthma and tuberculosis, Uzhichil is good for the muscles and nerves. It also provides relief from stress, strain and tensions.

Pizhichil: In Pizhichil the person is made to sit and two massage experts stand on either side of him and apply medicinal oil on his head. A smooth massage is given to the areas of the neck, shoulders, chest, back and the reverse. In Pizhichil, pieces of linen dipped in the medicinal oil is squeezed over the body regularly along with the full body massage. On completion of the massage, oil over the body is completely wiped out with soft towels after a hot fomentation. 3 massage experts are engaged to conduct a Pizhichil using 2 liters of medicated oil. The duration for a Pizhichil is one hour.

Kizhies: After liberal application of the medicinal oil, herbal packs are used to massage all over the body. The Kizhies are linen bags filled with medicinal leaves or nava dhanyas or raktasalee rice(medicinal rice) depending on what the patient has been prescribed. These packs are comfortably warmed in a milk decoction or in some medicinal oil and moved gently over the body. Special care is taken while dealing with the affected part of the body. The kizhies are effective for polio, rheumatic pains, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, paralysis, spondilitis etc. There are different types of Kizhies like Elakkizhi, Mamsakkizhi, Navarakkizhi, Dhaanyakkizhi etc.

Yoga

Yoga, the ancient Indian system of exercises is renowned worldwide. Yoga awakens the latent powers of mind and body of the individual and helps him develop a focused, healthy and powerful personality. Kumarakom Lake Resort has an expert Yoga instructor to guide you.
Shirshasana - Headstand: It helps you overcome headaches, insomnia and nervousness. Beneficial in cases of asthma, congested throat, liver and spleen disorder, improves vision and nasal disorders.
Sarvangasana - Shoulder stand: Helps you overcome constipation, indigestion, asthma and improves blood circulation.
Matsyasana - Fish pose: Beneficial for those suffering from asthma and bronchitis. This posture regulates the proper functioning of pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands.
Bhujangasana - Cobra pose: This posture helps you improve flexibility of the spine. It is beneficial in cases of constipation and dyspepsia. It also helps trim flabby abdominal muscles.
Shalabnasana - Locust pose: The benefits of this asana are strengthening of the abdominal muscles. It also gives elasticity to the spine and stimulates the functioning of the adrenal glands.
Naukasana - Boat pose: This posture improves flexibility of the spine and strengthens abdominal muscles.
Dhanurasana - Bow pose: It helps you to reduce abdominal fat, improves digestion, strengthens the spine and pelvic organs, beneficial in cases of constipation and sluggishness of the liver.
Chakrasana - Wheel pose: It relieves and strengthens the back.
Paschimatasana - Head knee pose: It stretches the back and thigh muscles and makes the spine more flexible.
Halasana - Plough pose: This posture is beneficial in cases of arthritis, obesity, neuralgia, muscular rheumatism, indigestion and constipation.
Lolasana - Balancing pose: This posture makes the body flexible by stretching the back and hamstring muscles.
Matseyendrasana - Spinal twist: This asana helps you combat obesity, indigestion and asthma.
Trironasana - Triangular pose: It helps relieve aches and improves movement of the ribs as well as the muscles of the joins.
Vakrasana - Twisted pose: This pose truly improves the flexibility of the spine and amends functioning of the abdominal organs.
Padmasana - Lotus pose: This posture helps to bring about a calm you. It calms the mind and the nervous system.
Meditation: Can there be a better place for meditation than Kumarakom? Here you can peacefully calm your mind and return to your work with renewed inspiration that only the pristine beauty of Kumarakom Lake Resort can provide. Spend a moment in contemplation. Experience moments of serenity. And picture yourself in peace with yourself. At Kumarakom Lake Resort, our instructors will show you many meditation traditions. Soon you can return refreshed in mind and spirit.