Explore the Essence of Kerala Ayurveda in Wayanad

Our kochu Keralam, lovingly dubbed God’s own country, is a treasure trove of nature’s abundance and beauty, only matched by its numerous contributions to the worlds of art, medicine and you name it. But you know what really stands out when we mention Kerala to people outside India or even out of state? You guessed right, it’s ayurveda, the ancient practice of holistic healing. And it’s more famous than our coconuts.

Ancient Roots and Philosophy

Ayurveda is such an integral part of Kerala’s rich culture and history, and there are so many new centres mushrooming everywhere by the day, we believe it will soon vie for the famous Malayali chaya kada (tea shop) on the moon. There is good reason why Kerala ayurveda is so popular; it is recognised globally for espousing a wholesome way of life rather than mere medicinal treatment. Often labelled the ‘science of life’, the practice has its roots in the vedas, ancient Indian scriptures that cover various aspects of life, including health and wellness.

Kerala’s favourable climate and abundance of medicinal herbs has helped ayurveda to thrive in the state for hundreds of years. Ayurvedic practices are passed down through the generations, with families often preserving secret formulations and traditional techniques. A lot of Wayanad’s festivals and celebrations incorporate ayurvedic principles, mirroring the influence of this ancient healing tradition on local culture.

Every year, ayurvedic resorts in Wayanad welcome thousands of visitors who come in search of rejuvenation and spiritual healing. Our guests at Talking Trees farmstay are treated to an immersive experience that combines ayurvedic treatments with yoga, meditation, and home-cooked food. The benefits of therapeutic massages are multifold, from stress reduction and improved blood circulation to detoxification and improved sleep quality.

Therapies and Treatments

What is an ayurvedic treatment after all? Is it a simple one-time massage or something extensive that takes days or even weeks? It is all that and more. To put it quite simply, the science behind Kerala ayurveda is the belief in the balance of the three doshas - vata, pitta, and kapha. Ayurvedic philosophy says that any imbalance in these doshas lead to illnesses, which means that restoring balance is essential for good health. There is a holistic approach at play here, where we treat not just the symptoms but address the root cause of ailments through a mix of therapies, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.

Herbal Medicines and Remedies

At Talking Trees farmstay, ayurveda treatments are customised to your individual requirements. There are guests who prefer the immediate relaxation that a single oil massage offers, while others stay for a week or more and reap the benefits of a complete detox. Panchakarma has to be the best known and most widely practised ayurvedic procedure. The series of cleansing therapies that eliminate toxins from the body include vamana (therapeutic vomiting), virechana (purgation), basti (medicated enema), nasya (nasal administration of medicines), and raktamokshana (bloodletting).

Abhyanga is quite popular with our guests who visit over the weekend from Bangalore to escape the hectic city life and work schedule. Just two days of calm, along with yoga and meditation sessions, are enough to completely refresh your body and mind, and that is exactly what Abhyanga does. Medicated oils infused with herbs are used to ease muscular stress, stimulate circulation, and promote overall wellness. Further treatments such as dhara (continuous pouring of medicated liquids), shirodhara (pouring of medicated oil on the forehead), and njavarakizhi (herbal bolus massage) are opted by some guests for added effectiveness.

Wayanad’s lush ecosystem ensures a plentiful supply of medicinal plants, many of which are unique to the region. These herbs are carefully selected and processed to preserve their potency and efficacy, following which our trained therapists concoct special blends of medicines derived from the roots, barks, and leaves. Experienced ayurveda doctors determine formulations based on an individual’s specific health conditions for more comprehensive treatments that stretch over many days., and our For instance, turmeric is used for its anti-inflammatory effects, ashwagandha for stress relief, and neem for its antibacterial properties.

You might have come across the term ‘medical tourism’ in Kerala, wherein one enjoys the natural beauty and cultural heritage of a place while simultaneously healing the body and mind. The district's rising popularity among tourists means we also see a lot of self-proclaimed 'ayurvedic resorts' in Wayanad opening a dime a dozen, catering to both domestic and international tourists. Ayurvedic treatments are beneficial, no doubt, but keep your eyes peeled for the genuine ones; if it’s all fluff and fancy, it’s most likely a sham to part you from your money. Treatments should only be performed by trained therapists and, as individual experiences vary, it's always advisable to consult with a qualified doctor before undergoing any ayurvedic treatment in Wayanad. Be prudent, and do your research.

Come to Wayanad, and enjoy a holistic wellness experience while immersing yourself in the region's abundance. Explore the lush landscapes and calm surroundings around Talking Trees, and embark on a journey of healing, rejuvenation, and self-discovery guided by the timeless wisdom of ayurveda.