Spritual Yoga Tourism
For the uninitiated, the image of yoga commonly consists of contorting yourself
into a human pretzel and sitting on the pointy bit of some distant mountain.
Initially developed/discovered in the India-Nepal region thousands of years
ago, yoga has evolved to include postures that really do fit that sort of description.
Through much persistence, patience and careful study, many people today have
achieved and even surpassed those images in strength and flexibility. Even so,
this should be considered an extremity of yoga. Just as all martial arts (Kung
Fu, Karate, Ju Jitsu etc.) have evolved from yoga, anything can be taken to
the point of distraction when on the road to enlightenment. These complex and
sometimes dangerous yoga poses should only be considered after years of experience
and never seen as an end-goal.
The oldest formal documentation of yoga comes from around 200 B.C. (Patanjali's
Yoga Sutra) but there are many references that point way back to the Vedic
times (2000-3000 B.C.) where, it is said, the yoga path was initiated. In
any case, yoga has been around in one form or another for a very long time.
Long enough to have been the precursor to every form of martial arts and every
type of exercise system. Translating from the ancient Sanskrit, the word yoga
is derived from the verbal root, yuj, meaning to yoke, harness. From the language,
yoga is the process of uniting ourselves in order to express the energy of
our true nature. In other words, yoga is the methodical steps of aligning
and converging our body, mind and spirit for the purpose of enlightenment.
Philosophical thinking in India has long been concerned with the root crisis
of the human spirit - the separation from the central consciousness and the
only reality (Atman or Brahman). It is because of this separation, which begins
with the ignorance of our birth, that we suffer the traumas of physical, emotional
and psychological conflicts. As an unfortunate consequence of this disconnection
and the loss of that awareness, we erroneously look externally for our happiness.
The material and sensory pleasures of life, the approval and value judgments
of others, the more is better philosophy, anything to allow us to forget that
the cause of all our suffering lies within. Yoga calls our attention back
to this and aims to reunite us with the innermost centre of our being.
The
Yamas tell us what we should not do in terms of the external world. The Niyamas
tell us what we should do in terms of our inner world. The Asanas align and
integrate our body and mind while releasing vital energies and preparing us
for the physical and mental challenges of the remaining limbs. Pranayama brings
particular emphasis onto the breath to lift our awareness of the universal life-force
that sustains and energizes us.The last four limbs are the methodical steps
towards enlightened meditation. Pratyahara relieves us from the constant bombardment
of stimuli by blocking our senses and turning our minds inward. Dharana holds
the mind on a single point to the exclusion of all other existence. Dhyana is
the connection and communication between the subject and object where you, the
subject, are no longer separated from the object of your meditation. Finally,
if such a word is relevant anymore, we arrive at Samadhi, an indistinguishable
part of the universal consciousness.
The most popular elements of yoga in the western world fall under the Hatha
(physical) yoga. This generally includes the Asana and, to a lesser extent,
Pranayama. This can be an excellent place to start as long as it is understood
that the eight limbs are not a sequential path, but one where all limbs are
unavoidably concurrent. Many of the physical poses (Asanas) require such concentration
to hold a balance (or maintain the strength and flexibility, or apply complex
anatomical adjustments, etc) that you can't help but be in a Dharana state.
Similarly, it is essential for the body to be able to sit still for long periods
to achieve meaningful meditation. Here the Asanas are essential; through the
countless variations of hundreds of postures, we begin opening our hips, strengthen
our lower and upper back, flexing our legs for sitting and simultaneously
learning to relax the mind to be open to the possibility of meditation.
Yoga is now being utilized in modern society in many ways. However, these
applications tend to be superficial. To obtain a more comprehensive view of
yoga and its potential utility within society, we need to go much deeper.
Bihar Yoga Bharati was established to help provide this insight. Here scholars,
scientists, artists, medical practitioners, administrators and yogic aspirants
of a high caliber can study, research and develop a complete perspective on
yoga and its potential uses within society. This is our contribution to creating
a better future and a better world for coming generations.
Rishikesh
The Garhwal region of north India is speckled with some of the holiest of Hindu
pilgrimage sites and Rishikesh is one such major attractions. Crowded with sadhus
with long matted hair and pilgrims from all over the globe, Rishikesh is the
birthplace of yoga. It attracts thousands of tourists every year, who come to
seek mental peace in the midst of the humdrum of modern life. The various ghats
and temples assist the human spirit in its endeavor to be one with the ultimate
source of all creations. It is also an attraction for the ones in search of
adventure and passion.
Meditation & Yoga Centers
Rishikesh is called the yoga capital of the world and there are many ashrams
in Rishikesh offering courses on meditation, yoga and Hindu philosophy. The
hatha yoga and pranayama meditation classes at Sri Ved Niketan Ashram are well
known. The Shivananda Ashram is located opposite the Shivananda Jhula and is
flocked by tourists. It is also possible to stay in the ashram by intimating
the authorities a month earlier. Other ashrams include the Yoga Niketan Ashram,
Omkarananda Ashram, Vanmali Gita Yogashram, Dayananda Vedanta Ashram, Brahma
Niwas and the Yoga Study Center. The International Yoga Festival is organized
every year from February 2 to 7 by UP Tourism.
How to plan your Holidays :
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in Kerala - India, Yoga tour packages, travel tour itineraries for Indian Yoga
tours, Yoga tourist destinations guide, Yoga retreat courses, treatment, classes,
guide in Kerala, North India and South India. To explore other special interest
tours in India, please visit at our www.swagtam.com
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Spiritual Ayurveda Tourism
Welcome to Ayurvedic Health Holidays in Kerala. Ayurveda evolved around 600
BC in India. This Indian system of medicine has been popularized by Kerala for
centuries. Ayurveda mean science of life & health. Today, it is a unique,
indispensable branch of medicine - a complete naturalistic system that depend
son the diagnosis of your body's humours - vata, pitta and kapha - to achieve
the right balance. Kerala's equable climate, natural abundance of forests (with
a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants), and the cool monsoon season (June -
November) are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative packages.
In fact, today, Kerala is the only state in India, which practices this system
of medicine with absolute dedication. Traditional texts reveal that the monsoon
is the best season for rejuvenation programmes.
Rejuvenative Programmes
» Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasayana Chikitsa)
Tones up the skin and rejuvenates and strengthens all the tissues so as to
achieve ideal health and longevity. Increases 'Ojas' (primary vitality) and
improves 'Sattva' (mental clarity) and thereby increases the resistance of
the body. This therapy includes head and face massage with medicated oils
and creams, body massage with herbal oil or powder by hand and foot, internal
rejuvenative medicines and medicated steam bath. Herbal baths are also used.
» Body Immunisation And Longevity Treatment (Kayakalpa Chikitsa)
Prime treatment for retarding the ageing process, arresting the degeneration
of body cells and immunisation of the system. Includes intake of Rasayana
(special Ayurvedic medicines and diet) and comprehensive body care programmes.
Most effective for either sex if undertaken before the age of 50.
» Body Sudation (Sweda Karma)
Medicated steam baths eliminate impurities from the body, improve the tone
and complexion of the skin, reduce fat and are recommended for certain rheumatic
diseases, particularly for pain. Precious herbs and herbal leaves are boiled
and the steam is passed over the entire body for 10 to 20 minutes daily. Hand
massage with herbal oils or herbal powder improves blood circulation and tones
up the muscles.
» Body Slimming
Medicated herbal powder and medicated herbal oil massages, an Ayurvedic diet
of herbal juices etc. are part of the programme.
» Beauty Care
Herbal face pack, herbal oil massage, intake of herbal tea etc. improves complexion
and beautifies the body.
» Mental And Physical Well Being (Meditation and Yoga)
Mental and physical exercises meant to isolate the ego from the body and mind
- designed to hone your concentration, improve health and help attain peace
of mind through eight stages of training :
1. Disciplined behavior (yama)
2. Self purification (niyama)
3. Bodily postures such as the lotus position (asana)
4. Control of breathing (pranayama)
5. Control of the senses (pratyahara)
6. Fixing of the mind on a chosen object (dharana)
7. Meditation (dhyana) and
8. Samadhi - a state of being where you experience absolute tranquility and
well being.
» Overall Fitness (Panchakarma Treatment)
A five fold treatment for mental and physical well being - tunes the body,
organs, mind, breath, nerves and purifies the blood.
Therapeutic Programmes
Treatment for chronic headaches, insomnia, mental tension and cases of hysteria,
hallucination and insanity. (Dhara)
Herbal oils, medicated milk or butter milk and decoctions are poured on the
forehead/whole body in a special manner. Variations include Oordhwanga Dhara
(good for diseases of the eyes, ears and skin), Takra Dhara (for those suffering
from memory loss, severe headache or insanity) and Sarvanga Dhara (for both
head and body).
Treatment to alleviate osteoarthritis, leukemia etc. (Snehapanam) Medicated
ghee is given internally in a gradually increased quantity for specific periods.
Treatment for dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches, facial
paralysis and burning sensation in the head. (Sirovasti)
Lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a leather cap fitted on the head for
specific durations as per physician's recommendation.
Treatment for spondilosis, rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia,
nervous weaknesses and nervous disorders. (Pizhichil)
Lukewarm herbal oil is applied with fresh linen all over the body by trained
masseurs in a rhythmic manner for a period of 1 to 11/2 hours daily for 7
to 21 days.
Treatment for diseases like hemiplegia, paralysis, obesity and certain rheumatic
ailments.(Udvarthanam)
Therapeutic massage with herbal powders.
Treatment for musculo-skeletal ailments due to trauma or accidents. (Marma
Chikitsa)
Treatment that works on the extremely sensitive vital points of the body (the
107 marmas).
Treatment for nasal ailments. (Nasyam)
Inhalation of medicated herbal preparations, decoction oils, ghee etc. to
eliminate the morbid factors from the head and neck area.
Treatment for ear ailments. (Karnapooranam)
Medicated oils are applied to the ear for 5 to 10 minutes daily to clean as
well as treat specific ailments.
Preventing cataract and strengthening vision. (Tharpanam)
A treatment for the eyes effective in preventing cataract and strengthening
the optic nerve.
Treatment for wasting of muscles, rheumatism, sports injuries, pain in the
joints, emaciation of the body or parts of the body and certain kinds of skin
diseases. (Njavarakizhi)
The whole body is made to perspire by the external application of medicated
rice packs in the form of boluses tied in muslin bags.
Note :-
- The ayurvedic physician will decide on a separate programme for every individual
after evaluation.
- Short duration treatments for minor ailments like back pain, muscular pain,
etc. with herbal steam bath, spinal bath and therapeutic massages will be
provided only on the advice of the physician.
- Women will have female technicians for body massage and other health programmes.
- Some of the programmes are not suitable for the very aged, very young (under
7) infirm, heart patients and pregnant women.
-
If you have a previous medical history of heart trouble, blood pressure, blood
sugar, chronic skin disease or asthma, please inform your physician in advance.
- Advance reservation is recommended.
Ideal Destinations for Ayurvedic Treatment :-
- Kanjany, Thrissur
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Palakkad
- Kovalam
- Kumarakom
How to plan your Tours :
We are pioneer travel agents and tour operators for ayurveda tourism in Kerala
- India, offers most ideal tours itineraries to explore Indian tourism destinations.
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