Kerala
Kerala (Medicine)
Kerala (pronunciation: /kɛrələ/), in the context of medicine, refers to a region in South India known for its unique and rich tradition of Ayurveda, a system of medicine with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent.
Etymology
The term 'Kerala' is derived from the Malayalam words 'Kera' meaning coconut tree and 'Alam' meaning land or location, thus 'Kerala' translates to 'Land of Coconut Trees'. The connection to medicine is through the extensive use of coconut and its derivatives in various Ayurvedic treatments prevalent in the region.
Ayurveda in Kerala
Ayurveda is a system of medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. Kerala has a rich tradition of Ayurveda that has been passed down through generations. The state'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.
Kerala is also home to families known as Ashtavaidyas, or the 'eight doctors', who are traditional Ayurvedic practitioners. They have preserved the knowledge of Ayurvedic medicine and treatment methods for generations.
Related Terms
- Panchakarma: A set of five therapeutic treatments administered to the patient for the complete detoxification of the body. According to Ayurveda, the detoxification of the body is essential before undergoing any other major treatment.
- Ashtavaidyas: Traditional Ayurvedic practitioners in Kerala. They are considered masters in the eight branches of Ayurveda.
- Ayurveda: The traditional Hindu system of medicine, which is based on the idea of balance in bodily systems and uses diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing.
- Dosha: In Ayurvedic medicine, the three energies believed to circulate in the body and govern physiological activity, their differing proportions determining individual temperament and physical constitution and (when unbalanced) causing a disposition to particular physical and mental disorders.
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