Forest L
odge
A SEASIDE AYURVEDA ASHRAM
A RAIN FOREST AYURVEDA YOGSHALA
Nikki's Nest and Duke's Forest Lodge is pleased to play an active role in hospitality and promoting health tourism. Showcasing our culture , creating a platform to share our ancient, traditional and time tested knowledge of herbal health and cure , we take great pride in announcing to the world that Ayurveda and Yoga has a deep rooted base and origin in India . Many disciples have sought out India from far and near, taking back with them knowledge from gurus , on natural health and cure . Much as India graciously shares her health secrets with the rest of the world , so that all humans can adopt a better health oriented life style, we also wish to state that the origin of Ayurveda and yoga is the exclusive rightful claim of India . Various forms of classical treatments with special herbs known only to Kerala , has its very own origin with Vaidyars of Kerala . Please ďŹ nd below detailed information and proof about the authenticity of the origin of Ayurveda in Kerala and rest of India. Maria Jacob Managing Director Nikki's Nest & Duke's Forest Lodge
Ancient Truth About
Ayurveda And Its Origin
Ayurveda is the system of natural medicine that evolved in India, with a rational logical foundation, and has survived as a distinct entity from ancient times to the present day. The basic foundation for the Ayurvedic system of medicine has withstood the test of time and did not change from age to age. These are based on human experiences, on intricate causes. Ayurveda's origin is attributed to Atharva Veda, Vedas ..... The ancient religious and philosophical knowledge that make the oldest surviving literature in the world, where mention is made of several diseases with their treatments. Later from the 6 th century BC to 7th century AD, there was a systematic development of this science and it is called" Samhita Period", where a number of classical works were produced by several authors and during this period, there is evidence of organised medical care. References to medicine is found in the earliest texts , including the Vedas . The legendary version of the origin to the Ayurveda system is that Brahma tutored Prajapathi, who handed it down to Atreya Punarvasu . In the Rig Veda, there are references , to the ďŹ rst divine physician Rudra, and of how the Aswini Kumaras cured Chyavana of senility. There are a number of references addressed to Marut, Vayu etc, in which references are found in the Rig Veda, as systematic and comprehensive treatment of medicine is found only in the Atharva Veda . The Atharva Veda is considered to have originated later than the Rig Veda, and contains a description of diseases and the cure for them and we can actually refer to the ancient view of the extent of the disease. It was characterized as a disease of not one organ but of several organs, like the heart, lungs, spleen, interstines, rectum and even of the bones and marrow . This surprisingly modern view, appears in the form of a prayer.....the form in which medical instructions appear in Vedic literature.
An even greater level of anatomical literature and other knowledge is displayed in certain Upanishads.....particularly in the Yogapanishads which belong to a later period than the Vedas . The tradition of medical knowledge is carried further down during the period of the Puranas . Reference to drugs , diseases and health care are found in the epics. Here we see in the Ramayana , that expert physicians attended on Kings and they were capable of preserving dead bodies . In the Mahabharata , there are references to surgeons attending on the wounded and the disabled, with workable appliances and equipment in the battle field . As a beginning of systematic development , we shall next consider the period when systematic development is believed to have taken place . This era is associated with a few illustrious names, the first one who is Agnivesa . The Samhita written by him, a classic, which has survived to this day, has been made available to the world by Charaka, a redactor. Historically it would appear that during Charaka's time, the Agnivesa Samhita fell into disuse, or partly perished, and Charaka undertook the great task of restoring the work, filling the gaps and rewriting the parts of the work, which became obscure. This is evident from the subscription to each chapter in which the author states that he has redone the chapter, (Pratisanakrita). The work has undergone a further revision by Dridabala. At least the last 17 chapters devoted to Cikitsa and the whole Kalpa and Siddhi stanas, have been rewritten by Dridabala , as stated in each chapter. Side by side with the systematic development of herbal medicines in ancient India, there was also organised medical help in the form of hospitals and dispensaries and a certain measure of health propaganda. During the Buddhist period, monks travelled all over the country not only preaching religion, philosophy and dispelling ignorance, but also alleviating human suffering. King Ashoka and his edicts are famous. But even during Ashoka's time, evidence of organised medical care was seen in Charaka's Samhita. Vivid descriptions are found, about the location, building, personal and amenities of the hospital. Aturalaya, a maternity home Sutigriham, Shisugriham a nursery, and a pharmacy. It should be remembered that Ayurveda is not only the science of health, but also about healthful living, prevention of disease, personal and social hygiene...all come under one roof, and not merely the cure of diseases. The development of Ayurveda in Kerala is particularly noted for its origin in non brahminical traditions, even before the entry of classical Ayurveda in the early centuries of the Christian Era. These two streams subsequently blended so well, that it gave a unique strength to the health care tradition of Kerala . Select few Brahmin households, named generally as Ashtavaidyas were bestowed with the responsibility of maintaining the Ayurvedic tradition, by practising it as a health care service as well as by teaching Its principles in the unique guru Kuala tradition . The traditional practitioners of Ayurveda considered Ashtangahrudaya, as a primary text. Several commentaries were written by experts. More importantly, new texts were written in Kerala, both in Malayalam and Sanskrit ... Sahasrayogam, Chkitsa manjari, Vaidyamanorana are just a few examples. These and similar other Kerala texts still remain sources of very useful information on formulation, medicinal plants and therapies. Another very important contribution by Kerala physicians is the continued practice and enrichment of the " Panchakarma Therapy". More importantly, the famous Kerala special therapies were evolved by the practitioners here in Kerala . They are essentially preparatory in nature. Dhara, pizhichil, navarakizhi, are typical examples. As the practice of Ayurveda expanded in popular acceptance in the recent past, these treatments modalities have also become more prevalent . There are several unique herbal formulations described in Kerala texts. Many of them have now received national level acclaim and they are included in the Ayurvedic Formulatory of India. One important aspect of Kerala formulation is that priority is more on herbal components rather than on metals or minerals. Kerala is known for her rich and varied varieties of medicinal herbs, not found in any other part of the planet. This is an amazing fact, that almost all types of regular vegetation that grows in any backyard or field in Kerala, has its own unique medicinal value. Such medicinal herbs are now taken from Kerala to other states as well. History also reveals Ayurvedic physicians developing some areas of specialisations like Kayachikitsa (General Medicine), Salakya thantra{ophthalmology), balachikitsa (paediatrics), vishachitsa (toxicology), Rasayana & vajeekarana(geriatrics), martial therapy, etc. All the above facts are recorded to be in true in ancient books, and India, with a noteworthy participation from Kerala, can claim with a sense of pride, this ancient and time tested method of healing and cure, which has successfully managed to survive and be rediscovered as a major power of Indian herbal medicine.
A brief summary about our Ayurveda Doctors (Vaidyas) Dr. Praveen RS Dr. Praveen RS graduated his Bachelor's Degree in Ayurveda medicine and surgery ( BAMS) from Dr MGR Medical University , Chennai in 1996 and completed his one year internship in government Ayurveda college Trivandrum in 1997 . Dr Praveen has been working with us as our senior Ayurveda doctor since June 2004. During his 20 years of professional experience, Dr. Praveen has worked as an Ayurvedic medical consultant in Zurich Switzerland, for 3 years and also was a consultant in Singapore and Malaysia for 2 years . He has also been awarded with a certificate of appreciation for treating a knee disorder of the governor of Kerala, His Excellency Justice Dr. Sukh Dev Sing Kang. Over his stay in Switzerland, Zurich he conducted seminars in the different aspects of Ayurveda like Doshas , Basic Principles of Ayurveda, Panchakarma therapies and Dr. Praveen is able to speak German. His special skills is in the treatment of Arthritis, Lower Back Problems, Neck disorders, Skin Diseases, Fibromayalgia, Insomnia. Dr. Praveen hails from a traditional family background in Ayurveda , with his father and grandfather being Ayurveda physicians as well.
Dr. Geeta S R
Dr. Geeta SR graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Ayurveda Medicine and surgery (BAMS ) , and got government registration from the medical council of India ( ISM ) in 1989 . Dr Geeta has been working as Ayurveda physician for the past 27 years and has experience in managing, organising and conducting Ayurveda courses for Indians as well as foreigners. Her areas of interest and specialisation is Panchakarma treatment and health care and general as well as special concerns for Women. Dr. Geeta has a wide knowledge in the preparation of medicinal oils and a very authentic herbal hair oil is periodically manufactured by Nikki's Nest and Duke's Forest Lodge , under the watchful eyes and guidance of Dr. Geeta. Most of the precious herbs for the preparation of this Ayurvedic hair oil is picked from our own garden and property. A good team work between Dr. Praveen and Dr. Geeta , in total consultation with each other , goes a long way in creating a very soothing and enriched feeling of well being, leading to many testimonies by our contented guests.
Dr. P J Sudarshan Dr P J Sudarshan, after his under graduation in zoology from University of Kerala , pursued his BAMS degree ( Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery ) from Government Ayurveda College Trivandrum in 1987. Dr Sudarshan has done his teacher's training in Yoga from Shivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, Trivandrum. He has conducted Yoga, Ayurveda seminars and massage training in Germany for more than five years. Also worked as manager / consultant to the health centre of Leisure Lodge Resorts, Kenya for three years. Was manager to Spa / Ayurvedic centres in different islands in the Maldives. In Kerala Dr. Sudarshan was senior consultant to well known Ayurvedic resorts for many years and has also worked in major Indian cities like Mumbai and Chennai. He has very good experience in Ayurvedic oil and medicine manufacturing and under his guidance and supervision oil is prepared in our plantation in Duke's Forest Lodge, for use at Nikki’s Nest. Dr. Sudarshan has expertise in traditional Kalari Marma treatments ( treating damaged vital organs through pressure points...www.cvnkalari.com) and Ayurveda based Kalari massage. Dr. Sudarshan has special formulations for uterine and marma disorders and he is also a Reiki Healer
Azhimala Shiva Temple Road Chowara Post, Pulimkudi Trivandrum - 695501. Kerala Tel: +49 68319389839 Mail: nikkis@bibitours.com www.nikkis.bibitours.com
Forest L
odge
A SEASIDE AYURVEDA ASHRAM
A RAIN FOREST AYURVEDA YOGSHALA
Anappara, Vithura Trivandrum, Kerala Tel: +49 68319389839 Mail: dukes@bibitours.com www.dukes.bibitours.com