Kerala ayurveda

Kerala is known the world over for its alternative medicinal therapies. Ayurveda is the best known of these alternative wellness therapies practiced in Kerala. Other Alternative therapies such as Naturopathy, Siddha and Panchakarma are commonly practiced in Kerala and have gained recognition worldwide for their therapeutic nature.
Naturopathy in Kerala: Naturopathy involves treating the body with natural substances, treating the body with a controlled diet and the application of medicines derived from plants. According to Naturopathy the human body has five primary elements. These elements are Earth, Fire, Air, Water and Ether. The elements are collectively known as the Panchamahabhootas. An imbalance of these elements results in ill health. Naturopathy attempts to restore the balance by treating the body in a holistic manner. By addressing the root causes of an illness and by avoiding artificial chemicals Naturopathy provides effective long lasting relief for many chronic conditions. Patients who have benefited from Naturopathy continue to live a healthier lifestyle and apply the principles of naturopathy to their daily diet. Naturopathy is thus not merely a system of treatment but also a way of life.
Siddha in Kerala:The Siddha form of medical treatment is a Dravidian system of Medicine that is passed down through families of traditional healers. Believed to have been founded by the Sage Agastya, 'the word 'Siddha' means achievement and the Siddha method of treatment was developed by 18 Siddhars or saintly teachers. Siddha treatment consists of Siddha massage and Siddha medication. According to the Siddha school of medicine there are 72,000 nadis or pulse points in the body. These points can be stimulated to help the body heal itself. The healing therapy includes various forms of massage using medicinal oil and leaves. Many musculo-skeletal conditions and chronic nerve disorders have been cured by Siddha treatment

Panchakarma in Kerala: Panchakarma is a form of Ayurveda, which involves evacuative processes to purge the body of ill health. According to Panchakarma, the body consists of humors, which when balanced result in good health. An imbalance however requires active intervention and this is what Panchakarma provides. Various methods of purging are used in Panchakarma to detoxify the body of 'doshas' or negative humors. Panchakarma is considered the intervention aspect of Ayurveda, just as surgery is the intervention form of modern medicine.
Some of the centers where you can experience the benefits of alternative medicine in Kerala India are the Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resorts and the Kottkal Arya Vaidyashala in Kerala. The Siddha Medical College near Thiruvananthapuram is known for its Siddha treatments.