“Yoga takes you into the present moment, the only place where life exists.”

What exactly is the Yoga Day or the International Day of Yoga?    

Yoga Day also known as Antarāṣṭrīya Yog Divas is observed every year on June 21st. The day is dedicated to the ancient Indian health practice, Yoga. And what is Yoga all about? It is an ancient discipline that dates back to over 5,000 years ago and it works on the mind, body and our spirit. It helps ward off sicknesses and helps maintain and balance, mental and physical health. In a way, the practice of Yoga not just helps a person, but also helps a community on the whole.

It was onDecember 11th 2014, that the UNGA, United Nations General Assembly declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga or Yoga Day.

What does the thoughtful Logo of Yoga Day or International Day of Yoga denote?

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“Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” – WHO

About World Health Day

On April 7th every year, the World Health Day is an event held under the aegis of the WHO, World Health Organization. It is a day earmarked to help raise global health awareness and understanding. The event is held so that people’s attention world over can be drawn to epidemics, illnesses and sicknesses and what measures are to be taken, how best to, and effectively combat and eradicate them. All this is done in a way to promote or improve global health. It is very important that people world over are healthy and fit. If not, many things will be affected because if people’s wellbeing is not addressed, then everything will be at standstill. There will be no growth, progress or in essence, economies too would suffer.

The WHO tagline for the World Health Day,“the goal is to build a better, healthier future for people all over the world,” speaks volumes about this initiative.

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15 Years of Ayuryogashram: A Tribute

"If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday" Pearl S Buck

In the backdrop of this, quote, is the whole premise of the fact that we are here to celebrate and honor a lineage. A lineage, though only 15 years in the making, has a history behind it. Its a narrative that talks about how this lineage coupled with impressive history and times gone by, shaped the place, to what it is today. And the place we are referring to is, Ayuryogashram, an Ayurvedic resort in Parlikad, near Thrissur, Kerala and yes not to miss, in "Gods own country".

Stories and narratives- The Shaping of Ayuryogashram

The storyline here is aimed at capturing the 15 years that this resort, has stood ground, and held on firmly purely on the basis of the ethos and belief systems of the people behind it, and if not for anything, it is to spread wellness and to "Energize the body, stimulate the mind and calm the soul".

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Ayuryogashram and beyond: Mr. MPK Nair- Up, close and personal..

By Priya Unni

If I were to describe or even relate to the Ayurvedic healthcare resort, Ayuryogashram, for me it instantly takes me to that quaint, distinctly charming, and picturesque locale.

Like anything that leaves an impression the very first time, or as the saying goes, "First impression is the best impression," and here in my case, it is a lasting impression that just stays with me or rather, is staying with me. My first visit to Ayuryogashram was on work and not as a guest. Yes. I was standing on the other side of the turf and I was to engage in some communications and writing for Ayuryogashram but that didnt take away what it felt like to be a guest at the place. And at that time, a couple pictures that I did see of the resort, didnt do any justice to what I actually saw first-hand.

From the word go, everything about the place is visually impacting.

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JUNE 21^ST-THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA What is the International Day of Yoga?

Antarastriya Yog Divas or Yoga Day observed on June 21^st every year is a day symptomatic of stressing on a mental, physical, and spiritual practice or discipline that finds its origins in India. Yoga is over 5,000 years old and its only aim is to help and benefit the body and mind on an individual level and to help mankind on a collective level.

How did this IDYA initiative come about?

The proposal was first mooted by the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi at his address to the UNGA on September 27^th 2014, he highlighted its importance, and said, "Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with you, the world, and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in our wellbeing. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day."

And consequently, on December 11^th 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21^st as the International Day of Yoga.
 
What does the Logo of the International Day of Yoga signify?

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Why Prefer Ayuryogashram as your Ayurvedic Health Resort Destination in Kerala?

    We all have seen, heard, and experienced Ayurvedic specified treatments and therapies in many Ayurveda health resorts and centers in different parts of India, or in Kerala even. But many of them will of course have been setup and established as a place that is meant to serve clients who come to them seeking whatever services are on offer.

Seeking that Story and Lineage:

   But where do you find a place that has a story within a story? Where do you come across a place that has a history and a lineage attached to it? And has now undergone metamorphose to showcase its history and tradition, in the best possible way, by engaging in the ancient Indian Science, which is Ayurveda-inspired and backed. Yes. If you are a first-timer, or you are very familiar with Ayurvedic treatments and therapies, you have an idea about the history behind the potent ancient, Indian Science, Ayurveda, you are from within India or a guest from foreign lands, what is the one thing that would act as a connector? What could it be that would enthuse, draw you, and stir you up? What would evoke your interests, heighten your curiosity even? Well, we all love stories, we all like to know of a history, and origins, and if there is something like that, it would instantly appeal to us. Isn't it? It is when there is a story that unfolds, that we all immediately take notice. And here in Ayuryogashram you will find all of that. Nestled in tranquil settings, with the hills dotting in the distance, in a peaceful place called Parlikad which is in close proximity to the nearest city, Thrissur and all this in 'God's own country, Kerala.

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The historic agreement between AYUSH and WHO to promote and streamline Ayurvedic Treatments and Practices:

   Recently, India and the WHO, the World Health Organization, signed a historic Project Collaboration Agreement, PCA for a complete collaboration and cooperation on promoting, quality, safety, and effectiveness of service provisions in traditional and complementary medicines like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Sidda, and Panchakarma. The agreement was entered into between the WHO officials and the AYUSH Ministry, Government of India in the WHO, World Headquarters in Geneva. The agreement was signed specifically by the Secretary, AYUSH Ministry, Mr. Ajit M Sharan and the WHO, Assistant Director General, Health Systems and Innovations, Dr. Marie Kieny, in Geneva on May 13th 2016.The landmark agreement was entered into, in the presence of the AYUSH Minister, Mr. Shripad Yesso Naik and the Director-General, WHO, Dr. Margaret Chan. The said milestone agreement is for a period of 5 years from 2016 to 2020. As per the agreement, WHO will issue standardization, benchmark documents for Yoga training practices, and also WHO defined benchmarks for Ayurveda, Unani and Panchakarma practices, treatments and therapies. And in a way, this would contribute significantly to the strengthening of national capacities in ensuring the quality, safety, and effectiveness of traditional medicine including establishing regulatory frameworks for traditional medicine products and practice and encourage their incorporation into national healthcare systems and practices.

How did the PCA agreement come about?

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Did you know? June 11^th is Global Wellness Day

"One day can change your whole life." - Global Wellness Day Quote

What is Global Wellness Day? Global Wellness Day is about adopting nutrition, exercise, and healthy living. By eating healthy, sleeping on time, and spending more time with loved ones. It is celebrated every year, on June 11^th. And why is this important? Because Wellness and healthy living is everything. It is of utmost importance. Without good health, happiness, and peace, there is no point living and nothing really matters if we don't have these key aspects of life in place or in our control. Since all of us like the idea to stay fit, healthy, active, happy and to live full meaningful lives and not to miss, look young and good and feel good from both within and outside and have a complete sense of fulfillment both mentally and physically, this thoughtful initiative was planned to have a day marked for our wellness. And thus came about the Global Wellness Day. The day is marked by activities, campaigns, events, drives and promotions so as to spread the awareness, and motivate and persuade people to make the right choices in life by living healthy.
The main endeavors of the Global Wellness Day would be:

• To understand and value our lives
• To stop and think, about wellness, even if it is for a day
• To learn to be stress-free and to give up bad practices
• To learn to be content and peaceful within
• To spread the message of wellness, living healthy and to encourage everyone to follow it not just for a day but the whole year

When and where did it start?

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Meditation and its impact on a Mental, Physical, and Social Plane

"Meditation is not a means to an end. It is both the means and the end." -Jiddhu Krishnamurti

Our present day lives

Stress, fast paced lives, constantly being on the move and planning, pondering, plotting, thinking ahead, we are always preparing and forecasting for the future, thinking of what we have to do, get done and scheduling all work aspects. But we fail to see the present, plan for the now and we grossly overlook that. Why is there no time to spare, pause, or take a break even? There is an underlying agitation that runs within us, that we are never restful, at peace or even calm on the outer or even on the inside. And in the event, we never relax but continue leading stress-laden lives, willfully carrying around its baggage.

And interestingly, we are so clued-in about the dos and don'ts of everyday life and working that we are not planning ahead or even on a day-to-day basis, to give ourselves some me time. To pause, refresh, and give our minds the much needed rest, boost and a break so that we are more refreshed, energetic and enriched to deal with the dramas of everyday living.

 

Stress and its ill effects on mind, body, soul

"Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life."

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The Panchakarma Process Demystified

Defining Panchakarma

Panchakarma is derived from two Sanskrit words, Pancha meaning five and Karma meaning methods, therapy or treatment. As per Ayurveda, Panchakarma helps cleanse, purify and rejuvenate the mind-body. The process helps remove the harmful ama or toxins, correct the affected doshas and thus detox the body, improve immunity, reinstate balance and offer a definitive mind-body healing and an all-pervading sense of wellbeing.

Why Panchakarma

The mind and body is detoxified by Panchakarma. As the body is prepared and geared up to eliminate existing ama or toxins, then assimilation of nutrients is improved and with toxins removed and feeling nourished and completely cleansed, the mind-body balance is restored in completion. The agni within, or our digestive fire is cleansed and we regain our essence, the Ojas.

The Derivatives of Panchakarma

The Ayurvedic guidelines and principles are based on the elements of nature, Panchabhuta and Tridosha premise. In this, an individual is seen as a perfectly balanced entity of mind-body and soul. If this is achieved, we can defer illnesses, delay aging and be healthy and young too. Before embarking on a Panchakarma treatment, the physician takes into consideration, the person's age, gender, vigor, illnesses and body types. And accordingly the five-stage therapies which in turn have many procedures are administered for a prescribed number of days. Again, certain sections of the therapies are administered on individuals, based on their needs, requirements and what their ultimate goal is. All these therapies are undertaken by trained personnel under the guidance and direction of the physician. At Ayuryogashram too, an Ayurvedic resort in Thrissur, Kerala, all Panchakarma treatments and therapies are carried out by trained therapists under the aegis of the resident Ayurvedic physician. What are the five defining processes in Panchakarma?

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The Potent Ayurvedic Potion - Kadha

From an Ayurvedic point of view, what is a Kadha?

'Health delivered in a cup', Kadha or karha is a drink or brew in which a couple select spices, herbs and seasonings are boiled mostly in water. In some contexts, it is considered an herbal tea or even a therapeutic tea. This is boiled for a longer time so as to maximize on its benefits by extracting the potent elements from them. Depending on the ailment or requirements, the specific herbs are incorporated. In India, this is a very age-old, prevalent practice that has been passed down from generations and a kadha is as much a commonality in households as in Ayurvedic therapies and treatments. This is a very safe, all natural, proven and powerful potion that has been the mainstay of Ayurveda defined treatments for simple cough, cold, fever, throat infections and stomach ailments. All that it does is it helps improve immunity or resistance power which in turn helps fight the sickness. This concoction with medicinal properties has proven effective even in weight loss and diabetes. The taste of the Kadha differs and varies as it is determined by the ingredients in it. One can sip this mixture, kadha as many times during a day. It can also be stored. But it should always be heated up before drinking.

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Pain Relief and Management- The Ayurveda Route

Simply put, what is pain?

Plainly put, pain is a sensation that hurts. The definition put forth by the International Association for the Study of Pain is that, "Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage." Pain is described in many connotations. It could be an ache, a hurting or throbbing sensation, soreness, a sting-like feeling, tenderness, twinge, or a pinching sense and as pain levels go higher, it could feel like a jab or a stabbing, unbearable pain. The levels of pain are best described by the individual going through it and only they could pinpoint, describe or detail its intensity, its origins and the type and level of pain. It is something that is experienced or felt and cannot be seen and it is not apparent or visible. It is via the emotions of the person suffering the pain can we determine the discomfort, distress, agony, uneasiness and the physical suffering. Pain is distinct and it is our nervous system that actually carries pain signals to the brain and communicates it. And most often, people consult physicians because they are in pain and seek relief from that. Pain could be caused by an either a sickness or an injury. It could hamper daily routines and it manifests in many ways. It could be a toothache, headache, stomach ache, discomfort in the stomach, muscular strains and aches, joint pain or even back pain etc. It could also be a result of an injury or an accident. And in the quest of an answer to this and the panacea we seek is Pain relief! What maybe the reasons for physical pain and suffering? Pain could be caused due to inequities and disproportions that become a part of us and is entrenched in our composition over the years. And to achieve absolute pain relief, these inequities have to be dealt with in essence. Some of the root causes of pain originate from:

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It is Steffi Graf who will promote Kerala Ayurveda worldwide

Recently, the Kerala cabinet approved the appointment of Steffi Graf, a Tennis prodigy as the brand ambassador of Kerala Ayurveda. Thereby, the Kerala tourism department has entered into an agreement with Steffi Graf to promote and endorse Kerala Tourism and Ayurveda worldwide. All this is part of a unique'Gods own Country',tourism promotion campaign,the'Visit Kerala Scheme'.

As per this agreement, Steffi Graf will be involved in extensive Ayurvedic tourism promotions worldwide which will in turn be a part of the Kerala Tourism department's scheme, theVisit Kerala' Season of Surprises 2015-16.

Tracing the greatest moments of this 46-year-old, Tennis prodigy, Steffi Graf is regarded as the greatest Women's Tennis Player ever, holding an unbeaten World No. 1 record for 377 weeks. In 1988, she won all four Grand Slam titles and an Olympic medal in the same year.

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Lord Dhanwanthari- The God of Medicine- The Propagator of Ayurveda on Earth

Who was Lord Dhanwanthari?

As per early recordings and legends, Lord Dhanwanthari is regarded as the God of Medicine and is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who first appeared to deliver the divine nectar to the Devas during the battle for supremacy between the Devas and the Asuras, the demons.

Later, he is said to have appeared as a human being to impart the teachings of the Science of Ayurveda to the people on earth.

The birth of Ayurveda on earth

Mapping out the beginning of the ancient curative Science, Ayurveda is intertwined in celestial intervention. This 'Science of Life and Longevity' is definitely eternal, infinite and is passed on from generation to generation. A healing system that was adopted by the gods, lords, sages, kings and even the common man from times immemorial, Lord Dhanwanthari, the God of Medicine has been credited to bringing the Ayurvedic tradition and practices to earth.

Therefore, we can associate spirituality to Ayurveda as it is definitely a Spiritual discipline. And this is evident in the very core structure of the principles of Ayurveda. It has not changed or altered. Its essence has been preserved intact to date and that is its specialty and uniqueness. And this legendary, historically-rich tradition is revered and followed austerely wherever it is practiced.

When and where did Lord Dhanwanthari first appear?

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How do we interpret Wellness?

As per WHO, Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life."...a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." J Stanford describes Wellness as "Health is a state of body. Wellness is a state of being" Wellness encompasses more than just being disease-free. It is a dynamic progression towards transformation and development. In fact, it is an ongoing, anytime, all-time process or activity which promotes awareness building of the many available choices which are beneficial and promotes a healthier and satisfying life.

How did it come about?

It is said that Dr. Halbert L Dunn, first referred to the term Wellness in the 1950s to depict the healthy balance between the mind, body and soul which gives rise to a great sense of wellness. Gradually, Wellness gained prominence in the 1970s and it grew as a major health component promoting conscious self-awareness and self-development.

Categorizing the Wellness Dimensions

Physical Wellness

Being fit, active and lively is the very basis Physical Wellness. Along with this a regimented diet, exercise and staying away from any detrimental excesses like alcohol and tobacco helps you prevent illnesses and reach the optimal level of Physical Wellness. If we do not harm our bodies or weaken it because of lack of exercise or nutritious food and stay away from addictive substances, we are on the road to achieving this wellness.

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'It is not good because it is old; it is old because it is good'- Anonymous.

This in essence summarizes Ayurveda which is an ancient, age-old practice of knowledge that finds its basis on sound reasoning, curiosity and of course, evaluation which catapulted the practice to an established, traditional and accepted science. The classics and Ayurvedic texts are lucid and clear as they are designed as a question-answer session that occurs between a teacher and apprentice. The planet's oldest healthcare remedial care follows a philosophical route that promotes adapting a healthy way of life. In fact, not simply is it regarded as the, 'Mother of all healing methods' as it predates all other curative treatments, therapies and natural remedies.

The Past Bearing In on the Future

   To a perceptive person, the history of any observable fact sows the beginning for future fruitions. And this applies to Ayurveda in its entirety. Its future is hopeful, promising and encouraging. Ayurveda is regarded as the, 'Science of Life'. And with a history that dates back to over 5000 years ago, no healthcare system would be so complete with a strong foundation of facts and data and an insight to enable a revitalization of sorts. In the recently concluded NAMA, The National Ayurvedic Medical Association seminar in Chicago, the central theme this year was an interesting amalgation of Ayurveda, Jyothisham or Astrology and Yoga which throws light on multiple angles of alternative medical care. Wherein, Ayurveda combines Yogic techniques and practices, the karmic chart throws light on the person's current phase of life and also which of your body parts are susceptible and thus work out a schedule to treat the sickness in question.

What is the Appeal Ayurveda has World-over?

   Globally, people's interests are piqued about this safe and alternative healthcare system, Ayurveda. Its tenets are well-founded and thus relatable. Ancient beliefs, writings and wisdom is well-regarded and therefore, Ayurveda is revered and recognized by many important health groups like the WHO,NIH, National Institiute of Health and people in Europe, Asia, and even Russia. The characteristic Ayurvedic herbs like turmeric, neem, gudduchi, guggulu, ashwagandha, shatavari, triphala, tulsi, brahmi are celebrated for their curative properties. Also the popular Ayurvedic massages, herbal therapies, traditional methodologies are definitely intriguing and interesting. Therefore, Ayurveda is set to transform the alternative medical and wellness industry majorly.

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How did Kerala come to be the epicenter of Ayurveda

Ayurveda, is an Upaveda, a section of one of the four Vedas, Atharva Veda wherein treatments with natural herbs and plants were discussed. Therefore it is one of the oldest known and effective healthcare systems believed to have germinated in India about 5000 years ago. It deeply combines philosophy and medicine to treat different illnesses and ailments.

Kerala is literally the land where Ayurveda took birth. Many contributory factors like a steady humid, warm climate which has its own remedial effect, abundant woodlands, the many rivers, soil conditions and the availability of many potent medicinal herbs and plants that grow plentifully here have helped. Beyond doubt, the sobriquet 'God's own country' cannot be truer.

Vaghbhata- The Proponent of Ayurveda in Kerala

The earliest proponents of Ayurveda were Charaka, Sushruta and Vagbhata. They were believed to be the 'troika' behind the evolution of Ayurvedic principles and knowledge. But in Kerala, it is Vagbhata who is widely regarded as the promoter of Ayurveda. Tracing his antecedents, he was a Buddhist residing in Sindh in the 6^th century AD. He derived his first learnings on Ayurveda from his father, Avalokita, a Buddhist monk. Later, he travelled to Kerala in search of medicinal plants and herbs that were growing copiously here. He was inspired by the locale and reverence from the local people, that he compiled the medical text, 'Ashtangahridayam seated on a rock close to the Thiruvizha temple. He identified eight of his key disciples, imparted his teachings and nominated them as the 'ashtavaidyas', or the eight physicians.

The Story of the Ashtavaidyas

In truth, Vagbhata, one of the earliest proponents of Ayurveda is the person who started the Ashtavaidya tradition in Kerala. The expression is derived from 'Astangavaidayan' wherein 'ashta' means eight and 'anga' means a division and 'vaidya' means a doctor or a physician.

There is also another legend that Lord Parashurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, brought people from the Brahmin community to Kerala and allocated the 8 branches of Ayurveda to 8 different families who were later identified as the Ashtavaidyas or the 8 medical practitioners.

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