In the heart of Karnataka, wellness isn’t just a trend—it’s a way of life rooted in ancient Indian traditions. Practices like Naturopathy and Yoga offer holistic alternatives to conventional treatments, focusing on balance, prevention, and natural healing. Free from chemicals and invasive methods, these time-honored systems promote health and harmony using the wisdom of nature and the power of the body itself.
Ayurveda Overview
Ayurveda is a form of medicine and wellness care that originated in India. Ayurveda based treatment is free of side-effects, derived from naturally available herbs and is believed to be more impactful than modern commercial medication.
History
Origins of Ayurveda have been traced back to Shushruta Samhita- a doctrine written by Shushruta, father of modern medicine, a time period dating back to 6th century BC.
While modern medicines focus on symptoms and use commercial drugs to force our body to react to any foreign particles and pathogens, Ayurveda aims to strengthen our immune systems and body cells from within, making them more resilient to illness.
Medicines: Several medicines prepared on principles of Ayurveda, made from herbs, spices and natural materials can be bought over the counter or with prescription to cure many of the common illnesses.
Ayurveda treatments: Panchakarma treatment (a healing a detoxification process), massages for rejuvenation, steam baths and other therapies can re-energize our bodies. Travelers often look forward to an ayurvedic spa session at the end of a hectic day.
Where to experience Ayurveda:
Ayurveda clinics are available all over Karnataka where trained doctors consult and advise on ayurveda style medicines for various illnesses. Ayurveda based wellness centres, offering massage and other treatments are available in luxury resorts. Several healthcare centres and retreats focused exclusively on Ayurveda are also operational in Karnataka.
Naturopathy Overview
Naturopathy or nature cure or natural medicine is a healing system in which no chemicals or external medicines are used. Instead this unique Indian treatment method focuses on strengthening the body from inside, boosting immunity, enforcing lifestyle changes where necessary and thereby giving our bodies a much better, safer and natural way of recovering from an illness. “Nature heals, not medicines”, is the underlying principle of Naturopathy. This treatment is well accepted by the global scientific and medical fraternity and an increasing number of patients turn to Naturopathy every year instead of conventional medicine, surgery or clinical treatments.
Some of the benefits of Naturopathy are:
- Health promotion
- Cost-effectiveness
- Disease prevention
- Safe treatment
- Effective treatment
- Better treatment option for ailing conditions and illness.
The Ministry of Ayush, Govt of India promotes this treatment and related healthcare services. There are multiple colleges in Karnataka that provide courses for Yoga and Naturopathy as well.
Yoga Overview
Yoga is an internationally accepted recreational activity proven to deliver multiple health benefits. Yoga gets mentioned in pre-Vedic literatures and was being practiced by saints and spiritual leaders since centuries. Swami Vivekananda is credited with explaining the concept of Yoga to western world.
Asana or various poses performed under Yoga are carefully designed to benefit one or more body parts. Practicing Yoga involves performing these asanas in the right manner and sequence every day, preferably under guidance of an expert guru.
Popular Yoga Asanas
- Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutation-A set of 12 steps performed in the morning facing Sun)
- Bhujangasana (cobra pose)
- Sirsasana (head pose)
- Virabhadrasana (warrior pose)
- Shavasana (corpse pose, performed in the end for relaxation of all body parts)
Major health benefits of Yoga: Yoga helps in physical fitness, stress release and relaxation.
- Improves muscle strength
- Improves blood circulation
- Helps sleep better
- Betters bone and joints health
- Optimizes heart rate
- Helps in focus and concentration.
International Yoga Day: 21st June of each year is celebrated as International Yoga day. Activities promoting Yoga are held in institutions across the country.
Where to experience Yoga:
Most resorts offer Yoga sessions as a morning activity. Resort guests can sign up to participate in next available Yoga sessions and learn the basics from a trained instructor. Short term Yoga classes are available in major cities such as Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru etc. Organizations such as Art of Living, Isha Yoga offer their own variations of Yoga under various paid programs.