Taking the Kerala Ayurveda legacy to a global level

Ayurveda is widely known as the oldest healing and wellness science in the world, with its origins dating back more than 5,000 years ago in India. Despite the rapid progress made by modern medicine, Ayurveda has stood the test of time as it focuses on addressing the root cause of a problem instead of just treating the symptoms. In India, Kerala is the state which has been at the forefront of globalizing the lesser-known benefits and secrets of Ayurveda to the globe. There are many organizations involved in Ayurveda in Kerala, but the contributions made by the Kerala Ayurveda Academy stand unparalleled.

The world-famous Kerala Ayurveda Academy is a brainchild of the Kerala Ayurveda Limited (KAL), which is a full-spectrum Ayurveda Company that is working towards preserving the rich heritage of Ayurveda and spreading its knowledge across the world. KAL has won numerous awards and recognitions for its efforts including the coveted award for the Herbal Company of the Year (2016) by ASSOCHAM and the Kerala State award of Productivity (1991) by Kerala State Productivity Council.

Professionals in Ayurvedic medicine group these five elements into three categories called doshas.

The doshas are Vata or space and air; pita or fire and kappa or earth and water. Professionals believe that diseases are caused by an excess of one or more of these elements. For example, someone with a cold might be found to have excess kappa. On the other hand, the acidity (heartburn, acid) represents an excess of pita

In Ayurvedic medicine, treatments are aimed at restoring balance by decreasing excess elements and increasing others.

Someone with a cold could be given a burning herb such as garlic and could be told to stop consuming dairy products, as these produce kappa.

Ayurveda emphasizes the psychological, social, and spiritual causes of illness. Professionals believe that almost all illnesses are based on unhappiness, which usually manifests itself in the form of stress and confusion about the purpose of life.

Many Ayurvedic techniques, such as meditation, are aimed at relieving stress and restoring clarity to that purpose.

When choosing a professional, look for someone who has undergone extensive training at an Ayurvedic school in the United States or India and who knows how to do ‘pulse diagnosis’. The professional should give you many recommendations regarding your lifestyle in addition to directing herbal treatments.

[Foray into the USA]

Driven by the mission to take Ayurveda to the world, KAL forayed into the USA by setting up the Kerala Ayurveda Academy. Through the academy, the organization actively engaged the local communities and spread awareness regarding the various benefits of Ayurveda. Not only did they introduce USFDA approved Ayurveda products in the market but they also offered training and education courses in Ayurveda for the interested individuals. A wide range of certification programs is also available for individuals interested in a career in Ayurveda. Numerous individuals have found the health benefits of Ayurveda through the Kerala Ayurveda Academy and are actively making a change in the lives of other people.

[Research Initiatives]

Instead of just relying on the written Ayurveda text, the organization is actively engaged in pioneering research in various facets of Ayurveda. Kerala Ayurveda has partnered with various research and educational institutes like Nag Research Laboratories (NRL), Asthagiri Herbal Research Foundation (AHRF), Banaras Hindu University, Tata Global Beverages for scientific research and product development. With proven health benefits, the products offered by the KAL have found global recognition, which helped in winning the Kerala Brand Leadership Awards 2019 by Dr R. L. Bhatia, Founder World CSR Day & World Sustainability.

The active pursuit of the organization to popularize Kerala Ayurveda across the globe has received great impetus in a short period of time. KAL is expected to take Ayurveda to other countries as well and turn it into a health movement with its efforts.

Ulani Uriah

Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.

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