The Never ending Experience

The Never ending Experience in Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort.

For Mrs. Rachael Aeschbach, Kerala is her second home, a land of sacred, natural beauty that she cherishes close to her heart. A regular visitor to Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort, she has been to the place for fourteen consecutive times. A passionate artist, Rachael’s incredible love for nature and her spirit of enthusiasm is well-evident in her colourful and intricate mandala paintings. Her paintings are, indeed, a true visual delight to the avid art connoisseur.

Rachael, who is currently working as a spiritual consultant in Riehen, Switzerland, is a woman of multiple roles. A prodigiously talented artist, she is also a social worker, governess and matron by profession and has learnt psycho-physiognomy, palmistry and spiritual healing. Immaculately trained in the conventional style of painting, Rachael has also done realistic paintings, portraits and landscapes.

Her bright, colourful paintings, replete with strange geometric patterns, evoke feelings of sublime spirituality. Explaining the special relevance of colours in her paintings, she says, “Blue signifies peace and calm, Red is symbolic of sexuality, life & energy, Orange stimulates vitality and happiness, Yellow stands for mental energy and Golden colour represents blissful union with the divine. The Mandala helps us to realize our own true inner self and gives us transcendental peace and happiness.” The most striking and unbelievable thing about her paintings is that all her pictures are drawn freehand, without making use of any contrivance such as ruler or compass. Rachael has exhibited her most of her mandala pictures in Switzerland and Germany. She also does Easter egg paintings and has participated in many exhibitions. Rachael painted most of her works during her stay in Kerala. “Painting is a sort of meditation. I can feel a sort of strong inner peace and harmony with the surrounding nature. Kerala is, in fact, a perfect setting to give space to my creative urges”, she says.

And what is it that brings her back to Somatheeram again and again? “The beautiful nature, the landscape, the sea, the green, the birds, the butterflies... Here, it’s so calm and peaceful. I can be on my own. I don’t get distracted and I can work in extreme peace. Live your creativity. Lead a simple life. That is the motto of my life.” she says with a humble smile. Needless to say, we can expect her at Somatheeram next year too.

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SOMATHEERAM AYURVEDIC HEALTH RESORT

SOMATHEERAM AYURVEDIC HEALTH RESORT

Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort is the first Ayurvedic resort in India, which is located at the seaside. This resort is situated in the Chowara beach near Kovalam and represents the most ideal blending of nature with tradition. Our resort is 21kms away from Trivandrum city and the Trivandrum International Airport.

Established in 1992, it is an Ayurvedic Centre at the seaside, a combination that is rarely seen in India. The resort has 65 units of accommodation which are all constructed in the traditional architectural style. Thus, the visitor is given the chance to experience the life style of an ancient Kerala village, and at the same time, have the opportunity to undergo genuine Ayurvedic treatment under the supervision of an expert team of Ayurvedic doctors.

AYURVEDIC CENTRE IN SOMATHEERAM AYURVEDIC HEALTH RESORT

This is to introduce one of the most ancient heritage sciences of India which is still intact at present. It is employed to ensure the mental and physical well-being of a person extensively.

“Ayurveda” means “the knowledge of life”. It is a system of traditional herbal medicine practiced in India since ages. Great scholars have emerged over the centuries in this ancient country and have contributed to the growth and development of this system. Ayurveda takes its strength from nature and looks at man as part of nature, taking care of his health problems in the concept of total identification with Mother Nature. This is precisely the reason why we decided to establish a fully fledged Ayurvedic Treatment Centre ensuring authentic treatment as in the antique system without any manner diverting or watering down the practice of the great sages and scholars of India’s past.

The Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort has an exclusive Ayurveda Centre, where Rejuvenation Therapies based on the original Vedic Sciences are imparted. Ayurvedic treatment with herbal preparations directed towards strengthening the immune system, preventing and curing diseases without any side effects.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS IN SOMATHEERAM AYURVEDIC HEALTH RESORT

The Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort offers all the treatments laid out in the ancient texts; such as Pizhichil, Njavarakizhi, Dhara, Sirovasti, Udvarthanam, Abhyangan, Nasyam, Snehapanam, Kizhi, Ksheeradhoomam, Thalam, Lepanam etc.

The special features of this center are the

• Rasayana Chikitsa (Rejuvenation Therapy),
• Shodhana Chikitsa (Body Purification Therapy) and
• Kayakalpa Chikitsa (Immunization/ Longevity Therapy).

In addition to this, the resort has designed
• Slimming programme,
• Anti-Aging programme and
• Stress Management programme, which is very effective for the avoidance of stress as well as for tuning the body and mind as help for attaining the temperance of mind.

ACCOMMODATIONS IN SOMATHEERAM

Perched comfortably on the Terrance area series of abodes with an ethnic finish and flavor. The Sidhartha, the Illam, the Mana, the Tharavadu and the Nalukettu face the pageantry of clouds above the tremulous and turquoise sheet of water all the way to the horizon. To this garden of tranquility, fly in flocks of tourists seeking the flaxier of restored health. It is an escape into a dreamscape.

The buildings at the resort blend with the landscape and present a picture of harmony. Their carved doors and pillars are invaluable antiques, which speaks volumes about the unique heritage of Kerala. Ancient granite sculptures, delightful landscaping, well maintained lawns and lowering plants enhance the beauty of the locale. The Sidhartha, super deluxe granite bungalow gives a 180-degree view of the sea from its bedroom window. The Illam and the Mana are traditional Kerala Houses with tastefully carved pillars, buttresses and doors. The Nalukettu is constructed on the lines of the typical joint family houses of Kerala. It has a central courtyard and four dwellings. Each dwelling is an independent abide. Several smaller but comfortable cottages dot the property.

TEAM OF DOCTORS

Clean, tidy and well equipped Ayurvedic Treatment Center is managed by a team of 12 highly qualified and experienced doctors headed by Dr. C.A. Raman D.A.M, an illustrious practitioner of the system, whose brilliant career with the government found him at the head of the department as Director, Indian System of Medicine for 3 years till 1986. We are offering free consultation to every guest. Our teams of doctors are specially trained for treating International Tourists.

TEAM OF THEREAPISTS

We have a team of more than 75 trained Therapists who have undergone special training program for administering treatment to International Tourists. Most of our therapists hail from traditional Ayurvedic families.

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Princes from French Royal Family

Princes from French Royal Family stayed in Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health

It gives us immense pleasure and honour to inform you all that Mrs. Herzogin Diane Francoise Maria – Princess from French Royal Family – has spent her two weeks in Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort. This was her first visit to Kerala, especially to India. She was really delighted about the cultural diversity, the nature and the friendly people.

During her course of stay in Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort She had gone through the Ayurvedic treatments to rejuvenate her body mind and soul. She was really enchanted with the treatments, Yoga classes and the Hospitality offered by the Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort.

During Her stay in Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort, She found some time to visit places around. Also she visited the Royal Family of Travancore – The Former rulers of Travancore Cochin region.

She was really amazed about the beauty of Kerala and wants to spend more time here. Unfortunately she had a short vacation here, so she may plan to visit India again and explore its Diversity and Beauty.

Ayurveda! Good for everyone's health!

Ayurveda! Good for everyone's health!

Ayurveda is a perfect ancient science of life, the word AYUR literally means life and VEDA, the science or knowledge. Ayurveda briefly explains the knowledge of the do’s and don’ts one has to follow, which favours the well being of each individual to lead a healthy, happy, comfortable and advantageous life physically, mentally & socially. Ayurveda also emphasises that “prevention is better than cure.”

History

Ayurveda is also known as “ASHTANGA VEDA” (the word literally means “Eight branchers of knowledge”) as it is divided into eight specialised branchers. They are as follows.

1. Kaya Chikilsa - General Medicine
2. Kaumara Bhrithya - Pediatrics
3. Graha Chikilsa - Psychiatry and Psycho Somatic diseases
4. Shalakya Tantra - Diseases of Eye, Ear, Head, Nose, Throat and its surgery
5. Shalya Tantra - General Surgery
6. Agada Tantra - Toxicology
7. Rasayana Chikilsa - Rejuvenation Therapy
8. Vajeekarana Chikilsa - Aphrodisiac Therapy

According to Ayurveda every living and non-living being in this universe is a combination of five basic eternal elements, called Pancha Maha Bhoothas. Human Body is also constituted by this five eternal elements in various compositions. Hence it can be conceived that every cell of body is possessed with all the properties of life. The only difference of Human Body from the external world is the expression of CHAITHANYA or consciousness or life spark or spirit or soul.

Science of life which explains the knowledge of various guidelines to be followed in order to make a healthy living is called AYURVEDA

THE FIVE BASIC ETERNAL ELEMENTS ARE:-

1. Earth
2. Water
3. Fire
4. Air
5. Ether

These eternal elements manifest in the Human Body as three basic principles or subtle energies or humors (thridosha in Sanskrit). The word Dosha literally means that which maintains and controls the body. They are Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. The Pancha Maha Bhoothas and Thridoshas arenot prevalent tothe naked eye. But they should be conceived on comprehensive terms in which all-physical structures and physiological Functions of the body are included. The Air and Ether elements combined to form the Vatha principle. The fire element constitutes Pitha Principle. Earth and Water elements combine to form Kapha Principle. These three basic principles govern all biological, physiological and physio-pathological functions of the body, mind and consciousness. They act as basic constituents and protective barriers for the body in its normal physiological conditions.

Health in Ayurveda

The objectives of Ayurveda is to establish prime health in every living being, physically, mentally and spiritually. The basic concepts and fundamental principles aim at establishing such a condition through correct and thorough knowledge of healthy living. The living body can function normally only when its Doshas, Dhatus, Malas nad Agni are in a state of equilibrium. The Trigunas also play a vital role in the maintenance of three dimensional health. When these factors become either increased or decreased, either partially or totally, the body may either become sick or dead.

Contact Us:

SOMATHEERAM
AYURVEDIC HEALTH RESORT
CHOWARA P. O., SOUTH OF KOVALAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695 501
Kerala, India
Phone : +91-471-2266501 (4 Lines) Fax: +91-471-2266505
E-mail: info@somatheeram.org
web: www.somatheeram.org

Onam Celebration 2010

Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort revels in the myriad hues of Onam!

Onam, once again, came with a real bang to Somatheeram! The ‘Onam Festival -2010’ provided a wonderful opportunity for the guests to savor the rich culture, traditions and festivities of Kerala. The traditional Onam songs, the intricate flower carpets, the Thiruvathirakali, the lip-smacking Onam feast and a whole host of cultural extravaganza offered a truly awesome experience for the guests. The active and joyous participation from the guests and staff of Somatheeram enriched the festive ambience.

The Onam festivities commenced on Uthradom (ninth and the penultimate day of the Onam festival), at around 9 A.M. in the morning, with an ‘Athappokkalam’ contest or floral arrangement competition for guests. The competition, held at the resort’s Mini Restaurant as well as on stage, offered a captivating sight for onlookers. The beautifully laid flower carpets were, indeed, a sight to behold! This was followed by [Image]the highly entertaining game of ‘Musical Chairs’ and ‘Pottu Thudal’ (Beauty Spotting), a rather hilarious game which is extremely popular in Kerala villages and is associated particularly with festivals such as Onam. The ‘Kalamadi Matsaram’, held later in the evening, proved to be yet another thrilling experience for the guests. In this game, a person, with one eye tied, attempts to smash a hanging pot with a stick. The graceful Thiruvathirakali’ performed by a group of women offered yet another wonderful visual spectacle. The Thiruvathirakali is a dance performed by the womenfolk on the Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December- January). This elegant dance form, regarded as a celebration of marital fidelity and the quintessential female energy, is known for its highly sinuous and amorous movements. The festivities on the Uthradom day culminated with a series of cultural programs that lasted till night.

The Thiruvonam (tenth day of Onam) celebrations took off with flying colours [Image]at nine in the morning, with a short trip to places in and around Chowara, organized by the Somatheeram resort, for its guests. The trip offered them exquisite glimpses of Onam celebrations in Kerala in all its remarkable splendour. A foremost attraction of the visit was, in fact, the traditional Athappokkalams’ or the floral arrangements, which lend a touch of colourful magnificence to the celebrations. There were some fine photographic moments too! As part of the festivities, a well-adorned elephant was made available at the resort for the guests to take a ride on. Some of the guests, who seemed to be avid elephant lovers, thus got an excellent chance to take a ride on the majestic pachyderm!


The subsequent programs included the popular game, ‘Tug of war’ or rope pulling. It is, in fact, a village sport that directly pits two teams against each other in a test of strength. Most of the guests and staff members at Somatheeram participated in this game, demonstrating their endless vigour, enthusiasm and sportive spirit. The guests at Somatheeram also got the wonderful chance to witness the Singarimelam, a keralite temple art form performed during festivals and other special occasions. Performed by ten to fifteen talented artists using musical instruments such as Chenda (traditional drums) and bells, this art form gave tremendous enjoyment to the audience. Another major attraction of the day was the traditional Pulikali or Kaduvakali, an annual harvest festival celebrated on the fourth day of Onam. Performers painted like tigers and hunters in bright yellow, red, and black danced vigorously to the beats of instruments such as Udukku and Thakil, offering an amazing visual spectacle for the guests.

When you think of Onam, the first thing that comes to your mind is the delicious, mouth-watering Onasadya! Therefore, unarguably, the best part of the festivities was the sumptuous Onasadya or the elaborate banquet lunch prepared for guests at the Somatheeram restaurant. The day-long Onam celebrations reflected the flamboyant spirit of the festival, at the same time giving the guests enchanting glimpses of the rich Kerala culture. The grand festivities of the day concluded with a host of interesting cultural programs that went up till late night.

The ‘Onam-Festival 2010’, undoubtedly, offered a great deal of amusement for the guests at Somatheeram. We sincerely hope that most of our guests will join us next year too for another fabulous Onam bash! So, do look forward to an array of sizzling, mind-blowing entertainment programmes in the coming year, that will surely capture the effervescent spirit of Kerala!