THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The centuries-old tradition of ancient Indian Ayurveda is fast turning Kerala into a global medical tourism destination, attracting holidayers as well as International celebrities to the state.
When British super model Naomi Campbell landed in Kerala last year for an Ayurvedic massage session at Leela Kovalam Beach hotel, she was only affirming the efficacy of the Indian healing system with God’s Own Country as its torch-bearer in modern times.
According to sources in Kerala Tourism department, those who visited the state in recent times included Italian film director Bernardo Bertolucci, known for his global hits like Last Tango in Paris and The Last Emperor, who came to the state for Ayurvedic treatment for a nagging ailment.
German TV and film actress Ingeborg Schoener (77) has been trooping into the state for the last eight years for Ayurveda treatment.
Completely cured of her painful knee problem, she thanked the tourism officials and said she had stopped allopathic treatments.
“Thanks to Ayurveda, I feel fantastic. I make ghee at home and have stopped using oil to fry food. I do my yoga, drink a glass of hot water first thing in the morning and buy one-year worth of Ayurvedic medicines,” a spokesperson for the department quoted her as saying.
Pop star Madonna, Hollywood actress Demi Moore and Cherie Blair, wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, have also used Ayurveda for their well-being.
Back home, former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee is an ardent believer in the healing properties of Ayurveda’s Panchakarma therapy.
After his visit to Kumarakom lake-side resort, from where he famously “mused” on the state of the affair of the nation in 2000, Vajpayee told people around him that he felt very relaxed after Ayurveda therapy in Kerala.
The list of celebrities from the showbiz world, sports and politics, fascinated by Ayurvedas power to rejuvenate, detoxify and cure, is a never ending one.
Former President Pratibha Patil, spouse of Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Kerala Governor Nikhil Kumar, German soccer legend Gerd Muellers’ parents, Union Ministers Shashi Tharoor and A K Antony, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Tata Motors MD Karl Slym have all experienced the curative and wellness power of Ayurveda.
“Ayurveda, practiced in Kerala in its traditional and authentic form, has been a major attraction for tourists.
We are now planning to leverage its healing and curative aspects, along with its wellness system, to woo tourists during the monsoon season”, Kerala Tourism Secretary Suman Billa told PTI.
“It can help Kerala become a 365-day destination and ensure repeat visits by overcoming the element of seasonality,” Billa said.
Binod Sydney, Chief Physician at Travancore Heritage, said the Malayalam month of “Karkitakam” (roughly July during the monsoon season) is important because the body absorbs more medical effects of Ayurvedic treatment.
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