Friday, May 22, 2009

Day 9, Friday, May 22, 2009

I was going to email this, but since we have others joining us here is the South India guidebook definition of Ayurveda:
"With its roots in Sanskrit, the word Ayurveda is derived from ayu (life) and veda (knowledge); it is the knowledge or science of life. Principles of Ayurvedic medicine were first documented in the Vedas some 2000 years ago, but it may even have been practiced centuries earlier.
Ayurveda sees the world as having an intrinsic order and balance. It argues that we possess three 'doshas' (humours); 'vata' (wind or air); 'pitta' (fire); and 'kapha' (water/earth). Known together as the 'tridoshas', deficiency or excess in any of them can result in disease--an erxcess of 'vata' may result in dizziness and debility; an increase in 'pita' may lead to fever, inflammation and infection, 'Kapha' is essential for hydration.
Ayurvedic treatment aims to restore the balance, and hence good health, principally through two methods: 'panchakarma' (internal purification) and massage. The herbs used for both grow in abundance in Kerala's moist climate, and every village has its own Ayurvedic pharmacy.
Having an occasional Ayurvedic massage, something offered at tourist resorts all over Kerala, is relaxing but you have to goin for the long haul to reap any real benefits--usually 15 days or longer. Expect a thorough examination bollowed by an appropriate Ayurvedic diet, exercises and a range of treatments, as well as regular massages." And there you have it.

Last night Colonel Babu took us on a road trip to a Hindu temple. Shiva Temple. Interesting. There was a huge banyon tree in the courtyard where services (?) are held. We saw some kind of an 'ask for a blessing' happening. This guy goes into the inner sanctum of Shiva (?) (I don't know if this is the name of the temple or a special god. Hindus also believe that all faiths lead to the same God.) in which there are dozens of lit candles with a golden statue of Shiva? When he is done praying, he comes out and gives the people who have been chanting some mushed up sandalwood which the people then put on their foreheads and their throats. He also gives some sweet-smelling blossoms, which reminded me of frangipani. There's more to what we saw, but it's hard to explain. Maybe David's pictures came out better than mine. This temple is to a guy with an elephant trunk. There is also a picture of his wife, which people pray to. And a place having to do with the elephant guy and a huge phallic symbol. I believe this is fertility and well-being of the family.

It was a lengthy, harrowing ride to the Temple, but Colonel Babu drove safely with us. Some roads are dirt. Some are paved, but aren't even 8 feet wide (going both ways--we share the roads). We did manage to be on a three lane road for part of the way. I think the middle lane is to play chicken while passing slower vehicles. We saw lots of humongous houses--even by American standards. Remember the Dubai connection. We'll try to determine if any of these might be to industrial giants or whatever. Colonel Dubai says that people here buy houses to impress their neighbors. We saw water buffalo, dry rice paddies, loads of people, men playing cricket as well.

Today's topic is insects. There really haven't been a lot flying around, probably because there are tons of different species of birds eating them. I've seen a few mosquitoes and a big horsefly-type insect sucked blood out of my leg this morning. Something goes around making small red dots, which I've been told is an insect bite. At night there are all kinds of flying things if you leave the lights on. This morning, Raechel, there was a humongous cockroach in the entryway. I took a picture next to a book so you can prove to people that you weren't exaggerating the size.
The striking thing is the zillions of ants here. (Outside) Between the birds and the ants, it is a well-cleaned up place. I rarely see bird doo. Any dead insect or part of a dead insect is carted away by the ants. Very efficient.

I can't believe this is so long, and I still have half an hour before the internet poops out.

Forgot to tell you that we have a new patient here. An Indian born and raised in the UK. His parents moved there 40 years ago so he is first generation. And Muslim. I have already bombarded him with questions, and the poor guy is suffering jet lag, although only 4 1/2 hours worth.

Also forgot to tell you that we saw the herbs that go into the kiri (pummelors mentioned yesterday) and watched the process as well. They have different herbs depending on who they are for. They are made new every three days.

Okay. I'm done for today.

Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny