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In a society that was as
well formulated as that of Rajasthan, it was expected that there would
be systems of both healing as well as
preventive cures, and ways of aiding longevity. The royal palaces had workshops attached
where such practices of healing were taught, based not only on the traditional systems
that had been in prevalence in the country for centuries, but in combination with new
systems gained from interaction with parts of West Asia. There were also ashrams where
vaids, hakims and yoga instructors advised
people on the benefits of these systems, and the royal families often invited
practioners of these sciences to train people in their kingdoms on their prevalence
became more widespread.
These scientific methods
of cure and prevention are well documented in the ancient Indian texts, and are based on
mental and physical exercises, assisted with natural herbs used in special formulations.
Unfortunately, under the British regime, these healthy practices were logged with faith
healing and spirit healing, associated with certain practices in villages, and as such
were mistaken for quackery. As a result, their popularity dwindled, and was soon
replaced by the allopathic system of medicines.
Though the traditional
systems of what are now referred to as alternative healing and medicinal practices lost
their pre-eminence, the science not only survived but continued to be in use, at least
among a smaller group that believed in its efficacy. Even though there is nothing about
them that is linked only with Rajasthan,
these practices have once again been revived, and are enjoying renewed popularity. This
has to do with several reasons: it enjoins the practice of meditation and yoga which are
the buzzwords of GenX, and so have a youthful appeal. Also, in a world waking up too
late to the horrors of antibiotic medicines, these natural systems offer no fear of
side-effects.
The Rajasthani way of life
is certainly free from many of the stresses suffered by people in urban centres around
the world, because it is closely linked with families and communities, who in turn
provide the avenues for relaxation the are so important to the human mind. Since
communities have always encouraged interdepdence, burdens and responsibilities are also
split up, thereby guaranteeing a healthier approach to lifestyles.
While nature cure looks at
the benefits that a healthy way of living and consumption patterns can provide, and
holds out the most balanced approach to life, there are systems of healing too such as
ayurveda, homeopathy and unani, along with a mix of massage and yoga, that can show the
way to a healthier life.
Fortunately, most of these
centres where such guidance and help is available are located in Rajasthan’s historic
cities, and many of them, in fact, are in Jaipur, so the visitor who wishes to seek a
cure for himself can also combine it with sightseeing and the relaxation of a holiday.
Should a visitor choose to
avail of the benefits of these systems, it may be necessary to check into an institute,
while in other cases it is possible to stay in your hotel and come in for a daily
prognosis. In the case of chronic ailments, an idea is to show yourself at an institute,
go under observation, and start the cure. You can then proceed on a tour of the state,
while taking the recommended exercises and herbal treatments,
coming back to the institute once more so that you can combine a holiday with a
cure or even complete rejuvenation.
What follows is a list of
the various practices of healing, cure and preventive cure that you can expect from
institutes in Rajasthan. Any of these would be happy to advise you on a system of cure,
and the likely period, ideally suited to your individual needs.
YOGA
Though it is viewed
as a spiritual experience in
India
, yoga, for most people, is a form of exercise that has benefits beyond just aerobics,
for example, since it heals while cleansing the body of certain ailments. It provides a
boost to overall health even as it stimulates blood circulation. Not only does yoga help
in toning muscles, it also strengthens internal organs. Special postures can help to
correct bad backs, improve posture, and some asanas (exercise postures) even offer
relief from headaches or hypertension.
Yoga is usually practiced
in the early morning, since the air is at its purest then, and the early rays of the sun
are meant to benefit most people. Yoga begins with exercises in deep breathing, and
moves into simple asanas such as stretching asanas. People of all ages can take
instructions in yoga, and continue to practice it at home. Since yoga consists of a
series of asanas that get more difficult, however, to undertake a complete course, one
must devote oneself to its learning and be willing to spend enough time to gain at least
some mastery over it. Besides, physical healing, yoga also helps its exponents
experience an inner calm, arriving at what is described by some as a higher form of
consciousness.
In Rajasthan, yoga is
taught to students in schools, but there are also institutes where adults can learn
yoga, as well as instructors who train amateurs in park and gardens. There are also
large institutions devoted completely to this science, one of the most successful forms
of exercise for the body and mind which has now found a permanent place in the west as
well.
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