This was the third time I went to Kerala to relax body and mind.
I firmly believe that it is necessary to be able to stop from the absurd daily rush in which very often we puts one’s health in second place.
At the Somatheeram ayurvedic reserche institut and ayurveda hospital in Chowara south Kovalam this time with my sister, we spent two regenerating weeks to recharge our physical and mental strength.
The ayurvedic treatments planned by the doctors, who carry out an initial thorough examination, are personalised and take into account any illnesses or diseases as well as establishing each person’s Dosha. Each morning, before the treatment, the doctor has a briefing with the patient in which the state of health and various treatments are assessed.
The medical staff and therapists are extremely friendly and competent, nothing is overlooked, and the recommendation also continues at the restaurant where a dietician is always available to provide further information when in doubt about one’s Dosha and buffet from which to choose what to eat. For the duration of the stay, included in the package are the various ayurvedic medicines (tablets, decoctions, powders, etc.) that the patient must take as instructed.
For more complete and detailed information, see the link. The sattvic food served in the restaurant is a treat for the eyes and palate. According to Aryurvedic recipes, various vegetables are cooked for the 3 doshas: Vata – Kapha and Pitta. Spices enhance the flavour, creating a true celebration of the senses. Fresh fruit, herbal teas and herbal waters as well as vegetable juices or lassi are always available.
Our bungalow was spacious and always spotlessly clean, with a fridge and a kettle so you could make your own herbal tea or coffee. For all eventualities, one only had to call house-keeping for immediate assistance.
Depending on one’s level, guided meditation and yoga sessions are included so that nothing is overlooked.
With a convenient lift built into a typical Kerala building, one can reach the lower part of the complex and walk to the beach.
Praise is due to all the staff, from the doctors and therapists to the head attendants and maids, as well as the reception and the many people who tend the surrounding gardens. All of them were always smiling, something that in ‘normal’ everyday life we unfortunately forgot. We also had the great pleasure of meeting the Chairmann and managing director Mr. Baby Matthew with whom we chatted for a while. Mr. Baby Matthew motto is: “Business is not just about money, products or services, it’s about people”… and it explains the positive and pleasant vibe of this whole facility.
On a couple of occasions, I wanted to take my sister to see other beautiful places within a few hours of Somatheeram. So we went to the Elephant rehabilitation Centre in Kottoor, we took a boat ride in the Backwaters and visited the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram (they also have one in Rishikesh which I will visit in a month) and the Neyyar reservoir with its dam.
I had brought with me some 20 kg. of clothes to take, like last time, to the Saint Joseph Girl’s Orphanage. Unfortunately, I was informed that many orphanages and as well the Saint Joseph were closed by the government because they did not comply with regulations. But it is not clear what these ‘regulations’ are, one rumour was that several girls had to share the same room, others that attempts were made to convert orphans to Christianity. Personally I think this is very questionable and I did not want to go into it. I then received from a lady I met in the beach the address of the Nelly moody School where we were welcomed by Sister Superior Marley and Sister Sobhitha, the latter takes charge of delivering clothes to families living in extreme poverty in the countryside.
For my part, whenever I go to a Southern country, I always bring clothes or basic necessities… I want to help in some way, whether the government of that country wants it or not. For obvious reasons, I do not give gifts in cash but only in material goods.
Charity for its own sake, is just an act of love, I will not change the world but it will be a drop in the ocean.
Claudine Giovannoni 