Ayurveda is popular. After all Ayurveda promises nothing smaller that stopping ageing process. Who is not attracted towards it? Rejuvenating! Purifying! Beautifying! Vitalizing! The way there must not be too far. In the meantime, one can even take the Indian Medical Science at Kassel or Bad Ems. But those who can afford it, and believe in the benedictions of atmospheric energy, are attracted to the Mecca of the oldest and holistic health system: to Kerala. The small federal state, which is also known as the Switzerland of India, is particularly successful in the equal rights and educational policies (7 universities and 186 colleges for science and humanities). And also in the field of tourism, through which Ayurveda became one of the major attractions...

...I closed my eyes and listened to mixed sounds of the loud twittering of birds and the gentle murmuring of the sea. A strange fragrance flattered me. Joss sticks, exotic plants, herbal plants, salty air. Suddenly I felt that I was not a stranger anymore - as I slowly succumbed to the miracles of the Veda (science) of the Ayus (life); these are Sanskrit words out of which Ayurveda originated...

Today in India, Ayurveda is as popular as the modern, western medicine. It offers effective therapies against asthma, liver disorders, allergies, migraine, stomach complaints and sleep disturbances.

The beginning of every course of Ayurveda treatment is the pulse diagnosis. "Thereby I detect weak points, which I would not experience by any other medical investigation...", says Dr. Latha. "There are physicians who practise exclusively with the pulse diagnosis". She reaches for my hand and with three fingers feels my pulse...

... Dr. Latha examines the condition of my skin, the face cut and the fingernails. ...From the results of the examination she made an individual therapy plan for me.

Apart from the soothing treatments, spices, herbs and oil have great importance in Ayurvedic medicine. The medicines are manufactured in pharmaceutical factories, according to the prescriptions passed on from generation to generation. Decoctions are shaken, rubbed, cooked and stirred for weeks and months...

...In 300 litre steam pots stewed rare fruits. "Certain beautification extracts must be cooked for 83 days. A medicine against Parkinson must take exactly 101 days." The Chinese vases are 5000 years old - as big as wine barrels and the precious liquid is stored in it. These preparations and decoctions are not only in great demand here, but are also exported to Europe and USA, for those people who trust the healing power of the herbs more than that of the products of western pharmaceuitical industry.