Kochi, June 30 : A group of 20 students from the Stony Brook State University of New York recently visited Kochi Ayurveda Hospital to gain knowledge in Ayurveda, the Indian holistic system of medicine, and its benefits during monsoon season.

The students accompanied by their two professors from the faculty of Asian and American studies and Indian linguistics described this visit as an important part of their course’s curriculum.

The visiting professors wanted the students should gain more from the first hand experience about Asia, the cultural heritage of India in particular including Yoga and Ayurveda.

A Kochi-based Ayurveda Hospital reciprocated in the right earnest for the eager students so that the Indian system of medicine could get further boost around the world.

Professors also told that the Stony Brook State University has plans to introduce all the Indian scientific disciplines the regular courses so that the students could learn more about India in depth.

"Here the demonstration is given in three phases. Initially, we introduce them to the basic principles and concepts of Ayurveda apart from normal living style under Ayurveda through CD presentation and different treatment pictures. Secondly, we arrange a natural traditional way of preparing medical formulations to know how we are using all these herbs. The third phase is demonstration of different types of Ayurvedic exclusive therapies including Panchakarma to experience the effects of treatment," said Dr. A M Anwar, Chairman and Managing Director of the Ayurvedic Hospital, Kochi.

Ayurveda as per the ancient system suggests the rejuvenation or Panchakarma treatments during monsoon months to remove the impurities from the body and cleanse it.

The herbal medication is believed to enhance the metabolism.

These students have understood various concepts of Ayurveda and believe in changing their lifestyle once they return their native place in the U. S

"I like Ayurvedic medicine. I find it different from Ayurvedic medicine in U. S. A. It’s very holistic and also about changing your lifestyle for the better. I would like to apply it in my own life too. As a science student, life is stressful in America and using Ayurvedic massage onto myself can improve my being as well," said Terry, one of the United States.

Kerala is the only place in the world where Ayurveda, the thousands of years old healthcare system, is practiced with much dedication.

The medical tourism market in India estimated at 333 million dollars in 2004 grew by about 25 per cent and is predicted to become 2 billion dollars a year business opportunity by 2012. (ANI)