‘Dental tourism’ also called ‘dental vacations’ is a part of medical tourism. It involves individuals seeking their dental care outside their local oral health care systems which is accompanied by a vacation. India is becoming a favourite destination for affordable and quality dental care. Many patients are pleased at the prospect of seeking dental care in India while holidaying. With advanced infrastructure, technologies and a large pool of highly qualified and skilled professionals, Kerala is increasingly becoming known for the quality of its Dental care services. Along with quality dental care at affordable cost, sterilization techniques, lower medication cost, less waiting time are other notable attractions. The innovative concept of ‘Dental Tourism’ is gaining momentum in the recent times. It is emerging as a tool for marketing dental health and geo-cultural highlights.
Dental tourism
Yoga means union; union of the body and then with the soul. It provides techniques that can enable anyone to reach the ultimate state of consciousness. Yoga consists of eight different stages: Yama, Niyama, Asanas, Pranayam, Pratyahara, Dharna, Dhyana and Samadhi. The last stage is enlightenment. The origins of yoga have been speculated to date back to pre-Vedic Indian traditions. The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sankrit word ‘yuj’ which means ‘to unite or integrate’. A 5,000-year-old Indian body of knowledge, Yoga is a comprehensive system for wellbeing on all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Patanjali, author of the classic yoga text, the Yoga Sutra, defined yoga as the quieting of the fluctuations of the mind. From a yogic perspective, the mind, and its ceaseless internal monologue, is the source of suffering. The various yoga practices serve to calm the mind. From a wellspring of relaxed concentration-the hallmark of yoga-comes inner peace, heightened creativity, and awareness of our essential nature.
Dental tourism
Ayurveda is perceived as one of the most ancient and well documented systems of medicine equally relevant in modern times. Its holistic approach whether for healthy individuals or for diseased ones remains unparalleled. Prevention of disease and promotion of health is the main aim of Ayurveda. Lord Dhanvantari is considered as divine propagator of Ayurveda. He is conferred with the virtues of granting health and wealth. The name ‘Ayurveda’ is derived from two words in Sanskrit, ‘ayuh’ meaning ‘life’ or ‘longevity’ and ‘veda’ meaning ‘science’or ‘sacred knowledge’. Ayurveda’s definition therefore roughly translates as ‘the science of longevity’ or ‘ the sacred knowledge of life’. The antique vedic texts have scattered references of Ayurvedic Remedies and allied aspects of medicine and health. Atharva-veda mainly deals with extensive Ayurvedic information. That is why Ayurveda is said to be the off shoot of Atharva Veda. The main classical texts for reference of Ayurvedic principles comprise of Charak Samhita, Susrut Samhita, Astang Hridaya, Sharangdhar Samhita, Madhav Nidan, Kashyap Samhita, Bhavprakash and Bhaisajya Ratnavali etc. Ayurveda has a wide scope as far as the prevention of disease, promotion of health and its preservation are concerned. Lifestyle rules mentioned in Ayurvedic texts if applied rigorously give definite results. Lifestyle related diseases, drug abuse, degenerative diseases, auto immune diseases and certain metabolic and allergic disorders are well manageable with Ayurvedic techniques and medicaments.
Dental tourism
Kannur or Cannanore, is a beautiful city on the northern side of Kerala State in India. It is also known as the ‘Land of Looms and Lores’ because of its considerable number of loom industries functioning in the district and the ritualistic folk art called Theyyam held in the temples of this region. Theyyam also known as Kaliyattam, is a ritual dance popular in north kerala. It incorporates dance, mime and music and enshrines the rudiments of ancient tribal cultures which attached great importance to the worship of heroes and the spirits of ancestors.