Travel

Ayurveda, the right catalyst

"Health is wealth", is an age-old saying that is perhaps even more pertinent today than it was in the past. Hectic lifestyles and urban living has introduced a level of stress not experienced by previous generations.

For many people an ordinary holiday break is simply not enough to repair and rejuvanate the mind and body. Ayurveda provides exactly the right catalyst to achieve, restore your mental and physical well-being while on holiday. It is simply amazing how this 5,000-year-old science is able to find solutions to the modern man's problems.

Qualified Ayurveda Doctors and teams of trained therapists at Eden's Ayurveda Spa and Riverina's Ayurveda Villa adhere to the ancient principles and practices of the ancient science of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda therapy involves not only treatment but subtle lifestyle changes. According to the principle of Ayurveda, the human being has three dimensions - the body, mind and soul. These three dimensions are set in an individualised pattern based on an individual's body constitution called Dosha or Prakurthi. Any imbalance in any one of these dimensions leads to ill being called Vikurthi.

The total health of the individuals said to be maintained by the balance of three subtle energies known as Vaatha, Piththa, Kopha which are represented by the universal forces; the sun, the moon and the wind. The basic principle of keeping positive health by Ayurveda is to bring those three energies into one's own particular balance or body constitution Prakurthi.

In the medicinal aspect the main intention of Ayurveda is to preserve health in unhealthy individuals and cure sick individuals.

Therefore, several therapeutic procedures are designed and prescribed with a broad view of providing well-being by enhancing physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Herbal facials: Herbal oil penetrates deep into the tissues, relaxing the facial muscles and repairing damaged skin. Natural herbal packs or face masks improve circulation, and revitalise the skin making it soft and supple.	Abhyanga: A full body massage using medicated oils prepared according to ancient Ayurveda texts. It provide relief from anxiety, depression, fatigue, muscular spasms, backaches, sprains and injuries. The massage has its own importance, but it’s the action of the medicated oils that truly makes the difference.

International cargo down 13.5%; passenger traffic 4.6% in November

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said there was a 4.6% drop in international passenger traffic and a 13.5% drop in international cargo in November.

International capacity dropped by 1.0%. The November international passenger load factors stood at 72.7%, a decline of approximately 3 percentage points over the corresponding month last year.

"The 13.5% drop in international cargo is shocking. As air cargo handles 35% of the value of goods traded internationally, it clearly shows the rapid fall in global trade and the broadening impact of the economic slowdown. By comparison, this is largest drop since 2001, in the aftermath of September 11," said IATA's Director General and CEO, Giovanni Bisignani. "The industry is now shrinking by all measures. The 1.0% capacity cut in international passenger markets in November could not keep pace with the 4.6% fall in passenger demand. We can expect deep losses in the fourth quarter," said Bisignani.

"With no end in sight for the worsening global economy, the 2008 gloom will carry over into the new year. Relief in the oil price has been outstripped by the falls in demand and capacity cuts are not keeping pace. The industry is back in intensive care. Improving efficiency everywhere will be theme for 2009," said Bisignani.

Hotline for tourists' complaints

Anybody can dial *1912* to seek information to make inquiries and to make complaints using any telephone network within the country around the clock.

This solution has been worked out by the Telecommunication and Regulatory Commission with the Tourism Development Authority under the direction of the Ministry of Tourism.

This will help any affected party to even make complaints to the tourism Police Division and to the Commissioner for Tourism Administration Division. Ministry Secretary George Michael said this is a timely project initiated by the Ministry to facilitate the work of the Tourist Police Division and that of Commissioner for Tourism Administration set up last year.

Minister of Tourism, Milinda Moragoda who assumed office early 2007 introduced a serious of changes in the sector including several initiatives and innovations. One such is the short code that has been designated for the tourism sector towards transforming tourism into a more communication technology driven ultra modern industry.