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| Special Interest |
Ayurveda dates back to the Vedic period. Ayurveda, the natural way of living, is also the oldest authentically recorded science in existence today. The objective of Ayurveda is to achieve the highest goal of life – inner and outer dynamic harmony. There are several Ayurveda clinics in and around Kathmandu and in different parts of Nepal to help you achieve the different dimensions of health – physical, sensorial, mental and spiritual.
Meditation:
Meditation rejuvenates one’s energy level and zeal, so you can feel enlightened – far from the metaphysical world. A meditation course will help you explore in-depth and find a new human within you. There are specialized centers in Kathmandu, Lumbini and other places around the country that offer meditation courses.
Yoga:
Yoga classes will contribute to the development of a healthy body, a healthy mind and a healthy thought. It also helps one achieve balanced, harmonious and integrated development of all aspects of one’s personality. Yoga is a pathway to a true, happy and healthy living. Yogic training eventually prepares one for spiritual awakening, the supreme aim of human life. There are many yoga centers in Kathmandu and other tourist cities in Nepal.
Spa:
Nepal is also becoming a popular destination for spas. Spa is associated with water treatment and is believed to be curative. Day spas, which are quite popular among tourists, offer personal care treatments. The emphasis is on nurturing and pure pampering. Regular spa treatment is said to promote good health and prevent diseases. It also aids in relaxation and rejuvenation. This is achieved by the fusion of traditional healing practices and modern holistic healthcare in generating the self-healing powers of an individual.
Faith Healing:
Wrapped in innumerable myths and legends, Nepal is a land of magic and mystery. The cult of faith healing in Nepal dates back to pre-historic times, with the Jhankris, or shamans, who, with the garlands of tiny bells around their necks tremble and chant at the beat of a drum which they play during the invocation and possession of spirits. Sometimes their elaborate performance runs for the whole night. Often their ritual also involves the sacrifice of either a rooster or a black goat, depending upon the nature of the complication.
Astrology:
Astrology also has its origin in the Vedas, the primary texts of Hinduism written thousands of years ago. In Nepal, the moment a baby is born, the first thing they do is note down the exact time of birth. Then it is given to the astrologer, who according to the position of the different planets in the solar system at that precise moment, prepares a Cheena(horoscope). Astrologers are also consulted to set the date and auspicious hours for important occasions like weddings and important festivals.
Butterfly Watching:
Butterflies have been studied in Nepal for over 150 years, with much of the original study and collection done by the British, including one British diplomat in Kathmandu at the time. After 1950, the Japanese became involved in collection through scientific expeditions, and this resulted later in the establishment by Tribhuvan University of the Natural History Museum at Swayambhu in 1974. Records show that Nepal has 11 out of the 15 families of butterflies in the world, or over 500 species, and still today in the 21st century new species keep turning up.
Fossil Hunting:
To the geological world, the Shaligram is a coiled chambered fossil shell of the extinct Cephalopod mollusk, believed to have been formed during the emergence of the Himalayan heights from the depths of the Tethys Sea millions of years ago. The fossilized stones are, however, sacred to the Nepalis and embody Lord Vishnu, according to Hindu Scriptures. They are found in the Annapurna region up to Damodar Kunda, and also in the waters of the Kaligandaki River right up to Tribeni in Dolalghat. The most popular belt to look for Shaligrams is the banks of the River Kaligandaki at Jomsom where the pilgrims pass on their way to Muktinath.
