Paper Presentations

10.45am – 1.00pm Paper Presentation 3 1 September 2005 (Thursday)

Application of Ayurveda Approach in Recreational Design : A Case Study of Batu Caves Tourism Area, Selangor

By : Mohd Johari Mohd Yusof; Marini Masrurah Abdul Manan, Associate Prof. Dr Mustafa Kamal Mohd ShariffDepartment of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Design and ArchitectureUniversiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangore-mail: jonhani02@yahoo.com / m_johari@putra.upm.edu.my

AbstractThroughout history, therapeutic landscapes have been used to aid in the healing process. However, with the advances in medical technology in the 20th century, the use of landscapes as healing elements began todiminish. Fortunately, with the recent interest in traditional and complementary medicine (TCM), which emphasizes healing the wholeperson -- mind, body, and spirit -- rather than simply alleviating symptoms, the interest in therapeutic landscapes as aid in healing has been revived.

Ayurveda is a form of TCM, which has been recognized and accepted by the community. This practice has been going on for generations. Until today, Ayurveda continues to grow and has gained popularity all over the world. The reason for this is that Ayurveda deals with health and healing rather than disease and cure.

This study aimed at of looking into a new approach that has the qualities and features in establishing a new type of therapeutic recreational design in Malaysia particularly in Batu Caves, a famous tourism area that rich with Indian cultures and heritages. And I believe that Ayurveda, the oldest healing system in existence can be the one. Hopefully, this medical system with its own special features and qualities, can contribute to a discovery for new design approach in the therapeutic recreational design in Malaysia.

Keywords : Ayurveda, Therapeutic Landscape, Recreational Design

INTRODUCTION

Ayurveda is an ancient healing system originated from India that dates back to about

5000 years ago. Its aim is to guide people regarding their choice of food and

lifestyles in order to promote health rather than just treat diseases. This is one of the

reasons that make Ayurveda so unique. This traditional form of treatment treat

patient as a whole, not just the affected part. Besides, only natural therapies are

offered. Therefore, no known side effect develops from the therapies prescribed. And

of course, these therapies are inexpensive and proven effective.

Ayurveda as a healing and preventive art has three main focuses: 1) healing

illness, 2) prevention of disease and 3) longevity or age reversal. The basic principles

of Ayurveda are that all of life (people, animals, nature, the universe and diseases,

etc) is made up of five primary elements that are space, air, fire, water and earth.

When these elements are balance, one is healthy. Illness is defined as an imbalance

of these elements; all disorder is excesses of one or more elements. Ayurveda can be

applied to all ages and offers therapies for all health concern.

Besides, Ayurveda is also more than just a medical system. It is also claimed

to be a ‘Science of Life’. Ayurveda also believes that human are part and parcel of

nature. It assists nature by promoting harmony between the individual and nature by

living life of balance according to her laws. Thus, Ayurveda has lots of therapeutic

qualities and features that can be taken into account in effort of establishing a new

type of therapeutic landscape in Malaysia.

Generally, Landscape Architects in Malaysia are unfamiliar with Ayurveda.

Therefore, this paper intends to analyse the main components in Ayurveda and how

the special features and qualities in these components can be used in the design of

Malaysian therapeutic landscapes.

5.1 Issue

In Malaysia, academics, health practitioners and the general population are

increasingly recognizing the importance of placing an essential element in the

development of identity, health and overall well-being. Thus, the interest in

therapeutic landscape as healer has been revived. Feng shui, a traditional Chinese

wisdom is one example of popular approach regularly used nowadays. In search for

a new type of therapeutic landscape in order to broader the horizon, Ayurveda

seems to have the potential to become a new approach for therapeutic landscape as

it has the special features and qualities that can complement the conventional

therapeutic landscape design.

5.2 Definitions

(i) Ayurveda

Ayurveda comes from Sanskrit words ‘Ayu’ meaning life and longevity and ‘Veda’

meaning knowledge’ or science. Therefore, Ayurveda is the “Science of Life”, which

refer to a harmonious integration of the body, mind, senses and the soul.1

(ii) Landscape design

Is the conscious process of managing, planning and physically changing the

landscape. It involves the physical management of the landscape and the design of

places.2

5.3 History of Ayurveda

The earliest records of medical practice in the world began about 600 B.C., with the

Sanskrit Treatise of Sages Atreya and Susruta. But the beginning of medicine in

India, as in Greece, is found in mythology.3

According to this belief, medicine and surgery were gifts from the god Indra

to Sages Bharadwaja, the patron saint of medicine, and Dhanvantari, the patron

saint of surgery. These two scholars passed on their knowledge to two worthy men,

Atreya and Susruta. This system is called Ayurveda.4

Around 1500 BC, Ayurveda was delineated into two distinct schools. These

are Atreya, the School of Physicians, and Dhanvantari, the School of Surgeons. This

made ayurveda a more systematically classified medical science. Dhanvantari, who is

considered to be a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, was the guiding sage of Ayurveda.

He made this science of health and longevity popular and widely acceptable. Atreya,

who is believed to have imbided the ayurveda from Sage Bharadwaja, headed the

Atreya medical school. His treaties on medicine are contained in 46,500 verses.

In fact, these two schools of thought led to the writing of two major books on

Ayurveda—Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita. Around 500 AD, Vagbhatt

compiled the third major treatise on Ayurveda, which is the Astanga Hridaya. It

contained knowledge comprising the two schools of Ayurveda.

From 500 AD to 1900 AD, sixteen major Nighantus or supplementary texts on

Ayurveda like Dhanvantari Bhavaprakasha, Raja and Shaligram among others were

written incorporating new drugs, expansion in applications, discarding of old drugs

and identification of substitutes. These texts mention about 1814 varieties of plants

in vogue.

Evidences show that ayurveda had nurtured almost all the medical systems of

the world. Its gradual and steady development can be seen through Rig Veda, Yajur

Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda and other vedic literature and epics of Mahabrata

and Ramayana.

The basic principle of Ayurveda is that all of life (people, food, animals,

nature, the universe, disease and etc.) are made up of five primary elements. The

elements are space, air, fire, water, and earth. When these elements are balance,

there is health and where there is imbalance, there is disease.

5.4 Elements in Ayurveda

Ayurveda believes that everything in this universe is made up of five great elements

or building blocks. They are earth, water, fire, air, and space. 5

Figure 2.2-1: Elements in Ayurveda

5.4.1 Earth (Prithvi)

Earth represents the solid state of matter. It manifests stability, permanence, and

rigidity. In our body, the parts such as bones, teeth, cells, and tissues are

manifestations of the earth. Earth is considered a stable substance.5

5.4.2 Water (Apas)

Characterizes change and represents the liquid state. Water is necessary for the

survival of all living things. A large part of the human body is made up of water. Our

blood, lymph, and other fluids move between our cells and through our vessels,

bringing energy, and carrying away wastes, regulating temperature, bringing disease

fighters, and carrying hormonal information from one area to another. Water is a

substance without stability.5

5.4.3 Fire (Tejas)

Is the power to transform solids into liquids, to gas, and back again. In other words,

it possesses power to transform the state of any substance. Within our bodies, the

fire or energy binds the atoms together. It also converts food to fat (stored energy)

and muscle. Fire transforms food into energy. It creates the impulses of nervous

reactions, our feelings, and even our thought processes. Fire is considered a form

without substance.5 5.4.4 Air (Vaya)

Is the gaseous form of matter which is mobile and dynamic. Within the body, air

(oxygen) is the basis for all energy transfer reactions. It is a key element required for

fire to burn. Air is existence without form.5

5.4.5 Space (Akasha)

It is the field that is simultaneously the source of all matter and the space in which it

exists. Space is only the distances which separate matter. The chief characteristic of

space is sound. Here sound represents the entire spectrum of vibration.5

Every substance in our world is made up of these five substances. All

substances can be classified according to their predominant element. For example, a

mountain is predominantly made up of earth element. A mountain also contains

water, fire, air and space. But these elements are very small compared to the earth.

So, its classification is the earth.

5.5 Treatments in Ayurveda

Ayurveda treatments prescribe a different program to each individual based upon

their constitution and the nature of the imbalance within them. In Ayurveda, a

patient will be treats as whole, not just the affected part.

4.5.1 Treatments Methods

Ayurveda offers treatments for each of the five senses because different people learn

better through different senses. Treatments include:

a. Taste : Herbalogy (sirovasthi, thalapothichil, etc.),

nutrition, diet

b. Sound: Music therapy, meditation, spiritual therapies

(lifestyle, spiritual counseling)

c. Touch: Massage (abhyangam, pizichilli etc.), yoga, exercise, gem therapy,

marma

chikitsa, dhara/ oil (shirodhara, thalam)

d. Smell: Aromatherapy

e. Sight: Colour therapy

5.6 Findings

An analysis of the Ayurveda components and their elements is conducted. It was

found that there are four of the seven components in Ayurveda have the potential

value to be incorporated in landscape design. These are:

i. Principles

According to Ayurveda, there are five main elements made up everything in the

universe; earth, water, fire, air and space. All of these elements need to balance with

each other in order to create a balance lifestyle. The harmonious interactions of all

elements can be represent in the landscape design.

Well, nothing in this world exists in isolation. In order to appreciate

something light, there must be a notion of dark. Something tall must be seen in

relation with something small in order for it to have meaning. For example, the

smooth water balances rough earth surface; a waterway with living elements such as

plants and trees.

ii. Elements

In landscape design, each of the elements can represent their own idea with their

own influenced. For certain is in term of colors, shapes and directions. The example

of the ideas given by each elements and their application are as in the table below.

Table 3.0-1: Ideas and implementation of Ayurveda elements in landscape design.

ELEMENTS IDEA APPLICATION IMAGES

Fire is hot and bright. A site with too much fire is not restful.

Man-made materials represent fires are like lights and barbeque.

Photo 3.0-1: Man-made materials Represent Fire

Idea of shape.

For example, fire-shaped wigwams are often used for supporting creepers and lighting design.

Fire

Idea of colour Splashes of red in long borders may be used to lead the eye forward slowly. Can create a contrast view to attract the users attention

Photo 3.0-2: Fire as an idea of colour

Earth The idea of solidity and stability

Earth materials include teraccota, rock, stone and brick can be applied to any structures such as buildings.

Photo 3.0-3: Earth as an idea of

solidity and stability

Idea of shape

Flat-topped buildings, pergolas, fences, globe sculpture and straight-edged lawn are all examples of earth shape

Photo 3.0-4: Earth as an idea of shape

Idea of color Yellow, orange and brown are earth colours.

Idea of texture Variety of texture can be found from the earth, from fine, medium and rough texture

Photo 3.0-5: Earth as an idea of texture

Water flows and creates waves that give the idea of movement and liquidity.

Implementation of water can be represented in form of lakes, waterfall, pond and etc.

Photo 3.0-6: Implementation of

water element Idea of shape

The meandering shape of water can be applied in the planting and paths

Water

Idea of colour Water colours are dark blue, dark grey and black. Too much use of dark planting schemes or materials such as slate can feel threatening, as like deep water. It is best to temper the effect, using lighter tones here and there.

Photo 3.0-7: Water as an idea of colour

Air Air movement gives the idea of motion and as sound medium.

Example of application is using windchimes

Idea of shape. The soft and gentle shape of air can be applied in the planting and elements design

Photo 3.0-8: Air as an idea of shape

Space Idea of connectedness and fell of freedom

Can be represented with open lawn, gathering area and etc.

Photo 3.0-9: Space as an idea of

connectedness and freedom

iii. Human body – The Tridosha

According to Ayurveda, human body can be divided into three categories, vata, pitta

and kapha. Each category stands with their own characteristics differ from each

other. This concept can be a reference in landscape design in term of the space

division.

The suggestion here is we can divide spaces into three main area and we can create

their own identity by referring to the characteristics listed out for each dosha. For

example is designing a vata dosha ‘space’. For this area, selection of fragrant plants

like jasmine and rose could be emphasized on since this type of dosha has a strong

relationship with these species. In terms of activities can be done, gentle exercise,

tai chi and swimming are the one to be looked at. But, we also must remember that

in therapeutic landscape guideline, the simplicity principle is very important.

Simplicity is essential in designing in a way to keep the space easy to understand.

Therefore it is important that the space not have too much "going on" to add any

additional stress.

Photos 3.0-10: Spaces for different outdoor activities

iv. Treatments in Ayurveda

Few treatments practiced in Ayurveda also can be applied as the approach. They

are:

• Herbalogy and aromatherapy

Lots of herbs used in this treatment are applicable in Malaysia. We can found

that all kind of plants can be rely on, ranging from tree to ground covers.

Most are manage to engage all the senses. All these plants, with different leaf

textures, form, and smell can help to stimulate the senses and memory.

Therefore, these species can be used as the main species to be implemented.

• Colour therapy

Colour can do more than just look attractive. In Ayurveda, colour therapy is

use to promote health and healing. Each of the spectrum colours associated

with specific healing properties and believes to have its own spirit. As for

therapeutic landscape, it also make practical use of certain colors such as

deep purples, blues, greens, and whites, which are known to produce calming

effects and bright colors are sometimes used to promote feelings of hope and

joy.

According to Gita Ramesh, director of Kairali Ayurvedic Health Club

based in New Delhi, ayurveda links certain colors with the three doshas. Vata

is associated withbright colours such as gold, orange, blue, green and white.

Pitta connected with cool colours such as white, blue and green while kapha

related bright and stimulating colours like yellow, orange, gold and red.

Based on this understanding, it seems here that colour therapy also

has the potential to create Ayurveda as a new approach in therapeutic

landscape. This is because this treatment can be used as a guideline for

landscape architects in terms of colour selection. As a matter of fact, colours

not only have their own spirit on human, it can also give identity to a

landscape design.

Photos 3.0-11: Use of colour in design

• Tools in Ayurveda treatments

Tools basically can be applied by using them as the basis in design. The

example of this approach can we found at the National Zoo in Ulu Kelang.

The garden, designed by Nik Malik was full of ‘animal’ made of copper and

also clipped giraffe and elephant. It is design as an indication of the national

zoo. Besides can enhance it uses, this approach also can give a direct

visualization to the viewer.

It would be interesting if the tools have in Ayurveda treatment can be

represent as a landmark by using this kind of method. Landmark provided

can help orient the users of the space. Not only that, it also can help to

educate the users about Ayurveda and can help to provoke the surrounding

environment.

5.7 Application of Ayurveda Approach in Batu Caves Recreational Area

Theme proposed for Batu Caves tourism area is based on the five main elements in

Ayurveda, the design approach used in this project. The five elements are earth,

water, space, fire and air.

In terms of the approach, the treatment methods used in Ayurveda which

involving all five main senses; sight, touch, sound, taste and smell has been choosed

to be proposed in here. As been stated in the literature review, Ayurveda offers

treatments for each of the five senses because different people learn better through

different senses.

Figure 3.1-1 shows the theme and approach proposed for each area. Parking

area, which is the first area that will be reached by the visitors has been proposed

with air theme and smell approach. Therefore, the design of this area has been

considering on how to create an environment with good air condition which is very

important in order to give good impression among the visitors when they first get out

from their mobile. Flowering plants with fragrance will be implemented in this area in

a way to suit with the smell approach. This kind of plants can help to enhance the

environment.

For the temples zone, water and touch has been determined as the theme

and approach. The proposal of water for this area was considering the relationship of

this element with temple. As a matter of fact, no matter where temple is situated,

one essential factor for the existence of a temple is water. It considered as a

purifying elements. Touch here refers to the approach that will be emphasized in this

area especially in the design elements. For example, the implementation of water

features in this area. The coolness of water can invite people to feel and touch them.

Next area is open space. Suits with the area that mainly occupied with wide

green turfing, element of space has been proposed as it theme. As for approach,

sound seems to be strongly matched with the area since it is the main area for any

activities held in project site. Sound produced by the activities could invite more

people coming here. Besides, the sound of air movement in this wide open space

helps to give sense of calmness among the users.

Now, move on to the built-up area. Fire was proposed as the theme because

most of the buildings in Batu Caves tourism area have been centralized here. It

means that lots of daily activities and energy involved in this area. People interact

with each other here, in the restaurants, hostel, souvenir shops and etc. As a matter

of fact, fire also involved with energy and transformation. In Ayurveda, it is believes

that the fire or energy help to bind the atoms in human body together. Taste

approach was applied in the components and elements in a way such as

implementation of edible plants, proposal of restaurants and installation of drinking

fountain.

The remaining two areas left, garden and limestone hill area has been

proposed with earth and sight as the theme and approach. In Ayurveda, earth

represents the solid state of matter which manifests stability, permanence and

rigidity. On the other hand, all this long we know that earth is an important

substance for plants to growth. As for the earth, it also needs the plants or more

specifically the plants root in order to guaranty its stability and solidity. This

symbiosis tells the reason why earth has been selected as their theme. For the

approach, sight suits the areas because both are categorized under sensitive area

which is needed to be preserved. Since the limestone hill cannot be altered, new

components and elements with sight approach only will be proposed for the garden

area. Example of element and component are Ayurveda Herbs Garden and lily pond.

Besides using the theme and approach as one of the main guidance and

reference in the components and elements proposed, the Indian design characteristic

and cultures also have been taken into consideration in order to successfully create

the Indian culture environment in Batu Caves tourism area.

Limestone Hill Limestone Hill

Buffer Zone +Garden

Parking

Buffer zone + Garden

Parking

Built-up area Temples Zone

Main entrance / exit

Ghanda (smell) Vaya (air)

Rasa (taste) Tejas (fire)

Shabda (sound) Akasha (space)

Sparsha (touch) Apas (water)

Rupa (sight) Prithvi (earth)

Approach Theme Legend

Not to scale

N

Alternative entrance / exit

Open space

Figure 3.1-1: Theme and approach conceptual plan

5.8 Conclusion

More and more people start to realize that healing process need to focused on more

than just pills and conventional medicine. And one of the shortest ways is through a

therapeutic landscape.

Each type of therapeutic landscape design manages to have its own impact

on enhancing people’s day life. Some maybe have special cooling and meditative

aspects in which someone can find after a full of struggle and stress day.

In searching for a new approach that can give a broader horizon for

therapeutic garden, Ayurveda seems capable to fit in. this ancient healing system

have the special qualities and characteristics that help to strengthen physical,

mental, emotional and spiritual health in a balance and harmonious relationship with

the natural and social environment.

By achieving this idea, Ayurveda can represent a new face of traditional and

complementary medicine in the landscape design world and will help to give a

broader horizon for the landscape architects especially in Malaysia. Although this

traditional Indian wisdom is the less of common practice, but its special features and

qualities can be a possible approach in landscape design. The idea on how this

approach can be implemented in the landscape design can be found in the findings

of this paper.

References

Books

Motloch J. L. (1991), Introduction to landscape Design, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New

York Saad I., Herbals and Medicinal Plants in Malaysia, Department of Architecture, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Selva T. (2003), Vasthu Sastra: Indian Feng Shui, Rayaana Graphic, Kuala Lumpur Samiyah M.N., Abdullah H., Zulkhairy A (2003), Koleksi Bergambar Herba Malaysia,

Institut Penyelidikan dan Kemajuan Pertanian Malaysia (MARDI)

Thesis

Aun G. S., (1999/2000), Traditional Chinese Wisdom in Site Planning, Department of landscape Architecture, University Putra Malaysia

Newspaper

Harian Metro, Khamis, 22 Julai 2004, Syurga Kediaman Ayurveda

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