Ayurveda in Kerala, arranged around you
Ayurveda is one of India's traditional systems of medicine, recognised under the Ministry of Ayush. We arrange stays at Kerala retreats you select, from a single consultation to a programme of several weeks set by the centre.
What an Ayurveda stay can involve
Programmes are designed and run by each centre, so they vary. Commonly, a stay includes:
- A first consultation with an Ayurveda doctor (BAMS-qualified), usually on arrival
- A daily programme set by the centre, which may include therapies, vegetarian meals, yoga and rest
- Programme lengths offered by the centre, for example a few nights, or 7, 14 or 21 days
- Time for Kerala itself: the backwaters, beaches, hill country and local culture
We describe what centres offer. We don't claim that Ayurveda, or any programme, will have a particular effect on your health.
What we arrange
- Information on centres you ask about, including their published credentials
- Booking enquiries with the centre you choose
- Ayush visa guidance (M-3 and M-4 sub-categories under the Medical visa)
- Flights guidance, airport pickup and transfers to the retreat
- Extra nights, sightseeing or a quiet stay before you fly home
A traditional pulse assessment
Nadi Pariksha is Ayurveda's traditional way of reading the pulse at the wrist. Classical texts describe it; an article indexed in PubMed (Subhaktha, 2005) notes that the Sharangadhara Samhita, from around the early 14th century, is the earliest Indian medical treatise known to mention it.
How it is commonly done
- Usually in the morning, when you are rested and before a meal.
- The practitioner places three fingers (index, middle and ring) on the radial pulse at your wrist. In the traditional description each finger is linked with one of the doshas: vata, pitta and kapha (review, PMC).
- They feel the pulse at light, medium and deeper pressure, often in silence.
- It is combined with conversation about your routine, sleep, food and any medicines you take, and with observation.
- The practitioner explains their reading in Ayurvedic terms and the centre suggests a programme.
Nadi Pariksha is a traditional assessment, not a medical diagnosis. It does not replace tests or advice from your own doctor.
Credentials you can check
Kerala Tourism classification
Kerala's Department of Tourism classifies Ayurveda centres as Ayur Silver, Ayur Gold or Ayur Diamond and publishes its classification scheme. Ask any centre for its current classification.
Practitioner registration
Ayurveda doctors in India hold a BAMS degree and are registered under the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) framework. Ask for their registration number.
Products and medicines
Ask for the ingredients of anything you are given. The US FDA has warned about heavy metals in some unapproved Ayurvedic products. Check your home country's rules before taking products home.
Please read before you plan an Ayurveda stay
- We describe what centres offer. We make no claim that Ayurveda treats, cures, prevents or helps any disease or condition.
- Ayurveda is not a substitute for care from your own doctor. Do not stop or change any prescribed medicine or treatment.
- Tell your doctor at home, and the Ayurveda doctor, about every medicine and supplement you take.
- Care Beyond Borders is not a medical provider and gives no medical advice.
Heal in India: an Ayurveda stay in Kerala
Tell us how long you'd like to stay and which kind of centre you're considering.