Guide to ayurvedic treatment in Kerala

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  • Help patients find appropriate ayurveda centres for their treatment
  • Provide one-on-one support to patients and caregivers over phone and email to answer their queries 
  • Obtain treatment advice for patients from experienced ayurvedic physicians in Kerala
  • Coordinate between patients and ayurvedic treatment centres to plan customised treatment packages and provide booking support

Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala: Top 10 frequently asked questions

What is the cost of a complete course of ayurvedic treatment in Kerala?

Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala offer good value for money. Kerala has treatment centres catering to all budgets - from an all inclusive price of INR 4500 per day to INR 30,000 per day (all treatments + consultation fees + medicines + all meals + room rent + taxes). The facilities provided at the treatment centres will vary based on prices. 

What is the approximate duration of inpatient ayurvedic treatments?

Ayurvedic treatments are usually of 7-28 days duration. General treatments may be done in 1-2 weeks whereas duration of treatment for a chronic disease condition is determined by the physician depending on the stage of the disease; usually, treatments for diseases require around 3-4 weeks time.

Are ayurvedic physicians in Kerala professionally trained doctors?

Yes, they are. Ayurveda is an officially recognised system of medicine in India. Aspiring candidates who complete 10 + 2 years of formal education secure admission to BAMS programme (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) through the medical entrance exam. They undergo a 5 and a half years full time course including a one year internship in ayurveda medical colleges approved by Central Council of Indian Medicine. During the course, in addition to ayurveda, they learn subjects of modern medicine and principles of surgery. Many ayurvedic physicians in Kerala have also had the opportunity to continue their training as an intern under senior traditional vaidyas.

There are ayurvedic physicians in Kerala are from renowned ashtavaidya families that have practised ayurveda for generations. They are initiated into ayurveda in childhood, familiarised with the classical texts of Ayurveda and are groomed and trained by senior vaidyas in the family on the lines of the ancient gurukula system of learning. They too do the BAMS programme.
Many ayurveda physicians continue their training after BAMS with a 3 years Masters programme – MD in Ayurvedic Medicine or MS in Ayurvedic Surgery.

What are the quality practices followed in Kerala ayurvedic treatments?

People: Approved ayurvedic centres in Kerala employ ayurvedic physicians to prescribe and oversee the treatments and  trained and experienced therapists to administer the treatments. Ayurvedic therapists and masseurs in these centres have undergone formal training programmes in government approved institutes and worked under the supervision of senior therapists.

Facility: Many ayurveda centres have a beautiful location, far from the city, often near a river or in an island, to allow complete relaxation. Government of Kerala has prescribed the infrastructure standards for ayurvedic centres and has a two category certification system – Green Leaf and Olive Leaf - for centres that comply with the standards. There are ayurveda hospitals in Kerala accredited by NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals), the constituent board of Quality Council of India.

Medicines: The efficacy of ayurvedic treatments depends to a large extent on the quality of the medicines used. Renowned ayurvedic centres obtain their medicines from reputed manufacturers or make their own medicines in house under the supervision of ayurvedic doctors. Govt. of India has prescribed good manufacturing practices for ayurvedic medicines based on WHO guidelines. The Ayush Mark and GMP certification are awarded to manufacturers who comply with the standards.

I want to take a Panchakarma treatment and Shirodhara…

Panchakarma and Shirodhara and most other ayurvedic treatment procedures are to be used based on the physician's assessment of the individual's state. After the assessment, the physician decides which ayurvedic procedures are to be prescribed as part of your treatment. You may tell your purpose - for instance, you would like to undergo detoxification to prevent lifestyle related diseases - but you shouldn’t decide which procedure will achieve that for you.

Will language be a problem?

Usually not much, since most ayurvedic centres in Kerala routinely receive guests and patients from all over India and across the world. Most doctors and other staff speak English, Hindi and some south indian language. Some of them who have worked overseas can also manage some German, Arabic or Russian. There are also translators employed by ayurvedic centres for non-English speaking foreigners.

Will there be internet at my treatment centre?

Mostly yes. Most ayurvedic centres in Kerala provide internet access in a common area. Some ayurvedic centres have free wi fi in individual rooms as well. But you may be advised to not spend long hours in front of the screen during the treatment period in order to avoid stress.

I’m coming with my family/friend. Is that ok?

Yes. There are ayurvedic treatment centres that have suites or cottages to accommodate families. Mention it when you send your enquiry to us and we’ll help you find a place that meets your needs.

Can I continue to attend to work during my ayurvedic treatment?

It will be decided by the physician based on your condition and the treatment required. The general rule of thumb is that it is better to keep away from work or to keep it to a minimum. That way, your treatment will be most effective, you will enjoy a deeply relaxing vacation and be rejuvenated at the end of treatment. In some cases, the treatment may require that you absolutely stay away from work.

Does a non-Indian need a medical visa to come for their ayurvedic treatment in Kerala?

Persons of non-Indian origin who want to come to India for short duration medical treatments (less than 30 days) are eligible for an Indian Tourist Visa. Ayurvedic treatments are considered short duration medical treatments. In rare instances where your treatment needs more than 30 days stay at the centre, your physician will provide a letter with which you may apply for a medical visa.

If you are of Indian origin or if you are the spouse/dependent of a person of Indian origin, you will need an Entry Visa. For more information on visa rules, please visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/. Govt. of India offers e-Visa facility. To check if your country is on the e-Visa list, please visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html