Travelling in and around India is truly an incredible experience. Most foreign nationals choose to travel to India to learn about the diverse culture, relish the quintessential cuisines, and indulge in yoga and Ayurveda. While yoga and meditation are seen as the science of life that cleanses one’s soul and moderates one’s emotions, Ayurveda is the natural healing system that cleanses one’s body and rejuvenates him/her.
Practiced over 5000+ years, Ayurvedic treatments and therapies have done wonders to people with mild to serious health conditions. One of the major misconceptions about Ayurvedic therapies is that it is often interpreted as herbal massage. Massages are merely one aspect of the diverse stream of Ayurvedic treatments and there is more to Ayurveda than what meets the eye.
Ayurvedic resorts and relaxation centers are a major highlight for not only international travelers but also for Indian travelers, who wish to relax and rejuvenate in the lap of Mother Nature. If you are looking to gift yourself or your loved ones with some ayurvedic therapies, here’s everything that you need to know.
Why Ayurvedic Treatment?
Ayurvedic therapies are extremely effective to cure and prevent metabolic, stress-related, and even chronic disorders, like Type 2 Diabetes. Apart from these, Ayurveda also helps in tackling issues like cellulite, PCOS/PCOD, infertility, etc.
That said, even if you are perfectly healthy, Ayurvedic therapies help you to detox and rejuvenate. The preventive aspect of Ayurveda will increase your immunity and let no chronic diseases take root in your body. Rasayana, a part of Ayurveda is a science of anti-aging.
How Ayurvedic Therapies work?
Ayurveda works by channeling your energy to cure and heal any ailments in your body. The idea of maintaining balance within and without is vital in Ayurveda. The five elements of nature correspond with tri-doshas or three humors in Ayurveda namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha to create a unique individual constitution. The curriculum of Ayurveda is centered around realigning Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas, as they govern all the biological, psychological and pathological functions of the body, mind, and consciousness.
Put in layman’s terms, Ayurvedic therapies involve different diets, massages, yoga, and/or meditation. Depending on your needs and health condition, certified Ayurvedic practitioners will evaluate you and put you on the befitting treatment and Ayurvedic regime.
How long should one undergo these treatments?
Based on your health conditions, these therapies and treatments can take as long as few months to as little as one hour. On an average, most people undergo Ayurvedic treatments for at least 2 weeks to witness visible results.
When is the best time to indulge in Ayurvedic therapies?
While in India, monsoon, i.e. June to September, is the best time to take up Ayurvedic treatments as the climate is pleasant and dust-free. However, depending on your health conditions, your Ayurvedic doctor might recommend you treatments throughout the year or even in summers. Nevertheless, if you are just looking to take up Ayurveda for rejuvenation, the monsoon is the right time to do so.
Where should one travel to in India for best Ayurvedic treatments?
Kerala, the God’s own country, is the most preferred place to find the best Ayurvedic centers, hospitals, and resorts in India. One can also find good Ayurveda Therapeutic Centers in Goa and Karnataka in South India, and in Haridwar and Rishikesh in North India. If Ayurvedic therapy is on your mind, then you must be traveling to one of these places.
With Ayurveda being the signature specialty of India, one can see a lot of hotels and resorts claiming to provide Ayurvedic therapies to their customers. However, one must look for authentic and certified centers to get maximum benefits out of the therapy.
What are the common Ayurvedic treatments that are available in India?
As you might know, most of the chronic as well stress-related diseases can be cured and healed using Ayurvedic treatments. From facial paralysis to obesity, every bodily disorder is cured by a holistic treatment through Indian Ayurveda. If you are planning on availing an ayurvedic service, don’t forget to try the Panchakarma treatment that involves 5 techniques namely, Nasyam, Anuvaasam, Nirupam, Virechana, and Vamana. This treatment helps in detoxifying one’s body.
Are there any therapies or treatments that I can try only for a day or lesser?
Yes, if you are looking for stress-relief and detoxifying treatments like massages, facial, etc., there are a lot of such massages and beauty services offered traditionally using highly beneficial herbal creams and oils. Most Ayurvedic centers and resorts do offer these services. Based on your needs and time constraints, the Ayurvedic masseuse or beautician will guide you to the right therapy.
How much should one pay?
Approximately, an Ayurvedic treatment, excluding accommodation, would cost somewhere between $750 and $1500 a month. Generally, the resorts charge around $50-$100 per night for accommodation. However, you can get accommodations at these Ayurvedic resorts at discounted prices if you are availing their treatments. As of authentic Ayurvedic massages, one can avail it for as low as $10 to as high as $100 per session, depending on the type of herbal oils used and the kind of massage availed.
Hope this guide helped you to understand about the Ayurvedic therapies and how to avail them in India. Let us know if you have any queries on the same, we would be happy to write a blog post on the FAQs of Ayurvedic Therapies and Treatments.
Evidence based rating of Ayurveda centres specialising in Specific illnesses may be listed. That would help.