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Essential Guide to Ayurvedic Massages in India and the 6 Best Wellness Centers

By CarolUpdated Jan. 15, 2024

Wellness centers in India have brought luxury spas and health tourism to the next level. At a wellness center, guests can pursue physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. These places focus on Ayurvedic medicine, India's traditional natural healing system which has been practiced for over 5,000 years.

In India, wellness centers typically offer packages that last anywhere from several days to a month. The packages include Ayurvedic treatments, massages, yoga sessions, and other classes.

Some of our favorite centers include Mekosha Ayurveda Spa Suites Retreat, Carnoustie Ayurveda and Wellness Resort, CGH Kalari Kovilakom, Shreyas Yoga Retreat, Vana Malsi Estate, and SwaSwara.

Quick Facts

  • Ayurvedic medicine is a holistic form of healing aimed at revealing the deeper causes of one's health conditions.
  • There are three principles of Ayurveda called doshas. They include Vata (the element of space and air), Pitta (the elements of fire and water), and Kapha (the elements of water and earth).
  • According to Ayurveda, the cause of a disease is the result of an imbalance in the three primary doshic states.
  • Ayurvedic medicine is particularly effective for metabolic, stress-related, and chronic conditions.
  • During an Ayurvedic massage, essential oils are placed on the body's energy points while the massage focuses on joints and muscles.

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Ayurveda

Developed in India over 5,000 years ago, Ayurvedic medicine is one of the oldest healing systems in the world. It is a holistic form of healing that aims at revealing the underlying causes of health conditions and focuses on a balance of therapies that heal the mind, body, and spirit.

Ayurveda Ayurveda is a holistic form of healing

Ayurvedic medicine uses food, spices, herbal remedies, exercise, and lifestyle changes to boost your health. An important aspect of Ayurvedic medicine is the massage which is fused with holistic ideas and focuses on relaxation, stress relief, and the release of emotional blockages.

Principles of Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, every human being is born with a unique mixture of biologic principles called doshas. The three doshas are called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vata focuses on the elements of space and air, Pitta consists of the elements of fire and water, while Kapha reflects the elements of water and earth.

These principles represent the individual genetic code that forms our mental and physical characteristics. The doshas are thought to be dynamic energies that constantly change in response to our actions, thoughts, emotions, food, seasons, and any other sensory inputs that feed our body and mind.

The core idea behind this practice is that when we live in alignment with nature, we make lifestyle and dietary choices that create balance within our doshas. When we live against our basic nature, it leads to unhealthy habits contributing to physical and mental disorders.

dietary Make lifestyle and dietary choices that create balance within our doshas

The Cause of Disease

In total, there are three primary doshic states. A balanced state is when all three doshas are present in their natural proportions and a person is healthy. Increased is when there is too much of a particular dosha. Decreased is when there is too little of a dosha.

Of the three states, the increased or aggravated state results in the greatest number of imbalances. Such imbalances could result from a variety of factors, including following an incorrect diet or carrying too much stress in life.

Diseases first come from the mind before they manifest on the physical plane. They come from the restless, imbalanced, and undisciplined mind. Negative thoughts have a negative impact on the body and Ayurveda focuses on changing the cause of disease instead of treating the symptoms.

meditation Meditation is a technique used to train awareness and calm the mind.

Benefits of an Ayurvedic Massage

Ayurveda is a pranic system of medicine, which works to balance the body's life energies. This can be achieved through a healthy diet, massages, pouring herbal oil onto the body, cleansing enemas, steam baths, and covering the body with herbal leaves and powders.

pouring herbal oil This can be achieved through a healthy diet, massages, pouring herbal oil onto the body

When getting an Ayurvedic treatment, the practitioner will first examine the main symptoms of the disease and try to discover the cause of the imbalance. They also consider the patient's suitability for various treatments. A diagnosis is found through direct questioning, a physical exam, and inference.

Once the cause of the imbalance is known, it can be eliminated through soothing and cleansing measures along with a change in lifestyle. The practitioner may make recommendations such as consuming certain herbs and maintaining a specific diet.

Ayurvedic medicine is particularly effective in the treatment of metabolic, stress-related, and chronic conditions. It is also very helpful in relieving the painful effects of surgery and helping a patient deal with damaging treatments such as chemotherapy.

Differences Between Ayurveda and Western Medicine

An Ayurvedic massage is focuses on relieving emotional stress more than physical stress. For a typical massage, the practitioner will only use his hands along with an essential oil. Essential oils are an important part of an Ayurveda and help the massage focus on the body's energy points rather than only on its joints and muscles.

Western medicine tends to focus on the symptoms and the disease itself. It primarily uses drugs and surgery to rid the body of pathogens or diseased tissue.

foot massage For a typical massage, the practitioner will only use his hands along with an essential oil

Ayurveda, however, maintains that all life must be supported by the balance of energy. When there is minimal stress and a person's flow of energy is balanced, the body's natural defense systems will be strong and can defend against disease more easily.

It must be emphasized that Ayurveda is not a substitute for western medicine. Ayurveda may help with making a person stronger and less likely to be sick or aid in rebuilding the body after damaging drug treatments or surgeries.

back massage Ayurveda may help with making a person stronger and less likely to be sick

For serious illnesses, it is important to start with Western medicine and then use Ayurveda alongside it for the best results.

Best Ayurvedic Resorts and Wellness Centers in India

You can find plenty of Ayurvedic resorts and wellness centers in Kerala, Goa, and Karnataka. At these resorts, you can not only rejuvenate your body but also have a wonderful vacation as well.

Here we have listed our favorite Ayurvedic resorts and centers. We love these specific locations because they are all well-managed and have an excellent range of properly administered Ayurvedic treatments.

1. Mekosha Ayurveda Spa Suites Retreat

In-suite spas and unlimited massages for customers are the specialties at Mekosha. This retreat's experience is designed to be informal and friendly. The 600-square-foot guest suites have their own adjoining private treatment area with a balcony that overlooks the swimming pool and river.

Programs here last between 1 and 28 nights. Guests are treated with traditional Ayurvedic treatments administered by doctors according to guest requirements. They also offer international treatments such as Swedish massages. Guests can also learn how to cook Ayurvedic food which is made of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price range: 6,400 to 448,000 rupees (US$ 89 to 6,223)

Address: Melattingal, Near Perenem Temple, Alamcode P.O, Kerala

Contact: +91 95999 74233

Website: https://mekosha.com/

2. Carnoustie Ayurveda and Wellness Resort

Carnoustie Ayurveda and Wellness Resort at Marari Beach offers the ultimate luxury and pampering holistic treatments that combine Ayurveda, yoga, mantra, and naturopathy. A wide range of programs that can last anywhere from 7 to 21 nights.

Here, guests will stay at luxurious villas with views of the gardens and ocean as well as an individual pool. Carnoustie offers rejuvenation, detox, healing, anti-aging, weight loss, and sports medicine therapies that take place in a picturesque setting.

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price range: 189,000 to 1,600,000 rupees (US$ 2,625 to 22,225)

Address: Opp. Chennaveli Church, Mararikulam, Chennaveli, Chethy, State Highway 66, Perunneermangalam, Mararikkulam North, Kerala

Contact: +91 478 283 0400

Website: https://www.carnoustieresorts.com/

3. CGH Kalari Kovilakom

Once the palace of the ancient Vengunad Kingdom in Kerala, Kalari Kovilakom is now a beautiful Ayurveda resort. At Kalari Kovilakom, meat, leather items, and alcohol are strictly prohibited. There also offer no types of entertainment or distractions so that guests can detach and focus on their healing and experience.

Kalari Kovilakom offers 19 well-furnished suites with modern amenities and a clinic with 12 treatment rooms. The healing process here is complemented by the living spaces and the gardens that provide a nurturing and warm environment.

Programs last between 14 and 28 nights. Every therapy session is personal and customized and is often combined with yoga and other methods to provide deep healing inside and out. Food is also created and served according to individual requirements.

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price range: 530,000 to 1,800,000 rupees (US$ 7,400 to 25,000)

Address: Payyallur, Kollengode, Palakkad, Kerala

Contact: +91 4923 305 500

Website: https://www.cghearthayurveda.com/kalari-kovilakom/

4. Shreyas Yoga Retreat

If you want a yoga-based treatment regime with a luxurious environment, then Shreyas is the place for you. This boutique resort has 12 rooms that are spread across 25 acres of gardens.

The goal at Shreyas is to harness your energies, purify the body, and provide a spiritual perspective for our actions and emotions. The healing process involves classical yoga postures, breathing, and meditation and packages last between 3 and 28 nights.

Guests can also participate in nature-based and community activities such as spending time in the fields, preparing meals for children at the local orphanage, and visiting local villages. There are also walking paths, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a home theater, and a library for guests to enjoy.

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price range: US$ 1,000 to 19,800

Address: Santoshima Farm, Gollahalli Gate, Nelamangala-Doddaballapur Road, Nelamangala, B, Karnataka

Contact: +91 99161 10422

Website: http://www.shreyasretreat.com/

5. Vana Malsi Estate

Vana Malsi Estate is often compared to some of the best luxury ashrams or spiritual yoga centers. Guests here are referred to as Vanavasis and there are certain guidelines and restrictions that must be followed. Each guest is treated with a different personalized immersive program based on various objectives from de-stressing to weight management.

The 66 rooms and 16 suites on this estate are all equipped with balconies or terraces and overlook the ancient forest, gardens, and fruit orchards. The neutral colors and art of the rooms evoke a sense of harmony and well-being, allowing guests to rest, reflect, and connect with nature.

Treatments here include Ayurveda, Sowa Rigpa or Tibetan healing, yoga, natural therapies like acupuncture, spa therapies such as massages and scrubs, fitness classes, and aqua therapies. Healthy cuisine, daily guided meditation, nutritional cooking lessons, and music performances are all part of the retreat.

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price range: 29,000 to 124,000 rupees (US$ 403 to 1,720)

Address: Mussoorie Rd, Johri, Malsi, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Contact: +91 135 391 1114

Website: https://www.vana.co.in/

6. SwaSwara

Located at one of India's best beach destinations, Gokarna in Karnataka, SwaSwara aims to help its guests form deeper connections with their body and soul. The resort is also one of the top art hotels in India, having a resident artist offering art and pottery lessons for guests.

The villas here allow you to explore all the open and green spaces on the grounds. There is a yoga deck on the second level that offers spectacular views of the countryside and ocean while also serving as a perfect corner for yoga practices.

Here, guests can indulge in programs that last between 3 and 21 nights and include sunrise yoga on the beach, meditation, and Ayurvedic treatments. The resort is more relaxed than most wellness centers and offers wine with meals. However, meats other than fish are not served.

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price range: 76,500 to 598,500 rupees (US$ 1,063 to 8,310)

Address: Om Beach, Donibhail, Gokarn, Karnataka

Contact: +91 95133 36924

Website: https://www.cghearth.com/swaswara

Explore India with Asia Highlights

When visiting India, experiencing an Ayurvedic massage is a must. Asia Highlights can make you an incredible trip that includes exploring India as well as visiting an Ayurvedic resort or wellness center. We will handle all the bookings for you so you can just enjoy your vacation. Contact us to start planning your trip.

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