The cures
Panchakarma, Ayurveda's purification cure
A deep detoxification of body and mind: to purify, eliminate toxins and calm the imbalanced doshas.
A medical cure
An intense process, to be lived fully
“Panchakarma” means “five actions”. It is Ayurveda's deep detoxification protocol, and the heart of all our cures. The cure is prescribed and followed by the Ayurvedic doctor, who decides on the bodywork techniques, natural medicines, dietary rules and the rhythm of your days.
It is not a relaxation cure: the treatments include elimination procedures that deeply cleanse the digestive tract, which Ayurveda considers the seat of imbalance. It calls for calm, rest, and a willingness to set aside some Western habits and open up to this ancient medicine.
It is a profound experience, and you leave with an assessment and personal recommendations for afterwards.
How it unfolds
Three stages for a deep purification
1
Purva karma
Preparation
Oleation (snehana) — internal and external use of medicated oils — and sudation (swedana), steam therapies. They mobilise toxins and draw them back towards the digestive tract.
2
Pradhana karma
Purification
The elimination phase itself, using the measures the doctor has chosen for you: the “five actions” that give panchakarma its name.
3
Paschat karma
Regeneration
A light, specific diet to restore digestion, rest, yoga and meditation, tonic herbs to revitalise. This is where the cure takes lasting root.
The treatments
The gestures of Kerala's tradition
Kerala is the cradle of therapeutic Ayurveda. Among the treatments your doctor may prescribe:
- Abhyanga
- the warm-oil massage, by four hands, on the traditional wooden table.
- Shirodhara
- a continuous stream of warm oil poured on the forehead, deeply soothing.
- Swedana
- herbal steam sudation, which opens the body's channels.
- And other treatments
- from Kerala's tradition, chosen by the doctor according to your constitution and needs.
Length
7, 14, 21 or 28 days
Extra nights can be added. If you are unsure, the free call helps you choose the length that suits you best.
7 days
A first immersion in the treatments and rhythm of the centre.
14 days
Two weeks to let the cure unfold.
21 days
More time for recovery and regeneration.
28 days
A long cure, for in-depth work.
Your stay
Preparing your cure, calmly
The rhythm of the days, what is included, and everything you need to know before you leave.
The rhythm of the cure
A typical day
Days shaped by treatment, yoga and rest — for deep regeneration (subject to change).
7:00
Yoga practice — asanas, pranayama, meditation
8:30
Breakfast
9:30
Medical consultation and treatments, until noon
13:00
Lunch
14:30
Treatments and rest, until 4 pm
17:00
Free time — the beach, the backwaters, reading
19:00
Dinner
Meals are vegetarian, cooked in the South Indian way and adapted by the doctor to each guest's treatment. Morning yoga is optional, but highly recommended.
What your cure includes
Included
- Full-board accommodation, drinks included
- South Indian vegetarian cuisine, as prescribed by the doctor
- Ayurvedic treatments and a daily consultation with the doctor
- Ayurvedic medicines prescribed during the cure
- A basic blood and urine test (optional), if the doctor recommends it
- Yoga, pranayama and meditation
- Tourist tax and wifi access
Not included
- International flights
- Airport transfer (see below)
- Additional tests suggested by the doctor (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI…)
- Optional post-cure treatments
- Excursions
- Tips, at your discretion
Airport transfers
A transfer can be arranged on arrival and departure, for 1 to 2 people; its price is in the brochure. The driver waits for you outside the airport with your name, your photo and a sign bearing the centre's name.
| Airport | Drive |
|---|---|
| Kannur | ≈ 2 h |
| Mangalore | ≈ 3 h |
| Calicut | ≈ 4 h |
Preparing your trip
Formalities, visa & insurance
- 01
Tourist visa required
The e-visa is accepted for Mangalore, Calicut and Kannur airports. Swiss nationals: in.vfsglobal.ch/Geneva. French nationals: lyonvisa.com or action-visas.com.
- 02
Arrival formalities
Two online forms must be completed before you arrive in India: the e-Arrival Card within the preceding 72 hours, and Air Suvidha 2.0 within the preceding 24 hours. We send you the details after booking. Air Suvidha 2.0: airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in
- 03
Insurance
It is up to you to take out cancellation insurance for your ticket, as well as travel and medical repatriation insurance.
- 04
Health
No vaccinations are required for Kerala. Bring your test results, prescriptions and usual medicines; a medical questionnaire is sent to you before your stay.
Booking your cure
How booking works
- 1
The free call (optional)
If you wish, 30 free minutes with Françoise Barrios, by phone, video call or in Geneva, to define the right cure together. You can also request your proposal directly.
- 2
Your proposal
Choose dates, length and room on the online form. You receive a detailed proposal by email — no commitment or payment at this stage.
- 3
The deposit
A deposit confirms the booking, by card or bank transfer. You then receive the confirmation, the medical questionnaire and a document to prepare your stay.
- 4
The balance
It is paid one month before you arrive. For a departure less than a month away, full payment is requested at booking.
Before you go
Health and contraindications
Some situations require prior medical advice — in particular pregnancy, heart disease or cancer under treatment. Each situation is examined individually by the centre's doctor through the medical questionnaire you complete before your stay; you can also discuss it during the free call. If you have a significant health issue, a video consultation with one of our doctors can also be arranged before your stay.
An Ayurvedic cure supports your health; it never replaces medical care or ongoing treatment. Bring your test results, prescriptions and usual medicines.
Book your cure, or let's talk first
Choose your dates and room online: you receive your cure proposal by email, with no commitment. Would you rather talk first? A free 30-minute call with Françoise Barrios is available — by phone, video call or in Geneva.