Joints, stiffness and long-standing aches
Two to three weeks of warmth-based treatments, gentle movement and rest. It's a complement to your usual care, not a replacement: keep taking prescribed medicines unless your own doctor tells you otherwise.
- How long
- 14–21 days
- Price, per guest
- $5,100–$7,800
- Best for
- People with stiffness or long-standing aches who want a period of supported rest alongside their usual care
Stage by stage
What happens, and when.
Days 1–2
Assessment
A consultation about where it hurts, what you take and what helps. Treatments start gently.
Days 3–18
Daily treatments
Usually two treatments a day, such as Kizhi and Kati Basti, with gentle yoga and plenty of rest.
Last days
Going home
A final consultation with exercises and routine for home.
A guide, not a fixed schedule: the centre's doctor sets your programme and changes it as you go. Longest stays run to 21 days.
The treatments
In plain words.
Ayurveda uses Sanskrit and Malayalam names. Here's what each one actually is.
Kizhi
warm herbal bundles (leaves, rice or powders) pressed over the body
Kati Basti and Janu Basti
warm oil held in a ring of dough over the lower back or knees
Abhyanga
warm oil massage
Gentle yoga and movement with a therapist
Is it for you?
Who it suits, and who should wait.
Usually a good fit
- Stiff joints or back, where your own doctor knows about it and has ruled out anything urgent
- People who want to rest and move gently with daily treatments for two to three weeks
Talk to your doctor first, or wait
- Pregnancy, or trying to conceive during the stay
- Recent surgery, or an operation planned soon
- Serious heart, kidney or liver disease, or cancer under active treatment, unless your own doctor agrees
- Diabetes, blood pressure or other conditions that aren't under control
- Inflammatory arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis) on prescribed medicines: don't stop or change them without your rheumatologist
Where, and how much
Centres that offer it.
| Centre | Where | Feel | Package | Per guest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort | Kerala | Calm resort | 21 days | $5,100 |
| Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort | Kerala | Luxury retreat | 21 days | $7,800 |
Indicative prices per guest from published rates: room, doctor, treatments, herbal medicines and meals. Flights and visa are extra. We confirm the price in writing before you book.
Questions
Will it fix my arthritis?
Nobody can honestly promise that. Many people find the warmth, massage and rest ease stiffness for a while. Keep your usual treatment going.
Can I do this instead of seeing a doctor?
No. See your own doctor first, and tell the centre's doctor everything you take.
Which visa do I need?
For treatment at an Ayurveda centre, India's official e-Visa site lists an e-Medical visa for Ayush (traditional Indian medicine) purposes, which needs a letter from the centre. Eligibility depends on your passport, the same as for other e-Visas. We check which visa fits your stay and get the centre's letter for you.
Is it safe if I have a health condition?
Tell your own doctor before you book, and tell the centre's doctor everything you take. Keep taking prescribed medicines unless your own doctor says otherwise. Some stays aren't suitable in pregnancy, after recent surgery or with serious heart, kidney or liver disease.
Can Ayurveda cure my condition?
We don't make that claim, and you should be wary of anyone who does. Many people find a stay restful and helpful. Evidence for many treatments is limited, and Ayurveda isn't a replacement for medical care.
Thinking about joints & aches?
Tell us when you could travel and what you'd like from the stay. We'll suggest centres and send written prices.
Other programmes
General information, not medical advice. A separate service from our medical travel. Each centre's doctors are responsible for your programme.