:: St. Rita’s Ayurveda Hospital and Research Center

There is a unique vortex of spiritual vitality and history in the Nalukody area which is perceptible to even the most casual visitor or tourist here. Thiruvalla, a few miles from St. Ritas’ Hospital was once a major seafaring town with trade links to ancient Rome, Syria, Crete, and Greece. Along with the trading ships came waves of spiritual travelers from different parts of the world that brought rare treasures and stayed to build many different churches and temples. Their legacy is still very much alive to this day and evident in an extraordinary syncretism of world cultures. The design, structure, and architectural styles of sacred sites here are a rich blend of ancient East and West – some of the churches resemble traditional Hindu temples and use many symbols from Hindu mythology while retaining the distinctive vision of early Christian builders.

Nalukody is located quite remarkably close to many well known places of popular interest. Visitors at St. Ritas’ Hospital can partake of Ayurvedic treatments and still find time during the rest of the day to visit places like Thekkedy, Alapuzha, Kumarakom, and even Kovalam by the sea. The wild-life preserve of Thekkedy are only a three hour drive from here and our staff is equipped to handle any arrangements for your visit there and stay. The backwaters of Kumarakom are even closer – about 25 kms – and celebrated for their natural beauty. Boat-rides can be arranged through these languid and still waterways which can take a visitor from a pier near Nalukody to Kumarakom on one side and to Alleppey and Alapuzha on the other. There is nothing quite like a week-end on a house-boat on which one can drift down for miles without end! The waterways are lined with pristine forests and little villages that seem to belong to another time and world.

To the south of Nalukody, lie the golden beaches of Kovalam and Varkala (150kms) where one can relax for a few days after a few sessions of Ayurvedic care here. Kovalam is about three hours by train – near Trivandrum city - and Varkala is even closer. The ocean here is purest blue-green with waves that are ideal for both surfing and swimming. Varkala also has beautiful laterite cliffs that line the ocean and fill the landscape with their bright red colors. Comfortable hotels are easily found in both Kovalam and Varkala – our staff would be happy to provide any assistance in making your travel and stay arrangements at these places.

To the north of Nalukody, about 75 kms, is the bustling city and port of Cochin. Here, the visitor can easily pass a day exploring the ancient Jewish settlement with its rare architecture of buildings. There are museums filled with rare treasures and theatres that offer evening performances of ‘Kathakali’ and ‘Mohiniyattam’ dances.
In addition, Nalukody is easily accessed on both sides by airports within reach. Nedumbassery airport near Cochin, is about three hours drive from our hospital while Trivandrum airport is a little closer. We would be happy to provide a courtesy shuttle to and from these airports.
We encourage our guests to explore the area around Nalukody and to visit some of the ancient churches and temples. We would be happy to provide the necessary transportation as well as guides for those who need that.

PizhichilLukewarm herbal oils are poured all over the body by 2-4 trained therapists in a special hythmic way for about 60 minutes. Indications: Hemiplegia, paralysis, rheumatic complaints, joint stiffness, nervous disorders, etc. GnavarakizhiIt is an ayurvedic process by which the whole body, or any specific part, is made to perspire through the application of certain herbal potions that are tied into 'boluses' made from muslin bags. Duration:
60 minutes Indications: Loss of appetite, sluggishness, depression and anxiety, rheumatism, joint problems, etc. Dhara: (thyladhara, thakra dhara, ksheera dhara)Special herbal oils, medicated milk, butter-milk, and other potions are steadily poured on the forehead in a meditative and focused way for about 45 - 60 minutes. These ‘pourings’ awaken and calm the mind as well as body enabling a growth of new cells. The ‘Dharas’ are effective in healing a range of problems from migraines and nervous disorders to diabetes and also help in correcting vision. DharaCertain herbal oils, extracts, potions, etc. are applied through the rectum for a thorough-going cleanse. Indications: Arthirits, sciatica, paralysis, gastric complaints, rheumatism, etc. Sirovasthi Special herbal oils are poured into a cap and placed on the head for about 15-60 minutes per day. Indications: Facial paralysis, headaches, 'vatha' originated diseases. Extremely good for patients who may have had brain-related strokes or ‘anuerisms’. Snehapanam.Medicated ghee is given internally in increasing doses as a preparation for a fuller 'Pancha Karma' treatments.Nasyam.This is one of the important components of any 'Pancha Karma' treatments. This cures Paralysis, Neurological Disorders, Migraine, Mental Tension, Headaches, Hair Greying - Premature, Hair And Scalp., Facial Palsy, ENT Problems, Allergic Rhinitis and Skin Diseases (some Types). The treatments includes application of herbal juices and medicated oil through nose for a period of 1 to 7 days. AbhyangamThis oil massage treatments aims at having a positive impact on problems of Obesity, particularly for Diabetic Gangrene. The massage is carried out for 45 minutes every day and continues upto 14 days.Dhanyamla Dhara This ayurvedic treatments is considered extremely helpful in curing diseases like Spondylosis, Rheumatism, Spinal Disorders, Osteoarthritis, Paralysis, Neurological Disorders, Disc Problems, Hemiplegia, Back Pain, Asthma and Arthritis. In this a herbal liquid is poured all over the body by means of a special vessel. The ayurvedic treatments continues for 14 days and takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.Dhara This ayurveda treatments is meant to cure problems like Insomnia, Vatha predominated diseases, Mental tension and certain Skin diseases. The treatments includes pouring of some herbal oil, medicated milk, medicated butter milk on the forehead in a special method for around 45 minutes. The treatments is carried out for a duration that ranges between 7 to 21 days.Kativasthi In this ayurvedic treatments, a specially prepared warm medicated oil is placed over the body parts and is bordered with herbal paste. The ayurveda treatments continues for 45 - 60 minutes. It is useful for problems like Spondylosis, Arthritis Back Pain and Disc Problem.KizhiKizhi provides relief from osteoarthritis, arthritis with swelling, spondilosis, sports injuries etc. This ayurveda treatments basically includes application of herbal leaves and powders (that are made into pouches and immersed in warm medicated oil) all over the body for 45 - 60 minutes per day. The process continues for 14 days.Ksheeradhoomam This milk steam treatments combines herbal medicinal decoction and milk which together is heated. The steam emanating from this is passed over the affected part. This ayurvedic treatments is particularly utilized to cure problems like Numbness, Paralysis, Neurological Disorders, Headaches, Facial Palsy and Allergic Rhinitis.LepanamThis ayurvedic treatments is used to cure inflammatory problems. In this medicated herbal paste is applied on the affected portion of the body.Njavarakizhi This ayurveda treatments include the massage of the whole body or a specific part of the body which results in that part perspiring. The massage is done by two masseurs for a period of about 60 to 90 minutes per session. Disease which have been found to be positively affected by this treatments include Neurological Disorders, Muscular Diseases (Atrophy), Muscle Pain, Multiple Sclerosis, Limbs - Emaciation Of, Inflammatory Conditions, Hemiplegia, Disc Problems, Diabetic Neuropathy, Back Pain and Arthritis.PizhichiThis ayurveda treatments is continued for 7 - 21 days for curing problems like Arthritis, Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Paralysis-Agitanus, Sexual Weakness, Nervous Weakness and Nervous disorders etc. In this lukeworm oil is applied all over the body in a rhythmic pattern by two to four trained therapists. Sirovasthi This ayurvedic treatmentss is found to cure problems like Facial Paralysis, Dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, Severe headaches, and other Vatha originated diseases. The treatments has a cap fitted on the patients' forehead in which lukewarm herbal oils are poured. The treatments takes time depending upon the condition of the patient. ThalamMedicated oil is applied on the top of the head for 20 - 40 minutes that proves useful in curing diseases like Headaches, Hair Greying - Premature, Anxiety, Insomnia and Memory Loss.Udvarthanam This ayurveda treatments is useful in curing problems like Hemitplegia, Paralysis, Obesity and certain Rheumatic ailments. Special herbal powder are applied on body during massage for 45 to 60 minutesUrovasthi As in Kativasthi, warm medicated oil is placed over the chest for 45 minutes which proves beneficent in treating Ankylosing Spondylitis, Arthritis, Muscular Chest Pain, Rheumatism and Sports Injuries. Vasthi In this ayurvedic treatments certain herbal oils and herbal extracts are applied through the rectum every day. This process continues for a period of 5 to 25 days and proves effective in curing Arthritis, Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Numbness, Bastric complaints associated with Rheumatism and constant constipationYoni PrakshalanamThis ayurveda treatments entails application of herbal oils and decoctions through the vaginal route. It helps in curing gynecological disorders.This treatment involves a full body massage ('abhyanga') with medicated and herbal oils or creams followed by a fragrant steam bath. It also includes an intake of internal rejuvenative medicines and deep rest relaxation The treatment involves a full body massage, 'Snehapanam', 'Virechanam', 'Kadi Vasthi', 'Sneha Vasthi', 'Kashaya Vasthi', 'Pizhichil', 'Gnavarakizhi''. All of these help to strengthen the spinal column and tone the back muscles. They also prevent further bone loss and any nerve compression. Is good for spondylosis, post-traumatic stress, injuries..This special treatment involves a stimulation of the vital points ('marmas') in the body through massage and precise acupressure. It will awaken and energize you on subtle levels and allow you to attain equilibrium of 'Vatta', 'Pitta', and 'Kapha'.