Panchakarma combines two Sanskrit words: Pancha, meaning five, and Karma, meaning therapy. Together, they refer to five traditional Ayurvedic procedures designed to eliminate aggravated doshas from the body.

The five therapies are:

Vamana Karma (emesis therapy)
Virechana Karma (purgation therapy)
Anuvasana Vasti Karma (unctuous enema therapy)
Nirooha Vasti Karma (decoction enema therapy)
Nasya Karma (errhine therapy)

Before beginning any Panchakarma procedure, a physician carefully evaluates the patient’s strength, age, sex, disease condition, constitution, and other relevant factors.

Benefits of Panchakarma:

Helps eliminate aggravated doshas through the alimentary tract
Enhances digestion and metabolism
Supports healing, recovery, and restored health
Brings clarity to the senses, mind, intelligence, and complexion
Builds strength
Supports healthy longevity and resilience
Rejuvenates the body
Helps prevent disease and strengthens immunity
Nourishes the body
Revitalises the nervous system

These Panchakarma treatments are offered alongside specialised Kerala therapies such as Dhara, Pizhichil, Navarakizhi, Abhyangam, Sirovasthi, Kizhi, Talapothichil, Kativasthi, and more.

Special Treatments

Dhara

Dhara is a distinctive Kerala treatment developed from the region’s rich medical tradition. It is one of several exceptional therapies practiced by Kerala physicians.

A continuous stream of warm medicated oil, herbal decoctions, medicated milk, or buttermilk is poured onto the forehead for 45 to 90 minutes. This often creates a deeply calming, trance-like state that relaxes both mind and body. It is especially effective in soothing and revitalising the central nervous system, and it is often recommended after Abhyanga.

Dhara may be beneficial for many conditions. By adjusting the liquid used according to the dosha condition, and modifying the procedure as needed, it can help pacify aggravated doshas.

Benefits: Strengthens the central nervous system; reduces stress, hypertension, and anxiety; also prescribed in clinical conditions such as epilepsy, diabetic neuropathy, and paralysis.

Pizhichil

Pizhichil is a Kerala therapy that combines the effects of Snehana and Swedana. It is considered one of the traditional Keraleeya Panchakarma techniques. Warm medicated oil is poured over the body in continuous streams while four therapists gently massage for 45 to 90 minutes. The treatment is deeply soothing, relaxing, and rejuvenating, helping tone and strengthen the body.

Benefits: Increases vitality and immunity; offers a calming, restorative experience; prescribed in conditions such as paraplegia, hemiplegia, and other Vata-dominant ailments.

Abhyangam

Abhyangam is a full-body massage using specific herbal oils to nourish and revitalise the body tissues (dhatus) while helping remove toxins from the cells. Its effects go far beyond an ordinary massage with mineral oils or lotions, supporting a deeper sense of balance across body, mind, and spirit. The treatment is performed symmetrically by two therapists for one hour and is usually followed by a medicated steam bath (Sweda).

Benefits: Rejuvenates the whole body; beautifies the skin and delays ageing; reduces stress and promotes sound sleep.

Kativasthi

In this treatment, specially prepared warm medicated oil is retained over the lower back within a boundary made of herbal paste. The session lasts 45 to 60 minutes.

Benefits: Relieves pain; indicated for low backache, spinal disorders, and related conditions.

Kizhi

Kizhi involves applying herbal leaves or powders to the body in boluses with hot medicated oils for 45 minutes daily over a period of 7 to 14 days.

Benefits: Helps relieve pain and oedema; indicated for arthritis, spondylosis, low backache, and similar conditions; also offers good results in sports injuries.

Terms & Conditions

Herbal preparations are provided according to individual body condition
Detailed consultation and basic body type assessment are done on arrival
Minimum stay and treatment duration is seven days
Two treatments may vary depending on the body’s response

Sessions of Treatment Programs on each day

Special diet for anti-obesity programs

The Taste of India

This Brothers concept presents unique South Indian vegetarian foods and dishes, with most recipes drawn from traditional South Indian cuisine. A brief description cannot fully capture the variety, but the menu includes many delicious dishes to satisfy every South Indian food lover.

Ayurveda Cuisines

The Ayurveda cuisines are specially prepared according to the intentions of the Vaidyas (Ayurveda doctors). These purely vegetarian dishes are created with meditative care and are intended to support relief from disease. The Brothers’ Ayurveda cuisines also encourage greater awareness around eating for nourishment, not just taste, with meals that include sufficient nutrients.

Facilities & Amenities

Complementary Service/Facilities:

Wi-Fi
Laptop usage on demand
Room-to-room calling
Porter assistance with 24-hour reception service
Information about the local region, weather, and more
Foreign money exchange

On Chargeable Basis

Travel desk, laundry, 24-hour coffee shop, telephone

Ayurveda retreat in Canacona