What Is an Ayurvedic Hospital?

An ayurvedic hospital provides treatments for patients interested in the traditional medical practices of India. This is one of the oldest medical systems in the world, focusing on balancing the body’s energy to promote health. Patients may pursue exclusively ayurvedic treatment for disorders or can consider it as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medicine. Some hospitals offer both modalities for their patients.

Patients can spend several days or weeks at an ayurvedic hospital for a full course of treatment. When they arrive, they meet with a practitioner who reviews the primary complaint, conducts a physical examination, and identifies additional issues that may need treatment. This information is used to develop a treatment plan which can include a variety of options provided on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

Staff at an ayurvedic hospital can include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and people experienced in physical therapy, meditation, and other therapies. Some have specific certifications which require completion of training and examinations, depending on regional requirements. Patients with concerns about the competence of the staff can check with regulatory agencies to learn more about the requirements for practice in a given region.

Therapies in this discipline use herbs, powders, and infused oils to stimulate the body. Practitioners believe health problems stem from an imbalance within the patient that must be corrected. Patients may receive massages, dry rubs with powders, applications of oils, and steam baths. Their stay can also include yoga, meditation, and other practices to help them focus and achieve a state of balance.

Accommodations at an ayurvedic hospital may include private cottages or cabins as well as rooms in a main facility. Some of these may be shared, allowing patients to access a low-cost accommodation option. Insurance companies in India often cover a stay at an ayurvedic hospital and any necessary treatments. Medical tourists can also visit to receive treatment. Some facilities are more like spas geared at rejuvenation and relaxation rather than formal medical treatment.

Quality of care at an ayurvedic hospital can vary. Hospital ratings are available for people interested in third party reviews and information about rates, services, and facilities. Some hospitals may be affiliated with a charity or professional organization that remains accountable for the quality of services on offer. Outside India, the hospital may focus more on complementary care or relaxation, rather than an explicit practice of ayurvedic medicine as a primary mode of care. Patients who want intensive ayurvedic therapies should research carefully to find a facility that will offer these services.