|
None of the centers allow patients to bring in food from outside. Alcohol, smoking, chewing tobacco, and the consumption of tea, coffee, and non-vegetarian foods are forbidden in all the centers. All the naturopathy centers require the visitor (patient) to stay on campus, for a duration that depends upon the nature of his or her complaint. Some naturopathy centers prescribe a minimum stay of ten days, as they say that no significant effect can be observed within a shorter period. Charges vary, depending upon the kind of room the visitor prefers, with choices ranging from a dormitory to an entire cottage. In between these two rates are the various options like a single room, an executive room, a cottage or a hut.
Apart from the charges for the accommodation, food and treatment charges are extra. Treatment charges vary depending upon the complexity of treatment warranted by the specific ailment. Children below fifteen years of age are not allowed inside these centers nor are pregnant women. Patients should be able to walk at least 1 km without support to gain admission here.
Whether it is treatment that suits the more spiritually inclined, with yoga and meditation forming an important part of the day's routine, or more modern equipment like saunas and whirlpool baths that take one's fancy, one can choose from many naturopathy centers in India
Naturopathy believes: "All healing powers are within your body." Since we fall ill only when we go against Nature, the cause of diseases (toxins) is expelled from the body to cure it. Fasting has been described as Nature's way to recover. A thorough rest, which includes fasting, is the most favorable condition in which an ailing body can purify and recoup itself.
Rishikesh in India is called the yoga capital of the world and there are many ashrams in Rishikesh offering courses on meditation, yoga and Hindu philosophy. The International Yoga Festival is organized every year from February 2 to 7 by the state tourism.
Kerala, in the southernmost tip of India, is noted, among many other things, for its Ayurvedic resorts that draw a large number of tourists every year. The treatments provided by these resorts have become so popular that the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has started a 'Monsoon Rejuvenation' Package that combines sightseeing tours with Ayurvedic massages and treatment. The Ayurvedic treatments are considered most effective after the karkadam or monsoon months because during this period the body has less heat and hence is most responsive to treatments.
The treatments are variously divided into rejuvenative, preventive, and curative. The most common rejuvenative therapy is the herbal oil massage, where two oils are selected according to one's body constituency. The massage tones up the whole body and, if followed by a steam bath (in water mixed with herbal powers), it makes one feel fresh and invigorating. Most Ayurvedic regulars have this massage once a week and swear by its rejuvenative qualities.
| 
