Skin Healing - Elephant Pass Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat

Ayurvedic Skin Healing Program at Elephant Pass

Our Skin Healing Program is designed for guests struggling with chronic, non‑emergency skin issues such as psoriasis, eczema (dermatitis), recurring rashes, acne, and dry or itchy sensitive skin. Ayurveda views most long‑standing skin problems as signs of disturbed Pitta and Kapha doshas together with impurities in the blood (Rakta) and ama (toxic residue), rather than as surface‑level issues alone.

At Elephant Pass, this understanding is translated into a doctor‑led, personalised program combining internal cleansing, external applications, calming therapies, and a skin‑friendly diet in a quiet riverside setting.

This program is suitable as supportive care for:

What This Program Supports

Psoriasis – chronic scaly plaques with redness, itching, and thickened skin.

Eczema / dermatitis (Vicharchika) – dry, itchy, inflamed rashes that may ooze or thicken over time.

Acne (Mukhadushika / Yuvan Pidika) – recurring pimples, pustules, nodules, and scars, especially in adults under stress.

Sensitive or reactive skin – frequent rashes, redness, burning, or dryness, often worsened by stress, heat, or certain foods.

This program is not for acute, severe, or emergency skin conditions (e.g., rapidly spreading infection, severe drug reactions, extensive burns), which require immediate hospital‑based care.

Ayurvedic View of Skin Conditions

In Ayurveda, most chronic skin diseases are grouped under Kushtha and Kshudra Kushtha, where all three doshas can be involved, but Pitta and Kapha along with Rakta (blood) often play leading roles.

Key ideas:

Pitta governs heat, inflammation, and colour in the skin (Bhrajak Pitta); when aggravated with Rakta, it can cause redness, burning, and inflammatory lesions.
Kapha adds thickness, oozing, and itchiness; when combined with Pitta and ama, it can produce chronic, sticky or scaly conditions.
Raktadushti (vitiation of blood) is a classical concept where “impure” blood due to wrong diet, lifestyle, and emotions contributes to various skin diseases.
Ama (toxins from poor digestion) further clogs channels supplying the skin, worsening flare‑ups and delaying healing.

Psoriasis, eczema, acne, and related disorders are thus seen as the result of Pitta–Kapha disturbance with Raktadushti and ama, often aggravated by heat, spicy/oily food, alcohol, stress, and harsh products.

Our approach is to cool and purify Pitta–Rakta, balance Kapha, clear ama, and calm the mind.

Stay & Facilities

Ayurvedic Treatments Used in the Skin Healing Program

Your exact plan is created by the Ayurvedic doctor after assessing your skin type, dosha profile, digestion, triggers, and medical history. It may include:

1. Internal Cleansing (Mild Virechana)

Virechana (therapeutic purgation) is a key procedure for Pitta‑ and Rakta‑related disorders and is widely used in managing eczema (Vicharchika), psoriasis (Kitibha Kushta), and other inflammatory skin conditions.
When appropriate and safe, a mild or moderate Virechana is used to clear excess Pitta and ama from the digestive tract and blood channels, setting the stage for better skin healing.

2. Local Lepas and Medicated Baths

Herbal lepas (pastes) are applied to affected areas to reduce itching, burning, scaling, and thickness.
Medicated baths or gentle washes using herbal decoctions help soothe the skin and maintain hygiene without harsh chemicals.

Stay & Facilities

Ayurvedic Treatments Used in This Program

3. Oiling and Soothing External Therapies

In selected phases, oil application (Snehana) over the body or specific areas can help reduce dryness, scaling, and Vata involvement, especially in psoriasis and chronic eczema.
These are always chosen carefully based on whether your current state is “wet/oozing” or “dry/scaly” to avoid aggravating the condition.

4. Panchakarma Options Depending on Severity

Beyond Virechana, other Panchakarma measures may be considered according to your strength and disease pattern, such as:
- Vamana in some Kapha‑dominant cases,
- or conceptual consideration of Raktamokshana (bloodletting) which is mentioned in classical literature for certain Pitta–Rakta disorders, though it may or may not be part of our on‑site offerings.
The focus remains on safe, doctor‑led detox, not aggressive procedures.

5. Calm Mind + Cool Diet

- A cooling, non‑reactive vegetarian diet is planned, avoiding typical Pitta‑Kapha triggers such as very spicy, oily, deep‑fried foods, excessive sour/fried items, alcohol, and heavily processed foods.
- As stress is a major trigger for psoriasis, eczema, and acne, the program integrates:
  - Stress‑relief therapies (like Shirodhara in some cases),
  - Gentle yoga and breathing, and
  - A calm daily routine to reduce flare‑ups linked with emotional strain.

"The food? Simply amazing. Each meal was a perfect blend of flavor and nourishment, prepared with care using fresh, local ingredients."

Sarah L

Germany, Google Review

Stay & Facilities

Expected Changes

While every case is unique, guests who undergo a focused Ayurvedic skin‑healing retreat often notice:

Improved comfort, with less burning, stinging, or tightness of the skin.
Reduced itching and fewer episodes of intense scratching.
Calmer, less frequent flares in conditions like psoriasis and eczema, especially when diet and stress management are continued at home.
Better digestion and bowel habits, which Ayurveda considers essential for skin health.
A general sense of feeling lighter, cooler, and more at ease in the body.

Suitability & Safety

Who This Is For / Not For

Works Best When

You have chronic but stable psoriasis, eczema, acne, or similar conditions and want to explore Ayurvedic management alongside dermatology care.
You are willing to adjust your diet and lifestyle, not just receive external treatments.
You can stay for at least 14–21 days, which many Kerala skin programs recommend for Panchakarma‑based care.

Not Appropriate As Sole Care For

Acute, severe, or rapidly worsening skin conditions (e.g., cellulitis, severe drug reactions, erythroderma).
Situations where your dermatologist recommends urgent steroids, immunosuppressants, or hospitalisation.

Our Skin Healing Program is meant as a holistic complementary approach and works best when you continue to see your dermatologist or primary doctor for monitoring and medical decisions.

"The serene environment, combined with the care and attentiveness of the staff, allowed me to focus and complete my writing with ease and inspiration."

Sarah L

Germany, Google Review

The Riverside Environment

How Elephant Pass Supports Skin Healing

At Elephant Pass Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat, skin‑healing guests benefit from both medical structure and a healing environment:

Doctor‑Reviewed, Skin‑Friendly Diet

Every guest’s diet is reviewed by the Ayurvedic doctor to avoid likely triggers and to support cooling, cleansing, and gentle digestion.
Menus emphasise fresh, plant‑based, sattvic food, often with plenty of cooked vegetables, light grains, and healthy fats in moderation.

Soothing Therapies and Stress‑Care

Treatments are chosen to soothe, not shock, your skin—focusing on appropriate phases of oiling, lepas, baths, and internal cleansing.
Since emotional stress is known to worsen psoriasis, eczema, and acne, your plan includes time for relaxation, yoga, breathing, and quiet by the river, helping your nervous system settle, which in turn supports your skin.

The goal is a gentle, consistent approach that works with your skin over time, not harsh suppression.

Our Ayurveda & Wellness Services

At Elephant Pass Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat, we offer a complete range of authentic Ayurvedic treatments and holistic wellness programs designed to restore balance and wellbeing.

Our core services include:

Ayurvedic Doctor Consultations
Panchakarma Detox Programs
Rejuvenation & Wellness Therapies
Stress Management Programs
Weight Management Programs
Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat Packages
Personalized Lifestyle Correction Programs

All treatments are customized after detailed consultation with our Ayurvedic doctors to ensure each guest receives a personalized healing experience.

Guests can choose from short-term wellness retreats or long-duration therapeutic programs depending on their health goals.

SKIN HEALING treatment FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ayurveda cure psoriasis?

Psoriasis is considered a chronic, recurrent condition in both modern medicine and Ayurveda. Classical sources and modern case studies suggest that Ayurvedic Panchakarma and skin‑focused protocols can significantly reduce symptoms and lengthen remission, but a permanent cure for all patients cannot be promised.

At Elephant Pass, our aim is to:

Decrease scaling, itching, and discomfort.
Reduce the frequency and intensity of flares.
Improve digestion, stress balance, and overall wellbeing.

We encourage you to see Ayurveda as a long‑term management and support system, not a guaranteed one‑time cure.

How long do I need to stay for skin treatment?

For chronic skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, many Kerala centres recommend 21–28 days of focused Ayurvedic treatment to include full Panchakarma and follow‑up care.

At Elephant Pass:

Minimum 14 days is recommended to see meaningful changes, especially if Panchakarma is included.
21+ days are ideal for long‑standing or extensive cases, allowing more time for cleansing, rebuilding, and observing how your skin responds.

Shorter stays can offer relief and education, but deeper, more stable shifts generally need more time.

Will I need to avoid certain foods completely?

During your stay, you will be asked to avoid or minimise typical trigger foods, especially if you have Pitta–Kapha‑type skin issues:

Very spicy, oily, deep‑fried items.
Excessive sour, salty, and fermented foods.
Alcohol, heavy sweets, and highly processed snacks.

Whether you need to avoid certain foods completely and permanently depends on your individual case and how strongly they trigger your skin. Your Ayurvedic doctor will give you personalised food guidelines and re‑introduction advice for after your retreat.

Can I continue my dermatology medicines while doing this program?

Yes—and in many cases, you should. Ayurveda works well as a complement to dermatology care.

Do not stop topical or oral medicines prescribed by your dermatologist without their guidance.
Our Ayurvedic doctor will design your program around your current treatments and help you gradually explore lifestyle and herbal support that may allow dose adjustments only when your dermatologist agrees.

Is there any risk that Ayurvedic oils or herbs will worsen my skin?

Any active treatment can cause changes, and sensitive skin can react if therapies or products are not chosen correctly. To minimise risk:

Our doctor assesses your skin type, dosha pattern, and current state (dry vs. oozing, hot vs. cool, etc.) before choosing oils, lepas, or decoctions.
We start gently and observe your response, adjusting as needed.
If you have a history of strong allergies or contact dermatitis, please share this during consultation so we can avoid certain substances.

The overall approach is to soothe and support your skin, not to apply heavy or aggressive products.

Start with a Free Ayurvedic Doctor Consultation

If you’re living with psoriasis, eczema, acne, or sensitive skin and want to know whether the Skin Healing Program at Elephant Pass could help, start with a free Ayurvedic doctor consultation.

Our doctor will review your skin history, triggers, and current treatment, explain how an Ayurvedic skin‑healing retreat works, and suggest a realistic stay length and plan that fits your condition and medical care.

Medical Disclaimer – All Ayurvedic consultations and treatments at Elephant Pass are provided by qualified Ayurvedic doctors as part of traditional Ayurvedic medical practice. The information on this page is for general awareness about our services and does not replace a personal consultation, diagnosis, or treatment plan from our doctors or your other healthcare providers. Always discuss your individual health condition, current medications, and treatment options directly with a qualified doctor before making medical decisions or changing any ongoing treatment.

         Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Robert M 
 
 
 
 Verified  Elephant Pass Ayurvida and Yoga Centre
Elephant Pass Ayurvida and Yoga Retreat is a calm, relaxed resort in a beautiful setting. Don't expect to see any elephants, they're a little further up the road. The staff were very helpful. My friend and I stayed for two nights (we were in transit at the time) and practiced Yoga in the morning and also took on a relaxing full body massage. The rooms are basic but adequate. As hungry cyclists we would have preferred more food options with the meals (don't expect a full on buffet) but the staff did make an effort to supply some addional requested items for our dietary needs. We booked late and all in all this was a nice quiet unfussed place to stay with beautiful sunsets thrown in too.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Dasha - Sun of Beach 
 
 
 
 Verified  A place with a Soul
My stay at Elephant Pass was a very calm and grounding experience. Life here follows a natural and gentle daily rhythm that quickly feels comfortable. The position of the building itself is just perfect: while it is hot, there is a natural shadow and you can stay freely out of your room. At the same time you can e joy both - the morning and the afternoon sun for sunbathing. In the morning wake up to birds singing, with no traffic or noise, only greenery and the river nearby. The day starts with morning yoga. The teacher is very well educated, with a strong theoretical background, and always available for questions. She explains the body, breathing and yoga principles in a clear and thoughtful way, which adds a lot of depth to the practice. After yoga, there is time for a short walk through the nearby village. The local people are kind, open and welcoming. Bringing small gifts or treats from your home country is a lovely idea and is always appreciated. Breakfast is served either indoors or in a gazebo by the river. You can quietly watch birds flying and singing while enjoying freshly prepared Ayurvedic food. The meals are simple, traditional and extremely fresh. Everything feels clean, safe and nourishing. As a sophisticated traveller I can confirm that. Later in the morning, the first treatment takes place. The therapist is gentle, attentive and professional, and the sessions are relaxing and comfortable. After some rest, lunch is served, followed by a second treatment later in the afternoon. In the evening, yoga focuses on relaxation, breathing and meditation. After dinner, the day naturally slows down, and you go to sleep early, falling asleep and waking up to the sounds of nature. The rooms are spacious, very clean and comfortable. Air conditioning works perfectly, and there is always hot water with good water pressure. Every evening, the entire property is gently fumigated with natural herbs, which keeps insects away. This makes outdoor dining comfortable, and during my ten-day stay I did not see a single insect in my room. The location is also convenient. The retreat is not far from the airport (Cochin) and the transfer is easy and not tiring. I truly believe this place has a soul. And its soul is the people who work here! Their warmth, care and presence are what make Elephant Pass a special and meaningful place to stay.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   pammiewallis 
 
 
 
 Verified  A great experience
Staying at the elephant pass resort was an unforgettable experience Accommodation food treatments and professional people quite amazing. I just wish I could have stayed longer. This place is a special gem. Thank you
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Kiran A 
 
 
 
 Verified  Worth the journey
Amazing location. Epitomises the term ‘God’s own country’ perfectly. Fantastic massage and treatment options. Good vegetarian food. Extremely helpful and supportive staff. Highly recommend the property for a break to recharge your batteries.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Kate S 
 
 
 
 Verified  Positive and healthy
We had wonderful experience here- staff super professional and warm but discreet/excellent Ayurvedic treatments and doctor- family vibe with kind and incredibly efficient -Near airport- peaceful by river - simple and easy organization- yoga master knows his stuff- I advise a little practice at home before starting yoga there - I went without practice for ages so very stiff! Would stay longer next time- the treatments were so good- best ever! People adorable ???? thank you ????????
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Alexis S 
 
 
 
 Verified  Relax and disconnect in tropical paradise
I spent one week at Elephant Pass and thoroughly enjoyed my stay. The location is absolutely stunning, set along the Periyar River, and offers a truly peaceful and serene atmosphere. The resort grounds are beautifully maintained and enhance the sense of calm throughout the property. What truly made my experience special was the staff. Everyone was exceptionally kind, friendly, and welcoming, and they went out of their way to make my stay memorable. I felt deeply relaxed and rejuvenated after my Ayurvedic treatments, and I appreciated that the doctor checked in on me almost every day. The food was another highlight—delicious, varied, and full of wonderful local flavors. While the rooms could benefit from some modernization, the overall experience more than made up for it. I would definitely recommend Elephant Pass for the warmth of the staff, the quality of the food, and the overall sense of care and tranquility.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Hassan A 
 
 
 
 Verified  مكان هادئ وجميل، خدمة رائعة وتجربة أيورفيدا مميزة تستحق الزيارة
تجربة من أجمل ما يكون! المكان هادئ بشكل يخليك ترتاح من أول لحظة. الطبيعة حوالينك خيال، والنهر يعطي إحساس رايق وطاقة إيجابية. العاملين محترمين جدًا وتعاملهم راقٍ ويهتمّون بكل التفاصيل. جلسات الأيورفيدا كانت مريحة ومفيدة بشكل كبير، والأكل صحي ولذيذ. الجو العام كله يساعد على الاسترخاء وتجديد الطاقة. باختصار: مكان يستحق الزيارة وبقوة، وراح أرجع له أكيد.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Susanne K 
 
 
 
 Verified  Wonderful Ayurveda & Yoga experience at Elephant Pass Resort
We had 11 days at Elephant Pass next to the holy river Peribavour with daily Ayurvedic treatments, massage and yoga morning and night. We woke up every morning with stunning birdsong and running squirrels in the lovely garden. Our yoga teacher was brilliant. All staff very kind, professional and service minded. The massage and treatments were great. Food all together vegetarian and Indian was a true experience. We can strongly recommend a stay at Elephant Pass.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cruiser36282376745 
 
 
 
 Verified  Wonderful , serene , peceful escape to stay .. very rare at this price !!
Location and atmosphere was serene very peaceful place , staff is exceptional , food is pure veg and tasty but not hard on your body Its a scenic ans serene place .. quiet .. therapist know how to massage acc to ayurveda ...Dr. Honey was there for time to time treatment related issues .. cant forget Vishnu , purshottam kaka ,chef, sentil therapist ,female therapist ,housekeeping staff were kind enough to take care of all your needs tried there level best ... at last but not least thanks to Mr. Stepehen ans Mrs Simi the owner couple were very courteous and hospitable ..rooms are value to money satyed in cottage category it had a small living space a bedrrom and a bathroom though no powder room but full value for money ... though its a open prperty but it was clean especially the bed linens and towel there was no foul smell and all clean ... i needed water as only prefer certain type so staff specially went to near airport place and brought it for me actually it took hrs to them to bring
  
 
 
  
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         Posted on Google  
   
   Olivia Misuraca 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I had the pleasure of staying at this Resort which I had originally planned to stay at for five days but ended up extending for two weeks. The location of the Resort is right beside the beautiful river which every afternoon you can see the most exquisite sunsets. It’s quite relaxed and if you’re looking for a place that is amongst nature like I was this is the place to be.
The rooms are spacious and clean, the staff are friendly and go out of their way to help you. They even hosted a cooking class and took us on day trips as well. I took a full board package while I was staying there and the food was absolutely delicious and also they gave a large variety of different dishes.

The only downside to this place would be that the Wi-Fi was very slow so maybe keep that in mind if that is something that’s really important to you. But in all it is a fantastic place to stay.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Julie Holmes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We stayed for 17 nights. We signed up for the rejuvenating package of two daily treatments. All meals and herbal drinks. On site doctors visits.Two sessions of daily yoga and meditation.
We enjoyed the food. The team led by Thomas are great,  nothing is too much trouble. My therapist Nimisha was gentle and professional. Dr Sara helped to calm my anxious husband. When we arrived we were stressed from a difficult year having moved house. After a week our health mentally and physically improved.
We met lovely people and we felt part of a warm caring family. We loved the river and peaceful surroundings, where the many birds came, the fish jumped and the locals fished and bathed in the holy Perivar river. We really slowed down. We had a cookery demonstration a typical buffet meal served on a palm leaf. We also had a couple of trips to St Thomas Church, a temple in the forest and a longer road trip to Fort Cochin. We would thoroughly recommend this place to restore peace and vitality into your life. My skin, hair and nails are glowing first time in ages. My husband seems calmer and healthier. He celebrated his 76 th birthday and we had a lovely cake and small party.
A big thanks to Thomas the manager for sorting out everything. Dr Sara for starting and monitoring our health. Dr Archanaraj for the yoga particularly the breathing exercises.  Saneesh for the delicious food. Saratha for the gentle service. Pushottsma for his maintenance. Nimisha for my treatments, Shinto for collecting flowers and administering my husband’s treatments. Vishnu for accompanying us out to the bank. The owners for a their attention.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Pammie Wallis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I had the great pleasure of staying at elephant pass resort.  It was a fabulous experience in fantastic calm and beautiful surroundings
The food was so tasty varied and vegetarian cooked with imagination.  The treatments were given so professionally and oh so wonderful.  There were two knowledgeable and most helpful doctors on hand.   The whole experience amazing and I enjoyed every moment.  Thank you
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   George Thomas 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  A serene and quiet place having a beautiful riverside and good hospitality. You too can enjoy good sun set in the evening
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   CA Pooja Shrivastava 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I recently did a 3 day retreat at this resort and I must say it was fabulous. The resort is situated at the most beautiful serene location.  I had a very relaxing and rejuvenating stay. The food was amazing, the staff was exceptionally warm and helpful, special shout out to the sever Mr Shrey (sorry if I am mis-spelling his name), the ayurvedic treatment and yoga was super relaxing both mentally and physically.
Highly recommend this place.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kiran Aghanashinikar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Amazing location. Epitomises the term ‘God’s own country’ perfectly.  Fantastic massage and treatment options. Good vegetarian food. Extremely helpful and supportive staff. Highly recommend the property for a break to recharge your batteries.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sughosh Kunj 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Very efficient and personalised experience. Dr. Sara was very helpful! Purshottam sir is very polite. Left the place much healthier and calmer!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   mrigakshi mehta 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Beautiful place and so close to nature , would love to come back again
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alexis Strader 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I spent one week at Elephant Pass and thoroughly enjoyed my stay. The location is absolutely stunning, set along the Periyar River, and offers a truly peaceful and serene atmosphere. The resort grounds are beautifully maintained and enhance the sense of calm throughout the property.

What truly made my experience special was the staff. Everyone was exceptionally kind, friendly, and welcoming, and they went out of their way to make my stay memorable. I felt deeply relaxed and rejuvenated after my Ayurvedic treatments, and I appreciated that the doctor checked in on me almost every day.

The food was another highlight—delicious, varied, and full of wonderful local flavors. While the rooms could benefit from some modernization, the overall experience more than made up for it. I would definitely recommend Elephant Pass for the warmth of the staff, the quality of the food, and the overall sense of care and tranquility.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nandagopal senniappan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Very nice location with river pass, stay and accommodation are very pleasant..
  
 
 
  
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