Ayurveda, yoga and Kalari, in plain English.

A full-body massage with warm herbal oil, usually given by one or two practitioners.

What it is like. Firm, rhythmic and warm. Some people describe it as relaxing; experiences vary.

A price described as covering the items listed under What’s Included. Check the selected package, exclusions, any additional charges and final checkout total; this glossary does not establish a universal no-booking-fee policy.

A traditional Ayurvedic eye-care practice in which a herbal preparation is applied along the lower eyelid.

What it is like. The source describes a brief application that may sting. Eye applications require individual assessment; this description is not a safety assurance or advice to try them yourself.

India's traditional system of health and daily living, practised widely in Kerala. It uses consultation, diet, routine, bodywork and herbal preparations.

What it is like. Depends on the program: a stay may combine bodywork, meals and rest. Confirm the actual inclusions.

An undergraduate professional degree in Ayurveda in India. The degree name alone does not verify a named practitioner’s qualification, registration or scope of practice.

Kalari bodywork in which the practitioner massages with their feet, holding a rope overhead for balance.

What it is like. Deep and firm.

Ayurveda's idea of a regular daily rhythm: waking, eating and sleeping at consistent times.

What it is like. A daily routine that a practitioner may discuss; a take-home plan is not guaranteed.

Ayurveda's traditional framework of three qualities used to describe a person's constitution. It is a traditional concept, not a measured one.

The master or teacher of a kalari; the role is associated with the school’s teaching tradition. The title alone does not verify a particular lineage or credential.

A broad tradition of yoga commonly involving postures, breathing and relaxation. Modern classes vary in how they use these practices.

What it is like. May be steady and paced; confirm the class level, pace and adaptations with the host.

Lifed’s word for a program host: a practitioner, centre, community or organiser. Applications and submitted programs undergo administrative review; this does not by itself establish independent verification of every qualification or universal co-creation.

The training hall where Kalaripayattu is taught, often sunk below ground level with an earth floor.

Kerala's traditional martial art, combining footwork, stances, kicks, jumps and, at advanced levels, weapons.

What it is like. Physically demanding, especially low stances.

A traditional herbal rice gruel eaten in Kerala during Karkidakam.

What it is like. Warm and mild.

The Malayalam month around mid-July to mid-August, during the southwest-monsoon period, traditionally associated with Ayurvedic care in Kerala. Dates vary by year; the association does not establish greater clinical benefit.

Yoga understood as action or service without attachment to its results. At some residencies, the term may refer to shared work around the place; confirm participation requirements.

What it is like. Practical and sociable.

Warm cloth pouches filled with herbs, rice or powders, pressed and rubbed over the body.

What it is like. Warm and soothing.

Sequences of linked body movements practised in Kalaripayattu to build flexibility and control.

What it is like. Repetitive and demanding.

A pranayama practice of breathing through one nostril at a time.

What it is like. Slow and steadying.

A traditional Ayurvedic practice of placing a few drops of herbal oil in the nose.

What it is like. Brief, with a strong herbal smell.

Traditional Ayurvedic eye-care practices, such as warm herbal pouches around the eyes or a gentle stream of herbal liquid over closed eyes.

What it is like. Gentle and warm.

A traditional Ayurvedic group of specialised procedures, with preparatory and follow-up practices that may include oil bodywork and diet. Procedures, assessment and duration depend on the individual plan; a two-week stay is not its defining feature. This is not an ordinary spa package or a proven promise of detoxification.

What it is like. Can be demanding and requires appropriate practitioner assessment, screening and informed consent. Confirm the procedures, risks, supervision and suitability before booking.

Yogic breathing practices, often slowing the breath or lengthening the exhale.

What it is like. Calm and focused.

The branch of Ayurveda concerned with rejuvenation and long-term wellbeing. A traditional concept.

A traditional Ayurvedic practice in which a continuous stream of warm oil is poured across the forehead. Session length varies; around 45 minutes is a source example, not a universal duration.

What it is like. Some people describe feeling relaxed or sleepy; this is a subjective experience, not an established sleep-treatment outcome.

Metal bowls struck or circled to produce a sustained tone. In some sound-bath sessions, participants listen while lying still; the format varies.

What it is like. Resonant and absorbing.

The oil bodywork of the Kalaripayattu tradition, given with hands and often feet.

What it is like. Firm, rhythmic and deep.

A guided practice done lying down, moving attention slowly through the body.

What it is like. May feel restful or sleepy; experiences vary. It is not the same as sleep or a treatment for a sleep disorder.