National Research Institute for Panchakarma
National Research Institute for Panchakarma at Cheruthuruthy in Thrissur district, is the only organisation in the public sector for research and development in Indian systems of medicine, especially Panchakarma related to ayurvedic system.
The institute was set up in 1971 on the southern bank of Bharathapuzha river in Cheruthuruthy.
The institute comes under the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha of the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The institute is functioning with hospital, laboratories and pharmacy and is undertaking various research activities, especially Clinical Research on Neuromuscular problems and Training programmes to Doctors and Therapists on Panchakarma. The institute also provides intensive training on Panchakarma for Ayurvedic physicians. This institute organises Post-Graduate three-month-long Special Certificate Course in Panchkarma after graduation for Ayurvedic doctors is held twice a year.
On 21 October 2010, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare upgraded the institute as a Centre of Excellence.There are opportunities for students who seek to learn and practice Panchakarma course as Masseurs conducted in a gap of every 4–5 years.Seats are limited.Duration of the course is one year.