What really is Panchakarma?

June 13, 2015

Monica B Groover, Ph.D., AWP, CMT, RPYT

There is detox. Then, there is Ayurvedic detox. As you see in this post--a regular detox may involve some fruits, smoothies or pills. And, it is generally aimed at clearing in a general way. It is not specific to an area of the body. For example, detox for kidneys. (TCM has a lot more specific detox --however, I am not talking about TCM)

Ayurvedic Detoxfication is very specific, customized to the individual, very powerful, and, must be done under a qualified professional with years of training and experience. Ayurvedic Detoxifcation may be aimed at balancing agni, doshas, tissues and eliminating Ama (food molecules decomposing and creating toxins).

Ayurvedic detoxification procedure is called Panchakarma.

So, I will specify it here for my future students, and, anyone reading this.

PANCHAKARMA IS NOT A MASSAGE.

So, what is it, if not a massage. Massage with Ayurvedic Tailams (medicated and herbal oils prepared in a traditional way) may be used for Vata or Kapha individuals before Panchakarma. Yes, Before--as part of snehana in preparatory stage. (See snehana below).

Panchakarma is a THREE STAGED bio purification program. Each stage has many steps. And, practitioner chooses the steps.

If a person is weak, post partum, menopausal and does not have the strength, we follow the palliative or the first portion of this process called Purvakarma. (Preparing the body and mind for Panchakarma). We also call this stage Shamana stage. (A lot more about shamana later!)

In Purvakarma, we prepare the body and mind by herbs, diet, meditation, agni dipana (increasing digestive fire), snehana (Oils, and fats--externally and internally) and svedana (sweat therapies).

When the person is ready, we move to stage two. This is panchakarma.

Lets break down the word panchakarma--

1. PANCHA- FIVE

2. KARMA- ACTIONS

These five actions are cleansing therapies. If I say, I am going to start Panchakarma tomorrow--it is not going to happen unless I have prepared myself --my doshas, dhatus and mental self. Plus, there is a large list of contraindications.

There is a period of preparation for the mind and body. (In the west, people just leave certain foods and habits cold turkey--which is not suggested in Ayurveda).

The preparation period is called PURVAKARMA. (yes, a lot of sanskrit words--bear with me)

Panchakarma is a deep cleanse of the mind, and, body and very specific areas of the physical body, organs, dhatus that requires bringing AMA (undigested and unmetabolized food molecules that may be lipophilic or hydrophilic) back into the the GI tract, and, then eliminating them. That can take weeks, if not more just to get to the point of starting pachakarma.

What these people are looking for is SHAMANA. That is a sanskrit word for pacification. Not a hose me down with therapies, herbs, kitchari and self enema with decoctions and sesame oil. PK is rather a SHODHANA or deep cleanse and purification of either middle area- (Liver, spleen cleanse for pitta) with Purgatives like Kalamegha, Kutki, Panchatikta ghritum (Very very bitter herbs cooked in ghee), OR, ENT, chest and stomach area (Kapha area) with Kaphatic (my friend Sudevis phrase for kapha issues) herbs like Trikatu, Triphala with raw honey (Although these herbs are pretty standard Ama busters). Kaphas tend to recieve dry massages with herbs like Triphala.

And, last, but not the least a special lubrication and oleation called SNEHANA for the Vatas.

The SNEHANA means lubricating the inside and outside of the physical, mental and spiritual body with oil baths, oil massages, drinking soups made with ghee and pouring herbal oil onto the hair, and, sneha pana--eating ghee for a few days. Finally, there is also oil bastis

So, I will write more about Shamana, Shodhana and Brihmana(Tonification), as well as Rasayana (Rejuvenation) and PK for Vata, Pitt and Kapha issues in the days to come.

Yoga Teacher Training 200 HRS
(Hatha Yoga with an Ayurvedic and Spiritual Focus )

October 2019 - June 2020
One to One training with one or two students.
Held on alternative weekends in Austin, Texas.

Cost for students of Ayurveda or Narayana:
Paid in advance: $50 application fees + $1500 +books (sold on amazon)*
Paid Flexible in four installments: $50 application fees+ $1890 + books(sold on amazon)

Note: NON Refundable after 2 months.

Cost for outsiders:

Paid in advance: $50 application fees + $1800 +books (sold on amazon)*
Paid Flexible in four installments: $50 application fees+ $2200 + books(sold on amazon)

Classes in Austin, TEXAS. This program requires attending classes every two weeks in person plus intensive weekend workshop(s) in person, as well as online live classes.

Narayana Ayurveda & Yoga Academy offers Yoga Teacher Training with focus on Ayurvedic Practices, Classical hatha yoga asanas, Spiritual Yoga Practices, Mudras, Chanting and Pranayama.

READ MORE

Important: "The yoga therapy components of our other course(s) are based on Ayurveda Yoga therapy principles, and are, not derived from our status as an RYS® with Yoga Alliance Registry."

Our story: We had been offering Ayurveda, Sanskrit, Meditation, Ayurvedic Anatomy as well as Ayurveda and Yoga Integrated workshops and classes for many years. We started yoga teacher training due to many requests from our current students. The course is based on the premise of deeper immersion into traditional Hatha Yoga practices from Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Spiritual Practices from Srimad Bhagavad Gita, and, Ayurvedic Health Practices from Charaka Samhita.

If you are looking for a quick certificate to put on your wall-- this is not us. We are aiming to invite yogis who want to deepen their understanding of yoga philosophy, Pranayama, Mudras, Mantras, Ayurveda, as well as basic Sanskrit terminology. This yoga program is delivered both online, as well as onsite workshops. The program is spiritual, and, has a strong Ayurvedic basis.

Objective: At the end of the course, student will be able to teach at least a basic 60 Min Hatha foundation, beginner, or, gentle Hatha Yoga class with a gentle warm up with all basic spinal positions, classical surya namaskara, regular and/or modified with props, and, seated, prone and supine asanas for beginners followed by one or two Pranayama and meditation followed by shavasana.

Classes take place online, every other saturday, and, weekend workshops in Austin, Texas.

Course lasts apx. 6-8 months.

Testimonials:"The Yoga Teacher Training program at San Diego College of Ayurveda was a truly transformational experience, for which, I will be forever grateful! The instructors are heart-centered, life-long practitioners who are highly knowledgeable in every aspect of Yoga. From them, I received a solid foundation and the training necessary to begin teaching others with confidence, grace, and humility." Sandra B, Ayurveda Counselor, RYT

COST: $1890* (If paid in 6 installments)
$1500 (If paid in advance)

*Does not include Textbooks

Please note that the tuition does not include any books, or, free yoga classes.

Teachers: Monica B Groover Ph.D, AWP, E-RYT 200, RPYT
Rose Bryant, ND,AWC, E-RYT500
Aparna Dandekar D.O, AWP (Anatomy)

Why choose us?

*Affordable Fees.
*If you have already done Block 1 with us, then you only need 150 more hours to finish your yoga teacher training.
*World class master faculty. (We have Western Physician as well as Ayurvedic Doctors, and master yoga teachers available as faculty)
*Flexible learning with online classes as well as intensives.
*Deeper immersion into Ayurvedic Anatomy
*Deeper immersion into classical Yoga texts, and, classical asanas
*Small class numbers
*Focus on experiential case based and client based
* Focus on Sanskrit
*Focus on meditation
*Focus on chanting and mantras
*Focus on pranayama

What we dont offer?

Our course is already deeply discounted, so we are unable to offer free Yoga classes. We expect the students to do yoga classes elsewhere locally.

We dont offer all classes onsite. The course is HYBRID. Anatomy, Physiology, History of Ayurveda etc related classes are offered online via a virtual classroom, online presence, via ZOOM APP

We dont maintain a campus, and, pass the cost benefits to students. All classes onsite will be held at SOMA VIDA AUSTIN TEXAS, or, at other south Austin yoga studios, during intensives.

If you are looking for a yoga community - we can only offer that online, or, when we have a workshop at our location.

Pre Requisites

The course would suit any one of the following:

*A practicing Yoga enthusiast for 2 years
*Someone interested in deep immersion into eastern philosophies and Sanskrit
*Someone who prefers gentle, restorative practice with a focus on spirituality, and Ayurveda
*Someone looking to deepen their own yoga practice
*Someone looking to teach beginning level Hatha yoga with gentle practice and focus on modifications

Course Format - Blended. Online and Onsite Classes

How does this work?

1. Student signs up, and, if accepted into the program, pays the installment, or, full fees.
2. We send you the home study material and workbooks via email or online along with schedule for onsite and online classes.
3. Online class - Student attends online LIVE classes and watches the pre recorded classes and study material. Recordings of live classes available.
4. Student also attends the onsite classes, or, onsite workshop or immersions.
5. Interactive Forums- Students can ask questions on Interactive forums. Student submit their assignments and assessments to the teacher via forums or email, Or, complete them online.

Students who have paid the full amount can get a refund minus processing fees within 5 business days. No refunds after 5 business days.

* Student must complete some quizzes and assignments at the end of each module.

**PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE PRE RECORDED CLASSES PROVIDED FOR SANSKRIT. Live Classes are available for the rest of the modules. Access to virtual 'campus' is given.

Suggested Textbooks

*SDCOA YTT Manuals
*Yoga Anatomy 2nd Edition- Leslie Kaminoff
*Yoga Adjustments by Mark stephens
*Yoga Sequencing by Mark Stephens
*Sri Patanjali Sutras
*Modules and PDF LECTURES (Provided for download- not in a printed form)

Optional Reading
Krishnamacharya: His life and Teachings
*Teaching YOGA
*Yoga Sequencing

APPLY NOW
http://sandiegocollegeofayurveda.net/admissions

We are an affordable, ONLINE and DISTANCE LEARNING Ayurveda school with some courses recognized and registered with Yoga Alliance, International Association of Yoga Therapists and National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA). Our professional Ayurveda programs are approved and regulated by Texas Workforce Comission-Career School and Colleges.

Yoga Teacher Training 200 Hrs is offered onsite in Austin TX.

We are an online college, and, courses are are offered either 100% online, or, in a hybrid format (Online with an option of distance learning, and, optional onsite requirement during workshops, and, opportunity for internship once a year.)

Download Catalog.

Read More about our courses

Community Service Weekend
Location: Austin, TX

Yoga programs like Yoga Therapy available as well

Benefits of an online college

Upcoming Online Programs

Support Self Healing with Ayureda and Yoga. Bring self awareness to your life, and learn Ayurveda and Yoga secrets in this short 24 hour program designed for personal growth.- May 2017
Introduction to Ayurveda Yoga Therapy Practices-150 Hrs Level 1- May 2017
Ayurveda Counselor 600 Hrs (Level 2) May 2017(Orientation, Classes begin June 1st, 2017

Our admin office location for yoga programs in Austin, Texas.

Student Consults Event

Student Consultations are $30 and include 3 days of bulk herbs. These are done under the supervision of an Ayurveda Practitioner. A student consult may be recorded by an audio or video device, or, shared later with students. Free Ayurveda and Yoga therapy consultations, with our students under the supervision of teachers may also available on onsite workshop dates. (Last weekend of Feb 2017, March 2017, May 2017 and July 2017). If a student is not available, the practitioner will record the consultation and share with the students during regular online class times.

Community Weekend Consultations

If you would like a consult with a Practitioner, contact us about our Community Ayurveda Weekends with Consults from $30 with three days of herbs included (while quantities last. This can be done online via SKYPE, or, in person. Contact us with your location, and, we will set it up.

If you are seeking Yoga Alliance CE's for Sept 4 workshop
please click here

San Diego College of Ayurveda is now a NAMA  PACE provider.

For AYURVEDA PROGRAMS, please Click here for contact form. Or, call 760-705-4291.

If interested in YOGA TEACHER TRAINING, please call-512-692-9162, or Click here for contact form

History

About us

Our school provides comprehensive instruction in ancient Ayurvedic and Vedic healing practices through online courses. Our online workspace makes distance learning at an affordable rate available for adult learners.

The college was established by Husband and Wife team, Monica B Groover, Ph.D. (Manjulali Dasi), and, Pandit Atul Krishna Das.

Why choose Narayana Ayurveda as your School of Choice

Affordable and Flexible Payment Plans

Our Ayurveda Counselor Online starts from $2900* tuition. The tuition payment can be spread up to 12-14 months. This price is nearly 45% less than most Ayurveda colleges in the United States.

*Tuition only if paid in advance. Does not include books, electronic materials or application fees. Monthly and flexible tuition plans are 10% extra.

Recognition and Accreditation

Narayana Ayurveda is one of the 13 schools whose Ayurveda Counselor is recognized by the National Ayurvedic Medical Accreditation Council*.
https://www.ayurvedicaccreditation.org/recognized-programs/#AHC
(See below)

We are one of 12 schools whose Ayurveda Practitioner is recognized by the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Accreditation Council. See links:

https://www.ayurvedicaccreditation.org/recognized-programs/#AP

*"The National Ayurvedic Medical Accreditation Council is a programmatic accrediting agency for clinically focused Ayurvedic medical programs. As such, it serves to ensure the high quality of Ayurvedic medicine education in the United States through the granting of accreditation to programs in Ayurvedic medicine that voluntarily seek NAMAC accreditation and meet NAMAC’s standards. NAMAC’s accreditation standards cover a range of educational and organizational aspects necessary to support the delivery of quality programs, including faculty, student services, information services, finances, and administration".

https://www.ayurvedicaccreditation.org/

National Exam Results

Our graduates have consistently performed very well at the NAMACB (National Ayurvedic Medical Associations-Certification Board) Exams for Ayurveda Counselor certification and Ayurveda Practitioner board certification.

Flexible Training Delivery

Our Training Delivery is flexible. A student can choose to join the ONLINE track and complete their entire training online*. Or, choose our hybrid model-where you attend mostly online and come in person for the internship.

Content Driven

Our curriculum is based on ancient Ayurvedic Texts (Caraka Samhita, Astanga Hrdyam, Susruta Samhita) written in Sanskrit that we have simplified and presented in simple English. We have created a content-driven system that breaks down every concept, and, then each concept builds on one another. Training is experiential.

Not only do the students gain a deeper understanding of theoretical philosophy and principles, but also learn the practicum and labs where they may learn to use spices, herbs, oils, and other natural remedies.

Training is delivered via lectures, podcasts, labs, internships, and client appointments, case discussions and practicums. Students may work in teams or individually for projects and community work is part and parcel of the final exam.

Students learn the practicum portion-whether cooking in their own kitchen, or basic knowledge of how to assess dosha imbalances in the body using traditional methods using marma, nadi, threefold biofeedback etc. This knowledge can be invaluable for those working in alternative medicine or wellness fields.

Amazing Instructors

Our Instructors are a mix of medical doctors and Ayurvedic Practitioners, Ayurvedic Doctors, and Spiritual Teachers. Two of our teachers-Monica B Groover (the Director) and Dr. Mithun Baliga are published, Authors. Monica Groover's book-"Essential Guide to Ayurveda Part 1" opened at Number 1 on Amazon's Best Seller list under 1 category. Pandit Atul Krishna is an expert Vedic astrologer and Sanskrit teacher with 40 years of Sanskrit and Vedic Astrology experience under his belt. Our beloved teacher Deborah A King has been a nurse practitioner for 30 years, is a spiritual practitioner, and an Ayurveda practitioner.

Meditation and Spiritual Growth
Another benefit of attending our Ayurveda school is that our focus is to provides a space to explore different aspects of spirituality and meditation and different modalities like yoga, Vedic Astrology, Qigong, chanting etc.

Many people find that taking part in these practices helps them to become more aware of their own bodies and minds, leading to greater self-awareness and insight into their own physical and mental health. Furthermore, learning about the spiritual aspect of healing can help deepen our understanding of how energy works within the body, allowing us to better assist our clients journey toward wellness.

Community Driven

Finally, when you attend Narayana Ayurveda either online or via a hybrid track, you will become part of a supportive community of friends, students, and teachers where you can share ideas with like-minded individuals interested in furthering their knowledge of alternative medicine.

This network can be beneficial if you ever need advice or want to discuss new techniques with experienced practitioners who have used them before.

Joining our Ayurveda college can provide many benefits for those seeking a deeper understanding of holistic healing practices such as herbalism, yoga, meditation, Ayurvedic pulse (energetic) assessment, pranayama exercises, dosha nutrition counseling, aromatherapy, and more.

Not only will you gain valuable knowledge about how to best serve your community, family, friends and clients but you will also become part of a supportive community dedicated to furthering its members’ knowledge in alternative medicine practices.

Story Continued

Both the founders of Narayana wanted to establish an affordable, online college, based on Samkhya as well as Vedantic principles. The team wanted to make Ayurvedic education affordable by using Open Source Learning Management like Moodle.

Ayurveda is an ancient form of holistic healing from India that has been around for centuries, 3000 BC to be more precise. It is continuosly gaining popularity in the West.

In the last decade of teaching Ayurveda, we have seen many health professionals and people from all kinds of life joining our Ayurveda school to learn more about this powerful practice.

But why should you learn Ayurveda as an Ayurveda Counselor, where you will be taught about practicing Ayurveda professionally from the ground up? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits.
We have two levels of training

Level 1- 600 Hour Ayurveda Counselor
Level 2- 900 Hour Ayurveda Practitioner
Other teachers include Dr Aparna Dandekar (threeriversayurveda.com), and, Dr Priyanka Rajan, BAMS, Dr Monika Singhal, MBBS. Guest lectures and yoga therapy lectures may be provided by other highly qualified faculty as well.

Mission

Our mission is to promote alternative, spiritual and holistic wellness education via Ayurveda, an ancient system from India for balancing the mind and body. Ayurveda is a collection of complimentary, holistic and alternative lifestyle practices whose aim is to balance the mind and body through the use of herbs, spices, cooking, meditation, yoga and seasonal cleansing.

Ancient Knowledge, Modern Delivery Our Ayurveda courses are comprehensive yet designed for adult learners and offer flexibility and affordability. Training delivery is experiential and blended. We use online web-conferencing, and open source Learning Management System to create our virtual learning environment

Goals

Support healing through an organic plant based vegetarian diet principles.
To cultivate in our students -love of nature, environment and earth and inner harmony.
To conduct affordable, Ayurvedic Yoga therapy and meditation workshops based on Vedic Principles, rooted in mother nature
To conduct affordable Ayurvedic certificate courses that fulfill NAMA. (National Ayurvedic Medical Association) requirement for Ayurveda Practitioner and Ayurveda Counselor
*To mobilize the students of our certificate courses to conduct onsite workshops, education and coaching as a spiritual and Ayurvedic counselor in their own community.
*To mobilize the students of our certificate courses to conduct onsite workshops, education and coaching as a spiritual and Ayurvedic counselor in their own community
*To create Ayurveda and Yoga course materials, books and manuals

Philosophy
Wholeness : Living in harmony with the nature and earth
Humility: Practicing humility through surrender to nature’s intelligence, and, teaching that to the community
Ahimsa : Living in Harmony with nature and a plant based diet that does not harm the environment and other creatures.
Giving Back : Committing to give back to earth by using organic foods, recycling and restoring nature.
Meditation : Practicing Sadhana, (daily Practice) Restoring balance by meditation
Consciousness : Cultivating inner awareness and knowingness

Our team practices Ayurvedic Vegetarian Diet or are Vegan. Most of the students who join our course also conduct community workshops. We offer excellent online training delivery in United States, with a fraction of a price. Community Workshops are free of charge.

Internships

In person Internship- For Hybrid Track students
Online Internship- For 100% Online Track students