Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres and Ashrams

India

Panchakarma Detoxification Program

A 14 day programme held at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram, Neyyar Dam, Kerala.

Program outline

Panchakarma means ‘five treatments’ to remove toxins from the body and to support the natural rhythms of the body. It is a minimum of 14 days preventive and/or curative treatment to detoxify and cleanse the body and mind. It reinforces the immune system and leaves the body healthier, stronger and free from chronic ailments. The Panchakarma Detoxification Program is an unique opportunity to cleanse and rejuvenate physically and mentally in a pure, spiritual, yogic environment. One should approach the program with the idea to retreat from normal life and use the time to connect to body, mind and soul. During your stay in the ashram you can also benefit from the ‘5 Points of Yoga’ i.e.

1. Proper exercise – Asana
2. Proper breathing – Pranayama
3. Proper relaxation – Savasana
4. Proper diet – Vegetarian
5. Positive Thinking (Vedanta) and Meditation.

Panchakarma treatment is also indicated for healthy persons as it will boost the immune system. During the treatment program you will be provided with information about Ayurveda, Panchakarma and how to follow an Ayurvedic diet according to your constitution. Special treatments are also available for: rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, neck pain, disc problems including slipped disc, degenerative diseases, anxiety and other mood disorders.

This package includes:

• Twin share room accommodation; AC or non-AC.
• Ayurvedic, vegetarian diet.
• Daily doctor’s review.
• Ayurveda talks on principles of Ayurveda, body constitution, diet and importance of panchakarma.
• Ashram schedule - yoga asana classes, satsang (group meditation, chanting and talk) and lectures on yoga, as the treatment schedule permits (included in the panchakarma package).
• Day trips to local places of interest e.g. Kanyakumari (southern most tip of India), Kerala backwaters, jungle trip, Neyyar Dam boat ride, elephant sanctuary, lion park, crocodile farm (optional and not included in the panchakarma package).

Consulting Doctor

Dr. P.R. Vishnu BAMS

DOB: 30/05/1985

Education: Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (Ayurveda Acharya), Bapuji Ayurvedic Medical College, Shimoga, Karnataka (affiliated Rajiv Gandhi Health University, Bangalore, Central Council of Indian System of Medicine, Delhi), 2008

Areas of interest: neurology, rheumatology.

Professional experience: Sri Sarada Ayurvedic Hospital, Derisanamcope, Kanyakumari Dt., Tamil Nadu, 2008 - 2009

Work at Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwanthari Ashram (SYVDA): Joined in 2009.

Ayurveda Wellness Course, SYVDA - coordinator and teacher.

Ayurveda Abhyanga (massage) Course, SYVDA - coordinator and teacher.

Articles:

Ayurveda & Health – Indigestion, Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, India newsletter, January 2011

Ayurveda & Health – Home Remedies, Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, India newsletter, March 2011

How Yoga Helps for Degenerative Diseases, Punarjani magazine, April 2011

Other interests: Karnatic music, Gazhal (Hindustani), cricket

Contact details: SIHdoctor@sivananda.org

Panchakarma Detoxification Program Details

Panchakarma is done in two steps:

1. Preparation stage - to liquefy toxins and eliminate them naturally through 2 daily treatments:
   a. oleation: Abhyanga (oil massage) and oral administration of oily substances,
   b. sudation: vigorous pounding all over the body with hot packs filled with medicinal powder or leaf (kizhi).
2. Elimination stage - removal of toxins after 3 to 7 days of treatment with vomiting, purgation (virechanam), medicated enemas and nasal administration of medicated oil (nasyam).

12 days Abhyanga (oil massage) – to mobilize and liquefy toxins from the tissues, release muscular tension, improve circulation and give mental relaxation.

12 days Kizhi (hot bundle) - process by which the whole body or specific parts are made to sweat by the application of warmed medicinal herb powder, leaf or hot rice tied into a cotton cloth. Kizhi serves to liquefy and help eliminate toxins, to release the pain of strained muscles (sciatica etc.) and give flexibility to the body.

7 days Dhara - process by which medicated oil (thailadhara), or a decoction of herbs with buttermilk and gooseberries (takradhara), is poured in a continuous stream on the forehead for a period 20 to 30 minutes. Enhances the effect of Panchakarma and calms the mind and emotions.

7 days Nasyam - inhalation of medicated oil drops, usually done after a massage. Its purpose is to purge and rejuvenate tissues and organs of the head and neck (nose, larynx, ears, eyes, etc.). Nasyam improves oxygenation which has a direct influence on brain functioning. Treats common cold, sinusitis, allergies, headaches, migraines, etc.

Drinking of oil or ghee (clarified butter) – as part of the preparation stage to liquefy toxins.

Virechanam (purgation treatment) – part of the elimination stage.

3 oil enemas - part of the elimination stage.

2 decoction enemas - part of the elimination stage.

Hot water bath is included after each treatment in the ayurveda clinic.

Please note: treatments may vary according to your particular needs.

The program includes a health checkup with the following tests:

• determination of body constitution
• blood pressure
• urine protein and sugar
• blood electrolytes
• lipid profile
• liver function
• serum creatinine
• blood sugar levels
• haemaglobin concentration
• ESR

Daily Schedule

0520 hrs	Wake up
0600 hrs	Satsang (meditation, chanting, talk on yoga)
0730 hrs	Tea
0800 hrs	Treatment Period
1330 hrs	Herbal Tea
1400 hrs	Yoga lecture (optional)
1530 hrs	Asana Class (optional)
1800 hrs	Dinner
2000 hrs	Satsang(meditation, chanting, talk on yoga)
2230 hrs	Lights out

Due to the Panchakarma schedule participants might not be able to attend all the classes. You are encouraged to participate as much as possible in the ashram schedule especially morning and evening satsang.

Definition of Terms

Satsang: Satsang consists of silent meditation, chanting and a talk or reading on the philosophy of yoga and Vedanta. It will help you develop a strong and steady meditation practice.

Asana class: There are usually both beginners and intermediate classes running at the ashram. For those with no experience or experience from another school are recommended to join the beginners classes where the basic pranayama, sun salutation, and the twelve basic postures are taught in a systematic step by step manner.

Pranayama: Basic practice of kapalabhati, anuloma viloma (alternate nostril breathing).

Karma yoga: Karma yoga is the practice of selfless service which helps guests to feel part of the ashram. You are expected to do up to one hour of selfless service per day within ashram.

Chanting (kirtan): Opens the heart and purifies the mind. Correct pronunciation of Sanskrit and a devotional attitude is important.

Meditation: Guideline to meditation. Benefits of meditation. The use of mantras and mantra initiation.

Brunch/Dinner: Simple Indian style vegetarian meals.

Course Dates and Donations

For a list of upcoming course dates and donations click here.

Accommodation

We recommend twin share accommodation for participants to ensure privacy and tranquillity. Click here for accommodation details.

Single accommodation is not available.

Two sheets, a pillow, pillowcases and mosquito net are provided.

Registration & Cancellation

See How to Register for instructions on applying, paying and cancellation policy for courses and programmes.

Dates and donations are subject to change without notice. For all programs, guests are subject to the suggested donation in effect at the time of final payment.

To maintain the spiritual atmosphere we ask all ashram guests to comply with the ashram rules. Kindly refer to the Ashram rules and guidelines for more information. The ashram reserves the right of admission and students may be asked to leave if their behaviour goes against the ashrams rules and teachings.

What to Bring

Comfortable clothes, sandals, toiletries, personal items, meditation shawl for cool evenings, yoga asana mat or pad, meditation cushion, notebooks, pens, towels and a torch.

These items can usually be purchased in the ashram boutique.

Passport/Visa

Foreign Nationals are required to bring their original passport with a valid visa for India.

Please note, a recent immigration rule by the Indian government came into effect, and there should be a period of at least two months between visits, after the last visit to India, before returning on a Tourist Visa.

Further Sivananda Courses

Panchakarma Detoxification Program participants may be interested in the Ayurvedic Wellness Course, Ayurvedic Abhyanga Course (Ayurvedic Massage), Fasting and Detoxification Program, and the Yoga Teachers' Training Course (TTC).