Abhyanga, Ayurvedic Massage

Abhyanga has an array of health benefits and is an important therapy when wanting to bring the body back to balance and prevent disease. This week certification course is designed for current massage, physical or yoga therapists, and other healing professionals, providing them with an additional technique to support their client’s total wellness, mind & body.

“You feel so connect to something much greater than our human bodies, than even our individual spirits, you feel this connection to the greater universe.”
— Joan Ngo (attendee)

Overview Video & Testimonials


Abhyanga Certification Overview

Our program is designed for a complete immersion, and includes three daily Ayurvedic meals, morning yoga, an educational lecture each morning, an afternoon hands-on practicum session, Ayurvedic tea service, an educational manual and online recordings, with certification awarded upon passing an exam and completing practice hours, plus 50 hours of Continuing Education credits.

Upon Completing the Program, Students will Gain

By the end of the program, students will be well-equipped with the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to perform Abhyanga massage, understand client needs, create customized herbal oils, and establish a professional Ayurvedic practice.

  • Proficiency and expertise in the Abhyanga technique.

  • Ability to assess and address client-specific needs for the practice of Abhyanga.

  • Skills in safe, effective Abhyanga practice, including client documentation and consent.

  • Strategies for setting up a dosha-focused Abhyanga practice.

  • Deepened understanding of somatics, neurochemical skin properties, and the lymphatic system, essential for the practice.

  • Knowledge in crafting custom Ayurvedic herbal oils, with practical dosha-specific formulation skills.

  • Community support and connection with other practitioners.

Modular One: Introduction to Ayurveda, Ayurveda Physiology & Somatics

Ayurveda is an approach to health, wellness, and medicine that originated in India. A traditional form of holistic medicine that utilizes herbs, yoga, nutrition, and massage techniques to support symptoms of illnesses and for health maintenance. The skin is the largest organ of our body. It is also the most important and rich source of healing substances. It is very sensitive to touch therapy, either by massage of powder, oil, aromas, or just gentle pressure. It produces anti-depressants, anti-cancer and anti-aging substances, and hormones that enhance circulation. Abhyanga is an ancient practice enjoyed today in all parts of the world, providing a multitude of benefits to recipients. Read more here.

Modular Two: Intake and Practice

Always know the client’s constitution and imbalances before the session begins. Certain treatments cannot be performed with certain conditions. Ensure the treatment you are providing is safe and customized to the client. Each new client needs to have a brief Ayurvedic assessment before treatment can proceed as well as consent forms to proceed. We provide you with the skill set and sample documents you need to run a safe and effective practice.

Modular Three: Abyhanga;Techniques, Indications& Contraindications

Every neuron-chemical found in the nervous system is also present in the skin, this is why Ayurveda has emphasized more on the healing magic of touch since ancient times. The basic principle of Ayurvedic oil application is the use of long strokes and friction strokes to maximize the absorption of medicated oil that has been personally prepared. Actual techniques and flows vary with the artistry of the practitioner. At Purusha Ayurvedic Wellness we teach you the traditional flow we use at our center, giving you a solid foundation and structure from which to begin. 

Module Four: Crafting Traditional Ayurvedic Herbal Oils for Abhyanga

Explore the ancient art of Ayurvedic oil making, recognizing the skin as our largest organ and the significance of massage oils. This module delves into creating dosha-specific herbal blends, teaching you to formulate custom, full-spectrum oils tailored for individual client needs.

UPON COMPLETION OF THIS IMMERSION PRACTITIONERS WILL:

  • Mastery of Abhyanga Techniques: Achieve a comprehensive understanding of Abhyanga's principles and techniques to apply them effectively.

  • Personalized Abhyanga Services: Tailor sessions based on individual health profiles, addressing specific needs and wellness goals with a client-centered approach.

  • Professional Collaboration: Foster effective communication and collaboration within the health and wellness community, adhering to professional standards and referral protocols.

  • Ayurvedic Knowledge: Gain expertise in selecting and using Ayurvedic oils, essential oils, and herbal formulations that balance specific doshas, enhancing treatment efficacy.

  • Preparation of Herbal Oils: Learn the art of crafting traditional full-spectrum herbal oils, from herb selection to oil infusion, to use in treatments.

  • Ethics and Safe Practice: Learn how to maintain the highest level of client confidentiality and privacy, ensure clients are fully informed about the techniques and treatments used during their session, and establish and respect professional boundaries with clients.

DATE &Investment

Date: October 8-13, 2024

Investment: $1195 Early bird before September 1st $995 (includes all lecture, daily yoga, 3 Ayurvedic meals, & daily tea service)

** Please note accommodations are not included. For lodging options, kindly refer to the information provided below.


DATE & SCHEDULE: OCTOBER 8-13, 2024

Tuesday, 8th:

  • 4:00 pm: Arrival | Meet & Greet

  • 4:30: Welcome Meditation and Introduction

  • 5:30 pm: Ayurvedic Dinner

Wednesday, 9th

  • 7:00 am: Morning Yoga

  • 8:30 am: Ayurvedic Breakfast

  • 9:30 am: Lecture Session

  • 12:30 pm: Ayurvedic Lunch

  • 2:00 pm: Hands-on Practice

  • 3:30 pm: Afternoon Tea

  • 4:00 pm Hands-on Practice or Lecture

  • 5:30 pm: Light Ayurvedic Dinner

Thursday, 10th:

  • 7:00 am: Morning Yoga

  • 8:30 am: Ayurvedic Breakfast

  • 9:30 am: Lecture Session

  • 12:30 pm: Ayurvedic Lunch

  • 2:00 pm: Hands-on Practice

  • 3:30 pm: Afternoon Tea

  • 4:00 pm Hands-on Practice or Lecture

  • 5:30 pm: Light Ayurvedic Dinner

Friday, 11th:

  • 7:00 am: Morning Yoga

  • 8:30 am: Ayurvedic Breakfast

  • 9:30 am: Lecture Session

  • 12:30 pm: Ayurvedic Lunch

  • 2:00 pm: Hands-on Practice

  • 3:30 pm: Afternoon Tea

  • 4:00 pm Hands-on Practice or Lecture

  • 5:30 pm: Light Ayurvedic Dinner

Saturday, 12th:

  • 7:00 am: Morning Yoga

  • 8:30 am: Ayurvedic Breakfast

  • 9:30 am: Lecture Session

  • 12:30 pm: Ayurvedic Lunch

  • 2:00 pm: Hands-on Practice

  • 3:30 pm: Afternoon Tea

  • 4:00 pm Hands-on Practice or Lecture

  • 5:30 pm: Light Ayurvedic Dinner

Sunday, 13th:

  • 7:00 am: Morning Yoga

  • 8:30 am: Ayurvedic Breakfast

  • 9:30 am: Closing Session

  • 11:00 am: Departure

 

Watch Abhyanga Technique


MEET YOUR FACILITATORS

instructor

Kathy Jo Staheli, AD, is a NAMA-recognized doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine, specializing in Panchakarma, the Ayurvedic science of detoxification and rejuvenation. While working as Panchakarma Technician in Santa Cruz, California, Kathy Jo pursued her Ayurvedic education at Kerala Ayurveda Academy and Bastyr University. During this time, she traveled to India for a deeper understanding of medical science, joining the world’s top Ayurvedic doctors as an intern in clinics, hospitals, and retreat centers.

Her deep passion for sharing Ayurveda, allowed her to work with Kerala Ayurveda Academy as a practitioner and as the global business development manager, bringing Ayurvedic resources to the U.S. market and her custom skincare line Purusha Botanicals was featured in the Oscars goodie bag. She was an integral part of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, for nearly 7 years, ensuring the authenticity of the practice of Ayurveda in the United States, and is now acting as the chair of the Panchakarma Committee.

With almost 20 years of practice in the Ayurvedic health industry, she offers a service with an in-depth knowledge of the Ayurvedic System of Medical Science, facilitating a balanced and healthy life for her clients.


Assistant instructor and Yoga Teacher

Cecilia Molinar Zubieta is a Panchakarma Technician and Certified Yoga Instructor who investigates the development of the movement in the human creative somatic process. She studied dance therapy and choreographic design in CUDD, Mexico. She later ventured into various techniques of movement such as Feldenkrais, Danceability, kinesthetic empathy, authentic movement, Butoh dance, and theatre laboratory.

She found her passion for Yoga while studying with Bharath Shetty, India RYS Ananda Yoga in Mysore, India. After, she advanced her study in yoga through the study of anatomy, kinesiology, mind-body movement, and therapeutic yoga. She works with Morosoli Neuropsychology clinic helping neurodevelopment through investigating movement and its relationship through learning and meditation. She also researches rhythmic movement therapy and performs craniosacral therapy. With this in-depth knowledge of movement and yoga, she integrates elements of experiential anatomy with traditional techniques of yoga and meditation in each of her sessions.


Assistant Instructor

Tanner Rosenthal is a Panchakarma Technician with over 15 years of experience in the healing arts. He began his journey as an LMT in Salt Lake City and soon after interned at Herb Pharm, where he studied the properties of 180 single herbs and more than 85 proprietary formulas to help take care of mind, body, and spirit.

He joined the Purusha team in 2020 and is an integral part of our Panchakarma programs and workshop facilitation. His compassion for people, animals, and the health of the planet is a drive behind his work and is felt in his practice and teaching.


Additional Information

Payment and Cancellation Policy

Given our exclusive offerings and limited slots, we advise booking at least 2 months in advance. Please note, full payment is required upon reservation. Additionally, we kindly request that you familiarize yourself with our Cancellation Policy and adhere to our Recommended Etiquette Guidelines.

LOCATION: PURUSHA AYURVEDA- IVINS, UTAH

Our Ayurvedic home sanctuary is located in the Kayenta community. Kayenta is a unique departure from the norm, focused on moderate land use; moderate, sustainable growth, and an appreciation for our magnificent natural setting of southern Utah’s red rock country. Kayenta has established a unique design esthetic through out it’s development. With subdued lighting that help conserve the darkness of the night sky, low-profile structures that reflect the colors, materials, and a flow of surrounding landscape and open spaces for our guests and the community to enjoy, providing the perfect retreat for deep healing and relaxation.

Nearby, residents find adventure in the Southwest’s abundance of places to explore. Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks and Snow Canyon are within view, while just beyond the horizon are places like the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, and “Vegas.” For the art lovers, Kayenta Art Village, the Center for the Arts, and the Tuachan Amphitheater is right in the neighborhood.

TRAVEL DETAILS

St. George Regional Airport is nearby with daily flights to Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Salt Lake City and Dallas. Las Vegas is less than a two-hour drive and affordable door-to-door shuttle service offered every hour. (St. George Shuttle or Salt Lake Express)

WHAT TO EXPECT FOR WEATHER

Situated where the Mojave Desert meets the Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau, this region boasts a distinct desert climate with clear skies, over 300 days of sunshine, mild winters, and warm summers. St. George lies at an elevation of 2,880 feet, rising to 10,000 feet in the neighboring Pine Valley Mountains. During winters, bring layered clothing, and for summers, opt for airy, lightweight fabrics. The majority of the year experiences temperate weather.

ACCOMMODATIONs: CRESCENT MOON INN

For convenience and comfort, we recommend staying at Crescent Moon Inn, located within walking distance. The inn offers single and double rooms at $165 per night, each with a kitchenette. If you prefer a double room, we can arrange a roommate from our attendees. Please note, bookings are managed directly by Crescent Moon Inn and are not our responsibility.