Shivani AyurvedaFacilitated by Shivani Ayurveda
Ayurvedic Therapist Training
Level 2: Four weeks of hands-on practice in Dharamshala, India
€2,000 · 4 weeks in Dharamshala · About mid-November to mid-December 2027 (dates to be confirmed) · Step 2 of the Therapist track
Some things you can only learn with your hands, next to a teacher. In four weeks in Dharamshala, at the foot of the Himalayas, you learn and practise the classical Ayurvedic therapies: Abhyanga, Marma, the ear, eye and nose treatments, Kati, Griva and Hridaya Basti, Shirodhara, Udvartana, Kizhi and Ayurvedic facials. Alongside the practice, you study the theory of Panchakarma, so you can advise clients on whether it suits them. Mornings are for the therapies, afternoons for practice and lectures on Ayurveda. It is the second step of the Shivani Ayurveda Therapist track, after Marma Therapy, Level 1, and before your internship with live patients.
What you will learn
- Abhyanga: the classical Ayurvedic oil massage, which nourishes the skin and relaxes the muscles.
- Marma practice and Marma therapy: working with the body’s energy points to support vitality and release tension.
- Ear, eye and nose treatments: Nasya (Marsha, Pratimarsha and Brimhana), Akshi Tarpana and Karna Purana.
- The Basti therapies: Kati Basti for the lower back, Griva Basti for the neck, and Hridaya Basti for the chest and heart area.
- Shirodhara: the continuous stream of warm oil on the forehead, for deep relaxation of the head, mind and nervous system.
- Udvartana: the herbal powder massage that stimulates circulation and lymphatic flow.
- Kizhi: warm herbal pouches of Navara rice or medicinal leaves, for tired muscles and stiff joints.
- Ayurvedic facial therapy: treatments and face packs for each skin type.
- Panchakarma theory: Vamana, Virechana, Basti (enemas), Nasya and Raktamokshana; their indications, precautions and basic formulations, and how to judge whether a procedure has worked.
Who this training is for
- Students of the Therapist track who have completed Marma Therapy, Level 1.
- Ayurvedic consultants who want to add therapies to their practice.
- Massage therapists, bodyworkers and yoga therapists who want to learn the classical Ayurvedic treatments.
- Spa and wellness professionals who want authentic, hands-on Ayurvedic training.
Before you join: this training is Step 2 of the Therapist track, so we recommend Marma Therapy, Level 1 first. If you already have therapy experience, ask us whether you can join directly.
Why train in Dharamshala
How the training runs
- 4 weeks in Dharamshala, India.
- Mornings, 9:30 to 12:00: the therapy course.
- Afternoons, 2:00 to 4:00 pm: practice and lectures on Ayurveda.
- Saturday afternoons and Sundays are free.
- Accommodation and food are not included, so you can choose where you stay. We are happy to suggest options.
Course syllabus
Week 1Abhyanga
The foundation of Ayurvedic bodywork: the full-body oil massage, which nourishes the skin and tones and relaxes the muscles, and is deeply relaxing for body and mind.
- Abhyanga, the Ayurvedic oil massageTechnique and sequence · Choosing the oil · Benefits · Practice in pairs
Week 2Marma, and the ear, eye and nose treatments
Marma, often called the mother of all pressure-point therapies, and the gentle treatments for the head’s sense organs.
- Marma practice and Marma therapyStimulating the energy points to support vitality and prana · Opening the energy channels · Releasing spasms and tension
- NasyaPart of Panchakarma, and also given on its own · Marsha, Pratimarsha and Brimhana Nasya
- Akshi Tarpana and Karna PuranaThe Ayurvedic eye and ear treatments
Week 3The Basti therapies
Warm herbal oil or ghee held in a ring of lentil dough over the area being treated.
- Kati Basti, for the lower backA gentle oil massage of the lower back, then warm oil held over the lumbosacral area · For back tension, stiffness and muscle spasms
- Griva Basti, for the neckFor the neck tension that comes with long hours at a computer, poor posture and long journeys
- Hridaya Basti, for the chest and heart areaWarms the heart centre (Anahata), supports circulation, and eases muscular tension in the chest, bringing a sense of lightness
Week 4Shirodhara, Udvartana, Kizhi and facials
The therapies for deep relaxation, circulation and tired muscles and joints, and Ayurvedic skin care.
- ShirodharaA continuous stream of warm oil on the forehead · Releases tension from the head and mind, and calms the nervous system
- UdvartanaAn oil massage followed by a herbal powder rub · Stimulates circulation, lymphatic flow and metabolism
- KizhiPouches of Navara rice cooked in milk with herbs, or medicinal leaves · For weak or tired muscles and stiff, painful joints · Best given over at least three days
- Ayurvedic facial therapyTreatments and face packs for each skin type
Throughout the four weeksPanchakarma in detail
The theory of Panchakarma, so you can advise clients on whether it suits them.
- The five proceduresVamana, Virechana, Basti (enemas), Nasya and Raktamokshana
- Advantages, indications and precautionsWho Panchakarma suits, who it does not, and the precautions to follow
- Basic formulationsAnd how to assess whether a procedure has been successful
The Therapist track
This training is the second step on the path to becoming a professional Ayurvedic therapist.
Frequently asked questions
When exactly is the training?
The next training is planned for about mid-November to mid-December 2027. The exact dates are still being confirmed; we will let you know well in advance so you can plan your travel.
What does the price include?
The €2,000 covers the four weeks of training: the morning therapy course and the afternoon practice and lectures. Accommodation, food and travel to Dharamshala are not included.
Where will I stay?
You arrange your own accommodation, so you can choose what suits you. Dharamshala has guesthouses and apartments for every budget, and we are happy to suggest options.
Do I need Marma Therapy, Level 1 first?
It is the recommended first step, because the Marma points and their energy come up throughout the therapies. If you already have therapy experience, contact us and we will advise you.
What is the daily schedule?
The therapy course runs from 9:30 to 12:00, and practice and lectures from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Saturday afternoons and Sundays are free.
Do I need a visa for India?
Most visitors need a visa to enter India. Please check the current rules for your nationality in good time before you travel.
What comes after this training?
A 1-month internship to gain experience with live patients, and then certification as a Professional Ayurvedic Therapist.