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Experiential Course
November 1 — 8, 2025

Traditional Indian Ayurveda Body Treatments Course

NAMA Approved Continuing Education

Mary Ann Johnson (Isvari) and Denise Chapman (Vidya)
Tuition: $890

Approved by NAMA

Isvari invites everyone interested in this profound healing modality. It is not necessary to have a professional license to take this course. All are welcome for this deeply cleansing and transformational experience.

How can this course help you?

  • Experience 8 days of personal cleansing and transformation
  • Enrich your life by studying with a like-minded community
  • Live an ashram lifestyle in paradise, which enhances and supports learning
  • This training may qualify you for an opportunity to serve as a bodywork therapist in the wellbeing center at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas
  • Ability to support family, friends, and loved ones with health and healing

In this comprehensive training, you will learn traditional oil massage (abhyanga); the technique of pouring oil over the forehead (shirodhara); and how to introduce oil into the nasal passages (nasya). Providing deep detoxification, these treatments allow for the rejuvenation and balance of the body, mind, and spirit. The application of these treatments is taught as a spiritual practice for both client and practitioner.

Course topics include:

  • The history and philosophy of Ayurveda
  • The three great qualities (maha bhutu), five elements (maha guna), 10 pairs of qualities (guna), and three doshas (vata, pitta, kapha)
  • Tissue formation (dhatu) and the channels of bodily systems (srota), digestion (agni), toxin formation (ama) and waste elimination (mala)
  • Ayurvedic and yogic psychology
  • Disease processes and their respective treatments with Ayurvedic bodywork

Learn the deeply regenerative and healing techniques of Ayurveda body treatments, also known as “Bliss Therapy.”

A therapeutic experience in itself, this course is designed as an extensive training for massage therapists, Ayurveda practitioners, yoga teachers, and all others who have a professional or personal interest in the ancient techniques of Ayurveda body treatments.

Isvari (Mary Ann Johnson) has been a sincere and dedicated practitioner of Ayurveda and yoga for more than 20 years. She is an advanced Sivananda Yoga teacher and a graduate of Dr. Vasant Lad’s Ayurvedic Institute, where she is on the faculty. Isvari travels internationally, lecturing, consulting, and facilitating panchakarma purification programs. She is the director of Ayurveda at the Sivananda Yoga Ranch.

Vidya (Denise Chapman) is a certified Sivananda Yoga Instructor, Ayurvedic Practitioner, licensed massage therapist, panchakarma therapist and a graduate of Dr. Vasant Lad’s Ayurvedic Institute. She is passionate about integrating Vedic sciences, teaching yoga, and sharing Ayurveda for well-being.

This course qualifies for continuing education credit with NAMA National Ayurvedic Medical Association.

Please see the listing for this course on their website for more information.

Daily Schedule (subject to change):

Your course schedule has been designed by the presenter to provide a holistic educational experience, and includes course presentation time, meal times, and free time for you to enjoy the beach and the grounds and participate in the ashram’s daily programs. Lines in bold type indicate required course times.

Morning and Evening Satsang: community gatherings for meditation, chanting & teachings; sometimes a silent beach walk.

Yoga Asana & Pranayama Classes: available on outdoor ocean and bayfront platforms (beginner and intermediate levels offered twice daily).

FIRST DAY
6:00 – 7:45 am Morning Satsang
8:00 am Yoga Asana & Pranayama Classes
10:00 am Brunch
11:00 am Ashram Welcome and History Tour (meets at Reception)
11:30 am Inauguration Ceremony
12:00 – 3:30 pm Practicum
4:00 pm Special Course Yoga Asana & Pranayama Class

6:00 pm Dinner
8:00 – 9:45 pm Evening Satsang

DAY 2 through DAY 7
6:00 – 7:45 am Morning Satsang
8:00 – 10:00 am Lecture

10:00 am Brunch
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Karma Yoga
12:00 – 3:45 pm Practicum
4:00 pm Special Course Yoga Asana & Pranayama Class

6:00 pm Dinner
8:00 – 9:45pm Evening Satsang

DAY 8
6:00 – 7:45 am Morning Satsang
8:00 – 10:00 am Lecture

10:00 am Brunch
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Karma Yoga
12:00 – 2:00 pm Concluding Circle
3:00 pm Graduation Ceremony

Regular ashram schedule the rest of the day

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