The NIAM Ayurvedic Spa Training Program

In response to the increasing number of requests we receive each year from Spas who wish to learn authentic Ayurvedic Spa techniques, we have created an Ayurvedic Spa Training Program.

This program is designed to train therapists already proficient in Western massage and spa techniques the methods of Ayurvedic Spa therapies. This training allows Spa owners who desire top rate Ayurvedic services to avoid having to hire or going into unnecessary joint ventures with a so-called "Ayurvedic consultant"or "Ayurvedic practitioner". These designations not only are vague disguises for the lack of true credentials and knowledge, but are legally unrecognized anywhere in the world. Your existing staff can be professionally trained.

All trainings are conducted personally by Scott Gerson, M.D., Ph.D. (Ayurveda), M. Phil. (Ayurveda). He will conduct training at a maximum of two facilities per year.

Dr. Gerson completed his post-doctorate research in Ayurvedic massage and detoxification techniques at Pune University and Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya. He is widely considered one of the world’s authorities in this field. He is uniquely qualified to teach these Ayurvedic methods. Please see the appropriate web page for his complete resume.

Ayurvedic Spa Training At Your Facility

There are a myriad of absolutely delicious, rejuvenating, and transformative Ayurvedic spa techniques which have been developed especially in the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala as well as in the far north in Himachal Pradesh.

At the present time we are offering comprehensive training in six Ayurvedic Spa techniques. Each technique requires a full two days of training which includes both:

1. theoretical knowledge and
2. practical hands-on training

Training for any of the Ayurvedic Spa techniques must include the following module on the basic ayurvedic concepts.

Compulsory Training in Basic Ayurvedic Concepts (2 hours)

• Introduction to Ayurveda – Definition, Origin, Purpose
• Five elements and three doshas
• Understanding constitutional types (prakriti)
• Factors that balance and disturb the doshas
• The four types of Ayurvedic treatments
• Understanding the constitutional types of your friends, family, and clients

Although most spa therapies have a calming and revitalizing effect, Ayurvedic Spa techniques have been uniquely developed from a sophisticated medical and energetic framework which genuinely restores balance and fosters tranquility, clarity and vitality of the mind and body.

The following pages provide an outline of the curriculum for each spa technique. It is very important that your therapists understand the basic concepts of Ayurveda and can describe these treatments to their clients in both modern and Ayurvedic terms. This training will provide the knowledge and vocabulary to do just that.

• Abhyanga (Full Body Ayurvedic Massage)
  
  
• Shirodhara (“Third-eye Drip”)
  
  
• Soundaryam Vardhini (Ayurvedic Facial)
  
  
• Shirovasti (Head Bath)
  
  
• Pinda Sweda + Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Full Body Massage)
  
  
• Lepana (Herbalized Mud Treatment)

This is among the most rare and special types of Ayurvedic oil massage and will probably be the “signature” treatment at your spa. The treatment is given by two therapists who synchronize their strokes and massage according to the circulatory channels and marma points for 60 minutes. Oils are chosen according to one’s body type. Can also be given by a single therapist. This treatment is traditionally useful for obesity, detoxification, loss of skin lustre, sleeplessness, fatigue, anxiety, eczema, and nervousness.

Suggested Retail Pricing:

• 55 min. two therapists $175        COS (cost of service): $3
• 55 min. one therapist $95

Abhyanga (Full Body Ayurvedic Massage)

THEORY

• Five Element Theory of Ayurveda
• Brief Review of the Three Doshas
• Touch and the Seven Chakras
• Definition of marma points and their effects of the human physiology
• Comprehensive List and Diagram of the 107 human marma points.

  Urdhwa Shakha (Upper Extremities) = 22
  Adho Shakha (Lower Extremities) = 22
  Thorax = 6                                          
  Abdomen =  6            	 
  Back = 14
  Urdhwa Jatru (Head and Neck)= 37   				             
  TOTAL		107
  

• The seventeen major marma points used in Abhyanga massage 
• Specific effects of abhyanga massage on the doshas (vital energies), dhatus (tissues), and srotas (channels) 
• Relation of Abhyanga to Panchakarma therapies

  HANDS-ON

  1. How to Properly position the client
  2. Proper Draping Technique
  3. Palpation and stimulation of the Marma Points
  4. Abhyanga Massage stroke technique
  5. Selecting the proper Ayurvedic Massage Oil (by season or by prakriti)
  6. Specific Massage Technique of:
     head, scalp, ears, and face
     neck, shoulders
     chest and abdomen
     arms and hands
     legs and feet
     back and buttocks
     spine and joints
     
  7. Removal of excess oil (Utane flower petal powder)
  8. Ending the Technique: Resting in a warm wrap 
  9. Preparation of Ayurvedic Chai (tea)

  All procedures include the use of individualized oils, marma points, abhyanga strokes and perfectly synchronized stroke techniques when performing the two-person massage. Emphasis is on very thorough massage major marma points using the proper traditional techniques.

  
  
  Shirodhara (“Third-eye Drip”)
  
  

  " Shiro" means head and "dhara" is the continuous flow of a liquid. In this process, different herbal oils, medicated milks, medicated buttermilk etc., are poured over the forehead in a continuous gentle drip from a special vessel for about 30 minutes. This treatment is profoundly relaxing and is used traditionally for insomnia, memory loss, hormonal imbalance, headaches, mental tension and certain skin diseases. Although listed independently, shirodhara is always done in conjunction with full body massage.

  Suggested Retail Pricing :

   30 min. 	 one therapist: 	 $65 	 	 COS (cost of service):  $ 3
   

  Shirodhara (Third-eye Drip)

  THEORY

  1. The four types of brain waves and their relation to shirodhara
  2. Anatomy and physiology of the Pituitary Gland
  3. What is Shirodhara?
  4. Marma points of the head region
  5. Absolute and relative contraindications to shirodhara
  
  HANDS-ON
  
  
  1. Proper positioning and preparation of the client
  2. Thorough examination of the Shirodhara equipment
  3. Shirodhara herbalized oil preparation based on Vata, Pitta, or Kapha body type
  4. Oil temperature regulation
  5. Determination of proper height of Shirodhara vessel based on body type
  6. Rhythmic movements of the shirodhara vessel
  7. Most common errors in performing shirodhara
  8. Ending the treatment
  
  
  Soundaryam Vardhini (Ayurvedic Facial)
  
  

  A distinctive and authentic method of facial massage and detoxification which utilizes freshly prepared fruit- and vegetable-based herbalized creams, astringents, and ointments individualized according to body type. The massage component focuses on the marma points of the face, neck, and shoulders which re-invigorates the tissues, tones, and refreshes the senses. This treatment combines beautifully with our Abhyanga Full Body Massage.

  Suggested Retail Pricing:

  55 min. one therapist	$75			COS (cost of service): $5
  

  Soundaryam Vardhini (Ayurvedic Facial)

  THEORY

  1. The Structure of the Skin
  2. Marma points of the head, face and neck regions
  3. Lymphatic drainage of the head, face and neck regions
  4. Ayurvedic five-senses therapies

  HANDS-ON

  1. Proper positioning and preparation of the client
  2. Ayurvedic formulas which combine foods and herbs to create creams and astringents
  3. The Three-Phase Soundaryam Vardhini Technique: The Traditional Ayurvedic Facial 
     SOFTENING - quickly warms, calms, and expands the skin, capillaries, and soft tissues of the face, neck, and shoulders.
     NOURISHING – specific marma points and strokes are used along with specific herbalized creams to nourish and revitalize the tissues.
     TONIFYING - gently stimulating sequence using lotions and astringents to refresh the body and clear the mind so the client can leave relaxed but alert.
     
     
     
     Shirovasti (Head Bath)
     
     

     This visually intriguing therapy originated Kerala (“land of coconuts”) where large green coconut leave were once used to make the cap. Today, special herbal oils containing extracts of brahmi leaves and dhataki flowers are poured into a leather cap fitted onto the head and held for 15 to 30 minutes according to the patient's body type. Can be done for a period of 5-7 consecutive days. This treatment is effective for reducing facial wrinkling, bells palsy, sinus congestion, eye strain, headaches, and other diseases of the head and senses. 

     Suggested Retail Pricing:

     30 min.	two therapists	$95			COS (cost of service): $3
     

     Shirovasti (Head Bath)  THEORY
     1. The Doshas and the Subdoshas
     2. The five subdoshas of Vata
     3. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and their relation to spa therapies

     HANDS-ON

     1. Proper positioning and preparation of the client in an appropriate chair
     2. Construction and application of the “Cap”; recipe for making besan flour paste
     3. Formulas for the shirovasti oil
     4. Method of pouring the oil; temperature regulation
     5. Removing the Cap and Oil at the end of the therapy

     
     
     Pinda Sweda + Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Full Body Massage)
     
     

     This is a rare and wonderful type of combined massage and gentle sudation therapy in which the whole body is made to perspire by the external application of hot herbal puddings in the form of boluses tied up in muslin bags. The pinda massage is given simultaneously by two masseurs and lasts for 90 minutes. It is preceded by Abhyanga Full Body Massage.This treatment is for all types of rheumatism, pain in the joints, emaciation of limbs, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and certain kinds of skin diseases.

     Suggested Retail Pricing:

     90 min.	two therapists	$225		COS (cost of service): $5
     

     Pinda Sweda + Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Full Body Massage)

     THEORY

     1. Ayurvedic Fomentation therapies and their effects
     2. What is ama?
     3. Ayurvedic concepts of agni and ama (and how they create low back and joint pain)

     HANDS-ON

     1. Formula and technique of making the herbal boluses
     2. Method and sequence of applying the hot boluses to the client
     3. Method of removing the herbal residue from the body.

     
     
     Lepana (Herbalized Mud Treatment)
     
     

     This is a treatment in which a medicated herbal paste is applied over the entire body and allowed to dry. It is then removed using a special deep tissue technique which leaves the muscles and fascia revitalized and flexible. This treatment is traditionally given for obesity as well as various types of inflammatory conditions, skin diseases, arthritis, gout, muscular strains, and circulatory imbalances. 

     Suggested Retail Pricing:

     30 min.	one therapist	$75			COS (cost of service): $4
     30 min.	two therapists	$105
     

     
     THEORY
     
     1. The five main Ayurvedic detoxification therapies and their effects
     2. The signs and symptoms of toxicity
     3. The role of diet in detoxification
     4. The three main malas (waste products) of life

     HANDS-ON
     

     1. Formulas and techniques of making the herbal mud according to doshic body type
     2. Method of applying the warm mud to the body
     3. Keeping the client comfortable while the mud detoxifies
     4. The technique for removal of the mud
     5. Brisk dry massage technique with utane churna (dry flower petal powder)

     
     
     
     
     AYURVEDIC SPA TRAINING AT YOUR FACILITY
     
     WHAT WE PROVIDE
     
     

     1. ~Two days (7 hours each day) of intensive training for each Ayurvedic Spa service
     2. ~Clear and concise conceptual knowledge to support the Ayurvedic Spa services
     3. ~Complete list of all equipment and supplies needed for each service
     4. ~Meticulous, step-by-step instruction in proper technique for each service
     5. ~Observation of each student in every technique and individual correction if necessary
     6. ~Every student will personally experience every technique being taught
     7. ~Highlights of the most common errors committed in each technique
     8. ~Ayurvedic Spa Services Training Manual for each student plus a Master copy
     9. ~Certificate of Proficiency in Ayurvedic Spa Services (for specified techniques)
     10. ~Telephone support if needed

         OUR FEES

         $3500 per day for seven hours of training that is 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. with one hour for lunch. 

         Each treatment protocol requires two days training time. This is the absolute minimum time for which Dr. Gerson will conduct a training.

         TRAVEL

         Roundtrip coach airline ticket plus ground transportation fares or 32 cents per mile by car

         HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

         If the time difference is three or more hours different from U.S east coast time we ask for one extra night in a hotel before the training. Rarely, if an evening return flight is unavailable, one additional night may be necessary after the program.

         FOOD and BEVERAGES

         Fifty dollars per day.

         CLASS SIZE

         Maximum of 12 students in classes that require practical instruction.No class size limit for theoretical presentations.

          TRAINING SITE

         For ten or more trainees, a quiet room large enough for 15 chairs (mornings) and 6 massage tables (afternoons), and a display table. A room which is 30’ x 20’ works well. Smaller groups can use proportionately smaller rooms. There must be a bathroom nearby.

          ITEMS YOU NEED TO PROVIDE
         
         1. Black or white board and writing materials
         2. Laptop computer with LCD projector
         3. Massage tables, sheets, and towels (students can bring their own)
         4. Chairs and/or floor cushions 
         5. Small quantity of sesame seed oil
         6. Cold water and hot tea
         
         DISPLAY AREA and REGISTRATION TABLE

         We have found it helpful to display the various pieces of equipment and other supplies required for Ayurvedic Spa Therapies. This is for the purpose of allowing students to closely examine the materials. In fact we usually do not have any items for sale at the training.
         Most essentials you can order from NIAM at special client prices. If we do not carry an item, we will also be able to direct you to sources for all required materials at wholesale prices.

         GUIDELINES FOR SPA OWNERS... 

         Please feel free to provide us with two or three assistants (friends, family) who can attend the training free of charge, if you wish. 

         In return, we request that you honor the following guidelines: 

         
         • Each treatment protocol really does require a minimum of two days to learn. We are sometimes asked to reduce the training time. In our experience this is foolish. With Ayurvedic treatments it is essential your staff have both a theoretical and practical understanding of the treatments in order to present themselves as authentic professionals. In addition, if therapists feel self-assured about performing a treatment after a complete training they will more eagerly promote that treatment. 
         • Schedule staff time exclusively for the training. Training time should be exclusively devoted to training. It is very disruptive to a class if therapists come and go to give other treatments, tasks or appointments.
         • Consider asking your staff to pay for a percentage of the training cost. This helps staff appreciate the opportunity you are offering them and makes them more highly motivated students.
         • One room large enough to accommodate all the staff in the training is most effective. (30’ x 20’)
         • Appoint one person to organize the training area and be responsible for having all products and equipment available. They should also organize the set up and clean up.
         • Staff should wear their uniforms during training.
         • No food, drinks, chewing gum, or candy other than bottled water allowed in the training area.
         • No audio- or videotaping. 
         • Structure time for your staff after the training to give and receive a minimum of three treatments to each other and/or front desk staff.
         • Include front desk staff in the training. They need to understand and be able to confidently communicate about new services.
         • We provide an excellent training manual that includes an overview of the theoretical aspects of the treatment and a detailed description of the practical treatment protocol for each staff member/student. A master copy will be available for your records together with a list of products and equipment needed and the best sources of supply.
          
         Ayurveda Amritam. "Of all the nectars, Ayurveda is supreme."

         We thank you for your interest in our training services. If you wish further information or assistance please contact Paul Griffiths, NIAM Administrator at ayurveda@niam.com or call (845) 278-8700.

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