India Panchakarma Retreat

SATTVIC SOUL JOURNEY

Mysore, India

December 18, 2024 - January 1, 2025

Experience an authentic Āyurvedic Panchakarma retreat in the birthplace of Āyurveda. You will be cared for by experienced and dedicated practitioners.

Please note: Space is limited to 10 guests, so register soon if you are planning to go!

THIS RETREAT IS NOW FULL! EMAIL SARAH TO GET ON THE WAITLIST: SARAH@EMBRACE-AYURVEDA.COM

WATCH THE REPLAY OF THE RETREAT SLIDESHOW HERE!

~ Cleanse and Rejuvenate at Prajna Kuteera Āyurveda Centre ~

Hello Friends! I began my studies of Āyurveda in 1996 and returned in 2001 to Mysore (Mysuru), India, where I was so fortunate to study and apprentice with Dr. N.V. Krishnamurthy and Dr. Poornima Krishnamurthy. During my time with them, I learned how authentic Āyurveda was truly lived and practiced. They are locally and internationally esteemed Āyurvedic Physicians who have preserved Āyurveda for generations in their families and community.

In 2022, I again returned to India and was able to spend time at their wonderful Āyurveda Centre - Prajna Kuteera, just outside of Mysore. I loved all the therapies I received, the caring staff, delicious meals, Yoga classes and the evening Satsangs. After my retreat, I left feeling completely rested and rejuvenated. This inspired me to plan a Panchakarma retreat for my clients and friends!

Prajna Kuteera Āyurveda Centre, a unique centre for Āyurveda, Panchakarma, Rejuvenation and Yoga, the brainchild of Dr. N. V. Krishnamurthy and his spouse Dr. Poornima Krishnamurthy, was founded in 1990, under the umbrella of its parent organization, Swami Vivekananda Research Institute of Medical Sciences and Rural Development Centre [SVRIMS & RDC], a non-profit organization, registered under the Ministry of Health and Family Affairs, Government of India.

Patients and clients travel from all over India and abroad to receive the highest quality Āyurvedic care here. You can read more about Panchakarma therapies at Prajna Kuteera HERE.

Listen to my lovely conversation with Dr. Poornima Krishnamurthy about Āyurveda, Panchakarma and stress management.

Mysore (or Mysuru), a city in India's southwestern Karnataka state, was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947. In its center is the opulent Mysore Palace, seat of the former ruling Wadiyar dynasty. The Wadiyar royal family is known for sponsoring T. Krishnamacharya who is famous for teaching Yoga as we know it. Some of his students were K. Pattabhi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar and T.K.V. Desikachar. Mysore is also home to the centuries-old Devaraja Market, filled with spices, flowers, silk and sandalwood. Mysore is known for its pleasant climate and friendly residents.

Why should you receive Panchakarma in India?

India is the motherland of Āyurveda and Panchakarma. When you receive Panchakarma in India, you experience the most authentic and traditional form of this ancient healing art. The Vaidyas (doctors) at Prajna Kuteera have 100's of years of experience in their families, practicing and treating clients through Āyurveda. You will be in the best healing hands. Your own healing impacts the world!

Panchakarma therapy of Āyurveda comprises five basic types of advanced treatments for the evacuation of vitiated Doshas (toxic materials) from the body. These treatments are extremely helpful in relieving deep-seated diseases, and also beneficial for maintaining and improving physical and mental health. During Panchakarma, not only does one experience cleansing but also rejuvenation. Panchakarma rejuvenative therapies help nourish the body for many years to come.

Everyone inherits a unique mix of the three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, Kapha and one or more of these Doshas are usually predominant. These three Doshas have specific functions in the body and their balance is responsible for our health.

Vitiation of Agni (digestive fire) and Vata, Pitta, Kapha causes imbalance or disease within the individual. The treatment procedures of Panchakarma normalize the deranged Agni and bring the Doshas to a state of equilibrium, thereby restoring complete health.

Our 15-Day Retreat Plan

Your Panchakarma retreat will start with you arriving on December 17 or 18 to Bengaluru (Bangalore), the garden city of India. You will be picked up from the airport and driven to Prajna Kuteera Āyurveda Centre, just outside of Mysore.

Days 1-4: Once you arrive, you will have 4 days to rest, adjust to the local time, go sightseeing and shop. We have a number of delightful excursions planned for you, including: the Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills hike and temple visit, Srirangapatna and the famous Devaraja market.

Days 5-14: Your 10-day Panchakarma program will begin on December 22, just in time for Winter Solstice. We will be staying onsite at the retreat center and focusing on healing, resting and reflecting. We will not be going on many outings during these 10 days. We may briefly visit local temples, palaces and rivers. We will include some sweet and special holiday festivities. Your Panchakarma will be completed on December 31. It will truly be the end of the old and the beginning of something new.

Day 15: You will likely be leaving the retreat center on January 1, unless you make special arrangements to stay longer.

Please note: We HIGHLY and STRONGLY recommend that you stay in India at least 5 days following your Panchakarma. This will allow time for rest and integration before you fly home. We will give you suggestions about where to stay in South India.

Meet your hosts...

Sarah Kruse is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) who is dedicated to supporting her clients to return to their optimal state of health and wholeness. Sarah has chosen to work in the field of Ayurveda for the purpose of bringing healing and awareness to people’s lives so that they can realize their unique life path and contribute their gifts to the world we live in.

Sarah is a graduate of The Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico, where she studied under Dr. Vasant Lad, and has traveled extensively throughout India, studying with renowned Ayurvedic doctors and scholars. Her other great joys in life are caring for her 15-year-old daughter, Amulya, Australian Shepherd, Luna and spending time in the forest and at the beach.

Anu Arora is the owner of Infinite Potential Leadership, sought-after for coaching and training leaders and teams to increase their effectiveness, self-awareness, and help them realize their infinite potential. Anu Arora helps high achievers who know that they are ready to go big but don’t quite know how to. Her genius is in creating transformational shift through coaching and training which expands individuals, government and corporations to become holistic, productive and far-reaching in their impact. Anu is also deeply steeped in Yoga, Ayurveda and Meditation. Fun fact: Anu trekked to Mt. Everest base camp last fall and is looking forward to guiding a retreat to the Himalayas in 2025!

We both adore India, love Panchakarma and look forward to serving you on this healing journey!

Namaste ~ Sarah and Anu

I have been visiting Mysore since 1997 and have always had a very pleasant experience there. Over the years, I have been very blessed to meet legendary Āyurvedic doctors, Yogis and humanitarians in Mysore and Bangalore. There is such a rich cultural heritage in south India, and I'm delighted to share it with you.

My daughter, Amulya's, paternal side of the family all live in the Mysore area. During the retreat, she will be staying with them nearby. They are very kind people and will be local resources for our group as well.

Sharing India with my dear clients and friends is truly a long-time dream come true for me. My wish for you is that you come to India with your heart and mind open, willing to heal, let go and renew on a level that will leave you deeply nourished, reinspired and content. And that your heart and soul become infused with Sattva and goodness.

"Big thanks to Dr. Poornima Krishnamurthy and staff for an extraordinary Panchakarma experience. This was my first Panchakarma, and first time visiting India. I feel amazing! I went for a deep detox, and to release pain in my liver/gallbladder that I had for years. After 10 days, I felt great and the pain was gone! My body is more limber and my palate has completely changed. I've been home 3 weeks and I have no desire to eat the way I was before. I did not eat much processed food before I left, but now, it is markedly less. No more craving for potato chips!

Dr. Poornima made sure I was well taken care of - you can't help but feel like family. When I first arrived at the center, I was feeling quite stressed after my long trip and a few days in Bangalore. Dr. Poornima supported my arriving a day early and the moment I stepped on the property all my stress dropped away. The therapists join in the daily yoga sessions and every Panchakarma session begins with a prayer. Dr. Krishnamurthy leads weekly satsangs, sharing his immense wisdom of Āyurvedic medicine, nutrition and the spiritual path. I had to walk around with a notebook to catch all the gems. It might not be a large property, but it is an oasis; the birds and the intentional aspect of everything, eases the spirit. The staff are incredibly helpful and kind. I even managed to get in some local sightseeing. Of course, I plan to make Panchakarma an annual event. I can only highly recommend Prajna Kuteera."

~ T.S. Seattle, Washington, USA

Some of the healing benefits of Panchakarma include...

Deeply relaxing and nurturing treatments that take you toward bliss. The impact of being cared for in this way is priceless.
Cleansing of accumulated toxins, including fat soluble toxins such as residues from plastics, pesticides and heavy metals. All seven dhatus (tissue layers) get addressed.
Improves agni (appetite) and overall digestive function. Panchakarma provides a deep reset to the digestive system and all other systems of the body.
Reverses disease process and restores the individuals' unique constitutional balance. The three doshas return to optimal balance.
An increase in energy, vitality and mental clarity for months and years to come!
Is known to be longevity-promoting by reversing the negative effects of stress on the cells and tissues of the body. Panchakarma is the ultimate rejuvenation and preventative program.

As the rotation of the sun, moon and wind hold this vast universe together, it is expressed as the macrocosm of this world. Pitta (sun), Kapha (moon) and Vata (air) hold this body together and are expressed as the microcosm of this body. Together, these outer and inner worlds are seen as one." Asthanga Hrudaya 2.11

A comfortable and nourishing setting awaits you.

Example of your daily retreat schedule

During the 10-day Panchakarma, we will be following a pretty regular schedule. Your treatment times may vary.

Daily Schedule at Prajna Kuteera Āyurveda Centre

6am: Gather in the Yoga Shala for Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation and Chanting
8:30am: Breakfast
10am-1pm: Treatments or rest
1:30pm: Lunch
3-6pm: Treatments or rest
7pm: Dinner
8pm: Satsang with Dr. Krishnamurthy
Special Saturday sessions: Agnihotra and Dhanvantari Homa

"Through cleanliness and purity of body and mind (Saucha, Shudhi), comes a purification of the essence (Sattva), a goodness and gladness of feeling, a sense of focus with intentness, the mastery and union of the senses, and a fitness, preparation and capability for self-realization."

Patanjali, Yoga Sutras 11.41

The Panchakarma therapists at Prajna Kuteera are very skillfull and caring. These are some examples of treatments you might receive...

Sarvangadhara, a therapy of pouring warm medicated oils in an even and controlled stream with simultaneous massage, strengthens and tones all seven body tissues and the indriyas, improves vigour and vitality, agni (digestive fire), body complexion and lustre. Sarvangadhara, a major rejuvenation technique can be done with medicated oils, herbal decoctions and milk, according to the individual’s prakruti (body constitution) and ailments.
Patra Pinda Sweda (PPS), is used to induce sweating after Abhyanga. Several herbal ingredients are roasted together, tied in boluses, dipped in warm medicated oil and massaged all over the body. The special herbs used, draw the toxins from the body by activating the sweat glands (sweda). This is an excellent treatment for neurological disorders, Arthritis and Skin disorders.
Udvartana, is a stimulating massage using special herbal powders, to reduce cellulite accumulations, improve circulation and enhance skin's texture and appearance. It is extremely beneficial in treating obesity.
Padaghata, is a unique technique of massaging the body with the feet by specially skilled therapists. It is useful in treating vata disorders. Experience its uniqueness, at our centre.
Shirodhara, a time-tested remedy for psycho-somatic disorders, is a procedure, which involves the pouring of a controlled stream of different warm medicated oils/butter milk/herbal decoctions incessantly, in a soothing way over the forehead. A great stress buster, it relaxes and revitalizes all the sensory organs and the central nervous system. It stabilises and calms the mind and sharpens memory. Being an excellent rejuvenator, it ensures good sleep.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when we bring what is within us out into the world, miracles happen." ~ Henry Stanley Haskins

Panchakarma Retreat Costs

We have put together a complete retreat package that includes basically everything except your airfare and spending money.

Your 15-day retreat package includes 14 nights accommodation and meals, 10 days of Panchakarma (therapies and consultations), local transportation and sightseeing, entry tickets to local sites and transport to and from Bengaluru.

Please keep in mind that December is a busy travel season to India. You will want to arrange your passport, visa and airline tickets as soon as possible.

PLAN ONE - DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

Early bird registration = $4195 Per Person

After June 1, 2024 = $4375 Per Person

PLAN TWO - SINGLE OCCUPANCY

Early bird registration = $4575 Per Person

After June 1, 2024 = $4750 Per Person

*** When you come with a friend, you each save $250!

PLEASE NOTE =

Early bird registration balance is due by June 1, 2024

Regular registration balance is due by October 1, 2024

At the time of registration, we ask for a $1000 deposit to hold your space.

You may pay by check, cash or Venmo. If paying by CC or PayPal, there will be a 3% service charge. Thank you.

SET UP YOUR INTERVIEW WITH SARAH NOW

What happens next?

If you are feeling the call to explore the possibility of joining us on this retreat, the next step is to set up a 30-minute Zoom interview with Sarah very soon. We will go over the details of the trip and answer all of your questions. If you decide to register, you will be asked to send in the amount of $1000 to hold your place. We may set up a couple of live Zoom Q & A calls soon to share more about the retreat.

Here a few Panchakarma books and resources for you:

* An Introduction to Panchakarma, article by Vasant Lad

* Ayurveda and Panchakarma: The Science of Healing and Rejuvenation, by Sunil Joshi

* The Art and Practice of Panchakarma, by Myrica Morningstar

FAQ's

Should I be concerned about getting sick while in India?

Since we will be staying in one place and eating very clean, healthy food, your chances of having digestive distress will be very low. The local sanitation and water filtration have greatly improved in the past 10 years. We will not be staying in the jungle, so tropical disease concerns are minimal. We will provide you with info to keep you healthy during your time in India. Your optimal health is our priority!

How much spending money should I bring?

The retreat fees will cover most of your needs for the 15 days you are with us. You will want to have pocket money for local shopping or for personal items. If you will be spending time in India a number of days before or after the retreat, you will need additional funds.

Will I be able to go on local excursions during the Panchakarma retreat?

Since Panchakarma is a time of deep healing and reflection, it is strongly advised that you do not leave the retreat center and participate in many tourist activities during that time. We will provide you with enjoyable activities onsite, such as art projects, cooking classes and Yoga. We may go out for short excursions to nearby temples, palaces and rivers during Panchakarma.

Will I have WiFi connection at the retreat center? Will I be able to call home to family and friends during the retreat?

You will have access to WiFi in your room and throughout the retreat center. During Panchakarma, we recommend that you minimize use of devices and contact with the outside world.

Can I fly home right after the retreat completes?

Panchakarma is a very deep, healing process. During the Paschatkarma, post-Panchakarma phase, it is recommended to rest and rejuvenate for some time. If possible, please avoid getting on an international flight immediately after Panchakarma. If you can stay in India for at least 5 more days, that would be optimal.

Visiting India is indeed a journey of a lifetime...

Receiving Panchakarma is an opportunity to receive, let go and be completely taken care of, in the land of Āyurveda.

We look forward to learning more about your intentions for your Panchakarma. It is our true honor to facilitate this transformational experience for you.

LEARN MORE AND SET UP YOUR INTERVIEW

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