Ayurveda massage & therapy course Rishikesh, India

Learn the Ancient Healing Art of Ayurveda

The Vedic Yoga & Ayurveda Retreat Centre in Rishikesh offers a five-week Ayurvedic Massage & Therapy Course for those who want to learn the traditional principles of Ayurveda along with practical, hands-on treatment skills.

This Ayurveda therapy training in India provides both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the ancient Ayurvedic science of natural healing.

Surrounded by the peaceful Himalayan foothills and the sacred River Ganga, the Centre provides an ideal setting for studying and experiencing Ayurveda in its purest form.

A Complete Learning Experience

This course teaches you how to restore balance in the body and mind through personalised Ayurvedic therapies and traditional massage techniques.

Students will explore the foundation of Ayurvedic philosophy, anatomy, and energy systems, while learning how to apply these methods safely and effectively.

You’ll gain the confidence to understand body constitutions (doshas), practice rejuvenating treatments in a real-life environment, and use Ayurvedic oils and herbs for physical, emotional, and energetic healing.

Outline of Ayurveda Massage & Therapy Course

This course is designed for those who wish to study the science of Ayurvedic therapies, and embrace this alternative option for helping to heal themselves and others. The complete course runs over a 5-week period for a total of 250 hours, but you can study as little or as much, depending on the time you have available, i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4 or the full 5 weeks.

Who can join Ayurveda Massage & Therapy Course

Everyone is welcome to join this course – it is a fundamental course to build up your knowledge and practical application on Ayurveda therapy.  It is useful for both those simply want to complete this for their own personal interest and wellbeing, or for those wishing to become a therapist.

Curriculum of Ayurveda Massage & Therapy Course

STUDENTS OF THIS COURSE WILL BE OFFERED THE FOLLOWING TOPICS

Week 1

Introduction to the theory and practice of Ayurvedic massage. During this week you will cover techniques of massage for relaxing and rejuvenating the whole body.

Week 2

Learning the marma point massage (learning how to work with specific energy points of the body which help to balance the energy system and open energy blockages).

Week 3

Studying different therapies such as Shirodhara, Kati Vasti, Janu Vasti etc., for the healing of various disorders and stress relief.

Week 4

Addition of further therapies – such as how to prepare and apply a Patra Potli apply it, etc. – for the healing of various disorders.

Week 5

Studying the different body constitutions and preparing appropriate Ayurvedic diets and therapies for the different body-types, so that you can inspire others to adopt a healthy lifestyle. All the different treatments learned under guidance in the previous weeks are refined during this week.

FURTHER STUDIES

The 5-week course can be extended for a further two weeks for the purpose of improving your newly acquired skills by practicing on clients and gaining work experience. The Centre will provide a letter of confirmation of the work-experience hours gained in this way.

Note: Each week of this course is self-contained so you can join at any time or complete the full five weeks. However, in order to achieve the overall skills required to be a therapist, you will need to complete the full 5-week course.

PRACTICUM

Learning each day with the teacher – 1-1.5 contact hours
A minimum of 1 contact hour per day is required
The Centre will provide the recipient of the treatments – or you can practice upon our friends or associates

SELF-STUDY

Self-study time is allocated each day.

  1. Study the notes and practice whatever you can on yourself – or on others if possible
  2. Study the suggested books recommended by the teacher
  3. At least 30 non-contact hours of practice on others is required – and a review from the recipient – for certification to be awarded.
Daily schedule for Ayurveda Massage & Therapy Course

This schedule is a sample only and is subject to modifications according to circumstances and the understanding of the students.

7:30 am - 9:30 am
 Hatha yoga – asana, pranayama, samyak kriya, yoga nidra
9:30 am - 10:00 am
 Breakfast in silence
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
 Practice and discussions on Ayurveda therapy and demonstrations
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
 Lunch
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
 Free time – study time, journaling and preparation of assignments
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
 Non-contact hours – practice what has been learned on a daily basis
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
 Free time – self-study and rest
6:45 pm - 7:30 pm
 Dinner
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
 Kirtan / satsang /silent meditation 

Attendance at all classes is compulsory.

What is included in your course fee

The Vedic Yoga Centre’s Ayurvedic Massage & Therapy Course includes:

  • All tuition.
  • Daily hatha yoga/kriya and meditation class.
  • Evening kirtan and satsang.
  • Certificate of Achievement from the Vedic Yoga Centre once you have successfully completed the Course.  Since there is no official international Ayurvedic association, the Certificate offered is provided only at the discretion of the Ayurvedic teachers from the Vedic Yoga Centre. These teachers hold Diplomas from certified Ayurvedic hospitals and have gained extensive work experience under the guidance of senior hospital staff.
  • Certification requirements include completion of any two weeks out of the five, AND evidence of proficiency. 
  • Accommodation in modern rooms at the Vedic Yoga Centre, each with an attached bathroom.  You will have a separate room or shared room, either standard or deluxe, according to your request or availability of rooms.  
  • Three Ayurvedic meals per day.
  • Use of the Centre’s Wi-Fi.
  • The opportunity to transform your life and become a part of a Vedic yoga community comprised of students from around the world.
  • Individual consultation and guidance from teachers to help you customise your therapy and its application, find inspiration, and make lifestyle choices which heal and empower you at every level.

The prices do not include airfare, transfers to and from the Centre, tips, any excursions during the course, or personal items.

Rates and dates

This course is available all year round. 
Please contact us at myvedicyoga@gmail.com to confirm suitable dates for your stay in India.

5-WEEK COURSE

non-refundable deposit of US$300 (INR 26,000) is required to book this Course.

Standard Room:    US$3,000 (INR 258,000) per person
Deluxe Room:         US$3,300 (INR 284,000) per person

COST PER WEEK

Standard Room:    US$650 (INR 56,000) per person
Deluxe Room:         US$850 (INR 73,000) per person

All deposits are non-refundable but can be used at a later date or for another program. For more information about refunds and cancellations, please follow this link:  https://vedicyogacentre.org/refund-and-cancellation-policy/

Arrival for the Course

All students must be present on the evening before their Course starts.

Registration

Email a copy of your flight details, passport and visa to:  myvedicyoga@gmail.com.  Then complete the Application Form by following the Apply Now link, which includes payment of your deposit.

What You Will Learn

  • The origin, principles, and philosophy of Ayurveda
  • Body constitution (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and their imbalances
  • Selection and use of Ayurvedic oils and herbs
  • Application of techniques such as Abhyangam (full-body massage) and Shirodhara (warm oil dripped on the forehead), and therapies such as Pizhichil, Udvartana and Kati Basti for alleviating pain from different parts of the body
  • Detoxification methods and their benefits
  • Specific massage techniques for muscle tension, energy flow, and relaxation
  • Client preparation, treatment environment, and ethics
  • How to integrate the sister sciences of Ayurveda and yoga

Each session combines theory, demonstration and practice, ensuring that the course is one of experience which students can confidently share with others.

 

Who Can Join

This course is suitable for:

  • Yoga teachers
  • Massage therapists seeking to integrate Ayurvedic components into their existing practice
  • Health professionals or holistic healers deepening their understanding of mind-body interaction
  • Anyone with a sincere interest in natural therapies and traditional healing

No prior experience in Ayurveda is required—just a genuine desire to learn and serve.

 

Certification & Benefits

Upon completion, participants receive a Certificate in Ayurvedic Massage & Therapy Training from the Vedic Yoga Centre, Rishikesh.

Graduates gain a strong foundation to offer authentic Ayurvedic treatments with awareness, compassion, and professionalism.  Through this course, you’ll not only learn therapeutic techniques but also experience your own healing as you connect more deeply with the wisdom of Ayurveda.

 

Why Study Ayurveda at the Vedic Yoga Centre

For over two decades, the Vedic Yoga & Ayurveda Retreat Centre has been a trusted place for holistic education in India.

Our small group setting allows for genuine personalised attention, with our experienced Senior Ayurvedic therapist guiding your daily learning. A qualified Ayurvedic doctor may also assist in offering deeper insight if appropriate. 


With fresh Ayurvedic meals prepared lovingly by family members, a peaceful atmosphere and teachings drawn from the Himalayan tradition, this course offers much more than skill development—it is a journey of self-discovery and personal healing.