Ayurvedic Chikitsas (Healing Arts) at the Tree of Life

Ayurvedic Chikitsas Ayurveda is described as “the science of life.” For 5,000 years, since its origins in India, this science has been distilling the lifeawarenesses of the body-mind-spirit complex into an equation of fully integrated consciousness. Ayurvedic “chikitsas” are physiological applications of yogic systems as applied therapeutic techniques. Defined as “treatment of disease,” chikitsa is a word used to describe an ever-widening plethora of activities from medical procedures to yoga asana to sound therapies. At the Tree, we use the term chikitsas to refer to our transformational psychosomatic bodywork sessions that support your alignment with the Self. The Ayurvedic Chikitas are often seen as one of the most transformational offerings at the Tree of Life. Our guests have requested that we highlight this work so that you will be aware of these offerings and be sure to schedule your appointment early in your stay. We look forward to supporting you in awakening to the highest expression of Self. Panchakarma Week At the Tree of Life we offer the world’s only vegan, live-food Panchakarma. Click Here for Panchakarma Testimonials Panchakarma (PK) Chikitsa is an extremely effective detoxification and rejuvenation program. It is part of the 5,000 year-old science of Ayurveda from India and has been successfully used for millennia to treat a wide variety of ailments. This ancient technique is particularly effective in reversing the chronic problems associated with stress, poor lifestyle habits, environmental pollutants, and aging. The PK Program at the Tree of Life is a scientific synergy of the best ancient and modern therapeutic approaches set into the context of Ayurveda. The effect of this holistic treatment is far greater than the sum of its parts. This highly dynamic design allows for radical change at a comfortable pace. The Panchakarma Week at the Tree of Life is the only PK Program in the country that effectively uses all “five karmas” of the traditional panchakarma process, while remaining vegan and entirely “live.” The program was designed by Gabriel Cousens, M.D. and Anu Tarahum. Gabriel Cousens M.D., M.D.(H), Diplomat in Ayurveda, and Diplomat of the American Board of Holistic Medicine, was trained by Dr. Sunil Joshi in 1995 and 1996. Anu Tarahum, Senior PK Practioner at the Tree of Life since 2001, was initially trained by Dr. Cousens and enhanced his training with Dr. Vasant Lad. PK Week is a highly personalized combination of the following protocols (daily offerings are marked with an *): ॐ Purvakarma ~ guided, self-administered regime at home to prepare for PK Week ॐ PK Consultation ~ Upon arrival, individualizing your PK program to your unique constiutional needs ॐ Special PK-oriented, vegan, live-food diet* ~ for gentle detox and to prepare the body for purgation ॐ Abyangah* ~ oileated massage by two practitioners working synchronistically to balance and calm vata ॐ Swedna* ~ steam is applied to marma (acu) points/areas, followed by a full-body steam box ॐ Tita grita*~ herbally-infused coconut butter to stimulate the liver and digestive organs and pull out toxins ॐ Shirodara* ~ deeply relaxing continuous stream of warm aromatherapy oil poured over the third eye ॐ Nasya* ~ nasal and sinus irrigation and lubrication with therapeutic oils ॐ Basti* ~ oil enemas or herbal water enemas to balance vata and cleanse ॐ Virechana ~ purgation of the lower G.I. tract to eliminate accumulated toxins from small & large intestines ॐ Vamana ~ purgation of the upper G.I. tract, heart, and lungs to eliminate toxic mucus ॐ Raktamoksha ~ purgation of vitiated blood ॐ Homa ~ fire ceremony and mantra encouraging purgation of emotional and mental toxins ॐTree of Life Daily Activities* ~ Yoga, Meditation, Chanting, Labyrinth walking in Nature, etc. PK Week can be scheduled on an individual basis or offered to a group of up to 3 people. All Inclusive Price: $3,000 (double occupancy) $3,450 (single occupancy) Anu, Vedic Arts Practictioner Click Here for Testimonials on the following services: Panchakarma Chikitsa (ala carte) Panchakarma Chikitsa is offered as a single two-hour session that includes Abyangha, Swedna, and Shirodara. A powerful healing in itself, it can also be a wonderful introduction to some of the techniques offered in Panchakarma Week. Practitioner: Anu Duration: 2 Hours Price:$150 Marma & Nadi Chikitsa Similar to Shiatsu or Acupressure, Marma & Nadi Chikitsa share many underlying theorems and applications. Using marmas (points), nadis (meridians), and chakras (plexis) the subtleties of pranic (lifeforce) flow can be decongested or toned according to your constitution. Your practitioner, Anu, is trained in Western anatomy and physiology, Ayurveda, Shiatsu, Acupuncture, Orthobionomy, Neuromuscular, Myofascial, Craniosacral and other modalities allowing for physiological precision as we explore the most subtle conditions of the body. This chikitsa is far-reaching, unlimited in potential, and quite popular with guests and staff. Exclusively applied here at the Tree of Life, this unique version of an ancient chikitsa is also easily taught as a self-help technique. This offering can be intensely effective for detoxification and rejuvenation. Practitioner: Anu Duration: 1 Hour Price: $85 Note: Please wear loose comfortable clothing. Pranayama & Jnana Chikitsa For those who have already experienced Marma & Nadi Chikitsa, this chikitsa employs the techniques of Marma & Nadi and takes the next step of more deeply focusing on breath and the conscious release of thought form. Although pranayama is commonly defined as “breath control,” this modern version of the ancient technique redefines pranayama as “the cessation of the transitory view.” Rather than practicing specific breath techniques, awareness becomes the focus. With guidance and support, the breath is left to come and go beyond its conditioning, allowing self-imposed limitations to vanish. Combining breath awareness with Jnana Yoga--understanding or Self-knowledge—profoundly deepens the experience. This physically and verbally guided Jnana Yoga awareness as a psychosomatic self-healing technique is inspired by Zero Point Process taught by Gabriel Cousens M.D., M.D.(H) and other psychosomatically cleansing free-form techniques. By coupling pranayama and psychosomatic Jnana Yoga, the body-mind begins to dissolve its mental “trips” and the heart reestablishes itself as the seat of human Consciousness. Here we begin to find the essence of surrender and the path beyond our local awareness. The body-mind has the potential to be cleared of all that prevents the soul from realizing its true nature – the Self. This is an advanced tool that can support you in surrendering to Grace that can transform you at an olympic pace. Practitioner: Anu Pre-requisite: Marma & Nadi Chikitsa Duration: 1 Hour Price:$85 Note: Please wear loose comfortable clothing.