Shirodhara
‘Shiro’ means head and ‘Dhara’ means flow. Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic therapy that involves the gentle pouring of medicinal oil, milk, or buttermilk over the forehead to stimulate the pituitary gland. This subtle yet deeply calming treatment begins with a warm herbal oil massage and finishes with the Shirodhara to create a profound state of peace in the body and mind.
Benefits of Shirodhara
Shirodhara has been used to treat a variety of conditions including eye diseases, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, greying of hair, neurological disorders, memory loss, insomnia, hearing impairment, tinnitus, vertigo, Ménière’s disease, and certain types of skin diseases like psoriasis. Spas also use it for its relaxing properties in non-medicinal treatments. It is also effective in treating mental conditions such as anxiety, and mental stress. The calming effect produced by it is similar to that obtained with meditation.
This therapy works on the cerebral system to improve the senses and relax the nervous system. It relieves stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, while also improving sleep patterns and memory. It relaxes the hypothalamus in the brain and helps normalize the hormones that regulate sleep and emotions.
Contraindications: People suffering from brain tumors, recent neck injuries, abrasions or cuts on the head, fever, chills, acute illness, nausea, vomiting, severe weakness, or exhaustion should avoid Shirodhara. Avoid giving it to women in their third trimester of pregnancy.
Facts: “ Studies report that Ayurvedic Shirodhara is a safe option to improve sleep quality among people who have sleep problems. “
Wanna Enjoy this Peaceful Therapy: Join us on our therapy packages.
By Suyog Simkhada
WHERE IN NEPAL TO DO THE YOGA TEACHER TRAINING (YTT) COURSE
“Every day is an initiation into a beautiful life.” -Dr. Subodh
I have always had an innate desire to teach and help others. Partially due to my appreciation for those who have taught and helped me. For some reason, from the moment I decided to become a certified yoga teacher, I was called to Nepal. After researching the country, I learned that yoga actually originates from Nepal (but that region is now India). So perhaps my intuition was, as always, guiding me toward the right choice. However, considering the number of yoga centers in Nepal, my intuition was of no help in that area and I wondered: So Where in Nepal to do the Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) Course?
Why Himalayan Yoga Academy??
How To Get There:
If you’re arriving from Tribhuvan International Airport, a transfer can be arranged (mine was free of charge). But if you’re coming from elsewhere in Nepal, just hop onto a bus or taxi towards the direction of Pani Tanki, Raniban Road, Nagarjun-1, Kathmandu.
Currency: Nepalese Rupees
What To Expect:
Not gonna lie, as a foodie, I was concerned (only slightly, though) about the food at The Himalayan Yoga Academy. Considering I was staying for 26 days but (again) not gonna lie, as a foodie, I was over the moon – every damn day, mind you. I would finish my breakfast and then immediately start fantasizing about lunch due to excitement. The main chef, Kopila, would ensure that a variety of options were served per meal. For example, if you can’t tolerate spicy, there would be a non-spicy option.
Speaking of Kopila, she was just as kind as every other staff at The Himalayan Yoga Academy. It took her time to explain the Nepalese culture and to answer every random question we had – or shall I say, I had. Because I had many random questions (as I know my classmate, Lisa, would agree with).
I also appreciated the fact that on the compound there was an assortment of produce like mango, guava, avocado, pomelo, peppermint, chili, cinnamon, and more!
But before I continue digressing, back to the yoga course spanning 26 days over 200 hours. It can be intense but also physically and mentally rewarding. Physically your body is finally receiving the treatment it needs and mentally your mind is finally learning to unlearn. The theoretical aspect of the course can be compared to the opening of Pandora’s box. The history of yoga spans centuries and the depth of the topic is bottomless. But trust me, you’re going to want to continue learning even once you’ve returned home as 200 hours YTT course is just scraping the surface.
If you’re curious about what else to expect during the 200 hours of yoga teacher training in Nepal at The Himalayan Yoga Academy then know this:
Your day begins at around 6 am. At 6.30 am you will practice a nasal cleansing technique known as ‘jala neti’. Honestly, considering the dust in Nepal, your nasal cavity will thank you for the cleanse. After that, a two-hour class will commence, with the remainder of the day as follows:
My classmates and I enjoyed the location of the academy; despite being situated just 15 to 20 minutes from Thamel. We preferred wandering around the area, so we visited the numerous monasteries nearby. We experienced a visit to the famous Monkey Temple several times. Even we hiked to various viewpoints as Nagarjuna is known for its forest reserve. Our main teacher, Dr. Subodh, even hosted a class atop the mountain, which was indeed unforgettable. So, if you were worried that you wouldn’t have time to explore, fret not. To add a cherry on top of the good news, once a week, during your free time, you will receive treatment – anything from a full-body massage to an Ayurvedic oil treatment and more!
Additional Information (Where in Nepal to do the Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) Course):
The YTT students are placed in a spacious tent for accommodation. It is outfitted with two single beds as it’s meant for sharing. But, Dr. Subodh ensures that everyone has their own tent, if possible. However, as I visited during a busy month, I was upgraded to a room in the main building. And then shortly after, a classmate joined me. As for the toilet situation, it’s a shared toilet but it’s cleaned daily so nothing to worry about. One of the toilets also faces the Monkey Temple which is perfect for staring at while brushing your teeth.
As a YTT student, you should know that the course details the various (traditional) cleansing techniques. And as you’re training to be a teacher, need to understand what you’re learning through trial, like with the ‘jala neti’. Although not compulsory, it is recommended to partake in a ‘master cleanse, which entails consuming 6-25 glasses of warm (rock) salted water combined with lime over two hours while performing various yoga postures. The aim of the cleanse is to reset the digestive system, to return it to its natural state. Of course, a clean diet after is recommended and on the first day itself only a specific meal can be consumed (rice with lentils and ghee). My classmates and I partook, each with varying results. So, prepare yourself for that (or just refuse, lol!).
At The Himalayan Yoga Academy, I am genuinely grateful for every person I met – and I met many! Despite how all the interactions were unique, there was a shared factor. How each of our consciousness expanded by connecting with and learning from, people from around the world. Again, I want to thank each one of you for being you (if you’re reading this, that is). And, of course, also want to thank the instructors at the academy for extending an overwhelmingly warm welcome to us.
I genuinely felt like a part of the family, and I know my classmates did, too. The fact that we even managed to celebrate local festivals together (including the resort guests) was just a bonus! Pictured below is my guru on Dashain, as it is tradition to touch or use a swing on the main day of the festival to be closer to the cosmos. Don’t worry about Where In Nepal to do the Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) Course.
Btw, if you’re a light sleeper then know that that will change once in Nepal – it’s inevitable. Your body will just at some point or another need to drown out the high-pitched honking, blaring barks, a cacophony of bell chimes, and every other sound imaginable to men. On a lighter note, pictured below are two photos of our graduation ceremony!
Price for the 200 hours of Yoga Teacher Training course in Nepal:
Depending on which package is chosen, ranges from 95 USD per person for the retreat package(s) upwards to 1,400 USD.
Other Recommendations:
Whilst at The Himalayan Yoga Academy, I also learned how to heal others through focused intention and energy work known as Reiki. There are three levels and I successfully completed two, well, my classmates and I did. Even though each course is short and sweet, participants are required to practice the techniques learned for a minimum of 21 days after the classes commence. Luckily, I could share the task with my roommate, Erika. So for 21 days we meditated, and reflected, together every morning for an hour. It may sound like a lot but we really enjoyed it!
The reiki course isn’t for everyone but I would highly recommend receiving a reiki treatment. Take it from a qualified practitioner to understand what I’m talking about. For those already enticed, these are some of the topics discussed during the reiki training. Such as forgiveness and self-love, extra-sensory perception, auras, chakras, Christ consciousnesses, and more. One classmate, Paul, was participating in the course mainly to learn so, don’t be shy to do the same!
If you’re in Kathmandu and would like to experience reiki with a master but are short on time. Then fret not as our teacher, Swami Padmasattva, owns a studio in Thamel, known as Kaivalya Yoga. I seriously recommend visiting him as he is an intriguing man that one can converse with for hours on end. Having studied every type of reiki (the traditional curriculum has 13 levels, btw). He practiced ‘The Art of Dying’, and personally experienced ‘Samadhi’ (also ‘Nirvana’).
I feel like there’s so much more I could learn from him. You can imagine why I said that and I hope to, in this life or the next. In general, I feel like Nepal is just calling my name again, asking me to continue learning and growing. And if you’ve made it this far into the article then I’m guessing Nepal is also calling your name. So take this as the sign you were looking for! So you Know Now Where in Nepal to do the Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) Course.
Spiritual Tourism, a Crown of Nepal
“Budhham Sharanam Gachchhami;
Sangham Sharanam Gachchhami;
Dhammam Sharanam Gachchhami”
Spiritual Tourism, a Crown of Nepal, a Tiny Country in the Middle of the World, is rich in the beauty of nature, a source of wisdom, the origin of philosophy, a platform of spirituality, and the foundation of religions. Nepal is recognized for its three phases of the
Spiritual Tourism, a Crown of Nepal
Buddha, a form of enlightenment from Lumbini was the prince of
Yoga as Spiritual Tourism :
Yoga is derived from a Sanskrit word which means union or equanimity. It refers to both the union of the self with the absolute and the vast array of techniques for achieving spiritual discipline, self-realization, and liberation, even in Hinduism, Buddhism, and others. “Yogah Samadhi”, yoga is Samadhi or Dhamma which means to have liberation or equilibrium. Meditation is one of the final or entire organs of yoga science for spiritual achievement. Meditation is the final weapon for Yoga or Samadhi. At present, Buddha meditation is gaining popularity in the world.
Philosophically:
Yoga and Buddhism have common roots stretching back thousands of years to ancient Bharatakhanda (The area covered from Afghanistan to Bali). Hatha yoga and Buddhism, use ethical practices, postures, breathe work as tools. Raja yoga and Buddhism use mantras and meditation for awakening and evolved distinctly different methods for pursuing their common goal of liberation. Yoga is an integral part of the spiritual schedule at Vipassana, Zen, and Tibetan retreats. Buddhist mediators are starting to acknowledge what yogis have already long known: that the state of the body profoundly affects the state of the mind and heart. Indeed, body, mind, and heart are not separate entities but one interpenetration, unified system. The five ethics of Yama in Ashtanga Yoga and Pancha Sheela of Buddha are the
Though the scenario might flourish in the world, it has been dimed to date lack of true knowledge and practices. In any civilization, yogic wisdom and means as a spiritual practice were a common medium in order to correspond to human development. The message should globally be offered to spiritual
For the Promotion of spiritual tourism in Nepal, the government and concerned institutions have planned innovative and rational tourism packages focusing on historical, philosophical, spiritual, religious, and socio-cultural issues. They most determinedly execute on a broad scale.