Ayurvedic Massage Training · 20 Hours
Learn a complete massage. Develop a more attentive touch.
Learn directly with Shyam over a practical weekend of Abhyanga, Shirodhara and external Basti techniques. Build a complete one-hour Ayurvedic massage sequence through demonstrations, partner practice and personal feedback.
All levels welcome · No previous massage experience needed
From curiosity to a more confident, caring touch.
Come with an interest in Ayurveda and a willingness to learn. This practical workshop welcomes complete beginners, yoga teachers, massage practitioners, therapists and anyone who wants to understand traditional Ayurvedic bodywork.
You will watch demonstrations, explore the techniques step by step and practise under guidance. We connect the sequence with the qualities that make touch feel thoughtful: a steady rhythm, comfortable positioning, clear communication and respect for the person receiving.
Join us to discover a new area of study, enrich an existing practice or reconnect with the simple experience of giving and receiving care.
What is Abhyanga?
Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic massage that uses oil, often warmed, with flowing movements across the body.
The oil and the rhythm of the massage are central to the practice. A session brings together a prepared space, continuous contact, thoughtful pressure and attention to the comfort of the person receiving. In Ayurveda, the choice of oil is considered in relation to the individual and the context of the session.
In this workshop, you will study a complete one-hour Abhyanga sequence. Learn how to move between areas of the body, pace the session and work with your own posture so that your hands can remain attentive and your movements feel connected.
We introduce the Ayurvedic perspective behind the practice in accessible language. You do not need to know Sanskrit, understand the doshas already or be an experienced therapist to begin.
Three techniques. One attentive approach.
Explore how warm oil, skillful preparation and the quality of touch shape different Ayurvedic bodywork practices.
Complete Abhyanga sequence
Learn the flow of a one-hour Ayurvedic oil massage.
- Preparing the space, oil and materials
- Connecting movements into a full-body sequence
- Pacing, pressure and smooth transitions
- Practitioner posture and comfortable positioning
- Communication, consent and respectful draping
Shirodhara
Understand the traditional practice of a gentle, continuous stream of oil flowing onto the forehead.
- The purpose and setup of the equipment
- Preparing the person and creating a comfortable space
- Attention to oil temperature and the quality of the flow
- Observation and communication throughout the practice
- Closing the session and allowing time to rest
Localized Basti techniques
Explore external oil-retention applications for the knees, neck and back.
- Janu Basti · knee
- Greeva Basti · neck
- Kati Basti · lower back
- Preparing and placing the dough ring that holds the oil
- Maintaining comfort, temperature and careful observation
A 20-hour certificate, built around practical learning.
Receive a 20-hour Bhakti Yoga School certificate upon completing the teaching, guided study and practice. The central skill is a complete one-hour Abhyanga sequence, supported by guided learning in Shirodhara and localized Basti.
How the 20 hours work
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break each day: 16 hours of teaching and supervised practice. Complete a further 4 hours of guided study, sequence review and practice outside the weekend.
See the technique. Understand the care behind it.
Shyam demonstrates the treatments in Cali, giving you a clear view of the preparation and the attention involved.
You do not need to arrive as an expert.
An open, supportive setting for people with different backgrounds and different reasons for coming.
New to Ayurveda
Start with clear explanations and learn the sequence from the ground up.
Yoga teachers & students
Explore touch, body awareness and an Ayurvedic perspective that can enrich your continuing study.
Massage & bodywork practitioners
Broaden your understanding of oil-based bodywork and traditional Ayurvedic techniques.
Curious about personal care
Discover a thoughtful practice of connection, learning and attention to the body.
You do not need advanced yoga ability or to be in peak physical shape. If life, travel or time away from practice has changed your rhythm, you are still welcome. Let us know about any mobility needs so we can discuss comfortable ways for you to participate.
Demonstration, practice and space for questions.
- 01
Understand
Begin with the foundations, the materials and the intention behind each technique.
- 02
Observe
Watch a demonstration and notice the details: rhythm, positioning, preparation and transitions.
- 03
Practise
Explore the movements in supervised practice, with guidance and attention to comfort.
- 04
Integrate
Ask questions, review the sequence and connect what you learned with your own path.
Practice involves giving and receiving touch with clear consent. Communicate your comfort level throughout; speak with us before booking if you have questions about hands-on participation.
Learn in a place where practice has room to breathe.
At Yogendra Ashram in the mountains of Cristo Rey, the workshop extends beyond the classroom. Ayurveda, hands-on practice and community meet in a calm setting with nature, spaces to rest and time to integrate.
Spend a weekend away from your usual pace, learning alongside others who share an interest in Ayurveda and attentive care. The workshop gives you time to observe, ask questions and explore the techniques through direct experience.
The international residential weekend includes one night of shared accommodation and meals, allowing you to settle into the rhythm of the ashram while you study.
Shyam Vallabhi Devi Dasi
Ayurveda therapist · International yoga teacher · Founder of Yogendra Ashram
Shyam brings more than two decades of yoga teaching and a long-standing dedication to Ayurveda. She received her Ayurveda certification in India in 2008 and continued her study of advanced Panchakarma with her mentor, Dr. Vinod.
She founded Yogendra Ashram in Cali and Dhanvantari Ayurveda & Panchakarma Center in Peru. Her work connects traditional study with therapeutic yoga, hands-on bodywork and the practical understanding of care in everyday life.
Her teaching invites students to learn with sensitivity, to ask questions and to develop attentive, grounded ways of working with the body.
Learn more about our teachers
A practical immersion in Cali.
- Dates
- Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 March 2027
- Hours
- 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. each day
- Training & certificate
- 20 hours: 16 hours of teaching across the weekend, plus 4 hours of guided study and practice.
- Location
- Yogendra Ashram · Cristo Rey · Cali, Colombia
- Focus
- One-hour Abhyanga sequence, Shirodhara and external Basti for knees, neck and back
- Experience
- All levels welcome; no previous massage training required
- Tuition & options
- International residential US$350 / US$325 early bird. Includes one night in shared accommodation and meals during the weekend.
Choose how you would like to join.
Every option includes the complete 20-hour training, practice materials, study manual and certificate upon completion.
International
One night in shared accommodation and meals during the weekend.
Reserve with a 50% deposit
Your deposit holds your place and allows us to purchase oils and practice materials. Pay the remaining 50% before the course begins.
Early bird: pay the 50% deposit at least one month before the course, by 6 February 2027.
Would you like a deeper immersion?
The two-day massage workshop is a focused introduction to practical techniques. The separate 100-hour Ayurveda & Yoga Therapist training at Yogendra Ashram runs from 2–12 March 2027 and offers a broader course of study.
What is Abhyanga?
Abhyanga is traditional Ayurvedic oil massage, commonly using warm oil and flowing movements. In this workshop, we study a complete one-hour sequence, including preparation, rhythm, positioning, transitions and the quality of attentive touch.
Can I join if I have never studied massage or Ayurveda?
Yes. All levels are welcome, including complete beginners. We explain the foundations and build step by step. You do not need a previous qualification to take part in the workshop.
Who is this workshop for?
It is for people curious about Ayurveda, yoga teachers and students, massage and bodywork practitioners, therapists and anyone interested in learning a thoughtful approach to touch. Different levels of experience can learn alongside one another.
I am not in great yoga shape right now. Can I still join?
Yes. This is a bodywork workshop; advanced postures and peak fitness are not prerequisites. Travel, family responsibilities and time away from practice are part of life. Tell us about any mobility needs so we can discuss suitable participation before you arrive.
What makes Ayurvedic massage distinctive?
Abhyanga places oil, rhythm and the individual at the center of the practice. We introduce the Ayurvedic perspective and study the preparation and flow of a complete session, with close attention to communication and comfort.
Will we learn a full Abhyanga sequence?
Yes. The workshop includes a complete one-hour Abhyanga sequence. You will study how the movements connect, how to pace the session and how to transition between different areas of the body.
What is Shirodhara?
Shirodhara is a traditional Ayurvedic practice in which a continuous stream of oil or another selected liquid flows onto the forehead. Here, we focus on the oil-based setup, careful preparation, comfort, temperature, flow and attention during the session.
What are Basti or Vasti techniques?
The Basti taught here are external, localized oil-retention applications. A dough ring is placed on a specific area to hold the oil. We explore Janu Basti for the knee, Greeva Basti for the neck and Kati Basti for the lower back. This workshop focuses on external applications.
Is the workshop practical or mainly theory?
The emphasis is practical. Explanations support demonstrations and supervised practice, with space for questions and review. The intention is to connect understanding with direct experience.
Do I need to bring a partner?
You can register individually. Practice is organized within the group; contact us if you would like to come with someone or have particular needs around partner practice.
Do I have to receive every treatment?
Participation in touch requires your consent, and you can communicate your boundaries at any time. If you prefer to observe part of the practice or need an adaptation, discuss this with us before booking so we can plan your participation.
Can I attend if I have an injury, skin sensitivity or a health condition?
Please tell us before booking. We can discuss the oils, positioning and participation needs relevant to the workshop. For a condition that affects whether massage or warm-oil applications are appropriate for you, seek advice from your healthcare professional.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable clothes suitable for oil-based bodywork, a notebook and a water bottle. Ask us in advance about towels, sheets and any materials you may need to bring.
What language is the workshop taught in?
The school welcomes Spanish- and English-speaking students. Contact us with your language needs before reserving so we can confirm the teaching and translation arrangements for this workshop.
Are meals and accommodation included?
The international and Latin American residential rates include one night of shared accommodation and meals during the weekend. The local non-residential option includes the complete training, without meals or accommodation. Optional lunch is COP 25,500 per lunch.
Is this the complete 100-hour Ayurveda & Yoga Therapist training?
This is a separate, focused two-day workshop on 6–7 March 2027. The broader 100-hour Ayurveda & Yoga Therapist course takes place in Cali from 2–12 March 2027. Follow the training link above to explore the full course.
Will I receive a 20-hour certificate?
Yes. Receive a 20-hour Bhakti Yoga School certificate after completing the 16 hours of teaching across the weekend and 4 hours of guided study and practice. You will learn and practise a complete one-hour Abhyanga sequence, Shirodhara and external Basti for the knees, neck and lower back.
How are the 20 training hours organised?
Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break each day: 16 hours of teaching and supervised practice. Complete a further 4 hours of guided study, sequence review and practice outside the weekend.
How do I reserve, and what are the prices?
Register for the 6–7 March 2027 workshop in Cali and pay a 50% deposit to hold your place and allow us to purchase materials. International residential: US$350 regular / US$325 early bird. Latin American residential: US$295 / US$275. Local non-residential, without meals or accommodation: US$245 / US$225. Pay the balance before the course. Early bird applies when the deposit is paid at least one month ahead, by 6 February 2027.
A weekend of Ayurveda, touch and connection.
6–7 March 2027 · 20-hour certificate · Taught by Shyam · Yogendra Ashram, Cali
Beginners and experienced practitioners are warmly invited.
Reserve your place