The Ayurvedic tradition is based on the understanding that there are three fundamental energies in every living thing. When these energies are in balance, they create a harmony of seven, specific vibrations. Ayurvedic treatment consists of diagnosing the different kinds of imbalance that can occur and applying the correct, natural medication to restore the balance.
For Students who want to become qualified in Ayurveda we recommend that they undertake our Aromatherapy Diploma Course and Anatomy & Physiology Course to get a good initial qualification in Aromatherapy (founded on Ayurvedic principles) and then take our 1 and 2 days Ayurvedic courses as post-graduate qualifications.
The S.E.E.D. Institute offers a 2-day Aromatherapy & Ayurveda Course (AY1) followed by a further 2 days of Ayurvedic Massage (AY2). Other Courses that are based on Ayurvedic principles are our 2 day Ayurvedic Indian Head Massage (IND1), our 1 day Chakra Basti (CB2), our 1 day Ayurvedic Body Polish (ABP) and our 2 day Ayurvedic Facial and Marma-point Face Massage (AYFA).
The S.E.E.D. Institute is a School registered with the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA).
Su Hagan, our Principal Tutor, has branched out and started a new, personal venture: taking people to Ayurvedic Clinics in Nepal. Su lived for many years in both Nepal and India and is ideally suited to organise and lead these trips. We would personally recommend them to anyone who would like to have Ayurvedic treatment, or who would just like to visit either of these fascinating cities with a well-versed tour leader.
The following is an outline of the Nepal trip:
In Nepal, Ayurvedic Medicine has been used effectively for millenia. The role of Ayurveda is to maintain the natural harmony of the body in order to retain its resonance with the rest of the Universe. The role of the physician is to correct any imbalance by intervening in the pathological cycle and re-initiating healthy processes with the help of appropriate diet and medicine. The Ayurvedic sages (as well as Florence Nightingale) said that cures are affected by Nature itself - the physician and the medicines only assist Nature.
Ayurveda has a reputation of success with disorders affecting the Westerner. We have an accelerating history of not looking after our bodies, leading to impotency and other imbalances affecting our octave of sex - from birth to death. In Ayurveda, emphasis is placed on sexual balance and pinpointing traumas that may be contributing to ill health.
The Doctor, an Ayurvedic 'Vaidya' with extensive experience of treating Westerners, consults with and treats people who wish to extend their knowledge of traditional medicine. These trips are unique opportunities to receive traditional treatment in ethnic Nepalese surroundings.
Arriving at Kathmandu Airport in the late afternoon, one is met, unless it is cloudy, with a view of the magnificent snowcaps of the Himalayas after landing at 4,323 feet. Groups are met and taken to a 3 Star Hotel, situated in the Thamel district of Kathmandu. Rooms are twin-bedded with en-suite bathrooms. It is usually possible to have a single room at a supplement. The hotel conforms to Western standards, having sitting areas, conference rooms and a roof garden that affords magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
After arrival, there is one rest day. On the second day, appointments are scheduled with the Doctor and personalised treatments are recommended. Prior to the trip, each participant completes a health-profile that is sent to the Doctor to help identify possible treatments prior to the initial consultation.
Treatments will include combinations of the following: abhyanga (full body massage), facial massage (with ghee and herbs), ubtan (coating and massaging the body with a coarse paste), steam-baths, shirodhara (warm oil poured onto the forehead and through the hair), pichu (hot herbal compresses), herbal baths and chakra basti (chakra cleansing - dough-balls placed over the chakra points into which warm oil is poured).
There will be time to visit all the wonderful temples and shrines and to browse through the local bazaars. A visit to one of the many tailors is recommended, so you can have your favourite clothes copied. Kathmandu is inexpensive: one can have a pair of trousers made (including material) for £5. The bazaars sell just about anything at a fraction of the cost one would pay in England.
Kathmandu is very rich in culture and one of the highlights is the visit to Bodnath, the Tibetan village and Stupa, where you will see the Tibetan Monks prostrating themselves and turning their prayer-wheels. This is a magical place - difficult to describe - as you will experience for yourselves. Bodnath is a spiritual home for Buddhists and many make the pilgrimage to circle the Stupa and pray. There will also be an opportunity to visit the burning ghats and temples at Pashupatinath - an extraordinary experience for a Westerner.
Alison Perrott and Su Hagan were in Kathmandu for 3 weeks during August and September 2001 to see if Ayurvedic medicine could help Alison's chronic liver condition. All other disciplines tried have so far failed. They returned to Nepal in December 2001. Results to date are very encouraging. Alison's report (1) on her visit is available. Su took a group of people in December 2001 and a copy of the report (2) written by one of the participants makes fascinating reading. To obtain copies, please e-mail Su Hagan at su.hagan@btinternet.com
The flight, bed and breakfast, 9-10 days treatment, trip to Bodnath and a weekend visit to a resort in the mountains are all included in the price.
Please apply for costs (these will fluctuate, depending on the time of the year).
A complete itinerary will be available to those who express interest in the trip - please e-mail Su at su.hagan@btinternet.com
Few people are better equipped to guide an Ayurvedic trip to Nepal than Su Hagan. Su initially went to Nepal, as a 21 year old, to start an English school under the auspices of the V.S.O. She married the son of a Russian ballet-dancer and hotel entrepeneur and continued living in Nepal for thirteen years before moving to India. Whilst in Nepal she trained in Ayurvedic medicine, for four years, with the late Dr. Mana - a well known Ayurvedic Vaidya. In addition to this, she is a qualified Senior Aromatherapy Tutor teaching to International standards and currently International Chairman of the IFPA (International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists). She speaks Nepali well and has a natural empathy with the Nepalese people - a kind and generous race.
The trips are open to both those with health problems and those who simply want to experience another culture and its way of managing health. But places are limited - so, if you are interested, e-mail Su at su.hagan@btinternet.com to arrange a telephone consultation to ascertain whether such a trip would fulfil your expectations. You can also visit her web-site at www.ayurvedic-tours.co.uk
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