The Vedic Yoga Centre (VYC) is a Retreat Centre which specialises in the science of Ayurveda and Yoga. The Centre is located on the banks of the holy river Ganga in the small town of Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, located in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Rishikesh is regarded as the Yoga Capital of the World and is just six hours by car, train or bus from Delhi. The Centre is a peaceful oasis for learning and practicing the ancient science of yoga, specifically Vedic Yoga.
Before you come to visit us, allow yourself to let go of all your pre-conceived ideas about yoga, so that you will be free to refine your understanding of the traditional Vedic concepts and yogic practices. The practices offered by the VYC present a holistic approach to the concept of yoga which encompasses your total well-being through a range of different systems. Vedic Yoga is a traditional science based upon the teachings of the Vedas which were written between 1500 and 1000 BC. They show us how to return to our inner nature through various methods and techniques, which have been tested throughout the ages.
The courses offered by the Centre are based on these teachings as seen through the experience of Shailendra Singh Negi, senior teacher. In today’s world, there are many different forms of yoga, most of which are focused on one specific aspect of practice. However, the VYC uses a combination of all different ancient teachings which include Mantra, Meditation, Samyak Kriya, Asana, Pranayama, Bandha and Mudra, thus encompassing the body, mind and spirit. Practicing these will bring alignment to the life force within you, which will awaken your ability to live your yoga in all dimensions of your life, and giving you an attitude that will help you to Serve, Love and Surrender – qualities which we foster at our Centre. In fact, the essential point of Vedic Yoga is to learn how to surrender. When you learn how to serve, love and surrender, you can live your life whole-heartedly and fearlessly.
The way to connect with your higher self and tune the inner body only comes through practicing with discipline and determination. The Vedas are the wisdom, and the Yogic practice is the tool which helps awaken this wisdom within you. The result will bring harmony between your thoughts, emotions and actions, which will help you experience a life without fear, and one of peace, happiness and contentment. Some of the basic foundations of the Vedic methods include meditative contemplation, faith in God, trust in oneself, appreciation of (and living in harmony with) nature and the environment, and experiencing oneness in all relationships. Yoga is the underlying practical aspect of all spiritual traditions as it leads to enhanced awareness and realisation of oneness with the Universe. Just as the different beads of a rosary are linked together by one single thread, so all the various traditions of Vedanta and Tantra are linked by Yoga.
The 10-day detoxification program is a combination of Ayurvedic therapy and yogic practices which help to cleanse and detoxify the body, and balance energy levels. Although this program is very useful for the 10-day period, it will be far more effective if the treatments are extended for at least 3 weeks, and for even better results it can be extended for a further 3 weeks, making it a 6 week program in total.
The Vedic Yoga Centre in India is offering a 14 Day Beginner Course in Yoga and Meditation to assist individual self development in its purest form. This inspiring course is for the beginner yogi or anyone who wants to strengthen their foundations for a yogic lifestyle and improve their health and mental well-being. The course promises to be transformative and will take you on a journey of self-awareness as the body, mind and spirit are rebalanced.
Shiro Pichu is a process in which a piece of cotton dipped in medicated oils is applied to the head for a period of time. Benefits: Reduces hair loss Helps heal facial paralysis Helps eliminate burning sensation in the eyes
Lepanam is the application of a medicated herbal paste over the affected parts of the body. It is particularly useful for various types of inflammatory conditions and provides overall benefits for both body and mind. Benefits : Helps alleviate skin diseases (such as psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis) Assists in repairing muscular injury (or weakness) Helps alleviate atrophy of muscles and nerves Helps alleviate insomnia
The Vedic Yoga Centre’s 200-hour Teacher Training Courseprepares students to not just be yoga teachers, but to live yoga in all areas of life. The teacher training course is about more than just learning how to teach a class. It is about understanding the teachings of the ancient traditions of yoga so they may be shared in any setting with all people. It offers personal transformation in Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga, and will prepare you for a yoga practice well beyond the yoga mat.
This experience is designed for those who are spiritually oriented and come to India with an open mind, wanting to stay for an extended period of time in a yogic environment, and willing to learn and practice all traditional aspects of yoga. This journey is an inspiration for strengthening your inward focus by regular practice and personal experience. You will have the opportunity to live a yogic lifestyle on a daily basis by participating in all aspects of the yogic practices that are offered by the Centre. You can immerse yourself in daily meditations and gain practice and experience in the different aspects of yoga, both individually and in a class environment. As your practice deepens and you progress along your path of self discovery, the Yoga master will always be available for inspiration and motivation in your practice. You will travel to temples with your fellow students, chant with them, meditate with them and learn about austerity and compassion towards them and others.
Kati Vasti is a process in which a ring of gram paste is placed over the lumbar region and warm medicated oils are poured in it. The oil is maintained at a special temperature. Benefits Helps eliminate the pain associated with: Lower back pain Sciatica Slipped discs Lumbar Spondylosis Numbness in the legs Sacralization of vertebrae Spondylolesthesis
This is a process in which warm medicated oil is retained over the knee joint, in a herbal paste. The oil is maintained at a special temperature. Benefits Helps eliminate the pain associated with: Osteoarthritis Osteoporosis Degenerative diseases of the knee Pain and stiffness in knee joint
Greeva Vasti is a process in which medicated oil is kept over the cervical region, in a ring of herbal paste. It gives immediate relief as it acts at the site of lesion. It enhances the lubrication of the cervical vertebrae, gives nutrition to the cartilage bones and im-proves the cushion action between two vertebral bodies. Benefits Helps eliminate the pain associated with: Cervical spondylosis Neck pain Intervertebral space reduction Loss of lordosis in cervical vertebra
Netrapana is a process of keeping medicated oil or ghee on the eyes for a certain period of time. This treatment strengthens the muscles and nerves of the eyes, and nourishes dry and tired eyes. Benefits: Helps eliminate: Burning sensation in the eyes Squinting Glaucoma Cataract Drooping eyelids (ptosis) Night Blindness Corneal ulcers
Nasya is a process in which the medicated oil is streamlined into the nostrils. This treatment stimulates the nervous system, cranial nerves and also maintains the functions of the endocrine glands. It also prevents many ENT problems such as tonsillitis, sinusitis and pharyngitis. This is not only a curative procedure for ailments but also a preventive treatment for diseases of the head region. Benefits : Helps treat facial conditions such trigeminal neuralgia and Bell's palsy Helps relieve sinusitis, nasal allergies, toothache and migraine Slows the process of falling hair and premature greying Helps control epilepsy Helps alleviate insomnia
This course is designed for those who wish to dive deep into the Ayurvedic therapies and embrace this alternative option for helping to heal themselves and others. This complete course runs over a 5 week period for a total of 250 hours
The Vedic Yoga Centre’s 300-hour Teacher Training Courseprepares students to not just be yoga teachers, but to live yoga in all areas of life. The teacher training course is about more than just learning how to teach a class. It is about understanding the teachings of the ancient traditions of yoga so they may be shared in any setting with all people. It offers personal transformation in Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga, and will prepare you for a yoga practice well beyond the yoga mat.
Shirodhara is traditionally used to calm and restore the nerves, harmonise constitutions, bring equilibrium to all kinds of mental imbalances, release stored emotions, and purify the mind. Shiro means head and dhara means steady flow of oil. In Ayurvedic medicine it is considered an important tool in the pursuit of higher states of consciousness. It works on the cerebral system, helps to relax the nervous system and balances the Prana Vayu (life force energy situated around the head. In this process, a combination of herbal oils, medicated milk and medicated butter milk are poured on the forehead in a special method for about 45 minutes. It helps to deepen concentration and assists mental relaxation. Benefits: Helps to overcome insomnia. Helps with mental health issues such as stress, depression, mental slowness and schizophrenia. Diminishes hypertension. Helps overcome hemiplegia (paralysis). Diabetic complications such as neuropathy Strengthens the sensory organs.
Takradhara consists of pouring medicated buttermilk over the forehead in a continuous stream. This treatment has a cooling effect on the mind and the body. Benefits : Helps alleviate burning sensation in the palms Helps alleviate headaches, giddiness, fatigue Helps alleviate dandruff
Shiro Vasti is a process in which a leather cap is placed over the head and oil is poured into it, being kept there for a period of time. Benefits: Helps heal facial paralysis and loss of skin sensation Helps overcome insomnia Helps heal diseases of the head
The Vedic Yoga Centre’s 500-hour Teacher Training Courseprepares students to not just be yoga teachers, but to live yoga in all areas of life. The teacher training course is about more than just learning how to teach a class. It is about understanding the teachings of the ancient traditions of yoga so they may be shared in any setting with all people. It offers personal transformation in Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga, and will prepare you for a yoga practice well beyond the yoga mat.
Ayurvedic massage is a rejuvenating treatment which helps to remove stagnant energy (prana) and replace it with vital energy, moving it throughout the body. If a person has abused Nature’s gift of life for a long time, massage can help to restore the body to its normal condition of health, vitality, youth and stamina, and provide awareness for change. Massage is essential for the maintenance of one’s health, and provides a deep state of bliss and joy. Massages at the Centre are performed on the traditional Ayurvedic massage table with either Ayurvedic herbal oils or essential oils. Benefits: Helps ease chronic aches and pains like backache, joint pains, stiff neck, migraine and rheumatic pains. Improves blood circulation. Helps battle obesity and diabetes. Provides an overall positive influence on the body and mind.
Ayurvedic massage is a rejuvenating treatment which helps to remove stagnant energy (prana) and replace it with vital energy, moving it throughout the body. If a person has abused Nature’s gift of life for a long time, massage can help to restore the body to its normal condition of health, vitality, youth and stamina, and provide awareness for change. Massage is essential for the maintenance of one’s health, and provides a deep state of bliss and joy. Massages at the Centre are performed on the traditional Ayurvedic massage table with either Ayurvedic herbal oils or essential oils. Benefits: Helps ease chronic aches and pains like backache, joint pains, stiff neck, migraine and rheumatic pains. Improves blood circulation. Helps battle obesity and diabetes. Provides an overall positive influence on the body and mind.
Jambeera Pindaswedam is a treatment which provides help for Vata and Kapha disorders. It consists of a massage using lemons rolled in heated cloth balls and is an excellent treatment for nourishing the entire body. Benefits: Helps eliminate the pain associated with: Lower back ache Peri-arthritis of the shoulder Neuro-muscular disorders
Pizchil (oil bath) is a process in which lukewarm medicated oil is poured on the body in a peculiar rhythmic manner for a specific time. It is rejuvenation therapy for a healthy person. Benefits: Increases the immunity of the body Improves skin complexion Maintains good health Relieves body pain and muscle spasm Helps in healing fractures Treats neuromuscular diseases Rejuvenates the body
Virechana is a procedure that is used to remove residual toxins in the small intestine. This is a gentle purgation therapy where various cleansing herbs and oils are ingested over a series of days. It is a medicated purgative therapy to detoxify the body by cleansing the entire gastro-intestinal track. Virechana removes the toxins from the body at a cellular level. It is highly recommended for weight loss. It improves overall circulation and skin complexion. It also helps to increase the body’s immunity. It is a safe process without any side effects. Benefits : Eliminates chronic fever Helps control obesity Helps clear skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema Helps to control intestinal problems such as Irritable Bowel Syn-drome, gastro-intestinal problems, worms and haemorrhoids Assists in the control of diabetes Helps fight anaemia Helps eliminate headache, cough and cold, and asthma Elephantiasis Helps heal gout
We are offering a residential 7 Day Beginner Course in Yoga and Meditation in the tranquil region of Rishikesh, the world home of yoga. It is a perfect opportunity to renew your meditation practice or just enjoy a peaceful retreat with daily yoga and meditation classes accompanied by delicious, fresh vegetarian Indian food in a spiritual and uplifting environment. You will be able to deepen your awareness, learn how to balance your emotions and create an inner sanctuary by attending classes in the following practices: Posture (Asana) Breathing (Pranayama) Relaxation (Yoga Nidra) Mantra (chanting, healing and bringing your attention into the present) Kundalini Kriyas (a practice that creates awareness and balance in the energy centres) Nada yoga (a practice of tuning your awareness through sound and vibration to make the mind meditative) Meditation Yoga philosophy and its application in your daily life
Kriya is a method of yoga which awakens the internal prana (energy) of the body and makes you aware of the life force within. It brings your mind to a state of equilibrium and prepares you for stillness. When kriya yoga is used in combination with hatha yoga, and breathing and relaxation practices, it helps to deepen your meditation practice, balance your emotions, and create an inner sanctuary. This retreat provides a solid foundation for applying meditation in your daily life and provides a means to relieve stress and tension.