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AYURVEDA 0207
Picchu Therapy
Nurturing Deep Balance with Ayurvedic Oil Application
8 hours
A comprehensive 8-hour immersion course from Bright Moon Institute exploring the ancient Ayurvedic practice of Picchu Therapy. This course provides holistic healers with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to apply this deeply nurturing oil-based treatment that promotes mental clarity, emotional release, hormonal balance, and spiritual grounding through targeted application on marma-rich regions of the body.
Course Summary
Picchu Therapy stands as one of Ayurveda's most profound sattvic treatments, employing warm, oil-soaked cloths gently placed on specific marma-rich regions of the body. This ancient therapeutic modality works on multiple dimensions of wellbeing, creating a harmonious bridge between physical, emotional, and energetic aspects of health.
At its core, Picchu Therapy functions through the deep penetration of medicated oils into tissues (dhatus), creating a nourishing environment that balances the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The sustained, gentle pressure of the warm oil-soaked cloth allows for prolonged absorption, reaching deeper tissues than standard oil applications. This sustained contact with marma points (vital energy centers) facilitates the release of energetic blockages and supports the free flow of prana throughout the body's subtle channels.
The therapeutic benefits of Picchu extend beyond physical relief, supporting mental clarity, emotional release, hormonal regulation, and spiritual grounding. Participants will develop comprehensive skills through personalized instruction and hands-on practice, learning to select appropriate oils, prepare medicated cloths, apply them with precision, and integrate this therapy into holistic treatment protocols.
Physical Benefits
  • Deep tissue nourishment and rejuvenation
  • Relief of musculoskeletal tension and pain
  • Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage
  • Enhanced hormonal regulation
Mental-Emotional Benefits
  • Reduced anxiety and stress
  • Improved mental clarity and focus
  • Emotional release and processing
  • Enhanced sleep quality
Energetic Benefits
  • Balanced dosha expression
  • Unblocked energy at marma points
  • Increased subtle awareness
  • Spiritual grounding and integration
Course Format
In-Person Learning
Immersive face-to-face instruction in a supportive classroom environment, allowing for direct guidance and immediate feedback from instructors. The intimate setting facilitates relationship-building with fellow practitioners and creates a sacred space for healing work.
Live Online Option
For distance learners, our interactive online platform provides real-time instruction and demonstration. Online participants receive specialized guidance for practicing techniques with partners at home and additional visual resources to support their learning.
Hands-On Practice
Extensive practical application comprises over 70% of course time. Students work in pairs under close supervision, developing tactile sensitivity, proper technique, and intuitive understanding of Picchu placement and pressure.
The course emphasizes experiential learning through a carefully structured progression of demonstrations followed by guided practice. Each technique is first demonstrated by the instructor with detailed explanation of anatomical landmarks, oil selection considerations, and therapeutic objectives. Students then practice in pairs with continuous supervision and feedback.
Reflective group discussions punctuate the practical sessions, allowing participants to share observations, ask questions, and integrate their experiences. These discussions create a collaborative learning environment that honors both traditional Ayurvedic wisdom and contemporary therapeutic applications. The course concludes with a synthesis session where participants articulate their understanding of Picchu Therapy and its place within their professional practice.

All participants receive comprehensive digital course materials including instructional videos for reference after the training, detailed oil preparation guides, and anatomical charts highlighting key marma points for Picchu application.
Target Audience
This specialized Picchu Therapy course has been thoughtfully designed to serve a diverse range of healing professionals seeking to expand their therapeutic toolkit with authentic Ayurvedic oil treatments. The curriculum balances accessibility for newcomers to Ayurveda with sufficient depth for experienced practitioners.
1
Massage Therapists
Licensed massage professionals will find Picchu Therapy to be a valuable complement to their existing modalities. The techniques offer a gentler alternative to deep tissue work while providing profound relaxation and therapeutic benefits. Massage therapists will appreciate how Picchu can extend their treatment options for clients with acute sensitivity, chronic pain conditions, or those seeking deeper states of relaxation.
2
Ayurvedic Bodyworkers
For those already practicing Ayurvedic bodywork such as Abhyanga or Shirodhara, this course provides specialized training in a less commonly taught but highly effective therapy. Ayurvedic practitioners will deepen their understanding of doshic balancing through specific oil formulations and placement techniques that address both physical and subtle energy imbalances.
3
Yoga Therapists
Yoga therapists working with clients on physical rehabilitation, stress reduction, or emotional processing will discover how Picchu Therapy can significantly enhance their therapeutic outcomes. The course draws connections between marma points, chakra energetics, and pranic flow that align beautifully with yoga therapy principles.
4
Spa Professionals
Spa directors, estheticians, and wellness coordinators will gain valuable knowledge about implementing authentic Ayurvedic treatments into their service offerings. The course addresses practical considerations for spa settings, including treatment room setup, materials management, and marketing of Picchu Therapy as a premium wellness service.
5
Holistic Healers
Energy workers, naturopaths, acupuncturists, and other integrative practitioners will appreciate the subtle yet powerful effects of Picchu Therapy. The course emphasizes the energetic dimensions of healing through oil and touch, creating natural synergies with many complementary healing modalities.
While no prior Ayurvedic training is required, participants should have basic bodywork experience and a genuine interest in holistic healing approaches. The course is particularly valuable for practitioners seeking gentle yet effective treatments for clients with chronic conditions, emotional trauma, or stress-related disorders.
Learning Objectives & Outcomes
The Picchu Therapy immersion is structured around comprehensive learning objectives that ensure participants develop both theoretical understanding and practical mastery. These objectives build progressively throughout the day, moving from foundational knowledge to advanced application and integration.
Explain Foundational Concepts
Articulate the theoretical framework of Picchu Therapy within classical Ayurvedic traditions, including its historical development, textual references, and contemporary relevance. Comprehensively explain the physiological, neurological, and subtle energy mechanisms that make Picchu effective, and clearly identify conditions for which Picchu is indicated or contraindicated based on dosha assessment.
Select and Prepare Oils
Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate base oils and herbs for specific doshic imbalances and health conditions. Participants will learn to prepare therapeutic-grade medicated oils through traditional infusion methods, understanding proper oil temperature, cloth selection, and preparation techniques for optimal therapeutic benefit and safety.
Apply Therapeutic Techniques
Demonstrate precise application of Picchu techniques on various body regions with correct anatomical placement, appropriate pressure, and proper duration. Participants will learn to monitor client responses and make real-time adjustments to ensure both comfort and therapeutic efficacy throughout the treatment.
Develop Treatment Protocols
Design comprehensive treatment plans that address specific health concerns through strategic Picchu placement, oil selection, and treatment frequency. Students will learn to create progressive therapy schedules that build upon each session's results and adapt protocols based on client feedback and observed outcomes.
Integrate Holistically
Incorporate Picchu Therapy within broader Ayurvedic and complementary healthcare practices, creating synergistic treatment approaches. Participants will develop skills to educate clients about the benefits of Picchu Therapy and provide supportive lifestyle and self-care recommendations that enhance treatment outcomes.
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive a certificate of completion from Bright Moon Institute, documenting their training in Picchu Therapy. This certificate can be used for continuing education credits with various professional bodywork organizations and adds a valuable credential to a practitioner's therapeutic offerings.
Prerequisites
While Picchu Therapy is accessible to practitioners with varying levels of experience, certain foundational skills and knowledge will enhance the learning experience and ensure participants can fully engage with the course material. The primary prerequisite is basic bodywork experience, though no prior Ayurvedic training is specifically required to participate in this immersion.
Basic bodywork experience provides the necessary foundation in client care, body mechanics, and therapeutic presence that allows participants to focus on learning the specific techniques of Picchu Therapy rather than fundamental touch skills. This experience may come from any recognized bodywork modality, including but not limited to massage therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic care, or energy work.
Specifically, participants should be comfortable with:
  • Professional draping techniques and maintaining client dignity
  • Basic palpation skills and anatomical landmark identification
  • Client communication before, during, and after treatments
  • Proper body mechanics to prevent practitioner fatigue or injury
  • Standard hygiene protocols for bodywork settings
Helpful Background Knowledge
While not required, familiarity with the following areas will enrich the learning experience:
  • Basic Ayurvedic concepts of doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
  • Understanding of subtle anatomy (chakras, nadis, marma points)
  • Experience with oil-based bodywork treatments
  • Knowledge of herbal properties and therapeutic applications

Participants who lack formal bodywork training but have extensive personal practice in yoga, meditation, or other body-awareness disciplines may contact the institute to discuss eligibility for the course on a case-by-case basis.
For those new to Ayurveda who wish to prepare for the course, we recommend reviewing introductory resources on Ayurvedic principles, particularly regarding the three doshas and their characteristics. The course will include a brief review of relevant Ayurvedic concepts, but prior familiarity will allow for deeper engagement with the material.
Assessment & Evaluation
The Picchu Therapy immersion employs a holistic assessment approach that emphasizes practical skill development, conceptual understanding, and personal integration. Rather than traditional testing methods, evaluation occurs through continuous feedback and guided self-reflection throughout the course.
Active Participation
Instructors assess engagement during demonstrations, practice sessions, and group discussions. Participants demonstrate active listening, thoughtful questions, and collaborative learning with peers. Instructors provide immediate verbal feedback to guide technique refinement and deepen understanding.
Technique Demonstration
Students demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of Picchu Therapy, including oil preparation, cloth saturation, proper placement, and treatment timing. Instructors observe body mechanics, client positioning, and attention to detail, offering specific guidance for improvement.
Reflective Journaling
Participants maintain a journal throughout the course, documenting observations, insights, questions, and personal experiences with both giving and receiving Picchu treatments. This reflective practice deepens learning and provides a valuable resource for future reference.
Protocol Development
Students create personalized treatment protocols for specific case studies, demonstrating their ability to apply course concepts to real-world therapeutic scenarios. These protocols are reviewed with instructors for feedback on appropriateness and effectiveness.
Throughout the immersion, instructors maintain a supportive learning environment that encourages questions, exploration, and personalized feedback. Participants receive ongoing verbal guidance during practical sessions, with particular attention to safety considerations, client comfort, and technical precision.
At the conclusion of the course, participants engage in a final integration session where they articulate their understanding of Picchu Therapy and its application in their professional practice. This synthesis serves as a culminating assessment of their learning journey and provides closure to the immersion experience.
"The assessment process honors both the technical precision required for effective Picchu Therapy and the intuitive awareness that develops through mindful practice. Our goal is for each participant to leave with confidence in their skills and clarity about how to continue developing their expertise."
— Bright Moon Institute Faculty
Detailed Course Outline
The 8-hour Picchu Therapy immersion is thoughtfully structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience that balances theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on practice. The day progresses logically from foundational concepts through advanced applications, ensuring participants develop both confidence and competence.
1
Hours 1-1.5: Foundations of Picchu Therapy
  • Historical context in classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita)
  • Traditional applications and evolution of techniques
  • Therapeutic mechanisms: tissue penetration, marma stimulation, doshic balancing
  • Clinical indications and contraindications with safety considerations
  • Physical, emotional, and energetic benefits with research evidence
2
Hours 1.5-3: Herbal Oil Selection and Preparation
  • Principles of medicinal oil formulation for specific therapeutic effects
  • Hands-on preparation of doshic-specific oils:
  • Vata-Calming (Shanti Taila): Ashwagandha, Bala, Sesame Oil
  • Pitta-Soothing (Sheetala Taila): Brahmi, Sandalwood, Coconut Oil
  • Kapha-Stimulating (Ushna Taila): Mustard Oil, Tulsi, Calamus
  • Traditional and modern infusion techniques
  • Proper cloth selection, preparation, and oil temperature management
3
Hours 3-5: Techniques and Anatomical Placements
  • Demonstration and practice of key applications:
  • Shiro Picchu (Head): for stress, anxiety, insomnia, headaches
  • Hridaya Picchu (Heart): for emotional distress, anxiety, grief
  • Kati Picchu (Sacrum): for lower back pain, sciatica, menstrual discomfort
  • Advanced techniques: gentle pressure application, rhythmic breathing integration, sustained placement timing
  • Proper body mechanics for practitioner comfort and effectiveness
4
Hours 5-6.5: Customized Therapeutic Protocols
  • Development of individualized treatment plans for common conditions:
  • Anxiety and stress reduction protocols
  • Musculoskeletal pain management approaches
  • Sleep enhancement and nervous system regulation
  • Case study analysis and collaborative protocol development
  • Hands-on application of customized protocols with partners
5
Hours 6.5-8: Integration and Ethical Considerations
  • Professional integration with other Ayurvedic treatments (Abhyanga, Shirodhara)
  • Complementary therapies and referral considerations
  • Ethical considerations, client communication, and consent processes
  • Hygiene protocols and sustainable material management
  • Post-treatment care: hydration, rest, dietary and lifestyle guidance
  • Business integration: marketing, pricing, and treatment room setup
  • Closing circle: synthesis of learning and implementation planning
Each section of the course includes both lecture and experiential components, with approximately 30% of time devoted to conceptual understanding and 70% to hands-on practice. Participants will both give and receive treatments throughout the day, experiencing the benefits of Picchu Therapy firsthand while developing their technical skills.
Required Materials
To ensure a productive and comfortable learning experience, participants should come prepared with specific materials. These items support both the theoretical and practical components of the course, allowing for full engagement with all aspects of Picchu Therapy training.
Comfortable Clothing
Wear loose-fitting, natural fiber clothing that allows for ease of movement during demonstrations and practice sessions. Layers are recommended as body temperature may fluctuate during both giving and receiving treatments. Please avoid strong perfumes or scented products as these may interfere with the therapeutic aroma of the medicinal oils.
Notebook or Journal
Bring a dedicated notebook or journal for recording insights, techniques, and observations throughout the course. This documentation becomes an invaluable reference for future practice. Many participants find that hand-written notes help internalize the material more effectively than digital alternatives.
Optional Items to Enhance Learning
  • Colored pencils or highlighters for annotating handouts
  • Water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day
  • Cushion or meditation pillow for comfort during seated portions
  • Voice recorder (with instructor permission) for capturing verbal instructions
  • Camera for documenting oil preparation and technique demonstrations
Materials Provided by the Institute
Bright Moon Institute supplies all specialized equipment and supplies needed for the course, including:
  • Organic base oils (sesame, coconut, mustard)
  • Medicinal herbs for oil infusion
  • Cotton cloths for Picchu application
  • Treatment tables and bolsters
  • Oil warmers and preparation equipment
  • Comprehensive course manual with illustrated techniques
  • Digital resource library access (post-course)

Participants with sensitivities to specific oils or herbs should notify the institute at least two weeks prior to the course date. Alternative materials can often be arranged to accommodate individual needs.
All participants will receive a digital certificate of completion following the course, as well as access to the institute's online resource library containing supplementary videos, research articles, and reference materials related to Picchu Therapy and Ayurvedic healing.
Recommended Texts
While no required textbooks must be purchased prior to the course, the following recommended readings provide valuable context and deeper understanding of Ayurvedic principles relevant to Picchu Therapy. These texts serve as excellent resources for continued learning and reference after completing the immersion.
Ayurvedic Healing: A Comprehensive Guide
Author: Dr. David Frawley
This foundational text provides an accessible yet thorough introduction to Ayurvedic medicine, with particular emphasis on therapeutic applications. Chapter 7 covers oil therapies in detail, including specific formulations and applications that complement Picchu techniques. Dr. Frawley explains the energetic properties of oils and herbs in terms that bridge traditional wisdom with contemporary understanding.
The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies
Author: Dr. Vasant Lad
Particularly valuable for its practical approach to Ayurvedic treatments, this text offers detailed guidance on preparing medicinal oils and applying them therapeutically. The sections on doshic assessment provide essential context for tailoring Picchu treatments to individual constitutions and imbalances. Dr. Lad's clear explanations of traditional formulations are especially helpful for practitioners new to herbal preparations.
Textbook of Ayurveda Vol. 1: Fundamental Principles
Author: Dr. Vasant Lad
For those seeking deeper theoretical understanding, this comprehensive text explains the philosophical and scientific foundations of Ayurvedic medicine. The detailed discussions of tissue formation (dhatu), channels (srotas), and subtle energy (prana) provide crucial context for understanding why Picchu Therapy works at multiple levels of being. This text is particularly recommended for practitioners who wish to integrate Picchu within a broader Ayurvedic practice.
Additional Resources
The course manual provided during the immersion contains extensive references to specific passages in these texts, allowing participants to deepen their study in areas of particular interest. Instructors will also share additional specialized resources related to current research and clinical applications of Picchu Therapy in contemporary healthcare settings.
Contact Information & Location
Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.brightmoon.institute
Instructors
This course is taught by Bright Moon Institute's expert Ayurvedic Teaching Staff, all of whom are certified Ayurvedic practitioners with extensive clinical experience in Picchu Therapy and related modalities. Our instructors maintain active practices in addition to their teaching roles, ensuring that course content reflects current best practices in therapeutic application.
"Immerse yourself in the nurturing simplicity of Picchu Therapy, harnessing the gentle power of Ayurvedic oils for deep balance and holistic healing."
Facility Information
  • Wheelchair accessible facility with ample parking
  • Five fully-equipped treatment rooms for practice sessions
  • Dedicated herb and oil preparation laboratory
  • Meditation garden for reflection and integration
  • Tea and refreshment station with Ayurvedic beverages

Registration Information
Early registration is recommended as courses frequently reach capacity. A 10% discount is available for groups of three or more registering together. Payment plans are available upon request.
Accommodation Options
For out-of-town participants, we recommend several nearby hotels and retreat centers that offer special rates for Bright Moon Institute students. Contact our office for current recommendations and discount codes.
Continuing Education
This course provides 8 CE hours for massage therapists in most states. The institute can provide documentation for other professional licensing bodies as needed. Please inquire about specific requirements for your credential.
Advanced Training
Graduates of this immersion are eligible for advanced Picchu Therapy modules focusing on specialized applications for neurological conditions, women's health, and geriatric care. See website for upcoming course schedule.
We look forward to welcoming you to the transformative world of Picchu Therapy. For additional questions about this course or other offerings at Bright Moon Institute, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our administrative team is available Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm Mountain Time, to assist with registration, accommodation recommendations, and any other needs you might have in preparation for your learning journey.