Hands-on training in Upper Tapovan, Rishikesh
Certified Ayurvedic Massage Therapy Course in Rishikesh
Learn through doing: daily demonstrations, supervised hands-on practice, individual correction and practical guidance from experienced working therapists.
Demonstration · practice · personal correction
Learn through direct experience
A practical course—not a classroom or literature-based programme
This training is built around the treatment table. Each day, the therapist demonstrates techniques and guides you as you practise them. You learn by observing the hands, repeating the movements, understanding pressure and rhythm, and receiving immediate correction.
There is intentionally no rigid day-by-day theoretical syllabus. The teacher chooses the practical focus according to the participant’s experience, pace and areas that need more attention. This makes the training personal, responsive and grounded in real massage practice.
What the training develops
Improve your hands, observation and treatment flow
Your progress comes through repeated supervised practice rather than written lessons.
Develop your touch
Practise pressure, rhythm, hand movement and connection under the direct observation of the therapist.
Build a treatment flow
Learn how techniques connect naturally instead of memorising isolated movements from written material.
Receive correction
Improve body posture, hand placement and technique through immediate, individual feedback.
Explore Marma points
Receive a practical introduction to relevant Marma points and learn how the therapist approaches them with care.
A responsive practical format
What happens during the training
The same method guides every day, while the actual techniques are selected according to the participant and the therapist’s observation.
DailyTeacher demonstration+
The therapist demonstrates the day’s selected techniques in real time, explaining hand placement, movement, pressure, positioning and practical precautions as they arise.
DailyAt least two hours of hands-on practice+
Every training day includes a minimum of two hours of practical work. A session may extend when the participant needs more repetition or when the teacher feels additional practice will be valuable.
PersonalTraining adapted to the participant+
There is no fixed promise that a particular body area must be covered on a particular day. The therapist selects the subject according to your previous experience, progress, comfort and learning needs.
GuidedIndividual correction and repetition+
You repeat techniques under supervision and receive correction on posture, pressure, rhythm, transitions, communication and overall treatment flow.
IncludedPractical introduction to Marma points+
The therapist explains relevant Marma points within the practical sessions. This is an applied introduction, not an academic or clinical Marma-therapy qualification.
How you learn
Watch it, practise it and refine it
Bodywork is learned through the hands. You observe a working therapist, practise the demonstrated movements and refine them through repetition and direct feedback.
- A minimum of two practical hours each day
- Live demonstrations by an experienced therapist
- Supervised hands-on or partner practice
- Correction of posture, pressure, rhythm and flow
- Practical Marma-point guidance within the sessions
Who can join
Suitable for beginners and wellness professionals
No previous massage or Ayurveda education is required. The teacher adapts the training to your present level. Participants should, however, be comfortable with respectful hands-on or partner practice. Please tell us before booking about mobility limitations, pregnancy, recent surgery or other circumstances that could affect participation.
Your training team
Learn from therapists who practise every day
Training is led by one of Anandmaya’s experienced working therapists. Our therapists have provided regular treatments for many years at our centres and are appreciated by guests and the wider Tapovan community for their practical skills and caring approach.
Real treatment-room experience
- Years of regular hands-on therapy work
- Techniques grounded in everyday treatment experience
- Respectful supervision and individual feedback
- Attention to hygiene, consent and practitioner posture
- Practical answers based on real client situations
The specific therapist is confirmed for each participant or batch. Ask us for the teacher’s name and profile when you share your preferred dates.
Make the course residential
Study, practise and rest in one supportive setting
Stay at Anandmaya Retreat in Upper Tapovan and make your accommodation part of the learning experience.
Choose your format
Practical training—with or without a stay
Choose the course on its own or make it residential at Anandmaya Retreat. Training dates and room availability are confirmed before booking.
Course Only
- Complete practical training for the confirmed duration
- At least two hours of practice each training day
- Therapist demonstrations and supervised repetition
- Individual correction and practical Marma guidance
- Certificate of Completion
Course + Stay
- Complete practical training for the confirmed duration
- Private room at Anandmaya Retreat
- Daily vegetarian breakfast and dinner
- Complimentary scheduled morning yoga
- Certificate of Completion
Prices are per participant. The $450 residential package includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner; lunch is not included. Your place is confirmed after availability is checked and the required booking payment is received.
Certificate of Completion
A record of your practical training
When included in the confirmed course format, participants who complete the required practical sessions receive an Anandmaya Retreat Certificate of Completion in Ayurvedic Massage Therapy.
The certificate records practical training; it does not by itself grant a healthcare licence or override professional regulations in your country. If you plan to offer paid services, check your local insurance, licensing and scope-of-practice requirements.
Make more of your time in Rishikesh
Short courses you may combine with massage training
Because the Ayurvedic massage course includes a focused practical session of at least two hours each training day, you may have time to explore another Anandmaya course during the same stay. Combined schedules depend on teacher availability, batch dates and the amount of practice you need.
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Harmonium, Kirtan & Mantra Chanting
Build a personal devotional practice through harmonium basics, mantra pronunciation, rhythm and guided kirtan in Rishikesh.
Explore the Harmonium & Kirtan CourseJyotish · Self-understanding
Vedic Astrology Foundation Course
Learn the foundations of signs, planets, houses and chart interpretation through practical, small-batch guidance.
Explore the Vedic Astrology CourseVibration · Meditation
Sound Healing Foundation Course
Begin working with Himalayan singing bowls through a concise foundation experience centred on sound, vibration and mindful practice.
Explore the Sound Healing CourseCourse combinations are optional and are not automatically included in the massage-course fee. We confirm timings, fees and availability in writing before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Plan your Ayurvedic massage course
Do I need previous massage experience?+
No. The therapist adapts the practical work to your current level. Experienced wellness practitioners may also join to refine their hands-on technique.
Is the course mainly theory or practice?+
It is a practical, hands-on course. It is not literature-based and does not follow a theory-heavy academic syllabus. Necessary explanations are given naturally during demonstrations and practice.
Is there a fixed day-by-day syllabus?+
No. The therapist chooses each day’s focus according to the participant’s experience, progress and needs. This flexibility is an intentional part of the training.
How much practice is included each day?+
There are at least two hours of hands-on practice on every training day. Sessions may sometimes extend when more repetition or correction will benefit the participant.
Are Marma points included?+
Yes. Relevant Marma points are explained within the practical training. This is an applied introduction and not a separate clinical Marma-therapy qualification.
Will I receive a certificate?+
A Certificate of Completion is provided when it is included in the confirmed course format and the required practical sessions are completed. It is not a medical degree or an automatic professional licence.
Can international students join?+
Yes. International and Indian students are welcome. Teaching support is available in English, and our team can help coordinate accommodation and practical arrival information.
What are the course fees, and are accommodation and meals included?+
The course-only fee is $250 per participant and does not include accommodation or meals. The $450 residential package includes the course, accommodation, daily breakfast and dinner. Lunch is not included. Dates and room availability are confirmed before booking.
Can I combine this course with another Anandmaya course?+
Possibly. Because massage training normally occupies at least two hours per training day, some participants may be able to combine it with Harmonium and Kirtan, Vedic Astrology or a short Sound Healing course. The combined timetable, availability and separate fees must be confirmed before booking.
When does the next batch begin?+
Dates are arranged according to teacher and practice-space availability. Send your intended travel dates on WhatsApp and the team will confirm the nearest suitable batch.
What should I bring?+
Bring comfortable modest clothing suitable for movement and oil practice, personal toiletries and a notebook. Detailed clothing, linen and oil instructions are shared with confirmed students.
Your next step
Tell us when you are coming to Rishikesh
Share your preferred dates, whether you need accommodation and any previous bodywork experience. We will confirm the teacher, schedule, fee and package inclusions.
Plan the Course on WhatsApp