Panchakarma

Shankara Ayurveda Wellness
  • Expert Guidance and Support
  • Nurturing Healing Environment
  • Deep Natural Cleansing

Our Panchakarma program is currently on hold. If you’d like to be notified when new dates are announced, sign up here.

Start your journey toward total mind-body rejuvenation:

We are living in an inspiring time. One where more and more people are beginning to adopt lifestyle changes that encompass their overall wellness—with a focus not only on living longer but with more fulfillment, meaning, and mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. 

It is also extremely important at this time to develop a good immune response for the prevention and symptom reduction of disease. The practice of Panchakarma plays an important role in an Ayurvedic lifestyle of daily and seasonal regimes, a healthy and nutritious diet, and herbs and therapies to strengthen the body’s immunity.  

To find the solution for complete mind-body health and well-being, we don’t need to look to the latest fads or trends. We can find true, effective health treatments using the ancient wisdom of generations before us. One such example is Panchakarma.

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Panchakarma (five actions) is a traditional Ayurvedic approach to cleansing.  Customized to your unique body type, imbalances, and lifestyle and through a series of treatments we will gently release physical and emotional toxins and stressors from the mind and body.  Panchakarma harnesses the natural intelligence of the body to restore optimal health and balance, leaving you rejuvenated, deeply relaxed, vital and clear, with a renewed sense of well-being.

A vital component within the overall Ayurvedic wellness lifestyle, Panchakarma focuses on the elimination of toxins that build up in the body through so many different sources, including lifestyle imbalances, overwork, fatigue,  stress, pollution, and poor diet. These toxins build up over time and cause imbalances, contributing to

  • Heaviness and Lethargy
  • Sluggish Pulse
  • Mucus Build-up
  • Lowered Immunity; Colds and Flu
  • Stiff Joints
  • A White Coating on the Tongue
  • Unpleasant Body Odor
  • Feeling Dull and Sleepy after Eating
  • Skin Diseases
  • Weak or Dull Digestion
  • Foggy Mind
  • Diarrhea or Constipation
  • Depression and/or Anxiety
  • A General Sense of Dis-Ease

The body gives us these indicators as a reminder to restore balance. Panchakarma is a deeply healing way to reset your body and renew your well-being on all levels — physical, mental, emotional and spiritual—using time-tested methods to support the whole person.

Benefits of Panchakarma

  • Strengthen immunity and promote mental and physical wellness.
  • Help reset the digestive fire, improve digestion and relieve constipation, IBS, and stomach discomfort.
  • Restore constitutional balance.
  • Eliminate toxins that increase energy, vitality and mental clarity.
  • Relief from stress/anxiety, elevating mood and slowing down the aging process.
  • Reduce excess weight and lower blood sugar and cholesterol.

  • Reduce headaches and migraines.
  • Improve psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions.
  • Manage or eliminate the symptoms of menopause, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, and Multiple Sclerosis.
  • Restores and improves the body’s natural intelligence and ability to heal itself.
  • Eliminates the root cause of illness by addressing basic conditions or imbalances your body type is prone to.

Who is Panchakarma for?

Everyone. 

From an Ayurvedic perspective, toxins are the underlying cause of disease. Optimal health is experienced through a strong digestive system and elimination of toxins from the body—Panchakarma provides the solution to support both of these body-mind strengthening elements.

Panchakarma is especially recommended for

  • Those over 40. By the time you reach 40, especially if you have not yet had a cleanse, the likelihood of accumulated toxins is high. Changes naturally occur with age but feeling ‘older’ can often be due to toxicity held in the body from years of lifestyle choices and environmental factors.
  • Seasonal reset. Panchakarma helps the body transition between seasons and can act as a preventative care system. For example in the fall, a cleanse is important for preparing and strengthening the body’s immunity ready for the cooler winter months. Likewise, spring is a popular time to cleanse as an antidote to the inactivity and holiday indulgences that may have accompanied the long winter months and subsequent toxicity build-up in the body.
  • Health concerns or challenges. If you struggle with chronic issues, or have pressing health concerns and would like a support that complements and goes beyond modern medicine, often Panchakarma is a great choice for you.

The Cleanse Process: 3 Steps to Detox

Cleansing with Panchakarma involves three steps: the pre-cleanse prep, the main cleanse, and the post cleanse. Your initial consultation with our Ayurvedic practitioner will determine your constitution and imbalances, as well as what therapies, herbal remedies, and techniques will be administered. You’re guided throughout the entire cleanse by our specially trained Ayurveda specialists who closely supervise your entire Panchakarma.

Purvakarma: The Pre-Cleanse Prep

Panchakarma starts with a pre-cleanse to prep your body for the invigorating changes to come. This may involve changes to your diet to clear the body of unwanted toxins in the digestive system and lifestyle recommendations.

The Main Cleanse

The main cleanse employs one or more of the five elimination processes of Panchakarma, which may change depending on your constitution and imbalances.

There are also treatments such as Abhyanga oil massage, Shirodhara, Swedana, Marma, Dough Basti, Nasya, and marma point massage that may be beneficial depending on your specific constitution. Part of the power of Ayurveda is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it is customized to the needs of each individual—their unique body type and health imbalances.

Paschat Karma: The Post Cleanse
The most supportive next step is a commitment to habit and lifestyle change to prevent future build-up of toxicity in the mind and body. Reverting to past habits and lifestyle that hinders health would be detrimental in the short and long term. This final step in the Panchakarma process involves

  • Learning how to maintain healthy eating habits for your constitution.
  • Challenging yourself to make smarter and better lifestyle choices.
  • Utilizing the herbs and natural medicines that are so effective with Ayurveda.

At Shankara Ayurveda Wellness, an Ayurvedic expert is available to help you craft a supportive wellness plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle. The one-on-one guidance of Ayurvedic experts and the combination of diet with personal Ayurvedic treatments—such as marma, abhyanga, and shirodhara—that you’ll receive at the Center greatly enhances the overall impact of the process. This synergy of massage, diet, relaxing steams, herbal supplements, and more is not only the traditional way, but much more effective than the sum of its parts.

—Christine H.
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“As a health care professional, I know the importance of self-care, and this was a gift that I gave myself. The staff, the center the surroundings here were absolutely fabulous and struck me very deeply.”
—Michelle M.
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“I have already recommended it to my friends in Charlotte as well as my sister in California. I had a fantastic experience and I will be back! I feel great and came in totally depleted.”
—Denise H.
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“I had a wonderful experience! I was well taken care of. Everyone here was so attentive. The whole atmosphere is quite peaceful and the food was awesome, even though I was on the Panchakarma diet!”
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Shankara Ayurveda Wellness

We know how important whole-being wellness is to living a life of health and happiness. With us, an Ayurveda retreat is not just theoretical—our time-tested cleanses, educational programs, and Ayurveda treatments dive deep into the Ayurveda experience and provide you all the tools you need for the healing, health, and wellness you deserve. Learn what works for your body and emerge feeling lighter, well-rested, and ready to take on the world.

Personal Guidance

Our experts are here to guide you every step of the way, from your first consultation and the selection of treatments, to your final departure. Whether you’re an Ayurveda aficionado or brand new to the practice, we are here to support you.​​​

Dedicated Team

Our #1 rated team immerses itself in the dual traditions of Ayurveda and yoga, not just as professionals, but as a powerful way of life. Shankara Ayurveda Wellness is one of only a handful of centers dedicated to offering such an exclusive focus on Ayurveda in the US.

Nourishing Food

Our chefs prepare food ideally suited to the cleansing process. The combination of herbs and spices deeply nourishes you. We also offer a cooking class so that when you go home, you’re prepared with recipes of your own.​​

Treatments

Shankara’s range of Ayurvedic treatments is unparalleled in the country. Our experts work with you to choose those best suited to your body type and goals. Renew includes eight treatments, while Refresh includes three.

Wellness Plan

Throughout the program, you gain key insights into your body and mind. With the guidance of our specialists, you'll create personal wellness plan to take home. Ongoing support through wellness coaching is also available. ​

Spacious Campus

The health and safety of our guests, staff, and volunteers is our priority. The spaciousness of our campus, ample fresh air circulation, and our wellness protocols mean you can rest and relax with confidence.

Natural Setting

Boone is a vacation destination to itself, and the Center’s peaceful location on top of a mountain creates an ideal natural, tranquil setting for deep cleansing and rest—the perfect location to reconnect with your body, your mind, and the surrounding nature.​​
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“Best Ayurveda Program”

usatoday
“2016 Reader’s Choice Winner: Best Health & Wellness”
spafinder
“2016 Winner: Best Hidden Gem, Best for Yoga, Best for Mind, Body, Spirit”
washingtonpost
“A 380-acre sanctuary… a balancing act of rest and activities”
instyle
“5 Wellness Retreats You Should Escape to ASAP”

Refresh

Ayurveda Cleanse
$ 1845 6 Days | 3 Treatments
  • Program Length—6 Days
  • 3 Ayurveda Treatments
  • Customized Pre-Cleanse Program
  • Complete Ayurvedic Assessment
  • Check-Ins Available
  • Daily Yoga & Meditation Offered
  • Personalized Recommendations and Follow-up
  • Video Knowledge Session
  • Specialty Ayurvedic Meals
  • Personalized Lifestyle Plan

Renew

Ayurveda Cleanse
$ 4225 8 Days | 8 Treatments
  • Program Length—8 Days
  • 8 Ayurveda Treatments
  • Led by a Vaidya (Ayurvedic Physician) and managed by Ayurveda Practitioners
  • Purvakarma (Pre-Cleanse) Program Including
    Customized Herbal Products
  • In-Depth Pulse Diagnosis and Ayurvedic Assessment
  • Customized Therapies & Herbal Protocal
  • Daily Check-ins with Your Panchakarma Consultant
  • Daily Yoga & Meditation Offered
  • Personalized Recommendations and Follow-up
  • 5 In-Person Interactive Vaidya-led Workshops and an Ayurvedic Cooking Class plus Demo by Practicioner
  • Specialty Ayurvedic Meals
  • Personalized Lifestyle Plan
—Kassie B.
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“Love the center, love love loved amazing people, effective + well executed treatments and the great care that we were all held with. Thank you, thank you, thank you! ”
—Anonymous
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“My panchakarma experience was deep and blissful. Thank you.”
—Carolyn B.
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“Medha was so hands-on, flexible, and available. It was nice to feel that somebody was there for you the whole time. Her service was very appreciated.”
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Program Leaders

Kim Rossi new HS

Kimberly Rossi

Kimberly Rossi is the Director of Wellness and Business Development at the Art of Living Retreat Center/Shankara Ayurveda Wellness, one of the top-rated wellness retreat centers in the US. For more than 25 years she has led wellness-based businesses in four- and five-star destinations across the US, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. She is a gifted teacher and practitioner of Ayurveda, Yoga, pranayama, and meditation. Kimberly specializes in natural weight balancing and health to support women in aging gracefully through menopause and beyond. Kimberly’s passion and expertise lie in sharing ancient Vedic teachings and crafting practical, easy-to-follow solutions for individuals. She teaches discipline as a practice of self-love and empowers students and clients alike to make positive lifestyle changes that reveal their natural state of being—happy, healthy, and whole. Kimberly has studied with renowned Ayurvedic doctors in the West, has co-lead women’s health workshops with Dr. Nisha Manikantan, Director

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Weekend of Creativity Wellness Escape

(Sample Schedule)

MORNING

  • Plan your special day over a delicious whole-foods breakfast.
  • Walk our beautiful labyrinth or hike one of our scenic nature trails and reconnect with your inner self.
  • Express your creativity and have some fun playing with and shaping clay in your pottery class.

AFTERNOON

  • Mingle with like-minded visitors over lunch in the Dining Hall.
  • Cook up something new together in our Ayurveda cooking class or get clever on the canvas in a painting class.
  • Unwind with a relaxing spa treatment. Choose from a warm oil massage, energizing facial, or rejuvenating Netra Tarpana treatment and let our professional therapists pamper you. (Additional spa treatments available here.)
  • Recharge in the steam room.

EVENING

  • Browse our shop for crystals, jewelry, scarves, and more.
  • Nourish your body with a healthy dinner.
  • Take in the spectacular sunset or join the fireside concert.

Discover Ayurveda Solo Escape

(Sample Schedule)

MORNING

  • Energize your mind, body, and spirit with morning yoga or meditation class.
  • Savor a delicious and nutritious breakfast.
  • Self-reflect as you leisurely walk our beautiful labyrinth.
  • Rest, replenish and rejuvenate with Abhyanga therapy—a detoxifying warm oil Ayurveda massage that incorporates warm, aromatic oils, rhythmically massaged into your body, cleansing, relaxing, and re-energizing the body and mind.

AFTERNOON

  • Grab some delicious chai and relax in our cafe or take in the majestic views on our deck.
  • Plan your afternoon over a nourishing lunch.
  • Connect with nature while hiking or walking one of our many breathtaking mountain trails.
  • Return to the spa for a Basti session to rejuvenate your joints! Stiff joints are bathed in warm medicated oil and massaged to deepen the therapeutic effects that increase lubrication and promote smooth flexibility and mobility.

EVENING

  • Get creative and have fun in our painting studio or kitchen.
  • Refuel your body with a tasty and healthy dinner.

Rejuvenating Bliss Solo Escape

(Sample Schedule)

MORNING

  • Gaze at the sunrise while filling your lungs with fresh mountain air and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin.
  • Sow a new level of calm and balance into your life with a Yoga or meditation class.
  • Enjoy a delicious whole-foods breakfast.
  • Cleanse your soul with a leisurely walk on one of our beautiful nature trails.

AFTERNOON

  • Nourish your body with a healthy and nutritious lunch.
  • Make a new memory with a cooking, painting, or pottery* class (*additional cost).
  • Choose from the widest selection of Ayurvedic therapies in the US for whole-body nourishment and renewal and let our professional therapists do all the work while you relax and rejuvenate.
  • Unwind in the steam room.

EVENING

  • Stop by our bookstore and explore our collection of new and classic self-care and spiritual resources.
  • Grab a fresh, calming herbal tea and curl up with a good book in your cozy room.

Mother-Daughter Wellness Escape

(Sample Schedule)

MORNING

  • Plan your special day over a delicious whole-foods breakfast.
  • Retreat into relaxation with a mother-daughter spa treatment. Choose from a warm oil massage, energizing facial, or rejuvenating Netra Tarpana treatment and let our professional therapists pamper you. (Additional spa treatments available here.)
  • Recharge in the steam room.

AFTERNOON

  • Enjoy a decadent Mexican hot chocolate and reminisce in our cozy cafe.
  • Browse our shop for crystals, jewelry, scarves, and more.
  • Mingle with like-minded visitors over lunch in the Dining Hall.
  • Explore our captivating campus or head out on one of our guided mountain trail hikes.
  • Cook up something new together in our Ayurveda cooking class.
  • Self-reflect as you leisurely walk our beautiful labyrinth.

EVENING

  • Feed your body with a healthy dinner.
  • Take in the spectacular sunset or join the fireside concert.

Girlfriends Wellness Escape

(Sample Schedule)

MORNING
  • Energize your mind, body, and spirit together with morning yoga or meditation class.
  • Catch up over a delicious and nutritious breakfast.
  • Connect with nature and reminisce while hiking one of our many mountain trails.
AFTERNOON
  • Plan your afternoon over a nourishing lunch.
  • De-stress with a girlfriends spa treatment, like our relaxing signature massage, hydrating facial, or energizing Marma session, and let our therapists work their magic. (Additional spa treatments available here.)
  • Get creative and have fun in our painting studio or Ayurveda food kitchen.
  • Grab some delicious chai and relax in our cafe or take in the majestic views on our deck.
EVENING
  • Plenty of time for bonding during a dinner.
  • Visit our shop and grab some souvenirs, rejuvenating herbal supplements, and restorative health products from Shankara’s all-natural beauty line.
  • Dance and sing at Kirtan.

Couples Wellness Escape

(Sample Schedule)

MORNING

  • Gaze at the sunrise while filling your lungs with fresh mountain air and reminisce on the moments that connected you.
  • Bring a new level of calm and balance to your relationship with a Yoga or Meditation class.
  • Enjoy a delicious whole-foods breakfast together.
  • Walk or hike one of our beautiful nature trails and reconnect with each other, nature, and oneself.

AFTERNOON

  • Share a healthy and nutritious lunch.
  • Make a new memory by taking a workshop or educational class, or create a new experience together with a pottery*, watercolor painting, or cooking class (*additional cost).
  • Reduce tension and stress with a couple’s or individual Ayurveda spa treatment. Choose from the widest selection of Ayurvedic therapies in the US for whole-body nourishment and renewal.
  • Unwind in the steam room together.

EVENING

  • Stop by our bookstore and explore our collection of self-care and spiritual resources or spend time reading in the cafe.

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Group Inquiry Request