Panchakarma Technician Certification Program

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Program Overview - On Demand

Learn all about our Panchakarma Technician Certification Program.

Train in the traditional Panchakarma methods for detoxification and healing​

250 Hours - 9 Months

Students from all Ayurveda backgrounds are welcome to enhance their skills with hands-on training in traditional detoxification and rejuvenation therapies. Kerala Ayurveda’s Panchakarma Technician program is rooted in the classical science and practice of Ayurveda, as outlined in the ancient Vedic texts. You’ll gain a deep understanding of Panchakarma procedures, preparatory techniques, and post-therapy care, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to support clients on their healing journey.

Applications are open for 2025

Orientation is september 2, 2025

Course Information

Earn Continuing Education Credits: Students are encouraged to submit their program to the National Ayurvedic Medical Association for PACE credits upon completion.

Prerequisites

  • Students must submit proof of a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • It is recommended to be an Allied Health Professional with a “license to touch” according to your local state regulations. See FAQ for more details.

Scope of Practice

Upon graduation, Panchakarma Technicians can:

  • Perform all Ayurvedic hands-on Shamana therapies in a clinic or private practice with an emphasis on utilizing the techniques for purposes of pacification. Shamana includes external calming procedures & regimen without internal cleansing.
  • Perform Panchakarma therapies in connection with a Panchakarma program, under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner/Vaidya, with an emphasis on utilizing the therapies for purposes of Shamana and Shodhana Chikitsa. Shodhana includes detoxification & purification procedures and requires the advanced clinical knowledge of an Ayurvedic Vaidya.
  • Support and help deliver the Panchakarma treatment program designed by the Ayurvedic Practitioner/Vaidya. The Panchakarma Technician is not trained to design a complete Panchakarma program with both Shamana and Shodhana therapies.
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For more detail, please see the complete Scope of Practice: Panchakarma Technician.

Professional possibilities

How can I apply Panchakarma knowledge?

  • This program is designed for Ayurveda and natural wellness enthusiasts to learn traditional Panchakarma Therapy techniques.
  • You can use these techniques at home and share them with friends and family.
  • If you are an Ayurvedic professional, you can implement these techniques in your client-based practice.
  • If you are a wellness professional such as a Massage Therapist, you can introduce Panchakarma treatments to your clients to support their wellbeing.

Akasasya yadha nantah surairapyavagamyate Tasmat arogya danasya nanto vai vidyate kwacit

The end of our ever-expanding space is unknown even to the divine Just as the worth of gifting health and healing is limitless for humankind

Schedule & Format

The Panchakarma Technician is designed to be completed in 9 months and includes a combination of in person and virtual studies. Students may complete online recorded lectures and assignments at their own pace, following an in-depth clinical curriculum that supports their live class training. All students are required to attend two 5-day in person practical sessions at our academy in California.

General format

9 Months – 250 Total Hours

Online Recorded Lectures – elearning: self-paced*

Assignments – elearning: self-paced*

2 Practical Sessions (5 days each) – in person*

November 5-9, 2025 and February 18-22, 2026 

6 Q&A Sessions – live streamed*

*Internet connection required

Format Options

Hybrid

Weekend Intensives attended in person or via live streaming

Not AAC-recognized

AAC Track

Weekend Intensives attended in person 

Weekend Intensives attend in person

*The AAC Track for the Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP) program is required to sit for the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Certification Board (NAMACB) certification exam as an Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP). The Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC) sets competency standards for professional Ayurvedic education. All Online & Hybrid students may transition to the AAC Track with additional in person training hours, at an additional cost.

Catalog

Program orientation begins September 2, 2025

Our Academy & Wellness Center

In person classes are offered at our flagship U.S. Academy and Wellness Center located in the heart of Silicon Valley, nestled between the golden-green East Bay Hills, majestic Santa Cruz Mountains and beautiful San Francisco Bay.

The Kerala Ayurveda office is located on the second floor and includes a spacious classroom for lectures, conference room, consultation and Panchakarma rooms, Wellness lounge for our clients and Panchakarma kitchen/restrooms for treatment use. Our building offers additional conference and auditorium spaces.

Amenities include free wifi, tea and spring water station, break room and ample parking spaces. The center is located near several hotels, restaurants and shopping centers, with widely available ride sharing options. Nearby airports include: San Jose International (SJC), San Francisco International (SFO) and Oakland International (OAK). Our Student Support team can provide more information and local guidance for planning your visit.

Live streaming technology

We introduced live streaming technology to our Ayurvedic education in 2015. Our classes are currently conducted using Zoom and provide students an opportunity to study live and interact with faculty.

Zoom can be accessed on mobile, tablets, laptops and desktop devices. Class moderators support our larger class sessions to provide a smooth technical experience. All live streamed classes are recorded for later viewing in our elearning system.

Elearning

Our courses are powered by a robust elearning system that connects our global community of students and faculty. The elearning portal is where students may access all of their course information, materials and curriculum, including: course syllabus, schedule, course manual PDFs, class slide decks, class notes and links to live streaming class sessions. The elearning portal is also where tests and assignments are conducted, and students may submit questions.

Curriculum

Committed to preserving the traditional teachings of Ayurveda, this program educates passionate students and professionals in the ancient art and science of Panchakarma Therapy. As a holistic modality for health and healing, Panchakarma addresses the mind, body, and spirit, empowering practitioners to guide others toward balance and rejuvenation through time-tested Ayurvedic principles.
 
Participants will be well-versed with the concept of Panchakarma, gaining a deep understanding of its principles, preparatory and cleansing techniques, and post-therapy care. Through hands-on training and theoretical knowledge, they will learn to assess individual needs, customize treatments, and administer various therapies. This comprehensive approach equips students to apply Panchakarma as a transformative tool for detoxification, rejuvenation, and restoring harmony to the mind, body, and spirit.

Topics

Foundational Principles of Ayurveda

  • History, philosophy, and universal principles of Ayurveda
  • Prakruti, Vikruti, and key Ayurvedic concepts (Agni, Doshas, Dhatus, Malas, Srotas, Marmas)
  • Ayurvedic psychology, nutrition, and detoxification basics

  • Principles of Panchakarma

  • Fundamentals of Panchakarma: how it works and its benefits
  • Indications and contraindications for Panchakarma
  • The Panchakarma process: preparatory phase, main purification, and post-purification recuperation
  • Preparatory techniques: Deepana, Pachana, Snehana, and Swedana
  • The main purification procedures and their applications
  • Introduction to Marma Therapy

  • Advanced Principles and Practice of Panchakarma

  • Comprehensive review of Panchakarma: Poorvakarma, Pradhanakarma, and Paschatkarma
  • Advanced preparatory procedures: Snehana and Swedana therapies
  • Five-fold detoxification procedures: Vamana, Virechana, Vasti, Nasya, and Raktamoksha
  • Post-Panchakarma recuperation: diet and lifestyle guidelines
  • Rasayana: rejuvenation techniques and applications

  • Prep and Purvakarma

  • Scope of practice as a Panchakarma Technician
  • Guidelines for client diet and lifestyle during Panchakarma
  • Hands-on training in:
    • Client preparation and draping techniques
    • Panchakarma table and room setup
    • Snehana (Oleation): internal and external applications
    • Specialty Abhyanga techniques: prenatal, postnatal, and baby oleation
    • Dry therapies (Rukshana): Udwartana and Swedana techniques
    • Marma balancing therapies

  • Main Panchakarma Techniques and Specialty Therapies

  • Application of Shamana therapies: Thakradhara, Ksheeradhara, and Vasti Techniques
  • Advanced Panchakarma techniques conducted under guidance of a Vaidya
  • Main purification processes: Vamana, Virechana, Vasti, Nasya, and Raktamoksha
  • Specialty therapies: Netra Kalpanas, Shirovasti, Shirolepam, and Ksheera Dhoomam
  • Post-Panchakarma recuperation and Rasayana therapies

  • Need more information or ready to apply?

    Faculty

    Kerala Ayurveda Academy offers a premier faculty lineup including Ayurvedic doctors and practitioners  with vast clinical expertise in both India and the U.S. They are accomplished researchers,  educators and speakers, and are passionate supporters of spreading the wisdom of Ayurveda to health seekers and professionals in training.

    For more information about our Faculty, please visit our Faculty page.

    Our students are for life

    Student and alumni benefits
    • MENTORING: Student Mentors available for enrolled students to support your learning journey. Our skilled mentors are trained and certified Ayurvedic practitioners who all love Ayurveda as much as they enjoy guiding others in learning it. 

    • COURSE SUPPORT: Our Student Support Services team is available anytime to assist with course administration, tuition management and planning your visits to our centers.

    • EDUCATIONAL PLANNING: Enrollment Advisors on our Admissions team are available for 1-on-1 coaching to plan your Ayurvedic educational journey and support you in reaching your personal goals.

    • ALUMNI DATABASE LISTING: Graduates are eligible to be listed in our online alumni database. Connect with your Ayurvedic peers and be part of a searchable database for health seekers to find Ayurvedic professionals! 

    • DISCOUNTS on Kerala Ayurveda courses, products and services.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Panchakarma is a purification process of the mind-body system as part of the ancient holistic therapies of Ayurveda, or traditional Indian medicine. Using various bodywork techniques, client-customized oils and special diets, Panchakarma therapies are customized for individuals based on their unique constitution and health conditions. The first step of these therapies is to eliminate the accumulated toxins, wastes and blocked channels creating the imbalance. After this detoxification, rejuvenation methodologies are implemented to restore and strengthen the system for optimal functionality.
    A college degree is not required, nor are prior licenses or certifications in any field for studying Panchakarma in this training program. KAA welcomes students from all educational backgrounds, without degrees, licenses or certifications in any field.
    Yes.
    • The primary prerequisite for the Panchakarma program is a passion for Ayurveda. A health or medical training background is not required. Students must also submit a high school diploma or equivalent prior to enrollment.
    • The individual’s scope of practice will be designated by local state guidelines. (See Scope of Practice for more details.)
    • KAA welcomes students from all educational backgrounds, with degrees, licenses or certifications in any field.
    • Ayurvedic studies are especially complimentary to Certified/Licensed Practitioners in health-related fields including Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic, Nursing, Naturopathy and Allopathic Medicine, etc.
    This course covers Panchakarma's philosophy, principles and methods of implementation, as outlined in the Vedic texts. Upon successful completion of the course you will be awarded a Panchakarma Technician Certificate. Panchakarma Technicians can:
    • Perform all Ayurvedic hands-on Shamana therapies in a clinic or private practice with an emphasis on utilizing the techniques for purposes of pacification. Shamana includes external calming procedures & regimen without internal cleansing.
    • Perform Panchakarma therapies in connection with a Panchakarma program, under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner or Ayurvedic Doctor, with an emphasis on utilizing the therapies for purposes of Shamana and Shodhana chikitsa. Shodhana includes detoxification & purification procedures and requires the advanced clinical knowledge of an Ayurvedic Doctor.
    • Support and help deliver the Panchakarma treatment program designed by the Ayurvedic Practitioner or Ayurvedic Doctor.
    The individual’s scope of practice will be more specifically designated by local and state guidelines. It is the individual’s responsibility to be compliant.
    Possibly, depending on your location and how you wish to practice. A license to touch refers to regulations for professions which involve physical contact with clients. These regulations are governed by each individual state in the U.S. Panchakarma involves a variety of bodywork therapies, some of which involve physical contact and some which do not. It is important for the student to check in with local state guidelines to understand which aspects of Panchakarma are compliant and which are not, and either adjust one’s practice accordingly, or pursue the required licensure.