Panchakarma – Ayurvedic Cleansing Retreat

Panchakarma is a small, deeply restorative retreat for a maximum of 8 participants and is regarded in traditional ayurvedic medicine as one of the most powerful approaches to healing and detoxification. Rooted in the belief that many imbalances begin with the buildup of ama, or toxins, this cleanse is designed to help clear stagnation, support the body’s natural healing processes, and restore harmony on both physical and mental levels.

Through a gentle yet thorough purification process, Panchakarma helps release accumulated toxins and rebalance energy throughout the system. Guests often leave feeling lighter, clearer, and more vibrant. Whether you are looking for seasonal renewal or a more focused therapeutic experience, this five-day retreat offers space for cleansing, rejuvenation, and meaningful self-care.

The program has been guided by an experienced wellness team for the past twenty years, bringing both skill and respect to every stage of the process. Their approach is attentive, personalized, and centered on supporting your journey toward restoration.

Who Manages the Program?

The retreat is overseen by Dr. Carrie Demers and Dr. Theresa Oswald. Both physicians are board-certified in integrative medicine and combine modern medical care with proven holistic methods. Along with their individual medical specialties, they work closely with the retreat team to recommend customized treatments based on your current mental, physical, and medical condition.

Their compassionate, detailed approach reflects a strong commitment to helping each guest reconnect with their own healing potential. Throughout the retreat, Dr. Demers and Dr. Oswald provide guidance and support so you can receive the fullest benefit from the experience.

Highlights from the Five-Day Panchakarma Retreat:

• Individual medical consultations with one of our board certified physicians
• Daily cleansing massages and therapeutic relaxation
• Steam therapy for further toxin removal
• Shirodhara, which promotes deep relaxation by streaming oil on the forehead
• Nasya, a nourishing oil treatment for the nasal passages
• Private group morning hatha yoga classes
• Light, simple, and nutritiously cleansing vegetarian meals served three times a day, featuring kitchari, vegetable soups, whole grains, and chutneys, all gluten-free
• Freshly squeezed, organic juices served twice per day
• Private biofeedback session to help with stress management, resiliency, and breath training
• Basti, an optional self-administered enema on the last night
• Evening lectures and discussions on cleansing, ayurveda, meditation, and relaxation techniques
• A personal take-home plan for continued success after the retreat has ended

Amenities Beyond Your Daily Treatment Schedule

• 400 acres of wooded hiking trails and vistas
• The MarketPlace Bookstore and Gift Shop
• 24 Hour Tea Lounge
• Unlimited Wi-Fi

All Inclusive Package Pricing:

The 5-day retreat is $3,149.

This rate includes all medical services, massage treatments, lectures and classes, special meals, juices, and accommodations in private deluxe rooms designed to offer greater privacy and quiet for full immersion in the cleansing process.

The Panchakarma Ayurvedic Retreat is contraindicated during pregnancy and may aggravate an already difficult menstruation.

*Rates and services are subject to change.

The program begins with orientation on Wednesday evening and concludes at lunch on Sunday.

Teachers

Carrie Demers, MD

Board-certified in both internal medicine and integrative medicine, Carrie Demers, MD, is a holistic physician who blends modern medicine with traditional approaches to health.

Theresa Oswald, MD

Theresa Oswald, MD, founder and president of Knowledge as Medicine, is a holistic physician with 25 years of experience specializing in an integrative approach to pain and rehabilitation.

Himalayan Institute Retreat Center

For more than fifty years, the Himalayan Institute Retreat Center has welcomed people seeking inspiration and a return to inner balance. Surrounded by a vibrant community of yogis, it offers a setting for studying the ancient tradition of yoga and deepening one’s connection to self and the world. Whether you come for a weekend retreat, a personal getaway, or a longer program, your stay is designed to support rejuvenation and transformation.