<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Rasa Ayurveda</title>
	<atom:link href="http://rasaayurveda.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://rasaayurveda.com</link>
	<description>traditional healing center for women</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 06 May 2013 02:20:00 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-US</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1</generator>
		<item>
		<title>Bindu G. Nair</title>
		<link>http://rasaayurveda.com/2013/04/bindu-g-nair/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=bindu-g-nair</link>
		<comments>http://rasaayurveda.com/2013/04/bindu-g-nair/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:22:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>niika</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Rasa Ayurveda News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Women]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://rasaayurveda.com/?p=1206</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Bindu G. Nair has joined the team of MayaShakti Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. ~ For her entire adult life, Bindu has been a supportive wife of our recently deceased Manager, Sanjeev Kumar S. &#8211; best known as &#8216;Sanju,&#8217; and a devoted mother to their daughters, Aiswarya (15) and Anjana (11). With the passing of our dear...<br /><br /><a class="more-link" href="http://rasaayurveda.com/2013/04/bindu-g-nair/" rel="nofollow">Read More &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/BinduGNairDirector.jpg"><img src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/BinduGNairDirector.jpg" alt="BinduGNairDirector" width="563" height="758" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1211" /></a></p>
<p>Bindu G. Nair has joined the team of MayaShakti Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. ~</p>
<p>For her entire adult life, Bindu has been a supportive wife of our recently deceased Manager, Sanjeev Kumar S. &#8211; best known as &#8216;Sanju,&#8217; and a devoted mother to their daughters, Aiswarya (15) and Anjana (11).</p>
<p><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Screen-Shot-2013-04-28-at-8.21.21-PM.png"><img src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Screen-Shot-2013-04-28-at-8.21.21-PM.png" alt="Screen Shot 2013-04-28 at 8.21.21 PM" width="716" height="527" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1207" /></a></p>
<p>With the passing of our dear Sanju, Bindu is stepping forward to take all family decisions independently, and also to act as Manager and Director of MayaShakti Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd.</p>
<p>Because of Sanju&#8217;s many talents and skills, we have found that Rasa Ayurveda is not the same without Sanju. With the loss of Sanju, Rasa Ayurveda has been ushered into a time of great change.</p>
<p>As we navigate these very new waters into the future, Bindu will be active in company matters.</p>
<p>From early childhood, Bindu has been immersed in the ancient South Indian ways of self-care, family care, prenatal and post-natal regimens. Her mother, Kamalamma, is known for making home remedies for all who enter their home. With her foundation in living and healing with traditional knowledge, I look forward to watching Bindu&#8217;s skills and knowledge become more visible in today&#8217;s world, to share with women near and far, East and West, as we all go forward together into the future.</p>
<p>Please join me in welcoming Bindu G. Nair to MayaShakti Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd.</p>
<p>With great care,<br />
Niika Quistgard<br />
Founder &#038; Director</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://rasaayurveda.com/2013/04/bindu-g-nair/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Sanju&#8217;s Passing ~ Your Prayers</title>
		<link>http://rasaayurveda.com/2013/02/sanjus-passing/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=sanjus-passing</link>
		<comments>http://rasaayurveda.com/2013/02/sanjus-passing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 10 Feb 2013 16:27:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>niika</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ayurveda & Siddha]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rasa Ayurveda News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prayers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sanju]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://rasaayurveda.com/?p=1110</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It is with great sadness that we at Rasa Ayurveda share our truly tragic and shocking loss of Sanjeev Kumar S. – known to all as &#8220;Sanju.&#8221; Sanju aniyan&#8217;s passing is an enormous loss we cannot begin to fully understand at this time. As my adopted Malayalee brother, co-founder of Rasa Ayurveda and our manager...<br /><br /><a class="more-link" href="http://rasaayurveda.com/2013/02/sanjus-passing/" rel="nofollow">Read More &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It is with great sadness that we at Rasa Ayurveda share our truly tragic and shocking loss of <em>Sanjeev Kumar S.</em> – known to all as &#8220;<em><strong>Sanju</strong></em>.&#8221;</p>
<p>Sanju aniyan&#8217;s passing is an enormous loss we cannot begin to fully understand at this time. As my adopted Malayalee brother, co-founder of Rasa Ayurveda and our manager and co-director these years, his mind, heart and hands were in the birth and growth of Rasa Ayurveda from the very first day, literally up until his last breath at the moment of his untimely passing on January 29, 2013. (So sadly, Sanju succumbed to a massive heart attack, possibly due to a pulmonary embolism resultant from a leg injury.)</p>
<p>Sanju and I started Rasa Ayurveda with nothing but our close relation and a dream to offer a true healing sanctuary for women to receive treatment, learn and live in a world of traditional Ayurveda.</p>
<div id="attachment_1135" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 590px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Screen-Shot-2013-02-10-at-9.50.55-PM.png"><img class=" wp-image-1135 " title="With my dear brother, Sanju" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Screen-Shot-2013-02-10-at-9.50.55-PM.png" alt="" width="580" height="386" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">With my dear brother, Sanju, at Rasa Ayurveda</p></div>
<p>We were both 100% dedicated to making a special place that respects each person–our patients, each staff member and everyone in the community–and the beauty and bounty of Nature. Far from any kind of tourist set up, we created Rasa Ayurveda to be a place women can come to feel safe and extremely well cared for, yet have the opportunity to connect with real Malayalee life and Ayurveda as it is still lived today.</p>
<p>With our vision always in his heart, Sanju was a natural manager at Rasa Ayurveda and motivated people with the most positive energy you can imagine. Even in tough times – and we have faced these – Sanju demonstrated extraordinary faith, intelligence, love and hope. No matter the trouble anyone was having he would always say,<strong><em><br />
&#8220;For any problem, we have one thousand and one ideas!&#8221;</em></strong> Sanju&#8217;s great capabilities and positive energy made everything possible at Rasa Ayurveda.</p>
<div id="attachment_1128" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 177px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Screen-Shot-2013-02-10-at-7.46.36-PM.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-1128 " title="Young Sanju" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Screen-Shot-2013-02-10-at-7.46.36-PM.png" alt="" width="167" height="201" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Young Sanju</p></div>
<p>As a boy, young Sanju was fanatic about India&#8217;s national sport – cricket ! His second love? Making traditional herbal medicines by hand under a great doctor and pharmacist, the father of a friend. Over the years he became a very skilled traditional medicine-maker. In time, he also mastered traditional Siddha Vaidya and Ayurveda therapies and brought healing to many, many patients from all over the world over the years.</p>
<div id="attachment_1133" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 748px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/MG_59341.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1133 " title="Sanju prepares ingredients for a traditional Ayurvedic healing oil" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/MG_59341-1024x682.jpg" alt="" width="738" height="491" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sanju prepares ingredients for a traditional Ayurvedic healing oil.</p></div>
<p>He knew so much about hands-on traditional medicine–and taught us all at Rasa Ayurveda: how to prepare the fresh therapy materials, how to perform the therapies, how to make medicines and oils, and how to work with patients for healing success. He was a great cook, as well, and enjoyed sharing the wonders of Kerala cuisine and Ayurvedic nutrition.</p>
<div id="attachment_1123" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 672px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Screen-Shot-2013-02-10-at-8.19.23-PM.png"><img class=" wp-image-1123 " title="Sanju teaches a Healing Cooking Class at Rasa Ayurveda" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Screen-Shot-2013-02-10-at-8.19.23-PM.png" alt="" width="662" height="384" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sanju teaches a Healing Ayurvedic Cooking Class at Rasa Ayurveda</p></div>
<p>If you have come to Rasa Ayurveda in the last 5 years, I know–without a doubt– Sanju brought a smile to your face! He made you more relaxed, more grateful and more open to healing. He always offered plenty of his time to sit and talk with patients, hearing troubles, joys, hopes and dreams. He spread love, joy and compassion in all directions.</p>
<div id="attachment_1126" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Screen-Shot-2013-02-10-at-7.50.02-PM.png"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1126" title="Celebrating a Patient's Birthday" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Screen-Shot-2013-02-10-at-7.50.02-PM-300x271.png" alt="" width="300" height="271" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Celebrating a Patient&#8217;s Birthday at Rasa Ayurveda</p></div>
<p>Sanju often warned patients, &#8220;I am not a singer.&#8221; Nevertheless, his sweet, soulful voice often rang out with traditional or cinema songs as he made his way around the buildings and grounds of Rasa Ayurveda, his charming smile brightening every room. He would even offer a lullaby in the evenings before he left for home, to warm the hearts of the patients before saying &#8220;Good night.&#8221;</p>
<div id="attachment_1124" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 234px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Screen-Shot-2013-02-10-at-8.12.09-PM.png"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1124" title="Sanju opens the Lotus" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Screen-Shot-2013-02-10-at-8.12.09-PM-224x300.png" alt="" width="224" height="300" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sanju Opens a Lotus</p></div>
<p>We are all missing him so much. All eyes are brimming with tears as these days pass. Everywhere we look, we expect to see him. It&#8217;s impossible to believe he is gone. We hear his voice around every corner.  We miss him so greatly, but to honor him, we are all trying to be more like him as patients continue to arrive here at Rasa Ayurveda from all over the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Screen-Shot-2013-02-10-at-8.27.17-PM.png"><img class="wp-image-1121 aligncenter" title="Sanju brought us all together at Rasa Ayurveda" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Screen-Shot-2013-02-10-at-8.27.17-PM.png" alt="" width="618" height="471" /></a></p>
<dl id="attachment_1121" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 783px;">
<dd class="wp-caption-dd">Sanju brought us all together at Rasa Ayurveda</dd>
</dl>
<p> Sanju was a truly valuable and rare man, a living treasure while he was here with us and he taught us many lessons about healing, love and life. For all of us whose lives were touched by Sanju, I hope we can become more like he was.</p>
<p><em><strong>We invite you to please join us in offering your prayers, wishes or good blessings toward Sanju as his soul travels on.</strong></em></p>
<p><em>Sanju is survived by his beautiful wife, Bindu and his two darling daughters, Anjana (11) and Aiswarya (15).</em></p>
<p><em>Until now, Bindu has lived the life of a traditional housewife, always there to support Sanju in his work, the girls in their studies, providing nutritious meals and keeping a happy, peaceful home for the family. Bindu&#8217;s mother lives with the family, praying for everyone and preparing fresh herbal medicines to keep colds, flu, digestive problems and headaches away.</em></p>
<div id="attachment_1130" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Screen-Shot-2013-02-10-at-7.47.32-PM1.png"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1130" title="Sanju with his family at home" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Screen-Shot-2013-02-10-at-7.47.32-PM1-300x292.png" alt="" width="300" height="292" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sanju with his family at home</p></div>
<table style="color: #ffffff;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10" align="right" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<tbody>
<tr>
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick"><br />
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="TJJNV3DJLP6DY"><br />
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!"><br />
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1"><br />
</form>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><em>Little Anjana has been learning to play the violin. She enjoys spending time with the therapists at Rasa Ayurveda, and likes to help at Rasa Ayurveda when she has a day free from school.</em></p>
<p><em>Sanju&#8217;s eldest daughter–Aiswarya–is an excellent student, a top student in her class as she completes the 10th grade. She has also been noted for her skill in traditional dancing. Here in Kerala, there is a moment in the life of every student that determines the entirety of their future education and career possibilities. Aiswarya will be taking the most important exams of her education in just a few weeks. <strong>Your prayers for her concentration and confidence at this time will be appreciated.</strong></em></p>
<p>If you care to <strong>make a donation toward Sanju&#8217;s family</strong>, any contribution will be greatly appreciated. Sanju was the sole support of his family. To suddenly loose a beloved spouse or become fatherless overnight anywhere is sad. But in traditional South India, this is extremely difficult for a broad scope of practical, financial and social reasons. If you care to contribute to school fees, housing or other basic needs for Sanju&#8217;s wife and girls, I invite you make a donation of any amount.</p>
<p>If you have a message for Sanju&#8217;s family, I know they&#8217;ll be pleased to hear from you. Leave your comment here on the blog. Bindu and the girls will see your message.</p>
<p>With a heavy but grateful heart,<br />
Niika Quistgard<br />
Founder/Director, Rasa Ayurveda Traditional Healing Centre for Women</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://rasaayurveda.com/2013/02/sanjus-passing/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>54</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Pancha Karma for River House</title>
		<link>http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/09/panchakarma-for-river-house/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=panchakarma-for-river-house</link>
		<comments>http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/09/panchakarma-for-river-house/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 23 Sep 2012 02:17:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>niika</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rasa Ayurveda News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://rasaayurveda.com/?p=1059</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The purchase of River House for Rasa Ayurveda was completed in December, 2010. For our small company to acquire this lovely building was an awesome feat, only accomplished through the involvement and support of many women who have experienced the healing and self-renewal that can be found at Rasa Ayurveda, and who want our small...<br /><br /><a class="more-link" href="http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/09/panchakarma-for-river-house/" rel="nofollow">Read More &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The purchase of River House for Rasa Ayurveda was completed in December, 2010. For our small company to acquire this lovely building was an awesome feat, only accomplished through the involvement and support of many women who have experienced the healing and self-renewal that can be found at Rasa Ayurveda, and who want our small clinic to have a permanent home.</p>
<div id="attachment_1087" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/PreparingSand2.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1087" title="PreparingSand" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/PreparingSand2-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Preparing materials for River House rejuvenation.</p></div>
<p>It was explained to me that once we owned the building, we would have no problem getting a bank loan for renovations. Well, as many logistical, financial and legal processes go in India, it was not that simple. After much effort, inquiry and frustration I finally accepted that a bank loan was not possible, a huge disappointment and set-back. But not the end of the story!</p>
<p>At last, we&#8217;ve gathered up enough paise together – (one paise is 1/100th of a rupee) – that we are now beginning work on River House! We are delighted to share our hard-won progress with you here:</p>
<div id="attachment_1073" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 268px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-Shot-2012-09-22-at-1.30.02-PM.png"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1073" title="Vision of Tiles to Come" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Screen-Shot-2012-09-22-at-1.30.02-PM-258x300.png" alt="" width="258" height="300" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">&#8216;Sanju&#8217; &#8211; manager of Rasa Ayurveda, with our favorite roof tile.</p></div>
<p>Just as when a woman comes to Rasa Ayurveda with a hope of awakening into her best healthy and happy self – her vision gathering clarity in her being even as she makes her plans to come to Rasa Ayurveda–we&#8217;ve have a clear sense of the beauty and function we hope to realize through this &#8220;treatment&#8221; for the River House. Not every detail has been decided upon, but as we move into the transformative process, we come upon elements we recognize will bring goodness to this home for Rasa Ayurveda, and when we do, we say &#8220;yes!&#8221;</p>
<p>Here, Sanju holds a sample of a clay – or &#8220;mud&#8221;– roof tile. Simple and traditional Kerala clay tile, yet with an uplifted line that reflects a pleasing attention to detail. We said &#8220;yes!&#8221; to these roof tiles, bought them and set them aside. Just like a woman starting in on her experience of pancha karma–the Ayurvedic process of detoxification and rejuvenation which will certainly bring her greater function and beauty inside and out – our house project does NOT begin with applying the decorations! First, we have to loosen up the undesirable elements we want to remove: the areas of decay, the ugly excesses.</p>
<div id="attachment_1071" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/RemovingoldTileCement.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1071" title="Removing Old Tile Cement" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/RemovingoldTileCement-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Removing cracked cement which held the old decaying roof tiles.</p></div>
<div id="attachment_1060" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/WorkingTogether.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1060" title="WorkingTogether" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/WorkingTogether-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Working together to clear out the old, strengthen the new.</p></div>
<p>We&#8217;re got to lighten up on the functional requirements temporarily–purify and strip down to the essentials–even if this leaves things looking a little plain for a short while.</p>
<div id="attachment_1061" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/AllBare.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1061" title="AllBare" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/AllBare-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">A classic beauty bathed and stripped of her ornaments.</p></div>
<p>Removing superficial excess is always a part of the healing and transformative process. And it feels so good to simplify!</p>
<div id="attachment_1064" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/New-Opening.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1064" title="New Opening" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/New-Opening-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Two unnecessary walls have come down. Now there is easy visual and locomotive access from the front entry of the house into the main hall, and beyond to the kitchen. What an improvement simplification can bring!</p></div>
<p>Next, we clear away any complications or blockages so all can move freely and easily through natural pathways.</p>
<div id="attachment_1062" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/BackOpening.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1062" title="BackOpening" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/BackOpening-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The old wall and iron grates have been removed. The back sit-out remains protected, but with much more connection to Nature.</p></div>
<p>We invite more intimate contact with the 5 elements of Nature – Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space.</p>
<div id="attachment_1063" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/BackOpening1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1063" title="BackOpening1" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/BackOpening1-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Once this rubble is cleared away, all can easily absorb the grace of the medicinal trees, the big bamboo and the river.</p></div>
<p>We create expansive sattvic, sacred space to welcome physical and mental/emotional learning and creativity. A place dedicated to healthy connection with others and to a deepening realization of Self, and self-worth.</p>
<div id="attachment_1066" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/ConstructingYogaHall1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1066" title="ConstructingYogaHall1" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/ConstructingYogaHall1-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">With the old stairwell and damaged walls removed, materials are in place to build the new outdoor yoga &amp; meditation hall!</p></div>
<div id="attachment_1065" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/ConstructingYogaHall.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1065" title="ConstructingYoga Hall" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/ConstructingYogaHall-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Strong new half-walls and a roof-bearing framework are installed.</p></div>
<div id="attachment_1067" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/New-Yoga-Hall-Ceiling.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1067" title="New Yoga Hall Ceiling Frame Goes Up" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/New-Yoga-Hall-Ceiling-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">This structure will hold the yoga &amp; meditation hall roof.</p></div>
<div id="attachment_1070" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/NewDoubleBathroom.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1070" title="New Double Bathroom" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/NewDoubleBathroom-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">New bathroom, shower and wash basin area off the yoga &amp; meditation hall.</p></div>
<p>As in good Ayurvedic treatment, <em>abundant</em> <em>time</em> is a necessary element of a powerful and positive transformation. While we look forward to the day we can wrap River House in her gorgeous sari and a few touches of jewelry and show her off to the world, we are enjoying the entire process and all it brings, day by day and step by step.</p>
<p>We look forward to your continued support as the rebirth of  River House continues. We will share all the details of the finished project with you soon!</p>
<p>With kind regards and all blessings for your health and happiness ~</p>
<p>Niika Quistgard<br />
Founder &amp; Director<br />
Rasa Ayurveda Traditional Healing Centre for Women</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/09/panchakarma-for-river-house/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Woman Power in India</title>
		<link>http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/07/woman-power-in-india/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=woman-power-in-india</link>
		<comments>http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/07/woman-power-in-india/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Jul 2012 12:51:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>niika</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Rasa Ayurveda News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[India]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[South India Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[women]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://rasaayurveda.com/?p=1168</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s not always easy to make a business work. Any business that involves caring for, housing and feeding people around the clock will be extra challenging. Making it all work in India? A fierce dedication, a whole lot of energy and quite of bit of good luck have GOT to be on your side&#8230;! I...<br /><br /><a class="more-link" href="http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/07/woman-power-in-india/" rel="nofollow">Read More &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It&#8217;s not always easy to make a business work. Any business that involves caring for, housing and feeding people around the clock will be extra challenging.<br />
Making it all work in India?  A fierce dedication, a whole lot of energy and quite of bit of good luck have GOT to be on your side&#8230;!</p>
<div id="attachment_1169" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 647px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Screen-Shot-2013-02-11-at-6.14.14-PM.png"><img src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Screen-Shot-2013-02-11-at-6.14.14-PM.png" alt="" title="Niika Quistgard with Davina of Lagoona Davina" width="637" height="603" class="size-full wp-image-1169" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Niika Quistgard with Davina of Lagoona Davina</p></div>
<p>I had the good fortune to meet Davina, a very strong, visionary European woman who opened her waterside boutique hotel just south of Kovalam years ago. She is well know for toughing out many challenges over the years to make a good go of her place – Davina Lagoona.</p>
<p>I stopped in to see her when I heard she was packing up after many more years in South India than she had expected to stay. We shared an hour or so of stories, laughs and nods of recognition and understanding as we each reviewed our experiences of what it&#8217;s like to build a dream project here in Kerala.</p>
<p>I wish Davina well as she launches into a completely new project, involving the French countryside, good friends – and her passion for Polish chickens! Davina has a blog, <a href="http://davinafrance.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/soon-to-be-in-france.html" title="Davina in France" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p>You&#8217;ve been an inspiration, Davina. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Niika Quistgard<br />
Founder &#038; Director, Rasa Ayurveda Traditional Healing Centre for Women</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/07/woman-power-in-india/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Monsoon Meditation</title>
		<link>http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/07/monsoon-meditation/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=monsoon-meditation</link>
		<comments>http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/07/monsoon-meditation/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Jul 2012 15:15:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>niika</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture & Spirituality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://rasaayurveda.com/?p=1179</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The sensory qualities of monsoon make it a natural time to turn one’s attention within. Meditation comes easily now. The world is soft and quiet, and every storm washes the inner and outer worlds clean. Even if you can’t come to Kerala to receive Ayurvedic treatment during monsoon (June &#038; July), you can savor a...<br /><br /><a class="more-link" href="http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/07/monsoon-meditation/" rel="nofollow">Read More &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The sensory qualities of monsoon make it a natural time to turn one’s attention within. Meditation comes easily now. The world is soft and quiet, and every storm washes the inner and outer worlds clean.</p>
<div id="attachment_502" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 510px"><img src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Enjoying-Meditation-Together.jpg" alt="Enjoying Meditation Together" width="500" height="249" class="size-full wp-image-502" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Enjoying Meditation Together</p></div>
<p>Even if you can’t come to Kerala to receive Ayurvedic treatment during monsoon (June &#038; July), you <strong>can</strong> savor a subtle meditation rejuvenation wherever you are…</p>
<p>With just a little bit of guidance, you can fall effortlessly into bliss…</p>
<p>Don’t believe me? Give it a try!</p>
<p><em>Sit comfortably on the floor, or on a supportive chair. Feel where your body–hip bones, feet–touches the ground or chair. Get a feeling and even visual sense of your postural foundation.</p>
<p>As you inhale, allow your spine to lengthen upward gently, almost as if someone were pulling a small handful of hair up just a little, right at the crown of your head.</p>
<p>Notice that some of your attention remains grounded in your foundation as you exhale completely through your nose. Soften your face. Soften your neck. Soften your belly.</p>
<p>Inhale, allowing the spaces between the vertebrae, ribs and the tops of the shoulder to open.</p>
<p>Exhale, feeling the support of the ground beneath you. Allowing that support to just be there, holding you.</p>
<p>Inhale, releasing the eyes as your spine lengthens. Pull your chin in just a little bit.</p>
<p>With simultaneous awareness of both the downward-grounding and upward-reaching energies, feel your whole body as you exhale completely and inhale completely. Continue to soften any areas of holding you become aware of. Continue to enjoy the feeling of your spine, straight and elongating.</p>
<p>Turn your head from side to side a few times, slowly, and lubricating your movement with your breath.</p>
<p>Come back to center. Breathe and enjoy.</p>
<p>When it’s time, continue your full breathing, and open your eyes just 15% to see the floor in front of you. Allow your energy to remain in full engagement with your whole body, and with your internal beingness. No need for the energy behind the eyes to to jump out and run across the room.</p>
<p>After a few breaths, open your eyes a bit more, keeping your foundation intact.</p>
<p>Place your hands together in gratitude for the enjoyment of being. Slowly stand, walk and move into the rest of your day, smiling, and keeping your self-awareness with you as long as you like.</em></p>
<p>Whenever you can come, we look forward to welcoming you to Rasa Ayurveda~</p>
<p>With kind regards,<br />
Niika Quistgard</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/07/monsoon-meditation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Shirodhara: Golden Thread of Peace</title>
		<link>http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/05/shirodhara-treatment-golden-thread-of-peace/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=shirodhara-treatment-golden-thread-of-peace</link>
		<comments>http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/05/shirodhara-treatment-golden-thread-of-peace/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 12 May 2012 16:44:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>niika</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ayurveda & Siddha]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[External Medicines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Patient Outcomes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://rasaayurveda.com/?p=938</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Shirodhara (also spelled Sirodhara in the South Indian transliteration) is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment that can feel so good, its sometimes called &#8220;bliss therapy!&#8221; Shirodhara is a shamana  treatment, often prescribed during the rasayana rejuvenation period after pancha karma (the traditional Ayurvedic five actions of detoxification), or any time calming and re-integrating the nervous system...<br /><br /><a class="more-link" href="http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/05/shirodhara-treatment-golden-thread-of-peace/" rel="nofollow">Read More &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RasaAyurvedaShirodhara1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-945" title="Rasa Ayurveda Shirodhara" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RasaAyurvedaShirodhara1-682x1024.jpg" alt="" width="682" height="1024" /></a>Shirodhara</em> (also spelled <em>Sirodhara</em> in the South Indian transliteration) is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment that can <em>feel so good</em>, its sometimes called &#8220;bliss therapy!&#8221;</p>
<p><em>Shirodhara</em> is a <em>shamana </em> treatment, often prescribed during the <em>rasayana</em> rejuvenation period after <em>pancha karma</em> (the traditional Ayurvedic five actions of detoxification), or any time calming and re-integrating the nervous system is a top priority.</p>
<p>In Sanskrit, <em>shiro</em> means &#8220;head;&#8221; <em>dhara</em> means &#8220;thread.&#8221; To undergo shirodhara is to receive an ever-flowing stream of warm, medicated oil onto one&#8217;s forehead, in alternating patterns which invite a brain state very similar to deep meditation.</p>
<p>To perform <em>shirodhara</em>, the therapists at Rasa Ayurveda fill an earthen <em>kalam</em> &#8211; a clay pot &#8211; with a warmed, herbalized oil, specially selected for the patient. This clay pot lends the <em>bhumi</em> qualities of the earth element to the treatment, and does not charge the oil even slightly with electromagnetic energy. The specific oil prepared for the patient will be prescribed by our doctor especially to address the needs of the patient. Commonly in use are <em>Dhantantharam Tailam, Bala Taiilam, Chandanam Tailam, Bhringaamalagaadi Tailam</em> and other oils, often made by hand on the grounds at Rasa Ayurveda from freshly-harvested ingredients.</p>
<p>The <em>kalam</em> rests in a sling of hand-twisted coconut rope which is hung from the ceiling, then held between a therapist&#8217;s two hands, rocked back and forth to gently stimulate marma points and match the mind&#8217;s travels, until the mind surrenders and a global body sense fills the patient&#8217;s awareness. A second therapist tends the oil temperature, and warms and replenishes fresh oil into the <em>kalam</em> as the oil flows down a cotton thread onto the forehead, and the therapy continues.</p>
<p>The sublime experience of <em>shirodhara</em> may lie beyond the grasp of language! But women love to try to describe the total and complete relaxation and effortless return to a sense of Self they. Some have compared <em>shirodhara</em> to being a small innocent baby once again, enjoying the soothing care and cradling of her mother. Therapists observe signs of deep relaxation, such as deepened, slower breathing, released muscle tension, sometimes accompanied by a few silent tears, sighs and gentle smiles.</p>
<p>Ayurvedic texts state that Shirodhara activates the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, opens the 6th and 7th chakras, heightens the senses and increases faith, intuition and overall spiritual awareness. Traditionally, Shirodhara has been applied to treat insomnia, memory loss, headaches, mental tension (anxiety, worry, stress), ADD, TMJ, exhaustion, emotional imbalance, various disorders of the head, neck, eyes, ears, nose and nervous system, and certain skin diseases.</p>
<p>Deeply stress-relieving, Shirodhara pacifies Vata while nourishing and calming the nervous system. <em>Shirodhara</em> cleanses the mind and senses of impressions, improving mental clarity and cognition. The herbal ingredients in the medicated oils are somewhat absorbed through the skin and enter the blood stream near the brain, emphasizing the neurological effect of shirodhara further.</p>
<p>In clinical studies, shirodhara has shown marked potential to <a title="Study: Shirodhara alleviates insomnia" href="http://http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/news/more-top-news/single-view/shirodhara-alternative-treatment-for-insomnia-studied/a19b3736b3.html" target="_blank">alleviate insomnia</a>, <a title="Study: Shirodhara Reduces Anxiety" href="http://www.internalmedicinenews.com/news/more-top-news/single-view/shirodhara-alternative-treatment-for-insomnia-studied/a19b3736b3.html" target="_blank">reduce anxiety</a>, and <a title="Study: Shirodhara Potential to Reduce High Blood Pressure" href="http://http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3202255/" target="_blank">diminish high blood pressure.</a></p>
<p>According to abstracts of a study published by K. Uebaba of Int. Res. Center for Traditional Medicine of Toyoma Prefecture, Toyama, Japan in <strong></strong><a href="http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/RecentIssue.jsp?punumber=51">Engineering in Medicine and Biology Magazine</a><strong></strong>. &#8220;Physiological changes during <em>shirodhara</em> have been shown to  similar to those of meditation, including α-wave dominance in the frontal area and a decrease in heart rate and CO2 excretion. These findings indicated a change in the function of the frontal lobe, limbic system, brain stem, and autonomic nervous system.&#8221;</p>
<p>The nervous system is governed by the <em>Vata dosha</em>, and in Ayurveda, <em>Vata</em> is considered the <strong>leader</strong> of the <em>doshas</em>!  Nearly all imbalance begins with the involvement of the <em>Vata dosha</em>. <em>Shirodhara</em> can offer a profoundly healing effect on the nervous system, the disturbance of which is so often at the root of our imbalances and disease.</p>
<p>To be most effective,<em> Shirodhara</em> will be performed in a series of 3, 5 or 7 treatments over a series of days. Ayurveda is the &#8220;Mother of Medicine&#8221; and just like a mother&#8217;s tender care when a child is ill, time and repetition are a important aspect of the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment. <em></em></p>
<p>Completed with grounding attention to the feet and some time to rest on the treatment table, a woman generally enjoys a natural peace, improved sleep and vision and a feeling of being refreshed overall after receiving a series of <em>Shirodhara</em> with oils selected just for her.</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t forget! SIGN UP for our email newsletter<a title="Newsletter Sign Up" href="  http://eepurl.com/dI76U"> here</a>, or at the left side of your screen to receive a special Mother&#8217;s Day offer you just might not be able to resist!</p>
<p>We invite you to experience the benefits of <em>Shirodhara</em> here at <a href="http://RasaAyurveda.com" target="_blank">Rasa Ayurveda Traditional Healing Centre for Women</a>. <a title="Want to Come to Rasa Ayurveda?" href="http://rasaayurveda.com/want-to-come-to-rasa-ayurveda/" target="_blank">Inquire today&#8230;!</a></p>
<p>We look forward to welcoming you soon.</p>
<p>With warm regards,</p>
<p>Niika Quistgard, CAS<br />
Founder &amp; Director</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/05/shirodhara-treatment-golden-thread-of-peace/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Found My Bliss at Rasa Ayurveda</title>
		<link>http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/03/found-my-bliss-at-rasa-ayurveda/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=found-my-bliss-at-rasa-ayurveda</link>
		<comments>http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/03/found-my-bliss-at-rasa-ayurveda/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:32:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>niika</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Patient Outcomes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/?p=671</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I’ve had the good fortune to be lovingly looked after by the very capable staff at Rasa Ayurveda Traditional Healing Centre for Women twice now, and I’m eagerly awaiting visit number three! My first time to Rasa Ayurveda was for a women’s retreat offered through Ayurveda Trip in 2008, mainly to learn more about Ayurveda...<br /><br /><a class="more-link" href="http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/03/found-my-bliss-at-rasa-ayurveda/" rel="nofollow">Read More &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_682" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 404px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/GwenDever.png"><img class="wp-image-682 " title="Gwen Dever" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/GwenDever.png" alt="" width="394" height="447" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Gwen Dever at Rasa Ayurveda</p></div>
<p>I’ve had the good fortune to be lovingly looked after by the very capable staff at Rasa Ayurveda Traditional Healing Centre for Women <strong>twice</strong> now, and I’m eagerly awaiting visit number three!</p>
<p>My <strong>first time to Rasa Ayurveda</strong> was for a women’s retreat offered through <a title="Ayurveda Trip" href="http://AyurvedaTrip.com" target="_blank">Ayurveda Trip </a>in 2008, mainly to learn more about Ayurveda and take a taste of South India. This was a <strong>wonderful, soulful and eye-opening experience</strong>. I left with a new-found understanding of what Ayurvedic treatment can accomplish,, and I knew  &#8211; at some point &#8211; I’d be back.</p>
<div id="attachment_672" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCN0101.jpg"><img class="wp-image-672 " title="Gwen Dever" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSCN0101-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">With a New Friend on my first trip to Rasa Ayurveda</p></div>
<p>Last summer, I came back to Rasa Ayurveda purely as a patient, to address my ongoing digestive issues with traditional Ayurvedic treatment. (In my case, &#8220;PK&#8221; or pancha karma.) I’d felt <strong>my chronic digestive problems were a sign of overall imbalance</strong>, and my discomfort had really been clouding my enjoyment of day-to-day life.</p>
<p>During my treatment at Rasa Ayurveda, <strong>I felt so incredibly supported and cared for</strong>. My daily Ayurvedic treatment(s), began from when my therapist appeared at my door of my room to escort me to my therapy session where I <strong>received an amazing treatment.</strong> Then I was escorted back to my room to the simple hot water bath/shower set up. Three lovingly-prepared luscious, authentic meals were served family style around the dining table and I enjoyed the chance then to catch up with others who were sharing the clinic with me. I really enjoyed my daily strolls through the <strong>welcoming traditional community</strong>, the temple visits and the smiles, waves and interest from the neighbours and their beautiful children, and a little yoga, Ayurvedic cooking and  introduction to Ayurveda basics classes, too.</p>
<p>I  still enjoy remembering <strong>waking with the sounds of the temples and going to sleep when my body was tired</strong>. Not to mention soaking up the time spent in the garden enjoying the hammocks, the sounds of nature and the smells of the tropical Kerala flora that is all around. Really, what’s not to love!?! In the quiet time that I yearned for and enjoyed while at Rasa Ayurveda,  <strong>I was able to meditate</strong>, read and escape the thoughts of my usual busy life.  What a joy!  I remember the tropical breezes keeping me cool and the smell of the Ayurvedic oil on my skin. I’m remembering the woody sandalwood and sweet coconut and other exotic (to me, anyway) herbs that make up the handmade oils used in the massage treatments.  (Those same oils have come in very handy this winter to keep my skin supple instead of it drying out as it tends to do in the low humidity atmosphere of a blowing furnace. <strong>I’m a convert! I love Ayurveda!</strong>)</p>
<p>As a  patient on this last visit, I learned more about myself both from Doctor and from the treatments.  Even though you may think from reading about PK (pancha karma) that it could be a harsh experience, it is simply not that way in the loving hands of the Rasa Ayurveda staff.  I truly felt very supported and happy and loved then, and <strong>I am still feeling the benefits of those 21 days </strong>in Kerala.</p>
<p>It’s been 7 months since my treatment. I’ve just completed a stressful cross-Atlantic move from the UK back to the states (OMG!), while facing a series of unexpected family situations. In spite of this super-high stress which in the past would almost certainly have brought some digestive issues to forefront of my days, I’m so happy to share that <strong>my system has been steady</strong>, and just keeps motoring on without complaint.</p>
<p>My time at Rasa Ayurveda also resulted in my losing weight, which I&#8217;d hardly <strong>dared</strong> to hope for. I don’t lose weight easily and seem to gain it back quickly &#8211; but <strong>the weight has stayed off all these months!</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_687" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSC00043.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-687" title="Gwen Dever2" src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/DSC00043-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Gwen Soaks up South India</p></div>
<p>I’m also able to incorporate some of the Ayurvedic practices, foods and cooking methods that I learned at Rasa Ayurveda into my western life now, which brings me a lot of joy and balance.</p>
<p>Dr. Geetha recommended that I return for a maintenance treatment in two years. <strong>I cherish knowing that another session at Rasa Ayurveda is on my schedule</strong>. With Rasa Ayurveda in my world, I really feel I am “making life juicy!”<br />
Gwen Dever<br />
Chicago, IL, USA</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/03/found-my-bliss-at-rasa-ayurveda/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Beginning Year 5 – Rasa Ayurveda Continues</title>
		<link>http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/01/beginning-year-5-the-evolution-continues/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=beginning-year-5-the-evolution-continues</link>
		<comments>http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/01/beginning-year-5-the-evolution-continues/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:20:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>niika</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture & Spirituality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rasa Ayurveda News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/?p=553</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Dear Friends, How does a dream become manifest? Usually, the path is filled with mysterious challenges and Grace. We wouldn’t call it a journey if we traveled to our destination in a “straight line…!” It was just a little more than 4 years ago that we opened the doors of Rasa Ayurveda Traditional Healing Centre...<br /><br /><a class="more-link" href="http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/01/beginning-year-5-the-evolution-continues/" rel="nofollow">Read More &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_554" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 510px"><img src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/mayashakti-ayurveda.jpg" alt="mayashakti ayurveda" width="500" height="512" class="size-full wp-image-554" /><p class="wp-caption-text">I hoped to create an image that portrayed a woman - a Goddess in us all, standing surrounded, nourished and delighted by all the elements of Nature, while positively enjoying her potential to protect and revere Life.</p></div>
<p>Dear Friends,</p>
<p><strong>How does a dream become manifest?</strong> Usually, the path is filled with mysterious challenges and Grace. <strong>We wouldn’t call it a journey </strong>if we traveled to our destination in a “straight line…!”</p>
<p>It was just a little more than 4 years ago that we opened the doors of <a title="Rasa Ayurveda Traditional Healing Centre for Women" href="http://rasaayurveda.com/">Rasa Ayurveda Traditional Healing Centre for Women</a> to her first patients and retreatants. It’s often said that most small businesses close within the first 5 years. While we haven’t quite made it through this nascent, tender time, <strong>we have every confidence that Rasa Ayurveda will arrive at year’s end, steady and strong!</strong></p>
<p>So far, Rasa Ayurveda has been a <strong>place of healing to women from more than 20 countries around the world</strong>, and to local Malayalee women, too. Traditional healing practices have been sustained, and women young and old–from East and West–have discovered and developed their relationship with the <strong>power of Ayurveda to bring every woman healing, happiness and a well-lived life</strong>. And Rasa Ayurveda has been a “home-base” for many local families, and for The Muthashi Project, our outreach program helping keep the knowledge of native plants and traditional kitchen medicines alive for coming generations.</p>
<p>In sorting out computer files recently, I came across a collection of graphics showing the <strong>evolution of our MayaShakti Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd company emblem</strong>. (MayaShakti Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. is the Indian company operating Rasa Ayurveda.) The images illustrate a process similar to the creation of Rasa Ayurveda: Start with a vision and some determination. Ask for involvement and participation. See what comes…! Refine. Reapproach. Be willing to wait. <strong>Go forward again with faith</strong>, and the vision will come into reality.</p>
<p>How does a dream become manifest? Usually, the path is filled with mysterious challenges and Grace. The journey is not a “straight line…!”</p>
<p><img src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Woman-by-Win-Ng.jpg" alt="Woman by Win Ng" title="Woman by Win Ng" width="300" height="277" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-555" /></p>
<p>I loved this <a title="Win Ng" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Win_Ng" target="_blank">Win Ng</a> image as a young girl. The simple naturalness of the female subject, <strong>her relatedness to the natural environment</strong> and Nature’s creatures,<strong> her innocence, and her divine wings</strong>–and the whole circle embracing all–never left my memory. This was the main inspiration for our MayaShakti Ayurveda emblem.</p>
<p><img src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Holding-the-World.jpg" alt="Holding the World" title="Holding the World" width="250" height="247" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-556" />I also loved the image I’d used for years in my Ayurveda work with women in the West: a woman’s hands, holding the world,  offering the world to all, while also <strong>caring for our Mother in warm, loving hands</strong>.</p>
<p>I began to communicate my vision to graphic artists, first, Val Sivilli, who came recommended by a friend. Val drew for hours, and came up with this image…</p>
<p><img src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/First-Attempt.jpg" alt="First Attempt" title="First Attempt" width="300" height="294" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-557" /></p>
<p>I felt the drawing had potential, but didn’t fully embody the qualities I knew I needed to see.</p>
<p>Next, Dawn Stevens jumped in to move the drawing toward my vision. First, she took the image a big step back. Faceless Devi!</p>
<p><img src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/De-constructed.jpg" alt="De-constructed" title="De-constructed" width="300" height="284" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-558" /></p>
<p>Dawn created this rendition:</p>
<p><img src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Version1-by-Dawn-Stevens.jpg" alt="Version 1 by Dawn Stevens" title="Version 1 by Dawn Stevens" width="300" height="280" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-559" /></p>
<p>And after more discussion, a softer Goddess Woman:</p>
<p><img src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Version-2-by-Dawn-Stevens.jpg" alt="Version 2 by Dawn Stevens" title="Version 2 by Dawn Stevens" width="400" height="405" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-560" /></p>
<p>Clearly, the image was incubating, taking it’s own time. I wanted it to be finished, but could see that “she” was truly NOT <strong>ready to be born</strong>! Other demands forced the project to a halt repeatedly. While balancing so many aspects of establishing Rasa Ayurveda, there were many times the emblem had to wait for an infusion of money, or the time to pay attention.</p>
<p>At last, Sean Schexnayder – owner of Blu Design and the husband of a wonderful woman who’d been a student for an AyurvedaTrip.com training – offered to help. First, he worked on making the hands more natural. (Drawing the human form in perspective is no easy feat!)</p>
<p><img src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Hands-Study.jpg" alt="Hands Study" title="Hands Study" width="300" height="224" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-561" /></p>
<p>And he listened to what I wanted to see, and did some drawings to move the project along…</p>
<p><img src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Version1-by-Sean.jpg" alt="Version 1 by Sean" title="Version 1 by Sean" width="300" height="321" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-562" /></p>
<p><img src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Version-2-by-Sean.jpg" alt="Version 2 by Sean" title="Version 2 by Sean" width="300" height="326" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-563" /></p>
<p>With a little correction from my brother Sanju, I wrote out the Malayam words for the <strong>5 Great Elements of Ayurveda</strong> – Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space – to include in the circle.</p>
<p>And at last, graphic artist <a title="Phyllis Glanville" href="http://www.phyllisglanville.com/" target="_blank">Phyllis Glanville</a>, gave of her time and energy to create the final emblem you see at the top of this post – a true fulfillment of the vision I had hoped to see realized. I’d never asked for a crown, actually. But there’s been no letting go of the crown, and I’ve come to love the leaves that turn our Devi into an Earth Goddess, and <strong>every woman who comes to Rasa Ayurveda, a natural queen</strong>. And if you look carefully at our emblem above, you can find each of the Five Great Elements – in the landscape of Nature in which we all are born, live –and one day– give our body back to.</p>
<p>We’re grateful to <em>every</em>one who participated in the development of our company emblem!</p>
<p>This process so closely mirrors the creation of Rasa Ayurveda. It’s two steps forward–and sometimes, one step back. But wherever we find ourselves at any given moment, and whether it seems our journey has us moving forward or back, fast or slow– <strong>there is always healing happening</strong>, and so much creativity and generosity flowing. <strong>Always we are surrounded by the goodness of Nature’s Great Elements</strong>, and by the chance to heal. And to make life juicy, right now!</p>
<p>Wherever <strong><em>you</em></strong> are in manifesting <strong><em>your</em></strong> dreams, we wish you well. And we look forward to welcoming you soon, to Rasa Ayurveda…</p>
<p><strong>Niika Quistgard</strong>, CAS (Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist)<br />
Founder &amp; Director, Rasa Ayurveda Traditional Healing Centre for Women<br />
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://rasaayurveda.com/2012/01/beginning-year-5-the-evolution-continues/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Niika Quistgard – Interview by David Crow – MedicineCrow.com</title>
		<link>http://rasaayurveda.com/2011/12/niika-quistgard-interview-by-david-crow/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=niika-quistgard-interview-by-david-crow</link>
		<comments>http://rasaayurveda.com/2011/12/niika-quistgard-interview-by-david-crow/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 10 Dec 2011 21:13:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>niika</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ayurveda & Siddha]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Culture & Spirituality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rasa Ayurveda News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Muthashi Project]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Traditional Therapies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Women]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/?p=549</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I really enjoyed talking with David Crow, who interviewed me on his educational site – MedicineCrow.com. David invited me to “tell all” about Rasa Ayurveda and the Muthashi Project. To hear the interview, click here. Don’t hesitate to download the pdf slide show found on the page, also, so you can enjoy the lush images...<br /><br /><a class="more-link" href="http://rasaayurveda.com/2011/12/niika-quistgard-interview-by-david-crow/" rel="nofollow">Read More &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Ayurveda-for-Women-in-South-India.jpg" alt="Ayurveda for Women in South India - Niika Quistgard Interview" width="500" height="498" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-550" /></p>
<p>I really enjoyed talking with David Crow, who interviewed me on his educational site – MedicineCrow.com. David invited me to “<strong>tell all” about Rasa Ayurveda</strong> and the Muthashi Project.</p>
<p><strong>To hear the interview, <a title="Medicine Crow - David Crow Interviews Niika Quistgard" href="http://www.medicinecrow.com/medicinecrow-audio-downloads/N/23-niika-quistgard/58-ayurveda-for-women-in-south-india" target="_blank">click here</a>.</strong></p>
<p>Don’t hesitate to <strong>download the pdf slide show</strong> found on the page, also, so you can enjoy the <strong>lush images of Kerala</strong> and Rasa Ayurveda, coordinated with the interview.</p>
<p>When you’re ready to listen, I hope you’ll brew a cup of tea, sit back and enjoy! Please allow plenty of time for the interview to fully download and begin playing as it is close to 90 minutes long.</p>
<p>Let me know what you think~</p>
<p>We look forward to<strong> welcoming you</strong> to <strong>Rasa Ayurveda Traditional Healing Centre for Women.</strong></p>
<p>With warmest regards~</p>
<p><strong>Niika Quistgard</strong>, CAS (Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist)<br />
Women’s Health &amp; Happiness Advocate<br />
Founder &amp; Director, Rasa Ayurveda Traditional Healing Centre for Women<br />
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://rasaayurveda.com/2011/12/niika-quistgard-interview-by-david-crow/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Offering Service at Rasa Ayurveda</title>
		<link>http://rasaayurveda.com/2011/09/offering-service-at-rasa-ayurveda/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=offering-service-at-rasa-ayurveda</link>
		<comments>http://rasaayurveda.com/2011/09/offering-service-at-rasa-ayurveda/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2011 21:04:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>niika</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Practitioner Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rasa Ayurveda News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Muthashi Project]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/?p=543</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Isn’t it amazing how much more powerfully and beautifully we create when we work together? Women are great at inspiring and supporting each other, as “the beauty we love, becomes what we do.” As this year’s Onam festival comes to a close, and the abundant array of Atta Pookalam  flower mandalas fill our vision, we...<br /><br /><a class="more-link" href="http://rasaayurveda.com/2011/09/offering-service-at-rasa-ayurveda/" rel="nofollow">Read More &#187;</a>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://rasaayurveda.com/ra/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Womenmandala.jpg" alt="Women mandala" width="500" height="374" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-544" /></p>
<p>Isn’t it amazing how much more powerfully and beautifully we create when we work together?</p>
<p>Women are great at inspiring and supporting each other, as “the beauty we love, becomes what we do.”</p>
<p>As this year’s Onam festival comes to a close, and the abundant array of Atta Pookalam  flower mandalas fill our vision, we are looking forward to a joyous season  bringing healing and happiness to women – East and West -  here at Rasa Ayurveda.</p>
<p>Over the years, women from all over the world have asked to come to Rasa Ayurveda to make a contribution of service. We are delighted to announce that we are ready to receive the participation of those women who are practicing and studying Ayurveda, who are  yoga therapists with an interest in Ayurveda, who are botanists, herbalists or researchers, as well as those who have other special knowledge or skills related to our work.</p>
<p>An Ayurveda Seva Residency at Rasa Ayurveda is designed to be an affordable work-study retreat–an opportunity to serve local and foreign patients, women and girls, and a chance to help preserve the traditional knowledge and practice of Ayurveda through The Muthashi Project — all while immersed in the ancient culture of Kerala and the living of Ayurveda.</p>
<p>If you desire to offer your time and skills towards our mission, we look forward to learning more about you and your desire to serve through your completion of the application below.</p>
<p>With respect and love,</p>
<p>Niika Quistgard<br />
Founder &amp; Director, Rasa Ayurveda Traditional Healing Centre for Women</p>
<hr />

                <div class='gf_browser_unknown gform_wrapper' id='gform_wrapper_7' ><form method='post' enctype='multipart/form-data'  id='gform_7'  action='/feed/'>
                        <div class='gform_heading'>
                            <h3 class='gform_title'>Rasa Ayurveda ~  Seva Residency Application</h3>
                            <span class='gform_description'>At Rasa Ayurveda, Kerala, India, we accept a few volunteers each year to teach yoga and provide yoga therapy to patients and our local community.
Most of the seva applicants we accept have been specifically referred directly to Rasa Ayurveda by master yoga therapists and teachers. However, we invite anyone who is interested and qualified to apply.
 "Seva" means 'service,' and it is with great respect that we consider receiving your contribution to the work at Rasa Ayurveda. Completing this online registration form is your first step toward exploring the possibility of offering service at Rasa Ayurveda.
Please allow 2 -3 weeks for a response to your inquiry.</span>
                        </div>
                        <div class='gform_body'>
                            <ul id='gform_fields_7' class='gform_fields top_label description_below'><li id='field_7_1' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_1'>Why are you applying for an Ayurveda Seva Residency at this time?</label><div class='ginput_container'><textarea name='input_1' id='input_7_1' class='textarea medium' tabindex='1'   rows='10' cols='50'></textarea></div></li><li id='field_7_2' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_2'>How do you feel your skills may be especially valuable to patients and community at Rasa Ayurveda?<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><textarea name='input_2' id='input_7_2' class='textarea medium' tabindex='2'   rows='10' cols='50'></textarea></div></li><li id='field_7_3' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_3'>What do you hope to receive from this Residency?<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><textarea name='input_3' id='input_7_3' class='textarea medium' tabindex='3'   rows='10' cols='50'></textarea></div><div class='gfield_description'>In your own words, tell us how you would like to find your mind, body, skills and/or life transformed during your time at Rasa Ayurveda.</div></li><li id='field_7_4' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_4'>How many weeks you are available?<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_4' id='input_7_4' type='text' value='' class='medium'  tabindex='4'   /></div><div class='gfield_description'>To apply for Ayurveda Seva Residency, please indicate a minimum of 3 and maximum of 6 weeks availability.</div></li><li id='field_7_5' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_5'>During what time period are you available?<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_5' id='input_7_5' type='text' value='' class='medium'  tabindex='5'   /></div><div class='gfield_description'>Please state the earliest possible arrival and latest departure dates that will work for you.</div></li><li id='field_7_6' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_6'>Tell us about your personal experience of Yoga.<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><textarea name='input_6' id='input_7_6' class='textarea medium' tabindex='6'   rows='10' cols='50'></textarea></div><div class='gfield_description'>When did you first begin to practice, and how has your practice developed over time?</div></li><li id='field_7_59' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_59'>Tell us about your knowledge and experience of yoga therapy.<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><textarea name='input_59' id='input_7_59' class='textarea medium' tabindex='7'   rows='10' cols='50'></textarea></div><div class='gfield_description'>Who have been your teachers? How many patients/students have you helped directly? What kinds of cases do you excel at? What kinds of cases would you refer to a more skilled or experienced therapist/teacher?</div></li><li id='field_7_58' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_58'>Tell us about your knowledge of Ayurveda.<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><textarea name='input_58' id='input_7_58' class='textarea medium' tabindex='8'   rows='10' cols='50'></textarea></div><div class='gfield_description'>If you've studied formally, give us the details of your completed training. If you have studied informally, describe the workshops and reading you have completed. If you are practicing or teaching Ayurveda, please describe.</div></li><li id='field_7_7' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label'>Will this be your first trip to India?<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><ul class='gfield_radio' id='input_7_7'><li class='gchoice_7_0'><input name='input_7' type='radio' value='Yes'  id='choice_7_0' tabindex='9'    /><label for='choice_7_0'>Yes</label></li><li class='gchoice_7_1'><input name='input_7' type='radio' value='No'  id='choice_7_1' tabindex='10'    /><label for='choice_7_1'>No</label></li></ul></div></li><li id='field_7_8' class='gfield      gfield_html gfield_html_formatted gfield_no_follows_desc' ><h3>Your Personal Information</h3></li><li id='field_7_10' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_10_3'>Name as it appears on your passport:<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_complex ginput_container' id='input_7_10'><span id='input_7_10_3_container' class='ginput_left'><input type='text' name='input_10.3' id='input_7_10_3' value='' tabindex='11' /><label for='input_7_10_3'>First</label></span><span id='input_7_10_6_container' class='ginput_right'><input type='text' name='input_10.6' id='input_7_10_6' value='' tabindex='12' /><label for='input_7_10_6'>Last</label></span></div></li><li id='field_7_11' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_11'>Passport - Country of Origin</label><div class='ginput_container'><select name='input_11' id='input_7_11'  class='medium gfield_select' tabindex='13' ><option value='Afghanistan' >Afghanistan</option><option value='Albania' >Albania</option><option value='Algeria' >Algeria</option><option value='American Samoa' >American Samoa</option><option value='Andorra' >Andorra</option><option value='Angola' >Angola</option><option value='Antigua and Barbuda' >Antigua and Barbuda</option><option value='Argentina' >Argentina</option><option value='Armenia' >Armenia</option><option value='Australia' >Australia</option><option value='Austria' >Austria</option><option value='Azerbaijan' >Azerbaijan</option><option value='Bahamas' >Bahamas</option><option value='Bahrain' >Bahrain</option><option value='Bangladesh' >Bangladesh</option><option value='Barbados' >Barbados</option><option value='Belarus' >Belarus</option><option value='Belgium' >Belgium</option><option value='Belize' >Belize</option><option value='Benin' >Benin</option><option value='Bermuda' >Bermuda</option><option value='Bhutan' >Bhutan</option><option value='Bolivia' >Bolivia</option><option value='Bosnia and Herzegovina' >Bosnia and Herzegovina</option><option value='Botswana' >Botswana</option><option value='Brazil' >Brazil</option><option value='Brunei' >Brunei</option><option value='Bulgaria' >Bulgaria</option><option value='Burkina Faso' >Burkina Faso</option><option value='Burundi' >Burundi</option><option value='Cambodia' >Cambodia</option><option value='Cameroon' >Cameroon</option><option value='Canada' >Canada</option><option value='Cape Verde' >Cape Verde</option><option value='Central African Republic' >Central African Republic</option><option value='Chad' >Chad</option><option value='Chile' >Chile</option><option value='China' >China</option><option value='Colombia' >Colombia</option><option value='Comoros' >Comoros</option><option value='Congo, Democratic Republic of the' >Congo, Democratic Republic of the</option><option value='Congo, Republic of the' >Congo, Republic of the</option><option value='Costa Rica' >Costa Rica</option><option value='C&ocirc;te d&#039;Ivoire' >C&ocirc;te d&#039;Ivoire</option><option value='Croatia' >Croatia</option><option value='Cuba' >Cuba</option><option value='Cyprus' >Cyprus</option><option value='Czech Republic' >Czech Republic</option><option value='Denmark' >Denmark</option><option value='Djibouti' >Djibouti</option><option value='Dominica' >Dominica</option><option value='Dominican Republic' >Dominican Republic</option><option value='East Timor' >East Timor</option><option value='Ecuador' >Ecuador</option><option value='Egypt' >Egypt</option><option value='El Salvador' >El Salvador</option><option value='Equatorial Guinea' >Equatorial Guinea</option><option value='Eritrea' >Eritrea</option><option value='Estonia' >Estonia</option><option value='Ethiopia' >Ethiopia</option><option value='Fiji' >Fiji</option><option value='Finland' >Finland</option><option value='France' >France</option><option value='Gabon' >Gabon</option><option value='Gambia' >Gambia</option><option value='Georgia' >Georgia</option><option value='Germany' >Germany</option><option value='Ghana' >Ghana</option><option value='Greece' >Greece</option><option value='Greenland' >Greenland</option><option value='Grenada' >Grenada</option><option value='Guam' >Guam</option><option value='Guatemala' >Guatemala</option><option value='Guinea' >Guinea</option><option value='Guinea-Bissau' >Guinea-Bissau</option><option value='Guyana' >Guyana</option><option value='Haiti' >Haiti</option><option value='Honduras' >Honduras</option><option value='Hong Kong' >Hong Kong</option><option value='Hungary' >Hungary</option><option value='Iceland' >Iceland</option><option value='India' >India</option><option value='Indonesia' >Indonesia</option><option value='Iran' >Iran</option><option value='Iraq' >Iraq</option><option value='Ireland' >Ireland</option><option value='Israel' >Israel</option><option value='Italy' >Italy</option><option value='Jamaica' >Jamaica</option><option value='Japan' >Japan</option><option value='Jordan' >Jordan</option><option value='Kazakhstan' >Kazakhstan</option><option value='Kenya' >Kenya</option><option value='Kiribati' >Kiribati</option><option value='North Korea' >North Korea</option><option value='South Korea' >South Korea</option><option value='Kuwait' >Kuwait</option><option value='Kyrgyzstan' >Kyrgyzstan</option><option value='Laos' >Laos</option><option value='Latvia' >Latvia</option><option value='Lebanon' >Lebanon</option><option value='Lesotho' >Lesotho</option><option value='Liberia' >Liberia</option><option value='Libya' >Libya</option><option value='Liechtenstein' >Liechtenstein</option><option value='Lithuania' >Lithuania</option><option value='Luxembourg' >Luxembourg</option><option value='Macedonia' >Macedonia</option><option value='Madagascar' >Madagascar</option><option value='Malawi' >Malawi</option><option value='Malaysia' >Malaysia</option><option value='Maldives' >Maldives</option><option value='Mali' >Mali</option><option value='Malta' >Malta</option><option value='Marshall Islands' >Marshall Islands</option><option value='Mauritania' >Mauritania</option><option value='Mauritius' >Mauritius</option><option value='Mexico' >Mexico</option><option value='Micronesia' >Micronesia</option><option value='Moldova' >Moldova</option><option value='Monaco' >Monaco</option><option value='Mongolia' >Mongolia</option><option value='Montenegro' >Montenegro</option><option value='Morocco' >Morocco</option><option value='Mozambique' >Mozambique</option><option value='Myanmar' >Myanmar</option><option value='Namibia' >Namibia</option><option value='Nauru' >Nauru</option><option value='Nepal' >Nepal</option><option value='Netherlands' >Netherlands</option><option value='New Zealand' >New Zealand</option><option value='Nicaragua' >Nicaragua</option><option value='Niger' >Niger</option><option value='Nigeria' >Nigeria</option><option value='Norway' >Norway</option><option value='Northern Mariana Islands' >Northern Mariana Islands</option><option value='Oman' >Oman</option><option value='Pakistan' >Pakistan</option><option value='Palau' >Palau</option><option value='Palestine' >Palestine</option><option value='Panama' >Panama</option><option value='Papua New Guinea' >Papua New Guinea</option><option value='Paraguay' >Paraguay</option><option value='Peru' >Peru</option><option value='Philippines' >Philippines</option><option value='Poland' >Poland</option><option value='Portugal' >Portugal</option><option value='Puerto Rico' >Puerto Rico</option><option value='Qatar' >Qatar</option><option value='Romania' >Romania</option><option value='Russia' >Russia</option><option value='Rwanda' >Rwanda</option><option value='Saint Kitts and Nevis' >Saint Kitts and Nevis</option><option value='Saint Lucia' >Saint Lucia</option><option value='Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' >Saint Vincent and the Grenadines</option><option value='Samoa' >Samoa</option><option value='San Marino' >San Marino</option><option value='Sao Tome and Principe' >Sao Tome and Principe</option><option value='Saudi Arabia' >Saudi Arabia</option><option value='Senegal' >Senegal</option><option value='Serbia and Montenegro' >Serbia and Montenegro</option><option value='Seychelles' >Seychelles</option><option value='Sierra Leone' >Sierra Leone</option><option value='Singapore' >Singapore</option><option value='Slovakia' >Slovakia</option><option value='Slovenia' >Slovenia</option><option value='Solomon Islands' >Solomon Islands</option><option value='Somalia' >Somalia</option><option value='South Africa' >South Africa</option><option value='Spain' >Spain</option><option value='Sri Lanka' >Sri Lanka</option><option value='Sudan' >Sudan</option><option value='Sudan, South' >Sudan, South</option><option value='Suriname' >Suriname</option><option value='Swaziland' >Swaziland</option><option value='Sweden' >Sweden</option><option value='Switzerland' >Switzerland</option><option value='Syria' >Syria</option><option value='Taiwan' >Taiwan</option><option value='Tajikistan' >Tajikistan</option><option value='Tanzania' >Tanzania</option><option value='Thailand' >Thailand</option><option value='Togo' >Togo</option><option value='Tonga' >Tonga</option><option value='Trinidad and Tobago' >Trinidad and Tobago</option><option value='Tunisia' >Tunisia</option><option value='Turkey' >Turkey</option><option value='Turkmenistan' >Turkmenistan</option><option value='Tuvalu' >Tuvalu</option><option value='Uganda' >Uganda</option><option value='Ukraine' >Ukraine</option><option value='United Arab Emirates' >United Arab Emirates</option><option value='United Kingdom' >United Kingdom</option><option value='United States' selected='selected'>United States</option><option value='Uruguay' >Uruguay</option><option value='Uzbekistan' >Uzbekistan</option><option value='Vanuatu' >Vanuatu</option><option value='Vatican City' >Vatican City</option><option value='Venezuela' >Venezuela</option><option value='Vietnam' >Vietnam</option><option value='Virgin Islands, British' >Virgin Islands, British</option><option value='Virgin Islands, U.S.' >Virgin Islands, U.S.</option><option value='Yemen' >Yemen</option><option value='Zambia' >Zambia</option><option value='Zimbabwe' >Zimbabwe</option></select></div></li><li id='field_7_12' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_12'>Passport Number<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_12' id='input_7_12' type='text' value='' class='medium'  tabindex='14'   /></div></li><li id='field_7_13' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_13'>Name you like to be called</label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_13' id='input_7_13' type='text' value='' class='medium' tabindex='15' /></div></li><li id='field_7_14' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_14'>Current Age<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_14' id='input_7_14' type='text'  value='' class='medium' tabindex='16'   /><div class='instruction '>Please enter a value between <strong>24</strong> and <strong>75</strong>.</div></div></li><li id='field_7_15' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_15'>Date of Birth<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='clear-multi'><div class='gfield_date_month ginput_container' id='input_7_15'><input type='text' maxlength='2' name='input_15[]' id='input_7_15_1' value='' tabindex='17' /><label for='input_7_15_1'>MM</label></div><div class='gfield_date_day ginput_container' id='input_7_15'><input type='text' maxlength='2' name='input_15[]' id='input_7_15_2' value='' tabindex='18' /><label for='input_7_15_2'>DD</label></div><div class='gfield_date_year ginput_container' id='input_7_15'><input type='text' maxlength='4' name='input_15[]' id='input_7_15_3' value='' tabindex='19' /><label for='input_7_15_3'>YYYY</label></div></div></li><li id='field_7_16' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_16'>Email<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_16' id='input_7_16' type='text' value='' class='medium'  tabindex='20'   /></div></li><li id='field_7_17' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_17'>Home Phone<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_17' id='input_7_17' type='text' value='' class='medium' tabindex='21'  /></div></li><li id='field_7_18' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_18'>Mobile Phone</label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_18' id='input_7_18' type='text' value='' class='medium' tabindex='22'  /></div></li><li id='field_7_19' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_19'>Work Phone</label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_19' id='input_7_19' type='text' value='' class='medium' tabindex='23'  /></div></li><li id='field_7_20' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_20_1'>Mailing Address<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_complex ginput_container' id='input_7_20'><span class='ginput_full' id='input_7_20_1_container'><input type='text' name='input_20.1' id='input_7_20_1' value='' tabindex='24' /><label for='input_7_20_1' id='input_7_20_1_label'>Street Address</label></span><span class='ginput_full' id='input_7_20_2_container' ><input type='text' name='input_20.2' id='input_7_20_2' value='' tabindex='25' /><label for='input_7_20_2' id='input_7_20_2_label'>Address Line 2</label></span><span class='ginput_left' id='input_7_20_3_container'><input type='text' name='input_20.3' id='input_7_20_3' value='' tabindex='26' /><label for='input_7_20_3' id='input_7_20.3_label'>City</label></span><span class='ginput_right' id='input_7_20_4_container' ><input type='text' name='input_20.4' id='input_7_20_4' value='' tabindex='28'   /><label for='input_7_20_4' id='input_7_20_4_label'>State / Province / Region</label></span><span class='ginput_left' id='input_7_20_5_container'><input type='text' name='input_20.5' id='input_7_20_5' value='' tabindex='29' /><label for='input_7_20_5' id='input_7_20_5_label'>Zip / Postal Code</label></span><span class='ginput_right' id='input_7_20_6_container' ><select name='input_20.6' id='input_7_20_6' tabindex='30' ><option value='' selected='selected'></option><option value='Afghanistan' >Afghanistan</option><option value='Albania' >Albania</option><option value='Algeria' >Algeria</option><option value='American Samoa' >American Samoa</option><option value='Andorra' >Andorra</option><option value='Angola' >Angola</option><option value='Antigua and Barbuda' >Antigua and Barbuda</option><option value='Argentina' >Argentina</option><option value='Armenia' >Armenia</option><option value='Australia' >Australia</option><option value='Austria' >Austria</option><option value='Azerbaijan' >Azerbaijan</option><option value='Bahamas' >Bahamas</option><option value='Bahrain' >Bahrain</option><option value='Bangladesh' >Bangladesh</option><option value='Barbados' >Barbados</option><option value='Belarus' >Belarus</option><option value='Belgium' >Belgium</option><option value='Belize' >Belize</option><option value='Benin' >Benin</option><option value='Bermuda' >Bermuda</option><option value='Bhutan' >Bhutan</option><option value='Bolivia' >Bolivia</option><option value='Bosnia and Herzegovina' >Bosnia and Herzegovina</option><option value='Botswana' >Botswana</option><option value='Brazil' >Brazil</option><option value='Brunei' >Brunei</option><option value='Bulgaria' >Bulgaria</option><option value='Burkina Faso' >Burkina Faso</option><option value='Burundi' >Burundi</option><option value='Cambodia' >Cambodia</option><option value='Cameroon' >Cameroon</option><option value='Canada' >Canada</option><option value='Cape Verde' >Cape Verde</option><option value='Central African Republic' >Central African Republic</option><option value='Chad' >Chad</option><option value='Chile' >Chile</option><option value='China' >China</option><option value='Colombia' >Colombia</option><option value='Comoros' >Comoros</option><option value='Congo, Democratic Republic of the' >Congo, Democratic Republic of the</option><option value='Congo, Republic of the' >Congo, Republic of the</option><option value='Costa Rica' >Costa Rica</option><option value='C&ocirc;te d&#039;Ivoire' >C&ocirc;te d'Ivoire</option><option value='Croatia' >Croatia</option><option value='Cuba' >Cuba</option><option value='Cyprus' >Cyprus</option><option value='Czech Republic' >Czech Republic</option><option value='Denmark' >Denmark</option><option value='Djibouti' >Djibouti</option><option value='Dominica' >Dominica</option><option value='Dominican Republic' >Dominican Republic</option><option value='East Timor' >East Timor</option><option value='Ecuador' >Ecuador</option><option value='Egypt' >Egypt</option><option value='El Salvador' >El Salvador</option><option value='Equatorial Guinea' >Equatorial Guinea</option><option value='Eritrea' >Eritrea</option><option value='Estonia' >Estonia</option><option value='Ethiopia' >Ethiopia</option><option value='Fiji' >Fiji</option><option value='Finland' >Finland</option><option value='France' >France</option><option value='Gabon' >Gabon</option><option value='Gambia' >Gambia</option><option value='Georgia' >Georgia</option><option value='Germany' >Germany</option><option value='Ghana' >Ghana</option><option value='Greece' >Greece</option><option value='Greenland' >Greenland</option><option value='Grenada' >Grenada</option><option value='Guam' >Guam</option><option value='Guatemala' >Guatemala</option><option value='Guinea' >Guinea</option><option value='Guinea-Bissau' >Guinea-Bissau</option><option value='Guyana' >Guyana</option><option value='Haiti' >Haiti</option><option value='Honduras' >Honduras</option><option value='Hong Kong' >Hong Kong</option><option value='Hungary' >Hungary</option><option value='Iceland' >Iceland</option><option value='India' >India</option><option value='Indonesia' >Indonesia</option><option value='Iran' >Iran</option><option value='Iraq' >Iraq</option><option value='Ireland' >Ireland</option><option value='Israel' >Israel</option><option value='Italy' >Italy</option><option value='Jamaica' >Jamaica</option><option value='Japan' >Japan</option><option value='Jordan' >Jordan</option><option value='Kazakhstan' >Kazakhstan</option><option value='Kenya' >Kenya</option><option value='Kiribati' >Kiribati</option><option value='North Korea' >North Korea</option><option value='South Korea' >South Korea</option><option value='Kuwait' >Kuwait</option><option value='Kyrgyzstan' >Kyrgyzstan</option><option value='Laos' >Laos</option><option value='Latvia' >Latvia</option><option value='Lebanon' >Lebanon</option><option value='Lesotho' >Lesotho</option><option value='Liberia' >Liberia</option><option value='Libya' >Libya</option><option value='Liechtenstein' >Liechtenstein</option><option value='Lithuania' >Lithuania</option><option value='Luxembourg' >Luxembourg</option><option value='Macedonia' >Macedonia</option><option value='Madagascar' >Madagascar</option><option value='Malawi' >Malawi</option><option value='Malaysia' >Malaysia</option><option value='Maldives' >Maldives</option><option value='Mali' >Mali</option><option value='Malta' >Malta</option><option value='Marshall Islands' >Marshall Islands</option><option value='Mauritania' >Mauritania</option><option value='Mauritius' >Mauritius</option><option value='Mexico' >Mexico</option><option value='Micronesia' >Micronesia</option><option value='Moldova' >Moldova</option><option value='Monaco' >Monaco</option><option value='Mongolia' >Mongolia</option><option value='Montenegro' >Montenegro</option><option value='Morocco' >Morocco</option><option value='Mozambique' >Mozambique</option><option value='Myanmar' >Myanmar</option><option value='Namibia' >Namibia</option><option value='Nauru' >Nauru</option><option value='Nepal' >Nepal</option><option value='Netherlands' >Netherlands</option><option value='New Zealand' >New Zealand</option><option value='Nicaragua' >Nicaragua</option><option value='Niger' >Niger</option><option value='Nigeria' >Nigeria</option><option value='Norway' >Norway</option><option value='Northern Mariana Islands' >Northern Mariana Islands</option><option value='Oman' >Oman</option><option value='Pakistan' >Pakistan</option><option value='Palau' >Palau</option><option value='Palestine' >Palestine</option><option value='Panama' >Panama</option><option value='Papua New Guinea' >Papua New Guinea</option><option value='Paraguay' >Paraguay</option><option value='Peru' >Peru</option><option value='Philippines' >Philippines</option><option value='Poland' >Poland</option><option value='Portugal' >Portugal</option><option value='Puerto Rico' >Puerto Rico</option><option value='Qatar' >Qatar</option><option value='Romania' >Romania</option><option value='Russia' >Russia</option><option value='Rwanda' >Rwanda</option><option value='Saint Kitts and Nevis' >Saint Kitts and Nevis</option><option value='Saint Lucia' >Saint Lucia</option><option value='Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' >Saint Vincent and the Grenadines</option><option value='Samoa' >Samoa</option><option value='San Marino' >San Marino</option><option value='Sao Tome and Principe' >Sao Tome and Principe</option><option value='Saudi Arabia' >Saudi Arabia</option><option value='Senegal' >Senegal</option><option value='Serbia and Montenegro' >Serbia and Montenegro</option><option value='Seychelles' >Seychelles</option><option value='Sierra Leone' >Sierra Leone</option><option value='Singapore' >Singapore</option><option value='Slovakia' >Slovakia</option><option value='Slovenia' >Slovenia</option><option value='Solomon Islands' >Solomon Islands</option><option value='Somalia' >Somalia</option><option value='South Africa' >South Africa</option><option value='Spain' >Spain</option><option value='Sri Lanka' >Sri Lanka</option><option value='Sudan' >Sudan</option><option value='Sudan, South' >Sudan, South</option><option value='Suriname' >Suriname</option><option value='Swaziland' >Swaziland</option><option value='Sweden' >Sweden</option><option value='Switzerland' >Switzerland</option><option value='Syria' >Syria</option><option value='Taiwan' >Taiwan</option><option value='Tajikistan' >Tajikistan</option><option value='Tanzania' >Tanzania</option><option value='Thailand' >Thailand</option><option value='Togo' >Togo</option><option value='Tonga' >Tonga</option><option value='Trinidad and Tobago' >Trinidad and Tobago</option><option value='Tunisia' >Tunisia</option><option value='Turkey' >Turkey</option><option value='Turkmenistan' >Turkmenistan</option><option value='Tuvalu' >Tuvalu</option><option value='Uganda' >Uganda</option><option value='Ukraine' >Ukraine</option><option value='United Arab Emirates' >United Arab Emirates</option><option value='United Kingdom' >United Kingdom</option><option value='United States' >United States</option><option value='Uruguay' >Uruguay</option><option value='Uzbekistan' >Uzbekistan</option><option value='Vanuatu' >Vanuatu</option><option value='Vatican City' >Vatican City</option><option value='Venezuela' >Venezuela</option><option value='Vietnam' >Vietnam</option><option value='Virgin Islands, British' >Virgin Islands, British</option><option value='Virgin Islands, U.S.' >Virgin Islands, U.S.</option><option value='Yemen' >Yemen</option><option value='Zambia' >Zambia</option><option value='Zimbabwe' >Zimbabwe</option></select><label for='input_7_20_6' id='input_7_20_6_label'>Country</label></span></div></li><li id='field_7_21' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_21'>What is your current (or was your most recent) occupation?</label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_21' id='input_7_21' type='text' value='' class='medium'  tabindex='31'   /></div></li><li id='field_7_22' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_22'>What are your favorite hobbies and leisure activities?</label><div class='ginput_container'><textarea name='input_22' id='input_7_22' class='textarea medium' tabindex='32'   rows='10' cols='50'></textarea></div></li><li id='field_7_23' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_23'>Please upload CV or Resume in PDF format</label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_23' id='input_7_23' type='file' value='' size='20' class='medium' tabindex='33' /></div></li><li id='field_7_24' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label'>Film, video and photographs may be taken at times during your stay. Do you grant your permission to appear in these for all purposes?<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><ul class='gfield_radio' id='input_7_24'><li class='gchoice_24_0'><input name='input_24' type='radio' value='Yes'  id='choice_24_0' tabindex='34'    /><label for='choice_24_0'>Yes</label></li><li class='gchoice_24_1'><input name='input_24' type='radio' value='No'  id='choice_24_1' tabindex='35'    /><label for='choice_24_1'>No</label></li></ul></div><div class='gfield_description'>Also, please note that video and audio recordings by seva volunteers are prohibited at Rasa Ayurveda, except by written permission from Rasa Ayurveda and all persons recorded.</div></li><li id='field_7_25' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label'>Very modest dress and behavior is required while staying at Rasa Ayurveda, and while you are in Kerala and/or Tamil Nadu under the auspices of MayaShakti Ayurveda. Do you agree to embrace the expectations of the traditional culture during your time with us?<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><ul class='gfield_radio' id='input_7_25'><li class='gchoice_25_0'><input name='input_25' type='radio' value='Yes'  id='choice_25_0' tabindex='36'    /><label for='choice_25_0'>Yes</label></li><li class='gchoice_25_1'><input name='input_25' type='radio' value='No'  id='choice_25_1' tabindex='37'    /><label for='choice_25_1'>No</label></li></ul></div><div class='gfield_description'>Please pack modest clothing: at least one shawl, loose-fitting long skirts, and loose (non-form-fitting) long tops with sleeves. Shopping for local clothing will be arranged soon after your arrival.</div></li><li id='field_7_26' class='gfield      gfield_html gfield_html_formatted' ><h3>Your Health Information (held confidentially)</h3></li><li id='field_7_27' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label'>Are you pregnant? Do you have an acute health situation we should be aware of?<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><ul class='gfield_radio' id='input_7_27'><li class='gchoice_27_0'><input name='input_27' type='radio' value='Yes'  id='choice_27_0' tabindex='38'    /><label for='choice_27_0'>Yes</label></li><li class='gchoice_27_1'><input name='input_27' type='radio' value='No'  id='choice_27_1' tabindex='39'    /><label for='choice_27_1'>No</label></li></ul></div></li><li id='field_7_28' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_28'>Please describe the three most prominent health symptoms or conditions you currently experience, how long you have faced each, what you have done to try to improve them, and how your efforts have impacted your condition. </label><div class='ginput_container'><textarea name='input_28' id='input_7_28' class='textarea medium' tabindex='40'   rows='10' cols='50'></textarea></div></li><li id='field_7_29' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label'>Have you in the past or do you now suffer from any mental health issue which could impact your ability to travel safely and comfortably, such as extreme anxiety or depression, bipolar disorder or a personality disorder?</label><div class='ginput_container'><ul class='gfield_radio' id='input_7_29'><li class='gchoice_29_0'><input name='input_29' type='radio' value='Yes'  id='choice_29_0' tabindex='41'    /><label for='choice_29_0'>Yes</label></li><li class='gchoice_29_1'><input name='input_29' type='radio' value='No'  id='choice_29_1' tabindex='42'    /><label for='choice_29_1'>No</label></li></ul></div></li><li id='field_7_30' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label'>Are you currently under medical supervision?<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><ul class='gfield_radio' id='input_7_30'><li class='gchoice_30_0'><input name='input_30' type='radio' value='Yes'  id='choice_30_0' tabindex='43'    /><label for='choice_30_0'>Yes</label></li><li class='gchoice_30_1'><input name='input_30' type='radio' value='No'  id='choice_30_1' tabindex='44'    /><label for='choice_30_1'>No</label></li></ul></div></li><li id='field_7_31' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label'>Do you carry any medicines when you travel?<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><ul class='gfield_radio' id='input_7_31'><li class='gchoice_31_0'><input name='input_31' type='radio' value='Yes'  id='choice_31_0' tabindex='45'    /><label for='choice_31_0'>Yes</label></li><li class='gchoice_31_1'><input name='input_31' type='radio' value='No'  id='choice_31_1' tabindex='46'    /><label for='choice_31_1'>No</label></li></ul></div></li><li id='field_7_32' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label'>Do you have any severe allergies we should be aware of?<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><ul class='gfield_radio' id='input_7_32'><li class='gchoice_32_0'><input name='input_32' type='radio' value='Yes'  id='choice_32_0' tabindex='47'    /><label for='choice_32_0'>Yes</label></li><li class='gchoice_32_1'><input name='input_32' type='radio' value='No'  id='choice_32_1' tabindex='48'    /><label for='choice_32_1'>No</label></li></ul></div></li><li id='field_7_33' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label'>Do you have special dietary requirements?<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><ul class='gfield_radio' id='input_7_33'><li class='gchoice_33_0'><input name='input_33' type='radio' value='Yes'  id='choice_33_0' tabindex='49'    /><label for='choice_33_0'>Yes</label></li><li class='gchoice_33_1'><input name='input_33' type='radio' value='No'  id='choice_33_1' tabindex='50'    /><label for='choice_33_1'>No</label></li></ul></div></li><li id='field_7_34' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label'>Do you have any logistical requirements?<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><ul class='gfield_radio' id='input_7_34'><li class='gchoice_34_0'><input name='input_34' type='radio' value='Yes'  id='choice_34_0' tabindex='51'    /><label for='choice_34_0'>Yes</label></li><li class='gchoice_34_1'><input name='input_34' type='radio' value='No'  id='choice_34_1' tabindex='52'    /><label for='choice_34_1'>No</label></li></ul></div></li><li id='field_7_35' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label'>Possession or use of tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs of any kind is not permitted. Do you agree to avoid all intoxicants, illegal substances and activities while at Rasa Ayurveda and at any other location during your stay with us?<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><ul class='gfield_radio' id='input_7_35'><li class='gchoice_35_0'><input name='input_35' type='radio' value='Yes'  id='choice_35_0' tabindex='53'    /><label for='choice_35_0'>Yes</label></li><li class='gchoice_35_1'><input name='input_35' type='radio' value='No'  id='choice_35_1' tabindex='54'    /><label for='choice_35_1'>No</label></li></ul></div></li><li id='field_7_36' class='gfield      gfield_html gfield_html_formatted gfield_no_follows_desc' ><h3>Personal Referral</h3></li><li id='field_7_37' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_37_3'>Who do you recommend we contact as a professional referral with personal knowledge of you capabilities related to the seva you wish to perform?</label><div class='ginput_complex ginput_container' id='input_7_37'><span id='input_7_37_3_container' class='ginput_left'><input type='text' name='input_37.3' id='input_7_37_3' value='' tabindex='55' /><label for='input_7_37_3'>First</label></span><span id='input_7_37_6_container' class='ginput_right'><input type='text' name='input_37.6' id='input_7_37_6' value='' tabindex='56' /><label for='input_7_37_6'>Last</label></span></div></li><li id='field_7_55' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_55'>Email</label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_55' id='input_7_55' type='text' value='' class='medium'  tabindex='57'   /></div></li><li id='field_7_39' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_39'>Phone</label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_39' id='input_7_39' type='text' value='' class='medium' tabindex='58'  /></div></li><li id='field_7_40' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_40'>Time Zone</label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_40' id='input_7_40' type='text' value='' class='medium'  tabindex='59'   /></div></li><li id='field_7_54' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_54_3'>Who do you recommend we contact as a personal referral?</label><div class='ginput_complex ginput_container' id='input_7_54'><span id='input_7_54_3_container' class='ginput_left'><input type='text' name='input_54.3' id='input_7_54_3' value='' tabindex='60' /><label for='input_7_54_3'>First</label></span><span id='input_7_54_6_container' class='ginput_right'><input type='text' name='input_54.6' id='input_7_54_6' value='' tabindex='61' /><label for='input_7_54_6'>Last</label></span></div></li><li id='field_7_38' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_38'>Email</label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_38' id='input_7_38' type='text' value='' class='medium'  tabindex='62'   /></div></li><li id='field_7_56' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_56'>Phone</label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_56' id='input_7_56' type='text' value='' class='medium' tabindex='63'  /></div></li><li id='field_7_57' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_57'>Time Zone</label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_57' id='input_7_57' type='text' value='' class='medium'  tabindex='64'   /></div></li><li id='field_7_41' class='gfield      gfield_html gfield_html_formatted gfield_no_follows_desc' ><h3>Emergency Contact Information</h3></li><li id='field_7_42' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_42_3'>In case of emergency, who shall we contact?<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_complex ginput_container' id='input_7_42'><span id='input_7_42_3_container' class='ginput_left'><input type='text' name='input_42.3' id='input_7_42_3' value='' tabindex='65' /><label for='input_7_42_3'>First</label></span><span id='input_7_42_6_container' class='ginput_right'><input type='text' name='input_42.6' id='input_7_42_6' value='' tabindex='66' /><label for='input_7_42_6'>Last</label></span></div></li><li id='field_7_43' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_43'>Relationship<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_43' id='input_7_43' type='text' value='' class='medium'  tabindex='67'   /></div></li><li id='field_7_44' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_44'>Home Phone<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_44' id='input_7_44' type='text' value='' class='medium' tabindex='68'  /></div></li><li id='field_7_45' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_45'>Mobile Phone</label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_45' id='input_7_45' type='text' value='' class='medium' tabindex='69'  /></div></li><li id='field_7_46' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_46'>Work Phone</label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_46' id='input_7_46' type='text' value='' class='medium' tabindex='70'  /></div></li><li id='field_7_47' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_47'>Email</label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_47' id='input_7_47' type='text' value='' class='medium'  tabindex='71'   /></div></li><li id='field_7_48' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_48_1'>Address</label><div class='ginput_complex ginput_container' id='input_7_48'><span class='ginput_full' id='input_7_48_1_container'><input type='text' name='input_48.1' id='input_7_48_1' value='' tabindex='72' /><label for='input_7_48_1' id='input_7_48_1_label'>Street Address</label></span><span class='ginput_full' id='input_7_48_2_container' ><input type='text' name='input_48.2' id='input_7_48_2' value='' tabindex='73' /><label for='input_7_48_2' id='input_7_48_2_label'>Address Line 2</label></span><span class='ginput_left' id='input_7_48_3_container'><input type='text' name='input_48.3' id='input_7_48_3' value='' tabindex='74' /><label for='input_7_48_3' id='input_7_48.3_label'>City</label></span><span class='ginput_right' id='input_7_48_4_container' ><input type='text' name='input_48.4' id='input_7_48_4' value='' tabindex='76'   /><label for='input_7_48_4' id='input_7_48_4_label'>State / Province / Region</label></span><span class='ginput_left' id='input_7_48_5_container'><input type='text' name='input_48.5' id='input_7_48_5' value='' tabindex='77' /><label for='input_7_48_5' id='input_7_48_5_label'>Zip / Postal Code</label></span><span class='ginput_right' id='input_7_48_6_container' ><select name='input_48.6' id='input_7_48_6' tabindex='78' ><option value='' selected='selected'></option><option value='Afghanistan' >Afghanistan</option><option value='Albania' >Albania</option><option value='Algeria' >Algeria</option><option value='American Samoa' >American Samoa</option><option value='Andorra' >Andorra</option><option value='Angola' >Angola</option><option value='Antigua and Barbuda' >Antigua and Barbuda</option><option value='Argentina' >Argentina</option><option value='Armenia' >Armenia</option><option value='Australia' >Australia</option><option value='Austria' >Austria</option><option value='Azerbaijan' >Azerbaijan</option><option value='Bahamas' >Bahamas</option><option value='Bahrain' >Bahrain</option><option value='Bangladesh' >Bangladesh</option><option value='Barbados' >Barbados</option><option value='Belarus' >Belarus</option><option value='Belgium' >Belgium</option><option value='Belize' >Belize</option><option value='Benin' >Benin</option><option value='Bermuda' >Bermuda</option><option value='Bhutan' >Bhutan</option><option value='Bolivia' >Bolivia</option><option value='Bosnia and Herzegovina' >Bosnia and Herzegovina</option><option value='Botswana' >Botswana</option><option value='Brazil' >Brazil</option><option value='Brunei' >Brunei</option><option value='Bulgaria' >Bulgaria</option><option value='Burkina Faso' >Burkina Faso</option><option value='Burundi' >Burundi</option><option value='Cambodia' >Cambodia</option><option value='Cameroon' >Cameroon</option><option value='Canada' >Canada</option><option value='Cape Verde' >Cape Verde</option><option value='Central African Republic' >Central African Republic</option><option value='Chad' >Chad</option><option value='Chile' >Chile</option><option value='China' >China</option><option value='Colombia' >Colombia</option><option value='Comoros' >Comoros</option><option value='Congo, Democratic Republic of the' >Congo, Democratic Republic of the</option><option value='Congo, Republic of the' >Congo, Republic of the</option><option value='Costa Rica' >Costa Rica</option><option value='C&ocirc;te d&#039;Ivoire' >C&ocirc;te d'Ivoire</option><option value='Croatia' >Croatia</option><option value='Cuba' >Cuba</option><option value='Cyprus' >Cyprus</option><option value='Czech Republic' >Czech Republic</option><option value='Denmark' >Denmark</option><option value='Djibouti' >Djibouti</option><option value='Dominica' >Dominica</option><option value='Dominican Republic' >Dominican Republic</option><option value='East Timor' >East Timor</option><option value='Ecuador' >Ecuador</option><option value='Egypt' >Egypt</option><option value='El Salvador' >El Salvador</option><option value='Equatorial Guinea' >Equatorial Guinea</option><option value='Eritrea' >Eritrea</option><option value='Estonia' >Estonia</option><option value='Ethiopia' >Ethiopia</option><option value='Fiji' >Fiji</option><option value='Finland' >Finland</option><option value='France' >France</option><option value='Gabon' >Gabon</option><option value='Gambia' >Gambia</option><option value='Georgia' >Georgia</option><option value='Germany' >Germany</option><option value='Ghana' >Ghana</option><option value='Greece' >Greece</option><option value='Greenland' >Greenland</option><option value='Grenada' >Grenada</option><option value='Guam' >Guam</option><option value='Guatemala' >Guatemala</option><option value='Guinea' >Guinea</option><option value='Guinea-Bissau' >Guinea-Bissau</option><option value='Guyana' >Guyana</option><option value='Haiti' >Haiti</option><option value='Honduras' >Honduras</option><option value='Hong Kong' >Hong Kong</option><option value='Hungary' >Hungary</option><option value='Iceland' >Iceland</option><option value='India' >India</option><option value='Indonesia' >Indonesia</option><option value='Iran' >Iran</option><option value='Iraq' >Iraq</option><option value='Ireland' >Ireland</option><option value='Israel' >Israel</option><option value='Italy' >Italy</option><option value='Jamaica' >Jamaica</option><option value='Japan' >Japan</option><option value='Jordan' >Jordan</option><option value='Kazakhstan' >Kazakhstan</option><option value='Kenya' >Kenya</option><option value='Kiribati' >Kiribati</option><option value='North Korea' >North Korea</option><option value='South Korea' >South Korea</option><option value='Kuwait' >Kuwait</option><option value='Kyrgyzstan' >Kyrgyzstan</option><option value='Laos' >Laos</option><option value='Latvia' >Latvia</option><option value='Lebanon' >Lebanon</option><option value='Lesotho' >Lesotho</option><option value='Liberia' >Liberia</option><option value='Libya' >Libya</option><option value='Liechtenstein' >Liechtenstein</option><option value='Lithuania' >Lithuania</option><option value='Luxembourg' >Luxembourg</option><option value='Macedonia' >Macedonia</option><option value='Madagascar' >Madagascar</option><option value='Malawi' >Malawi</option><option value='Malaysia' >Malaysia</option><option value='Maldives' >Maldives</option><option value='Mali' >Mali</option><option value='Malta' >Malta</option><option value='Marshall Islands' >Marshall Islands</option><option value='Mauritania' >Mauritania</option><option value='Mauritius' >Mauritius</option><option value='Mexico' >Mexico</option><option value='Micronesia' >Micronesia</option><option value='Moldova' >Moldova</option><option value='Monaco' >Monaco</option><option value='Mongolia' >Mongolia</option><option value='Montenegro' >Montenegro</option><option value='Morocco' >Morocco</option><option value='Mozambique' >Mozambique</option><option value='Myanmar' >Myanmar</option><option value='Namibia' >Namibia</option><option value='Nauru' >Nauru</option><option value='Nepal' >Nepal</option><option value='Netherlands' >Netherlands</option><option value='New Zealand' >New Zealand</option><option value='Nicaragua' >Nicaragua</option><option value='Niger' >Niger</option><option value='Nigeria' >Nigeria</option><option value='Norway' >Norway</option><option value='Northern Mariana Islands' >Northern Mariana Islands</option><option value='Oman' >Oman</option><option value='Pakistan' >Pakistan</option><option value='Palau' >Palau</option><option value='Palestine' >Palestine</option><option value='Panama' >Panama</option><option value='Papua New Guinea' >Papua New Guinea</option><option value='Paraguay' >Paraguay</option><option value='Peru' >Peru</option><option value='Philippines' >Philippines</option><option value='Poland' >Poland</option><option value='Portugal' >Portugal</option><option value='Puerto Rico' >Puerto Rico</option><option value='Qatar' >Qatar</option><option value='Romania' >Romania</option><option value='Russia' >Russia</option><option value='Rwanda' >Rwanda</option><option value='Saint Kitts and Nevis' >Saint Kitts and Nevis</option><option value='Saint Lucia' >Saint Lucia</option><option value='Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' >Saint Vincent and the Grenadines</option><option value='Samoa' >Samoa</option><option value='San Marino' >San Marino</option><option value='Sao Tome and Principe' >Sao Tome and Principe</option><option value='Saudi Arabia' >Saudi Arabia</option><option value='Senegal' >Senegal</option><option value='Serbia and Montenegro' >Serbia and Montenegro</option><option value='Seychelles' >Seychelles</option><option value='Sierra Leone' >Sierra Leone</option><option value='Singapore' >Singapore</option><option value='Slovakia' >Slovakia</option><option value='Slovenia' >Slovenia</option><option value='Solomon Islands' >Solomon Islands</option><option value='Somalia' >Somalia</option><option value='South Africa' >South Africa</option><option value='Spain' >Spain</option><option value='Sri Lanka' >Sri Lanka</option><option value='Sudan' >Sudan</option><option value='Sudan, South' >Sudan, South</option><option value='Suriname' >Suriname</option><option value='Swaziland' >Swaziland</option><option value='Sweden' >Sweden</option><option value='Switzerland' >Switzerland</option><option value='Syria' >Syria</option><option value='Taiwan' >Taiwan</option><option value='Tajikistan' >Tajikistan</option><option value='Tanzania' >Tanzania</option><option value='Thailand' >Thailand</option><option value='Togo' >Togo</option><option value='Tonga' >Tonga</option><option value='Trinidad and Tobago' >Trinidad and Tobago</option><option value='Tunisia' >Tunisia</option><option value='Turkey' >Turkey</option><option value='Turkmenistan' >Turkmenistan</option><option value='Tuvalu' >Tuvalu</option><option value='Uganda' >Uganda</option><option value='Ukraine' >Ukraine</option><option value='United Arab Emirates' >United Arab Emirates</option><option value='United Kingdom' >United Kingdom</option><option value='United States' >United States</option><option value='Uruguay' >Uruguay</option><option value='Uzbekistan' >Uzbekistan</option><option value='Vanuatu' >Vanuatu</option><option value='Vatican City' >Vatican City</option><option value='Venezuela' >Venezuela</option><option value='Vietnam' >Vietnam</option><option value='Virgin Islands, British' >Virgin Islands, British</option><option value='Virgin Islands, U.S.' >Virgin Islands, U.S.</option><option value='Yemen' >Yemen</option><option value='Zambia' >Zambia</option><option value='Zimbabwe' >Zimbabwe</option></select><label for='input_7_48_6' id='input_7_48_6_label'>Country</label></span></div></li><li id='field_7_49' class='gfield               gfield_contains_required' ><label class='gfield_label'>We highly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment if you cancel or must depart earlier than expected. Will you purchase travel insurance?<span class='gfield_required'>*</span></label><div class='ginput_container'><ul class='gfield_radio' id='input_7_49'><li class='gchoice_49_0'><input name='input_49' type='radio' value='Yes'  id='choice_49_0' tabindex='79'    /><label for='choice_49_0'>Yes</label></li><li class='gchoice_49_1'><input name='input_49' type='radio' value='No'  id='choice_49_1' tabindex='80'    /><label for='choice_49_1'>No</label></li><li class='gchoice_49_2'><input name='input_49' type='radio' value='Maybe'  id='choice_49_2' tabindex='81'    /><label for='choice_49_2'>Maybe</label></li></ul></div></li><li id='field_7_50' class='gfield      gfield_html gfield_html_formatted gfield_no_follows_desc' ><h3>Agreement</h3>
<div class="gfield_description"><strong>Arrangements</strong>
Accommodation, Ayurvedic meals at Rasa Ayurveda, airport transfers, some Ayurvedic treatment, seva training, basic laundry service and broadband wireless internet access as available will be provided to you.

NOT included are airfare, lodging for a longer stay, ground transportation after arrival at Rasa Ayurveda, personal shopping and tipping.

<br><br>
<strong>Expectations</strong>
I understand that my time will be filled with seva, taking Ayurvedic treatment, learning about Ayurveda and personal retreat time. I am coming to Rasa Ayurveda to make a contribution, to learn and for my own healing. There will be no television and few distractions available to me, and I am comfortable embracing quiet time alone for my own study, self-knowledge and personal development. I understand that in India, expectations related to many things are different from what they are in the West. I am prepared to accept the non-Western timing and ways of a foreign culture in the spirit of cooperation, humility and learning.
<br><br>
<strong>Financial Contribution</strong>
I agree to help offset the costs of my stay at Rasa Ayurveda during my period of seva by paying a weekly fee of 4,500/- Indian Rupees upon my arrival in cash, cheque or credit card, or before my arrival by wire transfer unless other arrangements have been confirmed in writing.
<br><br>
<strong>Waiver of Liability</strong>
I know there is inherent risk in travel, performing seva, in experiencing traditional healing and in other activities. In the spirit of adventure, I accept this risk and will not hold MayaShakti Ayurveda LLC, MayaShakti Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd, Niika Quistgard or Sanjeev Kumar liable for any injury, illness or loss that may occur.
If I am under the care of a physician, I will clear my travel plans with my doctor.
<br><br>
<strong>Important Notes</strong>
I understand that a tourist visa for travel to India is required. I will ensure that my passport and visa are in place well before travel date. 
<br><br>

If I want assistance with travel planning and logistics, I understand that I can contact Suzan Sculatti at US telephone number 800-963-1320, who will provide her services at an additional fee.</div></li><li id='field_7_52' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label'>I confirm that I am the person whose name is shown as the Ayurveda seva applicant, that I have read the above agreement and that I ...</label><div class='ginput_container'><ul class='gfield_radio' id='input_7_52'><li class='gchoice_52_0'><input name='input_52' type='radio' value='agree with all stated herein.'  id='choice_52_0' tabindex='82'    /><label for='choice_52_0'>agree with all stated herein.</label></li><li class='gchoice_52_1'><input name='input_52' type='radio' value='do not agree.'  id='choice_52_1' tabindex='83'    /><label for='choice_52_1'>do not agree.</label></li></ul></div></li><li id='field_7_53' class='gfield      gfield_html gfield_html_formatted gfield_no_follows_desc' ><label class="gfield_label">By submitting this form I indicate that I have read, understand and agree to all information presented in this document.</label></li><li id='field_7_51' class='gfield' ><label class='gfield_label' for='input_7_51'></label><script type='text/javascript'> var RecaptchaOptions = {theme : 'clean'}; if(parseInt('84') > 0) {RecaptchaOptions.tabindex = 84;}</script><div class='ginput_container' id='input_7_51'><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.google.com/recaptcha/api/challenge?k=6LejbsISAAAAAPYrIrTHgBFZAGvrZv8X2Yy_3sS2&hl=en"></script>

	<noscript>
  		<iframe src="http://www.google.com/recaptcha/api/noscript?k=6LejbsISAAAAAPYrIrTHgBFZAGvrZv8X2Yy_3sS2" height="300" width="500" frameborder="0"></iframe><br/>
  		<textarea name="recaptcha_challenge_field" rows="3" cols="40"></textarea>
  		<input type="hidden" name="recaptcha_response_field" value="manual_challenge"/>
	</noscript></div></li>
                            </ul></div>
        <div class='gform_footer top_label'> <input type='submit' id='gform_submit_button_7' class='button gform_button' value='APPLY' tabindex='85' />
            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='is_submit_7' value='1' />
            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submit' value='7' />
            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_unique_id' value='51972ba59c04d' />
            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='state_7' value='YToyOntpOjA7czo2OiJhOjA6e30iO2k6MTtzOjMyOiI5N2QzN2RjYmJjNzM1MDEyN2UxNmMzMjcwMWM0MmRhMCI7fQ==' />
            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_target_page_number_7' id='gform_target_page_number_7' value='0' />
            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_source_page_number_7' id='gform_source_page_number_7' value='1' />
            <input type='hidden' name='gform_field_values' value='' />
            
        </div>
                </form>
                </div><script type='text/javascript'> jQuery(document).ready(function(){jQuery(document).trigger('gform_post_render', [7, 1]) } ); </script>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://rasaayurveda.com/2011/09/offering-service-at-rasa-ayurveda/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
