The thing we fear the most is not that we will shrivel up and become insignificant little people. The thing we fear the most is that we could become as big and grand as we are capable of becoming.
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About Ayurveda at the Omaha Yoga School Print E-mail

Ayurveda is holistic approach to health and wellness aimed at returning the body, mind and spirit to their natural state of balance. The word is translated as the “science,” or “knowlege of life.” While this method for achieving optimum health was developed in India over 5,000 years ago, its practical guidelines and effective treatments for restoring balance and vitality are as important today as they have ever been.

Ayurveda has long been considered Yoga’s “sister science.” The two have been practiced together throughout the ages as perfect compliments to one another. Ayurveda provides us with the tools for Self-Healing, while Yoga gives us the tools for Self-Realization.

Integrating Ayurvedic healing therapies and teachings into the Omaha Yoga School was a natural evolution. It has always been our belief that true healing incorporates body, mind and spirit. Yoga mirrors Ayurvedic practices in that both teachers and healers "hold space" for people to discover their own inner guide and ultimately heal themselves.

Ayurveda has brought lasting health and wellness to millions of people throughout the ages. It is recognized by the World Health Organization and is currently used by 70 – 80% of the Indian population.

Doshas and the Five Elements

Ayurveda uses the concept of “doshas” to describe a person’s constitution and target imbalances. Each person is comprised of a unique combination of the five elements, Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth.

Your dosha is determined by the ratio of these elements within you. Many people are a combination of two doshas.

Vata Dosha is comprised of Air and Ether. It controls all body movements and is rooted in the nervous system. Read More

Pitta Dosha is comprised of Fire. Pitta controls the body’s balanace of kinetic and potential energies. Read More

Kapha Dosha is comprised of Earth and Water. It is the principle of potential energy and it controls the body’s stability and lubrication. Read More

Take the Dosha Quiz


Ayurvedic Consultations and Treatments

These deeply purifying treatments are designed to help loosen and release toxins from the body. They effectively restore balance to the organs and tissues, calm the mind, and help to re-establish our natural state of health, happiness, and an inner sense of wellbeing. Herbalized oils carefully prepared to target your individual imbalances make these treatments soothing, yet powerful and uniquely effective.

Ayurvedic Consultation
In Ayurveda, each person is regarded as a unique combination of elements. Your constitution or “dosha” will be assessed through interview, physical assessment and tongue analysis. Based on your physical and mental constitution (dosha), different diet, exercise, skin care, daily regimine and therapeutic treatments will be suggested. This session offers ways to optimize mental, physical and spiritual health. Consultations will be oriented toward rejeuvenation through daily self-care and yoga.

Abhyanga – Garshana (Oil Massage and Exfoliation)
This full body treatment begins with a soothing head massage followed by dry lymphatic brushing with a silk glove and an individualized herbal oil massage.
The brushing (garshana) increases circulation and exfoliates the skin so that the herbal oil can penetrate deeply. The massage (abhyanga) nourishes the skin, helps release toxins from the tissues, stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation, and relaxes the mind and body to support overall healing.

Shirodhara (Pure Bliss)

A deeply relaxing treatment in which warm herbal oil is poured in a gentle stream over the forehead. This therapeutic treatment begins with a soothing head massage and ends with a period of silent restorative rest. Shirodhara calms the nervous system and synchronizes brain waves allowing for a profound release of stress and tension. Shirodhara enhances blood circulation to the brain, relieves insomnia, improves memory and nourishes the hair and scalp.

Abhyanga – Swedhana (Oil Massage with Herbal Steam)

After your herbalized oil massage, you will relax on the table while a light tent is placed over you. Your head remains cool outside as the tent fills with steam (swedhana) infused with special herbs to help further loosen and release toxins from the body.

Vishesh (Ayurvedic Deep Tissue Massage)

An individualized herbal oil massage which uses more pressure than abhyanga to break up adhesions in the tissues, stimulate circulation and assist the release of toxins from the body. When circulation and energy flow are restricted by blockages, tissues and organs become starved of fresh oxygenated blood and vital energy (Prana). For certain body types and imbalances this is an essential therapeutic approach for maintaining overall health.

Nasya (Ayurvedic Therapy for Head, Neck and Sinuses)
An important treatment for those who experience chronic head and neck ailments. The treatment begins with an invigorating head, neck and shoulder massage, followed by a soothing facial lymphatic massage. Aromatic steam is applied to the face and then herbalized nose drops (nasya) are administered. This ancient treatment is designed to help balance, clear impurities, open the sinuses and stimulate proper flow of energy and circulation within the head and neck region. It is a wonderful treatment for those who are subjected to environmental irritants, pollutants and excess sensory stimulation, as well as those who experience chronic allergies, headaches, asthma, and eye strain.

Fees & Scheduling

Ayurvedic Consultation $65. 60 min.

*All Treatments include an initial Dosha Assessment. Clients wanting more in depth recommendations on diet, skin care, daily regime, and appropriate yoga practices should schedule a separate consultation.

Abhyanga – Garshana $95. 60 min.

Abhyanga – Shirodhara $185. 90 min.

Abhyanga – Swedhana $160. 90 min.

Shirodhara $125. 50 min.

Vishesh $105. 60 min.

Vishesh – Shirodhara $195. 90 min.

Vishesh – Swedhana $170. 90 min.

Nasya $90. 60 min.

Ayurvedic Packages for the Ultimate Cleansing and Rejuvenation
Revitalize
This package includes:
  • Initial Dosha Assessment
  • Abhyanga – Garshana
  • Nasya
  • Swedhana

This combination of treatments clears and revitalizes the body and mind creating an overall sense of well-being.

$235. 2 hours
Balance
This package includes:
  • Initial Dosha Assessment
  • Abhyanga – Garshana
  • Swedhana
  • Shirodhara

This combination of treatment clears impurities, calms the nervous system and deeply relaxes, restoring balance to the body, mind and spirit.

$250. 2 hours

Complete Rejeuvenation – Make a fresh start with the healing power of Ayurveda

This package includes:
  • Initial Dosha Assessment
  • Abhyanga – Garshana
  • Nasya
  • Swedhana
  • Shirodhara
  • 40 min private Yoga Instruction tailored to your constitution. Class will include appropriate asanas (postures), pranayama, (yogic breathing practices), and meditation instruction so that you may begin a regular practice tailored for you at home. No experience necessary.
  • Cleansing Kitchari (a gentle cleansing dish made of mung beans, rice and special spices) to take home with you.

$395. approx. 4 hours

Having trouble deciding? Contact us and one of our therapists will help choose the treatment or package that's right for you.

Our Products

We use all natural, handcrafted oils and products in each of our treatments. Most are specifically tailored to your individual constitution, while others are Tri-Doshic (balancing for all constituions). Organic products are used whenever possible.

All natural Ayurvedic skin care products are available for sale in our store.


Our Therapists

Meredith Busher is the owner/director of the Omaha Yoga School, a yoga instructor, licensed massage therapist and certified Ayurvedic therapist.

On her third trip to India, Meredith studied Ayurveda and Panchakarma in Jaipur with Dr. Rajesh Kotecha and his team of Ayurvedic physicians and therapists at Chakrapani Center for Training and Research in Ayurveda. There she received a certificate in Ayurveda and Panchakarma Therapy. In addition to her Ayurveda training, Meredith continued her yoga studies with Yogacharya Ranjita concentrating on both the physical health and spiritual aspects of pranayama (yogic breathing tecniques) and the use of yogic kriyas (cleansing tecniques).

Meredith is a compassionate and gentle spirit who believes that true healing incorporates all aspects of an individual. As a yoga teacher and therapist she intuitively, yet skillfully "holds space" for people to discover their own inner guide and ultimately heal themselves. For more on Meredith's yoga background click here.


Carolyn Maiefski graduated from the Omaha School of Massage Therapy in 2000 and has been a part of the Omaha Yoga School family for over a year. A skilled and gifted therapist, Carolyn brings her calm spirit and compassionate nature to every session.

Carolyn received her training in Ayurvedic treatments from Meredith Busher and has carefully perfected the intricacies of each of these ancient treatments. She is a dedicated student of yoga and an intuitive healer.