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Traditional Tibetan Medicine for Meditators

Name: Traditional Tibetan Medicine for Meditators
Start: 2026-12-10
End: 2026-12-13
Location: Menla
Rating: 4.86

4.86100 reviews

Phoenicia, NY 12464, USA

December 10 - 13, 2026

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Christiana

Details of this retreat

Sowa Rigpa for Healing the Body and Nourishing the Mind

Sowa Rigpa, the traditional Tibetan science of healing, has always understood the body and mind as inseparable — and the path of healing and liberation as interdependent. This hands-on workshop brings that understanding into direct, practical focus for anyone drawn to meditation and contemplative life — whether you are new to practice or have years of experience on the cushion.

Over the course of a long weekend, participants will explore the foundational principles of Tibetan medicine in the context of spiritual practice: the three mental poisons as the root causes of disease and suffering; the nature of loong energy and its role in governing the nervous system; the importance of mental health, sleep, diet, and physical exercise as genuine foundations for meditation; and the Tibetan understanding of constitutional typology and how to adapt daily routines and meditation practice accordingly.

Putting theory into practice, we will explore common Tibetan herbal formulas alongside accessible kitchen herbs and foods that support sleep, digestion, and general wellbeing, and learn simple external therapies and self-massage to settle the nervous system and restore energy. Each day we will practice traditional Tibetan movement meditations: Nejang yoga exercises, mindful walking, and prostrations — dynamic forms of practice that strengthen the body, transform negative emotions, naturally bringing meditative awareness. In order to connect with the healing lineage from which Sowa Rigpa emerged, we will practice Medicine Buddha mantras and obstacle-eliminating meditation from the Yuthok Nyingthig — the spiritual treasure cycle of Yuthok Yönten Gönpo, the 12th-century father of Tibetan medicine.

Through movement and stillness, silence and mantra, theory and practice, you will leave feeling balanced, rejuvenated, and equipped with practical methods to support your home practice or next retreat.

Schedule:

Thursday December 10

3 - 6 pm Arrival and check in
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Evening Welcome Program

Friday, December 11 - Saturday, December 12

7 - 8 am Morning Tibetan Healing Yoga
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Morning Program
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 3:30 pm Free time and opportunity to receive healing therapies in Menla's Dewa Spa
3:30 - 5:30 pm Afternoon Program
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Evening Meditation

Sunday December 13

7 - 8 am Morning Tibetan Healing Yoga
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Morning Program
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch and check out

*Please note this schedule is subject to change.

Getting Here

Menla, Phoenicia, NY 12464, USA

Accommodation

Deluxe Queen

Deluxe Queen Room with Queen Bed and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers. Deluxe Queen Rooms are Available in Lhasa Inn and Kathmandu House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Standard Single - Shared Bath

Menla Private Queen Room with Queen Bed and Shared Bathroom Public Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available This lodging type is not ADA Compliant Private Queen Rooms with Shared Bathroom are Available in Thimpu House, Panther Cottage and Potala House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Standard Double Full - Shared bath (Shared Room)

Deluxe Double Room with Two Full Beds and Shared Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning This lodging type is not ADA Compliant. Please note that due to the stairs we recommend that guests with mobility issues book other accommodations. Deluxe Double Rooms with Shared Bathrooms are Located in Thimphu * Please note rates include meals and accommodations. This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You a Roommate if You Do Not Register with One.

Economy Premium Single - Shared Bath

Standard Premium Single Room with a Queen or Full Bed and Shared Bathroom Up to 10 guests share two large bathrooms. Each bathroom has two shower stalls and two toilets. A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi is available in the room Phone Access Available in Upper Level Of Conference Center. All calls are free of charge This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note rates include meals and accommodations.

Economy Single - Shared Bath

Standard Single Room with a Twin Bed and Shared Bathroom Bathroom is Shared with One to Six Other Guests on Your Floor. A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi is available in the room Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge. This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note rates include meals and accommodations.

Economy Double - Shared Bath (Shared Room)

Standard Double with Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom The bathroom is Shared with other rooms on the same floor. High-speed Wi-Fi is available in the room. Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge. This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations * Please note: this is an open door policy room, meaning there are no keys to lock the door (we have lockers you can use at Lhasa if needed) * This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You Roommates if You Do Not Register with others

Customer Reviews

4.86 out of 5.0 average rating

Nancy • Oct 16, 2026

5.0

Verified

Seeking a REAL retreat - this is for you!

I attended Menla in early October for a Holotropic Breathwork workshop. It is nestled in the Catskill Mountains in NY, so serene, quiet, safe, and the food was INCREDIBLE, and so healthy & delicious. It never felt like anyone was around (unlike other retreats I have been to). If you are looking to unwind, just be with yourself and eat healthy, delicious food - Menla is the place to be! Highly, highly recommended!

Marcello • Oct 15, 2026

5.0

Verified

Unforgettable Experience of the Soul

I've wanted to visit Menla for many years, and have followed the work and incredible life of Robert Thurman for some years. The Kundalini Yoga Immersion with Jai Dev, somehow connected all of the dots so that even without the physical presence of Tenzin Bob, his rainbow body was felt in the rooms, the valleys and natural environments. The meals were an amazing complement to the comfortable rooms, the breath taking setting that all supported completely and fully amplified the journey.

One Note, that is just a personal suggestion and not to be seen as a criticism or judgment in any way. It would be nice to feel a presence of the great history, tradition, and culture of Menla, the Tibet House and the entire amazing project connected to the life work of Robert Thurman and his lifelong dedication exploring, educating and sharing the beauty of the Tibetan culture in all its facets. The stories of the Naga and Dalai Lama, the historical evolution of the area are all such unique elements that create the wonderful base of energy that permeates the experience of being there. The walks along the paths, discovering improvised shrines all create a magical experience that would be only honored by a bit more of a historical / cultural backdrop for visitors that may or may not know the deep importance of the work behind it all.

Thank you once again and can't wait to visit next year!!

catherine • Oct 14, 2026

5.0

Verified

Life Force Academy Kundalini Yoga 5 day Immersion

I attended my first retreat at Menla about 6 years ago and was immediately hooked by the energy and beauty of the grounds. This is a very unique experience as in addition to the retreat content there is also an opportunity to explore the grounds, experience the very well curated art works throughout the grounds, set off on well marked hiking areas and have a glorious treatment at a world class spa that is beautifully designed.
The pacing of all of the programming lends itself to allow for in depth class experiences, time for rest, hiking, socializing, and enough time for meals which are prepared with love and care with the freshest ingredients and interesting choices.
The LFA Kundalini retreat was excellent and inspiring in content and delivery. Jai Dev is a master in his work designing material that is relevant to all levels of practitioners. The addition of live music was the icing on the cake.
I look forward to my next visit.

Jordan • Oct 14, 2026

5.0

Verified

So much fun coming from hard work

It’s ironic that in order to relax, we need to generate Physical pressure on the nervous system. I love how the tools of Kundalini Yoga facilitate this outcome. But Life force academy, takes it all to another level with the mastery of Jai Dev and the music of Simrit.
I have participated in over 1000 Kundalini Yoga sessions over the last three or four years and two of the classes offered at this retreat are in the top 1% of the peak experiences I’ve ever had.

Gloria • Oct 08, 2026

5.0

Verified

A Great Retreat Experience

The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The grounds are so tranquil and beautiful and the facilities were very clean. My only suggestion for improvement is to provide a more private dressing area after taking a shower.
Many of the attendees I spoke with felt the same way. Thank you!

Traditional Tibetan Medicine for Meditators

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Christiana Polites

Details of this retreat

Getting Here