Testimonials

"Thank you! A million isn't enough for your gift to me, which is so much more than just the training (which is massive in its own right). The last four weeks were definitely the most important in the last eight years. Finishing your course has been burning in my mind since I first started training with you two and half years ago. You've grown so much during this time you completely had me hooked again after the demo. Watching you teach and learning with you now is spellbinding. I've just been unpacking and looking at my certificate. 50 hours of intensive training - that's more than I've studied since I was at university 17 years ago. The whole atmosphere was one of feeling loved and supported. Your patience is an inspiration, and ‘fake it ‘til you make it’ is my new mantra. To learn a whole new skill, meet interesting people, make friends and get really grounded in eight days… who could ask for more? I'll definitely be helping to spread the word for you. The most important advice I'd pass on to any one thinking about training with you is: DO IT! And whilst training, believe you when you say ‘let it sink in’ - it really does come together in the last two days."
Debbie , USA
"We at The Sanctuary have had the pleasure of Sidhamo's company and trainings for nearly three years now. He has been working for us doing individual sessions and trainings in Ayurvedic Yoga Massage. The feedback from all the workshops and the private sessions. has been excellent. He is an expert, specialized teacher who work is professional, interesting and fun -a rare combination to find!"
Gill Beddows, Director, The Sanctuary
"Sidhamo used me as a test body during one of his seven-day intensive courses. Having experienced the profound effects of an abbreviated session, I decided to extend my visit to Koh Pha Ngan several weeks in order to take the course myself, and I couldn't be more pleased with my decision. After seven days of thorough training, I am totally capable of providing an outstanding message and a proufound theraputic experience. Take this course, it's worthwhile."
Matthew, Trinidad
"A really good, relaxed course. The technique is amazingly opening & Sidhamo teaches in a clear step-by-step way that makes it easy to learn. The group environment was really great, good sharing. thank you."
Odette Luini, bodyworker, South Africa
"I found the course very comprehensive, easy to follow, very through and very well explained. Plenty of laughs - not all too serious, which is always good. A must for anyone serious about massage. And my respect to Sidhamo - love and best wishes for the future. Good luck."
Gordon John Monaghan, submission wrestler and tattooist, England
"I came here with no intention of doing the course, but when I stepped in fatefully as a body to practice on, I was sold. Great course, even better teacher. Your passion for your work oozes into all your students, and the added meditations, yoga and open accepting energy of the room makes it a life changing expierience. Thank you."
Claire Slocombe, explorer, Canada
"Intense, educational and a great learning expierience. Beyond the physical and into the kingdom of the mind, spirit and soul. Thanks for giving us the pleasure of watching a master at work."
Alastair Dobbie, screenwriter, Hollywood/London
"A joyous expierience - a total mixture of combining the physical, emotional and spiritual. Ihave never felt so open from the heart. Highly recommended."
Diane Reid, registered nurse, UK
"Wicked course, worth every penny."
Ty Campbell. music producer, Los Angeles
"Amazing course, amazing instructor. One of the best things I have done in years."
Richard Sharp, Director - Merrill Lynch, Tokyo , Japan
"Well what can I say? This has been one of the most fascinating and life changing weeks I have ever spent! Before starting the course, I didn’t believe I could really learn to perform bodywork on somebody, like the massage I had received. But I’ve done it! The course has given me so much more than I could have imagined. I have found out so much more about myself in this week than in the last ten years. Sidhamo is an amazing teacher. I will never forget this week and what it has taught me! Thank you so much!"
Lori-Ann , England
"Amazing!!! Admitedly I was a bit of a cynic before having “the massage” but now I’m completely converted. I found this week extremely intense in the best of ways, and so rewarding. It will be so good to go home with this skill. I met some great people doing this course. Ahhh and you Sid, you really brought the best out in all of us! Keep on doing what you’re doing and we will help spread the word. Thank you! You will be remembered always."
Claire , England
"Happy New Year! What can I say? I began the class with skepticism because I had spent 3 days chasing a stamp for a visa and had not had any interest in massage at all. After I received some work I began to enjoy the class even more! Sid, I appreciate your vitality and true concern for others. You have a gift; thankfully you do not hold it to yourself or abuse it. I consider you my friend and I say thank you!"
Phil , USA
"Hadn’t planned on staying here (Koh Phangan) this long. But after you gave me a partial massage I became interested in learning more about it, so I can share it with my friends and clients. So, thank you Sid, for sharing your knowledge and gifts. Wishing you all the best. Much love and light. PS. Your laugh is outrageous and contageous!
Pia Margraf , USA
"Really good course! Now I can see why the dance and meditation are included. It all brings the massage/stretching techniques together. The course has a good vibe. I think the group worked really well together – a real mix. Great course, great therapy – after the practice sessions and Claire’s treatment, my flexibility has improved noticeably. I enjoyed it and I would do it again… but hopefully I don’t need to!"
Lucy Wells, Massage Therapist, England
"The meditation techniques incorporated into the training was valuable in preparing us to make the most of the learning process. Yoga was also important as well. Your happy, encouraging nature made the course very enjoyable to attend. The instruction itself was very easy to learn and understand since every thing was explained so clearly. The frequent use of breaks was perfect for maintaining focus and interest during class. Sid, you’re a great teacher. Keep up the good that you do for your students."
Teresa Joe, Massage Thereapist , Canada
"Love, love, love… best ever and very inspiring!! Love you sid, see you in Pune!"
Viktor Frih, PT, Sweden
"To work with opening the mind first through meditation and dancing to brilliant music, makes it so much easier to learn this intensive massage course! Fun + Learning = Happy Me!! Going through all the emotions of crying and crazy dancing, then deep grounding through massages is excellent! Now sharing it around and giving massages to beautiful people! Yipeah!"
Anke Noosten, Happy Traveller, Germany
"Sid – Thank you! It was a great course. I am very glad I stuck around to let you pass on this knowledge. It is definitely something I do not wish to lose, so I will make sure to practice. I can’t wait to give sessions to friends at home. Your calmness in teachingus and slow attentiont o everyone’s pace was incredible. The way you could read our needs and fulfill them was amazing. Thank you for helping me find the strength to open up and take this all in! -Namaste-"
Mitch Sanders, Cultivator of Good Times, USA
"I greatly appreciated the Meditaion/Dance/Yoga in the mornings. Definitely calibrated my energy and encouraged emotional honesty. Great style of teaching, clear and concise. A wonderful experience collectively and a very special gift with which one can clearly make a difference. -Namaste-"
Rachel Thomason, Medical Student, England
"My God what a journey! I have just spent such an amazing week. It was intense and extreme. And I am just so excited with the future now. I really have learned something I now love to do, something i wished for... People need this... Sid, man, you're a great teacher. I'll be forever grateful for you passing this on to me, with love..."
Pixie, massage therapist, Brighton UK
"First of all I am really glad I eventually decided to do your course... The technique, ayurvedic yoga massage itself, is well designed, with great effect on the body and really needs to be practised on the wider population! So it is really great that you are spreading this gift, skill, knowledge or whatever you want to call it. It is really great for me to see someone make their life around something they love to do... Not that i didn't think it was possible but there is never enough assurance. I think we became a great group and that made the learning process enjoyable a lot! And you initiated it very well. You as a teacher are a great object to learn from and that counts a lot! I know from my own experience that teaching is a hard job to do, so with full appreciation... Thanks for all the time, effort, care and love... You managed very well..."
Lucia, dancer, Slovakia
"You rock! Great course, great instruction, very through and will enhance my yoga instruction tremendously! I hope to begin practising this method soon. It is a brilliant practise..."
Toby Levine, yoga teacher, USA
www.bostonyoga.com
"Amazing... In 7 days I have learned the most amazing massage techniques and meditations i have ever experienced. Anand Sidhamo is a beautiful teacher. Focused, intuitive and humorous. I am truly inspired and very thankful for the experience. It was amazing! Thank you... It was a gift!"
Holly, massage therapist, USA
"The time I spent doing this course with Sid has been extremely beneficial for me... I knew I had issues, but i didn't realize how many I had. I am not too sure what to say but there are a million reasons for someone to do this course. Especially if they were wanting to further themselves or improve their own relationship with the world... On a personal note I believe all things happen for a reason, in the long run, it's just a trick of figuring out what the reason was... Cheers Sid..."
William G, Melbourne , Australia
"I had an absolutely wonderful experience during this training. Being a novice to “body work”, I found the training new and challenging, but comprehensive and thorough. I am a dedicated Yogi and know that this type of work will be a great compliment to my practice. Even after only one week, I feel confident with my grasp of the massage techniques and their beneficial effects on the body and mind. I am excited and eager to start using what I have learnt to heal others and change lives. One of my favorite aspects of the course was our morning group meditations, yoga and dance sessions. Ahhh pure ecstacy! Above all, I treasure the friendships and connections I have made with all the beautiful people in my group. Good people… Bueno gente! And last but not least, I have much respect and appreciation for our fearless leader, sidhamo, for his invaluable wisdom, his dynamic spirit and for guiding us along this magical journey! Thank you Sid. Keep giving and spreading the light!"
Sue-Wen Chin, Professional Wanderer, USA
"The time I spent doing this course with Sid, has been extremely beneficial for me. I’m not to sure what to say, but there are a million reasons for someone to do this course. Especially, if they were wanting to further themselves or improve their own relationship with their world. On a personal note, I believe all things happen for a reason in the long run. Its just a trick of figuring out what that reason was. Cheers Sid!"
Will Griffiths , Australia
"I would have to say this course has changed the direction of my life or corrected the direction. I found the course to be intense yet calming and fulfilled. The training has helped me to grow and address things/issues in my life that I have probably been ignoring for quite some time. I found the duration of time spent training each day enough to learn without entirely exhausting your mind and body. But at the same time I was pushed to my limit every day. The extra classes of yoga and meditation are a fantastic balance and the environment/surroundings are perfect. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to grow and ultimately wants to give back what they have learned, open people, set them free!! Thank you!"
Anthony Griffiths, Australia
"I found the Bodywork wonderfully opening, the teaching superb and everybody on the course was supportive and lovely. A great experience all round. Thank you Sid!"
Charles Taylor, USA
"I really enjoyed the whole class. Especially the mediation was a really intense and special experience (emotional) for me! I look forward to getting a video tape later on."
Andrea Echel, Office Manager, Germany
"Phew, very intense… I haven’t really had time to digest all the information yet. I have had a fantastic and memorable week. The course has been fantastic, the teachings great and lots of fun. Very funky massage training… loved the music and Djing. I found Claire to be very helpful and supportive. Thank you Sidhamo, it has been great and very inspiring to meet you. I have learnt some great techniques and hope to keep practising. I would like to do some more training with you or assist you in the future! Keep on going… the work is great and so are all of you… Sidhamo, Claire and Lap. Cheers! See you in Brighton !!!"
Lexy Titterington, Sculptor, England
"I found the course to be more of a journey into discovering myself and to be a true gift. I came here to learn about healing others and in the process learnt how to heal myself. I had the most surreal week and found parts of the course really intense and emotional. But the results are well worth it!!! And have begun the transition into bodywork with such an amazing treatment. What an amazing group of people. I feel privaleged to work alond side such fantastic characters and of course such great teaching! Thank you Sid, Claire and Lap."
Helen, Massage Therapist, England
"I found the course to be definitely “intensive’ and at points I wasn’t sure if I would be able to give a full session as I found part of the sessions to be very draining. However, once we had learned to complete the whole series, everything changed and it all made sense. It is quite a unique experience making a deep connection with another person in this way. I’m very happy I took this course, not only have I learned a new skill but the process of the course (meditations and massage) was a personal growth experience. It also helped me regroup before the rest of a long trip. Take care and maybe see you in London or the States! Thanks for everything!"
Evelyn Osborne, Musician, Canada
"!@#*^!#* Amazing!"
Gina Palazzo, Bodyworker, USA
"Thank you so much!!! Very flexible classes, not rigid; works with my style. Fun & energetic classes. Great enthusiasm. I feel that you love the content! You always care about everyone learning and feeling relaxed. Thank you again."
Daniel and Miki , USA & Japan
"The massage is a really great technique and includes everything for me! The teaching of the teachers was of a high level. After 8 days I feel confident enough to do AYM by myself to get practice. Yoga, Meditation, Sadtsong: was really important to open the system up and it was a very, very intense experience!! Thank you."
Anita Vogeli, Switzerland
"Sid, you taught us the technique of the Ayurvedic Yoga Massage as well as techniques like how to open our own Chakras. I am thankful that I could see how a good bodyworker works. Clear, self-secure, open-minded, a big heart, full of humour, peace and love. Your theory, that this work is like a dance, is more than beautiful. When two energies are in the same rythmn, the same breath, melting together: The Body Works! That's why I also think, that working with background music is giving a special touch for relaxations. (And by the way, I never saw a therapist or teacher mixing sound during work : Cool!). Something else wonderful I will be taking home from my journey is that you taught me, recognizing the Buddha - Thank you!! It's big luck for us, that you are sharing you experiences and your knowledge of bodywork. Now, time of practicing. I hope I can flow into that dance nice and deep too, as it is a beautiful experience giving something good for the body, mind and soul. Sid, thank you for all - May your journey be blessed too!"
Franciend Brugger-Gerrits. Switzerland
"The class was much more than I expected. I got what I was looking for (deep tissue massage and stretch class), and much more! I am still trying to piece it together and understand the emotional release and letting go of fear as well as connecting with others in order to treat your physical body and theirs. Massage as a personal meditation! The breath work - meditation - dance - laughter - crying - whatever - its is all connected! Thank you for giving me a new set of unbelievably amazing tools to work with in my own life and hopefully in the lives of people I love. I definately feel like I have a new piece of the puzzle in my life. Thank you! You have an unbelievable gift!"
Kristen Hoppe. San Francisco , USA
"I found the entire process of learning and performing massage both physical and emotional therapy. I am now able to be comfortable touching and moving other peoples body's. (Especially the juicy part and belly!). It may not sound like much, but it's a big step for me. It wan as intense week and I look forward to a break to reflect more on the process and results. As far as teaching, I felt you have the great ability to help people 'surrender' to the learning process. I always felt more comfortable with approaching you with questions. Your confidence and knowledge in performing the techniques made it easier for me to try them out - Especially Cobra/Twisting etc... Thank you."
Chris Hoppe. San Francisco , USA
"I had a very positive and rewarding experience with this course. The pace of the course and the practical demonstrations were excellent. Sid brought an energy to the group and kept the sessions together. I feel sad that the course has come to a close, but look forward to putting all my new-found skills into practice over the next few months. Well done Sid and Lap - thank your for your help and friendship!"
Claire Young. England
"Thank you, thank you, thank you! I thoroughly enjoyed learning all the various styles of therapy that you incorporate within this course. I feel very fortunate to have experienced this with you and all of the fantastic people in this great group! Dynamic Breathing Meditation, Yoga, Childhood Regression and staring into the eyes of others were all very poignant and special…. The structure and flexibility of you course was also extremely important in teaching this amazing style of bodywork. Thank you for following your path and sharing so much of your love, wisdom and energy with the world. Enjoy your journey!"
Karen McMullen. Australia
"This course work and massage cannot be put into words. As far as the treatment goes, I have been given a new body, a new posture and an opportunity to fill the spaces that were once filled in with tension, anger, and sadness, with happiness and positive energy. The opening of my back was the beginning of my transformation- an emotional release that I have begun to identify specific experiences and situations. The dynamic meditations were amazing. What was so great was how they were presented to the group and the way they were conducted - un-judged, uninhibited, situationally appropriate, Personal meditation in a group setting - this has definitely been an experience which has allowed for significant improvements in my life! This course can change/help anyone for the better as long as they come with an open heart, open mind and willingness to better themselves. Thank you Sid!"
Katelynn Johnson. Philadelphia , USA
"Namaste! You class was outstanding! I loved the different types of meditation and the yoga stretches. It defiantly was a good way to start our trip. At this point, I am not sure I would actually ever apply it for the public masses, but I can't wait to give them to family and friends. I learnt a great deal and would love to maintain these skills. Keep on spreading the good work!"
Zoe , Australia
"Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this course. It has been a real highlight of my travels. I really liked the relaxed and friendly environment that was created through the opening exercises. Breathing, Dynamic mediation etc all helped to bond the class. Some of the things I loved - Your expertise, patience, confidence and joyous personality made the class fun! The AYM itself is an incredible physical, emotional and spiritual experience that I am so happy to have learned about and I hope to learn more. Fantastic music collection! Your ability to read the mood of the class and make changes accordingly. Allowing us to work on the public so often is great practice. Lunch breaks, starting times, ending times were all calibrated to the needs of the class which was really nice and again highlights your skill at reading the class…. Ahh, so much more. Thank you for a great 8 days. I will go home a changed person for this positive experience. My greatest gratitude."
Kelly MacDonald Canada
"I must admit that when I first heard about the class I was quite skeptical and unsure if it was right for me… However, I quickly realized that this journey was the perfect way to release the old corporate me and ease into a more improved me. It was spiritually and physically uplifting. Although it was difficult at times for me to maintain the right energy and vibes, like all journeys there were ups and downs. Now that it's the last day, I can only remember the positives and even the downtimes were a good experience to get where I am now. I feel I have learned a valuable new way to connect with people and is extremely useful to my future. You were an amazing teacher and I don't think I could have gotten through it if not for your incredible ability to see within us and adjust accordingly to help create a positive vibe to the classes. I also now share a bond with everyone in the class I did not expect. Don't change a thing! Sidhamo, you have made a lifelong impression upon me. Thank you!"
Randy Ahn, USA
"A highly intensive course and experience! Firstly, you learn to work together as a group - to open up slowly as an individual followed by intense physical and mental exercise. I did not expect the massage to be so intense - so after some adjusting and acceptance of the situation I learnt to surrender to the movements, breathing with emotional outcomes. Having such physical contact with others is extremely intimate and therefore can challenge your intimacy within yourself. I found at times I was smiling like a child, babbling like a baby, or opening as an adult. I did become emotional at times - sensitive and open. After accepting this as part of the process, confidence and calm followed. It has been hard at times - challenging on the nerves and brain, but extremely rewarding. A great way to spend time away from my 'real' world with a group of strangers who slowly allow themselves to become involved with the learning process. I respond well to touch so this course has reassured me that touch is vital for connecting with emotional memory. I hope that I can use these skills and techniques in the future."
Laura Willis, UK
"I thought the course was great and would recommend it to anyone interested in beginning massage/yoga. Time and money well spent. I really enjoyed being the subject of a demonstration as I then knew how the technique would feel. Then I was able to share this with others. Thank you for a positive experience."
Patrick McGreer, Canada
"The description of the course sounded fascinating, yet I remained on the fence until I received the demo session from Sidhamo. About halfway through I simply said 'I'm in!” You are a great therapist Sid, and during class I really appreciated your awareness of body mechanics. I will undoubtedly use many of the moves in my own style massage including some of the really intense stretches."
Liam McDermott, USA
"I feel that I got a lot out of this course. It is very dynamic!"
Anne Blom, Sweden
"It was really great - although I had a bad accident prior, I still enjoyed it, although harder for me. I learned a lot, enjoyed stretching and the massage. All the people instructing were very friendly and helpful. Thanks."
Matthis Andreas , Greece
"Sid - a fantastic course! A wonderful fusion of experiences. The bodywork itself is a brilliant and simple form which was skillfully explained and taught with passion and humour. I will use this bodywork and intergrate it with the other bodywork, breathwork and energy work that I practice. Thank you for a magical course."
Peter Warnoch, London
"I enjoyed the course and the various components of it - especially the meditation and eye contact work. It was very important to bond the group and open ourselves to the work we would be doing. I would have tried to do more of it, especially the regression breath work. All in all it was an extremely positive experience and I think with practice I will be confident in the work. It also taught me a lot about myself and others. Thank you for the experience."
Nikki Smorodin, Canada
"I love the work - I have the feeling that this is one of the bodyworkers who I want to work with and go really with it. I searched for something likethis and I found it…. And much more. You were a great teacher and you brought a vibration into the group that really supports and talked the fear away. So, one more time - Thank you for this big experience and for an instrument to make people happier, more relaxed and open."
Florian Eibl, Salzburg
"I really enjoyed the course very much. I chose your course because I have seen the demonstration and I wanted to learn this technique. I also knew that I will like you knid of teaching. It is a really easy, effective way of teaching. For me, it is important to understand the teacher as well. I love your way of teaching, joking, getting people in the group…and even our emotional little girl or boy experience was great. I love the place where the course is conducted. The yoga hall is so beautiful and the opportunities for tea and fruit and showers were great..."
Stephanie Kuhn, Germany
"An excellent, well taught and executed course! Sidhamo is a clear, dynamic teacher who inspires confidence and relaxation. I love dynamic meditations and inclusion of movement and warm-up yoga sessions. As for the massage form, it seems to be highly effective in inducing deep, deep relaxation and emotional release. It is a lovely fusion of stretching and deep tissue oil massage. Completing the course in 7/8 days feels amazing, though I know I need to practice, practice, practice to gain fluidity and confidence in the parts that are new to me I can really embody it. Thankyou Sidhamo Anand - Intravenous injection of life and liberation! Straight to the core! Direct. Clear. Vital! P.S: the assistants were really lovely."
Jan Lee , England & Thailand
"I very much enjoyed this class. This is such an extraordinary massage and you taught in a very special way. I am actually quite sad that it is over already, I was just starting to open up and getting to know and feel everybody. The meditations were amazing and like you said, we have such a nice group, that the vibe and atmosphere felt always special! Sidhamo, it was a pleasure meeting you and I hope we will meet one day again."
Maren Klemm , Germany
"Great course! I feel like I have learnt a lot in the last 8 days. This style of massage flows so much better than other styles of bodywork I've practiced. I liked the natural approach to the bodywork that was more of a perceptive training than anything else. It makes more sense to train the body and let the mind follow. Bodywork needs an intuitive touch and a teaching routine that other schools of bodywork seem to ignore this concept."
Jonathon Geralds. USA
"Overall, the course was excellent! It was fun, challenging, interesting, frustrating, exhilarating and very educational. In addition to being an excellent introduction to bodywork, the course was also an amazing growing and learning experience. It definitely helped to open me up. Sid, thanks again for everything. Your course was just what I needed to help curb the negative side effects of spending lots of time with western science and medicine-minded people. You rock!"
Kevin Russel, USA
"This was a life changing experience! Thank you for making this so easily accessible, and basically, thank you for being you! I feel liberated and will never fall back into my old state of mind again!"
Sandra Kolk, Holland
"I haven't been in a learning environment for 17 years and have a really bad memory. Although by Day 8 I still was forgetting things, I was amazed at how much I had taken in. Sids precise methods of training and easy to understand instruction made this possible. Every single work made sense, along with his integrity, emotion, fun and understanding I will recommend this course and Sid to everyone! I look forward, very much to, the release of the Book and DVD. Many thanks."
Gary Simpson, Scotland
"I am amazed at how much I could learn about this wonderful massage during this week. You created a very inspiring, enjoyable and sharing atmosphere allowing us to have a great group experience too. I have a hard time to criticize anything, really; you have a great physical talent as well as good intuition and feeling for the group, which I think is the most important and great gift to have. Just keep on doing what you already do! I liked all the letting go and Osho stuff too! Thank you!"
Anatol Pante , Switzerland
"Brilliant course! The combination of intensive but fun training with deep soulful experimental meditations and dancing made this class super engaging, opening and instructive! Thanks for sharing this wonderful bodywork with us - there'll be many more happy bodies out there in the world because of you! It's rare to feel such strong bonding with a group of strangers too - I've had tons of fun connecting with the other students!"
Damien Jones, USA
"I decided to do the course because I felt it would help with my yoga classes. Some of the moves will be very useful for asana adjustments and incorporating some massage at the end of a class. I also learned so much about the body which will help me to better understand the body's of my yoga students. I learned so much personally. The bodywork and meditations facilitated the opening up and releasing of emotions… Thank you Sidhamo for delivering this course in such a clear way and for showing such compassion and care for all your students. It was a true pleasure to learn from you. Namaste."
Hilary Smith. Scotland/China
"It's been a pleasure to train with you… this has been a homecoming and re-affirmation of my intent to study bodywork in the first place… I commend your ability to break down our barriers and resistances, and to keep a group of people with diverse experience on the same page. In one week you taught us as much practical bodywork as one entire semester at the Swedish Institute… Mostly though, I thank you for being a selfless friend, honourable older brother, and wise master… You have empowered me to be my own authority, embrace my manhood and be a master of myself… I look forward to much more… with love and respect - my deepest thanks."
Brad Teasdale , USA
"A wonderful style of treatment. This will be a fabulous addition to my practice. Sidhamo, your style of teaching is very refreshing, thanks for keeping it real!"
Dawn Leonard, Canada