Dr. Medha Garud has joined The Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina, as Director of Ayurveda Programs at Shankara Ayurveda. A nationally recognized expert in Ayurveda and panchakarma, she brings more than 20 years of experience in orthopedic and lymphatic physical therapy. Trained in traditional Ayurveda, she is a licensed physical therapist, a certified yoga therapist, a 500-hour yoga instructor with the Sri Sri School of Yoga and a licensed massage therapist.

Garud earned her Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery from the Sri Sri College of Ayurveda and Research Hospital in Bangalore, India, where she completed more than 3,000 hours of clinical training. She also specializes in nadi pariksha, the ancient science of pulse diagnosis.

Garud leads Art of Living’s signature Panchakarma Retreat, which is offered twice monthly. This traditional Ayurvedic detoxification process aims to release physical and emotional toxins that contribute to disease. Guests will experience the transformative program in the peaceful surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains and receive personalized diet and lifestyle plans, post-cleanse guidance, recipes and tools for long-term health.

“Panchakarma is one of the most powerful ways to restore balance and vitality,” Garud says. “Our approach blends time-honored Ayurvedic techniques with individualized care to support each guest on their wellness journey.”