
.png)
2 LOCATIONS
PHOENIX: Buckeye AZ
CHICAGO: (at Soderworld Wellness) Willowbrook IL
sattvicsage@gmail.com 708-334-9362
2025 CHICAGO DATES
JULY 20 - SEPTEMBER 30

Karla A. Cain
What if you discovered a secret
that changed everything?

2013 Kanyakumari Ayurveda & Yoga - Milwaukee, WI
650 Hour Academics / 200 Hour Clinical Internship
Ayurveda Health Counselor Program
Amanda Lyon, CAS & Jamie E. Durner CAP, ALC, ACC, RYT, NCMT
-
Ayurvedic Philosophy (Darśanā)
-
Ayurvedic Anatomy, Physiology and Psychology
-
Ayurvedic Physical Exam and Evaluation
-
Food as Medicine
-
Ayurvedic Herbalism
-
Western Anatomy & Physiology
-
Dietary Coaching
-
Holistic Therapies
-
Pañcakarma Cleansing
-
Subtle Anatomy (Ćakras & Koṣa)
-
Energy (Prāṇic) Healing
-
Yoga Śastrā
-
Meditation
-
Kriya Yoga & Prāñayama
2015 LifePower Yoga Teacher Training YTT200
Bernard Rybarcyck, ERYT500
Lineage: Krishnamacharya --> Jois --> Kest --> Rybarcyck --> Cain
Hatha, Vinyasa, YIN, Restorative, Prenatal, Seniors, Kids
Yoga Alliance Accredited Training, 200 Hours
2015 & 2023 Vaidyagrama Ayurveda Coimbatore, TAMIL NADU ~ INDIA
Medical Director Dr. (Vaidya) Andiyakkal Ramachandran Ramadas, B.A.M.S & Dr. (Vaidya) Ramkumar Kutty, B.A.M.S.
Extended stays in Tamil Nadu and Kerala in southern India to experience Ayurveda in it's origins.
Underwent intensive Panchakarma treatment, as well as traveled to Munnar, Alleppey and Kochi.
Fully immerse in the teachings of Culture, Yoga & Spirituality~
(You may read about my experience on the 'Herb 'n Living' Blog page & see images of Vaidyagrama in Galleries)
2015 - 2022 American Heart Association (AHA)
Certified in CPR / AED
2015 American Council on Exercise (ACE) / ACE Fitness Academy Bloomingdale, IL
Group Fitness Instructor Program
Amy Umali-Waller, Brand Ambassador, Studio Manager
Comprehensive Anatomy & Physiology, Exercise Science, CPR, LABS, Course Modules, Supervised Teachbacks, Certification
Certified Group Fitness Instructor
2015 - 2020 Board Secretary, The Council for Ayurveda Credentialing (CAC)
2015 - Present Yoga Instructor for The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago
Temple Website: www.htgc.org Program: www.htgc.org/HTGC/index.php/activities/htgc-yoga
2016 A.I.M.A. Ayurveda ASD - Indian Ayurvedic and Italian Holistic Association
Center for Study and Research on Alternative Medicine Milan, Italy
Panchakarma Body Treatments - 200 Hours Academics / Clinical Practice
Vaidya (Dr.) Sadbhawna Bhardwaj, B.A.M.S. & Dr. Stefano Fiori, Ph.D. Naturopath
Panćakarma Ćikitsā / Private Student of Vaidya: 200 Hours Academics & Clinical Practice
Daily Yoga & Mantra Recitation According to Tradition & Hands-On Clinical Study:
-
SNEHANA, ABHYANGAM FOR VATA / PITTA / KAPHA, MUKHA-ABHAYANGAM, ŚIRO-ABHAYANGAM
-
VAKSHABHAYANGAM, THANDUABHAYNGAM, PADABHAYANGAM, ASTABHAYANGAM, NASIKAABHYANGAM, KARANABHYANGAM
-
NETRAABHYANGAM, ATMAABHAYNGAM, UDGHARSHANA, UDVARTANA, PRANIC MASSAGE, PINDA SWEDA, SROTAS
-
NIR-ABHYANGAM, Marma Therapy, MARMA-ABHYANGAM, ŚIRODHARA, DHARA-KARMA, NASYA, JOINT-ABHYANGAM (Part 1 & 2)
-
Including all Variations, Herbology, Herbal Preparations and Anatomy of Lymphatic & Circulatory Systems
2017 Board-Certification Exam: National Ayurveda Medical Association (NAMA)
Certified Ayurveda Health Counselor
2018 - Present Adjunct Faculty, Ananda Ayurveda Academy
2019 Ananda Ayurveda Academy - Willowbrook, IL
950 Hour Academics / Clinical Internship
Ayurveda Practitioner Program
Dr. (Vaidya) Ashlesha Raut, B.A.M.S., MD in Ayurveda, NC, HHP, RAS, BCIM, RYT, AD
-
Āyurveda Anatomy, Physiology (Doṣa, Subdosha, Mala, Dhatu, Srota)
-
Āyurveda Ahara / Vihara / Auṣadhi (Nourishment, Lifestyle, Remedies)
-
Vikruti Vigyana (Āyurveda Patho-physiology)
-
Hetu & Nidana Pañcaka (Etiological / Causative Factors)
-
Dravyaguna Vignyan I & II (Āyurveda Material Science)
-
Bhaishajya Kalpana (Āyurveda Pharmaceutics)
-
Panćakarma Theory I & II (Āyurveda Detoxification)
-
Panćakarma Clinical Application
-
Panćakarma Personal Clinical Treatment (In India Visits, 4 months)
-
Rasāyana Cikitsā, (Rejuvenation Therapy, including geriatrics)
-
Vajikarana Rasāyana Cikitsā (Fertility)
-
Ayurveda Sūkṣma Chikitsa: Subtle Therapies
Gandha Cikitsā (Scent - Aromatherapy): Oils, Essences, Incense, Steam, Fumes, Smoke
Rasa Cikitsā (Taste - Food as Medicine)
Rupa Cikitsā (Sight Therapy): Color, Gems, Stones, Yantra, Geometry
Sparśa Cikitsā (Touch Therapy): Massage Therapy with Herbal Oils, Powders, Pastes
Sabda Cikitsā (Sound Therapy): Vibration, Bells, Bowls, Music, Mantra, Speech, Kirtan
Jyotiṣa I (Astrology) Introduction
Vāstu I (Architecture & Dwelling Energy Flow) Introduction
-
Kayacikitsā I to VII (Ayurvedic Disease Management & Wellness Solutions)
Pranavaha, Annavaha, Udakavaha/Ambuvaha Srotas (Respiration, Digestion, Hydration)
Rasavaha, Raktavaha, Purishivaha Srotas (Plasma, Blood, Feces)
Maṃsavaha, Medovaha, Mutravaha Srotas (Muscle, Fat, Urine)
Asthivaha, Majjavaha, Swedovaha Srotas (Bone, Nervous System, Immunity, Sweat)
Śukravaha & Ārtavavaha Srotas (Virility/Fertility)
Balaroga (Pregnancy/Childbirth/Healthy Baby) & Kaumarabhrtya (Pediatrics)
Jara Vyādhi (Geriatrics/Aging)
Urdhvajatrugata & Manovaha Srotas (Vedic Psychology)
-
Āyurveda Research Methodology (Research Paper on Anxiety)
-
Community Outreach Presentation on Ayurveda for Mental Health
2019 Akshi Yogashala, Rishikesh, INDIA - Yoga Teacher Training YTT300
Ashish Yogi, Haṭha / Masters of Yogic Science: Sanskrit University – Uttarakhand, India
Āsanas (Hatha, Vinyasa, YIN), Pranayama, Meditation, Mudras, Yoga Kriyas, Bandhas, Deeper Yogic Philosophy
Comprehensive Anatomy & Physiology, Teaching to Advanced Yoga Practitioners / Complete Practical Knowledge
2019 American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Behavioral Change Specialist Program
Cedric X. Bryant, Ph. D., FACSM
Anatomy, Physiology, Mental Health, Kinesiology, Nutrition, Coaching Skills, Co-Creating Relationships, Embracing Change
Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Anger, Depression, Lack Of Motivation, Overcoming Obstacles, Certification
Certified Behavioral Change Specialist
2021 Kerala Ayurveda Academy – Milpitas, CA
Vaidya Jayarajan Kodikannath, B.A.M.S.
Dravyagunakarma ~ Vedic Formulations & Clinical Applications
2021 Board-Certification: National Ayurveda Medical Association (NAMA)
Certified Ayurveda Practitioner
2021 - 2023 Vaidyagrama Ayurveda - Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu INDIA
Śloka of The Aṣtāṅga Hṛidayam
Medical Director Dr. (Vaidya) Andiyakkal Ramachandran Ramadas, B.A.M.S
2-Year long weekly study of Dravyagunakarma
2023
2022 - 2024 Board of Directors, American Association of Ayurveda Professionals (AAAP)
2023 - 2024 Board of Directors, National Consortium of Ayurveda Medicine (NCAM)
2023 Board-Certification: National Certification & Credentialing Board of Ayurvedic Medicine (NCCBAM)
Certified Clinical Supervisor
2023 - Present Board President, The Ayurveda Professionals of Arizona (APA)
2023 - 2024 Vaidyagrama Ayurveda - Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu INDIA
Understanding The Mind Through The Ćaraka Samhita
Medical Director Dr. (Vaidya) Andiyakkal Ramachandran Ramadas, B.A.M.S
1-year long weekly study of Caraka Samhita ~ Sattva Guna & Ayurvedic Therapies / Psychology for Mental Health
Section 1: Sūtra Sthānam
Chapter 1 – Dirgha Jeevitiyam
Chapter 8 – Indriyopakramaneeyam
Chapter 11 – Tisraishaneeyam
Chapter 26 – Atreya Bhadrakapeeyam
Chapter 30 – Arthedasa Mahamooleeyam
Section 4: Sharira Sthānam
Chapter 1 – Katithapurusheeyam
Chapter 2 – Athulyagothreeyam
Chapter 5 – Purushavichaya
2025 Vaidyagrama Ayurveda - Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu INDIA
Ayurveda & the Endocrine System: Integrative Exploration
Medical Director Dr. (Vaidya) Andiyakkal Ramachandran Ramadas, B.A.M.S
Medical Director Dr. (Vaidya) Omprakash, B.A.M.S.
6- Month long weekly study of Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya
Sutra Sthānam
Chapter 14: Dvividhopakramanīyam (the 2 types of treatment)
Nidāna Sthānam
Chapter 2: Jvara nidānam (diagnosis of fever)
Chapter 10: Prameha nidānam (diagnosis of diabetes)
Chapter 12: Udara nidānam (diagnosis of enlargement of the abdomen)
Chapter 13: Pānduroga-Śopha-Visarpa nidānam (diagnosis of anemia, dropsy, and herpes)
Cikitsa Sthāna
Chapter 1: Jvara cikitsa (treatment of fevers)
Chapter 12: Prameha cikitsa (treatment of diabetes)
Chapter 15: Udara cikitsa (treatment of enlargement of the abdomen)
Chapter 16: Panduroga cikitsa (treatment of anemia)
2024 - 2027 Ananda Ayurveda Academy - Willowbrook, IL
2500 Hours Academics / Clinical Internship USA & Mangalore, India
Ayurveda Advanced Practitioner Program
** Dr. (Vaidya) Ashlesha Raut, B.A.M.S.
MD in Ayurveda, NC, HHP, RAS, BCIM, RYT, AD
** Dr. Supriya Tambwekar, PhD
** Dr. Vaidya M.S. Krishnamurthy, PhD
Professor (Former Dean) Alvas Ayurveda Medical College & Hospital, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka INDIA
** Dr. Vaidya Lakshmi Nair
Kerala Ayurveda Vaidyasala, Kalyan, Maharashtra INDIA
** Dr. Vaidya Mahesh Sabade
Founder of Agivesh Ayurveda Clinic, Sadashiv Peth, Pune INDIA
** Dr. Vaidya Sandeep Bekal
Professor & Principal, Sharada Ayurveda Medical College & Hospital, Talapady Mangalore INDIA
-
Kayacikitsā I: Autoimmune Disorders
-
Kayacikitsā II: Infectious, Immunological, Environmental Diseases
-
Kayacikitsā III: Musculoskeletal Diseases
-
Kayacikitsā IV: Metabolic Diseases
-
Kayacikitsā V: Neurological Diseases
-
Kayacikitsā V: Endocrinological Diseases
-
Kayacikitsā VII: Complimentary Ayurvedic Management of Cancer Conditions
-
Striroga: Gynecological Disorders
-
Kaumarabhrtya: Pediatric Health & Disorders
-
Manovaha Cikitsā: Ayurvedic Clinical Management of Psychiatric & Mental Disorders
-
Shalakyatantra: Ayurvedic Management of Ear, Nose, Throat & Oral Disease
-
Netra Roga Cikitsā: Ayurvedic Clinical management of Ophthalmological disorders
-
Shalyatantra: Ayurvedic Surgical Methodologies & Clinical Applications
-
Agadatantra: Ayurvedic Toxicology, Medical Ethics & Medicolegal Regulations
-
Samhita Vivećana: Understanding Ayurvedic Saṃhitā with focus on Ashtanga Hṛidaya
-
DravyagunaŚastrā III: Ayurvedic Herbology III
-
Bhaishajya Kalpana III: Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics III
-
Roga Nidana II: Assessment & Investigative Methods / Medical Reports & Imaging Techniques
-
Ayur-Jyotish I: Medical Astrology Part I
-
Ayur-Jyotish II: Medical Astrology Part II
-
Marmavidya II: Marmas & Clinical Applications
-
Rasāyana & Vajikarana Jara Cikitsā: Rejuvenation, Regeneration & Geriatrics
-
Ayur-Doula / Prasuti Tantra: Ayurvedic Management of Pregnancy & Childbirth
-
Ayurvedic Research Methodology III
-
Sanskrit III
Karla A. Cain, CAP
ॐ National Ayurvedic Medical Association Professional Member
NAMA Board-Certified Āyurveda Practitioner
NCCBAM Certified Āyurveda Clinical Supervisor
Āyurveda Body Therapeutics
ERYT, YACEP, YA RYS YTT School / Lead Trainer
Vedic Psychology, ACE Behavioral Change Specialist
Holistic Business Mentor & Consultant
President, Āyurveda Professionals of Arizona
Former Board of Directors, National Consortium of Āyurveda Medicine
Former Board of Directors, American Association of Ayurveda Professionals
Adjunct Facilitator, Soderworld Wellness Center - Willowbrook, IL
Adjunct Faculty, Ānanda Āyurveda Academy - Willowbrook, IL
Interview by VOYAGE PHOENIX for "Phoenix's Most Inspiring Stories" Series
http://voyagephoenix.com/interview/meet-karla-cain-sattvic-sage-ayurveda-yoga-buckeye-west-valley/
The Long Version


My dream of helping others to remember their true nature started as a child, most likely at birth. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wished to help others understand the sacredness of themselves. I thank my grandfather for giving me the opportunity to spend every summer of my life in Northern Wisconsin, being in tune with nature and the universe. It was quite a change from the concrete jungle of everyday life. Our property was located on Barker Lake, in the Chequamegon National Forest.....without a phone or TV in sight. This was before the advent of computers, internet and smart phones. I was allowed to use my imagination, stare at the stars and comtemplate my existence....even as a child.
In addition, my bloodline is a rare mix of Native American Blackfoot Sioux from Rosebud, SD and two types of Italian - Corsican/Abruzzo. (This may explain my absolute infatuation with the earth and food)
I have spent my life observing the vastness of the universe, our planet, society and how we relate to one another. To give you
an idea, my 3rd grade book reports were comprised of definitive thought on astronomy and the different types of stone that make up the structure of the earth. I have longed only to discuss the stars, the rocks, the trees and the human condition.
It turns out, real life takes you in another direction.
I was born to a family of very modest means on Chicago’s South Side inner-city.
I was not afforded a college education. My life and knowledge has been fueled by pure Tejas & Agni.
Through sheer grit, self-driven motivation and intense passion, I carved out a lucrative career and attained the equivalent of a Masters degree in Finance.
SO - Instead of making a living discussing the human condition and earthly philosophy, I spent 24 years working in the Financial Industry, with focus in Brokerage & Investments Administration, Investment Advisory, Insurance, Business Development, PR, Networking, Marketing and Staff Coaching.
I attained / held numerous FINRA-Regulated Securities Trading Licenses with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), National Futures Association (NFA) and National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD)
Series 3: Futures, derivatives, options, futures, hedging, margin requirements, market & regulatory rules
Series 6: Mutual funds, variable annuities, variable life insurance, unit investment trusts, municipal fund securities
Series 7: Solicit, buy, and sell most securities products, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, options, municipal securities, and variable contracts
Series 63: Uniform Securities State Law
Series 65: Uniform Investment Advisor Regulatory Law
IL State Life & Health Insurance Agent
This corporate experience led me to know first-hand the toll that modern day stress puts on the body, as well as the way life’s demands create the challenge of eating, exercising and resting properly. For many years, due to a demanding job and family life (with plenty of stress and lack of time and energy), I was an unhealthy weight, exhausted all the time, suffered from insomnia and rarely ate properly. I got very sick. Numerous surgeries. Cervical Cancer, Unable to have Children. I GOT VERY SICK.
I was fortunate enough to spend every other free moment reading, researching and learning about heath, the mind and the human condition. Even though I was not in a healthy place, I always said I would get in shape and live a healthier life "someday".
Finally, in 2006, that someday came. I underwent a lifestyle change with a complete physical and mental transformation.
I started to make small changes that had huge results. Over the course of 2 years, I slowly added organic foods to my diet.
I started to meditate. I started an avid yoga practice.
By 2008, I had lost 90 pounds, was full of energy and was sleeping well
for the first time in my life. I did it all while still working a full time job and maintaining all of the same demands.
In 2010, while continuing my research on healthy living, I discovered Ayurveda~
I was overjoyed to discover that all of my thoughts and feelings about humanity the world at large, along with all that I had
learned about healthy eating, had a NAME. I only wondered why it had taken me so long to find it!
As you can see from the above, I am a life-long student.
In 2015 - I consciously left my life-career in Finance (and all the security of a paycheck / health Insurance) to follow my DHARMA. I turned away from years of study and drive and climbing the corporate latter to managerial space. I left all of the licenses I works SO HARD to attain.
I am at complete peace with it.
I love and wholeheartedly believe in this practice. (For more details, see the “What is Ayurveda?” page)
It has brought me back to my beginnings and allowed me to be in tune with nature and the ancient healing of my ancestors.
I am extremely passionate about bringing the healing power of the Ayurvedic lifestyle to my community.
I am always available to discuss your thoughts and concerns, or answer any questions.
I am also available to conduct discussions to introduce Ayurveda to the public. For more info, please see my 'Workshops' page.
* For more information on NAMA and AAPNA, click here:
NAMA – National Ayurvedic Medical Association
AAPNA – Association of Ayurvedic Professionals in North America
I look forward to assisting you on your personal journey to natural health~