Integrative Health Care Institute

Article Index
Ayurveda 2-year Certifcation
Mission
Dedication
Vision
Syllabus Year 1
Syllabus Year 2
Credit Hours
FAQ
Course Descriptions
Pre-requisites & Tuition
Required Reading
Faculty
Advisory Board
Graduate's Reviews
All Pages

 One-of-a-Kind Education

Distance Learning

Imagine a training program that restores wonder to the learning process!

Swamiji's unique way of teaching transforms learning from of the old rote and mechanical method of memorization into an educational process that is as exciting and sacred as Ayurveda itself.

"Education is...not an acquisition of information; it is life itself..." - Rousseau

It is only appropriate to study an alternative healing system through an alternative educational approach.
Learn this personal Ayurveda system through a personal mentoring system.

We offer a spiritually focused certification program, meaning, while you learn all the body-mind aspects of ayurveda, by applying and making one's personal spirituality and life purpose the priority, body-mind generally remain healthy and so not much body-mind therapies are required.

Also, Swamiji's unique mentoring method (gurukul or Vedic education) allows for students to quickly grasp and apply Ayurveda. Moreover, students develop their learning about  'who they are' through the metaphor of Ayurvedic studies. Students are taught to question more than 'know'; to use intuition more than memorization; and to hear the spiritual needs of the client. Through this form of learning, the graduate/practitioner can offer maximum help during consultation.

"The most important part of the course was putting into practice the Ayurvedic principles learned during private consultations that were required coursework. This proved to be a confidence builder, seeing Ayurveda in action.  Publishing articles and talks introducing Ayurveda to the local community proved to be another invaluable asset. I highly recommend this course to anyone in the workforce that cannot just pick up and leave to study Ayurveda somewhere.  Assimilating Ayurveda over a period of time is worthy...Swami Tirtha is patient and flexible and at the same time draws out the best in students not only in teaching them the knowledge of Ayurveda but in challenging personal and spiritual growth in their lives as well." - L S Zack, Ayurvedic Practitioner - Aspen, Colorado

Educational Mission

The School of Ayurveda is committed to offering the most complete and well rounded educational experience through a combination of comprehensive theory, hands-on training, and understanding the universal spiritual foundations of life and health.

Our unique training process aims to inspire students' thirst for understanding by creating an internally developed education rather than the notion of external acquisition model. Through engendering students to ask more questions rather than be flooded with answers; to favor intuition over memorization; to experience knowledge as more than just as a part of career - but to realize it as a part of their entire present life experience; students are able to assimilate intellectual understanding into experiential world wisdom. We find this model to be a more organic and natural approach to learning and our students graduate with confidence in their, studies and as well, their life path.

Ayurveda is much more than the 'science of medicine'; it is defined as the 'science of life'. Our Ayurvedic program prepares students physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, with the insights and ability to harmoniously live their lives and to help others understand and harmonize the wholeness of their lives. This ability is due to understanding and working with the underlying laws of nature.

This school also is dedicated to the integration of authentic, ancient Vedic education with the modern thought - especially incorporating the most enlightened Western ideas of today. We dedicate ourselves to bridging the semantic gap between Eastern and Western schools of thought.

Our unique education approach

Dedication

This school was inspired by and is dedicated to
His Holiness 1008 Sri Sri Swami Narayan Tirthaji Maharaj
who in loving silence gives the highest gift of Vedic wisdom, Self-Realization.


1915 - 2001

Vision

As we enter the dawn of the 21st century we have a number of natural tools that can solve the troubling and lingering problems the 20th has left behind. The field of solutions is vast and abundant as Mother nature herself: Ayurveda and other natural healing and living modalities, ecological houses and environmental friendly living, organic clothing and foods, social equity, and spirituality. Yet all these diverse opportunities have one thing in common - they are all natural, intuitive, common sensical, fair and compassionate in dealing with our fellow humans, animals, and nature.

The 20th century left us with antiquated notions of scarcity and ignorance. But just as there is always abundance in nature, around the world, brilliant minds are finding an abundance of solutions to help one another on this planet. It is more now, a matter of changing our mental habit from one of 'lacking' consciousness to that of 'abundance' awareness.

When we speak of solutions, we mean tried and tested ways of helping the people of the earth. Natural lifestyles, herbs, foods, and mental and spiritual outlook are healing diseases heretofore thought unhealable. Social entrepreneurial programs are literally lifting millions of people above the poverty level. Natural energy resources and organic methods are proving safer more economical, and helping people around the globe live healthy, decent lifestyles. Research is even finding that corporations that have chosen an ethical manner of conducting business are more profitable.

Above all, there is a great movement toward spirituality and community around the earth; in every socio-economic sphere of life. Great ideas are converging. The gap between wealthy countries and poor countries is closing due to the internet and outsourcing. The world is becoming a level playing field where humanity, common human decency, common sense, and respect for humans, animals, and the earth are coming to the fore as the only solution to any and all problem.

This is just the beginning of the cycle; newer and more useful ideas are yet to astound us and bring solutions deemed unimaginable at present. Many of these ideas and spheres of life may still seem to some, to be unrelated. We of the International Vedic Institute feel that the ancient Vedic texts will play some role in helping to move this planet into the full sun of the 21st century, resolving scarcity and yielding abundance.

In the end, we see a world that can drink from the cup of abundant spirituality. A world where all humans live in dignity and peace, and all are free to revel - dance and sing - in their respective and collective spiritual oceans. Ayurveda offers some solutions toward this end. And the School of Ayurveda is designed to both focus fully on the teaching of Ayurveda, yet keeping its peripheral vision alert to the inter- connectedness of our social and environmental ecosystems. In this holistic world view, Ayurveda offers a holistic life view that harmonizes one's physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health.

It is our sincere and dedicated prayer to help train sincere, holistic-minded people to be useful stewards of Ayurveda, preserving its spiritual and unique wholeness, and to share these remarkable benefits with those in need of upliftment.

Register

2-Year Distance Learning

Overview
Our students report they learn best when we combine theoretical teaching along side of hands on training. Thus, at the urging of our students we have developed a program where students learn theory and do two mock-consultations each month.

To further the ‘experiential’ aspect of gaining direct knowledge, students also write one article and give one lecture per year. Students report these assignments are invaluable in organizing and clarifying the vast amount of information, and further, the interaction with a real audience makes it all real.

Syllabus

Year 1 Theory & Lab/Consultation Training:
11 months
AY01-1 & AY01L: Fundamentals & History of Ayurveda [1 month]

• Ayurvedic Anatomy & Physiology
• Cause of Illness
• Doshas, Sub-Doshas & Dhatus
• Srotas, 3-Malas
• 6 tastes, 10 qualities, rasa-virya-vipaka
• mental qualities: sattwa -rajas-tamas & prana-tejas-ojas
• 13 natural urges, external influences
• Agni, ama & ojas
• Root Cause of Illness
• Hands-on Consultation Training

AY02-1 & AY02L-1: Analysis & Herbology [1 month]

• How to determine one’s mental & physical dosha, prakrti & vikrti
• 5 methods of determining an illness (nidan-purvarupa-rupa-upashayasamprapti)
• Seasonal affect on dosha & health
• 6 stages of disease development
• Ayurvedic Etiology - How to find the root-cause of disease
• Ayurvedic pulse analysis, nail, tongue, face, eye analysis
• 85 herb materia medica studied in detail
• Hands-on Consultation Training

AY03-1 & AY03L: Ayurvedic Nutrition & Pancha Karma I [1 month]

• 7 Dosha Food plans
• Pancha Karma Therapy Part I
• Consultation Training
• Hands-on Consultation Training

AY04-1 & AY04L: Pancha Karma II and Aromatherapy [1 month]

• Abhyanga & Marma therapies
• Kerala Pancha Karma: Shiro Dhara, Sarvanga Dhara, Ekanga Dhara, Pizhichil, Pinda Sweda, Lepas, Shiro, Katti, & Uro Bastis, Udgharshana, & Padabhyanga
• Nasya, Dhuma, Ear & Eye Basti
• Facial Abhyanga & Beauty Care
• Aromatherapy
• Hands-on Consultation Training

AY05-1 & AY05L: Hatha Yoga, Pranayama, Mantras, Music & Meditation Therapies [1 month]

• Asanas, Pranayama, Kumbhaka, Bandhas, Mudras
• Yoga for pregnancy & Post-partum
• Yoga for children
• Office Yoga
• Yoga for elderly and physically challenged
• Consultation Training (theory)
• Mantra & Chakra Therapies
• Sound, Music, Color & Gem Therapies
• Hands-on Consultation Training

AY06-1 & AY06L: External Health Factors: Lifestyle, Seasonal

• Considerations, Environmental Therapies, Ayurvedic Psychology & Spirituality [1 month]
• Seasonal, lifestyle & exercise considerations
• Vedic Psychology & Dosha Personalities
• Spiritual Counseling
• Meditation
• Ethics & Virtue (Yama/Niyama)
• Service & Devotion
• Naturalness & Purity
• Physical, Astral & Causal Bodies & the 5 delight cells
• Hands-on Consultation Training

AY07-1 & AY07L: The Ayurvedic View of the Circulatory System [1 month]

• Ayurvedic Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Signs & Symptoms
• Analysis & Therapies
• Disorders: bleeding, anemia, heart diseases, blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, paraplegia
• Hands-on Consultation Training

AY08-1 & AY08L: The Ayurvedic View of the Digestive System [1 month]

• Ayurvedic Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Signs & Symptoms
• Analysis & Therapies
• Disorders: Anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea/dysentery, digestive & abdominal disorders, jaundice, gall stones, dyspepsia, indigestion, gastroenteritis, colic, hyperacidity, gastritis, malabsorption, parasites, constipation, hemorrhoids, obesity, candida, ulcers, toxins (ama)
• Hands-on Consultation Training

AY09-1 & AY09L: The Ayurvedic View of Infections & Wounds; the Respiratory & Urinary Systems [1 month]

• Ayurvedic Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Signs & Symptoms
• Analysis & Therapies
• Disorders: Fever, abscess, sinus, wounds, ulcers, fractures/ dislocations
• Cough, breathing, T.B., hiccup, colds
• Painful/burning or difficult urination, urinary stones/gravel & retention, urinary obstructions, diabetes
• Hands-on Consultation Training

AY10-1 & AY10L: The Ayurvedic View of the Ears, Nose Throat, Mouth & Eyes & the Nervous System [1 month]

• Ayurvedic Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Signs & Symptoms
• Analysis & Therapies
• Disorders: ENT 11 ear disorders, 5 ear lobe disorders; 11 nose disorders, rhinitis, catarrh, hoarse voice; 55+ eye diseases, 9 eye joint & binding membrane conditions; 21 eyelid disorders; 11 sclerotic coat conditions; 4 chorid & iris conditions; 17 whole-eye conditions (including conjunctivitis, opthalmia, glaucoma); 12 pupil disorders. Tarpana, putapaka, sheka & aschyotana eye therapies; external eye injuries; 65 Mouth cavity disorders, 8 lip disorders, 15 gum problems, 8 tooth conditions, 5 tongue concerns, 9 palate complaints, 17 throat conditions, 3 whole-cavity conditions
• NS convulsions, sciatica, vertigo, insanity, epilepsy, addictions (alcohol, smoking, drugs), fainting, coma, atrophy, MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s
• Hands-on Consultation Training

Due before Mid-Term Exam

• 1 Article & 1 Lecture due
• Research assistant training (under development)
• SEVA paper (1 page describing, ‘what I learned from my SEVA’) (extra credit)
• Community Outreach (1 page: ‘what transpired from my outreach') (extra credit)
• Student Mentorship - emai from mentor reviewing your understanding

Mid Term Exam (open book)

Students submit program and teacher evaulation to improve the quality and effectiveness of our reaching the students
OPTIONAL: Additional live tutoring at teacher’s location individually or as a group - available upon request (by donation).

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Year 2 Theory & Lab/Consultation Training:

11 Months

AY11-1 & AY11L: The Ayurvedic View of the Skin System & Vedic Ethics [1 month]

• Ayurvedic Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Signs & Symptoms
• Analysis & Therapies
• Disorders: 63 skin disorders (including warts, acne, psoriasis, eczema, leukoderma, measles, small pox, chicken pox, herpes, corns, & athletes foot)
• Ethics
• Hands-on Consultation Training

AY12-1 & AY12L: The Ayurvedic View of Neoplasm/Abnormal Growths I [1 month]

• Ayurvedic Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Signs & Symptoms
• Analysis & Therapies
• Disorders: enlarged scrotum & fluid, inguinal hernia, fistula-in-ano, elephantiasis
• Hands-on Consultation Training

AY13-1 & AY13L: The Ayurvedic View of Neoplasm/Abnormal Growths II [1 month]

• Ayurvedic Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Signs & Symptoms
• Analysis & Therapies
• Disorders: 8 abdominal tumors, blood tumors (uterine/ovarian tumors & cysts), cancer
• Hands-on Consultation Training

AY14-1 & AY14L: Ayurveda and the Female Reproductive System [1 month]

• Ayurvedic Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Signs & Symptoms
• Analysis & Therapies
• Disorders: 20 female reproductive tract disorders (including dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, menorrhagia, endometiritis/PID, endometriosis, discharges, bleeding, spasms, menstrual regulation, tumors,/cysts/fibroids, PMS, menopause, leucorrhea, prolapse, hysterectomy
• Hands-on Consultation Training

AY15-1 & AY15L: Ayurvedic Childbirth [1 month]

• Ayurvedic Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Signs & Symptoms
• Analysis & Therapies
• Disorders: conception, pregnancy & postpartum lifestyles; pregnancy therapies, new-born therapies, breast feeding, breast milk, childhood diseases (head, heart, colon, bladder/ genitals, systemic, teeth, vomiting, rectal ulcers). New-mother therapies, miscarriage, children’s planetary influences
• Hands-on Consultation Training

AY16-1 & AY16L: Ayurvedic Childbirth & the Male Reproductive System [1 month]

• Ayurvedic Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Signs & Symptoms
• Analysis & Therapies
• Disorders: defective semen, impotency, e nlarged prostate, VD, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea
• Hands-on Consultation Training

AY17-1 & AY17L: The Ayurvedic View of the Immune System [1 month]

• Ayurvedic Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Signs & Symptoms
• Analysis & Therapies
• Disorders: HIV/AIDS, thrush, Epstein Barr
• Hands-on Consultation Training

AY18-1 & AY18L: The Ayurvedic View of the Metabolic System [1 month]

• Ayurvedic Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Signs & Symptoms
• Analysis & Therapies
• Disorders: edema, meningitis, quinsy, tonsillitis, palatal abscesses, glossitis, gingivitis, dental abscesses, goiter, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, benign tumors, skin/nail edema, armpit cysts, skin abscesses, gout, thirst
• Hands-on Consultation Training

AY19-1 & AY19L: Therapeutic Applications & Ayurvedic Pharmacology [1 month]

• 3-vital organs (head, heart, bladder), headaches/migraines, arthritis, rheumatism, dangerous spiritual practices, tissue-building therapies, organs & herbs, herb timing, preparations, recipes, medicated herbal wines, minerals
• Hands-on Consultation Training

AY20-1 & AY20L: External-Based Therapies [1 month]

• Beauty care & skin
• Architecture (Vastu Shastra & Feng Shui),
• Vedic astrology (Jyotish),
• East-West language (bridging the gap)
• Bridging, Scientific Research
• Hands-On Consultation Training

Due before Final Exam

• 1 Article & 1 Lecture due
• Research assistant training + paper (under development)
  
• SEVA paper (1 page describing, ‘what I learned from my SEVA’) (extra credit)
  
• Community Outreach (1 page describing, ‘what transpired from my outreach’) (extra credit)
• Student Mentorship (email from mentor on your progress)

Final exam (open book)

• Students submit program and teacher evaulation to improve the quality and effectiveness of our reaching the students
• OPTIONAL: Additional live tutoring at teacher’s location individually or as a group- available upon request (donation).
• OPTIONAL: Postgraduate In/Externship in India. Train with licensed Ayurvedic doctors in India at an Ayurveda pancha karma spa and center in the Himalayas.

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* Credits earned from this program may be transferred as 66 credit hours at Westbrook University, toward a Ph.D. in Ayurveda Research (you must already have an MA).

Register online: registration/interview page

Questions? Contact us

 

Credit Hours

Earn up to 1,270 credit hours!

Courses (Mandatory)	Hours
Home Study	400
Hands-on Consult Training	120
Lecture	10
Article	10
Mentoring	20
Ayurveda Consult (self)	10
Research	200
Total (Mandatory Credit Hours)	770
Optional Courses	Hours
Yoga class (locally)	80
Jyotish astrology consult	10
Vastu shastra consult	10
SEVA (community service)	200
Total Optional Hours	500

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the program accredited?

As of yet there is no state or national board of education licensing/ accreditation; Government officials told us that only when there are many schools and much greater public interest do they become interested to develop licensing procedures. Students looking to earn a BA in Ayurveda or, MA, or PhD in any integrative field may transfer their credits to Westbrook University. Contact Westbrook for full details of accepted credits.
Phone: 800-447-6496
Web: http://www.westbrooku.edu
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Also, many respected, accredited colleges, especially those offering self- designed degrees accept this course. Check with the state and private colleges and universities in your area.

Is the program recognized?
As the Indian government regulates all Ayurveda colleges, there can be no official recognition by the colleges or governments.

The textbook we published, the Ayurveda Encyclopedia, written by the founder of this school (Swami Sadashiva Tirtha), has gained international respect. It is being used in research libraries of some of the top Ayurvedic herb companies, and in some Ayurveda college classrooms (unofficially) throughout India.

Moreover, many Ayurvedic doctors in India and around the world have obtained the book for their own professional use. In the USA, several university research departments are also using the encyclopedia as a their research guide.

Are graduates legally allowed to practice Ayurveda; are they recognized by the government?
The US federal government has no laws or requirements regarding the practice of Ayurveda. Check with your state to know their specific laws on holistic health practitioners. Generally, graduates are legally allowed to practice Ayurveda as long as they do not use words that might imply they are doctors or nurses (eg, 'treat', 'diagnose', 'prescribe', 'clinic'). Acceptable alternative terms include analyze, suggest, center.

What is involved in the hands-on guided consultation training?
Our students report to us that the hands-on training, lectures, and articles crystallize their learning and confirm how much they know. Theoretical understanding is insufficient to confidently develop one's abilities

Our comprehensive internship (externship for distance learning students) - regardless where they live in the world - is simplified through the program's 7-Step Consultation Workbook Guide template. This allows students to step by step organize, easily analyze dosha and illness causes, and suggest appropriate therapies.

Each student is required to do 40 mock consultations. Half of them are initial mock-consultations and half are follow-ups to the first 20 so students may see the results of their efforts and provide further guidance if required.

With the completion of the mock consultations, students no longer have the question, "Can I really be a practitioner?" - they have seen the results over the two years, and thus are confident and ready to begin their practice.

What is involved in the article and lecture?
Each student is required to write one introductory article and give one free lecture during year 1. The articles may be general in nature or related to your field. For example you may write an article about 'What is Ayurveda' and offer it to your local free paper or local free holistic paper. If you have a profession that you will be incorporating Ayurveda into (e.g., psychology, nutrition, fitness) you may write a paper on how Ayurveda helps clients in our field and submit it to a professional journal.

The lectures may be to local clubs (e.g., Rotary, Flower), library, professional medical group, clients, etc. In this way these two exercises will help solidify your understanding and develop more self-confidence in your training while performing some community service for Ayurveda.

What is involved in the research project?
Research Information Is there any spiritual training involved in the program?

Yes, Vedanta & Vaishnavism (universal love - universal spiritualism - are the underlying foundations of Ayurveda and is integrated into the program. Students are also asked to choose some sort of meditation, hatha yoga, tai chi, etc. program in their hometown of their liking to experience spiritual development.

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Is there any interaction with other students?
Yes, In order to bring our international students and alumni together in a community environment, the school offers a chat room where students, alumni, and vaidyas from India meet to share ideas and experiences. We also offer optional seminars.
Mentor Program: This program achieves two crucial needs expressed by students; more training and more community contact with fellow students. See mentorship details.

Do you waive courses for graudates of other Ayurveda certifcation programs & BAMS?
There is a placement exam for basic theory. If passed, students waive the first 3 months of theory (though are required to complete the 6 consultations for those months). Exam is $150. Waive saves $400.

What is involved in the final exams?
The course teaches how to research, cross-reference the books; the exams are open book. We would rather you reference books and be there with the client in the present, rather than worry about memorization. Of course you need to understand the basic principles. All reading materials are sent to you (additional shipping fee for international students). Homework and final are e-mailed or mailed.

Can I take the course by mail if I don't have e-mail or internet access?
Yes

When do the program sessions begin?
You may begin any time after meeting prerequisites because it is a personal, one-on-one training with your teacher.

After graduating can I receive support from the school?
Yes.

• We have a special relationship with altMD - a top online 'practitioner-to-client network',  and arrange a free website for all graduates.
• We list grauduates on our site
• You can take advanced study for individual consultations you require additional advice on.

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Are internships in India offered?
India-advanced internships are available on a case-by-case basis for post-graduates. We visit the Himalayas in India each September. We have three excellent vaidyas (Ayurvedic doctors) with whom we established a close relationship.

One vaidya is female and offers specific OB/GYN training to ladies. She and her husband (another vaidya) run two Ayurveda centers. The third vaidya has his own clinic and is the head of the Kayachikitsa department at Haridwar's India government Ayurveda college (see advisor's bios advisors ).

All clinics are branch offices of the Ayurveda Holistic Center. Plans are underway to build a pancha karma rejuvenative center in the Himalayas where students can study and receive hands-on training.

Is your school affilated with any Ayurvedic centers or schools in India?
We are affiliated with a dean of the Ayurveda College in Haridwar, and graduates may take advanced training with him. (see above), and the Himalayan Ayurveda Spa (training programs)

What is the tuition?
Course Fee
$8,000 USD – For the entire two years ($4,000/year or $400/month)
$110.00 for books (extra for medical books and shipping). [see titles ]
Application/Registration Fee: $50 (non-refundable).
Full advance payment: 5% discount.

This program is one-on-one internship with a teacher (by phone/email/live).

Does the school offer any scholarships or financial aid?

• We offer monthly payments to help ease the costs
• Depending on the student and their needs, we look for scholarship donations to help the student

Student Handbook
Register

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Course Descriptions

Supervised Consultation Internships
Students gain invaluable hands-on training with clients under the observation of qualified Ayurvedic practitioners (either by phone/email, or in some cases in person). Each student is required to conduct 20 consults and then 20 follow up sessions with those 20 clients. Students may choose from any of our teachers who live throughout the world to work.


Mentoring
~ The teacher learns more than the student ~

One area of SEVA requested by students is peer mentoring. Each student is required to mentor at each of three levels:

• Year 2 students will mentor Year 1 students
• New graduates mentor Year 2 students
• Seasoned alumni mentor new graduates

The benefits of this program include:

• Learning becomes stronger when you teach to another
• Social bonds among students is nurture

Paper (who you mentored, dates, times (length of time), what they asked, what you learned); due before final exam.
Hours: 25

Articles & Lectures
One lecture and one article are due before the midterm and again before the final. Topics are decided during discussions with teacher; student's profession is best place to mold topic around. Students are required to

A) choose a topic that relates to their profession
B) try to build a bridge of information between Ayurveda & their profession
C) Offer ground-breaking ideas by integrating and answering questions directly from their professions needs.

Hours: 25 (5 each article and lecture)

SEVA
Seva is the Sanskrit word for service.
(extra credit - 200 credit hours)

In India, service is a part of the life of most Ayurvedic doctors.
In addition to working 5 - 6 days of the week, they will go to the remote villages or poorer neighborhoods and work their remaining 1-2 days of the week for free

Ayurveda is first and foremost a spiritual science, designed to help people grow in spiritual peace through mental peace, harmonious career, relationships, and physical health. SEVA helps culture a person and remind them that Ayurveda is not a business, nor is it only a medical practice.

To follow the honorable example of the Ayurvedic doctors in India, we ask our students to spend a little of their time doing something for their community or the Ayurvedic community. This is optional, but we hope students can spend even a few hours a year sharing their training in some service.

We advise students to create the opportunity to help their community through one of the two forms of SEVA:
1. Offer Ayurvedic help freely to some group in your community (e.g. nursing home, firemen) [Letter of validation of SEVA - required on letterhead from the organization upon completion of SEVA]
2. Make research studies more available. Add to the body of research about a particular herb (to be chosen with the teacher).

Students choose one or more people or places in their community that can benefit from any or all of the natural modalities Ayurveda offers.

For distance learning students, they may either send videotape (in US format) of 3 clients to whom they are giving spa work. Video must show shiro dhara, and nose, eye, and ear baths; marma balancing, and pulse taking. Also any herb mixing, lepas, etc. that you do are to be included on the tape.

Research Assistant Project (for the mathematically challenged) (200 credit hours)
Scientific validation of Ayurveda has been very well documented in India, with more than 3,000 research studies on various health conditions and herbs. Yet its acceptance in the western world is just beginning, and there is very little in the way of research studies available outside of India.

While statistical research can be both costly and require extensive training in scientific research methodology, one area that offers some degree of respect is in the documentation of case studies. This is the area that students will learn how to prepare a research study based on their 40 mock consultations. Some of the data gathering forms may be applicable for future statistical research as well.

Students will be introduced to research procedures by participating as an Ayurvedic research assistance. They will be given standardized research data templates to use with all their clients. They will only need to plug in their findings into the templates. Once their data is complete, the school's research department will run the statistics and students can plug the findings and details into an article template.

The research department will submit research to appropriate journals for publication, and may also be listed in our online forum and/or online Research Ayurveda Journal (RAJ).

Yes, even if you have never done research before; even if you don't know statistics, or even aren't good in math; you can easily learn to conduct research and, yes, enjoy it.

Pre designed templates and statistics are provided for students, they only need to follow the standardized template for each client they see in mock consultations and in supervised internships. Once the information is compiled, our statistics software runs the research findings.

Students then fill in the blanks in the research paper template to complete their abstract and article findings. We have developed a style of research that is free, yet using respectable methods. Students will be helping to add to the body of Ayurvedic research. Research paper is due before the final exam.
Hours: 100

Exam
In the vein of alternative education practices, we do not demand memorization. The final exam is offered at the end of the 10 months of training. The exam are open-book and test your understanding of practical consultation questions.

Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion of the consultations, exam, and students show they are able to follow their own Ayurvedic lifestyle, they will be awarded a certificate as an Ayurveda Practitioner (CAy).

return to syllabus

Register now

Prerequisites

• You have received an Ayurvedic consultation from some qualified practitioner, practice for a month or more to see if it is as wonderful as it sounds. (If you are still eager to learn after this set up an interview)
• You have 5 hours a week to comfortably spend on homework

Course Fee $8,000 USD – For the entire two years ($4,000/year or $400/month)

This program is one-on-one internship with a teacher (by phone/email).

Required Texts

Swami Sada Shiva Tirtha, D.Sc. (Ayur. Research)
Founder, Teacher

• Swamiji has received his Doctor of Science in Ayurvedic Medicine & Research from Westbrook University. His prior training includes a certificate from the Ayurvedic Institute and private study with professor & dean from Benares Hindu University in 1988.
• In 1989 he received certification from the American Institute of Vedic Studies.
• From 1991 through 1998 Swamiji received ongoing advanced private training with vaidyas from remote villages in the Indian Himalayas.
• He spent 6 years writing the Ayurveda Encyclopedia, which was published in 1998. (Now in its 2nd edition)
• Swamiji research study - a pilot study comparing the cost of Ayurvedic and Allopathic therapies, was published in 2001.
• 2007 He published the 2nd edition of the Ayurveda Encyclopedia and wrote a commentary & translation: Bhagavad Gita for Modern Times .
• Now Swamiji is developing an expanded itegrative healing program for this school.
  

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Pancha Karma Spa Training (Uttarkashi, India branch)

Dr. J.K. Chandhok B.A.M.S. (K.U.) D.Ya.- (hatha yoga diploma)
Dr. Archana Chandhok, BAMS
Directors, Himalayan Vaidyashala Ayurveda Spa & Maa Parvati Memorial Clinic; Uttarkashi U.P. -Himalayas; India

This husband/wife team teaches our Kerala/Traditional Pancha Karma Certification program in India. They have been offering Ayurveda to the local villagers for nearly 2 decades. Additionally, they are very active in helping the community, improving the schools, and developing fair trade jobs for the impovershed mountain communities.

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School Advisory Board

Advisors to the course include three Ayurvedic doctors (Vaidyas) who reside and practice and/or teach in India. We are fortunate to have found three vaidyas that have graduated from Indian government recognized Ayurvedic colleges.

Dr. S. N. Shrivastava B.A.M.S. (K.U.); U.G.T.T.
(I.M.S., B.H.U.) Head of Department; Kayachikitsa-
Government Ayurvedic College, Gurukul Kangri, Hardwar U.P. India

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Dr. Ram Chandra Uniyal B.A.M.S.
Noted expert and lecturer on Himalayan mountain herbs 
Director, Uniyal Clinic; Uttarkashi - Himalayas; India

Graduates Review the Course

"I took Swami Tirtha's two -year Ayurvedic Certification Program.  The most important part of the course was putting into practice the Ayurvedic principles learned during private consultations that were required coursework. This proved to be a confidence builder, seeing Ayurveda in action.  Publishing articles and talks introducing Ayurveda to the local community proved to be another invaluable asset. I highly recommend this course to anyone in the workforce that cannot just pick up and leave to study Ayurveda somewhere.  Assimilating Ayurveda over a period of time is worthy and now with Swami Tirtha's latest "gurukulla" style Introductory Ayurveda teleconference course, an added bonus.  Swami Tirtha is patient and flexible and at the same time draws out the best in students not only in teaching them the knowledge of Ayurveda but in challenging personal and spiritual growth in their lives as well."
- L S Zack, Ayurvedic Practitioner - Aspen, Colorado

I have previously studied Western and Chinese medicine research.
Ayurveda is the most effective and easy to understand.
-Dr. F. Cassis/NY, NY - Integrative Medicine practice

The information was presented simply, spiritually and practically...
I have already begun Ayurvedic consultations and incorporated my other
holistic trainings...This course and the teacher were truly an inspiration.
-W. Lawder/NJ - Holistic Practitioner

I very much enjoy helping people, so I was searching for a healing
program that will help me help others. This program has given me
everything I was looking for. -T. Fyssoun/Athens, Greece - Owner, Ayurveda Spa

The program is holistic and comprehensive and provides solid education and training in both the theoretical and practical aspects of Ayurveda.  The main text, the Encycopedia, is an excellent resource!  I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in natural health!" 
- C. Sheusi/VA -Social Worker

"I took this program to learn aromatherapy...
I got so much more out of the training."
-M. Gonzalez/Queens, NY- Health Food Store Manager