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What to Expect in the Institute’s Ayurvedic Studies Program 1

Today, people from all over the world are enrolling in programs to study different forms of alternative healing modalities and therapy. While holistic health and wellness practices have prospered in the western world since arriving in the early 20’s with Yoga, the alternative health industry is still quite young. Specifically, the ancient science of Ayurveda has existed for thousands of years and yet this vedic science of life is still regarded as a new modality in the United States and many other countries.

This soar in interest is also reflected in the increased amount of Ayurvedic business appearing, offering supplements, skin care products, astrological consults and more. Despite the fact that Ayurveda is not yet a licensed form of medicine in the United States, there is limitless potential for this budding new industry.

Whether you dream of working as a clinical practitioner, launching an Ayurvedic skin care line or blazing an entirely new trail in this young industry, the first step is choosing the best education. Although new schools and programs continue to emerge alongside this rise in popularity, the Ayurvedic Institute remains the gold standard in Ayurvedic education in the United States. In addition to unparalleled hands-on clinical learning and an incomparable teaching staff the Ayurvedic Institute ushers applicants into a profound spiritual transformation of a lifetime that integrates the essence of Ayurveda into the heart and soul of each student.

Although new schools and programs continue to emerge alongside this rise in popularity, the Ayurvedic Institute remains the gold standard in Ayurvedic education in the United States.

What Makes Ayurveda Different

In ancient times, students of Ayurveda dedicated their lives to learning from their guru, sitting under the bodhi tree and absorbing the knowledge passed down through generations. From the first day of classes this sacred honor of studying Ayurveda is strongly emphasized to students. Studying Ayurveda is not only a divine privilege, but a responsibility. Many of these same ancient learning principles are still in practice today at the Institute as students are encouraged to surrender themselves completely to this immersive experience.

By definition, Ayurveda is the science of life. According to Sankhya’s philosophy there are natural elements, qualities, and humors of the body that originate from divine forces which make up the physical world as we know it. Studying these philosophies is an integral part of the foundation of an Ayurvedic Education because these elemental qualities manifest uniquely in every living thing. This fundamental concept dismisses the western medical model of “one size fits all” and instead honors the exceptional individuality that makes us all truly human. To study Ayurveda is to study oneself. Unlike modern day medicine, Ayurveda stresses the importance of self-healing in order to best support others on their healing journey.

It can be a common misconception that someone needs to be of perfect health before studying Ayurveda. Instead, individuals are able to begin unburdening themselves of long lasting illnesses, pain and grief the moment they take their first step on the path of Ayurveda..In many ways, studying Ayurveda is relearning all behavior that society teaches us from a young age. Habits around food, diet, sex and sleep all begin to change as students learn to listen to their bodies once again and understand what they try to communicate to insure total health.

This powerful healing process can be a beautiful transformative opportunity but also one of the most challenging parts of studying Ayurveda and repressed trauma, abuse and pain can make this reconnection frightening. Studying Ayurveda is not for the faint of heart, but rather a choice to consciously confront our karma and trauma and ultimately cultivate the unique gifts that we can offer back to the world, for a higher purpose.

What to Expect in ASP1

ASP1 Students at the Ayurvedic Institute will learn these foundational philosophies and practices of diet and lifestyle, sanskrit, Ayuryoga, anatomy and physiology, and client relationships. Students will be empowered to “assess and address imbalance within the constitutional framework of the Ayurvedic paradigm”. integrate foundational concepts learned into their personal lives to receive a first hand experience with herbs, marma points, yoga postures, meditation and much more.

This is also the year where students will learn the pacing and intensity of the Ayurvedic Institutes academic year long programs. Unlike other Ayurvedic programs offered, Vasant Lad’s program is an incredibly technical, fully immersive and unprecedented clinical experience where students will learn theory, assessment techniques, hands-on practice and constructing recommendation based support plans.

From the first early classes until the last lecture of the day, students of the Ayurvedic Institute will dedicate every second to studying, learning and integrating. The institute’s teaching staff bring their own unique wealth of knowledge to their respective subjects and push students to constantly ask questions, think critically and go beyond their comfort zones. Within just a few weeks of this intensive pace, a student’s quality of work, memorization, retention of information, clinical application and skill will exponentially advance. Not only does this program affect a student’s success in the classroom as well as the clinic, but in all other aspects of life.

What Students Will Receive

The attention to detail and thoroughness that is encouraged in the classroom and clinic will also benefit the student of Ayurveda in their personal and professional relationships. Good communication and listening skills are imperative for an Ayurvedic Practitioner. Graduates will learn how to employ skillful time management for seamless success within a lecture, exam, consultation or even personal relationship. The conscious awareness directed in ASP1 will inform a graduate on social conflict as well, helping to understand from the perspective of the Doshic qualities and expressions. They will be able to empathize with the ebb and flow of interpersonal emotions and feelings with this ayurvedic lens.

ASP 1 encourages graduates in becoming and maintaining the healthiest most balanced versions of themselves, as well as empowering those around them. It is a blessing to be able to connect with clients, friends, family and ourselves through the beauty of ayurveda. Whether a graduate decides to continue their Ayurvedic education in ASP2, or utilize their knowledge after graduating ASP1, their life and perspective will have undoubtedly changed forever.

Picture of Vasant Lad BAM&S, MASc

Vasant Lad BAM&S, MASc

A native of India, he served for three years as Medical Director of the Ayurveda Hospital in Pune, India. He was Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Pune University College of Ayurvedic Medicine for 15 years. He holds a Bachelor’s of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAM&S) degree from the University of Pune and a Master’s of Ayurvedic Science (MASc) degree from Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya. The author of numerous books, Vasant Lad is respected throughout the world for his knowledge of Ayurveda.

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