The curriculum
Eleven Weekend Intensives. One complete foundation in Ayurveda.
The Ayurvedic Health Counselor program is centered around eleven Weekend Intensives that guide students from foundational Ayurvedic principles into assessment, herbology, bodywork fundamentals, and the understanding of Dosha imbalance. Each intensive is taught by Kerala Ayurveda Academy faculty either in person or via live stream, and supported throughout the year through Tuesday Virtual Classes, group mentoring, recorded lectures, and guided assignments.
01
The Essence of Ayurveda
Tarka Sankhya and Sharir
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An introduction to the 5,000 year history and philosophy of Ayurveda. The three universal energies (Doshas) and five fundamental elements (Mahabhutas), the 20 foundational qualities (Gunas), and how these principles apply to constitution (Prakriti), imbalance (Vikriti), and dynamic balance. The vocabulary every Ayurvedic Counselor needs in week one.
02
Ayurvedic Physiology
Dosha Dhatu Mala Vigyan
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The subtle energies and foundational structures of the human body. The seven tissues (Dhatus), the 15 Subdoshas and their locations, natural wastes and their functions, and Ojas, the essence of life responsible for vigor and youthfulness.
03
Ayurvedic Psychology
Manasa Shastra
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The Ayurvedic view of the mind and emotions. The three Gunas, the chakras and Marmas, the psychological energies of the subtle Doshas, and the role of meditation and Pranayama in mental and emotional balance.
04
Ayurvedic Nutrition & Cooking
Ahara Vigyan
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How to ground the soul, nourish the body, and delight the senses through food. Cooking demonstrations, the six tastes, the mechanics of satiation, and the relationship between digestion and nutrient absorption. Chaturvidha Ahara, Shatrasas, and the Guna Karma of spices.
05
Ayurvedic Prevention Science
Swastha Vritta
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A complete blueprint for daily and seasonal living. The ideal Ayurvedic Dinacharya, seasonal routines that support immunity, and the daily and seasonal adjustments that prevent imbalance before it begins. The applied core of Counselor practice.
06
Ayurveda and Yoga
Yoga Vigyan
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The integration of Ayurveda's sister science. The eight limbs of Yoga and the koshas, how to customize yoga practice for constitution, and the Pranayama and meditation techniques that complete the Counselor toolkit.
07
Ayurvedic Herbology
Dravya Guna Shastra
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The halfway point of the program. Herbal energetics, the healing properties of common household herbs, and detailed work with more than twenty Ayurvedic herbs including Amla, Brahmi, Neem, and Shatavari. Preparation, administration, and popular formulations.
08
Introduction to Ayurvedic Bodywork
Panchakarma
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A hands on introduction to body therapies that promote cellular healing, support digestion, calm the nervous system, and improve sleep. Snehana, Swedana, Shirodhara, Padabhayanga, Shiroabhyanga, Kati Basti, Lepas, Udvartana, and Soundarya Shringar.
09
Assessment of Dosha Imbalances
Roga Nidan
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How imbalances form and progress, and how to identify warning signs long before they become symptoms. The role of Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala in the disease process, the body systems and structures to analyze, and case study work.
10
Management of Dosha Imbalances
Kaya Chikitsa
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How to address imbalances and prevent their progression. The Ayurvedic etiopathogenesis of disease, the methods of arresting it, and the tools and techniques including simple herbal treatments and dietary and lifestyle changes that restore equilibrium. Introduction to Palliative (Shamana) and Purification (Shodhana) approaches.
11
Review & Clinical Management
Coincides with the five-day AHC Practical
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A summarized review of the prior ten months and Ayurveda's application in modern times. How to build and sustain a Counselor practice, how the science applies to a real business model, and consultation demonstrations and practice with classmates. Coincides with the required five-day AHC Practical, in person at the Milpitas Academy and Wellness Center.
