Level I Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC)

Gain the tools and knowledge you need to ignite the healer within you. Our level I program is both an educational journey and a personal transformation with profound professional potential. With flexible in-class and online formats, you’ll study a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide the individual with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the philosophy, principles, theory, and practical application of Ayurvedic preventive care.

1 Year - 600 Hours

Duration

07 Apr, 2026

Starting Date

Hybrid

Format

Enroll Now @ $8,800

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Level I Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) kerala-ayurveda-academy

Detailed Overview

Ignite the healer within and inspire others to live in harmony with nature and their true selves

Now is an exciting time for embracing the ancient traditions. Also known as “the common sense science,” Ayurveda has been continuously practiced for thousands of years. It is a universal lifestyle science that empowers individuals to new levels of health and to lead more impactful lives.

How can I apply this certification in my life?

Start a wellness counseling business or align with other wellness professionals to create an integrative practice.
Teach workshops and run wellness programs based on Ayurvedic principles for health and wellbeing.
Apply your knowledge to cultivate a niche for your existing career. Any career can be healing when you combine Ayurveda with it! Our graduates include chefs, graphic designers, fitness instructors, accountants, engineers, educators, interior designers, entrepreneurs, and many other walks of life.
Licensed Healthcare Practitioners and healers from all backgrounds can apply their Ayurvedic knowledge to enhance their current practice. This is the perfect complement for Yoga Teachers & Therapists, Medical Health Professionals, Nurse Practitioners, Medical Doctors, Chiropractors, Nutritionists, Herbalists, Dieticians, Reiki Practitioners and more!
Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers can expand their services offering Ayurvedic techniques and deepen potential results for their clients.
Estheticians may enhance their treatments, services, and products to include an Ayurvedic approach as well as target the root cause of common skin and beauty concerns.
Get creative! Artists, writers and creatives may publish articles and produce content for sharing Ayurvedic wisdom, practices and remedies.

Prerequisites

No former knowledge of Ayurveda is required to join this program – we begin with the fundamentals.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required to join this program.
Anatomy & Physiology is required for completion of the AHC program, though it’s not required to join.

The AHC programs is a beginner level certification with professional potential and is a prerequisite to our more advanced level II and III certification programs.

Scope of Practice

Upon graduation, Ayurvedic Health Counselors can:

Determine and analyze a client’s unique mind-body constitution
Conduct Ayurvedic lifestyle consultations
Provide Ayurvedic guidance on daily routines, diet, Yoga and meditation
Offer recommendations on special Ayurvedic therapies and herbal home remedies

For more detail, please see the complete Scope of Practice: Ayurvedic Health Counselor.

Recognized Program by AAC

Candidate for Accreditation by AAC

Format & Schedule

The Ayurvedic Health Counselor program is designed for maximum flexibility, including live streaming (evening and weekend class times), online learning, or in person attendance. You’ll receive both theoretical and practical training, with a blend of live lectures, recorded lectures, clinical hours and assignments.

General Format

• 1 year – 600 Hours

• 11 Weekend Intensives – in person or live streamed

• One 5-Day AHC Practical – in person (required)

• 1-Day Clinical Practicum – in person or live streamed

• 28 Tuesday Virtual Classes – live streamed

• 6 Monday Virtual Classes – live streamed

• 10 Group Mentoring Sessions – live streamed

• Online Recorded Lectures – elearning: self-paced

• Assignments – elearning: self-paced

Schedule

• Classes Begin on April 7, 2026

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Curriculum Overview

Kerala Ayurveda Academy specializes in providing a comprehensive curriculum that is taught by highly experienced Ayurvedic scholars and clinicians. The Ayurvedic Health Counselor program includes principles taught in Indian Ayurvedic universities, structured according to US competencies, and all based on the root texts of Ayurveda, the ancient Vedas.

Our AHC students begin their journey studying the foundational principles, history and philosophy of Ayurveda. The year-long course builds upon this foundation with deeper studies in Ayurvedic physiology, psychology, nutrition, seasonal practices, Yoga, Panchakarma detoxification and clinical techniques. Ayurvedic Health Counselors are encouraged to apply their knowledge for their own self-healing, and gradually expand to supporting family, friends, their community and clients. Their training includes a combination of live classes, recorded lectures, assignments, clinical encounters and hands-on clinical training.

For more information about the curriculum, please consult the course catalog.

The History of Ayurvedic Science

Journey into the world of traditional Indian medicine, the oldest known documented healthcare system alive today. This profound indigenous wisdom is your new home. You are a torch bearer of a long and rich lineage.

Core principles of Ayurveda

Build a foundation for holistic wisdom with Ayurveda’s building blocks including Sankhya philosophy, Ayurveda’s definition of health, the elements, Doshas and Ayurvedic constitution.

Ayurvedic Physiology and Psychology

Explore how Ayurvedic science connects the many layers of our existence and acknowledges our multifaceted consciousness. You’ll deepen your mind-body connection as you tune into the subtle energetics that greatly impact our health.

Seasonal and Preventive Care

Ayurveda is inherently sustainable with applied seasonal care guided by its foundational principles of the elements and Doshas. Learn how to adapt your lifestyle and guide others to live more harmoniously within any ecosystem, season to season.

Yoga and the Mind

Yoga is Ayurveda’s sister science and provides complementary practices for wellness including the well-known poses, breathwork, and meditation techniques. It also offers a roadmap for calming the mind, reducing stress, and improving focus for living your best life.

Ayurvedic Coaching

Once you start studying Ayurveda, we’re positive you’ll want to share it. Applying all you have learned, hands-on training will allow you to practice assessing and helping others to improve their lifestyles using Ayurvedic wisdom.

Panchakarma, Detoxification & Bodywork

Ayurveda’s hallmark detoxification system offers the deepest healing potential with custom healing diets, herbalized bodywork therapies, and Yoga. You’ll build a foundation for advanced Panchakarma knowledge, including which simple techniques you can recommend or practice, and when to refer clients to Panchakarma and advanced specialists.

Ayurvedic Counseling and Clinical Management

Ayurvedic principles of living are combined with clinical assessment techniques to build a client support toolkit. Lectures, clinical encounters and hands-on training will guide you in the art of Ayurvedic counseling. You’ll learn how to assess individuals, offer lifestyle guidance, and manage minor Dosha imbalances.

Live Classes - Real-time via Zoom

Attend live from any device
Interact directly with faculty
Class moderators for tech support
All sessions recorded for replay

On-Demand elearning - 24/7 Access

Access all our materials using our elearning portal including class recordings.
Track your progress and connect with your peers.

In-Person Classes - Milpitas Campus

Spacious class & consultation rooms
Panchakarma treatment facilities
Break areas
Free WiFi & parking

Get the complete catalog, learning objectives, and detailed course schedule. Perfect for exploring what you'll learn before you apply.

Understand the curriculum in detail

Know more about your Vaidyas

Learn the rich heritage of Kerala Ayurveda

Exclusive course discounts

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Anatomy & Physiology Requirement

A solid foundation in Western anatomy and physiology is essential for Ayurvedic Health Counselors to integrate ancient wisdom with modern healthcare practices.

*Please note this partner program only accepts US payment forms.

Students enrolling in the AHC program must complete a college-level Anatomy & Physiology course. This ensures you have the necessary biological understanding to apply Ayurvedic principles effectively.

College-Level Credits Required: 4

How can I fulfill the anatomy and physiology requirements?

Flexible Timing

A&P may be taken as a prerequisite (before enrolling) or a co requisite (while enrolled). All coursework must be completed before graduation.

Program Choice

You may complete any accredited A&P program that meets the 4-credit requirement.

Proof of Completion

A transcript or certificate is required at the time of graduation from the AHC program.

To help students select an appropriate program, we recommend the Anatomy & Physiology programs offered through our partner Ed2Go. These courses are pre-vetted to meet all our academic requirements.

Self-Paced Learning

Complete the coursework on your own schedule alongside your Ayurveda studies.

View Ed2Go Programs

What if I already completed these requirements?

Please email your transcript to Student Support Services for verification: support@keralaayurveda.us

Please note:

While we recommend Ed2Go for convenience and quality assurance, students are not required to take these specific courses and may choose any accredited institution.

Mentoring: Enrolled students receive guidance from certified Ayurvedic mentors who share a passion for supporting your studies.

Course Support: Our Student Support team helps with administrative questions, tuition issues and planning visits to our centres.

Expert Admissions Guidance: Admissions advisors offer 1‑on‑1 guidance to map out your Ayurvedic training and achieve your goals.

Alumni Listing: Graduates can join our online alumni database, connect with peers and be discoverable by health seekers.

Discounts: Enjoy special pricing on Kerala Ayurveda courses, products and services.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How much do your certifications cost?

Do you offer financial aid?

Financial Aid: Kerala Ayurveda Academy does not offer state or federal financial aid to students at this time. If a student obtains a loan to pay for an educational program, the student will have the responsibility to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund. If the student has received federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of the moneys not paid from federal student financial aid program funds. If a student is eligible for a loan guaranteed by the federal or state government and the student defaults on the loan, both of the following may occur:

1. The federal or state government or a loan guarantee agency may take action against the student, including applying any income tax refund to which the person is entitled to reduce the balance owed on the loan.
2. The student may not be eligible for any other federal student financial aid at another institution or other government assistance until the loan is repaid.

NOTICE: Any holder of this consumer credit contract is subject to all claims and defenses that the debtor could assert against the seller of the goods or services obtained pursuant hereto or with the proceeds hereof; recovery hereunder by the debtor shall not exceed amounts paid by the debtor hereunder. Kerala Ayurveda Academy does not have a pending petition in bankruptcy, is not operating as a debtor in possession, has not filed a petition within the preceding five years, and has not had a petition in bankruptcy filed against it within the preceding five years that resulted in reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. Sec. 1101 et seq.).

How many hours are required to graduate as an Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Practitioner or Advanced Practitioner?

Do I need to take the Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) program before the Practitioner program (AP)? Can I go straight into level II AP or level III AAP programs?

Can I take your programs entirely online?

Holistic Ayurvedic Coach (HAC) can be taken entirely online via live streaming. In person attendance is optional.
Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) offers a one 5-day in person practicum. The rest of the program can be attended in person or online via live streaming.
Ayurvedic Practitioner and Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner (AAP) certification programs require partial in person attendance. They cannot be taken entirely online.
Completion of the AHC, AP or AAP program allows graduates to sit for the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Certification Board (NAMACB) certification exam as an Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC), Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP) or Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner (AAP). The National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) sets competency standards for professional Ayurvedic education.

Do I need a college degree or a prior license/certification to study Ayurveda at the professional level?

A college degree is only required for our level III certification. Program-specific requirements are as follows:

For all of our Training Programs, students are required to possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
Holistic Ayurvedic Coach (HAC) and Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) certification programs: no licenses or certifications in any field are required.
Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP) requires an Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) certificate or equivalent.
Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner (AAP) requires a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.
Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC), Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP), and Ayurvedic Clinical Specialist (ACS) all require Anatomy & Physiology as a corequisite. This means that the A&P requirement can be fulfilled during the course and must be completed prior to completion to meet the graduation requirements. Learn more about the Anatomy & Physiology requirements here.

I’m not a healthcare professional; can I still earn a certificate and practice Ayurvedic medicine?

What if I miss a class - what is your makeup policy?

General Policy: Attendance is monitored via attendance taken in-class and during live streamed sessions. Each certification program has a unique Attendance Policy. Please consult the most recent course catalog for details. If a student is absent from an in person or live streamed session, they may make it up at any KAA training location or via live streamed session, free of charge. If a student wishes to retake an in-class session, a make-up fee may apply. To make arrangements for all make-up or retake sessions, please contact Student Support at support@keralaayurveda.us.

What materials do I need to bring to class and what should I expect in the classroom?

Are there tests?

Please try not to feel anxious about the tests. The testing is conducted online in our elearning system at the student’s pace. There are three (3) attempts available for taking the test, and the highest score is recorded. The tests provide the student and the academy an opportunity to verify learning benchmarks are achieved for successful course progress.

If I enroll for Ayurvedic Health Counselor, will I get a Holistic Ayurvedic Coach certificate?

Are there books for the class and what do they cost?

What should I do for meals during class times?

For students attending on-site, complementary water and tea is available at our center. Classes are scheduled between 8:00am-6:00pm U.S. Pacific Time. A 1-hour lunch break is provided. Students may bring lunch and are welcome to eat in our classroom. A breakroom is available in the building with a refrigerator, sink and microwave. KAA can provide recommendations for local restaurants.

I am an Ayurvedic Doctor in India with a BAMS degree. Are there any prerequisites for me to join this program?

What does the “Vaidya” mean, and can I use the designation “Vaidya” once I earn this certification?

Vaidya is a Sanskrit word which translates to healer. It has been used as a designation for Ayurvedic physicians for thousands of years and signifies an Ayurvedic lineage. You may notice that many of our faculty hold this designation, in addition to their BAMS degrees, and this is due to their personal lineage, coming from families of Ayurvedic healers. Out of respect for the Ayurvedic family lineages, the title Vaidya is not used based on degree alone.

Can I use the designation “Dr.” once I earn my certification?

After I complete the Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner (AAP) program, will I be able to practice as an Ayurvedic Doctor in India?

This program is designed to satisfy the Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner (AAP) scope of practice in the US, as determined by the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA). It does not qualify you for practice in India as a BAMS Ayurvedic Doctor, nor does it qualify you to practice in any other location. Please check in with the regulations of your local state or country to determine your available scope of practice and whether this program will meet your needs

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Anatomy & Physiology Requirement

Level I Requirement

How can I fulfill the anatomy and physiology requirements?

Flexible Timing

Program Choice

Proof of Completion

Recommended Partner

Self-Paced Learning

What if I already completed these requirements?

Please note:

Please note:

Our students are for life