Principles of Ayurveda

A comprehensive 15-hour self-paced online program designed to help you understand Ayurveda’s foundational concepts rooted in traditional teachings. 

Duration
15 hrs
Duration
Starting Date
Self-Paced
Starting Date
Format
Online
Format
Principles of Ayurveda kerala-ayurveda-academy
Detailed Overview
Begin Your Journey into Ayurveda’s Timeless Science
  • Build a solid foundation in Ayurvedic principles to implement in your daily life
  • Discover the power of knowing your individual constitution
  • Learn about the elements and Doshas
  • Practice a mind-body-spirit approach to wellbeing
  • Study an ancient 5,000-year-old knowledge system, never watered down
  • Be inspired to live your life to the fullest by aligning with natural rhythms
  • Earn continuing education credits as a Yoga professional
Prerequisite

This course is designed for all levels. There is no prerequisite to join.

Curriculum Overview

This course is based on the core foundational concepts and practices of Ayurveda. Our curriculum is based on the ancient, indigenous wisdom of the Vedic texts - a body of knowledge spanning thousands of years. These root Ayurvedic texts set the standards for modern-day Ayurvedic practice and are still utilized today by universities in India, where Ayurveda is a licensed medical system.

Principles of Ayurveda draws upon this ancient wisdom, translated into relatable applications for your daily health. We like to call it deep roots, modern voice.

Consultation, Clinical Assessment & Chikitsa
Consultation, Clinical Assessment & Chikitsa

The core of the India Internship involves clinical assessment and skills training on development of Chikitsa protocol. Interns will work on implementation of protocol and follow-up procedures for live cases.

The Five Elements and Tridoshas
The Five Elements and Tridoshas

According to Ayurveda, everything in the universe - including your body, food, plants, animals, and even your thoughts-is made up of five essential elements. By tuning into these elements, you gain insight into how your environment and daily choices influence your physical and mental well - being.

These five elements combine to form the three primary energies in the body, known as the Doshas: Vata, Pitta,and Kapha. The concept of the Tridoshas explains your unique physical and psychological constitution, which is established at birth. It helps you understand your natural tendencies, habits, and the imbalances you’re more likely to experience. With this knowledge, you can make lifestyle choices that promote lasting balance and health.

Tridoshas, Subdoshas, and Introduction to the Body’s Tissues
Tridoshas, Subdoshas, and Introduction to the Body’s Tissues

Ayurvedic physiology is based on the Tridoshas - three functional energies that govern all bodily processes. Vata controls movement, Pitta manages transformation (such as digestion and metabolism), and Kapha provides cohesion, structure, and nourishment. Each Dosha is further divided into five Subdoshas, which regulate specific functions of the body and mind.

Ayurveda also describes seven tissues, or Dhatus, which represent the structural foundation of the body. Each Dhatuhas a distinct structure and role, contributing to overall health and vitality.

The Body’s Tissues and Immunity
The Body’s Tissues and Immunity

In Ayurveda, Dhatus, or bodily tissues, are considered the foundational building blocks of the body. They serve as the sites where the more subtle energies of the Doshas carry out their functions. When the Doshas become imbalanced, they can disturb the Dhatus, leading to various health issues.

Ayurveda identifies seven primary tissues:

Rasa (plasma, lymph)
Rakta (blood)
Māṃsa (muscle)
Meda (fat)
Asthi (bone)
Majja (nerve and marrow)
and Śukra (reproductive tissue).

Maintaining the proper balance of these tissues is essential for preventing disease and sustaining overall health.

The essence of all seven Dhatus is known as Ojas, which represents your vitality and immune strength. Ojas can only be cultivated when all the tissues are nourished and functioning optimally. It protects the body from disease and supports strength, resilience, and clarity of mind - allowing you to thrive at your fullest potential.

Individual Constitution and the Mind
Individual Constitution and the Mind

You have a unique Ayurvedic constitution, or Prakriti - the specific combination of VataPitta, and Kapha Doshas you were born with. Understanding your Prakriti helps you recognize your natural tendencies and the choices that best support your health and well-being. From diet and exercise to relationships and career, this self-knowledge can guide you in making decisions that align with your true nature.

Ayurveda also offers a profound understanding of the mind-body connection. Just as the Doshas govern the physical body, the three Guṇas - Sattva(clarity), Rajas(activity), and Tamas(inertia) - describe the qualities of the mind. By learning how these forces influence your thoughts and emotions, you’ll gain tools to cultivate mental balance and navigate life’s stressors with greater ease.

Ayurvedic Nutrition
Ayurvedic Nutrition

Diet is one of the primary pillars of health and vitality in Ayurveda. The Ayurvedic approach to nutrition begins with the concept of Ahara, or life’s inputs-not just food, but everything you take in through your senses, including what you see, hear, and experience. What you digest physically and mentally shapes your overall well-being.

Ayurvedic eating is not only about what you eat, but how you eat and the environment you eat in.Meals should be nourishing to the body, mind, and senses. Food should be appealing, taste delicious, and offer a variety of the six tastes (Shad Rasa)-sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent-to ensure balanced nutrition and satisfaction.

Digestion and Food Guidelines
Digestion and Food Guidelines

According to Ayurveda, you are not just what you eat-you are what you digest. At the heart of this system is the concept of Agni, your digestive fire. When Agni is strong, your body is able to absorb nutrients efficiently and eliminate toxins that cause imbalance and disease.

Ayurveda doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all diet.Instead, it offers personalized guidance based on your constitution and current state. Still, there are universal principles-like eating fresh, seasonal, and organic foods rich in prana, or life force-that support health and vitality for everyone.

Preventative Practices
Preventative Practices

The first goal of Ayurveda is to “preserve the health of the healthy.”This is achieved through preventive care rooted in daily, nightly, weekly, and seasonal routines that align your body and mind with nature’s rhythms. By following these time-tested rituals, you can experience more energy, stronger digestion, improved immunity, and a deeper sense of joy and balance in your life.

Need Guidance?

Not sure which path is right for you? Speak with an Enrollment Advisor for a personalized coaching call.

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