Ayurveda-Forums.Org

[lunaiku]

I'm looking to study Ayurveda and want to know if anyone has any suggestions for schools. I'm not sure if i want to study it for the full 6 or so years that it takes to become a doctor (as I'll need some more experience with it before making such a big decision); but with whatever program of study that I go into, I want that to remain an option. I want a school that's credible and teaches Ayurveda holistically. I'm serious about my studies and would like to study it in depth.

I'm particularly interested in the mind/psychological/emotional aspects of Ayurveda, so I would need a program that covers these aspects in depth (as opposed to just focusing on the physical).

I also want a school that I can physically go and study at, to get practical experience, as I feel that I'll learn better that way (as opposed to the numerous distance learning courses I've found online).


I live in the U.S., which is why I'm interested in schools in North America; but quality is my main concern. If there's a school out there that's really a good fit for me, I'll be willing to travel quite far.
Does anyone know of any schools that they would recommend?

[zachary]

Hello Lunaiku,
Have you contacted the Ayurveda College of California? I think that's one of the first institute to have implemented ayurveda courses in the USA. http://www.ayurvedacollege.com
Maybe it doesn't fit you exactly but they can be also a good source of information if you simply ask them for what you are looking for.
The problem you might encounter is the lack of recognition of the status of Ayurveda in your country. The American Academy of Ayurvedic Medicine - AAAM http://www.ayurvedicacademy.com is working on it, so maybe you can also contact them... this is what they say:

There is a lack of recognition by state governments, academic institutions and public in the USA for Ayurveda. The properly trained, Ayurvedic-aware health care provider is almost non-existent in America resulting in Ayurveda being practiced by a few trained or partially knowledgeable practitioners. In order for Ayurveda to be recognized as a proper health care discipline, there is a need of well-trained practitioners and clinicians trained in Indian sub continent, Europe and US, who are aware of health care issues in North America. At present, there are many problems related to clinical practices of Ayurveda such as, lack of recognition, licensure and appropriate malpractice insurance for the practitioners.

Alternatively the best option would be to go directly to study in India if you can afford it, and then find a master degree here in the usa in order to have the best knowledge to start. Maybe Europe would propose some courses, I will have a look and tell you!
But it also depends on, once graduated, where and how you want to practice ayurveda...

Good luck
Zachary

[madison]

Namaste!!!
because of the problem of diploma recognition, if you really want to learn ayurveda, I would say that going to India to learn it there is the best option...
My sister in law went to the Ayurvedic Institute and she was very happy with her course. Here is the info:


http://www.ayurveda.com/education/index.html

The Ayurvedic Institute is recognized as one of the leading Ayurveda schools outside of India.

The Ayurvedic Institute, recognized as one of the leading Ayurveda schools and Ayurvedic health spas outside of India, was established in 1984 to teach and provide the traditional therapy of East Indian Ayurveda including herbs, nutrition, panchakarma cleansing, acupressure massage, Yoga and Sanskrit. The Ayurvedic Institute is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that teaches the principles and practices of Ayurveda, the ancient science of life. We provide authentic education in a supportive environment that encourages the integration of Ayurveda by individuals into their daily living and by health care professionals into their clinical practices.

Dr. Lad teaching
Our core programs are taught by Vasant Lad, BAMS, MASc, a world-renowned Ayurvedic Physician from India with more than 40 years of Indian medicine clinical experience.

The Ayurvedic Studies Level 1 Program provides 665 hours of total classroom time. The Ayurvedic Studies Level 2 Program offers 470 hours of total classroom time. The Pune Gurukula Program gives 120 hours of classroom time. Ayurvedic weekend seminars and weeklong intensives total more than 200 hours of classroom time each year.
The Ayurvedic Institute was founded in 1984 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as a 501(c)(3) educational, non-profit corporation. The Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and Board meeting minutes are open to inspection by any interested person with sufficient advance notice. The Institute is governed by a Board of Directors and corporate officers, whose directives are carried out by Institute staff members.

Contact the Education Department at (505) 291-9698, Ext. 105 or by email at Education.