Ayurveda essentials: Ancient wisdom for modern wellness (15 hours) 

The foundation of holistic health 

When delving into Ayurveda basics, it's important to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of this ancient healing system, including its principles, practices, and applications in daily life. 

 

Introduction to Ayurveda:

• Overview of Ayurveda as the science of life (Ayur means life, Veda means science or knowledge).

• Understanding the foundational principles of Ayurveda, including the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), the five elements (Ether, Air, Fire, Water, Earth), and the concept of Prakriti (individual constitution).

 

Principles of Ayurvedic Nutrition:

• Exploration of the importance of diet and nutrition in Ayurveda.

• Understanding the six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, astringent) and their effects on the doshas.

• Ayurvedic cooking principles and recipes for balancing the doshas.

 

Daily Routines and Self-Care Practices:

• Introduction to Dinacharya (daily routines) and Ritucharya (seasonal routines) in Ayurveda.

• Ayurvedic self-care practices, including oil massage (Abhyanga), tongue scraping, and nasal cleansing (Neti).

 

Understanding the Doshas:

• In-depth exploration of each dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), including their characteristics, imbalances, and how to balance them through lifestyle, diet, and herbs.

• Identifying one's own doshic constitution (Prakriti) and current imbalances (Vikriti).

 

Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies:

• Introduction to Ayurvedic herbs and their medicinal properties.

• Common Ayurvedic herbal remedies for common ailments and imbalances.

 

Ayurveda and Yoga:

• Understanding the connection between Ayurveda and Yoga as sister sciences.

• Integrating Ayurvedic principles into yoga practice, including asana, pranayama, and meditation, to balance the doshas.

 

Prakriti Assessment:

• Guided assessment to determine one's doshic constitution (Prakriti) through a series of questions and observations.

 

Santosha (2.42): "Santosha anuttamah sukha labhah"

Translation: "Contentment brings unsurpassed happiness." 

Understanding how cultivating contentment and gratitude aligns with Ayurvedic principles of maintaining balance and harmony in body and mind.

 

Participants can understand Ayurveda basics and begin to integrate its principles into their daily lives for improved health and well-being.