Portland Community College's (PCC's) Ayurveda training course together with the Yoga Health Training Program can help you explore new meaningful realms in life and work. The courses are relevant whether you are (or want to become) a massage therapist, nurse, nurse practitioner, or nutritionist. These courses enhance the practices for homeopaths, naturopaths, chiropractors, and medical doctors. The subtle body knowledge covered is invaluable to acupuncturists, physician's assistants or medical assistants, craniosacral practitioners, fitness professionals, and to any practitioner who needs continuing education credits  (PACE) with the National Ayurvedic Medical Association or other accrediting organizations. By discovering correct perception in life and understanding the relationship between Ayurveda and Yoga, you can experience more relaxation, energy and calm in the midst of life’s storms.

When you think of yoga, it's common to think of it as a method of relaxing and finding inner peace. What many people don't realize is that there are various types of yoga that allow you to work on your mental, physical, and emotional health through different exercises. It's not solely a method of meditation or working your muscles, but also a way to fully embrace your health and healing.

When it comes to natural medicine, Ayurveda is an ancient practice that has shown results over thousands of years. The primary goal of Ayurveda is to improve health through holistic approaches to healing. By taking an Ayurvedic training, it is possible to gain personalized benefits for your health. The first step of any training is to learn the basics. 

The following is a special chai recipe offered by our Ayurvedic Yoga Health Program Instructor, Ann Wagoner. This balancing (Satvic) tea is wonderful in fall. Add spices for your constitution (Dosha). 

Ayurveda is an ancient system for improving health that comes from India, and it complements yoga perfectly. Both systems work to balance one’s mind, body and consciousness. They can work synergistically to improve and maintain your health. And health means so much more than an absence of disease.

Both yoga and Ayurveda have their roots in India, where they are commonly practiced as ways to improve the health of both the body and mind and prepare oneself for liberation. Though each of these sciences has been used for thousands of years, they have become more popular in Western cultures over the past few decades. By 2020, it is estimated that the Yoga industry in the US will reach $11.6 billion and the global Ayurveda market is not far behind. From a variety of yoga studios to herbs, spices and essential oils, the value of these practices is blossoming across the United States.

Ann Wagoner is a yoga therapist, has taught yoga for over 25 years and is a certified practitioner of Ayurveda. She researched protocols and herbs for the prevention of cancer recurrence and is a NAMA presenter. She is also a student of Rama Jyoti Vernon and publishes yoga books. We recently asked her about her experience with Ayurveda, and what inspires her about teaching and the subject matter.