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.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is based on the same philosophy as yoga (Sankhya). In Sanskrit, Ayur means life and Veda means knowledge. This "science of life" allows us to look into the deeper realms of the self. As the root of ancient Chinese medicine, it similarly involves balancing various elements (earth, water, fire, air, space) and aspects of being so that they work in harmony. The great wisdom of Ayurveda was given to sages (rishis) who climbed the Himalayas and wanted to bring health to people so they could practice yoga, meditate and find enlightenment.
What is Ayurvedic Yoga and How Can it Benefit You?
When put together, Ayurveda and Yoga complement each other to create a personalized yoga that’s best for you in the season and location in which you are living. Dr. Vasant Lad says they Ayurveda and Yoga are like chocolate and strawberries - they go so well together! Some say that Ayurveda provides the diagnosis, and yoga the cure. Ayurveda offers information on how to balance one’s constitution (Dosha) in terms of food, cooking methods, lifestyle adjustments, and when to eat--not just what to eat. The eight limbs of Yogaas described in the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali, offer a gateway to enlightenment and so much more than mere exercises. We can find inspiration for life, become “in-spired” with each inhale discover in each posture (Asana) the unfoldment of the entire universe. methods. Ayurvedic yoga bring the two systems back together as they were 5,000 years ago.
How Should You Add Ayurveda to Your Practice?
Since everyone is different, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, you should first gain an understanding of the theory and practical applications of both Yoga and Ayurveda. Then, you can create a personalized system that includes these transformative practices. You can also use this knowledge to help others do the same. Small changes to diet, lifestyle, exercise timing, breathing, meditation and leisure can bring about profound benefits in wellbeing.
What is Involved in PCC's Ayurvedic Health Program?
The one-year program is divided into four distinct terms. In each module, the Ayurveda and Yoga appropriate for that season are discussed in detail. For example, in the winter term (Vata season) the focus is on strengthening and nourishing the mind, body, and spirit. There are not only lectures on foods for the season, but cooking demonstrations, restorative yoga, aromatherapy for various Marma points and more. In the spring, you'll learn about cleansing (Panchakarma) and health management of spring (Kapha) systems, and specific spices and lifestyle routines (likeneti, nasya) that are most beneficial at this time of year.
Summer brings a focus on finding "bliss from the inside out" and information on balancing heat (Pitta) constitution. From Ayurvedic foods and spices specific for balancing in the summer will be discussed. Fall will teach you Ayurvedic body systems, the five Ayurvedic elements and three bio-energies, and more underlying Ayurvedic principles of Vata (wind and cold) Dosha and Philosophy.
This is just an overview of what the Ayurvedic Yoga Health Program teaches. Visit the program page to get more details of what is covered.
What Does Taking this Program Entail?
There are four modules, and the entire program takes one year to complete Upon the completion of the program, students will be certified from The Center for Ayurveda and Yoga Study as a 200-hour Yoga Teacher if all hours and practicums are completed. They will enable students to register with Yoga Alliance as a RYT-200. Each module costs $699. This does not include books, food costs, or at home practicum material. Since this program does not offer college credits, it is ineligible for financial aid or scholarships.
To learn the foundations of Ayurvedic Yoga and use them to improve your practice and help others, sign up for the program at PCC. Soon, you'll learn what you need to know in order to have a thriving and holistic yoga practice.