Whole Systems of Medicine: Ayurveda

Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical systems in the world, originating at least five thousand years ago in what is now India. It is a comprehensive system of medicine that emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind and spirit and strives to maintain the innate harmony of the individual.

Ayurveda is considered a "whole medical system" in that it involves a complete system of theory and practice that has evolved independently from or parallel to allopathic (conventional) medicine. Many therapies utilized in Ayurveda are also used individually and are gaining popularity in the United States. Examples include yoga, meditation, massage and some Ayurvedic herbal medicines.

Within the Ayurveda modules, subjects covered will include the following:

  • Introduction
    • Introduction
    • History & Philosophy
  • Foundational Concepts
    • How Ayurveda is Practiced and Applied
    • Doshas & Constitutions
    • Diagnosis and Imbalances
  • Assessment and Pathology
    • Ayurvedic Pathology
  • Treatment Approaches
    • Lifestyle
    • Food As Medicine
    • Ayurvedic Pharmacology
    • Panchakarma
  • Evaluation
    • Ayurveda Medicine Evaluation
    • Ayurveda Course Exam

Course Objectives

  • Describe the historical, philosophical, and theoretical basis of traditional Ayurvedic medicine and its current status in India and the US
  • Describe Ayurvedic approaches to patient assessment and diagnosis
  • Describe Ayurvedic treatment philosophy
  • Describe different treatment approaches in traditional Ayurvedic medicine
  • Identify efficacy, effectiveness, and safety for traditional Ayurvedic medicine
  • Identify qualities and educational background of qualified Ayurvedic practitioners

Faculty Contributors

Lead Contributor: Amita Nathwani, MA (Ayur)
Contributor: Vasant Lad, MA Sc, BAMS
Medical Reviewer: Vivian Kominos, MD, FACC, ABOIM

Enrollment

If you register for the course and pay with a credit card you will have immediate access to the course. Once your registration is complete, logout and log back in and your course will be listed on the campus page. If you cannot remember your account information, click the Forgot Password link on the login page and it will be emailed to you.

You will have 30 days from your initial registration to complete the course.

We estimate the course should take 9 hours to complete.

Credit

Credit is not available for this course.