650-Hour Ayurvedic Health Counselor Certification
As Ayurveda continues to gain increasing recognition as an ancient modality for health and well-being with modern appeal, people across the globe are looking to Ayurveda’s nature-based lifestyle approach to address health conditions and manage stress. For 20 years, the Kripalu School of Ayurveda (KSA) has been at the forefront of Ayurveda professional certification. As a certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor, you will learn what it takes to work with the rhythms and elements of nature and of the body, to help people find balance, restore health, discover vitality, and experience happiness. The Ayurvedic Health Counselor Certification is a clinical program designed to prepare you to work one-on-one with clients. You will become skilled in applying the theory and principles of Ayurveda to guide you and your clients to optimal health and whole-hearted living through Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle practices. Our teaching methodology provides a unique mix of didactic education and experiential sessions.
Information Sessions
Register for one of our free, online information sessions to learn more.
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You begin the 650-hour certification two-part track by taking the 200-hour Foundations of Ayurveda training. Upon successful completion, you will then apply for entrance into the 450-Hour Clinical Training in Ayurveda, where you will learn to build a clinical practice and pursue a meaningful career in Ayurveda by using diet and lifestyle practices to improve your clients' health and well-being. Upon graduation from the 450-Hour Clinical Training in Ayurveda program, you will be Kripalu-certified as a 650-hour Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) and eligible to sit for NAMA’s national AHC exam.
TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS
In addition to the complimentary manual students receive on the first day of training, the following texts are required for this training.
- The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook: A Seasonal Guide to Eating and Living Well, Kate O’Donnell
- The Everyday Ayurveda Guide to Self-Care, Kate O'Donnell
- Ayurveda and the Mind, Dr. David Frawley
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 1: Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 2: A Complete Guide to Clinical Assessment, Dr. Vasant Lad
- Astanga Hrdayam (3-volume set)
- Advanced Pulse Reading eCourse, Dr. John Douillard (Link will be sent for special student rate upon completion of Foundations of Ayurveda)
- Pranayama for Restoring Vitality Audio Course, Larissa Carlson (Discount code will be made available after the course starts)
AYURVEDIC PHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS, CHANNELS, AND TISSUES
Building upon the qualities, doshas, and subdoshas, this program helps the Ayurvedic Health Counselor deepen their exploration of Ayurvedic anatomy and physiology, with a focus on the tissues and the channels.
OPTIMIZING DIGESTIVE STRENGTH
Ayurveda teaches that health begins with a well-functioning digestive system. Optimizing digestive strength from an Ayurvedic perspective means exploring how to evaluate someone’s digestive capacity, the properties of food, how to create individualized food plans, how to encourage proper movement in the digestive tract, and how food transforms into sustainable energy for the body and mind.
THE DAILY ROUTINE AS A PREVENTIVE PRACTICE
From an Ayurvedic perspective, whole health is fostered by aligning with the natural circadian rhythms that follow the seasons, the time of day, and the time of life. We examine this through sense-care tools and building rhythms into everyday life so that routines support improved vitality.
HEALTH COACHING SKILLS
Students in the Ayurvedic Health Counselor program receive mentorship and supervised practicums in developing clinical skills and conducting Ayurvedic health consultations.
ETIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY: THE ROOT CAUSES OF DISEASE
Ayurveda is unique because it addresses the root causes of imbalance rather than just eliminating symptoms. Using the eightfold clinical evaluation and a clinical narrative to uncover the root of an imbalance allows the opportunity to help a client achieve vitality.
AYURVEDA AND THE INNER WORKINGS OF THE MIND
Explore the gunas of the mind and how to support emotional balance with nourishing daily routines, food, and nervous system care. Guidelines on when it is best to refer a client to a mental-health specialist are also addressed.
GUIDING THE CLIENT IN MEDITATION AND PRANAYAMA
In this course, you explore meditation and breathing practices to reduce stress and support the client in developing resiliency. Discover the science behind how breath affects the mind and the nervous system and learn accessible meditation practices to support inner exploration.
How To Apply
To apply to Foundations of Ayurveda, click here. Once you successfully complete this 200-Hour training, you will apply for the 450-Hour Clinical Training in Ayurveda program by contacting Kripalu Schools at kripaluschools@kripalu.org. With each program acceptance letter, you will be eligible to sign up for that specific training once it's open for registration.
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ONLINE TRAININGS
What will I need to take an online training?
Online classes are held via Zoom video calls, and students must have access to a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet to support active participation in an online classroom (e.g., computer, webcam, computer mic and speakers, and Zoom app). Word processing capabilities are also required.
How will the trainings be shared?
All sessions of the training will be held by Zoom video call. Links, passwords, and more information will be shared once you are registered in the training.
Are online programs live or delivered asynchronously by recording?
Online programs are taught live and students are expected to be present and participate during Zoom video calls. Recordings of classes for some trainings will also be saved in an online video library for students to review when studying.
HYBRID TRAININGS
How are hybrid trainings conducted?
Students enrolled in hybrid trainings complete a portion of the program online and a portion of the program on campus. Online classes are held via Zoom video calls, and students must have access to a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet to support active participation in an online classroom (e.g., computer, webcam, computer mic and speakers, and Zoom app). Word processing capabilities are also required. Please refer to the Online Trainings FAQ section for additional information regarding the virtual classroom, and the On Campus Trainings FAQ section for additional information regarding on campus.
ON CAMPUS TRAININGS
What should I do to prepare for my training?
Your days will be full when you arrive at Kripalu. Since you will be practicing yoga each morning, we recommend that you begin a gentle yoga practice if you are not doing so already. It is also suggested to begin to get into a rhythm similar to that of the daily schedule listed below in order to get acclimated to student life at Kripalu prior to your arrival, paying particular attention to waking, meals, and bedtimes.
6:30–7:30 am Sadhana (This is mainly yoga, pranayama, and meditation.)
7:30–8:30 am Silent Breakfast
8:30 am–12:00 pm Program Session
12:00–2:00 pm Lunch
2:00–6:00 pm Program Session
7:00–9:00 pm Occasional Program Session
Be sure to look for a letter in your email inbox six weeks prior to the start of the program with a list of required readings and written homework assignments.
Will I have an opportunity to participate in yoga classes and other activities during the training?
The training schedule is very full; however, there is some time to participate in the midday Kripalu R&R and evening programs. You will generally have a break every day from 12:00–2:00 pm. In addition, you will have most evenings free.
What are my housing options?
Kripalu offers accommodations ranging from dormitories with a shared hall bath to private rooms with a private bath. Prices vary depending upon the accommodations selected. Find out more information about accommodations here, or call 413.448.3152. Early registration is recommended, as some housing types fill up quickly.
GENERAL INQUIRIES
Are the Kripalu School of Ayurveda (KSA) trainings academically rigorous?
Yes. Ayurveda is an ancient system of healing and preventive health that requires a good deal of study and commitment in order to become competent in the science and art of the practice. Sessions are taught by distinguished faculty, and there are also required reading and homework assignments.
What kind of academic support will I receive from the KSA?
Foundations of Yoga has supervised study and review sessions led by a KSA faculty member to help you integrate course content. KSA staff is available for support and provides feedback and mentoring for each homework assignment. KSA staff is also available to meet for virtual office hours. Kripalu School of Yoga staff are available during the 300-hour modules for questions.
Does this training offer certification in panchakarma?
No. Panchakarma is a series of detoxifying, cleansing Ayurvedic massage practices that restore proper functioning to the body. In most states, in order to offer Ayurvedic body treatments, you must be a licensed massage therapist.
Will there be a graduation that my family and friends can attend?
There will be a graduation ceremony for graduates at the completion of the 650-Hour Ayurveda Health Counselor certification track.
Is financial assistance available?
Kripalu Schools are committed to supporting individuals interested in enhancing their life and realizing their full potential through yoga, yoga therapy, Ayurveda, and mindful outdoor leadership regardless of background or financial status. Scholarships are made possible by the generous support of Kripalu’s patrons and donors, and financial assistance is offered when funding is available. Currently, there are scholarships available for the Foundations of Ayurveda component of this certification track.