200-Hour Foundations of Ayurveda

Overview

Kripalu’s 200-Hour Foundations of Ayurveda can be taken as a standalone program or applied toward Kripalu’s 300-hour Ayurvedic Yoga Teacher Training and/or our 650-Hour Ayurvedic Health Counselor track (made up of the 200-Hour Foundations of Ayurveda program and the 450-Hour Clinical Training in Ayurveda). 
 

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is gaining increasing recognition in today’s world, with everyone from Western medical doctors to popular celebrities exploring its powerful healing qualities. The Sanskrit word “Ayurveda” is often translated to mean “knowledge of life” as the practice of this millennia-old modality encourages lifestyle shifts that align you with the innate rhythms of nature, and that provide your body, mind, and spirit with the self and community care needed to thrive.  

Why Study with Us?

The Kripalu School of Ayurveda has been offering education in this sister science of Yoga for 20 years. In our thoughtfully designed 200-Hour Foundations of Ayurveda course, you will experience a dynamic, comprehensive exploration of the philosophy, theory, and practices of Ayurveda. This robust program is deeply beneficial whether you are interested in studying Ayurveda for personal enrichment or seeking a solid base from which to eventually further your studies through professional certification.  

In this way, Foundations of Ayurveda can be taken as a standalone program or applied toward Kripalu’s 300-hour Ayurvedic Yoga Teacher Training and/or our 650-Hour Ayurvedic Health Counselor track (made up of the 200-Hour Foundations of Ayurveda program and the 450-Hour Clinical Training in Ayurveda).  

In Foundations of Ayurveda, you will come together with a community of fellow students, building lasting relationships with one another while gaining a strong fundamental knowledge of Ayurveda’s extraordinary system of health and well-being.  

What will you learn? 
Highlights of this training include 

  • In-depth theory of the doshas—three energies that make up our physical and psychological constitutions  
  • Dinacharya—daily routines for greater health and happiness, such as care of the sense organs, sleep habits, and mindfulness practices—considering each as they relate to the body’s circadian rhythms  
  • A hands-on approach to Ayurvedic cooking, digestion, nutrition, and seasonal eating  
  • Introductory Sanskrit  
  • Ayurveda-informed yoga, meditation, and pranayama, and how these practices complement an Ayurvedic lifestyle  
  • Ayurvedic psychology—exploring the power of the mind in creating balance and health.  

Curriculum

Make Ayurveda an exciting exploration that results in you feeling more connected to yourself, others, and seasonal rhythms, while giving you the confidence to integrate this ancient wisdom into your daily life.

The integrated curriculum of Foundations of Ayurveda is derived from the ancient texts of classical Ayurveda, presented in a modern manner accessible and relevant to contemporary students. Our faculty teaches from years of practice and experience—they are dedicated to inspiring students to access the truth of themselves, even in this fast-paced world. By connecting back to the elements, nature, and Ayurvedic science and philosophy, you will have the opportunity to make a significant change in your life while gaining some of the essential tools, knowledge, and framework to positively influence those around you.  

For those interested in Foundations of Ayurveda as the first portion of the two-part 650-Hour Ayurvedic Health Counselor Certification, this experiential curriculum will ground you in a personal practice while providing you with the fundamental building blocks to succeed in the certification’s second part—450-Hour Clinical Training in Ayurveda. 

Foundations of Ayurveda content include: 

Discovering the Building Blocks of the Doshas and Tissues 
Dive into the three doshas, 15 subdoshas, and seven tissues as you learn the functional integrity of their interplay in maintaining physical health. 

Food as Medicine 
Discover how seasonal eating is the cornerstone of health. This course offers interactive cooking classes, and explores the six tastes in Ayurveda, the stages of digestion, and how spices can support robust digestion. 

Self-Care and Daily Lifestyle Practices 
Each time of the day and season calls for specific practices and self-care routines that support optimal health. Discover nourishing ways to cleanse the sense organs, support restful sleep, and reduce stress for improved health and resilience. 

The Roots of Ayurveda 
Ayurveda is rooted in Vedic philosophy, which originated in India thousands of years ago. Discover how these ancient teachings can guide our lives today and help us connect to our true nature. 

Ayurveda and the Mind 
According to Ayurveda, when we are born, we possess the natural expressions of innocence, curiosity, and connection. When we cultivate these three main qualities of the mind, we can achieve clarity. This course not only investigates Ayurvedic psychology, but also examines the importance of practices such as meditation, pranayama, and mantra in helping us recognize the habits of our minds.

Sanskrit 
Sanskrit has been said to be “yoga for the mouth and the brain.” According to Ayurveda, Sanskrit improves memory and exercises neural pathways. As Sanskrit is the original language of the practices you will be exploring, familiarity with it is necessary for the true integration of Ayurvedic knowledge. In this course, you learn basic Sanskrit, including the alphabet and pronunciation. 

Ayurveda-Inspired Yoga Practice 
Ayurveda and yoga are often called sister sciences, and they have been designed to be practiced together. Yoga and Ayurveda seek to balance the flow of vital force, prana, in our bodies. The proper flow of praṇa is essential for sukha, which literally means “good space” but is more commonly described as a state of good health and happiness. Living a wholesome lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, and practicing asana, pranayama, and meditation are the principal means of establishing sukha. Integrating Ayurveda into your yoga practice can help you learn to skillfully adjust your daily sadhana to be a balancing agent for your constitution.  (If you are a yoga teacher looking to integrate Ayurveda further into your teaching as well as your personal practice, check out Kripalu’s Yoga Alliance recognized 300-Hour Ayurvedic Yoga Teacher Training, for which Foundations of Ayurveda is a required component.

Foundations of Ayurveda content include: 

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 
  • Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 1: Fundamental Principles, Dr. Vasant Lad 
  • Ayurveda and the Mind, Dr. David Frawley 

Dates and Costs

Daily Schedule

When you train with the Kripalu Schools, you benefit from a unique immersion experience, both online and in our beautiful retreat center setting in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts. Throughout the training, you will develop tools to cultivate health, create community, and encourage a quest for knowledge. When staying on campus, we offer various accommodation options to support your experience and budget needs, ranging from dormitories to private rooms.

Student and Faculty Testimonials

Coming soon

Frequently Asked Questions

ONLINE TRAININGS

Is the curriculum different for the online versus the campus training? There is no difference in the curriculum. However, additional one-on-one mentoring with Kripalu Faculty is made available to our AHC students taking the training online.

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 almost completely live, and students are expected to be present and participate during Zoom video calls. Recordings of classes 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 sessions. 

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 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 welcome letter, 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 some evenings free. 

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. Click here to learn more about current scholarship availability and eligibility.

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 fills 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 between each of the modules. 

What kind of academic support will I receive from the KSA?
Every KSA program 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.

Is this training in panchakarma and Ayurvedic massage? 
No. Panchakarma is a series of detoxifying cleansing practices that restore proper functioning to the body. Because these practices have become widely known in this country as Ayurvedic spa services, many people might associate them with training as an Ayurvedic Health Counselor. 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? 
As Foundations of Ayurveda is an immersion program, not a certification program, there is a program closing event, but there is no formal Foundation of Ayurveda graduation. There will be a formal graduation ceremony for graduates at the completion of the Ayurvedic Health Counselor program.  Students who are enrolled in the 300-Hour Ayurvedic Yoga Teacher Training will have a formal graduation at the completion of their final required module. Currently, due to Covid-19 protocols, family and friends are not able to attend KSA graduation ceremonies. 

Apply

Admissions to the programs are determined on a rolling basis. Given high program demand, a maximum number of students per training, and limited housing availability, we strongly recommend that prospective students submit applications as soon as possible (two to four months prior to program start). Historically, training have filled about one month in advance. We rely on the information provided in the application to make informed decisions about your capacity to fully participate in and benefit from all aspects of the program. Please answer the questions honestly and completely. Providing inaccurate or incomplete information may result in a declined admissions decision or removal from the program without refund. The Kripalu Schools do not discriminate in admissions, administration, or educational policies with regard to race, ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, creed, or religion. 

  • Review information on program dates, costs, faculty, curricula, certification criteria, and general information about Kripalu on our website. 
  • Complete the appropriate application for the program for which you are applying, including the short-answer questions.  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Kripalu reserves the right to require a phone interview or request that you supplement your application, if needed, in order to arrive at an informed admissions decision. 
  • You will be notified of your admissions decision via email within two to four weeks of receipt of your application. If you do not have an email address, we will send your admissions decision by regular mail and also call you to inform you of your status. 
  • Programs can reach maximum capacity. If you are accepted into a training and the course you are interested in is full, you may register for the waitlist, which will remain open until the program’s start. To sign up for a Kripalu Schools training waitlist, contact kripaluschools@kripalu.org. 

Scholarships

Kripalu Schools are committed to supporting individuals interested in enhancing their life and the Kripalu School of Yoga application process 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.

Click here to learn more about current scholarship availability and eligibility. Please note that scholarships are limited and awarded on a rolling basis. Thus, those that apply early are given the best chance of securing any available financial support. 

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