To truly understand Ayurveda, the course goes into the origins and history of the practice, along with introducing the sacred language of India, Sanskrit, and discussing the ‘backbone’ of Ayurveda, Samkhya.
The course also shows how the practice compares with Western medicine, to explain differences in approach and ethos. You will also discover the fundamental principles of Ayurveda and how these are used to translate the human condition, especially when it becomes imbalanced.
To appreciate the power of Ayurveda, it is vital to understand the way in which the practice perceives body energy, and the considerations it makes that nutrients and mental stimulations translate into your body's cellular makeup. You will learn about the Ayurveda Energy Systems, the 3 Vital Forces and the Nadis (Energy Channels), along with the 7 Dhatus, the Chakras, and the Pancha Koshas (invisible coverings). You will also discover the important topic of Ayurvedic Constitution Types (Doshas), which categorises each of us into one of 3 mind-body profiles - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. You will learn what this means and even discover the Dosha that most accurately represents you.
Ayurveda defines health as being ‘harmony’ and describes Agni as the key to good health. As well as explaining this, the course also outlines the 6 states of disease, as defined in Ayurvedic terms, and which diseases each Dosha is most prone to. You will also learn about the role of Ama in ill-health, the power of Inner Wisdom, and the importance of lifestyle to health.
From the Ayurveda Diploma Course, you will learn the specific ways in which the practice diagnoses and treats disease. Various methods of diagnosis are discussed, as are the Radial Pulse, The Meridians, and the 5 Basic Elements. The course explains Ayurveda’s use of 'Pancha Karma' in the treatment of disease - a fivefold detoxification treatment involving massage, herbal therapy, and other procedures. Additionally, you will learn of the role of 'Palliation' in neutralising remaining toxins and regaining health balance.
Ayurveda is a holistic practice, so is governed by the prevailing belief that the body is capable of healing itself. An important part of this concept is the purposeful consumption of nutrients and so, you will learn how the Ayurvedic diet is followed for optimal health. The course includes Food Guidelines for individual Doshas, and explains how flavours and emotions are linked, what constitutes poor food combinations, how to enhance digestion and the importance of fasting, along with explaining the Ayurvedic view on vitamin supplementation.
Another interesting way in which Ayurveda considers food is in the link between food and our senses – all of them. The course describes Rasa as a more sophisticated approach to the 6 ‘flavours’ and how each ‘flavour’ links to health. Also explained are the 6 stages of digestion, the food journey, tastes and their actions, and also what is meant by 'The Inconceivable Effect'.
In addition to providing a comprehensive understanding of the theories and practices involved in Ayurveda, the course also provides a practical framework of daily routines and rituals, and principles and mind-sets, which you can use each day to aid you in increasing your wellness through Ayurveda.
