Essential Ayurveda for Yoga Practitioners

Ayurveda and Yoga are sister sciences. Each modality employs different, but completely complementary healing and health interventions designed to bring about a state of optimal balance and wellness.

While the combination of Yoga and Ayurvedic practices are incredibly beneficial, merging the two practices can sometimes be overwhelming and other times confusing. This course is the perfect meeting point between the two sciences. Participants will learn to use Yogic techniques of asana, pranayama and mudra through the healing lens of Ayurvedic understanding; doshas, guna, prana, agni and marma.

Yoga practitioners will learn to apply the deep and powerful healing wisdom of Ayurveda to their scope of practice; broadening their skill set with competence and confidence. This course offers helpful self care practices as well as a greater understanding of the power of Yoga to serve therapeutic intentions.

How much Ayurveda does a Yoga practitioner need to know? Conversely, how much Yoga does an Ayurveda counselor/practitioner need to know? Consider this…from which eye do you prefer to see? I’m guessing your answer is “both!” I agree. Each eye offers a slightly different perspective. It’s the same with Ayurveda and Yoga. Each has its sweet spot, where it seems to offer the perfect solution, but like closing one eye, you might be surprised at how well the other modality addresses a challenge while providing its own twist (and unexpected benefits). In fact, Yoga and Ayurveda are like different sides of the same coin. It’s easy for modern Yoga practitioners and Yoga therapists to default to asana, or in the case of Ayurveda counselors, to get stuck on dosha, herbs and panchakarma.

But we need to move on. There is such an empowerment in knowing both of them in the light of each other. What if you could see all Yoga practices in the light of dosha, prana, agni and diet?
What if you could use the concepts of marma, Samkhya Dharshan and gunas to live and practice your Yoga?

It is possible and that is what the heart of this training is. To make you live your Yoga and Ayurveda, to make it accessible, understandable and applicable, be it for yourself, maintaining your health and wellbeing, in Yoga therapy or the classes and workshops you lead. Ayurveda is the thesis on Yoga, and Yoga is the practicum on Ayurveda.

In 20 years of my work as a Yoga Educator, sincere seeker, Yoga and Ayurveda therapist, I have seen this seemingly clear gap between Yoga and Ayurveda that needs to be bridged. It will make practitioners of either philosophy thrive, feel empowered and understand themselves in the light of fullness. If you have ever felt a sense of incompleteness in your Yoga practice, or perhaps have a lingering query on what should I practice and how do I modify it as per seasons, time of the day or situation, this training is for you.

The 50-hour Essential Ayurveda Training is designed to build upon your current knowledge and understanding of Yoga, Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda. Join me and learn about applied ayurvedic studies. You will not only learn but fall in love, like I did when I first learnt it from my teacher.

Learn to learn how to live Ayurveda by making it accessible in day-to-day life. Let knowledge transform you from who you are to who you can be. Walk the path that Rishis have walked. Live the life that Yogis have lived. Experience what they have seen. Be an inspiration to those around you by being YOU.

Day 1: Ayurveda, Dosha and Self-Care Rituals

Tri Dosha Theory, Five Element, Ayurvedic Daily Rituals for Self-Care AM and PM

What is Ayurveda? How does the 5 elements come about? Learn the concept of Tridosha as it applies to your body. There are specific markers of dosha balance and imbalance at the physical, mental, emotional and pranic level. This day will focus on all of this and the concept of self-care in Ayurveda. We will explore a special 10 step Ayurvedic sacred ritual and routine to maintain health for the solar and lunar cycles. A must first step into Ayurveda as it applies to you and Yoga.

Day 2: Dwadasha (12) Prana and triangles of 5 Prana, 5 Pitta and 5 Kapha in Practice

The entire subject matter of Ayurveda can be understood if one understands the Tri-Dosha theory and how it is affected by and in turn affects the concept of 12 Pranas, 5 Pitta and 5 Kapha. We will do practices to understand the role of the above in asanas, pranayana, shat kriyas and Mudras. In order to go deeper in the realm of Prana we will talk about the relationship of five pranas in each breath, 5 asanas and how it relates to natural urges and cravings.

Day 3: Yoga for Seven Tissues, 40 Agni and 14 channels

The issues are in our tissues. We hold the experiences (good and bad, pleasant, unpleasant, desirable and undesirable) in our body as cellular memory. How we digest, suppress, process or repress these experiences affects our cellular intelligence, tissue health and digestive fire. This day is dedicated to bringing about a clear understanding of body from the lens of Ayurveda, understanding the 7 tissues which makes up the body as discussed in Ayurvedic texts, the practices to address imbalances related to the tissue, the 40 types of Agni and 14 channels. Learn how the practices of asana, pranayama, mudra, relaxation and mediation adds to ojas, tejas and soma.

Day 4: Samkhya Philosophy and its application through Yoga Practices

Samkhya Dharshan plays the foundational role in the application of Yoga and Ayurveda. It is the very philosophy upon which the two stands. Without the proper understanding, reverence and application of the philosophy, we can easily lose sight of the goal, end up diluting the subject matter or at the least misinterpreting it. In 20 years of Yoga, Ayurveda and Wisdom studies, Sankhya philosophy has kept me rooted, focused and sincere in my pursuit of the highest wisdom. I describe Sankhya in a simple phrase, “If you don’t mind, it does not matter”.

Day 5: Marma Points in Yoga

Application of Marma points in asana, pranayama, mudra, mantra, meditation and shavasana.

Marma points are the bridge between the subtle and the physical body. By studying Marma we realize the three divine wisdoms of Yoga, Ayurveda and Tantra within our body. The practice of asana, pranayama and relaxation becomes a thousand times more powerful when combined with the knowledge and awareness of main marmani (marma points) in the body.

WEBINAR FLOW AND TOPICS

Webinar 1: The 3 Principles of Living Ayurveda
Webinar 2: Concept of Sensory therapy through Yoga- Tanmatra Chikitsa
Webinar 3: Revision + q and a
Webinar 4: Case History: Intake process, Suggestion process and Q and A
Webinar 5: Ayurveda and Yoga for seasonal Change
Webinar 6: Ayurveda and Diet Principles

Webinar 7: Graduation and Summarization

Course Objectives:

• How to live Ayurveda in the light of Yoga and Yoga Therapy
• Tools to make Ayurveda Accessible
• To identify dosha balance and imbalance markers in self and others
• Understanding the concepts of dosha, gunas and agni in Yoga practice
• Learn the 10 crucial everyday practices of self-care
• How to eat according to dosha, season, time of the day and agni
• Deepen sleep and strengthen digestion through Yoga
• The importance of sensory organs, sensory input, its qualitative and quantitative imbalance in everyday life
• Learn how to improve the health and acuity of the 5 sensory organs
• Understand the Sankhya philosophy of creation
• Understand the 3 pillars of health in Ayurveda
• Learn 15 Yoga Practices for self-empowerment, balance doshas and strengthen Ojas
• How to choose a practice that is right for your dosha, time of the day, season and goal
• How to modify the practice for self and others (in one of one setting or group) to support dosha and guna balance
• To empower the Yoga student, Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist with Ayurveda wisdom, to do/lead the practice with confidence, clarity and awareness.
• Walk away with tangible, doable, supportive Yoga practices of asana, pranayama, mantra, kriyas, asanas, relaxation, and meditation to balance doshas
• Understand the role that diet, practice and circadian rythms play in aggravating and supporting your dosha and guna

Takeaways:

• Vedic Meditation Practice to live in the present moment
• How to identify dosha and guna imbalance
• A practical approach to our own constitution
• Core principles of Ayurveda (20 qualities, 3 doshas, 5 elements and Three guna)
• 10 crucial practices of Self Care (Dinacharya and Ratricharya)
• 5 Prana Meditation
• Practices to strengthen ojas, tejas and prana
• How to balance Agni through asana, pranayama and diet
• Main Asanas for maintaining metabolism
• Yoga practice for 7 tissues
• Yoga practice based on time of the day
• Polarity Practice of Prana and Apana
• Mudras for balancing 5 elements and 5 pranas
• Body as Yantra meditation
• Yoga for 5 senses
• Guided Relaxation for 7 tissues
• Nishreni Pranayama for balancing 7 tissue agni
• Deepen sleep through 31-point shavasana
• 18 Point Marma Meditation
• Surya Namaskara Practice with Marma Points
• Principle of diet in Ayurveda and dosha balancing diet
• 24 Tattvas of Samkhya
• Importance of spices and diet in seasonal changes
• 15 Yoga Practices Sessions (3 per day) based on Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy
• Discussion of Case History
• Worksheets to assimilate the theory
• Yoga Practice log chart

Schedule:

• August 5-7, AND August 27-28, 2022 3+2 days immersion: 6 hours per day (10am - 6pm CST)
• plus 7 webinars, 3hrs each on 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/19, 10/22 (1pm-4pm CST)

Tuition: $1295 Early Bird, $1395 after July 4th 2022

Audio & Video Recordings: Cost includes access to the video recordings of the training for two weeks (14) days once the training is complete. Audio recording can be purchased after the event.

1. Yoga Ancient Heritage Tomorrow’s Vision Book
1. SOMA 100 Heritage Recipes for Self-Care
2. Tongue Scraper bundle
3. Marma Stick
4. Mudra The Sacred Secret
5. Yogis Glow Herbal Powder
6. Copper Neti Pot
7. Dosha balancing bracelet/mala

POLICIES FOR ALL STUDENTS

• “No shows” will receive no credit and forfeit full payment
• Fees, once paid (in partial or full), can neither be refunded nor transferred
• No verbal commitments will hold your spot

Cancellation and refund policy: No refunds

1. Are there any prerequisites for this training?

A seeking heart is the only requirement. Come and fill your cup.

2. Who is this training for?

This course is for anyone seeking insight into Ayurveda, deepen Yoga Studies and have a better understanding of the role of Ayurveda in Yoga Therapy. It will benefit anyone from a yoga seeker, yoga teacher, yoga therapist, Ayurveda counselor, energy healer, or curious learner.

3. Is this course suitable for all levels of physical ability?

Yes, most of the practices are simple to do and do not require extreme physical flexibility, strength, or even a large amount of time. This course is designed for current times where time is of the essence and accessibility is a must. Apart from this, the participant will learn a variety of techniques and have access to diverse tools. This is to make sure that we start from where we are comfortable and ready. The trainer’s philosophy is “The participant is welcome at their own pace.”

4. Is it a specific style of Yoga that will be taught in the course?

Indu Arora, the trainer of the course, is equipped with the knowledge and practice of Kriya Yoga, Himalayan Yoga, Sivananda Yoga, Ayurveda, Tantra, Kashmir Shaivism, Bhakti Yoga, and Yoga Therapy. She combines the wisdom of all these streams in her trainings, workshops, and courses.

5. Will I be able to apply this information to my classes or sessions if I am a yoga teacher or yoga therapist?

Absolutely, you can. That is the goal—to learn, apply, and share in this order. It is crucial and suggested that we first apply the teachings to understand and support our own growth and emotions. This allows us to share with integrity, truthfulness, and from a place of realization.

6. How much time do we dedicate to practice versus theory in this course?

Each session will include 3 practice sessions, the morning session is typically 60 minutes, mid-day and afternoon sessions are about 30 minutes each. The remaining time is divided between theory and real-time Q and A.

7. Will this training accommodate different time zones?

We’ve selected times that will hopefully accommodate participants in various time zones, though it’s impossible to make the time ideal for everyone. If you are unable to attend the live sessions, you can watch each session’s recording.

8. Can I get contact continuing education hours if I’m a registered teacher with Yoga Alliance?

Yes! Currently, Yoga Alliance is accepting all continuing education completed online. This includes both contact and non-contact hours.

9. What tools will I need for attending this course?

Yoga mat, any props (as needed), journaling notebook, and mediation cushion. Check the required books and tools in the course description section.

10. Are any books suggested as a part of the course?

There are two books suggested as recommended reading/corequisites by Indu Arora. The titles are Yoga: Ancient Heritage, Tomorrow’s Vision and SOMA 100 Heritage Recipes for Self-Care. Both books are available for purchase at the author’s website (www.yogsadhna.com).

11. Will there be any handouts, reading material, resources included in the price of the course?

Participants will be provided with handouts/worksheets as a part of the course. Indu Arora will also guide the participant toward important resources for reading, watching, and listening.

12. Is there any test/assessment involved?

The worksheets are provided to the participants as a guideline. There is no formal submission of assignments for 300 Hour Soul of Yoga Students or those that take this course as a stand alone offering.