Ayurveda Short Courses
Ayurveda Short Courses
- Overview
- Understanding Ayurveda for Beginners
- Ashtanga Hridayam
- Caraka Saṃhitā
- Intro to Sanskrit
- Yoga and Meditation
Overview
Overview
Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest holistic medical systems, rooted in knowledge that is thousands of years old. Ayurveda is a form of Traditional Medicine that developed in India and is now practiced around the world. The word “Ayurveda” means “science of life” in Sanskrit. Ayurveda provides guidelines to enrich the body, mind and soul with greater vibrancy and well-being.
SCU’s Ayurveda Department offers short courses for both novice and more experienced Ayurveda students and practitioners. Our short courses can help you know yourself and your health better. Short courses at SCU are 100% online, which make them convenient for students who are not located near campus. Each short course runs for 15 weeks.
The following short courses are offered at SCU:
- Understanding Ayurveda for Beginners
- Ashtanga Hridayam
- Caraka Samhita
- Intro to Sanskrit
- Yoga and Meditation for Healthy Living
Understanding Ayurveda for Beginners offers introductory insights into the principles of Ayurveda. Yoga and Meditation for Healthy Living teaches basic insights into the principles of yoga. Both short courses highlight practical skills to help you face daily challenges with grace and make better dietary and lifestyle choices. You will learn how to live a more balanced, peaceful, and joyful life.
Short courses like Ashtanga Hridayam and Caraka Samhita are based on classical Ayurvedic literature and are intended for existing Ayurveda students, with the goal of deepening their understanding of the advanced concepts in Ayurveda. A few of these courses are also open to the students without prior knowledge in Ayurvedic medicine.
Intro to Sanskrit is a course for both beginners and advanced students of Ayurveda. This course is of great value to students because it allows them to appreciate the depth of meaning of Sanskrit words, making it easier to navigate the Ayurveda Wellness Educator and Ayurveda Practitioner Programs material, as well as promote independent studies of classical Ayurvedic texts.
Understanding Ayurveda for Beginners
Understanding Ayurveda for Beginners
This course is designed to systematically impart a basic understanding of Ayurvedic fundamental principles. Students will be able to explore and understand the basic principles of Ayurveda necessary for other Ayurvedic courses. This course also provides a foundation in the philosophy of Ayurvedic medicine.
Course Overview
Ayurveda represents a holistic and simple healing approach. Discover the deeper core of a problem and the primary causes of an ailment, whether it stems from your diet, lifestyle, negative thinking, or emotional and energetic imbalances.
At the end of this course students will:
- Define the etymology, origin, and philosophical foundations of Ayurveda.
- Categorize panchamahabhoothas.
- Recognize the concept of the sense organs and mind in Ayurveda.
- Identify the twenty tatvas.
- Identify tridosha and their locations, subdivisions, and prime functions.
- Determine the Ayurvedic constitution and imbalance in doshas.
- Identify dhatus and malas along with their normal functions.
- Recognize the concept of agni and aama and three pillars of life.
- Define ojus and its functions.
- Identify srotas, their functions and causes, and symptoms of their imbalance.
Course Schedule
Self-paced online (asynchronous) classes let you study at your own pace while you meet due dates. You can meet with instructors three times during the first, seventh, and fifteenth week of the course via Zoom. This meeting is not mandatory to attend.
Faculty
Dr. Anupama Kizhakkeveettil (Anu) is an ayurvedic practitioner, licensed acupuncturist, professor, researcher, and program director of Ayurvedic Medicine at Southern California University of Health Sciences. In addition to her academic and clinical degrees, she is Fellow in Integrative Medicine with the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine. She also completed yoga teacher training at the Bihar School of Yoga.
Her contributions to the field of complementary and alternative medicine include extensive travel to propagate Ayurveda worldwide, numerous research presentations at national and international conferences, and published dozens of research papers in peer-reviewed journals.
She currently serves on the Research Working Group of the Academic Collaborative for Integrative Health, and she recently completed an NIH-funded research study. Many of her research papers have earned special recognition at the conferences where they were presented, and Anu has received a number of awards for her work on Ayurveda and complementary and alternative medicine. In 2020, she received the Sheikh Zayed International Award for Ayurveda. She was also invited to attend the World Health Organization’s international expert consulting meeting in 2019 and 2020.
As an advocate for the Ayurvedic profession and the advancement of its goals, she serves on the boards of directors of the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine, the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, and the National Ayurvedic Accreditation Council.
She has also completed six years of service as a member of the Action Board of the American Public Health Association, helping to coordinate grassroots and grasstops advocacy. She is the co-founder of Athreya Ayurvedic Integrative Health Center and Athreya Herbs.
Admissions Requirements
PREREQUISITE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
None. This course is open to all students who want to learn about Ayurveda. Acceptance to SCU as a student is not required to attend this course.
Refund Policy: No refunds are available for this course.
Certificate
Students who complete all the assessments and get a 60% passing grade will be eligible to receive a certificate of completion. Completing this course also gives you the option to continue your education by applying your earned credits toward the SCU Ayurvedic Wellness Educator program.
No reimbursement will be given once you are registered for the course.
Earn transfer credits toward the Ayurvedic Wellness Educator program
Completion of this course also provides students with the option to continue your education by applying earned credits toward the SCU Ayurvedic Wellness Educator program.
Students who complete all the assessments and get a 60% passing grade will be eligible to receive three transfer credits for this course.
Students are required to complete a bridge program (which will be determined by the program administration), start within five years of completing the certificate, and provide proof of completion.
Ashtanga Hridayam
Ashtanga Hridayam
Ashtanga Hridayam is one of the three major literary works of Ayurveda. This text was composed by the eminent scholar Vagbhatta. It contains 7,120 verses written in a poetic style for an easy recital.
Written in the second half of the seventh century AD, Ashtanga Hridayam is considered to be the heart (hridaya) of the eight branches (ashtanga) of Ayurveda. It presents an account of Ayurvedic knowledge in a simple and understandable way. The concise textbook continues to serve as a root source for Ayurvedic philosophy and teachings. It focuses on the development of clinical practice skills in the field of Ayurveda. It has six sections and 120 chapters.
The first section, called Sūtrasthāna, is the foundation for clinical training in Ayurveda. This section is organized like the skeleton of a prescription, with all the basic elements of an Ayurvedic prescription elaborated sequentially in clusters of chapters.
Ashtanga Hridayam V Course Overview
Ashtanga Hridayam Part V of the course will include Sutrasthana Chapters 13-15. These chapters deal with the fundamental concepts of treatment and the logic of formulations in Ayurveda. A deep knowledge of these topics are essential for developing skills in diagnosis as well as treatment.
- Chapter 13 called Doṣopakramaṇīyaṃ deals with principles of formulating treatments to stabilize the doṣhas.
- Chapter 14 called Dvividhopakramaṇīyaṃ deals with principles of treatment that balances the metabolism of the body.
- Chapter 15 called Śodhanādigaṇasaṅgrahaṃ lists the various formulations used for śodhana and management of diseases to correct imbalance of the doṣhas.
SCU’s Ayurveda program is offering this course in collaboration with Amrita School of Ayurveda at the Amrita Viswa Vidyapeetham, an Indian university. The course will be taught by Vaidya P. Rammanohar. This 100% online course is taught on Monday evenings from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Pacific Standard Time.
At the end of this Ashtanga Hridayam IV class, students will:
- Learn essential Sanskrit terminologies of Ayurveda and will be able to use them without translations.
- Learn how to formulate treatments targeting specific dosha imbalances.
- Learn how to formulate treatments targeting dual and triple combination of doṣhas.
- Learn how to distinguish the Āma and Nirāma stages of disease.
- Learn about the timings for administration of medicines.
- Learn about Bṛmhaṇa and Laṅghana methods of treatment as well as their classification.
- Learn about six fold treatment.
- Learn about the classification of Śamana and Śodhana methods of treatment.
- Learn about the formulations for management of Obesity and Emaciation.
- Learn about formulations for cleansing procedures.
- Learn about formulations for managing diseases on the basis of doṣha imbalance.
No reimbursement will be given once you are registered for the course.
Course Schedule
This course is delivered 100% online with set attendance times every Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. – 8: 00 p.m. PST. The course runs for 15 weeks.
Start date: May 6th 2024 : 6 pm – 8 pm for 15 weeks
Course Cost
Course fee: $300
Early registration fee (before April 30th): $250
Faculty
SCU’s Ayurveda program is offering this course in collaboration with Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amrita Viswa Vidyapeetham (University). The course will be taught by Vaidya P. Rammanohar from Amrita University.
Vaidya Ram Manohar
Vaidya P. Rammanohar, received BAMS and MD (Ay) degrees from Bharathiyar University, Coimbatore and Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru respectively. He has been contributing in the field of Ayurvedic research for the past 30 years.
He currently serves as Director of Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveda and Research Head of Amrita School of Ayurveda managed by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, the number one private University in India. He served as faculty in several institutions such as University of Essen, Germany, Southern California University of Health Sciences, USA, European Academy of Ayurveda, Germany, and Ayurvedic Point, Italy. He is an approved guide for the PhD program in Ayurveda at Amrita University.
He is Research Advisor (History of Science) for Indian National Science Academy (INSA), Government of India. He is Member of the Scientific Committee of National Institute of Ayurveda. He is a member of the WHO Expert Group for development of International Standard Terminologies for Ayurveda. He is in the Task Force for Interdisciplinary Research in AYUSH for COVID-19, Ministry of AYUSH as well as the Kerala State Task Force for Ayurveda Interventions in COVID-19.
He served as member of Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM), Government of India and also in Scientific Committee of Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Government of India. He is member of Advisory Board of Central Sanskrit University and Member of working group to formulate Educational Policy for Integrative Medicine, Niti Ayog, Government of India.
He has over 60 publications, including research papers published in peer reviewed indexed research journals as well as contributions in chapters for books.
Admissions Requirements
PREREQUISITE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
None. This course is open to all students who want to learn Ayurveda, Ayurveda professionals, or other health care practitioners who would like to have a more in-depth understanding of Ayurveda classical literature. Completion of Part I, II, III, or IV is not necessary to understand and enjoy Part V.
Acceptance to SCU as a student is not required to attend this course and students do not earn university credit or a grade.
Refund Policy: No refunds are available for this course.
Course Closed
Caraka Saṃhitā
Caraka Saṃhitā
The Caraka Saṃhitā is one of the oldest textbooks of Ayurveda. It is an ideal text book for those who want to explore deeper into the theoretical foundations and philosophy of Ayurveda. It has been preserved for over a period of more than 1500 years. This text was also edited, reconstructed, and expanded in the process. The source of this text is the Agniveśatantra, which is based on the teachings of Ātreya, the founder of the school of medicine in Ayurveda.
Around the second century BCE, Caraka is said to have extensively edited the work of Agniveśa. He made substantial revisions to the original text, so it came to be known as the Caraka Saṃhitā. In the fourth century CE, another scholar by the name of Dṛḍhabala restored missing sections of the text.
The Caraka Saṃhitā is important for its comprehensive coverage of the principles (tatva), theory (sastra) and practice (vyavahara) of Āyurveda. It also covers the entire scope of Ayurveda in terms of medical treatment as well as spiritual wellbeing. It encourages naiṣṭhikĪcikitsā, or self transformation, as the ultimate solution for all pain and disease.
The Sūtrasthāna is the first section of the Caraka Saṃhitā with 30 chapters arranged into seven quartets of four chapters each. Out of the last two chapters, one chapter is a summary of the section and the last one a summary of the entire text itself. The general topics covered in the Sutrasthana are treatment, preservation of health, guidelines for healthcare management, cleansing procedures, classification of diseases, guidelines for management of diseases, food and beverages, and the vital organs supporting life.
The Caraka Saṃhitā is excellent reading material for those who are interested in advanced learning of Ayurveda and the study of Sūtrasthāna is a good preparation to lay the foundation for a learning expedition in the world of Ayurveda.
Caraka Saṃhitā Part III Course Overview
Caraka Saṃhitā Part III covers four chapters from the second quartet. This is Nirdesha Chatushka, the quartet on instructions to health care workers.
The first chapter, Khuddakachatushpada, centers on the four aspects of therapeutics. These include vaidya (physician), dravya (medicine), upasthata (caretaker) and rogi (patient).
The next chapter, Mahachatushpada, explains the classification of diseases on the basis of prognosis. It is recommended in this chapter that the treatment should only be initiated after thorough diagnosis and identification of the disease, and the physician should refrain from treating the incurable diseases.
The third chapter, Tisraishaniya, covers topics such as the three types of desires, the causes of diseases, their types, pathways, and therapies. The last chapter, Vatakalakaliya, discusses the qualities and functions of vata, pitta, and kapha.
At the end of this Caraka Saṃhitā III class, students will:
- Learn essential Sanskrit terminologies of Ayurveda explained in the Caraka Saṃhitā related to four limbs of treatment and three pursuits of life.
- Understand the in-depth meaning of the classical teachings explained in the Caraka Saṃhitā related to the three pursuits of life and how to validate knowledge using the instruments of knowing.
- Understand the concept of Catuṣpāda.
- Understand the protocol for delivering scientific treatment on the basis of proper diagnosis.
- Understanding how to assess prognosis of diseases.
- Understand the relationship between the tridoṣas and the forces in nature and how the tridoṣas help in maintaining health.
Course Schedule
This course is delivered 100% online with set attendance times every Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. PST. The course runs for 15 weeks.
Faculty
SCU’s Ayurveda program is offering this course in collaboration with Amrita School of Ayurveda, Amrita Viswa Vidyapeetham (University). The course will be taught by Vaidya P. Rammanohar from Amrita University.
Vaidya Ram Manohar
Dr. P. Rammanohar received BAMS and MD (Ay) degrees from Bharathiyar University, Coimbatore and Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru. He has been contributing in the field of Ayurvedic research for the last 30 years. He is presently serving as Director of Amrita Centre for Advanced Research in Ayurveda and Research Head of Amrita School of Ayurveda managed by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, the number one private University in India. He served as faculty in institutions such as the University of Essen, Germany, Southern California University of Health Sciences, USA, European Academy of Ayurveda, Germany, and Ayurvedic Point, Italy. He is an approved guide for the PhD program in Ayurveda at Amrita University.He is Research Advisor (History of Science) for Indian National Science Academy (INSA), Government of India. He is Member of the Scientific Committee of National Institute of Ayurveda. He is member of the WHO Expert Group for development of International Standard Terminologies for Ayurveda. He is in the Task Force for Interdisciplinary Research in AYUSH for COVID-19, Ministry of AYUSH as well as the Kerala State Task Force for Ayurveda Interventions in COVID-19. He served as member of Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM), Government of India and also in Scientific Committee of Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Government of India. He is member of Advisory Board of Central Sanskrit University and Member of working group to formulate Educational Policy for Integrative Medicine, Niti Ayog, Government of India.He has to his credit more than 60 publications, including research papers published in peer reviewed indexed research journals as well as contributions in chapters for books.
Admissions Requirements
PREREQUISITE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
None. This course is open to all students who want to learn Ayurveda, Ayurveda professionals, or other health care practitioners who would like to have a more in-depth understanding of the preventive aspect of Ayurveda.
Acceptance to SCU as a student is not required to attend this course and students do not earn university credit or a grade.
Refund Policy: No refunds are available for this course.
Register for this Course
Intro to Sanskrit
Intro to Sanskrit
Learn Sanskrit, the language of Ayurveda. Sanskrit is a sacred language that originated thousands of years ago in India.
Sanskrit is the language of important Indian texts such as the Vedas, the Samhitas (which are the oldest textbooks on Ayurveda), the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and the Upanishads. Sanskrit is also the language used in mantra chanting, a practice which may improve cognitive functioning according to research.
This course begins with the basics of how to read and write the Sanskrit alphabet Devanagari. Students learn to write their names, simple words, and sentences in Sanskrit. Students also learn how to count in Sanskrit, basic conversational phrases, as well as some grammar rules. By the end of this course, students will have the basic foundation needed to pursue further study in Sanskrit.
Course Overview
Introduction to Sanskrit helps Ayurveda students grasp the true essence of Ayurveda and the classical textbooks through which Ayurveda has been preserved and transmitted.
At the end this course students will:
- Read the Sanskrit Alphabet.
- Read basic Sanskrit words and sentences.
- Understand Ayurvedic vocabulary.
Course Schedule
This course is delivered 100% online with set attendance times every Thursday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in Pacific Standard Time. The course runs for 15 weeks.
Course Cost
Course fee: $300
Early registration fee (before April 30th): $250
Course Dates
The course starts on May 9th and runs for 15 weeks.
Admissions Requirements
PREREQUISITE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
None, this is an introductory course and all are welcome to attend.
Acceptance to SCU as a student is not required to attend this course and students do not earn university credit or a grade.
Refund Policy: No refunds are available for this course.
Register for this Course
Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and Meditation for Healthy Living
This short course is designed to provide a foundational understanding of yoga. Gain insights into classical yoga philosophies and how to apply them for a more successful life. Learn yoga positions (asanas) to empower the body and help prevent disease. Discover yogic breath techniques (pranayama). Explore and practice meditation. Practice yoga from home and gain a foundational understanding of how it can guide you in healthy living.
A Foundational Understanding of Yoga
Yoga is an ancient system of wellness that empowers individuals to create a more refined alignment between their body, mind and soul. Yoga encompasses lifestyle observances, care of the physical body through movement, and purification of the mind through breath awareness and meditation. This beautiful model of health allows individuals to improve their overall sense of wellness and discover their potential.
This course is designed to provide a foundational understanding of yoga and how it can guide you in healthy living. It provides insights into classical yoga philosophies and how to apply them for a more successful life. Learn yoga positions (asanas) to empower the body and help prevent disease. Discover yogic breath techniques (pranayama) to regulate emotions, gain mental clarity and improve the body’s physiology. Explore and practice meditation to gain emotional wellness, reduce the effects of stress, and open to higher spiritual awakening and self-actualization.
Course Overview
At the end of this course students will:
- Understand the philosophies of yoga for healthy and peaceful living.
- Perform various yoga asanas for health promotion and wellness care.
- Perform various breathing awareness techniques (pranayama) for health promotion and wellness care.
- Cultivate self-awareness.
- Practice meditation for stress management, health promotion, and vibrant living.
Course Schedule
This course is delivered 100% online with set attendance times every Tuesday evening from 6 pm to 7:00 pm in Pacific Standard Time. The course runs for 15 weeks.
Faculty
The course is taught by SCU adjunct faculty Christie Smirl, DAM, MS. She has a Doctorate in Ayurvedic Medicine from the American University of Complementary Medicine and a Master of Science from Loma Linda University.
Christie is a Yoga Alliance Registered Advance Yoga Teacher Trainer, Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider, and a Reiki master, practitioner, and trainer. She is also a Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years experience in acute care medicine.
She is a published author of six international books. As a Bhakta, or devotional musician, she has five international albums. She is also Practitioner and initiate in the Sant Mat lineage, Vaishnava Aghor lineage, and Kali LHP Tantra lineage. She is the owner and operator of HealthierVibrations.com online yoga and meditation teacher programs.
Admissions Requirements
PREREQUISITE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
None. This course is open to all students who want to learn Ayurveda, practicing Ayurveda professionals, or other health care practitioners who would like to deepen their understanding of yoga and meditation.
Acceptance to SCU as a student is not required to attend this course and students do not earn university credits or a grade.
Refund Policy: No refunds are available for this course.
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