Background & Detailed Information on the Three-Week Intensive Ayurveda Course

Background:

Ayurveda, the science of maintaining a long and healthy life is one of the oldest medical systems in the world. It contains profound knowledge of maintaining good health, curing of disease and achieving a harmonious balance of body, mind and spirit. Central to this healing science is the doctrine of Tri-dosha (the vital energies of Vatha, pitta, and Kapha) and the connection with the PanchaMahaBhootha (the five elements - ether, air, fire, water and earth.) Ayurveda teaches a way of life that enables us to be centered and focus on the healing that comes from within.

The courses provide a clear understanding of the fundamental principles of Ayurveda including the vital energies, the tissues, and the metabolisms as well as a practical introduction to the classical Ayurveda oleation or oil applications (commonly referred to as the Ayurveda massages), Ayurveda diet regimes and Ayurveda cooking and yogic postures.

The course incorporates the Ayurveda treatment provided by the health center of Barberyn Reef in a unique way so that each trainee can experience and receive all aspects of Ayurveda therapy from the specialist therapists and doctors, while learning about such therapies.

Trainees will see how consultations are done, Ayurveda oil is prepared, decoctions are simmered to the correct point, and oil applications are carried out, not just in a classroom environment but also in an environment where Ayurveda is practiced.

Ayurveda Theory

1. Introduction and history of Ayurveda
• Revival of Ayurveda medicine
• Ashtanga Ayurveda - 8 branches of Ayurveda


2. Fundamentals of Ayurveda
• Panchamaha bhootha (The theory of the five elements)
• Parkruti (doctrine of the individual constitution)
• Three Dosha (Vatha, Pitha, Kapha)
• Dosha, Dhatu & Mala
• Concept of Agni and Ama
• Ayurveda ideas on energy centers (Chakras) and vital points in the Body


3. Ayurveda diagnoses
   (Ashtanga Parikshana: The eight ways of examination -pulse, tongue, eyes nails and skin etc)


4. Curing and prevention of disease
• Shamana Chikitsa (treating the root cause of the diseases and managing the symptoms of disease)
• Sodana Chikitsa (purification treatment to prevent illness form arising and improving the well being) through Trivida Karma (three stages of purification: Purva karma, Pradhana Karma/ Panchakarma and Paschath karma)

Ayurveda Demonstration / Treatment / Practical

1. Identification of body types
   
   
2. Ayurveda preparations
• Kashaya (decoctions)
• Swarasa (fresh juice)
• Kalka (herbal pastes)
• Phanta (hot infusion)
• Choorna (powders)
• Vati (pills)
• Asava and Arishta (herbal tonics)
• Medicated Ghee
• Thailya (Medicated oils)


3. Trivida Karma (commonly known as Pancha Karma) including oil applications
• Purva Karma (purification therapies including oil and heat therapies)
• Snehana Karma (oil treatments) and Swedena Karma (heat treatments)
• External oil applications including all the different oil massage techniques,
• Herbal fomentation and steam treatments.
• Pradhana Karma / Pancha Karma
  Demonstration of the following:
• Vamana Karma, Veerechena Karma, Nasya Karma, Vasthi Karma, Raktha Mokshana Karma
• Paschath Karma or rejuvenation


4. Ayurveda pharmaceuticals: understanding and identifying Ayurveda herbs
   Get acquainted with the herbs in the pharmacy. Smell, touch and feel the compounds. See them growing, dried and crushed, as it has always been done- since centuries ago.
   
   Practical identification and visit to a herbarium
   
   
5. Ayurveda food and diet regimes and practical cookery
• The six tastes, diet regimes and guide lines for the different body types.
• Daily and seasonal rules to balance the constitutional types
• The effect of Ayurvedic teas, herbs and spices on health
• Kitchen tools, cooking methods and food stocks
• Practical instruction and counseling on Nutritional value of diverse food
• Practical Ayurveda cooking workshops


6. Hatha Yoga and Meditation - practical sessions
• Links between Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda
• Guided yoga and meditation (optional)

Certification

Successful trainees will be awarded a Certificate of Participation jointly by the Institute of Ayurveda & Alternative Medicine and Barberyn Ayurveda Resorts.

Lecturers

• Dr Wasana De Silva
• Dr P.M Chandrasiri
• Dr Sudharma Kondasingha
• Ms Dona Thilakawathi

Course participants

This course is particularly for physicians interested in alternative medicine systems, non-medical practitioners, dieticians, dietary assistants, physiotherapists and Yoga teachers who are interested in widening their professional and personal competence. Participation in all of the sessions is required to successfully complete the course. Parallel practice sessions may be held in which event participants can select the sessions according to professional priorities.

Reading material

Each participant will be given a manual of course notes at the commencement of the course.

More Information

To request further information and registration details, please click here.