Ayurveda, a traditional holistic health care system, older than any other system of medicine, has been practiced in India for more than 5000 years. Ayurveda, recognized as alternative medicine represents the science of life and longevity originating in the Vedic traditions of India. Based on the principle of eternal life, this holistic health care system has a vast body of knowledge covering eight branches. Its major elements involves the synthesis of mind, body and spirit. Any imbalance in this synthesis results in physical ailments. This ancient Indian medicine seeks to re-establish the harmony between the body and its habitat by creating the optimum health environment.

All matter including human body is thought to be composed of five basic elements (panchabhutas ) which exhibit the properties of earth (prithvi), water (ambu), fire (agni), wind (vayu) and space (akasha). These elements do not exist in isolated forms, but always in a combination, in which one or more elements dominate. According to Ayurveda, the human body is composed of derivatives of the five basic elements, in the form of doshas, tissues (dhatus) and waste products (malas).

Under normal conditions, the doshas, dhatus and malas correspond to certain standards regarding their quantity, quality and function. However, this situation is not static, and due to several endogenous and erogenous factors, the doshas may become unbalanced, resulting in disease. Every disease is related to an imbalance of the doshas. Other coherent factors can be the disturbance of the biological factors (agnis), the formation and accumulation of undigested nutrients (ama), obstruction of the body channels (shrotorodha) and a disturbed assimilation in the tissues.

Ayurveda gives us a model to look at each individual as a unique makeup of the three doshas (Prakruti) and thereby design treatment protocols that specifically address a person's health challenges. When any of the doshas ( Vata, Pitta or Kapha ) become imbalanced, Ayurveda will suggest specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to assist the individual in reducing or increasing the doshas that has become imbalanced. If toxins in the body are abundant, then a cleansing process known as Pancha Karma is recommended to eliminate these unwanted toxins.

A few examples: Obesity, Rheumatism: Indigestion,dyspepsia, Skin problems,etc.

The materia medica of Ayurveda, composed of the five basic elements has been categorized according to the derivatives of these elements. They include: taste (rasa), potency (virya), taste of the digestion product (vipaka), properties (guna), specific properties (prabhava) and action (karma).

The drugs used in Ayurveda are made by several processes from vegetables and mineral raw materials. Mostly plant alkaloids are the active ingredients. Obviously barring some chemical changes it is mostly natural derivates.

Ayurveda offers reference points for managing treatment decisions specific to each case. Ayurvedic theory is profoundly useful in analysing individual patient constitution and understanding variations in disease manifestation. The Ayurvedic framework can be used to structure working models of the unique state of each patient and to project a vision or goal for a whole state of health, again unique to each case.

Ayurveda offers specific recommendations to each individual on lifestyle, diet, exercise and yoga, herbal therapy and even spiritual practices to restore and maintain balance in body and mind. Ayurveda sees a strong connection between the mind and the body, vast amount of information is available regarding this relationship.

This understanding that we are all unique individuals enables Ayurveda to address not only specific health concerns but also offers explanation as to why one person responds differently than another.

Theory

Basic principles of Ayurveda,History of Ayurveda, Health preservation in Ayurveda, Ayurveda Pharmacology, Ayurveda Pharmacy, Ayurvedic treatment procedures and measures,Ayurvedic diagnostic meseaures, Ayurvedic pancha- karma, Relation of Ayurveda and Yoga philosaphy.

Practicals

Udvarthanam(powder massage),Abhyangam(oil massage),oorshma swedam (formenatation),Pizchil(oleation therapy),Patrapotala,Snehavasti(oil enema), Kashya vasthi(enema with decoction).Nasyam(nasal medication),Sirovasti (keeping oil over head in a peculiar way),Sirodara(slowly pouring medicated oil in forehead),Vamanam(vomiting),Virechanam(purgation) etc.

Independent therapy practice under the supervision of Doctors.

Two months internship exhaustively deals with theoretical and practical aspects of Ayurveda. Classes will be taken by renowned scholars and Professors of Ayurveda with printed notes. The internee will get an international certificate in Ayurveda and Massaging.

The 2 months Ayurveda course inclusive of accommodation is 1270 Euros.