Ayurvedic Health Coach

Focus on diet, lifestyle and root cause resolution

Eligibility  |  Instructors  |  Courses  |  Sample Classes  |  Schedule  |  Costs  |  Books  |  Common Q&A

Level 1  |  615+ hours

Svastha Acharya

Ayurvedic Health Coach

Eligibility

Candidates are admitted based on their eligibility criteria and admissions interview. Acceptance decisions are made by the School Director and are final.

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All candidates must meet minimum eligibility requirements. Advantages strengthen a candidate's eligibility.

1

Be 18 years of age or older by August 25, 2021.

Requirements

2

Provide a true, electronic copy of government-issued photo identification.

3

Provide a true, electronic copy of completion of high school, GED, equivalent or higher.

+

STEAM, healthcare or relevant background

Advantages

+

Human Anatomy and Physiology

+

Multilingual

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High learning potential, strong memorization, logical analysis, critical thinking

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Minimal or no previous study of New Age Ayurveda

NOTE: The requirement for Human Anatomy and Physiology is to have working knowledge of college-level material. These concepts will be included throughout the program as correlating explanations for classical Ayurvedic concepts. Students are strongly advised to revise the material during Summer 2021 or expect to spend an additional 5-10 hours per week learning and reviewing Western A&P in conjunction with Ayurveda.

Instructors

The main instructor for the SA Program is Dr. Jessica Vellela, BAMS. When students reach the final portion of the program, the Clinical Term, they are ready to train under advanced Ayurvedic scholars, including Dr. Prasanth Dharmarajan, PhD (Ayu).

SUMMER PREP

Dr. Jessica Vellela, BAMS

• Self study (30+ hours total)

• Live Sanskrit (12 hours total)

FALL SEMESTER & SPRING SEMESTER

CLINICAL TERM

Dr. Jessica Vellela, BAMS

• Recorded lectures (5-6 hours/week)

• Live Q&A (2 hours/week)

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Practicing SA Graduate 

• Live one-on-one mentoring (1 hour/week)

Dr. Jessica Vellela, BAMS

• Live Intake Sessions​

• Live Case Reviews (4 hours/week)

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Dr. Prasanth Dharmarajan, PhD (Ayu) 

• Guest Lecturer

Courses

The SA Program trains students on core principles of Ayurvedic Medicine to support diet and lifestyle interventions in clinical practice. 

The program includes 11 academic courses plus 2 clinical courses. Total hours may vary between 600-700 based on time spent during externship.

Summer Preparatory Study (Self-paced), 60 hours

Course

numbers

Hours

AYU-020

10

SUMMER PREP

Course title

Description

Sanskrit workshop I

Introduction to the language of Sanskrit through transliteration focusing on the Devanagari alphabet, syllables and phonetics. Practice live recitation and memorization with correction of pronunciation.

Competency

Outcomes

• Define Sanskrit, describe its history

• Define translation and transliteration

• Read, write and recite the transliterated Devanagari alphabet

• Explain phonetics of each syllable

AYU-021

10

SUMMER PREP

Sanskrit workshop II

Practice Sanskrit word formation and dissection with examples. Learn and apply the concepts of schwa and virāma, akṣhara formation, half consonants, conjunct consonants and basic sandhi.

• Demonstrate use of schwa and virāma, akṣhara formation, half consonants, conjunct consonants and basic sandhi

• Perform word formation and dissection

AYU-022

10

SUMMER PREP

Sanskrit workshop III

Memorize 30 core Ayurvedic terms in transliterated Devanagari. Define each term, disambiguate meanings and explain concepts. Provide synonyms, antonyms and Anglicizication of Sanskrit terms.

• Define Sanskrit, describe its history

• Define translation and transliteration

• Read, write and recite the transliterated Devanagari alphabet

• Explain phonetics of each syllable

AYU-100

30

SUMMER PREP

Introduction to professional Āyurveda

A formal introduction covering relevant, general knowledge, history and sciences through local, national and international perspectives. Students prepare to bridge concepts between Āyurveda and Western sciences for clinical practice.

• Define Ayurveda and TAM, scope, purposes, branches, and development

• Explain Western science theories applicable to clinical Ayurveda

• Describe legalities of practice

Fall Semester (Pre-recorded lecture, live Q&A, one-on-one mentoring), 120 hours

Course

numbers

Hours

AYU-110

15

FALL SEMESTER

Course title

Description

Professional Āyurveda for the SA

Scope and practice of professional Ayurveda for the SA. Learn ethics, standards and expectations. Compare to similar healthcare professions through current academic journals and professional literature on national and global levels.

Competency

Outcomes

• Define and specify SA scope of practice

• Explain PC, AA scope of practice, referral procedures, collaborative practice

• Discuss current issues in professional Ayurveda nationally and globally

AYU-111

15

FALL SEMESTER

Sanskrit for the SA

Build on Sanskrit knowledge with advanced rules for syllables, sandhi, dhātus, prefixes and suffixes with word dissection and formation. Master common terms for this professional level. Memorize key śhlokas through exercises of splitting words and sandhis.

• Demonstrate word formation, dissection, all basic sandhi splits in common terms

• Identify, define and explain dhātus, prefixes and suffixes

• Recite and write key śhlokas in transliterated Devanagari

AYU-120

30

FALL SEMESTER

Core principles of Āyurveda (Siddhānta)

Understand and memorize core, classical principles with correlating Western concepts for clinical application. Review four major classical references and pertinent commentary explanations. Compare with biomedicine descriptions of physiology and pathophysiology.

• Define and explain 30+ core siddhānta

• Explain classical darśhana (philosophy)

• Pañcha mahābhūta, dravya, tri-doṣha, agni, koṣhṭha, āhāra pāka, dhātus, upadhātus, dhātumalas, mala, srotas, ojas, dhātu sāmya and vaiṣhamya, doṣha-duṣhya sammūrchana, and more

AYU-121

30

FALL SEMESTER

The human body in Āyurveda (Śhārīra)

Explore and memorize classical perspectives of the human body and their clinical applications. Review prakṛti, manas, saṃhanana, nidrā, ātma, sṛṣhṭi utpatti in detail. Practice direct classical reading to increase experience and proficiency.

• Explain classical Āyurvedic anatomy, reproduction and life span

• Define, classify and detail prakṛti, manas, saṃhanana, nidrā, ātma, sṛṣhṭi utpatti with classical references.

AYU-122

30

FALL SEMESTER

Holistic living in Āyurveda (Svastha vṛtta)

Explore perspectives on health, classical holism, and current applications. Review and memorize the 10, 11 and 12 parīkṣhā frameworks through external and internal factors that influence personal health. Learn adaptive modeling techniques to apply classical principles in varied geographical environments and cultures.

• Define svastha with its śhloka and explain practical applications.

• Describe external factors of deśha and kāla on svastha.

• Describe internal factors of sātmya, prakṛti, agni, āhāra, bala, sattva and vayas on svastha.

Spring Semester (Pre-recorded lecture, live Q&A, one-on-one mentoring), 135 hours

Course

numbers

Hours

Course title

Description

Competency

Outcomes

AYU-130

30

SPRING SEMESTER

Therapeutic management in Āyurveda (Nidāna & Chikitsā)

Review the foundations of therapeutic management in classical Āyurveda with a strong focus on identifying causative factors for disease. Explore the wide range of Āyurvedic management protocols through internal and external interventions with their classical and current practices.

• Define chikitsā, roga nidāna, pañcha nidāna, parīkṣhā, darśhana, sparśhana and praśhna

• Explain detailed concepts of pathological doṣhas

• Explain chikitsā methodologies with emphasis on nidāna parivarjana

AYU-131

30

SPRING SEMESTER

Classical study I

Review key sections of the Charaka Saṃhitā through English translations. Learn topics and concepts via the direct, classical perspective from the definitive text on Internal Medicine in classical Ayurveda. Synthesize cumulative knowledge from the program through classical presentations and enhance skills in clinical applications. 

• Read and review select chapters from sūtra-sthāna, nidāna-sthāna, vimāna-sthāna, śhārīra-sthāna, indriya-sthāna and chikitsā-sthāna.

AYU-132

30

SPRING SEMESTER

Classical study II

Review selected portions of the Suśhruta Saṃhitā, Aṣhṭāṅga Hṛdaya and Bhāva Prakāśha through English translations. Learn topics and concepts via the direct, classical perspective from definitive texts on Surgery, concise Ayurvedic principles, and the original medicinal encyclopedia.

• Read and review select chapters from sūtra-sthāna (Suśhruta Saṃhitā, Aṣhṭāṅga Hṛdaya) and pūrva khāṇḍa (Bhāva Prakāśha).

AYU-133

45

SPRING SEMESTER

Clinical Āyurveda for the SA

Integrate knowledge for independent and collaborative practice in Āyurvedic Healthcare. Learn 14 primary Āyurvedic diagnoses and their common presentations, classifications, causes and pathogeneses. Explore basic interventions with emphasis on pathya and apathya for clinical application in collaborative practice.

• Demonstrate ethics, case management, SAAMYA and HIPAA within scope, for individual and collaborative practice.

• Explain 14 diagnostic presentations, basic management, pathya and apathya, and relevant connections with Western medicine. 

Clinical Term (Live case intakes, live case reviews, daily practice), 300+ hours

Course

numbers

Hours

AYU-150

30

CLINICAL TERM

Course title

Description

SA clinical orientation

Manage clinical cases online from screening through follow-up. Clinical orientation occurs live for 6.5 hours every day, Mon through Fri (with 30 min break). Each student can reserve one-hour sessions for case introduction, live AA screen, care plan review and Q&A. All sessions are recorded.

Competency

Outcomes

• Complete a minimum of one case presentation with screening, intake, management plan and later follow-up.

• Record case encounters, session notes, management instructions, health tracking, and assessment of appropriate Ayurvedic clinical investigations.

AYU-151

270+

CLINICAL TERM

SA clinical practice

Externs manage clinical cases online or in-person for 10 weeks following the same intake, screen and review process. Externs practice in individual and collaborative environments on classmate partner cases, known friends and family, and new clients, under supervision of an AA (Ayurveda Acharya), PCs (Paricharakas) and experienced SAs (Svastha Acharyas). Externs are encouraged to charge nominal rates for services and begin earning immediately during externship.

• Complete and record a minimum of 50 case encounters (via telehealth, phone or two-way electronic communication).

• Record case encounters, session notes, management instructions, health tracking, and assessment of appropriate Ayurvedic clinical investigations.

• Perform case management independently and collaboratively.

Sample Classes

Experience part of an interactive, online class. This clip is from AYU-120, Core principles of Āyurveda (Siddhānta) where we review questions from Volume 2, chapter 4, about the doṣhas in context of time at varying geographical latitudes.

This clip is from AYU-122, Holistic living in Āyurveda (Svastha vṛtta) where we introduce the basic processes related to āma generation.

Schedule

The program is divided into 4 periods over 11 months.

All scheduled times are listed in United States Eastern Time (+4 or +5 GMT) based on Standard or Daylight Savings Times.

1

Program

Periods

Preparatory Study

• Complete by August 29, 2021

• 60 hours of self-study preparation (Sanskrit workshops and AYU-100)

• Watch lectures, read, complete homework and exams

2

Fall Semester

8 hours/week

15 weeks total

• August 30 - December 11, 2021

• Midterms, October 18 - 23, 2021

• Finals, December 6 - 11, 2021

• Weekly pre-recorded lecture, 6 hours

• Weekly discussion with Jessica Vellela, BAMS, 2 hours

  • Live Class: Wednesdays, 10a - 12p ET

• Weekly one-on-one mentoring with a practicing SA, 1 hour

  • You decide weekly schedule​

3

Spring Semester

9 hours/week

15 weeks total

• January 3 - April 16, 2022

• Midterms, February 14 - 19, 2022

• Finals, April 11 - 16, 2022

• Weekly pre-recorded lecture, 6 hours

• Weekly discussion with Jessica Vellela, BAMS, 2 hours

  • Live Class: Wednesdays, 10a - 12p ET

• Weekly one-on-one mentoring with a practicing SA, 1 hour

  • You decide weekly schedule​

4

Clinical Term

27+ hours/week

10 weeks total

• April 25 - July 2, 2022

• Clinical Orientation Intakes, April 25 - 29, 2022, 6 hours per day

  • Live Class: Monday through Friday, 10a to 4:30p ET (30 min break)​

• Clinical Practice, May 1 - July 2, 2022, 27+ hours per week

  • Flexible schedule​

  • Live Class: Case presentations, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10a - 12p ET

Costs

The program includes an admission interview fee, tuition over four installments, and variable costs for books. Personal laptop equipment, internet and other technology and connectivity costs are the responsibility of the student.

Payments are accepted via PayPal with all major credit and debit cards. All amounts are in US Dollars.

Quarterly Installments, $6,400 total
Four payments total, one at the start of each program period.

Monthly Installments, $6,550 total
Eleven payments total, one each month starting from the time of the first payment.

Admission Interview Fee, $75

• Pay in advance to schedule the interview appointment

• No refunds for any reason, including late / no show, or rejection

Total Program Tuition, $6,400 or $6,550

• Payable in four installments at the start of each program period, or eleven installments on a monthly basis

• No refunds for any portion paid

• Students can withdraw from the program at any time

• Includes Sanskrit Workshop fee ($300)

• Paid tuition can be applied to any future program if unable to complete in the registered year

Books and equipment, Variable

Textbooks, computer equipment, internet connectivity and other study materials are the sole responsibility of the student.

Late fee, $100 per incident

Late tuition payments for any portion of the program (beyond the grace period) are subject to a $100 late fee. Students can email in advance to request a payment extension and waive the late fee.

Program

Periods

Four

Installments

1

Preparatory Study​, $400

Due after registration (Summer 2021)

Sanskrit workshops fees are fully credited to SA tuition in the same academic year.

2

Fall Semester, $2,500

Due by September 6, 2021 (one week after semester starts, with grace period)

3

Spring Semester, $2,500

Due by January 10, 2022 (one week after semester starts, with grace period)

4

Clinical Term, $1,000

Due by April 25, 2022 (on or before start of Clinical Term)

Monthly

Periods

Eleven

Installments

1st

Monthly Installment​, $595.45
Due monthly for 11 months. Payments begin when you start the installments here.

Books

Required textbooks and classical references are listed below. They may be purchased from any supplier (new or used).

Required: Foundations of Ayurveda Series

The Foundations of Ayurveda Series textbooks are used in sequence throughout the program. Volumes 4 through 6 will be available in Fall 2021.

A limited stock of Volume 1 with high quality binding, color cover and color charts is available. The Volume 1 price includes shipping and handling within the US only.

Volumes 1 - 3 available through Amazon do not have color covers or pages.

Students who enroll in the SA program early can access a digital copy of Volume 1 for AYU-100.

Limited stock. Volume 1 (5 available).

Volume 1

Essentials of Professional Ayurveda

$50​

Volume 1
Essentials of Professional Ayurveda
$50​

Volume 2
Core Principles & The Human Body in Ayurveda
Only on Amazon​

Volume 2
Core Principles & The Human Body in Ayurveda
$75

Volume 3
Principles of Holistic Living in Ayurveda
Only on Amazon​

Volume 3
Principles of Holistic Living in Ayurveda
$75​

Required: Modern and Global Ayurveda

For a review of national and global issues in the propagation and practice of Ayurveda. This textbook is only used during Preparatory Summer Self-Study.

Required: Classical Literature

Classical literature textbooks typically come in sets of multiple volumes. They are most economical when ordered in a single shipment from India. Due to the current COVID situation, orders may take longer to arrive.

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These textbooks are used moderately in Fall Semester and heavily during Spring Semester.

Charaka Samhita

One or more translations are required. Generally students use both the online translation and printed text which contains a more elaborate commentary.

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• Charaka Samhita Online (free)

• Charaka Samhita, translation by RK Sharma & Bhagawan Dash

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Sushruta Samhita

The translation by GD Singhal is the only recommended version. Hardcover and softcover are available, with the same content.

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• Sushruta Samhita, translation by GD Singhal

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Ashtanga Hrdaya

There are several options for translations. The full set of 3 volumes translated by Srikantha Murthy contains the entire text. Newer and improved translations are available in partial options rather than full sets.

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Option A or B is required.

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• Option A: Ashtanga Hrdaya, Full Set, Translated by Srikantha Murthy

• Option B: Ashtanga Hrdaya, Full Set, Translated by Rama Rao

• Additional translation: Ashtanga Hrdaya, Sutra-sthana only, Translated by Sreekumar

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Bhava Prakasha

Only Volume I is required for the SA level.

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• Bhavaprakasha, Volume I, Translated by Srikantha Murthy

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Common Questions & Answers

Find answers to our most common questions about the program. If you have additional questions, please contact us for a direct response.

Question: How many hours of study are required each week?
Answer: This can vary widely, but usually is no less than 9 hours per week. It depends on the speed of memorization, reading, comprehension and research skills. Additional time for review and synthesis of knowledge only strengthens the student's grasp of the science. In previous classes, students over the age of 50 have often required 25+ hours per week.

Question: I completed Ayurvedic education at another school. Does that count towards the SA program?
Answer: Education from New Age Ayurveda programs is often insufficient to count towards the SA program. Candidates who have thoroughly studied and memorized classical foundations and theory so they are confident to apply them in clinical practice will likely be at a similar level as an SA.

Question: After completing the SA program, will I be able to practice? If so, how?
Answer: The SA program prepares graduates to practice competently and confidently in the scope of diet and lifestyle interventions for healthy and unhealthy individuals with a single, predominant diagnosis. Cases with multiple, chronic pathologies are best supported by an SA in collaborative practice under a PC or AA. Graduates are able to practice according to their local laws and regulations.

Question: Does the SA program cover how to practice Ayurveda legally?
Answer: The SA program introduces students to common regulatory and legal issues in the practice of Ayurveda in the United States. International students are encouraged to research and learn about regulations affecting practice outside of the US as part of this portion of the program. In both cases, students learn clear boundaries for scope of practice and expectations at this level of practice. AYU Academy is the only professional training institution with advanced definitions for professional Ayurveda and scopes of practice based on classical standards.

Question: Does the SA program include training to setup my own business, business taxes, liability and insurance?
Answer: Yes, the SA program does include basic training on establishing, developing and running a business. Additionally, students should seek professional advice for this in their local area. During the SA program, students research business requirements and create an actionable business plan.

Question: I want to include classical herbal formulations in my Ayurvedic practice. What training do I need to do that competently and ethically?
Answer: Classical herbal formulations are introduced in Level 2: Paricharaka (Ayurvedic Doctor's Assistant) for use in shamana management only. At the SA level, students learn the mechanics of therapeutic substances and major examples in common foods which often overlap as common single herbs. The goal of the SA program is to be competent and confident with scientific dietary and lifestyle interventions in any geographical area and culture.

Question: Can I train to work at a Panchakarma center? If so, where?
Answer: At the SA level, all clinical training during the program is currently online. This training prepares students to work in clinical environments, including Panchakarma centers, Integrative healthcare facilities, and other healthcare settings. Students who have the ability to travel and live at a Panchakarma center can request special arrangements for onsite study during the Clinical Term of the SA program.

Question: Does the SA program train students to do Nadi Pariksha (pulse diagnosis), Jihva Pariksha (tongue diagnosis) or any other specialty form of assessment?
Answer: The SA program does not focus on highly subjective assessment methods like pulse and tongue diagnosis. These are not primary, classical assessment methods, but are supplementary to the foundations of symptomatology through direct assessment of doshas, dhatus, malas, agni and many other factors.

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