Deepening Your Knowledge

Become a leader in the field of Āyurvedic Medicine

Course Description for Master of Arts-Ayurveda Program

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Introduction to Scientific Research

Description: This course provides the students a basic understanding of scientific research process, introduction to steps involved in the scientific research models, methods and analysis. Students will also learn how to critically understand and evaluate scientific research presentations and literature.

Kayachikitsa and Internal Medicine

Description: This course examines the specific symptomology of various disease states and the treatment strategies that address them. Students hone skills to distinguish the stage of disease (shatkriyakala) and associate it by symptoms and samprapti. Using case studies, students compare, contrast, and evaluate the functions, indications, and contraindications of a variety of treatments and formulas.This course covers classical formulas for use in the treatment of various disorders as well as the principles of preparing advanced formulas.

Aging and Advanced Restorative Therapies

Description: This course explores in detail the concept of rasayana or rejuvenation in Ayurvedic Medicine. Students learn dietary measures, herbal formulas, external therapies and daily routines used as rejuvenatives to promote nourishment and tonification, strengthen the immune system and build strength. Students will examine health issues that are of particular concern for the aging including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure. The student will create geriatric care management plans for seniors and their families/communities based on Ayurvedic principles.

Ayurvedic Therapies 2

Description: This course is a hands-on demonstration of various Ayurvedic bodywork techniques including Abhayanga, Ayurvedic massage, Shirodhara, Basti, Marma Therapy, and herbal Swedana. Students learn the techniques and put them into practice in the classroom. Because this is a survey course and does not provide in-depth training in these therapies, students will generally apply the knowledge to refer clients out to qualified practitioners

Internship 2

Description: This course introduces students to advanced consultation practices and protocols for consultations. Students continue to develop their skills as Ayurvedic Practitioners through consultations and clinical discussions in the classroom under the supervision of experienced Ayurvedic Practitioners. Students are required to prepare case papers for each client. (This course runs over two separate weekends.)

Subtle Therapies 2: Jyotish, Hasta, and Vastu

Description: Students are exposed to a more advanced perspective on the use of the subtle sister sciences of Ayurveda; Jyotish (Vedic astrology), Vastu (principles of design), and Hasta (Indian hand palmistry) in Ayurvedic medicine. Students learn how to utilize these ancient techniques to support the wellbeing of their clients. Because this is a survey course and does not provide in-depth training in these subtle sciences, students learn to evaluate and distinguish which might benefit a client for referral.

Western Interface, Functional Medicine, and Understanding Labs

Description: Students are introduced to the biology and chemistry of blood and how to competently interpret basic lab reports and integrate that reference into their clinical practice, as well as identify frequently used Western drugs and herb-drug interactions. The course examines the relationship between Ayurveda and Western medicine and explores the ways to build a respectful, positive and generative relationship between Ayurvedic and Western approaches to healthcare.

Professional Practices (Counseling, Ethics, Management)

Description: This course explores a variety of counseling modalities appropriate to a Ayurvedic clinical practice. Students develop the ability to recognize red-flag symptoms for medical referral. Students continue to explore ethical and legal issues in Ayurveda, and are introduced to business management techniques, job opportunities, and referral procedures.

Advanced Ayurvedic Anatomy & Physiology

Description: This course explores the concepts of Ayurveda Biology, Physics, Anatomy and Physiology and applies and relates them to the Western approach to the body-mind complex. Students study Embryology in light of the disease process and the susceptibility of the embryo during the whole of pregnancy. Students revisit the interdependency of trisharira and panchakosha and view the formation of human body in light of the tattwas, tanmatras and panchamahabhutas.

Student Clinical Case Studies Presentations

Description: This seminar provides a forum for an experienced Ayurvedic Practitioner and students to present their cases and to engage in rigorous discussion about the cases and case management. Students are required to write and present a minimum of one case study to the class for peer review and discussion.

Systems Review

Description: This seminar reviews all course material for integration and preparation for the MMI final exam and the national N.A.M.A. Ayurvedic Practitioner exam. www.ayurvedanama.org

Externship 2

Description: This course consists of student consultations with their clients outside the MMI College of Ayurveda campus. Supervised by MMI-approved Ayurvedic Practitioners, students are required to see clients for initial assessment and 2 follow-up appointments per client.. Students are required to prepare case papers for each client.

Clinical Observation

Description: Students have the opportunity to observe Master Ayurvedic Practitioners in consultations in a clinic and to discuss diagnostic methods and treatments. Students hone diagnostic skills under the supervision of skilled and experienced Ayurvedic Practitioners. Students are required to observe 15 clients or 30 hours (these numbers are subject to change) of observation. All student observation requests must be pre-approved.

ENT/Head and Neck

Description: This course explores the ayurvedic anatomy of eye, ear, nose, throat, brain and neck. Students develop mastery in recognizing various signs and symptoms of disorders of the head and neck region, assessment and treatment through diet, lifestyle, herbal and bodywork.

Allopathic Therapeutics, Surgery, Integration & Clinical Collaboration

Description: This course will review commonly used allopathic therapeutics and their interface with Ayurveda. The course will also examine the relationship between Ayurveda and allopathy as systems, exploring ways to work collaboratively. Content will include drug-herb interactions, the Ayurvedic view of common allopathic treatments, appropriate referrals to allopathic practitioners, and the development of a common language bridging Ayurveda and allopathy.

Aging and Geriatrics 2

Description: This course explores the ayurvedic care of the elderly patients (over 70). Students develop mastery in engaging elderly patients to elicit chief complaint/s, past health history, family history, social history (financial and socio-economic status, living situations, hobbies, social life & suppot system), and sexual history. Students develop mastery assessing ADL. Students explore the pathogenesis and treatment plan for diseases commonly found in elderly population.

Ayurvedic Herbology 3

Description: This course explores in detail the Ayurvedic principles of Herbology and Pharmaceuticals, functions, indications and contraindications of various medicinal herbs, use of single and compounded herbs, and various methods of combining herbs into formulas to restore physio/mental equilibrium and management of various imbalances. Using the classical texts, Students will learn how to make individual formulas, calculate dosages and recommend herbal interventions for each of the disease systems investigated.

Research Methodologies 2

Description: This class introduces students to the Capstone project and guides them in selection of the topic, organization of the project and the paper, writing styles, presentation, timeline and tracking. Students are also introduced to the fundamentals of original research, and literature review.

Toxicology and Kayachikitsa 3

Description: This course introduces students to classical teachings on toxicology. Students explore, qualities and categories of poisons, food borne transmission of disease, vegetable poisons, insect bites, heavy metals and inorganic poisoning according to classical texts. Students learn to apply these teachings within the context of contemporary environmental and occupational challenges. Students explore the pathogenesis and treatment plan for the most common diseases. Students get a general appreciation of epidemiology, causation, and pathogenesis.

Lab and Functional Medicine 2

Description: This course teaches students on how to interpret complex lab reports and tests and integrate that reference into their clinical practice.

Acupuncture, Neuroscience, Osteopathy and Physical Therapy

Description: This course introduces students to other modalities of healthcare like Acupuncture, Neuroscience, Osteopathy and Physical Therapy. Students examine key concepts in each of these modalities and consider their relevance in modern healthcare treatment.

Capstone Project

The Mount Madonna Institute Master of Arts – Ayurveda Capstone Project is a multifaceted assignment that serves as a culminating academic and experiential learning opportunity for our students. The capstone project can take a wide variety of forms, including a long-term investigative project that culminates in a final product or presentation. Students are asked to select a topic of interest, conduct research on the subject, maintain a portfolio of findings or results, design and implement an activity that benefits the recipient(s), and create a final presentation demonstrating their learning acquisition or conclusions. The student will give an oral presentation on the project to a panel of teachers, experts, and/or community members who collectively evaluate its quality.

Externship 3

Description: This course consists of student consultations with their clients outside the MMI College of Ayurveda campus. Supervised by MMI-approved Ayurvedic Practitioners, students are required to see clients for initial assessment and 2 follow-up appointments per client.. Students are required to prepare case papers for each client.