Deepening Your Knowledge
Become a leader in the field of Ayurvedic Medicine
Course Description for Master of Arts-Ayurveda Program
Please view catalog for full program course list with hours.
Yoga for Health and Disease Management
Course No. AY 300, AY 400, AY 500, AY 600
Prerequisite: None
Credits: 4
Description: This course deepens the practice of yoga. Students perform yoga postures, breathing practices and meditation. Students explore the science of yoga within the context of the Shad Darshana. Using the Ashtanga Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga systems, the course investigates and applies the appropriate limb and practice of yoga to disease management. This course is studied throughout the 4 trimesters of the program.
Sanskrit Study
Course No. AY 301, AY 401, AY 501
Prerequisite: None
Credits: 3
Description: This course continues the study of Sanskrit, the language of Ayurveda. Students learn to read, write, and chant Sanskrit slokas relating to health, wellness and each disease system studied. This course is studied throughout the 4 trimesters of the program.
Ayurvedic Foundational Integration
Course No. AY 302, AY 402, AY 502, AY 602
Prerequisite: None
Credits: 4
Description: This course provides the basic framework for integrating the Ayurvedic concepts of health, wellness, disease prevention and disease management as presented throughout the program. Students review the principles of each system presented and contextualize it with the methods of treatments being offered. Students integrate reading of classical texts with modern terminology and traditional approaches. Students create self-study (svadhyaya) goals and frame the discussion of becoming a practitioner through the Ayurvedic concept of self-healing. They explore a variety of counseling modalities appropriate to an Ayurvedic clinical practice. Students continue to explore ethical and legal issues in Ayurveda and are introduced to business management techniques, job opportunities, and referral procedures. This course is studied throughout the 4 trimesters of the program.
Sthula Sharira - Ayurvedic Anatomy & Physiology
Course No. AY 303
Prerequisite: None
Credits: 1
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 the human body in light of the tattvas, tanmatras and pancha mahabhutas.
Rogi-Roga Pariksha – Assessment Methods
Course No. AY 304
Prerequisite: None
Credits: 1
Description: This course builds skills in clinical assessment (pariksha). Students learn and practice many different Ayurvedic diagnostic techniques (pulse, tongue, nails, skin, speech, eyes, etc.) and learn to evaluate their findings in terms of health and disease. Students differentiate between techniques that are important to use in each case and those that are particular to a disease system.
Vkriti Vigñana 1- Ayurvedic Pathophysiology 1
Course No. AY 305
Prerequisite: None
Credits: 1
Description: This course explores in detail the disease processes and clinical examination in Ayurvedic medicine. Students learn the causes of disease, six stages of disease manifestation, disease pathways and classification of diseases, signs and symptoms of disease. Students learn how to distinguish the disease from its symptoms and prioritize treatment protocols.
Manovaha Srotasa - Ayurvedic Psychology
Course No. AY 306
Prerequisite: None
Credits: 1
Description: This course investigates the knowledge of the Mind, its functions, causative factors for pathological change, stages of pathology and various diseases presenting with psychological and physical symptoms. It assesses various psychological disorders from an Ayurvedic perspective. Students explore the predominance of the three gunas (Sattwa, Rajas, Tamas) in specific conditions and learn which Ayurvedic therapies (diet, lifestyle and herbal) can be recommended. Spiritual and subtle therapies of the sister sciences are considered as well.
Brhattrayi, Laghutrayi, Itihasa & Darshana - Classical Texts, History & Philosophy
Course No. AY 307
Prerequisite: None
Credits: 2
Description: This course more deeply examines the basic principles of Ayurvedic medicine, the eight branches, medical ethics and aims through the classical texts. Students investigate the historical and philosophical foundations of Ayurvedic medicine and the history of scientific studies in Ayurveda. Students will explore and expand their knowledge and use of these ancient texts in a modern clinical practice. Both the major and minor texts will be included.
Clinical Practicum
Course No. AY 310, AY 410, AY 510
Prerequisite: AY 300 – AY 308
Credits: 6
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 under the supervision of experienced Ayurvedic Practitioners. Students are required to prepare case papers for each client. (This course runs over four trimesters for a total of 90 client encounters).
Dravyaguna Vijñana – Herbology2
Course No. AY 403 Prerequisite: None Credits: 1
Description: This course continues the exploration of 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.
Allopathy, Functional Medicine and Collaboration 1
Course No. AY 404 Prerequisite: None Credits: 1
Description: This course will review commonly used tools in allopathic medicine and common allopathic diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular, endocrine, infectious and gastrointestinal disease including lab analysis, imaging, pharmaceuticals, and surgery. The course will also examine the relationship between Ayurveda and allopathy as systems, exploring ways to work collaboratively. Basic principles of Functional Medicine and how it can complement Ayurveda will also be explored.
Disease Management: Srotamsi 1
Course No. AY 405
Prerequisite: AY 300 – AY 307
Credits: 2
Description: This course explores in detail the major systems via srotamsi (channels) as explained in the classical texts of Ayurvedic Medicine including various disorders, assessment and treatment. Students learn the causes, signs and symptoms, and pathogenesis of the disorders, as well as treatments through diet, lifestyle, herbal formulas and other therapies. The srotamsi explored are: Mahavaha (GI tract) Pranavaha (respiratory), Rasavaha (cardiovascular) and
Jwara (infectious disease).
Disease Management: Srotamsi 2
Course No. AY 406
Prerequisite: AY 300 – AY 308
Credits: 2
Description: explores>span class="s3"> in detail the cardiovascular system in Ayurvedic Medicine including various disorders, assessment and treatment. It also examines infectious disease. Students learn the causes, signs and symptoms, and pathogenesis of the disorders, as well as treatments through diet, lifestyle, herbal formulas and other therapies. The srotamsi explored are: Raktavaha (blood disorders & skin), Shukravaha (men’s health), Mutravaha (genito-urinary) and Shalakya Tantra (ENT/ head/ neck)
Allopathy, Functional Medicine and Collaboration 2
Course No. AY 503
Prerequisite: AY 404
Credits: 1
Description: This course will review common diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of allopathic and functional medicine, for diabetes, women’s health, neurology and psychiatric disease including lab analysis, imaging, pharmaceuticals and surgery. The course will support students in developing techniques and skills to work with clients who are also cared for by allopathic practitioners, in understanding their medical histories and in working collaboratively with their allopathic practitioners.
Introduction to Scientific Research
Course No. AY 504
Prerequisite: None
Credits: 1
Description: This course provides the students a basic understanding of the scientific research process and an introduction to steps involved in scientific research models, methods and analysis. Students will learn how to critically understand and evaluate scientific research presentations and literature and begin to practice the methodology.
Disease Management: Srotamsi 3
Course No. AY 505
Prerequisite: AY 300 – AY 308
Credits: 2
Description: This course explores in detail the nervous system in Ayurvedic Medicine including the disorders, assessment and treatment. Students learn the causes, signs and symptoms, and pathogenesis, as well as diet, lifestyle, herbal formulas and other therapies. Srotamsi explored are: Majjavaha/Mamsavaha (neuromuscular system), Medavaha (metabolic disorders) and Astivaha (bone).
Disease Management: Srotamsi 4
Course No. AY 506
Prerequisite: AY 300 – AY 308
Credits: 2
Description: This course explores in detail women’s health in Ayurvedic Medicine including the Ayurvedic approach to promoting fertility, a healthy pregnancy and the imbalances of menopause. Students learn the causes, signs and symptoms, and pathogenesis of the disorders, as well as diet, lifestyle, herbal formulas and other therapies. Assessment and appropriate intervention for children are examined per different age groups from infants to adolescence. Diet and lifestyle to promote health as well as herbs suitable for children are presented. Students explore: Aartavavaha (women's health), Stree Roga Prasuti (pre & postnatal) and Kaumarabhritya (pediatrics).
Dravyaguna Vijñana - Herbology 3
Course No. AY 603
Prerequisite: 403
Credits: 1
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. Students will learn how to make individual formulas, calculate dosages and recommend herbal interventions for each of the disease systems investigated.
Pancha Karma & Indriya Chikitsa - Ayurvedic Therapies & Sense Therapies
Course No. AY 604
Prerequisite: AY 303-AY 506
Credits: 1
Description: This course is a hands-on experiential demonstration of various Ayurvedic bodywork techniques including abhyanga, Ayurvedic massage, shirodhara, basti, Marma Therapy, and herbal swedana. Students learn the techniques and put them into practice in the classroom. Students explore and practice various Sense Therapies. 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.
Jara & Rasayana - Aging & Restorative Therapies
Course No. AY 605
Prerequisite: AY 303 – AY 506
Credits: 1
Description: 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 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.
Complementary Medicine: Acupuncture, Chiropractor & Physical Therapy
Course No. AY 606
Prerequisites: None
Credits: 1
Description: This course introduces students to other modalities of healthcare like Acupuncture, Chiropractor and Physical Therapy. Students examine key concepts in each of these modalities and consider their relevance in modern healthcare treatment.
Clinical Case Studies Presentations & Final Exam
Course No. AY 607
Prerequisite: AY 300 – AY 606
Credits: 1
Description: Students are required to write and present a minimum of two case studies through a visual presentation (i.e PowerPoint) enhanced through peer review and class discussion. The students will engage in rigorous discussion about the research and case management with a panel of Ayurvedic professionals.
Clinical Apprenticeship
Course No. AY 610
Prerequisite: AY 300 – AY 506
Credits: 2
Description: Students are required to complete a minimum of 60 hours working within an Ayurvedic clinical setting, spending at least 15 direct contact hours with a BAMS or MD Ayurveda clinician (or MMI approved equivalent).