In Hindu Thought, Consciousness is given primacy over matter. In fact, Consciousness, Mind and Matter, i.e., Spirit, Mind and Body, constitute the three fundamental levels of both cosmic as well as human existence. Holistic Health in Hindu Thought therefore puts a much greater emphasis on the mind and consciousness, compared to modern approaches to health which place a far greater emphasis on the physical body. In contemporary terms, this is often called “Consciousness based Medicine” or “Mind-Body Medicine”. This framework and paradigm of medicine originating from the Hindu world is called Ayurveda
i.e., it is one of the important branches of Vedic Knowledge.
The Ayurveda and Integrative Health (AIH) Area of Study takes a deep dive into the science of Ayurveda. It offers a collection of Programs and Courses that represent a holistic approach to the study of Ayurveda in its full range of practices, values, and benefits. It enables students to understand the fundamentals of Ayurveda as a Science of Health, as developed by ancient Hindu Thought. It covers Philosophy, Principles, and Practices of Ayurveda, in a way that Students can advance both their theoretical knowledge as well as
their practical application. Students can become an Ayurveda Health Counselor by taking courses from this area of study. Students can both practice and promote holistic healthcare through diet and lifestyle recommendations through principles and practice of Traditional Ayurvedic Medical Science. This area also enables comparison and integration of Ayurveda as a complementary and alternative modality of health care practice with contemporary mainstream practice of medicine.
The certificate program will cover the fundamentals of Ayurveda Health Science along with basic understanding of Ayurveda basic principles and philosophy, introductory Anatomy and Physiology, Ayurveda Herbs, Formulations, Assessment and Therapies. It will also deliver the common counselling techniques and business knowledge delivered through lectures, discussions, practical classes, and self-learning. Successful candidates will be awarded a certificate as Ayurvedic Health Counselor from the Hindu University of America.