Ayurveda - The Basic Study Course

Lesson 1: Elementary Knowledge of Ayurveda

Dealing essentially with the structure of the human body according to Ayurvedic understanding, this lesson presents the three bodies of man: the gross or physical and the two subtle bodies, namely the astral body and the casual body. Stress is put on the physical body.
As an introduction to the other lessons, the following topics are explained:

• the five Mahabhutas, or great creating elements: earth, fire, water, air and space
• the three Doshas, or bioenergies resulting from this: Vata, Pitta and Kapha
• the Gunas, or qualities for evaluating the Mahabhutas and Doshas and their significance for the bodily functions.

Lesson 2: Prakriti, or Personality of Man

In Ayurveda, three constitutional types are distinguished: Vata, Pitta and Kapha, as well as mixed types.

In this lesson you will learn to know and evaluate the different qualities of a Vata, Pitta or Kapha type. With this knowledge you will be able to offer consultation in this regard.
This lesson also deals with the mental constitution of man, the three Gunas, or modes of the mind, and their effects on the body.

Lesson 3: Ayurvedic Way of Life

The Ayurvedic way of life serves prevention and health maintenance. Different time qualities are observed. Topics in this lesson are:

• the daily routine, the ideal daily schedule according to one’s own time qualities
• proper conduct according to the seasons; influence of seasonal time according to the bioenergies (Doshas)
• the human life phases
• the ideal profession and vocation according to one’s constitution
• appropriate leisure activities and suitable compensation means for Kapha, Pitta and Vata types

Lesson 4: Hygienic and Body Care

The topics of this lesson are:

• the function of the skin, skin care and the excretion products of the tissues (Malas)
• Yoga Kriyas, six special cleaning exercises and methods
• Abhyanga, oil massage
• inner hygienic, fasting and purging
• psycho hygienic and mental purity

Lesson 5: Yoga, a Practical System for Bodily, Mental and Spiritual Health

Each person needs his or her own individual spiritual path. Following this premise, four different Yoga paths are presented in theory and practice:

• Karma Yoga, the path of selfless acting
• Jnana Yoga, the path of study and knowledge
• Bhakti Yoga, the path of religious devotion to God
• Ashtanga Yoga, the Yoga in eight steps
• Ashtanga Yoga includes bodily exercise on the third level (Asanas), breathing exercise on the fourth level (Pranayama), and Raja Yoga, mental training, concentration and detachment on the further levels. The effects of the different breathing exercises and Asanas on the body and the constitution is described.

Lesson 6: Ayurvedic Dietetics

A healthy diet according to one’s constitution is essential in Ayurveda. First we will deal with:

• the effects of the different basic tastes (Rasas) on the constitution
• the role of the qualities (Gunas) and elements of the food for compensating the different constitutions
• the difference between ordinary food and “living” nutrition: Which kind of foodstuffs are rich in life force (Prana), and which are not? How does food effect the mind?#
• the ideal composition of a meal
• adverse combinations of different food
• the role of the digestive power (Agni) for creating digestive poisons (Ama)
• Dosha teas and spice blends
• food for children and aged persons
• treating of overweight
• a summary of eating culture and Ayurvedic nutrition rules.