50 credit hours towards Nosara Yoga Institute 1000-hour Yoga Alliance Registered Certification
50 Yoga Alliance CEUs

Ayurveda, which literally translates into “the science of life,” is considered Yoga’s sister science, as both were born from Samkhya philosophy. In ancient India, Yoga and Ayurveda arose as complementary approaches to wellness. Yoga was classically taught as a practice of spiritual advancement toward Self-Realization, or matter returning to Absolute Consciousness, while Ayurveda was oriented toward body/mind wellness.

Today Ayurveda is recognized as one of the most important practices in mind-body medicine. Yet it is more than merely a medical system aimed at the treatment of disease. Ayurveda forms the foundation for a healthy and natural way of living through preventing illness and developing one’s highest potential.

This comprehensive training introduces Ayurveda as a practice of self-inquiry and healing. It emphasizes viewing ourselves and our students through Ayurveda’s unique lens to add both depth and dimension to our yoga teaching.

Through the integration of Yoga and Ayurveda, we will learn to design sequencing templates for all three doshas (body-types) that accentuate proper pacing, drishti, asana modification and appropriate pranayama. Theses Ayurvedic Yoga principles will be woven into our own bodies as we practice; once embodied and assimilated, they can be taught seamlessly, adding distinctive value and appeal to all classes and private sessions. 

Topics covered will include:

• Samkhya, Ayurveda's philosophical root
• The importance of our relationship with the five elements in nature (Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether) in cultivating inner alchemy
• Dosha theory - the three psycho-physiological energies of Vata, Pitta and Kapha
• Basic diagnostic skills according to the prakruti / vikruti paradigm
• How to provide deeper instruction in the use of asana, pranayama and meditation for healing and balancing Vata, Pitta and Kapha
• How to customize yoga classes and one-on-one sessions for dosha-specific therapeutic effects
• Ayurvedic dinacharya (simple and effective daily rituals) to keep the doshas in balance
• The seven dhatus (tissues) and Ayurvedic nutrition - literally explaining how we are what we eat
• Marma therapy protocols for Vata,Pitta and Kapha with dosha-specific essential oils and blends
• Mantras that promote health
• How these basic Ayurvedic concepts relate to the health of ourselves and society

This is an amazing time to be a yoga teacher. Every day more people are awakening to the fact that they are inextricably woven into the fabric of the cosmos; that their bodies and minds are not separate; that a great Prana resides in themselves and all things. The Hudson Valley, lauded for its beauty and light, serves as an inspiring backdrop to delve into the fields of Yoga and Ayurveda and learn that when taught together, these two sisters can help us heal our world.

“It was so valuable to gain deeper understandings of Ayurveda - the doshas, gunas and elements and appropriate medicine for balancing health. There were many new insights, understandings and inspirations that I will sprinkle into my teaching, work and lifestyle. Thanks for sharing your lifetime of wisdom and experience Alana!”

Hunt, E-RYT 500
Yoga Studio Owner

“Alana is a masterful, graceful and wise teacher and healer. Every moment was juicy and rich! I value the deep exploration of the Ayurveda system within myself — a huge self-inquiry! I’m feeling it all so profoundly in the body. I didn’t know it could go so deep in just one week!”

Mehiel, RYT 500
Yoga Teacher and Health Coach