This course builds on the introduction to Ayurveda and basic Ayurvedic assessment tools that formed part of The Mind and Foundations modules. It addresses a variety of medical conditions from an Ayurvedic perspective, and introduces simple/basic Ayurvedic therapies appropriate for inclusion in yoga therapy sessions. Basic concepts are reviewed, such as prakruti (constitution at birth), vikruti (current constitution), the doshas and their relationships to the elements, dosha qualities, signs of balance and imbalance in the doshas. Additional information that enhances that learned in previous modules will be introduced in this training such as use of the marma points in yoga therapy. The course has a residential clinic in which students gain experience with volunteers by assessing predominant doshas, dosha imbalances, status of the gunas, and doshic responses to stress. Students learn how to lead yoga postures and pranayama in a session of restorative yoga, with a focus on ‘dosha awareness’, with the aim of enhancing doshas balance in favour of increased health and wellbeing. 

The module covers how to bring doshas back into balance via appropriate yogic and ayurvedic therapies that are appropriate for use by yoga therapists. It reviews Ayurvedic perspectives on stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and immunity. The course also presents the study of a range of fundamental Ayurvedic concepts to understand Ayurvedic perspectives of: 

• health and disease. 
• anatomy & physiology. 
• mental & emotional correlates with doshas. 
• the disease process (Samprapti). 
• how Ayurveda views the integration of body, mind, emotion, and spirit. 

An overview (and review) of the Vedic Sciences and how they apply to Ayurveda and Yoga and the practice of yoga therapists is provided, with emphasis on Sankhya, Vedanta, Tantra, and Yoga philosophies and how they impact the practice of yoga therapy. Students also learn about Ayurvedic therapies beyond the scope of practice of a yoga therapist, knowledge of which is important for appropriate referrals to qualified Ayurvedic practitioners. The course does not prepare yoga therapists to be Ayurvedic practitioners, nor does it qualify them to determine a person’s constitution/prakruti. The goal of the course is to learn enough about Ayurveda to identify probable doshic dominance, signs of doshic imbalances, and to apply simple Ayurvedic therapies assisting clients to restore doshic balance (including using asana, opposite qualities, and basic Vata management). Students are also instructed in very basic Ayurvedic approaches to proper eating and diet for balancing doshas. Basic tenets of Ayurvedic lifestyle (vihara) are also presented. 

Because of the Ayurvedic view of its critical role in health, a variety of digestive disorders are discussed. Students learn the importance of how lifestyle, diet and digestion are key factors in the maintenance of health or the development of disease. They learn simple Ayurvedic strategies for keeping digestion healthy, with some variations for each dosha. 

Students have a home practicum assignment in which they are expected to do a basic assessment of the primary dosha/s, the guna constitution, and any obvious dosha imbalances with a volunteer, and to develop and deliver a treatment plan which demonstrates their ability to apply the knowledge of Ayurveda into the practice of yoga.