Originating in India thousands of years ago, Ayurvedic Medicine (or “Ayurveda“) is based on the principle that three fundamental energies, known as doshas, govern all biological and psychological functions—and that maintaining harmony and balance in the doshas is essential to physical and mental wellbeing. “Ayurvedic Medicine is one of the oldest traditional health care systems that views a human being as an interconnected unity of body, mind, senses, and spirit, living in constant relationship with nature and community,” said Dr. Anupama Kizhakkeveettil, Program Director of SCU’s Academy of Ayurvedic Medicine. “Its principles remain highly relevant today because they emphasize individualized, preventive, and lifestyle-based care — aligning with current needs for whole-person wellness.” A Flexible, Accessible Introduction to Ayurvedic Medicine
SCU’s Ayurveda Short Courses are:
- 100% online
- Self-paced, allowing learners to progress on their own schedule
- Designed to be completed by the required course end date
- Available for purchase without a formal application and admissions process
For those new to Ayurveda or unsure where to begin, SCU offers a free Introduction to Ayurveda course, providing a welcoming first step. “You don’t need any background, special vocabulary, or prior training to get started,” Dr. Kizhakkeveettil said. “Only an open mind and a willingness to observe your own body, mind, and daily habits with kindness and curiosity. Even a few simple insights about what to eat, when to eat, and daily routines can begin to shift how you feel in everyday life.” Ayurveda Foundations Courses
Once the free Introduction to Ayurveda course is completed, those wishing to continue their Ayurvedic journey may proceed to take two additional foundational courses:
Introduction to Ayurveda – Part II
Designed for beginners and wellness enthusiasts, this course expands upon the foundational Ayurvedic principles introduced in the free Part 1 course. Learners will explore how Ayurveda supports well-being through the five elements (Space, Air, Fire, Water, Earth), the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), and the dynamic relationship between body, mind, and environment. Participants will gain insight into their unique constitution (Prakriti) and the role of mental health in achieving harmony.
Introduction to Sanskrit
This course begins with the basics of how to read and write the Sanskrit alphabet Devanagari. Students learn to write their names, simple words, and sentences in Sanskrit. Students also learn to count in Sanskrit, basic conversational phrases, and some grammar rules. By the end of this course, students will have the basic foundation needed to pursue further study in Sanskrit—one of the world’s most ancient and influential languages.
Ayurveda and Daily Life
This course introduces the core Ayurvedic lifestyle practices that support health and disease prevention. Learners examine the influence of the mind and emotions on overall well-being, and gain practical knowledge of Ayurvedic codes of conduct, daily routines, seasonal practices, and nighttime habits designed to support long-term health and balance.
Ayurvedic Nutrition and Meal Planning
This course introduces core concepts of Ayurvedic nutrition, including the six tastes (Rasa), the importance of seasonal and constitution-based eating, and the role of digestion (Agni) in overall health. Participants learn how to identify foods that support their unique constitution (Prakriti) and to create personalized meal plans grounded in Ayurvedic principles. Ideal for anyone seeking an understanding of holistic nutrition and using food as a medicine for long-term vitality and harmony.
Yoga for Pain Management
This course introduces safe, gentle, and therapeutic yoga practices specifically designed to alleviate physical discomfort and improve quality of life. Open to individuals of all fitness levels, the course combines mindful movement, breathwork, and relaxation techniques to promote physical ease and emotional balance. Participants will leave with practical tools to integrate yoga into their daily routines for sustainable pain management and wellness.
Ayurveda & Mental Health
This course explores the mind (Manas), emotions, and consciousness from an Ayurvedic lens, providing practical tools to achieve mental clarity, emotional balance, and resilience. Participants learn how the doshas influence mental health, how diet and lifestyle impact the mind, and how to apply meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness to support overall well-being. Ideal for anyone seeking holistic approaches to enhance mental health and cultivate inner peace.
To explore more about available courses or enroll today, visit The Academy of Ayurvedic Medicine Short Courses website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What are SCU’s Ayurveda Short Courses?SCU’s Ayurveda Short Courses are online, self-paced educational offerings designed to introduce learners to the principles and practices of Ayurvedic Medicine. The courses blend ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with practical, real-world applications for modern health and wellness. Who can enroll in the Ayurveda Short Courses?
Anyone can enroll. These short courses are open to the public and do not require a university application, transcripts, prior experience, or on-campus attendance. They are suitable for beginners, wellness professionals, students, and lifelong learners. Are the Ayurveda Short Courses fully online?
Yes. All Ayurveda Short Courses are 100% online, allowing learners to access course materials from anywhere with an internet connection. Are the courses self-paced?
Yes. The courses are self-paced, meaning learners can progress through the material on their own schedule. Each course must be completed by the required end date, but learners have flexibility in how and when they study. How do I enroll in an Ayurveda Short Course?
Enrollment works like a standard e-commerce purchase:
- Visit the Ayurveda Short Courses website
- Select the course you want
- Add it to your shopping cart
- Complete checkout online
No. These short courses do not require a traditional university application, transcript submission, or admission process. They are designed to be accessible and easy to start. Is there a free Ayurveda course available?
Yes. SCU offers a free Introduction to Ayurveda course, which allows learners to explore foundational concepts and experience the online learning format before enrolling in paid courses. Do the Ayurveda Short Courses offer academic credit?
No. The Ayurveda Short Courses are non-credit, non-degree offerings. However, they may serve as an introduction or pathway for learners interested in pursuing SCU’s certificate programs in Ayurvedic studies. What topics are covered in the Ayurveda Short Courses?
Topics include:
- Foundations of Ayurvedic Medicine
- Ayurvedic approaches to diet and nutrition
- Daily lifestyle practices (Dinacharya)
- Mind–body wellness
- Yoga for pain management
- Ayurveda and mental health
Learners receive access to course materials for a defined enrollment period, allowing ample time to complete the course at their own pace within the required timeframe. Who developed the Ayurveda Short Courses?
The courses were developed by faculty from SCU’s Academy of Ayurvedic Medicine and are led by experienced educators and practitioners in Ayurvedic Medicine and Whole Health. Where can I learn more or enroll?
To explore available courses or enroll, visit: https://ayurveda.scuhs.edu/short-courses/ About Southern California University of Health Sciences
Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) is one of the world’s only Integrative, Whole Health universities—teaching students to blend the best of conventional medicine with proven complementary approaches, and to treat the whole person (body, mind, and spirit). Founded in 1911, SCU has been challenging convention and pushing healthcare forward for more than 100 years. Today, the institution offers graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including Chiropractic, Sports Medicine, Physical & Occupational Therapy, Genetic Counseling, Genetics & Genomics, Medical Science, Physician Assistant, Ayurveda, Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine, Clinical Psychology, Whole Health Leadership, and beyond. Learn more at scuhs.edu. SOURCE Southern California University of Health Sciences
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