Home / Certification Programs / Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist Training

Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist Training

with Kathryn Templeton, Ayurvedic Practioner, MA, RDT/MT, E500RYT
and Sarah Guglielmi Goddard, E500RYT, HI AYS

Kathryn Templeton 500-Hour Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist Traing

Become an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist. After completing each of the 4 units and participating in optional Case Study sessions, you will have the knowledge and skill to create a dosha balancing specific yoga practice, use food with awareness, and create a basic lifestyle plan for yourself and for your clients based upon their needs and goals. You’ll be able to offer basic Ayurvedic consultations, “Ayurveda” 101 programs, and you will have access to additional training and supervision from the Himalayan Institute “Graduates Only” case supervision sessions.

This program has been recognized and is listed with the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA)

All dedicated yoga students and teachers are invited to take this training, but certification will only be given to students who have 200-hour yoga certifications from an accredited school (YTT program).

About the Certification

Students will learn

  • How prana (life force) and ojas (deep vitality) can be cultivated to regulate and support agni (digestive fire) for optimal health
  • A deeper knowledge of the ayurvedic maps: doshas (constitutions), gunas (psychological tendencies), vayus (winds or movement of prana), and koshas (sheaths)
  • How to adapt asana (postures) and pranayama to kindle our agni and better circulate prana for efficient energy management
  • The alchemy of yoga and ayurveda along with diet and lifestyle adjustments to adapt to daily, seasonal, and stage-of-life changes
  • How to identify typical constitutional imbalances and know how to address vikruti (imbalances) through asana, pranayama, deep relaxation, meditation and diet, cleansing, and lifestyle adjustments.

Required Reading

Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume One: Fundamental Principles by Dr. Vasant Lad
Yoga & Ayurveda: Self-Healing and Self-Realization by David Frawley

These books will be available for purchase on-site and are not included in the cost of tuition.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Each Unit

The Macrocosm and Microcosm of Ayurveda and Yoga Unit #1

  • Yoga and ayurvedic philosophy: understanding purusha (pure consciousness) and prakriti (universal nature)
  • The elements manifest in the body: koshas (sheaths) and doshas (constitutions)
  • The ayurvedic clock: the hour, season, and stages of life

Suggested additional reading: The Seven Systems of Indian Philosophy, by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait
 

Psychology of Ayurveda and the Physiology of Yoga Unit #2

  • The architecture of the mind and the gunas; scientific use of asana, pranayama, and meditation
  • Subtle essences: prana, tejas (fire of intelligence), and ojas
  • Circulation of prana via the vayus; practices for seasonal changes and vata imbalance

Suggested additional reading: Ayurveda and the Mind, by David Frawley
 

Improving Our Digestion of Foods, Thoughts, and Actions Unit #3

Agni, Ama and digestion according to the pancha kosha model. You will leave with a thorough understanding of Ayurveda as it relates to Food and Digestion:

  • The six tastes and proper diet
  • Internal and external practices to regulate agni
  • Developing clinical awareness of asana, pranayama, meditation and diet/lifestyle as it relates to digestion and assimilation.
  • Learn how to make ghee, kitchari, medicinal oils and teas. Demonstrations, samples and recipes included.

Suggested reading/recipe book: Eat – Taste – Heal: An Ayurvedic Cookbook for Modern Living by Thomas Yarema, Daniel Rhoda and Johnny Brannigan
 

Clinical Use of Ayurveda and Yoga Unit #4

Practical application of yoga and ayurvedic psychology, dinacharya (daily routine), cleansing, asana, pranayama and mediation. Additional training on the nadis (energy channels).

  • Introduction to tongue and pulse diagnosis
  • Working with private clients using yoga and ayurveda; assessment, developing a treatment plan, practice client interaction and making individual prescriptions for yoga, diet and lifestyle interventions.

Cost
This certification at the Himalayan Institute is $349 per individual unit or $1,396 for all four, plus room and board.  Tuition includes a binder and all related materials and documents.

Notes
 All dedicated yoga students/teachers are invited to take this training, but certification will only be given to students who have 200-hour yoga certifications from an accredited school (YTT program).

Units 1 to 3 can be taken as independent workshops. All four sessions are required for certification.

Upcoming Dates at the Himalayan Institute

Upcoming Dates Near You

  • http://www.facebook.com/nak.f.slow NAk Flynhigh Slow

    Hello Kathryn! I’m moving to Miami in August and I see that this course will have already started. What will be the next dates to start? Thanks!

  • Shawn

    Are there any module three trainings scheduled at the HI this year?

  • Michele Parker-Priddy

    I just completed the Unit 1 and really enjoyed it. I am wondering when we will be invited to the Ayurveda Facebook page that was referenced at the workshop. Also Unit 3 at the Himalayan Institute is not listed above, I contacted John and he said it was still on, hope so as I have already paid. Please respond here or to my email; mpcpartnership@gmail.com

  • http://profiles.google.com/ihartphotography Sara Hart

    I would like to take this course. How long does it take to complete all four units? I live in the Hudson Valley in NY, would I be able to take course in my area or at my house and travel for the fourth unit at your location in PA? Do you pay upfront for all courses even if you dont do them all right away?

    • kathryn templeton

      dear sara,
      i am so glad to hear you are interested in our HI AYS program! We would love to have you join us in Honsdale for the training or at a venue close to your home. To get all the options on housing and costs it is best to call our reservations specialists as there are several choices!! I can share with you that we have built this program to be paid session by session and make it easy for folks to engage. The program can be taken in whatever length of time seems to work best for your schedule; for example you might take a few sessions at one venue, like in Toronto, and then finish up with session #4 on site at the Institute! It depends on you and how you want to organize your time and travel. Please keep an eye on our schedule, listed on the website, as we are adding venues each month. Currently, the we do not have a venue in NY state. Our Annapolis venue or HI would be your geogrhapically closest choices to study with us in the HI AYS program. Or… you can hostess our program in beautiful Hudson Valley!?!? I’m just sayin’… ;-)
      peace,
      k

  • Julie

    Hi there,
    Looking at your up coming course in July (yoga and Ayurveda) was wondering if there was a way to contact you by phone for more info?
    Thank you :o)
    ~Julie

  • http://www.facebook.com/PriddyMom3 Michele Priddy

    If you want to complete the entire program do you pay per session or do you pay the $999 up front for the 4 sessions?

    • kathryn templeton

      hi michele,
      sorry for my delay in responding… i hope you already have gotten an answer as we have changed the pricing structure. We have learned a lot in the last year about what works best for the students and it seems that the “pay as you learn” session by session payment option is the most useful. So, you do not need to pay for everything up front. Just call the venue that works best for you and sign up! I hope this helps… if you need more info please contact me at hello@kathryntempleton.com~
      peace,
      k

  • leanne

    Kathryn, I have been contemplating this program with you for quite a while. Actually I think the first time I saw it was almost 2 years ago! I am really feeling called to move forward with more training. We just moved to Nova Scotia a month ago and I was browsing tonight and saw that one of the places you offer this at is right here! So, I think this is a sign :)
    I am wondering if there are payment plans available or scholarship opportunities for those of lower incomes. I am so very hopeful that this is the right time and that I’ll be seeing you in February!

  • Sharon S.

    Kathryn, how many students do you require in order for a class to be offered externally to HI? Thanks.
    Sharon S.

    • Kathryn Templeton

      Hi Sharon,
      We require 20 student minimum for off site trainings~ if you would like more details please contact me at hello@kathryntempleton.com
      Peace,
      k

  • susan rowan

    Hi Kathryn,
    A group of my yoga teacher colleagues in Toronto and Huntsville Ontario are interested in taking the Ayurveda training course. How many people do we need for you to come to us? susan rowan

    • kathryn templeton

      hi susan,
      wow!!! what great news :-) please contact me at hello@kathryntempleton.com for details on setting up a training in your hometown. We need a minimum of 20 students to bring a training session to an off site veune… O’ Canada!
      peace,
      k

  • gayle

    Is Carrie Demers involved with /teaching parts of this course? thanks

    • kathryn Templeton

      hi gayle,
      If only!! Dr. Carrie runs our Total Health Center and that is a full time + job :-) the good news is that we are getting to have her shakti over the summer in our “Ayurveda 101 Immerson” program July and then Dr. Carrie and I team up in the fall for our “Seasonal Change Support” seminar and in Dec 2013 for “Winter Wellness”! I hope to see you in either summer, fall or winter… or all three:-)
      peace,
      k

  • http://www.facebook.com/lola.rephann Lola Rephann

    Hi! Is it possible to apply the hours from Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist to another certification which is NAMA-recognized at the 500-hour level?

    • kathryn templeton

      hi lola,
      as a matter of fact…yes! the Dean of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda had a great influence on how we designed our program. we have had two graduates of our HI AYS program join the Kripalu school for the Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant level training and their hours were accepted with open arms. i am sure the same would be true for other NAMA recognized 500 hour trainings, but i cannot speak with any experience except for KSA. i hope this is helpful information~
      peace,
      k

  • Anna Dorwart

    Kathryn, Will you be adding any more dates for units to be taught at the Himalayan Institute? I live in PA and would love to take the units closest to home. Please let me know.

    • kathryn templeton

      oh, you betcha’… we are putting up dates and will let you know asap :-) if you do not see soon, then email me at hello@kathryntempleton.com and i will update you with the plans… are you attending the SAGE program in Nov? if so i will see you there too!! peace, k

  • maria

    I only see 3 session at HI – it says 4 sessions are required for certification. Can you show me ?
    Thanks!

  • marion

    Hi Kathryn: Will be doing the 2nd unit at the HI in August, but would love to know if you plan to return to Miami as this is my home base. Marion

    • kathrn templeton

      hi marion, i love the miami sangha!!! i am sure we will be back there in 2013 :-) look for upcoming dates after November :-) peace, k

  • Ewerlinger

    I wish you would come to Northern Nevada, there is No training here for this….

    • kathryntempleton

      oh, i would LOVE to visit Nevada… my pals, Parayogini Sasha Larkin and Mary Bruce are the gals to contact to coordinate the HI AYS coming to Neveda or Arizona… just say the word!!! peace, k

  • Melanie Wells

    Good afternoon Kathryn. I am scheduled to take the second session this August. I was debating on postponing the last two sessions until next year at HI, but you are only booked out until June. Any idea if or when you would offer the last two sessions at HI next year? Hope all is well with you. Can’t wait to continue to explore the amazing world of Ayurveda. I even had the opportunity to delve a little deeper in my graduate studies. I love a strong foundation!

    Namaste,
    Melanie

  • Drishti

    Kathryn I was interested in the certified aryurveda training and was thrilled when I  saw you would be in Miami at the Prana Yoga Center.. I signed up and paid, bought the book by Vasant Lad only to be told the day before I couldn’t attend because it was a graduation not a course.( I would never of known except no one could tell me the times of the course!) All in all it was dissappoiunting. Are the courses consecutive? Is it course 1  then 2 or in any order?  Fortunately I didn’t have to travel far
    , but if I signed up say in TX I would have been stuck . Maybe I should look for another training?

    • Kathryn Templeton

      Oh Drishti,
       i am so sorry to hear about your experience. Please accept my apology, and i know the folks at Prana Yoga Miami feel the same. I hope that you give our program another chance~ 
      let me take a moment and explain…we offer four units to complete the Ayurvedic Specialist Certification. Ideally the sessions do build, but i have organized the material in such a way that each is free standing excluding our final session which is clinical application. Session one is focused on the philosophy of ayurveda and is a foundation to understanding how our body, mind and spirit impact each other; always in connection. It is the awareness of that connection proffers health and well being. Session two is focused on understanding the “energetic maps” of body and mind.  We learn about the use of yoga and ayurveda specifically for psychological  and physiological balance. Session three dives into ayurveda’s  practical application of medicine; tastes and food! we learn about the six tastes from the theoretical and experiential; books and cooking… and tasting :-) Along with some basic info on herbs.we end with the clinical practicum, session number four. When all the academic and experiential learning has been completed. We work with “training clients” and explore together how to put this wisdom to work. It is by no means the end, rather it is a beginning, of how to work as an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist. I am truly sorry you were not fully informed. Please contact us again as we would love to share this wisdom and support your exploration into the science of ayurveda. 
      peace,
      k

  • mrmiscio

    I have finished the classroom portion of my yoga teacher certification.  I’m working on the practicum and exams now.  If I get my yoga certification while taking the ayurveda program, will I be eligible for the ayurveda certification when I’m done?  Thank you!

    • Kathryn Templeton

      yep! anyone interested in ayurveda is invited to study with us… and if you have a minimum of 200 hour YTT certification we will be able to certify you once you succesfully complete our program. NAMA sets this standard as we do not teach you how to teach yoga, rather we teach you how to use yoga (asana, pranayama, meditaion) as ayurvedic medicine for dosha balancing. so… after you have successfully completed our HI AYS program, and you then finish your 200 YTT please send us a copy of your certificate and Yoga Alliance number and we will send your HI AYS certificate to you! 
      thank you for asking :-)
      peace,
      k

  • emci

    I would Love to attend, to the 3rd sesion in Minneapolis…. It sound like a great opportunity  to complement my yoga practice and to bring more elements to my teaching.
    Hope to mee you there Kathryn. Namasté!

    • Kathryn Templeton

      look forward to meeting you there :-) until then, enjoy the beautiful summer…
      peace,
      k

  • Mindoveryoga

    This is a lot to digest. The Kripalu program requires a lot of Sanskrit. Is this none to some Sanskrit?  also, Arnold MD….is that near Annapolis and, if so, is there any lodging, this being the high-rent capital of teh Chesapeake Bay during summer months.

    • kathryn templeton

      hello mindoveryoga,
       yes, the program is a lot to digest! that is why we work on our agni :-) we do not require sanskrit. generally the “ayurvedic practioner” level of training requires sanskrit (about 40 hours). this is an “ayurvedic yoga specialist” and a different level of training. check out the NAMA website for details on the various levels of training. regarding the Annapolis training and lodging, lynn matthews is the person to contact and her contact info is listed above! 
      peace,
      k
      PS interesting factoid; this is the first HI AYS program to be held at a college. we had to work with the school’s requirement to start and end the course during the summer session! next time we plan to schedule the course to run a longer semester. k

  • Jenniegryczka

    Hi,  I was glad to see this training offered and have also been looking the Kripalu training,  I am curious to know the difference between the two?   I noticed someone else had the same question below, but didn’t notice a response.
    thank you! 
    Jennie

    • Kattemp13

      hi jennie,
      sorry for the delay! Kripalu’s school of ayurveda, KSA, has multiple levels of education and certification. the HI AYS program is acknowledged by KSA as the “foundations of ayurveda” course and will accept our certificate. they will require an extra week of work with a “yoga intensive” to recieve their KSA AYS certificate. i hope that clarifies… if not email me at hello@kathryntempleton.com

  • Debbie Helfeld

    Kathryn, I am really interested in the training,  and I am hoping to take it in Annapolis, but I cannot do all 4 of the weekends it is scheduled there.  Is it possible to take a training at another site or do one next year?  I assume that you have to take them in order?     Debbie H.

    • Kattemp13

      hi debbie,
      yes! you can train with us at any of the sites and you do not have to take sessions #1, 2 or 3 in order, but you must have taken all three before you join us for your clinical session (#4). i hope this helps you understand the training process! peace, k

    • kathryn templeton

      hi debbie,
      yep, we designed the program so you can take courses at whatever site works best for you, and we suggest you take them in order. if you cannot take 1,2, 3 then 4 you can take any of the first three sessions in any order. the only requirement about progression is that session 4 is always last. session #4 is our clinical session. i hope this helps and i am excited to share the ayurveda with you wherever you land! peace, k

  • yogita

    Hi Kathryn, I am interested in the Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist Training series that starts in May.  I am deciding between your program and the one offered at Kripalu.  Can you please let me know how they differ?  I am a RYT 200 level.  Thank you very much!

  • Denise A

    Special K! I’m loving that you have such a full schedule. I was thinking that classes were only offered at HI and only one date -early May -works for me. BTW, the solution to my work problem – I’m retiring in Sept. YAY! So bring on the Ayurveda training in 2012-13! So glad we can spread this out. Also, do the first 3 sessions have to flow in sequence. I may be able to pull that off, but it could be difficult. Loving the enthusiasm that everyone is sharing for your offerings. You are the Best! Love & Light. Denise (DC)

    • Kattemp13

      wow, i was REALLY late on this one… sorry D! as you just left HI this afternoon, post our session #1, i am thinking this question is answered :-) it was so lovely to have you there, and all our HI AYS students! what an amazing group; i am inspired! peace, k

  • Kelly

    Hi,

    Just wondering if there is any financial aid available, work/study options or grants available?

    • kathryn tempeton

      hi kelly, wow… i missed your question! i apologize for the lapse in time. i am hopeful that you have already investigated the possibiities with the Institute around work/study options. if not just contact Zach Ketterhagen and he can direct you to who might have that info! peace, k

  • Jo Varia

    Kathryn this looks right up my street, but as I’m based in the UK I wondered if might ever consider a trip over here to run the four sessions, I’d happily give you a place to stay and I could speak to Graham Burns at Yogacampus (who organises Yogarupa’s visits the UK) to see if he thought it was worth offering through Yogacampus.  There are not very many courses in the UK on Ayurveda so I think you’d get a lot of interest.

    Jo Varia

    • http://www.kathryntempleton.com/ kathryn templeton

      lets book it!!! :-) hope all is lovely for you and our ParaYoga brothers and sisters! seriously, i would love to share this program and i love the UK so just give me the dates and i will bring the HI AYS to you with much gratitude and enthusiasm… peace, k

    • Jo Varia

      Fantastic, I’ve just emailed Graham and will let you know what he says.  J

    • Graham Burns

      Just dashing out, but will take a proper look at it later! Quick question Kathryn – how long is each module? If you came to London, would you offer all 4 together or do students need space between them and, if so, how long?? That will obviously impact significantly on scheduling and economics!!! Greetings from the London ParaYoga community!! Graham

    • kathryn templeton

      hi graham,
       we do far away venues, like Hawaii, in three sessions over the course of a year…. this gives us all time to digest, assimilate and begin to apply the learning. hope to continue the conversation~ peace and ParaYoga hugs, k

  • Melinda

    Hi Kathryn.  Everything looks great!  I had a couple of questions.
    1) What times do the programs start on Thursdays — after dinner? first thing in the morning?
    2) If we purchase the entire program, does it have to be done all within the same year, or could
        we take 2 years to finish?
    3)  Are there assignments / readings to do in between sessions – I actually would look forward to this to make the best use of the time in class. 
    Thanks for organizing what promises to be a life-changing program!!

    • http://www.kathryntempleton.com/ kathryn templeton

      hi melinda,
      i just realized i can reply easily from home to these questions! yes, i am a low tech yogi :-)
      generally the programs start after 5pm on Thursdays (even 6pm or 7pm at many locations) so students can arrive with ease to the session.  you have no time limit to finish the program. i would suggest that you are mindful to take the last session/clinical without too long of a delay from the series as the practical application will require you to integrate the academic and experiential learning. to answer your final question… yes! there are “at home” assignments that are both experiential and reading/homework to help you integrate and deepen your understanding of ayurveda. the text books along with handouts/notes will be more understandable after working with them at home and allowing yourself to more fully digest the information while practically applying the concepts to your own life.  i look forward to sharing the ayurveda with you soon too!!! peace, k

    • Kathryn Templeton

      oh melinda… i am hoping that someone at the HI already answered your questions?!?! just in case you have been unanswered let me give you some guidence :-)
      1. as Dr. Svabdoha often says, “It depends”! some programs have Friday, Sat, Sun and some have Thursday night options. The Thursday night programs generally start at 5:30 but please check the venue; HI Thursday night program begins at 7pm. 
      2. No, the entire program can be completed in your personal time frame and as long as we offer sessions!
      3. yes, there are assignments and readings in between sessions. There is a Final exam and there are group projects. These are not time consuming projects and vary upon group size (some are dyad projects other in small group structure)
      I hope you join us… 
      peace,
      k

  • Anonymous

    Follow-up, I plan to attend the Ann Arundel sessions and I see that the July session starts on Thursday and the others start on Friday (didn’t know that I could hover over the title and see a little more info).  I will call HI and see if I can find out times for the days.  
      

  • Anonymous

    I would like to plan vacation time from work for the four weekends.  Are the sessions all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday?  I read that the enrollment should include 3 nights and I don’t know what nights that would be so cannot figure out travel/vacation days. Thanks so much and I’m really looking forward to attending. 

  • Mimi

    Hello I am wondering how this course is certified by the NAMA as it does not seem to add up the required 500 hours that NAMA requires?  I also did know that NAMA was a certifying organization. So can you tell me in what capacity or category this program falls under with NAMA?  

    • http://himalayaninstitute.org The Himalayan Institute

      Thank you for bringing this question to our attention.  Our Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist Program is an 80 hour Advanced Training for Yoga Teachers and  falls under the NAMA category “Programs that do not meet NAMA 500 hr Practitioner Level Requirements”.   Upon further review, we are revising our marketing materials to read “”this program has been recognized and is listed with the National Ayurvedic Medical Association”.  To learn more about NAMA recognized programs please visit http://ayurvedanama.org/schools-programs/.

  • Rogers Libby

    Do the units need to be taken in a specific order?

    • http://himalayaninstitute.org The Himalayan Institute

      Thank you for your question, and interest in this program,

      We highly recommend taking the Units in order provides the best learning experience. Completion of the first three Units is required to participate in the Clinical Unit (#4).

    • kathryn templeton

      hi rogers, session 1,2 and 3 can be taken out of order, however session number four best serves you when taken last. peace, k

  • Anonymous

    Hi, Kathryn.  Is the session in December 2012, Clinical Use of Ayurveda and Yoga a “capstone” course after taking the four Yoga Specialist trainings?  This all sounds wonderful and I’m hoping to workout my schedule and finances so I can attend the sessions in Maryland and the December at HI.  Makes me smile to think about it!

    • kathryn templeton

      hi, yep the clinical session is the point of integration from our studies. i think your plan to attend  at least one session on campus at HI is perfect! we can talk about it when we meet in Maryland, very soon!! peace, k

    • Bob

      Hi Kathryn,
      I am wondering if you ever plan to offer this in a immersion concept. I live in western Canada and flying out there once a month can prove to be costly. I am finishing up the 300hr teacher training this year at the institue and it would be great to carry on with more studies

    • kathryn templeton

      Hi Bob,
      i apologize for the delay! i was in India with the Institute and it was amazing… anyway, to your inquiry… i understand how travel, time and expense can make attending trainings problematic. Here is my problem with the immersion concept and learning ayurveda… there is a lot of information to absorb and integrate. unlike yoga, much of this information is not assimilated via embodied work… the feedback i have gotten from students is that the “pause” in between sessions helps them process the information and feel more “at ease” with the information presented. BTW, where in western Canada? We have a program in Toronto now…and of course in beautiful Halifax too. thank you for your inquiry; i will keep an open mind~ peace, k