Ayurvedic Certification Quest

Greetings, my name is Ankeen. I am a Health and Wellness coach, currently finishing a Master's degree at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, in Wellness Coaching, with a concentration in Nutrition. These past few years at MUIH have broadened my understanding of both mental and physical health, the body - and have brought up more questions for me about how to prevent certain kinds of disease or discomfort, most especially with the elderly.

I have been practicing yoga for twelve years, and have, over the course of those twelve years, delved into the science and philosophy behind yoga.

This has brought me to Ayurveda.

What is Ayurveda? I thought you'd never ask! :)

Ayurveda is the traditional Indian medicine, that was developed during the Vedic period, roughly four thousand years ago.

That's so many years!

In brief, Ayurveda is a (w)holistic system of medicine that uses plant-based treatments, exercise (yoga), meditation, and nutrition to build a healthy metabolic system and maintain good digestion and excretion.

Sounds amazing, how can I help?

Well, I have applied to Kerala Ayurvedic Academy, in Aluva, Kerala, India and have been accepted for two intensive courses this autumn. These two courses will certify me as an Ayurvedic Practitioner and allow me to practice medicine here in the States.

These courses, as well as travel, are not inexpensive, and I am calling on my friends and community for a little help.

The funds raised in this campaign will go directly to paying for the tuition. The first course, Primary Awareness of Ayurveda, fleshes out the practical theory of Ayurveda. Since I have been mostly self taught in regards to Ayurvedic methods, this class will help string together what I already know with new, pertinent information. It runs for three weeks, six days a week, beginning October 3. The second course, the Advanced Ayurvedic Learning Level 1, delves into the hands on practice of treatments and ayurvedic pharmacology. It runs for four weeks, six days a week, beginning the day after my first course ends. 

What will I do with all of this knowledge? 

Well, I work for a Hasidic wellness center in Brooklyn and I would like to bring Ayurveda to our clientele. We already use some Ayurvedic herbs and I think our client base could benefit from both the philosophy behind Ayurveda and the attention to the mental / physical self. 

My long term goals include creating a wellness space for low-income families and the elderly, where they can recieve a variety of treatments, not just limited to Ayurvedic medicine or wellness coaching. I am in conversation with healer friends to create a cooperative effort in a couple of different cities in the United States. 

Thank you so much for reading this. In exchange for your donation, I can promise to send you a postcard or letter from India - and if you donate more than $500, I will do a consultation and session for you for free upon my return. 

I appreciate your support. 
With love and gratitude, 
Ankeen