The California College of Ayurveda is pleased to introduce the Ayurvedic Health Practitioner Interns 2014. Interns have completed their academic studies and work under the supervision of experienced clinical instructors. This semester’s talented group of interns comes from throughout the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.

Ayurvedic Health Practitioner (AHP) interns work on supporting patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle that is in harmony with their constitution. Patients learn about their constitution as well as the nature of any imbalances. They will also receive support to adjust their diet and lifestyle accordingly and to normalize your digestion and elimination. As part of the Ayurvedic program, an intern can include ayurvedic herbs, aromatherapy, color therapy, sound and mantra, and Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy. This is is the best of preventative health care! For those who have a specific condition and are looking for clinical management through Ayurvedic Medicine, they should consider having a consultation with an Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist intern or graduate. 

Interview with Katharine from Florida

1)  What inspired you to study Ayurvedic Medicine?

In 2008 I traveled to India and stayed in an ashram where I studied yoga with inspiring teachers who were also practicing Ayurveda. I did not know much about Ayurveda at the time, other than the casual questions asked in many yoga classes like, “What’s your dosha?” In India I had the opportunity to begin learning about Ayurveda; both its relationship to yoga and its ability to balance body, mind and spirit. While traveling I stayed in an Ayurvedic center where I received ten days of Pancha Karma treatment. It was there, during treatment, that I experienced the power of Ayruveda and its ability to heal.  Upon completion I felt perfect in body, mind and spirit. I felt connected to spirit and I was aware of my true nature and higher self. This balance from the pancha karma stayed with me as I returned home to America and I knew it was something I needed to begin studying and understanding on a deeper level.

2)    What do you think makes Ayurveda attractive to the public?

Ayurveda is a healing practice that is both nonjudgmental and accepting of where a person is right now. It understands we are all in a human body, and that it is our nature to go out of balance. Rather than judge and critique, Ayurveda accepts patients just where they are and begins to guide them on their healing journey. Ayurveda offers practical and gentle ways to come back to balance and it recognizes this will take time. It is not a race to perfect health, but a life long journey home, and a journey that should be enjoyed. If followed, Ayurveda works and it is evident quite quickly in the body and mind after therapies are received. Once a patient has a chance to experience this they are hooked and a lifetime of learning and practicing Ayurveda is what transpires. Ayurveda is more than just medicine; it is a lifestyle which leads to balanced health, well being and longevity.

3)    What do you think about the future of Ayurveda in the United States?

I believe the practice of Ayurveda has taken off in America and is going to continue to soar. As Americans discover how healing and balancing the ancient practice is, it will become more and more accepted in mainstream medical practices. And that is exactly where it belongs. Ayurveda can work right alongside Western medicine to increase disease prevention and assist with disease management. It can help alleviate chronic stressors that lead to serious illness, and it can assist with patient care when disease is present. With its emphasis on a healthy diet and lifestyle, Ayruveda can help Americans prevent disease by teaching us how to live in better harmony with our environment, our body and our mind.

4)    What is your favorite therapy in this traditional system of medicine from India?

My favorite therapy is Shirodhara. When oil is applied to my head in this loving manner, all thoughts fade away and I find peace. Having more air and ether in my constitution my thoughts can run away from me and I can get overwhelmed with to do lists and not enough time for it all. When I have the opportunity to experience Shirodhara all worries in the mind, and then in the body, fade away. I easily go to a place of stillness and silence and I am at peace in my own true nature and I am aware of my higher self. I leave the therapy feeling grounded and full of joy. If I had the opportunity I would do this practice weekly, if not daily. 

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