The California College of Ayurveda is pleased to introduce you to our Ayurvedic Health Practitioner Interns 2013-2014. Our Interns have completed their academic studies and are now working under the supervision of our experienced clinical instructors. The talented group of interns comes from throughout the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.

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

Interview with Ashley from Northern California

1)  What inspired you to study Ayurvedic Medicine?

The human body has always fascinated me. Definitely by middle school I knew I wanted to work with my hands and therapeutic massage was my first chosen path since my mum suffered from chronic headaches and I would always give her a head and neck rub. I’ve always felt naturally intuitive with bodywork. As I journeyed down that magical path, I wanted to learn more and more with other traditional methods of healing and that is how I ventured into the wonderful world of Ayurveda.

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

Ayurveda is a unique approach that addresses the mind body and soul, much as Chinese medicine does. The fact that it has been passed down thousands of years says a lot about the quality of traditional methods that are proven and known to work. Also, what makes Ayurveda attractive to the public is because it addresses each and every individual with their own unique genetic make up.
 

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

When I first stepped into the massage field, it was mildly growing.  Now a person can get their massages covered through their insurance policy. I believe the same will be the case for Ayurveda. The beauty of Ayurveda is that it addresses the entire human body by treating the mind, body and soul as a whole rather than just simply acting as a band aid.

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

It’s hard to pick just one! My most favorite therapy is Abhyanga and my second favorite following closing behind is Shirodhara. I absolutely love the feeling of the warm oil on my body. It feels so nourishing and comforting regardless if it’s all over my body or head. Both therapies I find extremely relaxing and fulfilling.

5) What does your path to Ayurveda look like?

I was born in Boulder, Colorado. Sadly, my family and I didn’t live there long due to job opportunities which then led us to California. Although Nevada City reminds me a lot of Colorado so I’m not surprised that my path led me to the College of Ayurveda. Anyway, My family and I lived in the bay area for a few years and experienced the 1989 earthquake which is why we moved more north shortly afterwards. We found beautiful land in little ole Weimar and built a house that we all enjoyed for several years. After that, Auburn has been pretty much my stomping ground for quite some time. In 2004, I went to Phillips School of Massage a year after graduating high school and made a career out of it. What I love about traditional methods is that there are so many and Ayurveda is one of them. I heard so many wonderful results from friends and thought to myself that it would be a great addition to my career. Natural health tickles my fancy and as does art. I simply love creative expression whether it is with my hair color, clothes, accessories and makeup or through dance, silly facial expressions and sounds. I truly love to create with paint, sewing, welding, building, sculpting and so on. There’s just simply too much to list. Also, time in nature is an absolute must and I find great therapy working with plants, herbs and tending to my garden. Although, I find it therapeutic welding or sanding an art project or better yet, even filling herbal formulas.
Life is what you make of it, so make it count for something positive and therapeutic.
Namaste.
 

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