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 Katie from California

1)  What inspired you to study Ayurvedic Medicine?

In 2009, I graduated with a degree in Health Information Technology. I was interested in caring for people from an administrative point of view, taking care that their charts and billing were accurate. I became qualified in medical billing, patient intake and discharge forms (and all the forms in between) and more importantly, being part of the new wave of educated students in the transition from paper medical records to electronic medical records. My enthusiasm was short lived. I worked my practicum hours at an urgent care where I would soon learn what that all looked like in the real world, outside of a book or classroom. I realized that the perspective on patient care (including, but not limited to, billing) based on the western standard, was VERY different than what I expected. It seemed all completely backwards to what made sense; what Truth was (especially regarding patient care/medication/recommendations). I decided I needed to find the exact OPPOSITE form of medical care and see what that looked like. Shortly after finishing my degree, I drove by CCA for the millionth time (I live close to the campus), I realized I knew almost nothing about Ayurveda, other than it had something to do with holistic health care. I quickly enrolled and soon found I had an instant connection to the information. I had found exactly what I was looking for, which was a way to truly be a part of healing the world.

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

I think that people are tired of being sick. Our food, lifestyle and even our “medicines” make us sick. We live in a culture that wants the “quick fix” of a pill or application that will make the symptoms go away, but I think people as a whole are starting to realize how unsustainable these practices are. We pay top dollar for our insurance premiums and really don’t receive any long-term support or education regarding our physical, mental and spiritual health and well-being. Ayurveda offers sustainable results that cover mind, body and spirit as a whole. It teaches us consciousness, self-love and self-care that is realistic and sustainable. I think this is what is missing in our current health care system and why it is attractive to the general public.

3)    What do you think about the future of Ayurveda in your country?

I see that a change is coming, and very swiftly. I think that people around the world are going to realize that there are elements to both western and eastern medicine that if applied correctly, can completely change the world. There is a vast need for knowledge of western diagnostic procedures (Blood testing, computer imaging, etc.) and for the long term, sustainable Ayurvedic approach to healthy living, including diet, lifestyle, and spiritual/religious practices. People are starting to wake up and realize they are missing elements of care in their life and I see these two worlds colliding and making an incredibly bright future in our universal approach to healthcare.

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

My favorite therapy is Marma Point Therapy. I have never experienced such a profound sense of peace, relaxation, and general wellbeing like I have with this therapy. It gives you a sense of connection with your body, mind, and spirit and allows you to focus on the present moment. I also love how it feels when someone works with your subtle energy, which gives a surprisingly powerful feeling of peace.

5) Biography:

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