“Ayurvedic practitioners are committed to understanding the principles of Ayurveda so that they can use this knowledge to assist the sick individual to become well again. In addition, it is the responsibility of the practitioner to teach each patient the basic principles of Ayurveda, so that the patient becomes empowered to keep himself healthy.

When a patient begins care with a practitioner, they are often most interested in alleviating the symptoms of his condition. While many practitioners can do this, what makes Ayurveda unique is its emphasis on self-awareness. When people understand their constitution and how they relate to the world around them, they become empowered with the choice of how to live. The journey toward living in harmony is the journey we all take and the Ayurvedic practitioner is the guide along the way.”

Excerpt from “Principles of Ayurvedic Medicine,” by Dr. Marc Halpern, Founder of the California College of Ayurveda