Studying Ayurveda in India
Yoga and Ayurveda are interrelated, ancient, holistic Indian traditions that integrate ethics, spirituality, and healing. While studying with expert practitioners at the University of Minnesota and in India, students will examine the claim that the systematic practice of these traditions promotes healing and optimal health. Using critical thinking, students will investigate scientific evidence for Yoga and Ayurveda and propose additional research needed. Students will synthesize the philosophical, psychological, and ethical teachings of Yoga and Ayurveda with their experiential knowledge in order to meet the course objectives and their own needs personally and professionally.
Students fly from MSP to New Delhi, where they can visit the Taj Mahal in Agra. Students travel by Jeep to Sadhaka Grama Ashram near Rishikesh and study with expert Yoga practitioners. During free time, students will walk along the Ganges River and visit Vashista Cave. At the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust and Ayurveda Center near Dehradun, they learn about research and integrative care using Yoga and Ayurveda. They return to New Delhi and fly back to MSP.
Program Dates
Students who have not submitted the remaining paperwork will have their applications canceled.
Course Description
Student will receive 4 credits for CSPH 5319 – Yoga and Ayurveda in India
As a pre-requisite, each student MUST take ONE of the following courses:
- CSPH 4311 – Foundations of Hatha Yoga: Alignment & Movement Principles
- CSPH 5317 – Yoga: Ethics, Spirituality, and Healing
- CSPH 5318 – Tibetan Medicine, Ayurveda, and Yoga in India
- or INSTRUCTOR CONSENT
Program Leader
Dr. Katie Schuver, Senior Master Trainer for YogaFit Teacher Training Systems Worldwide, Inc., has been in the fitness industry for more than 20 years and teaching yoga for 12 years. She holds certifications in personal training and group fitness instruction and has done extensive training in using yoga asana, pranayama, and meditation in promoting positive affect. She carries the designation of Level 1 LifeForce Yoga Practitioner, a mindfulness-based Yoga program that focuses on the intentional design of yoga classes to manage mood. Katie has studied Ayurveda, Tibetan Medicine, and Hatha Yoga at the University of Minnesota and has spent several months in Northern India studying these traditions.
As part of her PhD study in Kinesiology at The University of Minnesota, she minored in Prevention Science, as well as in Integrative Therapies and Healing Practices through the Center for Spirituality and Healing. Her research at the University of Minnesota focuses on the healing effect of mindfulness-based yoga on reducing depressive symptoms in mild to moderately depressed women. In addition, she serves as project coordinator for a large NIH-funded randomized trial that examines the efficacy of a physical activity intervention for the prevention of postpartum depression. Katie serves as Graduate Faculty for the Tibetan Healing Initiative at the Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota and currently develops curriculum and teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses in Hatha Yoga history, asana, pranayama, meditation, philosophy, lifestyle, and ethics.
Excursions
Excursions include visits to a Sikh temple and sightseeing in New Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Sadhaka Grama Ashram near Rishikesh, the Ganges River and Vashista Cave near Rishikesh, the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust, and the Ayurveda Center near Dehradun.
Housing & Meals
Students will spend 4 days at the New Delhi YWCA where double rooms with twin beds, private bathrooms, and breakfast are provided. Students will also spend 13 days at Sadhaka Grama Ashram in individual cottages where twin beds, private bathrooms, meals, WiFi, Ashram classes, classes at Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust, consultations and treatments at Ayurveda Center are provided.
Program Fee
Program fee is an estimated $5, 030 which covers: tuition and educational cost, round-trip airfare from Minneapolis-St. Paul to New Delhi, ground transportation in India, housing, all breakfasts and most other meals, CISI insurance, consultations and treatments at the Ayurveda Center, and incidentals.
