650-Hour Ayurvedic Health Counselor Certification
As Ayurveda continues to gain recognition worldwide for its holistic, nature-based approach to health, people are turning to this ancient science to restore balance, manage stress, and improve overall well-being. For two decades, the Kripalu School of Ayurveda (KSA) has been at the forefront of professional Ayurvedic certification, helping individuals connect with the rhythms of nature and the body to promote health, vitality, and happiness.
Through our Ayurvedic Health Counselor Certification program, you will gain the skills to guide clients toward optimal health through Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle practices. This clinical training program is designed to equip you to work directly with clients, applying Ayurvedic principles to help them achieve balance and whole-hearted living.
Information Sessions
Register for one of our free, online information sessions to learn more.
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The 650-hour certification is a two-part journey, starting with the 200-hour Foundations of Ayurveda course. Upon successful completion, you can apply for the 450-hour Clinical Training in Ayurveda, where you’ll learn how to establish a clinical practice and enhance your clients' well-being through individualized Ayurvedic guidance. Graduating from the Foundations of Ayurveda and the 450-hour Clinical Training in Ayurveda will earn you Kripalu certification as a 650-hour Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) and qualify you to sit for NAMA’s national AHC exam.
Embark on a transformative journey that combines ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern health practices, empowering you to help others achieve balance, vitality, and lasting well-being.
REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS
In addition to the complimentary manual provided, you'll need the following texts for the program:
- The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook: A Seasonal Guide to Eating and Living Well, Kate O’Donnell
- The Everyday Ayurveda Guide to Self-Care, Kate O'Donnell
- Ayurveda and the Mind, Dr. David Frawley
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 1: Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 2: A Complete Guide to Clinical Assessment, Dr. Vasant Lad
- Astanga Hrdayam (3-volume set)
- Advanced Pulse Reading eCourse, Dr. John Douillard (Special student rate available after completing Foundations of Ayurveda)
- Pranayama for Restoring Vitality Audio Course, Larissa Carlson (Discount available after course starts)
AYURVEDIC PHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS, CHANNELS, AND TISSUES
Deepen your understanding of Ayurvedic anatomy and physiology, focusing on tissues and channels to enhance your clinical expertise.
OPTIMIZING DIGESTIVE STRENGTH
Learn to assess your clients digestive capacity, create personalized food plans, and support proper digestive function to transform food into sustainable energy for the body and mind.
THE DAILY ROUTINE AS A PREVENTIVE PRACTICE
Lead your clients through the power of aligning daily routines with natural circadian rhythms to foster health, vitality, and emotional well-being.
HEALTH COACHING SKILLS
Receive mentorship and supervised practicum experience, building clinical skills and gaining confidence in conducting Ayurvedic health consultations.
ETIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY: THE ROOT CAUSES OF DISEASE
Learn to identify and address the root causes of imbalance through Ayurvedic clinical evaluation, enabling you to help clients achieve lasting health.
AYURVEDA HERBOLOGY
Discover the properties, actions, and uses of medicinal herbs within the Ayurvedic system. Create personalized herbal recommendations that support digestive and nervous system health, helping clients achieve balance and well-being through nature's healing remedies.
AYURVEDA AND THE INNER WORKINGS OF THE MIND
Discover how the gunas of the mind influence emotional balance and how to use Ayurveda to nourish mental health and emotional resilience. Understand when to refer clients to mental health specialists.
GUIDING THE CLIENT IN MEDITATION AND PRANAYAMA
Gain insight into how meditation and breathing practices reduce stress and support emotional resilience. Learn accessible techniques to guide your clients in mindfulness and breathwork.
Clinical Training of Ayurveda | HYBRID
September 3, 2025–May 22, 2026
On Campus: November 9–16, 2025, January 9–16, 2026, & May 15–22, 2026
Registration Coming Soon
How To Apply
To apply to Foundations of Ayurveda, click here. Once you successfully complete this 200-Hour training, you will apply for the 450-Hour Clinical Training in Ayurveda program by contacting Kripalu Schools at kripaluschools@kripalu.org. With each program acceptance letter, you will be eligible to sign up for that specific training once it's open for registration.
ONLINE TRAININGS
What will I need to take an online training?
Online classes are held via Zoom video calls, and students must have access to a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet to support active participation in an online classroom (e.g., computer, webcam, computer mic and speakers, and Zoom app). Word processing capabilities are also required.
How will the trainings be shared?
All sessions of the training will be held by Zoom video call. Links, passwords, and more information will be shared once you are registered in the training.
Are online programs live or delivered asynchronously by recording?
Online programs are taught live and students are expected to be present and participate during Zoom video calls. Recordings of classes for some trainings will also be saved in an online video library for students to review when studying.
HYBRID TRAININGS
How are hybrid trainings conducted?
Students enrolled in hybrid trainings complete a portion of the program online and a portion of the program on campus. Online classes are held via Zoom video calls, and students must have access to a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet to support active participation in an online classroom (e.g., computer, webcam, computer mic and speakers, and Zoom app). Word processing capabilities are also required. Please refer to the Online Trainings FAQ section for additional information regarding the virtual classroom, and the On Campus Trainings FAQ section for additional information regarding on campus.
ON CAMPUS TRAININGS
What should I do to prepare for my training?
Your days will be full when you arrive at Kripalu. Since you will be practicing yoga each morning, we recommend that you begin a gentle yoga practice if you are not doing so already. It is also suggested to begin to get into a rhythm similar to that of the daily schedule listed below in order to get acclimated to student life at Kripalu prior to your arrival, paying particular attention to waking, meals, and bedtimes.
6:30–7:30 am Sadhana (This is mainly yoga, pranayama, and meditation.)
7:30–8:30 am Silent Breakfast
8:30 am–12:00 pm Program Session
12:00–2:00 pm Lunch
2:00–6:00 pm Program Session
7:00–9:00 pm Occasional Program Session
Be sure to look for a letter in your email inbox six weeks prior to the start of the program with a list of required readings and written homework assignments.
Will I have an opportunity to participate in yoga classes and other activities during the training?
The training schedule is very full; however, there is some time to participate in the midday Kripalu R&R and evening programs. You will generally have a break every day from 12:00–2:00 pm. In addition, you will have most evenings free.
What are my housing options?
Kripalu offers accommodations ranging from dormitories with a shared hall bath to private rooms with a private bath. Prices vary depending upon the accommodations selected. Find out more information about accommodations here, or call 413.448.3152. Early registration is recommended, as some housing types fill up quickly.
GENERAL INQUIRIES
Are the Kripalu School of Ayurveda (KSA) trainings academically rigorous?
Yes. Ayurveda is an ancient system of healing and preventive health that requires a good deal of study and commitment in order to become competent in the science and art of the practice. Sessions are taught by distinguished faculty, and there are also required reading and homework assignments.
What kind of academic support will I receive from the KSA?
Foundations of Yoga has supervised study and review sessions led by a KSA faculty member to help you integrate course content. KSA staff is available for support and provides feedback and mentoring for each homework assignment. KSA staff is also available to meet for virtual office hours. Kripalu School of Yoga staff are available during the 300-hour modules for questions.
Does this training offer certification in panchakarma?
No. Panchakarma is a series of detoxifying, cleansing Ayurvedic massage practices that restore proper functioning to the body. In most states, in order to offer Ayurvedic body treatments, you must be a licensed massage therapist.
Will there be a graduation that my family and friends can attend?
There will be a graduation ceremony for graduates at the completion of the 650-Hour Ayurveda Health Counselor certification track.
Is financial assistance available?
Kripalu Schools are committed to supporting individuals interested in enhancing their life and realizing their full potential through yoga, yoga therapy, Ayurveda, and mindful outdoor leadership regardless of background or financial status. Scholarships are made possible by the generous support of Kripalu’s patrons and donors, and financial assistance is offered when funding is available. Currently, there are scholarships available for the Foundations of Ayurveda component of this certification track.