UConn Health and Ayurveda

Alternative Medicine: Ayurveda is the world’s oldest comprehensive health care system that originated in India. This 6,000-year-old health care system has contributed in the understanding of holistic approach to medicine in the West.

Principles and practices of Ayurvedic medicine have been formulated from six philosophies (shad darshan) of India, which asserts that we are a microcosm (small part) derived from cosmic macrocosm (universe). A balance between self and the nature is essential to healthy living. Similarly, a balance between mind, body and spirit is important for optimal health.

In the United States, Ayurveda is referred to as an alternative medicine “Whole System of Medicine.” Popular concepts of Ayurveda practiced in this country include: meditation, yoga, mind body medicine, breathing techniques (Pranayama), energy healing, sound healing, vibrational medicine, Panchakarma, massage, diet, lifestyle changes and herbal therapy. All are part of Ayurvedic medicine and must be administered by trained practitioners.

Ayurvedic practitioners must receive their training from accredited academic schools.

Ayurvedic Education: The UConn School of Medicine offers “Understanding Ayurveda,” an introductory Ayurveda course, to first and second year medical students.

Complementary Alternative Supportive Care (CASC) offers CME accredited educational, health and wellness programs.

Advance Ayurvedic courses are available in collaboration with The International Society for Ayurveda and Health, under the direction of Dr. Amala Guha. For more information, visit www.ayurvedahealth.org.

Ayurvedic Experts and Scholars: In collaboration with ISAH, scholars and experts of Ayurveda from academic institutions of India visit and co-teach with Dr. Guha.

International Society for Ayurveda and Health (ISAH), a not-for-profit organization, was founded in 2004 and is the only international Academic Society of Ayurveda in United States.

“ELEMENTS Ayurveda Health & Nutrition,” ISSN#1557-0592, is the official journal of the Society and is published three times a year. It publishes papers on Ayurveda and related fields.

Ayurvedic symposium and conferences are organized by The International Society for Ayurveda and Health and are sponsored and hosted by various academic institutions, and also sponsored by the UConn School of Medicine.

Public Lectures and Education: Given by Dr. Guha and her guests, public lectures are free or at a subsidized cost, both nationally and internationally. For more information, please contact Dr. Guha at aguha1@att.net.

To learn more about Ayurveda and our program, visit www.ayurvedahealth.org or email aguha1@att.net.