Ayurvedic Foundations and Digestive Wellness

Integrating Yoga Therapy and Ancient Wisdom

April 9–25, 2027 | Live Online via Zoom

IAYT Approved Professional Development (APD) | 35 Continuing Education Hours

Discover the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda and its relationship to Yoga Therapy, digestive health, and holistic wellness. This comprehensive course combines traditional Ayurvedic philosophy with modern perspectives on digestion, nutrition, and therapeutic yoga practices.

Through interactive instruction, experiential learning, and practical applications, students will explore their individual Ayurvedic constitution and learn to integrate these principles into personal wellness and professional Yoga Therapy practices.

Course Curriculum

Day 1: Introduction to the Digestive System

Explore the anatomy and physiology of digestion, the relationship between digestive health and overall well-being, and how Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy complement modern approaches to wellness.

Days 2 & 3: Purusha, Prakriti, and Prana — The Journey of Consciousness into Matter

Discover the ancient foundations of Ayurveda and Yoga philosophy and their practical applications in modern life.

Explore:

• The historical and philosophical origins of Ayurveda
• Purusha, Prakriti, and Prana
• The five subtle elements (Tanmatras) and five great elements (Mahabhutas)
• The three universal qualities of the mind (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas)
• The ten pairs of Ayurvedic qualities (Gunas)
• The three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

Learn to identify your Ayurvedic constitution and explore approaches to restoring balance.

Days 3, 4 & 5: Ayurvedic Digestion, Dosha Balance, and Yoga Therapy

Explore the practical integration of Ayurveda, digestive wellness, and therapeutic yoga.

• Understand Prakriti and Vikriti (constitution and imbalance)
• Explore the Doshas, subdoshas, and their relationship to digestion
• Examine Ayurvedic nutrition, dietary principles, and lifestyle practices
• Discover the therapeutic applications of Asana, Pranayama, meditation, and relaxation
• Learn to develop individualized Yoga Therapy protocols for digestive conditions

Final Session: Yoga Therapy Protocol Review

Apply your knowledge through the design and presentation of individualized Yoga Therapy protocols, incorporating Ayurvedic principles, therapeutic practices, and dietary and lifestyle recommendations. Receive faculty guidance and collaborative feedback to refine your therapeutic approach.

What Our Students Say

“AUM hOMe Shala has exceptional teachers who integrate Western medicine and Eastern philosophy, providing us with a comprehensive set of tools to support those in need.”

— E.G.

“Amba is an amazing teacher who connects deeply with her students. She creates a welcoming environment that encourages questions and discussion. I walked away with a strong foundation in Ayurveda and digestion and the confidence to apply what I learned.”

— E.O.

“I loved that we focused on understanding Ayurvedic philosophy and how its concepts work rather than simply memorizing information. The approach was practical, simple, and accessible.”

— A.F.

Course Dates & Schedule

All times Eastern (ET)

• Friday, April 9: 6–9 PM
• Friday, April 16: 6–9 PM
• Saturday, April 17: 11 AM–7 PM (1-hour break)
• Sunday, April 18: 2–7 PM
• Sunday, April 25: 11 AM–5 PM (1-hour break)
• Protocol Review: 2-hour live online session; date and time to be announced.

Course Format

This course is delivered entirely online, combining live, interactive Zoom instruction with independent study and practical assignments through Google Classroom.

Participants will engage in faculty-led discussions, experiential learning, Ayurvedic constitution assessments, and individualized yoga therapy protocol development.

Total Course Hours: 35

• 25 hours of live online instruction, including Protocol Review
• 10 hours of independent study, including coursework and practical assignments

Continuing Education: This course is designated as an Approved Professional Development (APD) offering by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), providing 35 continuing education credits.

Tuition & Registration

Regular Tuition: $625 USD

Early-Bird Tuition: $575 USD — Save $50 when you register and pay in full by February 28, 2027.

Payment Options

• Early-Bird Registration: $575 paid in full by February 28, 2027.
• Regular Registration: $625 paid in full after February 28, 2027.
• Two-Payment Plan: $675 total, including a $50 nonrefundable service fee, payable in two installments of $337.50:
• First Payment: Due upon registration.
• Final Payment: Due by April 1, 2027.

The early-bird discount does not apply to payment plans. All tuition amounts are in U.S. dollars.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

• 21 days or more before the course: Full tuition refund, minus a $100 nonrefundable processing fee.
• 8–20 days before the course: Refund of 50% of tuition, minus the $100 nonrefundable processing fee.
• 7 days or fewer before the course: No refunds.

Payment Plan Policy: The two-payment plan includes a $50 nonrefundable service fee, separate from the $100 cancellation processing fee. For students who cancel, the applicable refund percentage is calculated on the tuition portion of payments already received, excluding the $50 service fee. The $100 cancellation processing fee is then deducted from any refundable amount. Refunds cannot exceed the amount paid, and no additional payment will be required solely to cover cancellation fees.

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing.

About Your Instructors

Melinda Atkins, M.Ed., M.S., C-IAYT, E-RYT 500

Melinda Atkins is the founder and director of AUM hOMe Shala, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and IAYT-accredited yoga therapy school. A graduate of the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health and Loyola Marymount University’s Yoga Therapy Program, she integrates science, education, and compassion to expand access to therapeutic yoga for all ages.

Among the first yoga therapists in Florida certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), Melinda has more than 40,000 teaching hours and serves on the IAYT Accreditation Committee. She has developed yoga therapy programs for adults and children, including specialized offerings addressing autism, ADHD, emotional regulation, Parkinson’s disease, and other neuromotor conditions.

A contributing author to Yoga Therapy Foundations, Tools, and Practice, Melinda continues to develop community-based yoga therapy programs and pursue grant funding to expand access to therapeutic services.

Adam Flores, LMT, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, YACEP

Adam Flores is a licensed massage therapist, certified yoga therapist, holistic health counselor, herbalist, and owner of Down to Earth Yoga and Wellness in Port St. Lucie, Florida. With more than 20 years of yoga experience, he specializes in therapeutic yoga, massage therapy, and holistic wellness, with advanced training in neurodegenerative conditions and mental health.

Adam has taught yoga therapy for Parkinson’s disease through grant-funded programs at AUM hOMe Shala. His extensive experience serving underserved populations includes working with LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness, individuals in addiction recovery and transitional housing, and incarcerated transgender individuals. Through the Inner Truth Project, he develops holistic programs and provides education and support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

As an AUM hOMe Shala faculty member, Adam co-facilitates professional trainings in respiratory health, cardiovascular health, and Ayurveda, mentors yoga therapy students, and leads a weekly online, donation-based Pranayama (breathwork) class.

Amba Greene, CAP, FNLP, E-RYT 500, LMT

With more than 40 years of experience in holistic health, nutrition, and yoga, Amba Greene integrates traditional wisdom with contemporary approaches to wellness. A senior Kali Natha Yoga instructor, she studied extensively with yoga master Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati until her passing in 2012.

Certified as an Ayurvedic teacher and consultant through the Kripalu School of Ayurveda, Amba has trained with distinguished Ayurvedic physicians and educators, including Vasant Lad, Robert Svoboda, John Douillard, and Sunil Joshi.

She became certified in the MELT Method in 2011 and subsequently advanced to the instructor level. In 2014, she earned certification in functional medicine nutrition, followed by advanced training as a Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Practitioner (FNLP) in 2016.

Drawing upon her extensive background in Ayurveda, yoga, bodywork, and functional nutrition, Amba offers practical, individualized guidance to support health and well-being. An accomplished kirtan singer, she also executive-produced and performed on the Kashi Ashram recording Songs of the River.