Curriculum – Personal Wellness Course – Coach | The Maharishi Integrative AyurVeda Institute

Curriculum: 7.5-Hour Personal Wellness Course

Stuart Rothenberg, MD

Research evidence that preventable mistakes in lifestyle and diet are the main cause of chronic disorders
Definition of the Maharishi AyurVeda (MAV) program
Source of Maharishi AyurVeda
History of decline and recent revival of Ayurveda
Overview of the unique MAV approach to health
Outline of the course

Stuart Rothenberg, MD

The MAV approach to enliven the inner intelligence and healing ability of the body.
Introduction to body type (Prakriti) and imbalance (Vikriti)
Introduction to the organizing principles of all bodily functions – the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha)
Dosha qualities and symptoms of balance and imbalance
Body Type and Personalized Health
Body Type determination and use of the body type questionnaire

Stuart Rothenberg, MD

Diet effects on gene expression
Evidence on dietary mistakes at the basis of a chronic conditions
The need to personalize diet
General dietary recommendations for all body types
Spices – research and use
Diet recommendations for Vata, Pitta and Kapha types
Digestion: How we digest is as important as what we eat.
Introduction and discussion of “Āma” – toxins, impurities and blockages cause by poor diet and digestion.
Introduction and discussion of “Soma” – biochemical products of proper diet and digestion that enhance health and longevity
Āma (toxins) symptoms and use of Āma questionnaire to determine levels of Āma buildup
Recommendations for bowel regularity

Nancy Lonsdorf, MD

Introduction to Agni – the digestive fire
Types of Agni and their locations in the body
The 7 bodily tissues and the keys to their proper development
Signs of Vata, Pitta, Kapha balanced and imbalanced digestion
Factors that disturb Agni
The “Hot water” recommendation to enhance Agni and removes Āma
Program for healthy digestion – all body types
Herbs and spice recommendations to enhance Agni
Introduction to Maharishi AyurVeda in-residence physiological purification procedures – Maharishi Panchakarma
MAV recommendations for proper food preparation

Nancy Lonsdorf, MD

Nancy Lonsdorf, MD

Understanding the cycles in nature
Our Biological Clocks: Nervous system changes during natural cycles
Effects of disruptions of Circadian rhythms on health
The Vata, Pitta and Kapha times of day
Time of day to eat the largest meal
Time of day to eat less to avoid Āma and overweight
Timing of sleep for maximum rest and rejuvenation
Research on Circadian rhythms and cancer and overweight conditions
Circadian rhythm effects on gut bacteria – Maharishi AyurVeda approach to a healthy gut biome
Circadian rhythms and gene expression
Fertility and Circadian rhythms
The health benefits of the experience of timelessness – The TM Technique

Nancy Lonsdorf, MD

Stuart Rothenberg, MD

Introduction to the Personal Wellness Journal – Tracking your diet and lifestyle and its effects on your personal health
Review of the use MAV self-assessment questionnaires
1. Body Type
2. Digestive Type
3. Āma score
4. Eating Habits score
5. Lifestyle Habits score
Review of general dietary recommendations
Creating your personal Dosha specific diet program
Purification diets for use when Āma and overweight conditions are present
Review of use of spices
Determining Āma levels and procedures to remove Āma
Seasonal modifications of diet and behavior
Herbal preparations for sluggish digestion
Best behaviors for good digestion
Review of Ayurveda bowel regularity approach
Ayurvedic approach to good sleep
Key points for a healthy lifestyle
MAV approach to mental and emotional effects on health
MAV Mind-Body Health – the TM Technique