Level I Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) - Fall
1 Year - 600 Hours
12 Oct, 2026
Hybrid
Enroll Now
Kerala Ayurveda Academy
Level I Ayurvedic Health Counselor Certification (AHC)

Begin Your Ayurveda Journey with Authentic Training

Begin your formal study of Ayurveda through a living tradition passed down through generations of Vaidyas (Ayurvedic Experts) from Kerala, India. Guided by experienced BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery - India) trained faculty, this 600-hour Level I Ayurvedic Health Counselor certification combines authentic Ayurvedic education with the flexibility of online learning and a required 5-day in-person practical at our Milpitas California Academy & Wellness Center. In candidacy with the Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC), the program prepares graduates to sit for the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Certification Board (NAMACB) Level I board exam. The next session begins October 12, 2026.

Length1 year · 600 hours
FormatOnline + five-day in person
Session startOctober 12, 2026
CredentialNAMACB exam eligible
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In candidacy with the Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC)

80 years of Ayurvedic teaching

Rooted in Kerala, India

I am so glad I chose Kerala Ayurveda Academy to begin my learning journey into this ancient healing science. The quality and authenticity of the teachings (and teachers) is unparalleled.

Manal A.AHC graduate
Why Kerala Ayurveda Academy

What makes this program  different and why it matters

01

An 80 year Kerala lineage

At Kerala Ayurveda Academy, we trace our roots directly to Kerala, India — where Ayurveda has been continuously practiced in its most authentic form for thousands of years. We're a wholly owned subsidiary of Kerala Ayurveda Limited, the living institution behind 30 clinics, 2 hospitals, herbal gardens, and the AyurvedaGram Heritage Life Centre. When you study with us, you study within an authentic living lineage.

02

Guided by BAMS trained Vaidyas

The program is built and overseen by BAMS-trained Vaidyas. BAMS — Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery — is the six-year university degree of India's authentic Ayurvedic system. These are classically trained Ayurvedic physicians (from Ayurvedic families) who shape the curriculum, lead the core Weekend Intensives, and work alongside an experienced faculty of practitioners, mentors, and educators. This is what genuine academic oversight looks like.

03

An Academy and a Wellness Center under one roof

At our Milpitas location, the curriculum and the practice share the same building. The five-day AHC Practical happens here. Faculty consult with clients here — guiding treatment plans, offering Ayurvedic consultations, Vedic astrology, and more — while dedicated practitioners carry out the Panchakarma therapies. What you learn is what is lived — and that kind of immersion is rare in Ayurvedic education.

04

A global Ayurveda community

When you enroll, you join something far larger than a program. You become part of a 2,000+ alumni network spanning the U.S., India, Canada, the UK, and beyond — connected through discussion boards, alumni events, and continuing education long after graduation. And you step into the broader Kerala Ayurveda ecosystem: a living institution with clinics, hospitals, and a full line of classical herbal formulations, oils, and wellness products that embody the same tradition you're studying. This is Ayurveda as a complete way of life — and your education is the door into it.

Who this program is built for

This program is for anyone ready to make Ayurveda  their practice

The Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) certification is the Level I credential — the formal entry point to professional practice in the U.S. Wherever you're starting from, there's a path in.

The Holistic Ayurvedic Coach Graduate

You've completed your foundation and you're ready for the Counselor certification

Your Holistic Ayurvedic Coach (HAC) coursework transfers directly into the AHC certification at a reduced tuition, so you pick up where you left off and move seamlessly into the next level of study.

The Healthcare Professional

You're ready to add an Ayurvedic dimension to the healing work you're already doing

Nurses, PAs, integrative practitioners, therapists, chiropractors — if you already work with patients or clients, our AHC gives you a certified Ayurvedic framework to expand what you offer, without stepping outside your existing scope.

The Yoga Teacher

You teach the body and breath. The AHC certification adds the science that completes the picture

Yoga and Ayurveda are sister sciences — and for experienced yoga teachers and therapists, AHC provides the constitution-based framework to bring certified Ayurvedic counseling into how you already work with students and clients.

The Seeker

You've done the research. Now you're ready to make it official.

Whether you arrived through self-study, a different foundation program, your own healing journey, or simply years of lived curiosity, the AHC is where that passion becomes professional. Build a counseling practice, or use it as the first step toward becoming an Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP). This is where it gets real.

Take the next step

Ready to begin? Let's connect.

Book a call to explore whether this program is the right fit for your goals.
Download the catalog and dive into the curriculum and training experience.
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From our graduates

People in this program look a lot like you

Some came for a certification. Some came for answers. Most found more than they expected.

I have learned so much in the coach and counselor programs at Kerala! From the foundations of Ayurveda, to the more specific topics, these learning modules have helped me transform my life and the lives of my family and friends. I feel really confident in my foundational knowledge of Ayurveda and I look forward to continuing to share the teachings and learn more as a student. Thank you to the incredibly supportive staff and faculty, as well as my fellow students. I couldn't have done it without you!

Esme F. AHC graduate

This has been a wonderful experience for me! Listening to the lectures, I always felt at peace... like I was "coming home". I had witnessed the profound healing potential of Ayurveda in my own life and wanted to share this with others so I chose to study through Kerala Ayurveda Academy, as it offered authentic wisdom while still being applicable in the "modern" context. Amazing work is being done by all the teachers, doctors and mentors to revive this ancient science and I'm so grateful and feel extremely blessed to be a part of it.

Janishtha G. AHC graduate

Learning so much about Ayurveda has elevated my life in so many different ways, mentally and physically. I feel closer to my purpose here on this planet than I ever have since completing this course. I will always be immensely grateful for the inspiring and informative classes and being surrounded by such kind and knowledgeable teachers and classmates.

Kristiana K. AHC graduate
Finished HAC?

Your hours already count toward the AHC certification.

Your Holistic Ayurvedic Coach coursework transfers directly into the Ayurvedic Health Counselor certification at adjusted tuition, so you pick up where you left off. An advisor will confirm your individual transfer plan and the Anatomy and Physiology requirement before you enroll. Book a short call and we will map it out with you.

Book a CallDownload the Catalog
Where this path can lead

How this training can transform both your life and your work

Students come to Ayurveda for many reasons—personal healing, deeper understanding, meaningful work, or a desire to serve others. This program supports both inner transformation and the development of practical skills for professional practice.

Deepen your understanding of yourself

Ayurveda is not only something you study—it becomes something you begin to live. Students often develop a deeper awareness of their constitution, habits, digestion, energy, stress patterns, and daily rhythms, while learning practical ways to create more balance in everyday life.

Support others through Ayurvedic wellness counseling

Graduates may build a Counselor-level practice focused on constitution analysis, dietary guidance, lifestyle routines, stress support, sleep, and holistic wellness education. Some work one-on-one with clients, while others lead workshops, cooking classes, or community wellness programs.

Integrate Ayurveda into an existing profession

Yoga teachers, nurses, therapists, bodyworkers, chiropractors, integrative practitioners, and wellness professionals often use Ayurvedic Health Counselor training to bring Ayurvedic perspective and lifestyle guidance into their current work and client relationships.

Continue your professional Ayurveda path

The Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) program is in candidacy with the Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC), making graduates eligible to sit for the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Certification Board (NAMACB) Level I board exam. It also serves as the prerequisite for our Level II Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP) and Level III Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner (AAP) programs for students wishing to continue into deeper clinical study.

Graduates earn the Holistic Ayurvedic Coach (HAC) certification from Kerala Ayurveda Academy, designed to NAMA's competency standards.
The curriculum

Eleven Weekend Intensives. One complete foundation in Ayurveda.

The Ayurvedic Health Counselor program is centered around eleven Weekend Intensives that guide students from foundational Ayurvedic principles into assessment, herbology, bodywork fundamentals, and the understanding of Dosha imbalance. Each intensive is taught by Kerala Ayurveda Academy faculty are all in person and live streamed, and supported throughout the year through Virtual Classes, monthly review sessions, group mentoring.

01

The Essence of Ayurveda

Tarka Sankhya and Sharir
+

Begin your education with an introduction to the 5,000-year-old history and philosophy of Ayurveda. The three universal energies (Doshas) and five fundamental elements (Mahabhutas) are the starting point for any Ayurvedic student. This leads to an understanding of the 20 foundational qualities of life (Gunas), the key to health. The application of these guiding principles will also be covered as it relates to the concepts of physiological disposition (Prakruti), imbalance (Vikruti) and Dynamic Balance.

Additional topics include:

  • The fundamental tenets of an effective Ayurvedic health program
  • The universe and humanity’s place within it: An Ayurvedic View
  • The cosmology of the soul
  • Comprehensive introduction to basic Ayurvedic concepts: Doshas, Dhatus, Malas, Srotas.
02

Ayurvedic Physiology

Dosha Dhatu Mala Vigyan
+

Ayurvedic Physiology is designed to describe the subtle energies and foundational structures of the human body. Ayurveda explains the formation and structure of the seven tissues of the body in detail. This course will cover the details of these seven tissues and offer a deeper look into how they work cohesively to form the structure and function of the human body.

Additional topics include:

  • The 15 subtle energies of the body (Subdoshas), their locations, qualities, and importance in health
  • Natural waste and their functions
  • The essence of life is responsible for vigor and youthfulness (Ojas), as well as how it is regenerated and preserved.
03

Ayurvedic Psychology

Manasa Shastra
+

Ayurvedic Psychology offers a fascinating look into the psychology of the human being from a cosmological and energetic perspective. This course will cover the three Gunas and how they are fundamental for understanding the mind and emotions. Additionally, the Ayurvedic study of how energy moves through the body is powerful and important to fully understand holistic human health. This course will cover the chakras and how to keep them healthy as well as the physical energy centers (Marmas) and their role in health and disease.

Additional topics include:

  • The psychological energies (subtle Doshas), their function, location and origin
  • Kundalini energy and the mechanics of vital living
  • The nature and aspects of the mind and how it functions and operates.
  • Meditation and Pranayama (breathing techniques).
04

Ayurvedic Nutrition & Cooking

Ahara Vigyan
+

Ayurvedic Nutrition & Cooking places an emphasis on foods that ground the soul, nourish the body and delight the senses. This is a fun course with in-person cooking demonstrations teaching how to prepare simple, nutritious and sensually gratifying meals. Ayurvedic cooking is aimed at pleasing all five senses and experiencing all six tastes. This course will also review techniques for maximum nutrient absorption and explain how that relates to a balanced digestive system.

Additional topics include:

  • The mechanics of satiation and its relationship to the tastes and senses
  • When, where, what and how to eat. The definition of health
  • Chaturvidha Ahara, Shatrasas, Ahara Vidhi Vishesha, and the Guna Karma of spices.
05

Ayurvedic Prevention Science

Swastha Vritta
+

Ayurvedic Prevention Science provides a comprehensive blueprint for daily and seasonal living to maintain optimal health, year-round. This can be done by learning the ideal Ayurvedic daily routine (Dinacharya) to live a balanced life and maximize effectiveness of your efforts.

Additional topics include:

  • Seasonal routines to maintain health and prevent allergies and seasonal infections.
  • Ways to stay healthy year-round by supporting a strong immune system.
  • How a modification or change in your daily routine according to the season will impact your health.
06

Ayurveda and Yoga

Yoga Vigyan
+

Ayurveda and Yoga will focus on understanding the principles of Yoga in connection with the Ayurvedic concepts. The course will begin with a detailed understanding of the eight limbs of Yoga and the koshas in connection with Yoga and Ayurveda. This course will also teach students how to customize each yoga practice based on the individual’s constitution.

Additional topics include:

  • How Yoga and Ayurveda combined can create the foundation for a transformed experience of living
  • Yoga and Ayurveda to deepen your spiritual practice.
  • Pranayama and meditation techniques
07

Ayurvedic Herbology

Dravya Guna Shastra
+
Herbal energetics, the healing properties of common household herbs, and detailed work with more than twenty Ayurvedic herbs including Amla, Brahmi, Neem, and Shatavari. Preparation, administration, and popular formulations.
08

Introduction to Ayurvedic Bodywork

Panchakarma
+
A hands on introduction to body therapies that promote cellular healing, support digestion, calm the nervous system, and improve sleep. Snehana, Swedana, Shirodhara, Padabhayanga, Shiroabhyanga, Kati Basti, Lepas, Udvartana, and Soundarya Shringar.
09

Assessment of Dosha Imbalances

Roga Nidan
+
How imbalances form and progress, and how to identify warning signs long before they become symptoms. The role of Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala in the disease process, the body systems and structures to analyze, and case study work.
10

Management of Dosha Imbalances

Kaya Chikitsa
+
How to address imbalances and prevent their progression. The Ayurvedic etiopathogenesis of disease, the methods of arresting it, and the tools and techniques including simple herbal treatments and dietary and lifestyle changes that restore equilibrium. Introduction to Palliative (Shamana) and Purification (Shodhana) approaches.
11

Review & Clinical Management

Part of the five-day practical.
+
A summarized review of the prior ten months and Ayurveda's application in modern times. How to build and sustain a Counselor practice, how the science applies to a real business model, and consultation demonstrations and practice with classmates. Coincides with the required five-day AHC Practical, in person at the Milpitas Academy and Wellness Center.
How the year is structured
11
Weekend Intensives
In person or live streamed
28
Virtual Classes
Live streamed
10
Group Mentoring Sessions
Live streamed
5
In-Person Days
Required in person, Milpitas

As part of the virtual classes, your training also includes 11 faculty led review sessions. You also get 6 additional virtual business and ethics classes, as well as recorded coursework featuring the first two parts of the Ashtanga Hridayam series, graded assignments, and a one-day Clinical Practicum. All live sessions are recorded for replay.

600
Total hours
11
Weekend Intensives
1 yr
Duration
80+
Years of Kerala lineage
Meet your Vaidyas

Learn from experienced Ayurvedic physicians from Kerala

We're guided by BAMS-trained Ayurvedic physicians who come from India's traditional system of Ayurvedic education and practice. They help shape the curriculum, oversee the academic experience, and teach core Weekend Intensives alongside an experienced faculty of practitioners, mentors, and educators.

What is BAMS?

BAMS is the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, India's accredited university degree spanning Ayurvedic theory, classical texts, anatomy, pharmacology, and clinical training.

Vaidya Jayarajan Kodikannath
Academy Director & Master Faculty

Vaidya Jayarajan Kodikannath

BSc, BAMS  ·  Kerala Ayurveda USA

Academy Director of Kerala Ayurveda USA, responsible for all academic programs conducted internationally by Kerala Ayurveda. A Kerala native from a Vaidya family, veteran Ayurveda scholar and clinician, and Lead Trainer for Domain Experts in Ayurveda with more than two decades of experience in health and education in India and the US. He builds and oversees the Ayurvedic Health Counselor curriculum and teaches core modules.

Vaidya Kamya Pillai
Main Faculty

Vaidya Kamya Pillai

BAMS, AWP  ·  Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala

Trained in Ayurvedic Medicine at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, and served as faculty in the same university under the Ophthalmology and ENT departments. Gained extensive experience managing a broad spectrum of disorders as an independent practitioner in India. Has been teaching at Kerala Ayurveda Academy since 2015.

Vaidya Princy Prasad
Main Faculty

Vaidya Princy Prasad

BAMS, MS (Ayu), PhD (Ayu)  ·  Kerala University of Health Sciences

Master's degree in Ayurvedic Surgery from Kerala University of Health Sciences, with PhD research at Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar. A decade in Indian Government Hospitals and five years as a Lecturer in Ayurveda. Subject editor for the International Journal for AYUSH Case Reports. Specializes in orthopedic management and para surgical procedures.

Vaidya Sheena Sooraj
Main Faculty

Vaidya Sheena Sooraj

BAMS  ·  Native of Kerala, India

Experienced Ayurvedic practitioner and Kerala native. Developed her passion for Ayurveda at a young age as her grandfather was a well known Vaidya and astrologer. Has run her own practice in both India and the US and successfully managed a wide range of conditions. An active public speaker on Ayurveda's role in daily life.

Supported by an experienced guest faculty of practitioners, mentors, and educators including Anuradha Gupta, Vaidya Anusree Mohan, Alka Mulakaluri, Vaidya Neha Pitla, Maryna Stasiuk, Revathi Veeraraghavan, and Vaidya Nimin Sreedhar. Full faculty bios are available in the catalog.

Graduate reflections

Three things our graduates didn't expect

01

A deeper desire to continue learning

Many students begin with the Ayurvedic Health Counselor certification as a clear goal. By the end of the program, it often becomes a starting point rather than a finish line. The framework naturally opens pathways for continued study, with many graduates choosing to move directly into the Ayurvedic Practitioner program.

02

Academic mentors who stay with you the whole way

Every student is paired with an experienced graduate mentor who reviews assignments, answers questions, and offers step by step guidance throughout the year. Many students tell us this personal support is what carried them through the program, and the relationship often lasts well beyond graduation.

03

A path that continues to unfold

The program is designed as part of a larger educational pathway, not a single endpoint. A significant number of Ayurvedic Health Counselor graduates continue into the Ayurvedic Practitioner program, and many go on to the Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner program over time. What often begins as a one-year commitment becomes an evolving journey of study and practice.

Questions before you start? Talk it through with an advisor.
Book an Advisor Call
Tuition & payment plans

A one-year investment in your Ayurveda education

The total tuition for the Ayurvedic Health Counselor certification is $8,800. Choose a payment plan that fits your needs—pay in full, split the tuition in two, or spread payments across the year. Each option supports the same one-year program experience.

Monthly payment plan

From
$776 /mo
12 equal monthly payments
Enroll Now

Split payments

2 payments of
$4,475
One upront, one midway
Enroll Now

Pay in full

One time payment
$8,725
Save on the program total
Enroll Now

Want the full course catalog first?

Get the complete curriculum, learning objectives, faculty bios, and tuition options in one PDF. No call required.

Download Catalog

Questions about plans or transfer credit? Book a call.

Your learning pathway

Start with AHC.  Continue when you're ready.

AHC is the Level I Ayurvedic Health Counselor certification within a nationally recognized pathway. Some students complete their studies here, while others continue into Level II Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP) and Level III Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner (AAP) over time as their practice and interests evolve.

You are here
Step 1
AHC
600 hours · Ayurvedic Health Counselor
1 year · Online + five-day practical
Step 2
AP
900 hours · Ayurvedic Practitioner
1.5 years · In person components
Step 3
AAP
Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner
Hybrid · In person components
Common questions

What makes this learning experience distinct.

What makes the Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) program at Kerala Ayurveda Academy distinctive?

What defines our Ayurvedic Health Counselor program is the depth of its foundation in Kerala lineage and the immersive learning environment we offer.

First, lineage:we're a wholly owned subsidiary of Kerala Ayurveda Limited, with roots in Kerala, India, where Ayurveda has been continuously preserved in its traditional form for generations.

Second, teaching:the program is guided by BAMS-trained Ayurvedic physicians who help shape the curriculum, oversee the academic experience, and lead core Weekend Intensives.

Third, integration:learning takes place alongside an active clinical wellness center at our Milpitas location, so students are consistently connected to real-world application.

Is the program recognized by the Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC)? Can I sit for the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Certification Board (NAMACB) exam after graduating?

Yes. The Ayurvedic Health Counselor program is in candidacy with the AAC, and graduates are eligible to sit for the NAMACB Level I board exam.

Kerala Ayurveda Academy is also an Organizational Member of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) and a PACE sponsor for continuing education.

What is the actual time commitment per week?

The program is structured around one Weekend Intensive per month over eleven months, supported by Tuesday Virtual Classes (typically 2–3 per month), six Monday Business & Ethics sessions, ten Group Mentoring sessions, a one-day Clinical Practicum, and ongoing recorded lectures and assignments.

The required five-day in-person AHC Practical takes place at our Academy in Milpitas California and aligns with the final Weekend Intensive.

I already work as a nurse, yoga teacher, or wellness practitioner. Will the early modules be too basic?

Many students with prior health or wellness experience find the early modules especially valuable because Ayurveda offers a different framework for understanding the body, mind, digestion, and imbalance.

Rather than repeating existing models, the training introduces a distinct system of assessment and reasoning. By the middle of the program, students are applying these principles directly in client scenarios.

What can an Ayurvedic Health Counselor offer?

As an Ayurvedic Health Counselor, graduates are trained to assess constitution, complete health histories, offer dietary and lifestyle guidance, support daily and seasonal routines, explain foundational Ayurvedic concepts, and share Ayurvedic knowledge through wellness talks, workshops, and written education.

Advanced clinical assessment, therapeutic protocols, Panchakarma therapies, pulse assessment, and individualized treatment planning are part of higher levels of Ayurvedic training and certification.

I completed Holistic Ayurvedic Coach (HAC) at Kerala Ayurveda Academy. How does the transfer to the Ayurvedic Health Counselor program work?

Holistic Ayurvedic Coach (HAC) graduates enter the Ayurvedic Health Counselor program with adjusted tuition, as prior coursework is applied toward certification requirements. Those entering AHC also have to meet the pre/co-requisite of Anatomy and Physiology

The five-day in-person AHC Practical at Milpitas is still required for all students. The Admissions team will guide you through your individual transfer plan and confirm how your prior training applies.

Can I attend the live sessions remotely, or do I need to be in California?

Weekend Intensives are offered both in person at our Academy in Milpitas California and via live stream. Most students participate online throughout the year and travel in for the required five-day AHC Practical, which aligns with the final Weekend Intensive.

All live sessions are recorded and available for replay through the elearning platform.

What are the prerequisites and the Anatomy and Physiology requirement?

A high school diploma or equivalent is required to enroll. No prior Ayurveda experience is necessary.

A 60-hour (4 credits) Anatomy and Physiology requirement is needed for graduation (not for entry). Students may complete this through our online partner course or provide equivalent coursework for approval.

What is the refund and withdrawal policy?

We're approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education and licensed in Washington State.

Full refund and withdrawal policies—including pro rata terms within the cancellation window—are outlined in the enrollment agreement and official course catalog. Students also have access to approved sabbatical options if required by life circumstances.

Are international students welcome?

Yes. International students often enroll in the Ayurvedic Health Counselor program.

Live sessions follow U.S. Pacific Time. Weekend Intensives are held from 8am–6pm Pacific, with additional evening sessions scheduled throughout the program. Details available in the course catalog. All sessions are recorded for replay.

The only required in-person component is the five-day AHC Practical at our Academy in Milpitas, CA.
Admissions requirement

Anatomy & Physiology Requirement

Every Ayurvedic Health Counselor needs a working foundation in Western anatomy and physiology to apply Ayurvedic principles safely and effectively. AHC students complete a college-level A&P course worth 4 credits from any accredited program. It can be taken before or during the AHC program (as a corequisite), and all coursework must be finished before graduation.

How to fulfill it

Recommended partner: Ed2Go

We recommend the Anatomy & Physiology program offered through our partner Ed2Go. It is pre-vetted to meet the 4-credit requirement and fully self-paced, so you can complete it alongside your Ayurveda studies. You may also use any accredited institution that meets the requirement.

View Ed2Go Programs

Please note the Ed2Go partner program accepts US payment forms only.

Already completed it?

Send us your transcript

If you have already completed a qualifying A&P course, email your transcript or certificate to Student Support Services for verification.

support@keralaayurveda.us
Next session

Our Fall session starts October 12, 2026

Session start: October 12, 2026
Completion: October 11, 2027
Format: Online + required five-day in person AHC Practical
Enroll Now
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Your next step

A different way of understanding health begins here.

Book a short call to explore whether this program is the right fit for you.

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