Our Vision

At the heart of our ethos lies the conviction that Ayurveda ought to be within reach for all, regardless of location or circumstance. Our Vision is to revolutionize the landscape of mind-body medicine, rendering top-tier Ayurvedic education readily available worldwide. Committed to dismantling barriers, we strive to foster a diverse global cohort, welcoming learners from all walks of life—embracing varied cultures, faiths, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds—to study under Authentic Vidyas (Instructors) the profound art and science of Ayurvedic Medicine. Above all, our vision is to democratize Ayurveda, ensuring accessibility for our global community, irrespective of financial means.

Our Mission

Our Mission is to ensure quality Ayurvedic education is accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Our Culture

The culture at Yoga Veda Institute is a direct reflection of the Ayurvedic Model of Care. It permeates through our teaching philosophies, methodologies, and the professional conduct we instill in our students. We are devoted to shaping practitioners who are enlightened and self-actualized, encouraging meaningful dialogue and fostering relationships anchored in integrity, honesty and trust. Our educational model is not just about transferring wisdom—it’s about igniting a lifelong passion for Ayurveda in our students, influencing their journey during their time with us and far beyond.

Our Story

Founded in 2010 with a core belief in the democratization of Ayurveda and Yoga, Yoga Veda Institute emerged as a beacon of accessible education. We firmly hold that these ancient practices are rights and should not be restricted to the privileged few. Since our inception, our mission has been to provide quality education to all, regardless of background or circumstance.

Over the years, we have evolved into the world’s largest community of Ayurvedic seekers, having served over 2000 students and counting. Despite our growth, our founders remain unwavering in their commitment to these foundational beliefs. As we continue on our journey, we are dedicated to empowering individuals worldwide with the transformative wisdom of Ayurveda and Yoga.

Our Leadership

Meet Coach Andy

Co-founder of the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine

Andy Allen “Coach Andy”  is the visionary Founder of Yoga Veda Institute, the nation’s premier leader in Mind-Body Medicine. Aligned with our mission to make holistic education accessible to all, Andy established the institute to bridge the gap between ancient eastern teachings and modern functional western medicine. His strategic leadership and profound understanding of both eastern wisdom and contemporary mind-body health challenges have been instrumental in shaping the institute’s mission and curriculum, ensuring that quality education in this field reaches a diverse global audience.

Yoga Veda Institute is highly sought after by medical professionals, coaches, and performance experts who are eager to deepen their understanding of the mind-body connection and integrate eastern teachings into their practice. As a “coach’s coach,” Andy Allen brings over two decades of experience in performance psychology, neuro-linguistics, and mind-body medicine, making him a trusted mentor to elite experts and high achievers. His commitment to merging ancient wisdom with modern scientific approaches has positioned Yoga Veda Institute as a trailblazer in holistic health education, providing top-tier resources and guidance to those dedicated to mastering the art of mind-body integration.

Andy’s vision resonates with our core values of democratizing Ayurveda and mind-body medicine, making them accessible regardless of financial means or background. By empowering practitioners to master the integration of these worlds, he advances our goal of fostering a global community of diverse learners who can carry forward the transformative wisdom of eastern medicine, enhancing the landscape of mind-body health worldwide.

Meet Jacky Rae

Co-founder & Director of the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine

Jacky Rae’s journey to founding Yoga Veda Institute began with a simple yet profound realization: truly accessible, high-quality Ayurvedic education was hard to find. Many programs were expensive, location-bound, or offered only a surface-level understanding of Ayurveda. Jacky knew there had to be a better way.

Driven by her own challenges in finding an education that fit her life, Jacky set out to create a program that broke down these barriers. She envisioned an Ayurvedic school that would be accessible to people from all walks of life, offering flexibility and affordability without sacrificing depth or authenticity.

In 2015, alongside her husband Andy Allen, Jacky co-founded Yoga Veda Institute. Their mission was clear: to provide an inclusive, flexible, and high-quality Ayurvedic education for those who couldn’t attend traditional schools. YVI’s virtual campus allowed students from around the world to engage with world-class educators, and its practical hands-on experiences, through retreats and clinical immersions, ensured students could apply their learning in real-world settings.

Jacky’s passion for accessible education has shaped every aspect of YVI. Her commitment to creating a space where students can transform, discover their calling, and confidently walk the Ayurvedic path remains at the heart of the Institute.

Today, YVI is a beacon for those seeking more than just academic knowledge. It’s a place for transformation, healing, and community—driven by Jacky’s unwavering belief that Ayurveda should be accessible to everyone who hears its call.

Meet Brittany Woodard

Dean of Education of the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine

Brittany’s fever for the healing arts was ignited during her academic pursuit of Anthropology, where she unearthed the profound influence of spiritual well-being and the art of healing. This revelation propelled her towards her true calling, leading to her graduation from the Ayurvedic Practitioner Program at Yoga Veda Institute.

Today, she stands as a dedicated Ayurvedic Practitioner and holds certification as a Yoga Instructor. In her role as the Dean of Education at Yoga Veda Institute, Brittany’s entire being is devoted to the timeless principles of Ayurveda and yoga. Her heart is unwaveringly committed to guiding and nurturing her students on their transformative journey towards optimal health and holistic wellness.

Meet Raine Beckett

Community Concierge at the Yoga Veda Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine

Raine is a passionate advocate for balanced, holistic health and wellness. Her journey into the realm of natural medicine commenced over two decades ago when she recognized the profound disconnect that has separated humanity from our innate essence and our interconnectedness with the universe.

Raine extends her knowledge and expertise as she facilitates Ayurvedic trainings, retreats, and yoga and meditation workshops across India and South Africa. With her commitment to holistic well-being and deep-rooted wisdom, she endeavors to guide others toward a more profound understanding of their authentic selves and their connection to the universe.

Our Educators

Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, A.D.

Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, A.D.

Khalsa is President Emeritus of the American Herbalists Guild, Director Emeritus of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association and your mentor in Ayurvedic Herbalism for Self Healing.

Dr. Sheila Patel, M.D.

Dr. Sheila Patel, M.D.

Dr. Sheila Patel, M.D., is renowned for her expertise in integrative medicine, blending the wisdom of Ayurveda, meditation, and yoga with modern medical practices. With years of experience and a dedication to holistic health, she offers a unique and personalized approach to healing.

Dr. Resmi BAMS

Dr. Resmi BAMS

Dr. Resmi practices Ayurvedic Gynecology & Pregnancy Care and has published research papers in renowned journals. She specializes in Yoga & Naturopathy and is your mentor in Panchakarma & Ayurvedic Detoxification.

Marek Sawicki

Marek Sawicki

Marek Sawicki is a professional instructor and a highly trained and experienced clinician. His comprehensive education includes being a graduate of The Ayurvedic Institute of Albuquerque, N.M. under the guidance of Dr. Vasant Lad. Marek is your mentor in Ayurvedic in clinical assessment.

Dr. Scott Roos ED.D

Dr. Scott Roos ED.D

Teacher Scott studied upper division Sanskrit at UC Berkeley and Ayurveda at the Wellpark College of Natural Therapies in New Zealand and the Ayurvedic Institute under Dr. Vasant Ladd. Teacher Scott is your mentor in Sanskrit and Mantra for Ayurvedic Practitioners.

DR. Pratibha Shah, BAMS

DR. Pratibha Shah, BAMS

Pratibha Shah is an internationally renowned Ayurveda expert. Intensely trained in Traditional Health Sciences as well as Public Health, Pratibha Shah distils Eastern wisdom with an understanding of Western principles, for the best care of her clients.

Kaya Mindlin

Kaya Mindlin

Kaya is an IAYT certified Yoga Therapist, Ayurvedic Practitioner and Teachers’ Teacher. She’s logged over 10,000 hours credentialed study and wor k in Vedic therapies – Restorative Yoga Therapy, Clinical Ayurveda. Kaya is your mentor in Ayurvedic Nutrition.

Terra Raffael

Terra Raffael

Terra Rafael is a positive and inspirational holistic women’s health practitioner, writer, and instructor on women’s health, focused on helping women find balance and your mentor in Self Healing for Women's Health.

Christine Devlin Eck

Christine Devlin Eck

Christine is the Director Sacred Window Center founded by the late Ysha Oaks. She has a background as an Ayurvedic Practitioner, Educator, Group Facilitator and Birth and Postpartum Doula and is your mentor in Ayurvedic Pregnancy, Birth and the Sacred Window.

Our Students

Kruti Thakore

Kruti Thakore

Kruti Thakore specializes in guiding and supporting those dealing with lifestyle-related conditions to break free from lifelong medication dependency and avoid further complications. She empowers individuals to reclaim their vitality, cultivate...

read more
Sophia Quzi

Sophia Quzi

Sophia is an Ayurvedic Practitioner with a passion for holistic healing. She specializes in providing personalized Ayurvedic consultations, herbal remedies, and lifestyle recommendations to help clients achieve optimal health. Sophia is dedicated...

read more
Sita Severson

Sita Severson

Sita Severson is a clairvoyant, energy worker and gifted empath with a direct, loving and transformational approach. In her years of experience, and her work with thousands of people, she has become exceptionally well versed in transformative...

read more
Casey Roberts

Casey Roberts

Casey Roberts, AHC, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, is the Founder of Peak Balance Wellness, serves as Director of Sevanti Wellness Center where he oversees the departments of Ayurveda Counseling and Yoga Therapy, and is an independent film Producer. He has...

read more
Sandy Morales

Sandy Morales

With a lifelong passion for natural health stemming from a transformative encounter with severe peritonitis, I embarked on a journey to understand the profound interplay between diet, mind, and the body's innate healing capacity. Disinclined to...

read more
Charlotte Legrand

Charlotte Legrand

I am Charlotte, a yoga teacher and ayurvedic guide, but first of all, a student of life. My path with yoga and Ayurveda began when I was 18, and I discovered yoga by walking into a gym studio. Since I kept falling in love with this wisdom. In 2021,...

read more
Anna Ladowski

Anna Ladowski

A bridge between the old world and the new earth. I am a first-generation immigrant from European descent born in Venezuela. I speak Polish, Spanish, English, French and am learning Portugues and Italian. Reiki and Sivananda yogini. Panchakarma,...

read more
Isabella Koepf

Isabella Koepf

Isabella is a yoga therapist, clinical herbalist, holistic nutritionist, Ayurvedic practitioner, 500-hour certified yoga teacher, and health coach with a B.Sc. in psychology, biology, and religious studies and a current master’s student in clinical...

read more
Margaux Justice

Margaux Justice

Heyo! I’m Margaux. I’m a certified Yoga guide, budding herbalist, and third year student of YogaVeda Institute’s Ayurvedic Practitioner program. I’m a healing artist on a mission to empower YOU to take charge of your story, restore your joy, and...

read more
Shilpi Jain

Shilpi Jain

Shilpi Jain graduated magna cum laude with a Masters' degree in Chemistry from the University of Toronto She was involved in anti-cancer drug research using thioureas, obesity drug research on Lorcaserin at Arena Pharmaceuticals and has co-authored...

read more
Sabine Horner

Sabine Horner

As a registered Nutritionist and Yoga Therapist who lost her partner to leukaemia, my mission is to support those struggling after a profound loss so that they feel better again, using the power of food and breath as their ‘medicine’. As part of...

read more
Kate Hanssen

Kate Hanssen

Kates passion for all things connected to Vedic traditions is evident when you speak with her. Whilst still discovering and exploring this lifelong learning, Kate takes people on tours to Nepal. Nepal is steeped in ancient wisdom, mysteries from...

read more
Johanna Guerillot

Johanna Guerillot

I am Johanna, an Ayurvedic practitioner deeply dedicated to women's health, holistic medicine, and the profound wisdom of ancient traditions. My journey with Ayurveda began seven years ago on a solo adventure to India. There, I found myself at the...

read more
Nathalie Gajdos

Nathalie Gajdos

Nathalie Gajdos is a dedicated holistic wellness practitioner who combines the principles of Ayurveda and Yoga with her formal education in psychology and human behavior.Her journey toward holistic wellness began at a young age when she greatly...

read more
Saara Elsayed

Saara Elsayed

Saara was born in Kuwait city from an Egyptian family and successfully graduated in Ayurvedic Practitioner Diploma Program from Shadanga ayurveda Gurukul - New Delhi.Saara knew she had a vocation for Naturopathy and Holistic therapies since her...

read more
Amy Eldredge

Amy Eldredge

Amy Eldredge enthusiastically offers teachings from the heart with sweetness, authenticity, and humor using intuitive healing. Amy has 20+ years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner caring for and teaching people at all stages of life. In 2016 she...

read more
Natalie Durham

Natalie Durham

As a certified Ayurvedic Practitioner (June 2024) Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Ayurvedic Body/Beauty Work Specialist, Western Herbalist and Licensed Aesthetician I specialize in Ayurvedic Skin Therapy. I work with clients both online and in person...

read more
Anne Desjardins

Anne Desjardins

Anne has healed herself from many things including long-term Lyme and tick-borne illness as well as HPV and near cervical cancer. After Western medicine left her with no alternatives, Anne began exploring more holistic modalities. Through the grace...

read more

Our Testimonials

"Nothing Short of Exceptional"

"My journey with Yoga Veda Institute (YVI) and Ayurveda has been truly transformative. It all began in 2021 when I stumbled upon their website offering a free 7-10 day basic course on Ayurveda. The professionalism and depth of content immediately caught my attention, leading me to enroll in their Ayurveda Health Counselor course.

The timing couldn't have been more perfect. I was facing some health issues, and the knowledge I gained during the course not only helped me understand my body and mental constitution better but also provided me with practical tools to address my health concerns through diet and lifestyle adjustments.

For me, this journey went beyond just learning about Ayurveda; it felt like the first step towards self-realization. The joy I felt in gaining knowledge and the satisfaction of being able to contribute to the well-being of my community by promoting physical and mental health were truly fulfilling.

YVI's commitment to delivering quality content was evident throughout the course. The support provided during office hours, especially by Ms. Raine, was invaluable. Her patience and willingness to address my queries ensured that I could make the most out of the learning experience.

Overall, my experience with YVI has been nothing short of exceptional. From the initial free course to the Ayurveda Health Counselor program, every aspect has exceeded my expectations. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this journey, and I look forward to continuing to apply and share the knowledge I've gained to make a positive impact on others' lives.

From bottom of my heart I thank YVI. With Love and Gratitude"  

Banala Sreedevi

"An Incredible Experience"

"Studying Ayurveda with Yoga Veda Institute has been an incredible experience, I cannot recommend their program enough for those who are fully committed to learning Ayurveda and sharing it with the world.  

All teachers are fantastic, deeply committed to the student's learning experience, and very generous in their teachings. Studying at Yoga Veda Institute has changed my life, career, and service to the world.

The team is kind, and available and gives you the feeling of being part of a family! I am forever grateful to each one of them."

With love, Johanna.

"A True Hidden Gem"

"My experience with Yoga Veda Institute has been a life enriching opportunity. The curriculum thoughtfully combines ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern applications.

Teachers and all staff are supportive throughout the entire learning journey, and strive to create an atmosphere of integrity, open mind and open heart. Their programs are engaging, diverse and encourage a deep understanding of Ayurvedic healing.

They have gone above and beyond at every turn in my experience. A true hidden gem."

Melanie

"I Am Amazed"

"Very grateful I chose Yoga Veda for my Ayurvedic education. As I travel to conventions and speak with students obtaining credentials from other institutions, I am amazed by how much I have learned.

While learning online can be challenging for most students, Yoga Veda delivers with exceptional instruction and guidance empowering the student to supplement their education and make the most out of their experience.

The curriculum is challenging and requires dedication and a time commitment. Yoga Veda was with me every step of the way and continues to provide support post-graduation through a vibrant community of alumni.

I was able to open my own practice immediately upon graduation and have been blessed to be able to serve my community thanks to the education I received at Yoga Veda Institute."

Jessica Oker

"Absolutely Fascinating"

"I completed my Ayurvedic studies with Yoga Veda Institute and it was one of the most pleasant experiences I have ever had.

I loved every minute of the 3 years that I spent studying this beautiful healing philosophy and science with the wonderful Yoga Veda Team and teachers.

Everyone at Yoga Veda Institute was extremely professional, knowledgeable and helpful. 

The lectures were absolutely fascinating and gave me a very thorough understanding of the Science of Ayurveda by the time I was finished.

The adult learning style was amazing and in spite of my already busy schedule I was able to keep up with everything whilst at the same time not feel too much pressure.

The communication from the team was phenomenal and I never had any query left unanswered.  I felt extremely supported throughout my studies and this is really important.  Yoga Veda also foster a wonderful community which is fantastic.  It is really nice to feel like you are part of a team.

I must give a special Mention to Raine who’s knowledge and support I could not have done without.  Nothing was ever a problem for her and she was always willing to go the extra mile to help me through the process.  She was phenomenal.  I also found all the lecturers very helpful and kind and the lessons were entertaining as well.

I am extremely grateful to have been part of this wonderful online learning institution and I would recommend it to anyone.  It is one of the best for sure.  Well done to the amazing team who I am sure work very hard to make this all happen for us.  Keep up the good work in the world.  Spreading this knowledge is so important today. Lots of special love and gratitude"

Kim Laubscher

"Beyond Any Expectations"

"I've been part of the Ayurvedic Counsellor course through the scholarship program with Yoga Veda since September 2023 and my experience with them has been truly delightful. I'm very grateful that I get to experience such a variety of classes and vast knowledge shared by every teacher in their own individual way.

This course is very comprehensive and goes beyond any expectations in terms of curriculum and transmission of ancient therapies. What attracted me specifically to that school is the emphasize on Women's health and the couple of classes entirely dedicated to these important transitions in women's life presented through the Ayurvedic lenses. I highly recommend it for anyone willing to dive deeper into the wisdom of Ayurveda and connect more to their authentic empowered self.

We are also, as students, very much supported to grow our confidence and scope of practice as future counsellors/ practitioners with case study classes and a responsive compassionate staff always available to assist us.

This has been so far a transformative journey for me, filling my cup everyday with more knowledge and practical tools to live a more embodied Ayurvedic lifestyle and be in tune with my life's purpose. Thank you so much for the opportunity to study with you!"

Elia Dirand

"Incredible School"

"Love the experience I had here, relationships I built and knowledge I have learned from this incredible school."

Roslyn Paige

"Amazing Staff & Teachers"

"Yoga Veda Institute has affordable pricing and Amazing Staff and Teachers that is very dedicated and extremely compassionate and wise in their field of interest.

They pass down these age old teachings and practices in such a unique way to meet individualistic disposition nurturing ones mind, body and spirit with the sacraments of the wisdom of Ayurveda.

Truly dedicated to their goal and vision they continue to make the teachings affordable and accessable so that the practices are once again rediscovered and flourishing throughout the world helping as many people as possible. Thus, enabling a long, healthy and peaceful journey thru life by returning balance, joy and harmony they help reunite nature with man all the while returning the state of remembering.
Thank u so much Yoga Veda!!!"

White Pearly

"Top Notch Teachers"

"The YVI provides freedom to balance Ayurvedic education with your life. Their program is well rounded and geard to serve the students.

They provide top notch Ayurvedic teachers with years of experience in their field including herbalism from east and western cultures, ayurvedic cooking, yoga philosophy, massage therapy, anatomy and NAMA.  They also provide an Ayurvedic Doula and family program.  

YVI administration has been kind, loving and always helpful to tailor the program to your needs. Thank you!"

Bettina Jonsef

Our DEIB Commitment

Yoga Veda Institute (YVI) ardently upholds our pledge to champion diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and belonging (B) within the realm of Ayurvedic Medicine. We are committed to nurturing an ethos of inclusivity and community among our staff and collaborators, with the goal of contributing to the broader narrative of health equity on a global scale.

At YVI, we regard each person as a treasured component of our collective, acknowledging their inherent worth and contributions to our mission. We strive to create a welcoming space where mutual respect and a sense of belonging are the cornerstones, where the diverse identities, experiences, viewpoints, and talents of each individual are valued and celebrated. It is through this lens of diversity and unwavering commitment to equity that YVI aspires to effectively meet the needs of our ever-growing and multifaceted network of practitioners and clients in Ayurvedic Medicine.

At Our Core - We're All About Connection

Connection lies at the core of our mission, shaping every aspect of our journey together. To discover if Yoga Veda Institute resonates with your Ayurvedic aspirations, we invite you to connect directly with our program director.