GURUKUL Clinical EXPERIENCES
Experience Ayurveda the way it was meant to be—hands-on, flexible, and deeply personal. With 180 hours of clinical training, Gurukul lets you choose your mentor, schedule, and location, tailoring your journey to fit your life. While not required to practice Ayurveda in the USA, this transformative experience is the bridge to NAMACB board certification and authentic mastery.
This is authentic Ayurvedic education, reimagined.
GURUKUL: Your personalized path to ayurvedic mastery
Imagine learning Ayurveda the way it was meant to be—immersive, hands-on, and deeply personal. That’s the essence of Gurukul, where ancient traditions meet modern flexibility to create a truly transformative experience.
For students pursuing NAMACB board certification, the required 180 hours of clinical experience can be completed during or after the Ayurvedic Sciences Certification Program, allowing you to tailor your journey to your needs and aspirations.
But what makes YVIAM’s Gurukul truly special? Freedom and choice. Unlike rigid programs, our Gurukul empowers you to:
- Select a mentor who inspires and resonates with you.
- Schedule your clinical experience at a time and place that works for your life.
- Find opportunities that fit your budget, making this path accessible and attainable.
This isn’t just Ayurvedic education—it’s education elevated. Gurukul gives you the chance to immerse yourself in Ayurveda in a way that feels meaningful, authentic, and uniquely yours.
And here’s the best part: these clinical experiences are not required to practice Ayurveda in the USA, where it remains a legal, unlicensed practice. However, for those striving for NAMACB board certification, Gurukul is your bridge to excellence—a chance to walk the path of Ayurveda in its most authentic form.
Step into the tradition. Choose your mentor. Create your journey. This is Ayurveda reimagined, and it’s waiting for you.
“Knowledge gained through books is just theory; Ayurveda becomes wisdom only through personal experience.”
– Dr. Vasant Lad
FLEXIBLE Clinical Training with your choice of preceptor
At YVIAM, we’ve designed our clinical training to fit your unique goals and schedule. The 180 hours of clinical experience is only required for students pursuing NAMACB board certification. For those not seeking certification through NAMACB, this training is optional, as Ayurveda is a legal, unlicensed practice in both the USA and abroad.
Students have the freedom to complete their clinical training either during their studies in the Ayurvedic Sciences Program or after graduation. This flexibility allows you to align your hands-on experience with your personal and professional commitments.
To complete the clinical training, you can choose to work with one of YVIAM’s experienced faculty Preceptors or select a qualified Ayurvedic professional in your local community through our Qualified Preceptor Application Process. For local Preceptors, we provide a simple approval process to ensure they meet YVIAM’s high standards, giving you the freedom to tailor your mentorship experience.
You can fulfill the 180 hours in one of two ways:
- Spread Out Across the Program: Complete clinical training in three stages—at the end of Year 1, midway through Year 2, and at the program’s conclusion.
- Single Immersive Experience: Consolidate all 180 hours into one focused clinical program, which can be completed after finishing your Ayurvedic Sciences studies.
This flexible, student-centered approach allows you to create a clinical experience that fits your life and aspirations, whether you’re pursuing board certification or seeking to deepen your practical understanding of Ayurveda. For detailed information in understanding the preceptor model refer to our dedicated Clinical Placement & Preceptor FAQ.
Level 1: OBSERVE / 60 Hours
Begin your journey by observing experienced practitioners. Learn to assess prakṛti (individual constitution) and vikṛti (pathological condition) using traditional diagnostic techniques.
Level 2: AssisT / 60 Hours
Level 3: Primary Provider / 60 HOURS
Meet Our Preceptors
Dr. Veena Balkrishna Fernandes
São Bartolomeu de Messines, Portugal
Dates:
- May 22–29, 2025
Tuition:
- Prices starting at $2,075
Dr. Veena Balkrishna Fernandes is Portugal’s first Ayurvedic doctor, holding a Bachelor in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from Gujarat Ayurved University, one of India’s most esteemed institutions for Ayurveda. With over 12 years of clinical experience, Dr. Veena specializes in Panchakarma therapies, rejuvenation treatments, and holistic approaches that seamlessly integrate ancient Ayurvedic wisdom into modern lifestyles.
This May, Dr. Veena will lead the clinical aspects of Yoga Veda Institute’s Portugal retreat, offering her extensive expertise to guide participants on a transformative journey toward balance and well-being. Her personalized guidance and hands-on care make this retreat a unique opportunity to experience the profound healing power of Ayurveda.
Join Dr. Veena in Portugal for a week of renewal, learning, and connection to authentic Ayurvedic traditions.
Dr Janardhana V Hebbar BAMS, MD(Ayu), PGDPSM
Mangaluru, India
Dates:
- Ongoing
Tuition:
- Contact the Preceptor for Tuition Details
Dr. Hebbar is a dedicated Ayurvedic practitioner and educator, renowned for his ability to make Ayurveda accessible and easy to understand. With a focus on authentic Ayurvedic treatments, he specializes in practical Panchakarma training, patient and disease examination, Dravya Guna, and Bhaishajya Kalpana.
With years of experience mentoring students across the globe, Dr. Hebbar empowers learners to integrate Ayurvedic principles into their daily lives and practices. His programs provide personalized, hands-on guidance, offering a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of Ayurveda in an approachable and meaningful way.
Whether you prefer one-on-one mentorship or group learning, Dr. Hebbar’s flexible programs are tailored to meet your needs.
Dr. Resmi V. Rajagopal, BAMS, MS (Ayurveda Gynec) PGDYN
Ubud, Bali
Dates:
- January 25 – February 2, 2025
- October 18 – 26, 2025
Tuition:
- Prices starting at $1,690
- Payment Plan starting at $209 per month
Dr. Resmi V. Rajagopal is a dedicated Ayurvedic physician from Kerala, India, with a deep specialization in women’s health and wellness. She combines the wisdom of traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern advancements to empower women on their wellness journeys.
Her extensive expertise includes patient care, diagnostic skills, and hands-on surgical experiences, offering a unique and holistic perspective to her practice. As a preceptor, Dr. Resmi is committed to mentoring the next generation of Ayurvedic practitioners, providing personalized guidance and insights in the field of women’s health.
Join Dr. Resmi’s program to gain invaluable knowledge and hands-on experience in Ayurveda, tailored to support women’s health and well-being.
Pratibha Shah, BAMS, MD (Ayurveda), MPH
Western Massachusetts, exact location yet to be finalized
Program Dates:
- March 15 - 16, 2025
Tuition:
- $650 (Does not include boarding and lodging)
Dr. Pratibha Shah is an internationally renowned Ayurvedic expert with over 30 years of clinical experience. Her extensive training in traditional health sciences, including Ayurveda and energy healing, combined with her expertise in public health, makes her a leading figure in holistic wellness.
Dr. Shah is known for her client-centric, compassionate care, offering in-depth assessments and individualized Master Wellness Plans tailored to each person’s unique needs. By integrating Eastern wisdom with Western principles, she provides comprehensive solutions that address the mind, body, and spirit, empowering clients on their journey to wellness.
Melissa Camacho, A.D., Dipl. O.M., L.Ac., Masters of Oriental Medicine
Sedona, Arizona
Program Dates:
- Ongoing
Tuition:
- Prices starting at $200 per day
Melissa Camacho is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, and NAMA Certified Ayurvedic Doctor with over 15 years of clinical experience. She specializes in blending Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine to create personalized treatments for pain management, women’s health, COVID recovery, and nutrition.
As the owner of Sedona Sol Acupuncture and Ayurveda in Sedona, AZ, Melissa’s holistic approach empowers patients to move from illness to wellness. Her care integrates medicine, nutrition, movement, and soul expression, addressing the whole person with compassion and expertise.
Praised for her intuitive and knowledgeable care, Melissa’s ongoing programs offer a unique opportunity to learn from her extensive experience and explore the synergy between Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Join her to deepen your understanding and connect with a truly holistic approach to healing.
Christine Eck, AP
Montague, MA
Program Dates:
- June 19–24, 2025
Tuition:
- Prices starting at $2,100
Christine is a seasoned Ayurvedic Practitioner, educator, group facilitator, and birth and postpartum doula with a deep passion for Ayurvedic postpartum care. As a mother of four boys, she brings personal experience and wisdom to her teachings, embodying the principles she shares with her students.
Christine views Ayurvedic postpartum care as a transformative and powerful approach, addressing what she considers the missing link in modern care. Her work focuses on nurturing the heart, mind, and senses, especially during life’s pivotal transitions, creating a pathway for holistic healing and growth.
Join Christine’s 6-day program to explore the profound wisdom of Ayurvedic postpartum care and its life-changing impact on families and communities.
Corinna Maharani, AP
Santa Barbara, CA
Program Dates:
- March 15–24, 2025
Tuition:
- $2,000 for the 10-day program
Corinna Maharani is a certified Ayurvedic practitioner and educator with over 30 years of experience, specializing in Ayurvedic Sacred Bodywork™, Marma Therapy, and Panchakarma. As the founder of the Maharani Academy, Corinna offers vocational training both online and in-person, sharing the art of Ayurvedic bodywork with students across the globe.
Corinna’s teaching focuses on deepening the understanding of holistic Ayurvedic practices, empowering individuals to integrate these ancient principles into their lives and professions. Whether you’re a professional or new to Ayurveda, her program offers a profound opportunity to explore the transformative power of Ayurvedic bodywork and healing techniques.
Join this immersive 10-day program to learn from Corinna’s wealth of experience and connect with the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda.
Jessica Oker, AP
Clearwater, Florida
Program Dates:
- January 17–22, 2025
- March 7–12, 2025
- May 22–27, 2025
Tuition:
- Contact the Preceptor for Tuition Details
Jessica Oker is a dedicated Ayurvedic Practitioner passionate about guiding individuals toward wellness through the discovery and practice of Ayurveda. Fluent in English and French, Jessica offers personalized consultations tailored to each client’s unique needs. Her treatments include customized oils, herbal steams, and Shirodhara, all designed to restore balance and harmony.
Jessica’s nurturing approach focuses on releasing trauma, reconnecting individuals with their true nature, and creating a supportive environment where healing can thrive. Join her weekend programs to experience her warm, compassionate guidance and gain transformative insights into Ayurvedic healing.
Kim V. Povey, CAP
New England
Program Dates:
- March 13–16, 2025
- April 4–7, 2025
- May 16–19, 2025
- June 6–9, 2025
Tuition:
- Contact the Preceptor for Tuition Details
Kim is a Board-Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner (C.A.P.) with over 40 years of experience, specializing in Ayurvedic Psychology, Ayurveda Yoga Therapy, and Family Health. As a certified Yoga Therapist (A.Y.T., C-IAYT), she integrates the timeless teachings of yoga and Ayurveda to deliver client-centered care.
Kim’s approach focuses on holistic healing through Ayurvedic herbal preparations, lifestyle medicine, and yoga therapy protocols, emphasizing Ayurveda’s essential role in integrative healthcare. Passionate about making Ayurveda accessible to the community, Kim is committed to shaping the next generation of natural health professionals.
Join her weekend programs to learn from her wealth of experience and gain practical, transformative insights into Ayurvedic healing.