Ayurveda, the ancient system of natural healing and holistic wellness has stood the test of time over the centuries and finds its application and relevance today more than ever. With a variety of detoxification therapies, rejuvenation treatments, dosha balancing remedies, herbal concoctions and various procedures that align dosha imbalances, mind body balance and complete reformation, Ayurveda has become a global trend. This brings us to the fact that the various Ayurveda courses especially like the Panchkarma treatment in Kerala have been seeking global attention and fitness enthusiasts and wellness seekers around the globe want to learn Ayurveda courses through an online digital platform.
Although this shift in the mode of learning has led to both curiosity as well as confusion. People think that something that has a on hands and practical training like Ayurveda, how can it be taught over a screen, will its practical and in between learnings be shared efficiently over a screen and moreover, learning these courses through technology, is it just a passing trend or is it going to stay. So to address these questions, let’s dive into Ayurveda myths and facts and the virtual Ayurveda training.
Myths and Facts About Virtual Ayurveda Training
Myth 1 – Ayurveda courses like Panchkarma cannot be learned online
Yes it is a fact that traditionally Ayurvedic courses like Panchkarma which is a 5 step detoxification program, have been taught in an offline mode with the actual presence of the teacher and the student. But nowadays, with technology in the scene, such courses can be 100 percent learnt online. Especially, the theoretical portion that covers various case studies.
Even educational and demonstration videos of various ayurvedic procedures can be learnt online and shared over the digital platforms for enhanced understanding. In fact, there are various hybrid institutes in Kerala that offer online as well as offline courses wherein the students can gain the theoretical knowledge over the screen and then later come in for gaining the practical and hands on experience to the institute. So the first myth is successfully busted that Ayurveda courses like Panchkarma cannot be learned online. In fact it can be learned online better, as the students would get a chance to revisit lesson modules and demonstration videos to help understand the concept/ therapy better.
Myth 2 – Digital Ayurveda training is not authentic Ayurveda
The second myth regarding virtual Ayurveda training is that Ayurveda taught over digital platforms is not the authentic Ayurveda. What is more important when it comes to taking an Ayurveda training is that it is the institute and the teachers that matter more than the mode of learning. Because nowadays there are N number of institutes and Ayurveda training schools that offer online programs which are recognized globally. What matters is that the course that you are choosing for yourself is guided by reputed and recognized Ayurvedic doctors and medical practitioners who follow the classical textbooks of Ayurveda and supplement their teaching with their added experience. It is the wisdom of the teacher along with the curriculum of your course that makes your Ayurveda training authentic and not the mode of learning entirely.
Myth 3 – Virtual classes are only understandable for professionals
Another very common myth about Ayurvedic courses taught online is that these are meant only for practicing Ayurvedic professionals and Vaidyas. The general misconception about online Ayurvedic teaching is that it can be understood only by already certified Ayurvedic doctors and not by beginners who want to pursue Ayurvedic courses. While the fact is that the virtual classes are meant for both beginners as well as existing practitioners.
The reason being content is what matters. Whether it is taught online or offline is another thing, but the way of teaching, demonstration, application, etc. offered by the teacher and the design of the course makes the classes understandable and not the background of the student. Definitely, having a prior understanding on this subject gives you an edge but that follows for all curriculums and all fields of study and is not limited to Ayurveda alone.
Myth 4 – You don’t need an Ayurvedic professional to perform intense courses like Panchkarma
Another common misconception and probably a mistake regarding virtual Ayurveda courses is that people think that they don’t need the supervision of an Ayurvedic professional to perform intense therapies like Panchkarma. It is important to remember that little knowledge is dangerous. Gaining knowledge through online platforms particularly the theory part and demonstration part is one aspect, but then actually performing it on yourself or another person is a completely different thing. And, you will be surprised with the amount of practical on hand training you would require to successfully carry out the procedure.
What makes Ayurveda unique is the customization it brings into its therapies. So the procedures firstly are not a one size fits all kind of thing. Secondly, it requires the supervision of experts even after you have become certified. Therefore one needs to keep in mind that Ayurvedic courses and therapies are not DIY’s and need to be carried out with utmost safety and caution. Although, simple Ayurvedic treatments such as Abhyanga (oil massage) or Gandushkriya (oil pulling), meditation and yoga can be effectively done on your own but the intense procedures like Panchkarma require ayurvedic professionals to be performed.
Myth 5 – Virtual Ayurvedic courses don’t offer any constructive value
Another myth about virtual Ayurvedic courses are that people think that they do not carry constructive value. While it is absolutely correct that offline learning is a prerequisite to become an able certified Ayurvedic professional, and no amount of demonstration videos can offer you what you would yourself learn in an offline mode in the presence of a teacher. Yet, Ayurvedic courses offered virtually are not a waste of time and they do hold constructive values as the accessibility, course, curriculums, discussions, community learning etc. offer a solid foundation for your knowledge building and they enhance your learning. This can be very helpful in building a solid base for you which will elevate your learning experience in an offline setting.
Conclusion
Learning Ayurveda courses with the aid of technology sitting miles away from the institute is a part of the bigger vision in the wellness industry. It is the virtue of technology that online courses in fields of study such as Ayurveda is possible. Today, if you are someone who has interest in general and holistic wellness and want to go ahead with learning this ancient wisdom you should definitely consider online courses. If you want to learn authentic Ayurveda and Panchkarma courses from the land of Ayurveda enrolling with credible institutes like Lokah Ayurveda in Kerala can be an ideal choice for you.
