Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ayurveda? How do you pronounce Ayurveda?

Ayurveda literally means the science of life. It is pronounced eye-ur-vayda.

“The science that deals with ‘hita-ayuh’ (useful life), ‘ahita-ayuh’ (harmful life); ‘sukha-ayuh’ (happy life) and ‘duhkha-ayuh’ (unhappy or miserable life) along with that which is advantageous and disadvantageous to it and the span (short and long) of life, is designated as Ayurveda. Thus it is clear from this verse that Ayurveda is a science of life which imparts knowledge about life with special reference to its four aspects ie., useful, harmful, happy and unhappy life, the materials which promote and demote the life and long and short span of life.”

Dr L. P Gupta. Reader: Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU. Varanasi.

Why should I consider AIAS as the Institute best suited to studying Ayurveda with?

-The AIAS is an RTO that provides within its scope, the Nationally accredited Certificate 4 (Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant) and Advanced Diploma (Ayurvedic Practitioner) training courses. Only an RTO can provide these courses in Ayurveda with a Nationally  recognised qualification.

Who teaches the course?

Ayurvedacharya Dr S. Ajit, BAMS, PCAS is the AIAS senior lecturer in Ayurveda. Dr Ajit is a graduate of the Government Ayurvedic Medical College, University of Patiala, from North India.

In India Dr Ajit worked as an Ayurvedic Panchakarma doctor,lecturer at different Ayurveda Colleges and was a permanent employee of the Government of India as an Ayurvedic Medical Officer (no. AY E11-pb-80/100)

In 1996 Dr Ajit relocated to Auckland, New Zealand with a dream to teach and propagate authentic Ayurveda in the western world.

How relevant are the ideas of Ayurveda in the modern world? What kind of recognition does Ayurveda have globally? Is it something that translates well in to our modern way of living?

Early on in your studies, you will learn that from its origins, the sages of Ayurveda have declared that Ayurveda’s utility spans all cultures and is not limited with reference to this age or that. Rather Ayurveda is based upon natural laws and so long as humanity is a part of nature those laws remain relevant. In fact the world may be currently in a greater need than at any time for the insights, therapies and teachings of Ayurveda in order to combat many imbalances and disease generated by modern artificial living.

I already have a background in Science and am a Health Practitioner. Can I obtain recognised prior learning credits and a discount on the course fees?

You certainly can apply for a transfer of credits for common units such as Anatomy and Physiology, Occupational Health and Safety and Infection Control and Senior First Aid, providing that the qualification comes from an RTO and has currency ie., is up to date. This will not affect course fees as the course fees are calculated without costing in the aforementioned subjects.

What sort of job opportunities exist for Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultants?

As Ayurvedic Consultants employed in owner-operator Clinics or existing Health Care Centres providing Ayurvedic Massage, Shirodhara Therapy, Ayurvedic Musculo-Skeletal Therapy, Ayurvedic Lifetyle Counselling.

Work within the Ayurvedic Spa Industry as a Ayurvedic therapist.

Work in the clinic of an Ayurvedic doctor.

I have heard that some Ayurvedic products are unsafe? Is this true?

In India there are reputable Ayurvedic Pharmacies producing fine, effective and safe products for consumption. Dr Ajit, BAMS, has worked as a Pharmacy Inspector for the Govt. of India and is well aware of the reputable companies to deal with. Approved Pharmacies in India are licensed to supply the Ayurvedic Hospital system. These producers must keep to an established standard. Many of the modern processors in India are compliant with good manufacturing practice.

Cheap and poorly prepared herb and food supplements have been located throughout the world with Australia having its own Pharmaceutical manufacturing scandals.

AIAS only recommends products that you would find in the Ayurvedic hospitals of India.

Will we be guaranteed success in this vocation after graduating from AIAS?

Your success in any field and no less so in Ayurveda, depends upon your level of application and thorough training by reputable teachers. The AIAS course provides substantial training in Ayurveda with highly skilled teachers.  Graduates having applied themselves to the course work and having lived their Ayurveda, will have the ability to work in a number of fields related to Ayurveda, providing Ayurvedic health assessment skills and therapies to the public either through their own clinic/establishments or through existing Health Care Centres.

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