by Greg Reedy

Created on: June 29, 2009

Ayurveda is a medicine which is currently based in India but is starting make its presence known in the United States. That is seen with the Ayurvedic Institute which is based in Albuquerque, N.M.

The Institute was established in 1984 to teach Ayurvedic medicine outside of India. Ayurvedic healing includes herbs, nutrition and panchakarma cleansing among others.

The Institute uses a time-honored Vedic approach and teaches from a tradition of personal growth through the use of spirituality. Students learn Ayurvedic principles and practices that bring peace and balance to the body, mind and soul when they are incorporated into their lifestyle.

The Institute wants to use modern medicine and yoga along with other healing disciplines and the individual self to bring total health and harmony.

The Ayurvedic Institute is currently a non-profit organization and was founded in 1984 in Santa Fe., N.M. Vasant Lad in the Chairman of the Board and President. Sharon Scaltrito is the secretary and Dr. Michael Stone in the treasurer. Stone is currently a chiropractor. Lad is an Ayurvedic Physician and Scaltrito is an RN, BSN and has an MBA.

The Institute has administrative offices, an herb department, retail store, two large classrooms which can hold up to 80 students and a panchakarma department.

The Ayurvedic Institute also has a large AyurYoga studio, a publishing department and a staff of approximately 30.

Lad is the primary teacher at the Institute. He has more than 40 years of experience with Indian Medicine.

The Ayurvedic Studies Level 1 Program provides 630 hours to classroom time while Level 2 offers 540 hours.

The registration fee is $100. The tuition for the first three quarters is $2,500 in Level 1. Level 2 sees the tuition go up to $2,750. There is also an Ayurvedic Correspondence Course which is available at a cost of $225. There is an extra cost for overseas postage. Lad has weekend seminars available at $280 and seven-day summer incentives at a cost of $685. A three-day weekend option is at $285. A clinical practicum seven-day summer intensive is at $735.

There are work study programs available but it is advised that they do not pay very well and should not be recommended for any significant income. They do get credit for future tuition. Jobs are distributed as fairly as possible.

The Ayurvedic Institute is located at 11311 Menaul Blvd. N.E., Albuquerque, N.M. The Institute can be reached at (505) 291-9698.

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