Dr. Marc Halpern Discusses Ayurvedic Medicine and Yoga

Dr. Marc Halpern is a Western pioneer of Ayurvedic Medicine and Ayurvedic Yoga. He is the founder and director of the California College of Ayurveda with branches in San Francisco, San Jose, Grass Valley and Seal Beach. He teaches Ayurvedic Yoga Intensive Certification classes in Grass Valley and at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashram in the Bahamas each year. See The California College of Ayurveda's announcement, p. 2.

What is Ayurvedic Yoga?
Ayurvedic Yoga is the application of Ayurveda, East Indian medicine, to the practice of Yoga. It emphasizes the healing aspects of Yoga. Ayurvedic Yoga is individualized to a person's needs. It takes into consideration your body type and current state of health.

But does it work on prevention of disease as well as correction?
Definitely. If you practice Yoga according to your Ayurvedic constitution you will be at less risk of injury and bring greater balance to the subtle energies of your body. Ayurvedic Yoga can be an important part of the healing process from most diseases. And, regular practice will help to prevent disease as well.

Is there more to Ayurvedic Yoga than the choosing appropriate body postures (asana)?
Yes, Ayurvedic Yoga also includes the individual application of breathing practices (pranayama) and meditation along with an understanding of the psycho-spiritual journey, that each soul is on a journey from ignorance toward greater and greater awareness. All authentic Yoga is ultimately a path toward enlightenment.

But doesn't Yoga keep you healthy as well?
Of course! The regular practice of yoga is beneficial to your body as long as you do not do too much too fast and injure yourself. However, yoga can also cause imbalances in the body when it is not practiced with due regard for the individuality of the practitioner. Ayurveda and Yoga together are a complete path of body, mind and spirit well-being. Neither is whole without the other. The practice of each is enhanced by the other.

What are the career opportunities in Ayurvedic Yoga?
With the explosion of interest in Yoga, Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine, the career opportunities are exciting. Yoga teachers can expand their services to their community by providing individualized instruction designed to meet the needs of their students. Private instruction can now combine both a preventative and healing approach to a variety of illnesses, disabilities and health challenges. In addition, unique classes can be designed according to the doshic characteristics of the participants. Finally, Yoga teachers, certified in Ayurvedic Yoga, can work along side Clinical Ayurvedic Specialists and other health care practitioners providing individualized yoga instruction to their patients.