BA in Ayurveda Wellness & Integrative Healthonline or on-campus

• Core courses (online or on-campus)
• BIO 265 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
This is the first course of a two-course series exploring the terminology, structure, function, and interdependence of the human body systems, as well as introducing relevant medical terminology. This course provides an understanding of how the body’s structure and function maintain balance and a healthy state. Topics include: homeostasis, feedback control, skeletal muscular system, blood, cardiovascular system, immune system, and digestive system. Relevant current scientific research results are discussed, as appropriate. Students will get an opportunity to explore how human physiology is a replica of natural law as expressed in the ancient Vedic Literature discovered by Tony Nader, MD, PhD.
• BIO 266 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
This is the second course of the two-course series of Human Anatomy and Physiology. The focus will be on the endocrine system and divisions of the nervous system, and how they control other organ systems of the body and maintain homeostasis. Topics include: respiratory system, endocrine system, reproductive system, nervous system, and excretory system. Relevant current scientific research results are discussed, as appropriate. Students will get an opportunity to explore how human physiology is a replica of natural law as expressed in the ancient Vedic Literature discovered by Tony Nader, MD, PhD.
• PH 101 Physiology is Consciousness (general education requirement)
The course will explore the new paradigm in science that “Physiology is Consciousness.” Current concepts of mind and body will be understood in terms of this new paradigm. This course will present our facts of brain structure and function in light of Maharishi Vedic Science and the discovery of Veda and the Vedic Literature in human physiology done by Tony Nader, MD, PhD. We examine how our brain constructs reality at every moment and how the experience of unboundedness — the Self of every individual — can transform our physiology and awaken the total creative potential of the brain in enlightenment, which is the birthright of every human being. Includes public speaking with presentations on course topics. Materials fee: $10.
• PH 260 Maharishi AyurVeda Self-Pulse Reading for Good Health
Self-Pulse Reading is the most ancient and most natural means of determining the level of balance or imbalance in the mind and body. Feeling the pulse enlivens the connection between mind and body, consciousness and matter. Furthermore, the procedure of feeling the pulse produces a balancing effect on the mind and body. This course presents Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s revival of this ancient technology. In this course, students learn how to read their pulse and detect imbalances early, before they manifest as symptoms of a disease, and how to determine where imbalances are, and how to restore balance. This course includes public speaking exercises. Materials fee: $6
• PH 258 Maharishi AyurVeda Pulse Assessment Technique
This course is designed for students interested in holistic and complementary health, and the integration of traditional and modern health practices. This course introduces the principles of Maharishi AyurVeda Pulse Assessment Technique (Nadi Vigyan), and explores its relationship to physiological functions, immunity, and impediments to balance. Through a combination of lectures, applied practice, and group discussions, students learn how to use this technique to promote optimal health and well-being. Topics covered will include Ayurvedic anatomy and physiology, correlations to conventional sciences, and the use of this technique to identify the six stages of prevention (pathogenesis – Shat Kriya Kal).
• PH 262 Maharishi AyurVeda Diet, Digestion, and Nutrition
Diet, digestion, and nutrition are fundamental to health. How we metabolize food and drink directly affects the strength, vitality, immunity, and longevity of physiology. This course provides very practical knowledge of what to eat, when to eat, and how to eat to maintain or restore the perfect balance of the three doshas – the three principal governing qualities of intelligence in the body. Topics include: influence of consciousness on the process of digestion and nutrition, effects of different foods on physiology, categories of food according to their influence on the three doshas, and basic principles of Dravya Guna (Materia Medica) – Vedic herbology. This course includes public speaking exercises, as well as two field trips: one to local organic and natural food stores, and one to a local organic dairy production farm. Based on availability, ayurvedic cooking demonstrations are included. Field trip fee: $20; Materials fee: $20.
• PH 266 Maharishi AyurVeda Approach to a Balanced Digestive System
This course delves into balancing the body’s internal ecosystem through the Ayurvedic perspective on diet, digestion, and nutrition (Agni Vigyan), linking consciousness to the principles and function of digestive system. Students learn about the importance of maintaining a balanced digestive fire (Agni) that supports individualized needs to enliven wellbeing. Topics will include the Ayurvedic understanding of the digestive process, assessment of digestive system balance and imbalances, their causes, and practical lifestyle and dietary recommendations for maintaining a healthy digestive system. The connection between digestive and other systems of the body is explored including how to address imbalances. By the end of this course, students have a comprehensive understanding of how to apply this knowledge in their own lives for optimal health and wellness.

And one of the following:

• Ayurveda Wellness Consultant Practicum Intensive Concentration (on campus)
• PH 230 Maharishi AyurVeda Science-Based Aromatherapy
This course presents the history and basic principles of aromatherapy, and its application in Maharishi AyurVeda. Topics include: the chemistry and therapeutic properties of aromatic molecules; detailed descriptions of the chemical structure and properties of essential oils and hydrosols, their therapeutic effects on physiological and emotional states, and their effect on the three doshas; and indications for common ailments. In this course, students will learn how to select appropriate essential oils and hydrosols for well-being in accord with the principles of Maharishi AyurVeda Aromatherapy. Includes public speaking presentations and labs. Lab fee: $25; Materials fee: $15
• PH 263 Maharishi Yoga Asanas
Yoga is one of the 40 aspects of the Veda and Vedic Literature representing the unifying quality of consciousness. According to Maharishi, Yoga provides technologies to unfold the experience of the unified level of consciousness or Transcendental Consciousness. The theoretical part of this unique course presents the knowledge of Yoga as unity and provides an understanding of the specific effects of Yoga Asanas on the mind and body, physiology, and consciousness. Proper practice of Yoga Asanas – another aspect of this course – provides students with the experience of deep relaxation, stress release, and expansion in the direction of unbounded pure consciousness. This course includes public speaking exercises on the effects of Yoga Asanas on specific mental and physical health conditions, and the readings of Maharishi’s commentaries to the Bhagavad-Gita as the essence of Vedic knowledge and the discipline of Yoga. Materials fee: $10
• PH 320 Healthy, Happy Mother and Baby
The comprehensive time-tested knowledge of Maharishi AyurVeda provides the basis to give every family the best start. Topics include: preconception guidelines to maximize fertility and fetal health, month-by-month guidelines for pregnancy, strategies to facilitate labor and provide the ideal environment at delivery, and postpartum care guidelines for both parents and newborns to ensure the fullest recuperation for mothers and a healthy beginning for every family. Materials fee: $30.
• PH 412 Maharishi AyurVeda Herbology
Herbs are a major component of Maharishi AyurVeda used to enliven the inner intelligence of the body and restore balance. After assessing a client, an ayurvedic consultant recommends a variety of healing modalities, including compound or single-form herbal preparations. This course provides the necessary knowledge of ayurvedic herbs and herbal compounds, their qualities, and actions in human physiology, as well as their effects in various health conditions. It also familiarizes students with the methods used to prepare herbal compounds. Topics include: an introduction to ayurvedic herbs, their properties, modes of action, and uses; compound ayurvedic formulations, their indications, and contra-indications; quality control and good manufacturing practices on a small scale. This course includes labs, public speaking presentations, and literature review. Lab fee: $50; Material fee: $25
• PH 430 Maharishi AyurVeda Wellness Consultant Training
This course prepares students to consult with clients, family, and friends, helping them achieve higher levels of health and wellness through Maharishi AyurVeda. Students will understand and apply the knowledge of mind-body types, and the dietary and lifestyle origins of imbalance. Topics include: Ayurvedic anatomy and physiology; the role of consciousness at the basis of physiology; the use of Ayurvedic pulse reading to detect the level and the root cause of imbalance; the means to restore balance with the use of herbs, diet, aromatherapy, Maharishi Yoga Asanas, and other modalities of Maharishi AyurVeda; protocols for common imbalances; and how to obtain and retain clients in the wellness consultant practice. Includes case workshops and public speaking presentations. Materials fee: $65
• PH 431 Maharishi AyurVeda Wellness Consultant Practicum
During this course, students get practical experience of the knowledge gained in all the previous courses in Maharishi AyurVeda and build confidence in consulting with clients, family, and friends to guide them to higher levels of health and wellness. In the clinical setting, students take turns leading consultations and participate in discussions of case studies under the supervision of experts in Maharishi AyurVeda and modern medicine. By the end of this course, on-campus students are required to complete their major senior project, consisting of a reflection paper and a portfolio of case studies based on at least 50 clinical encounters, including observation, student/client encounters with direct supervision, and one-on-one cases. (8 credits)

The course is designed to provide practice on how to advise others in developing a personalized approach to health and wellness based on the principles of Maharishi AyurVeda. Regulations regarding health care practice and professional licensure standards vary by state and country. Course participants should be familiar with the laws of the jurisdiction in which they intend to be active to ensure that the scope of their activities does not violate regulations regarding health care practice. Becoming a Maharishi AyurVeda Wellness Consultant does not confer professional licensing status, and Maharishi International University makes no representations regarding its economic or other value.

• Ayurveda Wellness Consultant Concentration (low residency)

Online

• PH 230 Maharishi AyurVeda Science-Based Aromatherapy
This course presents the history and basic principles of aromatherapy, and its application in Maharishi AyurVeda. Topics include: the chemistry and therapeutic properties of aromatic molecules; detailed descriptions of the chemical structure and properties of essential oils and hydrosols, their therapeutic effects on physiological and emotional states, and their effect on the three doshas; and indications for common ailments. In this course, students will learn how to select appropriate essential oils and hydrosols for well-being in accord with the principles of Maharishi AyurVeda Aromatherapy. Includes public speaking presentations and labs. Lab fee: $25; Materials fee: $15
• PH 263 Maharishi Yoga Asanas
Yoga is one of the 40 aspects of the Veda and Vedic Literature representing the unifying quality of consciousness. According to Maharishi, Yoga provides technologies to unfold the experience of the unified level of consciousness or Transcendental Consciousness. The theoretical part of this unique course presents the knowledge of Yoga as unity and provides an understanding of the specific effects of Yoga Asanas on the mind and body, physiology, and consciousness. Proper practice of Yoga Asanas – another aspect of this course – provides students with the experience of deep relaxation, stress release, and expansion in the direction of unbounded pure consciousness. This course includes public speaking exercises on the effects of Yoga Asanas on specific mental and physical health conditions, and the readings of Maharishi’s commentaries to the Bhagavad-Gita as the essence of Vedic knowledge and the discipline of Yoga. Materials fee: $10
• PH 320 Healthy, Happy Mother and Baby
The comprehensive time-tested knowledge of Maharishi AyurVeda provides the basis to give every family the best start. Topics include: preconception guidelines to maximize fertility and fetal health, month-by-month guidelines for pregnancy, strategies to facilitate labor and provide the ideal environment at delivery, and postpartum care guidelines for both parents and newborns to ensure the fullest recuperation for mothers and a healthy beginning for every family. Materials fee: $30.
• PH 412 Maharishi AyurVeda Herbology
Herbs are a major component of Maharishi AyurVeda used to enliven the inner intelligence of the body and restore balance. After assessing a client, an ayurvedic consultant recommends a variety of healing modalities, including compound or single-form herbal preparations. This course provides the necessary knowledge of ayurvedic herbs and herbal compounds, their qualities, and actions in human physiology, as well as their effects in various health conditions. It also familiarizes students with the methods used to prepare herbal compounds. Topics include: an introduction to ayurvedic herbs, their properties, modes of action, and uses; compound ayurvedic formulations, their indications, and contra-indications; quality control and good manufacturing practices on a small scale. This course includes labs, public speaking presentations, and literature review. Lab fee: $50; Material fee: $25
• PH 430 Maharishi AyurVeda Wellness Consultant Training
This course prepares students to consult with clients, family, and friends, helping them achieve higher levels of health and wellness through Maharishi AyurVeda. Students will understand and apply the knowledge of mind-body types, and the dietary and lifestyle origins of imbalance. Topics include: Ayurvedic anatomy and physiology; the role of consciousness at the basis of physiology; the use of Ayurvedic pulse reading to detect the level and the root cause of imbalance; the means to restore balance with the use of herbs, diet, aromatherapy, Maharishi Yoga Asanas, and other modalities of Maharishi AyurVeda; protocols for common imbalances; and how to obtain and retain clients in the wellness consultant practice. Includes case workshops and public speaking presentations. Materials fee: $65
• PH 431A Maharishi AyurVeda Wellness Consultant Telehealth Practicum
During this course, students acquire practical experience of the knowledge gained throughout their Maharishi AyurVeda program curriculum. Students will build confidence in consulting with clients, family, and friends, ushering them towards progress in health and wellness. In virtual setting, students will learn about maintaining client anonymity, properly storing sensitive data, HIPAA, privacy policies and disclaimers. Additionally, students will lead consultations in 3 parts: introduction, interview, and recommendation sessions, participate in discussions and peer -reviews of case studies under the supervision of experts in Maharishi AyurVeda.
• PH 431C Maharishi AyurVeda Wellness Consultant Practicum Capstone
In this course students write a reflection paper and complete a portfolio of case studies. This reflection paper (1000-1200 words) is integral to the case studies. Students reflect on what they have learned from their case studies and demonstrate their understanding of the core principles of Maharishi AyurVeda and how these principles relate to human physiology and the optimal state of health. The portfolio of case studies (based on at least 50 clinical encounters including observation, student/client encounter with direct supervision, and one-on-one cases) is the means to demonstrate competence in evaluating the level of balance, causative factors, and ayurvedic pathology. This capstone experience is a unique opportunity for students to integrate their learning and demonstrate Maharishi AyurVeda in practice.

On campus (4 weeks)

• PH 259 Introduction to Maharishi AyurVeda Pulse Assessment Technique
This full-time two-week course is the first of two in-residence practicum courses. This course offers an experiential exploration into a consciousness-based approach to health care and introduces students to the Maharishi AyurVeda pulse assessment theory and technique. Practical application enables students to read pulses and detect imbalances early – before manifestation of disease symptoms – hence, true prevention and health care. With hands-on instruction, students will be immersed in this ancient Ayurvedic technology of pulse assessment which was revived to its full value under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s guidance. This enlivening and restorative method creates balance in the senses, mind, and body, allowing deeper level of mind-body harmony to manifest in the physiology. Students, equipped with this assessment tool will have the capacity to assess themselves and in the future clients while enlivening the body’s inner intelligence.
• PH 431B Maharishi AyurVeda Wellness Consultant Practicum
During this course, application of the knowledge gained in all the previous courses in Maharishi AyurVeda will be practiced and refined. Students will build confidence in consulting with clients, ushering them towards progress in health and wellness. At the clinical setting in Fairfield, Iowa, students take turns leading consultations, supporting their peers, and participating in discussions of case studies under the supervision of experts in Maharishi AyurVeda.
• Ayurveda Wellness Educator Concentration (online)
• PH 230 Maharishi AyurVeda Science-Based Aromatherapy
This course presents the history and basic principles of aromatherapy, and its application in Maharishi AyurVeda. Topics include: the chemistry and therapeutic properties of aromatic molecules; detailed descriptions of the chemical structure and properties of essential oils and hydrosols, their therapeutic effects on physiological and emotional states, and their effect on the three doshas; and indications for common ailments. In this course, students will learn how to select appropriate essential oils and hydrosols for well-being in accord with the principles of Maharishi AyurVeda Aromatherapy. Includes public speaking presentations and labs. Lab fee: $25; Materials fee: $15
• PH 263 Maharishi Yoga Asanas
Yoga is one of the 40 aspects of the Veda and Vedic Literature representing the unifying quality of consciousness. According to Maharishi, Yoga provides technologies to unfold the experience of the unified level of consciousness or Transcendental Consciousness. The theoretical part of this unique course presents the knowledge of Yoga as unity and provides an understanding of the specific effects of Yoga Asanas on the mind and body, physiology, and consciousness. Proper practice of Yoga Asanas – another aspect of this course – provides students with the experience of deep relaxation, stress release, and expansion in the direction of unbounded pure consciousness. This course includes public speaking exercises on the effects of Yoga Asanas on specific mental and physical health conditions, and the readings of Maharishi’s commentaries to the Bhagavad-Gita as the essence of Vedic knowledge and the discipline of Yoga. Materials fee: $10
• PH 320 Healthy, Happy Mother and Baby
The comprehensive time-tested knowledge of Maharishi AyurVeda provides the basis to give every family the best start. Topics include: preconception guidelines to maximize fertility and fetal health, month-by-month guidelines for pregnancy, strategies to facilitate labor and provide the ideal environment at delivery, and postpartum care guidelines for both parents and newborns to ensure the fullest recuperation for mothers and a healthy beginning for every family. Materials fee: $30
• PH 412 Maharishi AyurVeda Herbology
Herbs are a major component of Maharishi AyurVeda used to enliven the inner intelligence of the body and restore balance. After assessing a client, an ayurvedic consultant recommends a variety of healing modalities, including compound or single-form herbal preparations. This course provides the necessary knowledge of ayurvedic herbs and herbal compounds, their qualities, and actions in human physiology, as well as their effects in various health conditions. It also familiarizes students with the methods used to prepare herbal compounds. Topics include: an introduction to ayurvedic herbs, their properties, modes of action, and uses; compound ayurvedic formulations, their indications, and contra-indications; quality control and good manufacturing practices on a small scale. This course includes labs, public speaking presentations, and literature review. Lab fee: $50; Material fee: $25
• PH 267 Maharishi AyurVeda and Nature’s Rhythms
Students investigate the principles of Maharishi AyurVeda and the role of nature’s rhythms in promoting wellbeing through Ayurvedic knowledge. The daily and seasonal rhythms of nature will be examined in the light of how they influence individual’s state of health. This includes the impact of daily routines, sleep patterns, exposure to natural light and other environmental factors. Students learn about the Ayurvedic concept of daily routine (dinacharya) and seasonal routine (rituchariya), and how to create habits that support immunity and vitality. This will include Ayurvedic practices such as the Transcendental Meditation technique, exercise, mealtimes, and so on that promote balance and well-being. Throughout this course students reflect on their own habits and adjust to support optimal state of health. By the end of this course students gain a comprehensive understanding of Maharishi AyurVeda approach to cycles of nature and how to apply these principles for creating habits for wellness.
• PH 426 Becoming an Educator of Maharishi AyurVeda Knowledge
Students learn how to effectively communicate Ayurvedic concepts to diverse audiences and gain hands-on experience creating and delivering engaging content for various platforms, such as social media, podcasts, and online courses. This course explores the ethical considerations of sharing Ayurvedic knowledge in a Western context and addresses the challenges and opportunities of promoting Ayurveda in the digital age. This course is designed to assist students of Ayurveda, Yoga, and other health-related fields, as well as anyone interested in sharing the wisdom of Ayurveda with others. Upon completion of this course, students are prepared to share Ayurvedic knowledge with the public in an informed and responsible manner.
• PH 430 Maharishi AyurVeda Wellness Consultant Training
This course prepares students to consult with clients, family, and friends, helping them achieve higher levels of health and wellness through Maharishi AyurVeda. Students will understand and apply the knowledge of mind-body types, and the dietary and lifestyle origins of imbalance. Topics include: Ayurvedic anatomy and physiology; the role of consciousness at the basis of physiology; the use of Ayurvedic pulse reading to detect the level and the root cause of imbalance; the means to restore balance with the use of herbs, diet, aromatherapy, Maharishi Yoga Asanas, and other modalities of Maharishi AyurVeda; protocols for common imbalances; and how to obtain and retain clients in the wellness consultant practice. Includes case workshops and public speaking presentations. Materials fee: $65
• PH 428 Capstone for the Ayurveda Wellness Educator
This course provides students with an opportunity to integrate and apply knowledge of Ayurvedic wellness principles in their own lives and in their communities. Students work independently to develop and implement a project that demonstrates their understanding of the role of the Ayurvedic wellness educator. Projects include developing educational materials, facilitating workshops and classes, and conducting community outreach. Throughout this course, students reflect on their personal and professional goals and consider how they can use this knowledge to promote health and wellness in their own lives and in their communities. By the end of this course, students gain a deep understanding of the Ayurveda Wellness Educator role and the skills needed to be successful.
• Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness Concentration (low residency)

Online

• FOR 151 Sanskrit in Ayurveda
This course offers an introduction to the correct pronunciation of essential Sanskrit terms and expressions in AyurVeda. The primary objective of the course is to give students the practice and confidence to speak these terms and expressions in an accurate and professional way. AyurVeda as a health science and aspect of the Veda and Vedic literature is expressed in Sanskrit, and its key terms and concepts are fully defined in this language. Students taking this course will learn to speak these terms correctly, naturally, and fluidly.
• MVS 300 Science of Being and Art of Living
Science of Being and Art of Living was Maharishi’s first book, published in 1963. In this course, both through reading and through studying Maharishi’s videos, students investigate the main themes of the book — Being, the essential constituent of creation; how to contact and how to live Being; how to live one’s full potential, in thought, speech, action, and relationships; and God realization.
• MVS 210 Veda: Fabric of Consciousness
Is human knowledge inevitably partial, or can we fathom complete knowledge? How are insights of ancient seers into the nature of reality relevant to our contemporary lives? This course examines questions such as these in light of Maharishi Vedic Science (“Vedic” is from “Veda,” meaning knowledge). Students learn about Vedic literature — including Yoga, Vedanta, and the Upanishads — in light of the direct experience of consciousness. From time immemorial, Vedic literature has been studied for its enlightening wisdom; this course explores Maharishi’s unified structure of Vedic literature as the dynamics of consciousness knowing itself. Qualities of consciousness — such as expanding, unifying, and analyzing — are explored in the branches of Vedic literature, in human physiology and in the structure of the universe. This is a writing intensive course.
• MVS 302 Dharma: Insights from Maharishi’s Commentary on the Bhagavad Gita
What action in life is best for your personal development – your “Dharma”? How does this relate to family, social, and global responsibilities? How do we make the right decisions for ourselves and others, and act in a way that is enjoyable, not stressful and exhausting? This course studies timeless questions and dilemmas such as these, discussed in the Bhagavad-Gita — using as a guide Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s translation of and commentary on chapters one to six.
• MVS 370 Maharishi’s Yoga
This course explores themes related to Yoga philosophy in light of the effortless, natural practice of Transcendental Meditation. The course introduces Yoga both as a settled inner state of mind and a path of development, as brought out by Maharishi in his books and lectures. Topics include Yoga and the brain, Yoga and health, development of full human potential, Yoga and Dharma, and the role of Yoga Asanas in the eight limbs of Yoga brought out in the traditional Yoga text, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra. (Onsite and Online)
• PH 420 Maharishi AyurVeda for the Yoga Teacher
Maharishi AyurVeda and Yoga are Vedic sciences that create a holistic approach to health, happiness, and well-being. In this course, students will learn how to create a personalized daily practice to facilitate healing. Each student discovers mind-body awareness of the gross and subtle energies including the five layers of being through individualized techniques with the purpose of becoming more established in the Self.  Students will learn how mind-body types, health tendencies, time of day, seasons, immediate environment, and far environment (planetary influence) impact the personalized approach to daily and seasonal routines. This course includes reflections and public speaking exercises on how inner and outer observations can awaken awareness, guide attention to self-correct, and add self-care routines to pursue optimal state of health. This course puts knowledge into practice.
• PH 421 Foundations in Yoga Practice and Teaching
In this course students will unearth the nature of Yoga – the unification of the body, mind and cosmic life integrated with the practice of Yoga Asanas and pranayama. Students will learn the fundamentals of teaching Maharishi’s First Set of Asanas and Pranayama to others. This course includes coursework in modern and AyurVedic anatomy, Asanas, pranayama, public speaking exercises, and reflective exercises that explore the benefits of practicing and presenting Yoga to others.
• PH 424 Cultivating the Skill of Teaching Yoga
Students learn how to effectively communicate AyurVedic concepts to diverse audiences and gain hands-on experience creating and delivering engaging content for various platforms, such as social media, podcasts, and online courses. This course explores the ethical considerations of sharing AyurVedic knowledge in a Western context and addresses the challenges and opportunities of promoting AyurVeda in the digital age. This course is designed to assist students of AyurVeda, Yoga, and other health-related fields, as well as anyone interested in sharing the wisdom of AyurVeda with others. Upon completion of this course, students are prepared to share AyurVedic knowledge with the public in an informed and responsible manner.
• PH 427 Refining Yoga Teaching Skills & Lesson Plans
During this course students begin their Yoga teaching practice in communities. Weekly zoom calls and reflective writing assessments provide support to this process. Topics addressed during this course include how to plan a lesson, planning themes, case studies, and professional development.

On campus (4 weeks)

• PH 422 Developing the Capacity of the Yoga Teacher
This in-person immersion of the Yoga specialization program leans heavily on the development of both the practice and the state of Yoga. Students will participate in twice-daily practice sessions of the First Set and Transcendental Meditation technique while additionally exploring Maharishi’s approach to Yoga, history of Yoga and Asanas, biomechanics, systems of anatomy, and foundational subtle yogic anatomy in relationship to yoga asana and pranayama. Students will deepen their understanding of verbal and visual cues, while learning how to offer hands-on assistance. They will also learn how to apply ethics and professionalism in the yoga studio setting. This course helps to hone the skills necessary in becoming an effective Yoga Teacher.
• PH 423 Deepening the Capacity of the Yoga Teacher
This course continues the in-person development of the personal and professional aspects of Asanas and pranayama practice along with the exploration of advanced hatha yoga practices such as deeper pranayamas, bandhas, and mudras. Continued studies in systems of gross and subtle anatomy and safe movement practices refine the student’s capacity to instruct others.
• Life & Wellness Coaching Concentration (online)
• PH 267 Maharishi AyurVeda and Nature’s Rhythms
Students investigate the principles of Maharishi AyurVeda and the role of nature’s rhythms in promoting wellbeing through Ayurvedic knowledge. The daily and seasonal rhythms of nature will be examined in the light of how they influence an individual’s state of health. This includes the impact of daily routines, sleep patterns, exposure to natural light and other environmental factors. Students learn about the Ayurvedic concept of daily routine (dinacharya) and seasonal routine (rituchariya), and how to create habits that support immunity and vitality. This will include Ayurvedic practices such as the Transcendental Meditation technique, exercise, mealtimes, and so on that promote balance and well-being. Throughout this course students reflect on their own habits and adjust to support an optimal state of health. By the end of this course students gain a comprehensive understanding of Maharishi AyurVeda approach to cycles of nature and how to apply these principles for creating habits for wellness.
• PH 218 Foundation of Life and Wellness Coaching
This introductory course presents the foundational knowledge for Life and Wellness Coaching to bring balance to the body, mind, and spirit. This lays the foundation for a system of holistic health that can be embodied and shared with others. Students will learn a code of ethics, how to establish local connections to aid in professional growth, how to explore their vision and priorities and help others do the same, and how to connect with their own personal power. This course will offer students the chance to understand their own Self through journaling, class discussion, and self-reflective exercises. This gives the student the necessary tools to embark on a successful Life and Wellness Coaching career, not to mention building a foundation of trust and compassion with clients. (Online Only)
• PH 219 Life and Wellness Coaching I
In this course, students will begin to learn common-sense Life and Wellness Coaching through a holistic approach which integrates the Maharishi AyurVeda principles of cultivating a life that is intrinsically and extrinsically balanced. This course provides coursework that will include putting care and focus into the core of everyday life. Students will learn what holistic healthcare means in terms of considering the physical well-being and health of individuals when working to address imbalances. This course puts knowledge into practice as each student begins to work towards a health goal of their own, reflecting on each step through journaling, class discussion, and class activities. Students will build a map that will help establish the health goal and will aid them in learning how to teach habit changing and goal planning to others. This course will provide the knowledge to be successful in goal setting by explaining the different variables that can impede success such as environment, lifestyle, and routine. The goal of this course is to develop Life and Wellness Coaches that lead by example, living a healthy lifestyle in every aspect such as lifestyle, routine, and environment. (Online Only)
• PH 263 Maharishi Yoga Asanas
Yoga is one of the 40 aspects of the Veda and Vedic Literature, representing the unifying quality of consciousness. According to Maharishi, Yoga provides technologies to unfold the experience of the unified level of consciousness or Transcendental Consciousness. The theoretical part of this unique course presents the knowledge of Yoga as unity and provides an understanding of the specific effects of Yoga Asanas on the mind and body — physiology and consciousness. Proper practice of Yoga Asanas — a major aspect of this course — provides students with the experience of deep relaxation, bliss, and expansion of awareness. This course includes public speaking exercises on the effects of Yoga Asanas on specific mental and physical health conditions and the readings of Maharishi’s commentary to the Bhagavad-Gita as the essence of Vedic knowledge and the discipline of Yoga. Materials fee: $5 (4 credits) (In-Person or Online)
• PH 318 Life and Wellness Coaching II
This course looks at the mind and Self and their affects over how well a person can commit to change. Students will learn multiple evidence-based approaches to coaching that will promote the client’s will to change. Students will learn how to empower their client’s mind and Self in a holistic and consciousness-based approach. Some of the most important aspects of Life and Wellness Coaching is the coach’s ability to ask questions that enliven discussion, lends to credibility, and strengthens trust. Students will learn motivational enhancement techniques, cognitive behavioral coaching, acceptance and commitment coaching, and dialectical behavior coaching as evidence-based coaching tools. Each step will help to enrich the students understanding of how to coach the mind and Self to ensure maximum success for their clients. This online course will provide material for self-reflection exercises, telehealth coaching sessions, and written assignments to promote student understanding in both the classroom and real-world experiences. (Online Only)
• PH 319 Life and Wellness Coaching III
This course is a culmination of all knowledge from previous courses and prerequisites. Here, students will be able to present the knowledge obtained in a professional, clear, and concise manner as well as apply it in real world scenarios. Choosing a client of their own, students will begin to work towards a faculty approved health goal. Each step of life coaching will be used as students navigate how to instill change in their client. Creating a habit map, offering support at every step, and integrating the knowledge from the previous courses, students will begin documenting their journey towards becoming a Life and Wellness Coach. The course will include one on one student coaching, written and spoken presentations, and case studies. Students will also begin working with a client of their choosing towards a health goal. This is intended to fully integrate the information learned into a format that can then be carried into professional development and business planning. (Online Only)
• PH 418 Life and Wellness Coaching Externship
This course will allow students to apply coaching knowledge and skills in a telehealth environment. Students will work 12 hours weekly with the Personal Support Services Life and Wellness Coaching program, helping other MIU students as they navigate academic and everyday life. Coaches will help these students to make plans regarding their personal and academic lives, create habits to become better students, and will help guide them towards balance personally, academically, physically, and emotionally. Coaches will document their interactions with each client, schedule meetings, and submit work that shows their clear understanding of the different approaches taken including the client’s mind-body constitution. This course will prepare students for working with multiple clients in an online setting. (Online Only)
• PH 419 Life and Wellness Coaching Capstone Project
Using a volunteer of their choosing, students will continue their work including documenting their ability to establish goals for the client’s personal development and assist the client to make progress towards those goals. Students will apply and integrate all knowledge they have learned to include proper record keeping, scheduling of sessions, active listening, motivational coaching, and forming a coach/client relationship that is built on trust, compassion, understanding, and professionalism. Students will write an essay to reflect on the experience, focusing on what they have learned and how they applied the techniques taught to them. The goal of this project is to instill confidence in students’ ability to successfully coach each client.
• PH 417 Fundamentals of Building a Life and Wellness Coach Business
In this course students learn to connect with their authentic self as a Life and Wellness Coach while gaining knowledge of how to build a brand which demonstrates their consciousness-based approach to care. This course also prepares students for developing, writing, and presenting a business plan. Since Life and Wellness Coaching thrives on finding a niche and a voice within that niche, this course assist students in identifying their niche, and further establishing their voice and marketing strategies. Students gain an understanding of how to develop a life-supporting and sustainable coaching business for fulfilling individual needs that also contributes to global health and wellbeing.