CSPH 5319: Yoga & Ayurveda in India

Overview: Yoga and Ayurveda are interrelated, ancient, holistic Indian traditions that integrate ethics, spirituality, and healing. While studying with expert practitioners at the University of Minnesota and in India, students will examine the claim that the systematic practice of these traditions promotes healing and optimal health. 

Students fly from MSP to New Delhi, where they can visit the Taj Mahal in Agra. Students will study Yoga at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama in Rishikesh. Additionally, students will study Ayurveda and receive individual consultations and therapy with Dr. Ravindra Mamgain and Dr. Pratibha Mamgain at The Mamgain Ayurvedic Clinic and Panchkarma Center. During free time, visit Virbhadra Temple, go trekking in foothills of Himalayan Mountains, explore Rishikesh and attend a variety of Yoga class and workshop options.

Course Description: Using critical thinking, students will investigate scientific evidence for Yoga and Ayurveda and propose additional research needed. Students will synthesize the philosophical, psychological, and ethical teachings of Yoga and Ayurveda with their experiential knowledge in order to meet the course objectives and their own needs personally and professionally. 

Program Leader: Katie Schuver, PhD, LADC, C-IAYT, E-RYT

Excursions: Excursions include visits to a Sikh temple and sightseeing in New Delhi, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama (SRSG) Ashram, Sadhana Mandir Ashram, Mamgain Ayurveda Clinic, Rishikesh, Ganges River, Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Parmarth Niketan, Vashishtha Guha, Kunjapuri Temple and much, more more!

Housing and Meals: Students spend 5 days at New Delhi YWCA in air-conditioned/heated double rooms with twin beds, private bathrooms, and breakfast provided. Students spend 9 days at Sadhaka Grama Ashram in Rishikesh in cottages with twin beds, private bathrooms, and three vegetarian meals daily. Students will also have access to yoga mats, blankets, zen benches, library, and wi-fi.

The program fee pays for:

1. 4 credits (undergraduate for undergraduates; graduate for graduate students).

2. 60+ hours of instructional time.

3. Round-trip airfare between MSP and New Delhi.

4. International health insurance in India. 

5. Breakfast every day and nearly all other meals in India.

6. All Group classes at the University of Minnesota and in India.

7. All lodging in India: Each New Delhi YWCA room and Sadhaka Grama Ashram cottage has twin beds, private bathroom, shower, Western toilet; students choose their roommate and room with each other.  

8. Group ground transportation in India.   

9. Consultation and Pre-Pancha Karma treatments at Ayurveda Center in India.

10. Group sightseeing in India.   

11. Service tips and payment for Group activities.

12. Much more!