Lesson 1: Basic knowledge of Ayurveda
First and foremost it is about the structure of the human body according to Ayurvedic understanding. This lesson deals with the three human bodies: the physical body and the two subtle bodies: the astral body and the causal body, with the emphasis on the physical body. For a better understanding of the other topics, we first learn about

• 5 great elements of creation earth, water, fire, air and space (Mahabhutas) and
• 3 resulting bioenergies (doshas) Vata, Pitta and Kapha and
• the attributes (Gunas) for the assessment of Mahabhutas and Doshas and their role for bodily functions.

Lesson 2: Human personality (Prakriti)

• Ayurveda distinguishes three types of constitution: Vata, Pitta and Kapha as well as mixed types.
• In this lesson you will learn and evaluate the different characteristics of a Vata, Pitta or Kapha type so that you can also conduct consultations.
• This lesson also deals with the mental constitution of man, the three manifestations of the mind (trigunas) and their effects on the body.

Lesson 3: Ayurvedic way of life
The Ayurvedic way of life serves as prevention for health maintenance. Different time qualities are taken into account. Topics are covered such as

• the daily routine, the optimal design of the day according to its time qualities,
• the right behaviour according to the seasons, the time and its influence by bioenergies (Doshas),
• the life phases of humans and
• the ideal profession and vocation according to the Constitution,
• suitable leisure activities and compensatory measures for Kapha, Pitta and Vata types.

Lesson 4: Hygiene and personal hygiene
The topics of this lesson are:

• skin functions, skin care and tissue excretions (malas)
• 6 special cleansing exercises and methods (Yoga Kriyas) and
• the oil massage (Abhyanga).

Another chapter deals with

• internal hygiene, with fasting and detoxification and
• mental hygiene, mental purity.

Lesson 5: Yoga – a guide to physical, mental and spiritual health
Everyone needs their own individual spiritual path. Thus 4 different yoga paths are presented in this lesson:

• the path of selfless action (Karma Yoga),
• the path of study and knowledge (Jnana Yoga) and
• the path of religious devotion to God (Bhakti Yoga).
• In chapter 5 the 8-fold yoga path (Astanga Yoga) with its 8 levels is described and explained in detail in both theory and practice. These include level 3 physical exercises (asanas), level 4 breathing exercises (pranayama), levels 5 – 8 Raja Yoga, mental training, concentration, meditation and letting go. The effect of the various breathing exercises and asanas on the body and constitution is also described.

Lesson 6: Ayurvedic dietetics – a healthy, constitutional diet
First, the effect of different flavours (Rasa) on the constitution is explained and what role the properties (Gunas) and elements of food play in balancing the constitutions. It is also important to recognize the difference between “food” and food. What kind of food is rich in vitality (prana) and which is not? What effect does food have on the mind? Further topics are:

• the ideal combination of a food,
• unfavorable combinations of food,
• the role of digestive power (Agni) in the development of digestive toxins (Ama),
• Dosha teas and spice blends,
• food for children and the elderly and
• excess weight.
• This lesson is rounded off with a summary of eating culture and Ayurvedic dietary rules.

While the basic studies deal with the basic knowledge of Ayurveda, the lessons of the main part deal with Ayurvedic diagnosis and therapy.

Lesson 1: Anamnesis and ayurvedic diagnosis (Pariksha)
The following topics are covered:

• Detailed teaching on the development of diseases,
• Anamnesis, interviewing the patient about personal data, his social environment and symptoms of illness,
• Examination and diagnosis of the patient (pariksha), e.g. examination of the pulse, eyes, tongue, skin, excretions, etc.
• Pain as a diagnostic tool,
• exposure to digestive slag (ama) and contamination of the doshas with ama.

Lesson 2: Treatment with medicinal herbs and their dosage forms

• These lessons include a description of important Ayurvedic medicinal plants, including native medicinal plants,
• the type of preparation, e.g. ointments, pills, oils etc.,
• kitchen medicine – spices as medicinal herbs,
• assignment of medicinal plants according to organs and functions.

Lesson 3: Pancha Karma, the therapy for detoxification and regeneration of the body
This section deals with the preparatory and drainage measures:

• indications for Pancha Karma Therapy
• Purva Karma, preparatory treatment.The following treatments are presented here:
• strengthening of the digestion (Ama Pachana)
• oil treatments (Snehana Karma), namely internal oil treatment (Snehapana) and external oil treatment (Abhyanga), whereby some massage techniques are explained
• sweating cure (Svedana Karma) for detoxification through the skin
• Pancha Karma, detoxification procedure: vomiting (Vamana), laxation (Virecana), enema (Vasti), treatment through the nose (Nasya) and bloodletting (Rakta Moksha).

Lesson 4: Pancha Karma, the therapy for detoxification and regeneration of the body
This part deals with nourishing and rejuvenating measures:

• restorative and nourishing measures (Brimhana), including the pouring of oil and a massage with rice bags
• strengthening and rejuvenating measures (Rasayana), e.g. through nutrition, medicinal herbs, minerals, yoga asanas etc.
• strengthening of reproduction with aphrodisiacs (Vijikarana). And finally, a
• cure and health programme for home and office use
• treatment tips for simple illnesses that anyone can use in everyday life.

Lesson 5: Body channels (Shrotas) and vital points (Marmas)
This lesson is divided into 2 parts, namely

Part A) The body channels (Shrotas):

• wherein the shrotas, namely the supply channels, the excretory channels and the channels for supplying the tissues and their function and
• their illnesses are discussed.

Part B) The study of marma points:

• This lesson contains a general overview of the Marma teachings and their origin,
• the detailed description of each marma point,
• the assignment of the marma points to the bioenergies, body channels and energy centres,
• Marma therapy, treatment of the body through the marma points.

Lesson 6: Mental Health and Spiritual Development
This lesson is divided into 2 parts, namely

Part A) Accompanying and preventive therapies:

• music therapy
• mantra therapy
• breathing and yoga therapy,
• talking therapy

Part B) Mental Health and Spiritual Development:

• The power of faith and silence,
• spiritual development – a life of unity through devotion, prayer, worship and meditation (sadhana)
• the effect of sadhana on body, mind and soul and
• practical instructions.

This main part of the distance learning course is not specifically aimed at doctors or alternative practitioners. The lessons are written in such a way that they can be understood and applied by everyone. Therefore, no previous medical knowledge is required and it is also pointed out which therapies belong in the hands of a doctor, although the knowledge about these therapies is interesting for all students.