Find out all about The Ayurvedic Institute - our courses and offerings, faculty, fees, and admission criteria! We are excited to be able to realize Vasant Lad's dream for a community centered around the principles and practices of Ayurveda. For the last few years, the team leading the Institute has been tasked with finding a location for this community.
After scouting regions across the continental U.S., Vasant Lad has chosen Asheville, NC, as the home for our new campus. The Ayurvedic Studies Programs (ASP) integrate the practical, philosophical, and spiritual insight of Ayurveda into professional training programs that support you in becoming an Ayurvedic professional capable of serving others in realizing their true nature and the expression of it in their daily life.
After scouting regions across the continental U.S., Vasant Lad has chosen Asheville, NC, as the home for our new campus. The Ayurvedic Studies Programs (ASP) integrate the practical, philosophical, and spiritual insight of Ayurveda into professional training programs that support you in becoming an Ayurvedic professional capable of serving others in realizing their true nature and the expression of it in their daily life.
Follow us
Services
We offer programs to support you in becoming an Ayurvedic professional, in continuing your education, and in your journey of self-inquiry and healing. However you are inspired to deepen in your studies of Ayurveda, and with whatever time you have available, we can support you in your journey! By choosing to study here you will have the unique opportunity to learn with Vasant Lad, world-renowned teacher and practitioner of Ayurveda.
Highly respected around the world, The Ayurvedic Institute has been teaching Ayurveda since 1984. Steeped in Vedic tradition, our Ayurvedic Studies Programs (ASP), now in their 35th year, are full-time immersive journeys into Ayurveda. Ayurveda states that the purpose of life is to realize our true nature, and to express this in one's daily life.
We have excellent online options for those wanting an introduction to Ayurveda, to deepen their practice with more professional development or to focus on their own self-healing and personal enrichment. Offered in collaboration with AyurPrana, our Spring 2021 schedule has two inspiring series that bring Ayurveda to life!
Reviews (10)
Ronak Patel
Apr 03, 2022
Padma Venkatrangan
Sep 15, 2021
The most authentic traditional treatment that cures so many sub clinical and chronic issues. I had severe cervical disc herniation. I was asked to go for a surgery as my only option. Thankfully, the treatment by Dr. Lad followed by a panchakarma completely cured me and I am back to my full fledged, active, pain free life.
Christel Clair
Aug 09, 2021
I did ASP1 in 2019-2020. First off, I have NOTHING bad to say about Dr. Lad, I think he is an angel. I was however, severely disappointed with the program I took. The administration clearly comes from a large corporate background and runs things as such. all about the $$$, putting on a barely believable charade that they care about the students and Ayurveda, while delivering hardly ANY of what the program professes to offer. Classes, plans and schedules were CONSTANTLY changed and cancelled at the very last second with no regard for students' personal lives.
Communication was practically nonexistent. On top of the fact that they overload students with endless reading and busywork (with virtually zilch coming from the Samhitas), to such a degree that it is a HIGHLY stressful experience studying there, unless you are a genius or a fan of spending every waking hour trying to keep up with a program. Unknowing, kind and spiritually minded students are taken advantage of, simply because they are of a more compassionate variety of people who are more susceptible to such.
And all this was abundantly clear even well before the pandemic hit. I made great friends though, and did learn a thing or two. But I HIGHLY suggest you do your homework and look into ALL the options that are out there, some are much more obscure and actually maintain respectable integrity, and will take you thoroughly into the vast and beautiful depths of all Ayurveda beholds, which simply could NEVER be grasped in a 1 or 2 year program. Period.
If you want a surface level, vague overview of Ayurvedic principles washed out by much allopathic theory, which you don't plan to put into professional practice, while spending a year of your life in an exhaustively stressed out state, or simply don't mind throwing down thousands upon thousands of dollars, this is the perfect school for you. Talk to alumni, find out what percentage of students actually go on to practice.know that I am not alone in holding these views.
Certainly this school is the right school for some of you, but I think many of you would do well to know that there are in fact other valuable options out there. I wish you all a well informed and fruitful journey.
Communication was practically nonexistent. On top of the fact that they overload students with endless reading and busywork (with virtually zilch coming from the Samhitas), to such a degree that it is a HIGHLY stressful experience studying there, unless you are a genius or a fan of spending every waking hour trying to keep up with a program. Unknowing, kind and spiritually minded students are taken advantage of, simply because they are of a more compassionate variety of people who are more susceptible to such.
And all this was abundantly clear even well before the pandemic hit. I made great friends though, and did learn a thing or two. But I HIGHLY suggest you do your homework and look into ALL the options that are out there, some are much more obscure and actually maintain respectable integrity, and will take you thoroughly into the vast and beautiful depths of all Ayurveda beholds, which simply could NEVER be grasped in a 1 or 2 year program. Period.
If you want a surface level, vague overview of Ayurvedic principles washed out by much allopathic theory, which you don't plan to put into professional practice, while spending a year of your life in an exhaustively stressed out state, or simply don't mind throwing down thousands upon thousands of dollars, this is the perfect school for you. Talk to alumni, find out what percentage of students actually go on to practice.know that I am not alone in holding these views.
Certainly this school is the right school for some of you, but I think many of you would do well to know that there are in fact other valuable options out there. I wish you all a well informed and fruitful journey.
Cm Cm
Mar 17, 2021
DR. Lad is genuinely a true Vaidya. His knowledge is per excellence. He is great Humble person. A true qualities of Vaidya. Vey loving person. gratitude for him to share his wisdom to all of us. but his staff takes too much take control of him. I enquire about taking admission someone(do not want to name anyone) just said go to website and look at catalogue.
I was thinking if its the treatment before, then what is after. So I am going to other institute. I also read in reviews the dr. lad team controls too much of him, in letting people ask question during in the class, which I have personally experienced also. but team has forget one pure philosophy of AYURVEDA, its a knowledge of God given to MANKIND for their benefit and its for everyone around the world, whosoever in need. it shouldn't be in too much controlled and only use for monetary basis.that is not any veda's philosophy.
It should be spread freely or at least let people reach to Dr. Lad. In the End still thank you for Dr. lad and to those genuine followers of him who wants to do good to mankind through Ayurvedic knowledge.( Experienced based review).
I was thinking if its the treatment before, then what is after. So I am going to other institute. I also read in reviews the dr. lad team controls too much of him, in letting people ask question during in the class, which I have personally experienced also. but team has forget one pure philosophy of AYURVEDA, its a knowledge of God given to MANKIND for their benefit and its for everyone around the world, whosoever in need. it shouldn't be in too much controlled and only use for monetary basis.that is not any veda's philosophy.
It should be spread freely or at least let people reach to Dr. Lad. In the End still thank you for Dr. lad and to those genuine followers of him who wants to do good to mankind through Ayurvedic knowledge.( Experienced based review).
Carlos L. Oliveira
Jan 07, 2021
Very bad service to clients that buy at him shop. This make a great name of Sir Vasant Lad so down. I can imagine that he agree with the service that theyr shop are providing rignt now. I bought hundred dollars in books and some products and selected the UPS shippiment as they recomends as fast way to receive, what means that I also paid more for that.
Them UPS called me here because customs wanna tax me in thousand dollars. Them I asked why because I normally buy this kind of from foreign, and they said that it is because the sender put very long description that makes difficult to understand what was in the package. Them I reported that to the shop and Shannon Avila just send me some emails requesting me to make contact with UPS.
As I have in mesaages just shows that have no responsability by theyr work. Its a really bad treatment that I never expected from. I hope no one get same experience from them. I putted one star but actually they deserves no star.
Them UPS called me here because customs wanna tax me in thousand dollars. Them I asked why because I normally buy this kind of from foreign, and they said that it is because the sender put very long description that makes difficult to understand what was in the package. Them I reported that to the shop and Shannon Avila just send me some emails requesting me to make contact with UPS.
As I have in mesaages just shows that have no responsability by theyr work. Its a really bad treatment that I never expected from. I hope no one get same experience from them. I putted one star but actually they deserves no star.
Tracy Gaske
Jun 12, 2019
Ml Pruitt
Dec 16, 2018
Vinod Bhorale
Jan 31, 2018
Sun Of The Valley
Jan 24, 2018
Existed about the school have spoken to Tiffany from admission and ops had a v bad experience gathering info I need She missed her second ph appointment w me I had to call back complain she sent apology letter. Thank you that did not help I still have so many questions pls answer yet my right to learn about the school was denied. Women was angry at me when I tried to ask questions my own way she started arguing w me telling me that is not my call to be at this school Really and that is because I ask many questions? LOL. Had to stop conversation right there Waiting for Dean to give me call back.
What I did not like about this school : this very expensive school have very small stuff admission office have only one person LOL Yet classes are full 30 -40 students Way to much people. I don't believe their classrooms re big enough to accommodate all. Not. a good sign. For the money they charge they need to provide quality service so far have not seen that Started to wonder if this school is another money making machine.
What I did not like about this school : this very expensive school have very small stuff admission office have only one person LOL Yet classes are full 30 -40 students Way to much people. I don't believe their classrooms re big enough to accommodate all. Not. a good sign. For the money they charge they need to provide quality service so far have not seen that Started to wonder if this school is another money making machine.
Dragona Holistica
Jun 06, 2017
The school's leaders put money before their students' well-being! I was enrolled at SP1 for 2 trimesters and Two weeks into the3 rd trimester, I fell seriously ill with a condition that put my life in danger. Erin Kreeger, Ph. D., the dean of education lacked empathy and sincerity and demonstrated that the school's financial interest is above the health and well-being of the students.
Due to my sudden illness, I had to leave the program. Although I only attended two weeks of the trimester 3 quarter, the school would only refund 25% of my $ 3900 costs. Not only is the cost of the institute excessive, students also must pay for housing, food, books, etc. It is clear that the institute has very little compassion for or understanding of the sacrifices students make by enrolling: To enter the program, we not only leave behind our families, but we leave behind work that provides us income.
What's more, Dr. Kreeger refused to recognize the studies I completed prior to falling ill. Although I completed two of the trimesters with good grades, she will not allow me to return the program to finish the third trimester. She insists I must start from the beginning of meaning repeating the 2 trimesters already had passed with great grades. Which also paid $3900 for each trimester plus books. rent etc.!
Although I had a consultation with Dr. Lad Two weeks before, I ended up in the emergency room, seems wear to me he was not aware of a preexisting condition although he has amazing reputation for his large experience in diagnosing. While my life was in danger, Dr. Kreeger made a bad situation worse. They refused to talk to my husband, either in person or by phone, to tell him what was happening unless I spoke with them personally, which was impossible because I was still under great risk due to my heart condition.
I believe this delay was intentional - to let more time pass so they would not have to refund my tuition. Latter under the excuse of me not signing papers before. Although they knew of the severity of my illness. Despite the high costs of the institute, the facilities and equipment are shoddy. Classrooms do not meet basic ergonomic standards: Students have to sit in cloth chairs on the floor.
The chairs are also very old. The toilets were broken and it took more than a month to repair them. Students cannot ask Dr. Lad questions unless they are "very important." It is difficult to imagine that students can only listen without asking, that is not ideal for daily learning of new concepts. In the exams, there are no study guides and there is little group integration. Students experience great stress as a result. Most teachers are recent graduates with only one year of experience, or very little guiding experience. This was a horrible experience. XXX
Due to my sudden illness, I had to leave the program. Although I only attended two weeks of the trimester 3 quarter, the school would only refund 25% of my $ 3900 costs. Not only is the cost of the institute excessive, students also must pay for housing, food, books, etc. It is clear that the institute has very little compassion for or understanding of the sacrifices students make by enrolling: To enter the program, we not only leave behind our families, but we leave behind work that provides us income.
What's more, Dr. Kreeger refused to recognize the studies I completed prior to falling ill. Although I completed two of the trimesters with good grades, she will not allow me to return the program to finish the third trimester. She insists I must start from the beginning of meaning repeating the 2 trimesters already had passed with great grades. Which also paid $3900 for each trimester plus books. rent etc.!
Although I had a consultation with Dr. Lad Two weeks before, I ended up in the emergency room, seems wear to me he was not aware of a preexisting condition although he has amazing reputation for his large experience in diagnosing. While my life was in danger, Dr. Kreeger made a bad situation worse. They refused to talk to my husband, either in person or by phone, to tell him what was happening unless I spoke with them personally, which was impossible because I was still under great risk due to my heart condition.
I believe this delay was intentional - to let more time pass so they would not have to refund my tuition. Latter under the excuse of me not signing papers before. Although they knew of the severity of my illness. Despite the high costs of the institute, the facilities and equipment are shoddy. Classrooms do not meet basic ergonomic standards: Students have to sit in cloth chairs on the floor.
The chairs are also very old. The toilets were broken and it took more than a month to repair them. Students cannot ask Dr. Lad questions unless they are "very important." It is difficult to imagine that students can only listen without asking, that is not ideal for daily learning of new concepts. In the exams, there are no study guides and there is little group integration. Students experience great stress as a result. Most teachers are recent graduates with only one year of experience, or very little guiding experience. This was a horrible experience. XXX
