Introduction to Ayurveda: The Science of Life

Stanford University via YouTube

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Details

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Provider

YouTube
Pricing

Free Video
Languages

English
Effort

1 hour 9 minutes
Level

Beginner

Found in

Explore the ancient healing tradition of Ayurveda in this informative talk by Dr. Neeta Gautam, a Family Physician and Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor. Discover the history, fundamentals, and modern applications of this traditional Indian medical practice. Learn to identify your constitution type or dosha through fifteen guiding questions, understand the causes and characteristics of imbalance, and gain insights into balancing each dosha. Explore general recommendations for all doshas and how they relate to daily routines, seasons, and life stages. Gain valuable knowledge about this holistic approach to health and wellness, presented by Stanford Health Library and The Stanford Center for Asian Health Research and Education.

Syllabus

Introduction
Welcome
Disclaimer
Objectives
Background
Health
The 5 Elements
Three Doshas
What is your Dosha
Questions
Common Doshas
Vata
out of balance
Pitta
Pitta Characteristics
Kapha Characteristics
Causes of imbalance
How to balance
Recommendations
Routine
Meal Times
Water Intake
CCF
Time of Day
Seasons of the Year
Stages of Life
Malas
Alma
Om
Qualities Attributes
Additional Resources
Questions Answers

Taught by

Stanford Health Care

Reviews

4.7 rating, based on 102 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Introduction to Ayurveda: The Science of Life

Avdhoot Mohan Pandit @avdhoot24

This 68-minute lecture by Dr. Neeta Gautam serves as a clinical yet accessible bridge between Western medicine and Ayurvedic principles. Moving beyond surface-level wellness, the course provides a structured breakdown of the five elements and their manifestation in the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
The content is exceptionally practical, featuring a 15-question diagnostic quiz to help viewers identify their Prakriti (constitution). Dr. Gautam excels at explaining the physiological importance of Agni (digestive fire) and the circadian "Ayurvedic Clock," offering precise dietary adjustments to prevent the buildup of Amma (toxins). It is a rigorous, high-quality primer for those seeking evidence-based holistic health.
Günel Hasanli
1

I found the lecture “Introduction to Ayurveda: The Science of Life” very interesting, informative, and eye-opening. What I especially liked is that the course connects ancient knowledge with modern lifestyle, making it more engaging and relevant. This lecture inspired me to adopt a more mindful approach to a healthy lifestyle and increased my interest in the subject.
Gouri Sankar @Gourisankar
2

The class was very helpful and supportive the quality of education was very good and the unique needs of Ayurveda in our daily life is important
James Alagba @jamesalagba

The course was mind-blowing; i enjoyed it and i look forward to more great things to come, however the slide was not really clear i will appricate if we can have a clearer one and also a pdf on my mail
Yusuf Mahdi
1

Introduction to Ayurveda: The Science of Life by Stanford University offers a clear and engaging overview of Ayurveda’s foundational principles. Presented in an accessible format via YouTube, the course explains concepts like doshas, balance, and holistic health in a way that feels both informative and practical. The instructors break down complex ideas into digestible segments, making it suitable for beginners with no prior knowledge. It also connects ancient wisdom to modern wellness trends, which keeps it relevant. Overall, it’s a concise yet insightful introduction that sparks curiosity about natural health and encourages a more mindful approach to lifestyle and well-being.
Tan @h4nhahan

I didn't really think that Ayurveda could be this informative. It was really interesting and kept me engaged till the end. It's good to learn about such stuff to lead a better life. My dosha is Pitta btw!
Fereshtevlzfard @Fereshtevlzfard

It was the best, best tutorial I've seen. Thank you.You explained it very well and in simple and easy language.
Jeff Watson @jeff210362
2

very interesting and insightful lecture , eye opening and compelling to look at this discipline and understanding the insights , thank you
MOHD AMAN @DrAman

I was very excited in the beginning, then I saw the whole video and he told me about Ayurveda in a very good way
Dr.MADHUSUDHANAN NATARAJAN
1

Very much informative. Great and happy to learn.
Ayurveda is required for our daily life. This would be highly beneficial, accessible and useful, if we practice with Ayurvedic behaviors.
محمد رحومة @MohamedRhoma

A very nice and useful course, a new type of unfamiliar medical terminology, and the method of delivering lectures is useful and excellent. Thank you, Stanford
Glory Moses

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I just finished this course and really enjoyed it. The lessons were clear, well-structured, and easy to follow. I especially appreciated the practical examples and hands-on exercises, which made the concepts easier to understand and apply.
Overall, it was a great learning experience, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone interested in this subject.
Ahmad Jalil

it's very good and am so happy and satisfied with you online courses to learn something new in life and am getting benefits from my this course
Harjot Kaur @harysidhu107

it wasn’t that useful due to lack of access materials like questions and answers section as well as not proper written materials available
Khanza Safira

however, some parts may feel unfamiliar or difficult for readers who are completely new to traditional healing systems. the scientific explanations are not always detailed from a modern medical perspective, so readers looking for strictly clinical evidence might find it less convincing. overall, this book is an excellent introduction for anyone curious about natural health, holistic living, or traditional medicine. It provides foundational knowledge in a clear and engaging way, making it a great starting point for learning about Ayurveda
Nitya

So knowledgable! Awesome mentor create language learnt a lot. Valuable for my time and my experience
Alok Singh

Very helpful course,The instructor explained each topic with good examples, making it easier to understand even difficult concepts. The study material and resources provided were also very helpful for revision and practice.
One of the best parts of this course was that it improved my practical knowledge along with theory. The assignments and exercises helped me to test my understanding.
Ch Abdul Jabbar

The course is good overall, but some topics could be explained in more detail.
It’s a decent course for beginners, though a bit slow in some parts.
The content is useful, but adding more real-life examples would make it better.
Grace Praisy

THIS COURSE GAVE ME A BRIEF INSIGHT FOF AYURVEDA. I HAD LOTS OF QUESTIONS, BUT THIS COURSE GAVE ME A CLEAR KNOWLEDGE, AND I AM PREPARING AN HERBAL FORMULATION AND EVENTUALLY,THIS MADE ME TO GAIN A PERFECT KNOWLEDGE,
06_jan_198X

Through Class Central, I learned the basic principles of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of holistic health. The course explained how balance between mind, body, and lifestyle is essential for wellbeing. I learned about the three doshas Vata, Pitta, and Kapha and how diet, daily routines, and natural remedies can help maintain balance. Overall, the learning helped me understand a more natural and preventative approach to health and self care.