Starting any new course of study can be overwhelming at first, and Ayurvedic medicine is no exception. Many new Ayurvedic students find the sudden introduction of Sanskrit challenging, and the cultural values and principles of this ancient Indian practice can be difficult to grasp for students raised in the U.S. But with the right mindset and skillset, getting your Ayurveda certification doesn’t have to be a struggle. Read on for some useful tips for any new Ayurvedic student.

Dedicate your time to it

Many adults pursue Ayurveda certification while working part- or full-time, or raising a family. As such, it’s understandably difficult for many just to fit regular classes into their schedule, let alone dedicating substantial hours to their education outside of class time. But becoming an Ayurveda practitioner requires hard work and discipline. If you’re investing in your certification, then it is worth it to dedicate a few hours several days a week to studying.

Connect with your teachers

According to U.S. News, office hours are the single most underutilized resource at any school--but it doesn’t have to be underutilized by you. It is inevitable that you’ll have questions, doubts, or otherwise need clarification throughout your Ayurveda courses, so don’t be shy about approaching your professors outside the classroom for help. They are there to be a resource for you, and all reputable Ayurvedic schools will have a faculty that is eager to share their years of experience and expertise with you.

Utilize your school’s resources

Your enrollment in an Ayurveda certification program provides you with more than just your classes. Check to see if your school has a library or other kind of resource center, because these can offer you a wealth of knowledge and helpful tools beyond your class textbooks. For example, the Southern California University of Health Sciences has a Learning Resource Center available to all students. In addition to offering a library with a wide body of work on many medical subjects, SCUHS provides access to Ayurveda and yoga databases, professional associations, and more. Look into whether you have a similar library or resource center available to you to supplement your studies.

Don’t let skepticism get you down

You may be met with skepticism and even resistance when you announce your studies to your family and friends. However, this is more about cultural differences than it is about Ayurveda’s worth as a field of medicine. The more you study, the more you will learn about Ayurveda’s effectiveness and centuries-long rich history. If you take your education in Ayurveda seriously, your abilities and knowledge will grow, and your community will come to see the inherent worth of your chosen profession.

Related Read: Important Points to Consider When Choosing Ayurveda as a Career

The start of your education in Ayurvedic medicine signifies an exciting and important time of growth in your life. Don’t be daunted by the challenges of new Sanskrit words, long study hours, and a busy class schedule ahead of you, because the end result will be your satisfying career. Keep these tips in mind to meet every challenge and excel in your Ayurvedic education.

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