College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

 

WELCOME TO THE JOYFUL BELLY COLLEGE OF AYURVEDA

Be Transformed by Your Experience at the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda

Get ready to experience powerful insights and an extraordinary education through interactive learning under the guidance of our distinguished teachers, hand-picked from around the globe, to provide you with an education that excels in the world of Ayurveda. We value the acquisition of Knowledge, but at Joyful Belly we believe that the application of this knowledge is most important in bringing health to yourself, your community, and your clients. Discover the innovative approach that makes Joyful Belly a torchbearer in bringing ancient healing into the modern era.

See why we are a leader in Ayurveda innovation.

What Will You Become?

“The two most important days in life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” – Mark Twain

Fundamentals of Ayurvedic Medicine
2 Year Counselor Training Program

A 890-hour certification course covering all Ayurvedic fundamentals so you can begin meeting with clients and educating your community as an Ayurvedic Health Counselor.
Starts Aug 2025
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Ayurvedic Herbalist - Clinical Strategies
1 Year Certification Training Program

The most advanced clinical training course in Ayurvedic herbs - with training in clinical herbal strategies, formulas and pharmacology from Ayurveda, Chinese, and Greek Medicine.
Starts Aug 2025
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Panchakarma, Marma, & Ayurveda Spa
Part Time 2 Year Ayurveda Practitioner Level Certification

A 387-hour advanced certification course to advance your training to the level of Ayurvedic practitioner. Includes Panchakarma, Ayurvedic Spa, Marma Point Therapry, Nutraceuticals, Sanskrit, and direct study from ancient texts.
Starts Aug 2025
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Master Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition
1 Year Certification Training Program

A 500-hour advanced certification course for Ayurvedic practitioners, other health & wellness professionals, and those wishing to specialize in digestion and nutrition.
Starts Oct 2025
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Compare Courses & Certification Levels

Education Highlights

Joyful Belly Ayurveda creates high quality practitioners by prioritizing academic depth and clinical excellence. Medicine making, client care, and outcomes are the forefront of our approach. See how we do this through our educational philosophy that focuses on traditional and experiential learning as well as student and alumni support.

Teaching Philosophy

Experiential Learning
Engage in weekly body awareness, food, and herb experiments so you experience Ayurveda's impact directly and in discussions with the class.

Assignments are designed using active learning methods so students engage with and apply the knowledge to heal themselves and others. Practical exercises will help you discern the subtle cues your body uses to communicate imbalance.

Experiential learning will be accompanied by weekly case studies on advanced disease for a complete, in depth natural approach to health.

Use of multimedia makes online learning more effective than traditional in-person classroom settings, where the teacher may be more than 50 feet away from the students.


Comprehensive
Titles and certifications mean nothing if you are an ineffective clinician. There are no shortcuts to quality education.

Our inspiring courses do not rush education. 2 years is the minimum to understand the full scope of Ayurveda. An additional 2 years is required for advanced level practice.

Our courses are more challenging, but build more confidence and results in your personal healing journey, and those of your clients.

Avoid comparing schools based on price. Instead compare clinical outcomes. Don't skimp on education. Focus on your lifetime career, not on 'geting a deal' today.

Harvard is not the cheapest school, but you can actually have a successful career and your lifetime earning potential makes it worth it.

When you graduate from Joyful Belly, you are investing in a high-quality, in-depth education, your future clinical confidence, and a lifetime of achieving your goals.


Teacher Training
Your teachers are hand selected not only for mastery of Ayurveda, but also their effective teaching and communication skills.

All of our teachers receive ongoing pedagogy training (teacher training) customized to medical education.

We train our teachers in active learning methods and mutliple intelligences and learning styles. We've organized exercises using these pedagogy tools.

Study after study proves great teaching is essential to learning outcomes and competency.

The founder of our school graduated from Harvard, and his academic qualities infuse the whole school to a higher quality education.


Clarity & Depth
The mark of a truly great teacher is the ability to explain complex topics simply, without alot of jargon or mysticism.

Joyful Belly takes a natural, common sense approach to Ayurveda education so that people in your community can relate to your future clinical practice and engage in your services.

Patient centered care focuses on the culture of the client, not the medicine, ensuring your practice will be accessible in a cross-cultural context.

Your journey will not only be profound, it will also make sense.


Clinical Mentoring & Support

Clinical Tools
Receive extensive clinical tools and apps that 1) enhance learning, and 2) provide accurate remedies at your fingertips during your clinical appointments.

Clinical Mentorship
Receive mentoring throughout your clinical practicum from experienced senior teachers that stay with you throughout the program. Grow with each appointment.

Student Clinic
Receive your own customized fully functional clinic that you can use to promote your practice, unique products and services.

Business Support

Business Training
Receive extensive business and career training.

Gain experience running your clinic and business while in the course.

Once you graduate, you are already setup for practice.


Marketing & Promotion
Receive, develop and execute your marketing plan step by step.

Receive expert 1-1 guidance from business advisors at Joyful Belly.


Homework Support

Homework Assistance
Homework assistance calls and student support ensures you are on track and confidently moving forward, while increasing your competency during each step of the course.

Accuracy Checks & Grading
Improve performance as you receive evaluations on every assignment from our team of graders.

Assignments include both multiple choice questions and written work that graders analyze and offer corrective feedback.

Your accuracy is ensured and developed every step of the way. Gaps in your understanding are identified and remedied.

This feedback will give you confidence in yourself and your knowledge.


Community

Buddy Assignments
Frequent buddy assignments and assessment greatly enhance learning and create strong bonds in the program.

Student Chat
Student chat groups are lively, insightful, and rich with ideas. Our support staff monitors these groups so you can ask questions anytime throughout your learning process.

Together Not Self-Paced
Self-paced courses improve sales but are scientifically shown to produce poor quality clinicians and to undermine educational quality.

You can't become a clinician just by studying on your own. Self-paced and open enrollment 'by modules' don't work.

All students start at the same time and grow together as a class, while combined synchronous & asynchronous learning maximizes flexbility.

You are joining a community and you will learn from each other. Expect to make lifelong friends and colleagues.

Our students are leaders with busy lives. We DO offer flexiblity for any life events or plans you have during the school-year. Contact us for details.


Teachers Know You
Our dedicated teachers are committed to your success and will know your name. Teachers stay with you thoughout the program.

Alumni Support

Alumni Community
Our active alumni community will invite you to clinical and business reviews so students benefit from long term membership in a community.

Alumni Business Advisors
Alumni have lifetime access to business support so they remain effective as practitioners in the years after they graduate.

Leadership

Pioneering Research
Your education goes far beyond the textbook. Joyful Belly is a pioneer in the Ayurveda profession.

Our leadership, expertise, and commitment to Ayurveda is best demonstrated through our many accomplishments incuding our pioneering research studies involving over 75,000 participants.

The quality of a school is measured by what it does, not what it says. We don't just teach Ayurveda, we study and develop it.


Public Service
It is essential you learn from a school with comprehensive mastery of Ayurveda and leadership in the field.

The scope of knowledge you will receive is demonstrated by the thousands of free, down to earth, practical articles we provide on the website and the many free tools we offer to the public.

Ayurveda is a grass roots health movement that is more accessible to the public because of the free content we offer.

Great schools of Ayurveda publish content and have a strong public service mission.


Innovative & Experiential
Authentic Ayurveda is not found in ancient texts, but in client health outcomes. Health is not found in theories, but lived experiences.

You will come to understand Ayurveda they way the ancient pioneers did, from the ground up, using your body as the guide.

At Joyful Belly, you will not only study what Ayurveda was, but what it will be. You have a chance to be a part of Ayurveda's development and growth.


State Licensed
State licensing is a demanding process that requires schools to operate according to best practices and stable financials. While many schools seek exemption from this process we have embraced it and thus have the legal status of a college in our state.

Food & Digestion
Joyful Belly is a renowned resource and pioneer for all subjects regarding Ayurvedic food and digestion.

Competitive Price

Association Independence
Under the guise of protecting Ayurveda, associations frequently make Ayurveda exclusive to certain religious groups, limit innovation, and prevent the advancement of Ayurveda as an integrative, cross-cultural medicine.

They exist to protect their donor schools, increase the cost of education, and do not represent clinicicians. They offer little to no benefits to our graduates.

Unlike associations, state school licensing boards conduct regular audits. State school licensing is a much better measure of quality.

Despite this, associations frequently scare students by convincing them they have authority. They have no legal authority with the government, and no impact on your ability to practice.

Employers largely ignore association membership when hiring. Instead they look at years of clinical practice and education level.


No hidden costs / travel
The cost of tuition and materials are the only costs in the program. There are no hidden costs to receiving your certification.

There is no travel required in the program.


An Interactive Online Ayurveda School

Where students all over the world come to join our community and find a seat at our table.

At Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, you will discover your purpose through an advanced, clinically-focused Ayurvedic education. Joyful Belly is a North Carolina, State Licensed college nestled in the mountains of Southern Appalachia (Note: The North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges is not an accrediting agency). As a state-licensed college, we take academia seriously and offer a rigorous curriculum that includes: Ayurvedic medicine, herbal formulation, digestive tract pathology, pulse and tongue diagnosis, tailored diet and lifestyle planning, and so much more! Our courses provide you with the solid foundation of both Ayurvedic knowledge and clinical training to legally practice Ayurveda and see clients in the United States. Our many international students are able to work within their local laws to practice Ayurveda as well. Here are just some of the reasons students choose Joyful Belly Ayurveda:

  1. Joyful Belly is renowned as the premier Ayurveda School for food and digestion, the focal point of health in Ayurveda.
  2. Our distinguished educational strategy boasts a dynamic balance of down-to-earth, practical teaching styles and an innovative, experiential learning approach that focuses on training students for clinical excellence.
  3. At Joyful Belly, we value academic rigor, student support, and wellbeing with equal magnitude. We believe in a high quality education and the high quality experience of our students.
  4. Operating since 2008, we have diligently worked to develop a strategy of student and alumni support to ensure high success rates in personal clinical practices. Students receive business training and a completely functional online clinic, hosted on JoyfulBelly.com, upon graduation - giving you the credibility of our brand while you build your practice.
  5. Joyful Belly offers the most in-depth clinical training of any program in the West in addition to being a research institution that has published over 175 novel research studies in food and digestion (over 50 studies a year).
  6. John Immel, founder of Joyful Belly Ayurveda is a Harvard graduate and passionate teacher that brings the rigor and excellence of an Ivy League experience into the realm of Ayurvedic education, teaching students to become convergent thinkers in a clinical setting.
  7. In the passion we have to bring the practice of Ayurveda into the modern world, Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda emphasizes a professional integrative medicinal approach to appeal to a broad range of individuals and ensure maximum receptivity in both local communities and metropolitan areas alike.

How Does Joyful Belly Stack Up in Ayurvedic Higher Education?

Learn what to consider and how to be discerning when choosing an Ayurveda School in the guide below, and see for yourself how Joyful Belly strives to check all the boxes.

Why Joyful Belly?

The Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda builds a student body, not only proficient in the knowledge of Ayurvedic healing, but also proficient in the real-life application of this knowledge. We excel at giving students the clinical training and tools needed to build a successful clinical practice.

We teach the rich foundations of traditional Ayurvedic medicine while also teaching our students to be critical, convergent thinkers in a clinical setting to bring about high quality client outcomes. We are innovative: We conduct research in the field of Ayurvedic food and herbs and are pioneers in the development of Ayurvedic diagnostic strategies and clinical programs and tools to put forth the strongest practitioners in the field.

We provide an exceptional education that also delivers an accessible and convenient online platform so students can succeed from anywhere in the world and in any walk of life. We teach in a step-by-step approach that makes the learning of even the most complex Ayurvedic concepts feel natural.

Weekly live classes give students access to distinguished teachers and practitioners in the field, bringing experience, perspective, and clarification to the curriculum in real time. Exercises outside of the classroom will supplement presentations, ensuring a firm grasp of Ayurveda's concepts and methods.

Personal mentoring sessions will fine-tune assessment & recommendation skills while building confidence as a clinical practitioner.

Licensed to teach Ayurveda by the State of North Carolina

The North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges is not an accrediting agency.


North Carolina School License

AADP Accredited

What Our Students are Saying

Watch Graduate Testimonials

"I wish to expand upon our conversation regarding you as a teacher.

You are a good instructor because you create an atmosphere where the student wishes to learn; this is the mark of a great teacher. Good teachers are born, not created. You add humor to your classes making it easier to remember some of the details. Your presentations are concise, to the point, and in a good order for better understanding. Going off the subject occasionally with a short story relieves the brain, a thing some instructors forget about.

You're a good person, John, and a good instructor; lord knows I've had enough of them along with professors. I expect details, explanations, and fullness of the subject matter and permission to speak up with questions. The idea of teaching is for people to understand to the point they no longer need you.

Be kind to yourself and
Know you are loved,
-Anonymous
"

Nutritionist - Hot springs, NC

"As far as the course, it has been an eye opening experience for me , as a pediatric gastroenterologist and also being of Indian origin. There is so much that I have been doing as an allopathic physician for the past 22 years and wished that I had stepped in to Ayurveda sooner. Not too late however

Sometimes I think it is harder for someone like me with an M.D degree to understand some of the concepts because what I have in my head ( western concept) gets in the way . I am working on it.....

On the other hand, once I grasp the Ayurvedic concept , understanding why, how and what should be done is very easy and I am enjoying that very much .

Thank you !!"

Medical Doctor - Goleta, CA

"Hi John! The lecture was fabulous! So interesting and informative!!! I really LOVED it! It was very useful info. I am running a weight loss workshop and was able to share so much with them from your teachings. I would love another call on detoxing the body.
Peace and light,
Anonymous
"

Medford, NJ

"I just want you all to know how grateful I am for this opportunity. My life has improved tenfold over the last year and this program has been a huge part of that. I am so grateful for ALL of this information and how much time and detail are put into the lectures, the quizzes, the grading/feedback."

Pleasant prairie, AL

"I would like just to leave my comment regarding the class given just now. The live consultation was amazing, full of new information and the thought process was very useful! I have been loving all the classes, but I would like to stand out this class today and share my gratitude with Jessica, it really made a big difference for me today."

Dubai, DUBAI

"The course is going great! All of the information is so interesting and projected in a great way. My close friends and family have been loving to learn through me. They're always curious to know what I am learning about that day. It makes me really happy to spread this knowledge & help people become the balanced and healthy versions of themselves!"

Marstons mills, MA

"I've been meaning to e-mail since we graduated to say thank you SO much for all your support on the course, organizing everything, giving us amazing insightful lectures and everything that you've done behind the scenes since I can imagine it must be a mammoth task!"

Yoga Instructor - Shenzhen, HAMPSHIRE

"John,

I've made some great friends and connections through this program. It has been a great way to bring people together from all walks of life and areas of the world!

Thanks so much!

Lisa"

Yoga Instructor - Dallas, NC

"After listening to the Enzyme Deficiencies lecture I made up the banana, lime and coconut water smoothie for my elderly client who is always complaining about dry mouth. Her doctors have tried prescribing her everything under the sun. She reported today that she LOVES the smoothie and how much it's helping her mouth! THANK YOU John Joseph Immel for sharing your knowledge and this course! I cringe at the stuff they have her taking for her digestive issues and she's so frustrated because nothing is helping her."

Ayurvedic Healer -

"Since starting this course I have significantly changed my eating habits and choice of foods."

Yoga Studio Owner - Saint cloud, FL

"On a personal health level, my eating habits and beliefs about food changed drastically. I learned to better understand my unique needs. I also learned to separate the overwhelming amount of online health information for the general population and narrow it down to what I actually needed for my body. As a result, my weight is lower then ever. My digestion is the best I can recall it being in my life. I also see my husband and children benefiting now and in the future from all the knowledge I have gained."

Ayurvedic Healer - Los angeles, CA

"Dear John,

My friend asked me what online school is like, I responded and said I think it depends on the teachers because despite having never met my teachers or the other students, I never feel as if I'm alone. With whatever concern we have we're heard, and we're heard quickly.

Much gratitude to this wonderful program you've created."

Ayurvedic Healer -

"I'm grateful for the experience and feel that I am coming away with a deeper understanding of Ayurveda. I hope to continue with this path."

Herbalist - Charlottesville, VA

"Your experience shines so brightly in this class and I so appreciate it/you!"

Pittsburgh, PA

"I pushed myself to familiarize myself not only with herbal remedies and their many uses, dhatus, srotas and many other Ayurvedic concepts but also with brand colours, fonts or how to write my own bio when it came to business planning. John doesn't leave anything to chance but believes in giving you the best foundation when starting out as an Ayurvedic digestive health coach. Trust him"

Nutritionist - York, AL

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What is Ayurveda?

Founder of Joyful Belly Ayurveda, John Immel, answers the question ‘What is Ayurveda?’

Improve Enzyme output & Master your Digestion

Improve Enzyme output & Master your Digestion

BOOKS BY JOYFUL BELLY

BOOKS BY JOYFUL BELLY

Master Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition

Master Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.