Institute for Traditional Medicine, Ayur Ashram
The Institute for Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Ayur Ashram, based in Slovenia, Europe, was established in 1999 by Smajo Safić Gupta, Prof. Vaidya (Ayurvedic Physician) and Manpa (Doctor of Tibetan Medicine) wwwdr-gupta.in. Since its establishment, the Institute has been dedicated to the education and development of traditional medical sciences, with a spiritual focus aimed at bringing spirituality and health closer to people in the European environment. The Institute, Ayur Ashram collaborates with experts from India and Tibet, including professors, doctors, pharmacists, and other professionals, with the aim of promoting education and further development in the fields of traditional medicine and medicinal plants.
Since 1999, Smajo Safić Gupta, Prof. dr., has been actively conducting free workshops and public lectures throughout much of Southeastern and Central Europe. His work primarily represents Spiritual Medicine, which views health as a state of harmony between the body, mind, and spirit. Through public lectures, professional books authored by Smajo Safić Gupta, Prof. dr., and the publication of professional handbooks by the Institute, Ayur Ashram strives to make traditional and holistic approaches to health more accessible, safe, and transparent to the general public. In doing so, the Institute seeks to bridge historical healing wisdom with contemporary educational practices.
The Institute, Ayur Ashram also emphasizes Lifestyle Medicine (LM), an evidence-based medical specialty that uses therapeutic lifestyle interventions – including a whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern, regular physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connection – as primary approaches to the prevention and management of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Emotional well-being and mood are also closely connected with an individual’s thoughts, behaviours, and overall lifestyle.
We are proud to state that, since 1999, the Institute, Ayur Ashram has educated students from Slovenia and subsequently from Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Italy, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany. Over time, the Institute, Ayur Ashram has also expanded its educational activities to India, Nepal, and Tibet. The continued development of the Institute and its educational activities brings us a deep sense of fulfilment and confidence that we remain committed to the path and mission established in 1999. Welcome to your Soul’s education in Institute, Ayur Ashram that match your deep values. This path brings inner peace, clear direction, and true meaning to your daily life.
The Ayurveda and Sowa-Rigpa (traditional natural medicine systems) identify three stages in the healing process: detoxification, palliative care, and treatment of the root cause. Not only do these systems address the physical aspects of illness, but they also aim to restore balance to the human psyche and consciousness. The primary objective of the education is to provide knowledge of the Traditional Medicine System, one of the oldest and most natural systems in physical therapy and rehabilitation, enabling graduates to offer this traditional knowledge and expertise within their own communities. A key purpose of this education is to help you provide people with a well-designed and practical therapeutic process, comparable to the globally recognized concept of promoting human physical well-being. To truly understand and experience Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM), you, as a student, should begin this journey through your own practical experience, allowing transformation to occur within yourself – from a state of unawareness to one of conscious exploration and discovery.
The duration of the educational program depends on the individual student, particularly on their field of professional practice, previous academic education, completed qualifications, existing knowledge and practical experience, as well as the selected area of traditional healing they intend to pursue in their future professional practice. The education participant is required to submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) together with a passport-style photograph (3.5 × 4.5 cm) by email to info@ayur-ashram.in. These materials will become part of the student’s educational portfolio and will also be used for the preparation of the diploma or certificate. The objectives of the education and professional training are determined together with the student during the initial online (or in-person) interview, in which the student defines the type of therapies they wish to study, integrate, and provide after successfully completing the program and obtaining a diploma or certificate. Graduates may apply their knowledge in professional environments such as:
- Thermal spas (Ayurvedic therapies, Special treatments)
- Spa centers and hotels (Wellness programs)
- Massage salons (holistic body and face/head massage programs)
- Health tourism (Therapeutic and Relaxation packages, Detox Panchakarma programs)
- Psychosomatic counseling (Yoga / Pranayama / Meditation)
- Nutrition and Lifestyle coaching (Vedic psychology)
The educational program is also available to individuals regardless of their formal educational background, provided they are willing to undertake this educational journey with the aim of contributing to the health and well-being of people within their communities. It is highly important that a student (especially those who are already working professionally, or want to become so) applying to the Institute of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine – Ayur Ashram possesses knowledge acquired through practical work and previous education in the fields of esotericism and TCIM. Applicants holding secondary school qualifications, higher education degrees, or doctoral degrees in medical sciences may have enhanced opportunities to pursue doctoral studies within the Ayur Ashram Institute. Previous academic qualifications or advanced degrees in medical sciences significantly strengthen an applicant’s foundational knowledge, research profile, and overall competitiveness when applying for postgraduate or postdoctoral programs within the Institute of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine – Ayur Ashram.
Many people today struggle to find reliable guidance when facing health challenges, whether it’s understanding a diagnosis, accessing appropriate care, or making informed decisions about treatment. In Europe, the term Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) has often been trivialized and reduced to a commercial label, rather than being recognized for its authentic purpose and healing philosophy. In light of this, it is crucial to unite the efforts of practitioners, researchers, and advocates of TCIM to broaden public access, encourage more individuals to explore its principles, and promote its core mission throughout Europe. It is equally important to raise public awareness that the most effective model of healthcare often lies in the integration of TCIM – endorsed by AYUSH (the Indian governmental body for traditional medicine systems / Charaka Samhita) – with the clinical expertise of modern Western medicine, as supported by the World Health Organization (WHO / Hippocratic Oath).
The quality of our consciousness is the seed of all our thoughts, behaviours, and actions. It is also the only essence we take with us beyond this physical Life. Many human challenges stem not just from a lack of information, but from a deeper disconnection from our true place in the universe. We hereby invite all individuals, groups, and organizations who feel aligned with this vision to join us in promoting a holistic, integrative, and conscious approach to Health and Life. The Code of Competence, developed by the Institute of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine, Ayur Ashram outlines the standards of expertise and professionalism necessary to support the mission TCIM. Facilitate effective, fair, and equitable access to TCIM through education, strengthening coordinated research efforts, utilizing appropriate methodologies, strengthening networks by establishing a comprehensive roadmap for countries, regions, and the global level, includes spirituality, and holistic health.
After completing the education and practical study, any person within the Institute of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Ayur Ashram and their working professional organizations/premises can obtain an Ayur Safe Certificate, confirming that they meet TCIM’s standards of practice. This code written here below also recognizes the importance and value of qualifications in the labor market. Its mission is to promote transparency, professionalism and ethical engagement within the TCIM area. All practitioners involved in TCIM are expected to embody humane values and support a shared commitment to ethical, respectful and compassionate behavior.
As Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) transcends cultural boundaries and becomes increasingly used in many countries around the world, one of the major risks associated with its growing international use is the potential damage to its reputation and to public safety when TCIM practitioners are not adequately trained.
The World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) is a non-governmental organization that works through its six regional associations to enhance the quality of medical education worldwide. In 2004, WFME established a strategic partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), and the two organizations subsequently collaborated on initiatives concerning the quality and accreditation of medical education. In 2009, in recognition of the growing international use of TCIM and the consequent need for greater quality control, international efforts to establish standards for TCIM education and professional practice were further developed.
For the past three to four decades, WHO has intensified its efforts in the field of traditional medicine and has collaborated with numerous organizations and institutions, including specialized institutes such as Ayur Ashram, at both global and regional levels. These activities have aimed, among other objectives, to improve human resources for health through better-quality education and professional training. As a consequence of the growing interest in and use of traditional medicine products and clinical services, there has also been a significant expansion of educational programmes focusing on traditional medicine.
However, to date, many traditional medicine education programmes have operated relatively independently within their respective countries and are often less formally established than conventional medical education programmes, particularly in Western countries. Diplomas and qualifications in Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) obtained outside Europe are not necessarily invalid in Europe. However, they are not automatically recognized for regulated professional practice. Recognition depends on the specific country, profession, qualification, and intended professional activity and may require official evaluation, credential assessment, registration, certification, or additional professional requirements.
Europe does not have a single, continent-wide system providing automatic recognition of all non-European academic or professional qualifications, including qualifications related to TCIM. Regulated professions such as medicine and nursing are subject to particularly strict requirements. Depending on the profession and country, authorities may require additional examinations, adaptation periods, professional registration, or proof of language proficiency before granting authorization to practise.
Certain areas related to health, rehabilitation, thermal tourism, swimming pools, wellness centres, saunas, and massage services may be subject to different legal and professional requirements, depending on the country and the nature of the activity. Larger wellness centres and health resorts may operate as part of broader hospitality, tourism, or healthcare-related businesses and may already have the necessary operational and legal permits. In such contexts, appropriate TCIM education and diplomas may provide valuable professional education and contribute to the development of competent practitioners, who safely and effectively apply expert knowledge, technical skills, and ethical judgment to their work. Formal diplomas can help establish important safety standards, verify practitioner competence, and support the integration of traditional healing modalities with evidence-based conventional healthcare.
While smaller body-care salons, massage parlours, and similar services may be classified as crafts, employment-based services, or other regulated activities, the applicable legal and professional requirements should always be checked in the country where the activity is carried out. If you intend to work as a self-employed practitioner, it is generally necessary to ensure that the premises used for the activity comply with all applicable legal requirements and that the business has an officially registered address. Compliance with applicable labour, health, safety, hygiene, and professional regulations may also be required. The premises should provide safe working conditions appropriate to the nature of the activity. Depending on the services provided, this may include a suitable working environment, a waiting area, properly equipped premises, appropriate hygiene standards, and the required professional diplomas or certificates.
As a TCIM practitioner in Europe, I personally completed examinations in areas related to conventional medical and healthcare education in Slovenia in order to meet the requirements for establishing professional activities and teaching within the field of TCIM and Vedic knowledge. These professional requirements included subjects such as Anatomy and Physiology, Hygiene and Health Education, Quality in Nursing Care, Ethics, and Communication.
Practitioners of Vedic psychology may, depending on the nature of their professional activity and the legislation of the country in which they operate, provide non-clinical consultations remotely through online communication platforms such as WhatsApp or Messenger. Where the activity does not constitute regulated clinical practice or require specially licensed premises, remote work may offer greater flexibility. This type of professional activity may provide flexible working hours and may be suitable for individuals who wish to combine part-time professional work with other employment.
Vedic psychology education is therapeutic focused on supporting individuals experiencing everyday stress, emotional difficulties, anxiety-related concerns, difficulties with concentration, and challenges in managing excessive worry. Common experiences associated with anxiety may include feeling nervous, restless, or tense; experiencing excessive worry; having difficulty concentrating; experiencing increased heart rate or rapid breathing; sweating or trembling; difficulties with sleep; and a desire to avoid situations that trigger anxiety. Individuals may experience excessive anxiety in interpersonal relationships, which can subsequently affect other areas of life and overall psychological well-being.
Depending on the legal framework and professional scope of practice, some forms of non-clinical educational guidance or counselling may also take place outdoors, for example through walking, and nature-based activities in the form of forest therapy. As part of a holistic therapy programs approach, Vedic psychology may incorporate practices such as Pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, mindfulness, and appropriate movement to support healthy vascular and lymphatic flow, and relaxation exercises. Nature-based activities, including walking in natural or forest environments, are common therapies aimed at achieving care for Identity means supporting a person’s core sense of self, values, and background.
Individuals may experience excessive anxiety in interpersonal relationships, which can subsequently affect other areas of life and overall psychological well-being. Depending on the legal framework and professional scope of practice, some forms of non-clinical educational guidance or counselling may also take place outdoors, for example through walking and nature-based activities. As part of a holistic therapy programs approach, Vedic psychology may incorporate practices such as Pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, mindfulness, and appropriate movement to support healthy vascular and lymphatic flow, and relaxation exercises. Nature-based activities, including walking in natural or forest environments, are common therapies aimed at achieving care for Identity means supporting a person’s core sense of self, values, and background.
Vedic psychology and Jyotish (spiritual astrology) an integral part of a Vedic psychologist’s knowledge may be presented as complementary elements within a broader therapy programs and spiritual framework focused on self-awareness holistic guidance and find deep balance in life. Such approaches should be clearly distinguished from regulated medical psychological treatment from the side of Western school medicine within the legal scope applicable in the country of practice. Graduates in Vedic Psychology may choose different professional environments according to their individual goals, including local communities, larger organizations, educational settings, private companies, or self-employment. Each professional pathway can offer different opportunities for practical experience, professional development, and career growth.
Since the Institute for Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine – Ayur Ashram has many years of experience in education and professional development in the field of TCIM and has been active in European countries since 1999, we can provide educational guidance and general professional orientation throughout your studies. Our aim is to help students better understand the professional environment in their own country and to approach their future work responsibly, legally, and with professional integrity.
Signed by: Smajo Safić Gupta, Prof. Vaidya Dr. Menpa
Co-Founder and Leadership
Institute for Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine – Ayur Ashram
