Practitioner Profile

The Practitioner Profile Series is an opportunity to share perspectives about the practice of Ayurveda in America. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of NAMA. Content is provided by the practitioner; it is not verified, evaluated or endorsed in any way by NAMA.

Allison Bransfield Morse

Owner, The Ayurvedic Center of Vermont

Allison Bransfield Morse

Practice Overview

Our clinic offers Panchakarma, Ayurvedic treatments, lifestyle consultations (on-site and phone), and yoga therapy. We are located in a small Vermont village, in an amazing historic building that housed the village doctor in the mid 1800's. Accommodations include two peaceful rooms for clients to stay, a meditation room, and shared kitchen. In our garden we grow ingredients for our purely organic kitchari. We opened in 2006 with two practitioners, and now are a team of five.

Ayurvedic Education

In 1995, I began studying yoga at the Sivananda Yoga Center in New York City and traveled to Kerala, India, to complete their Yoga Teacher Training Program. I then spent five full-time years at The Ayurvedic Institute, in New Mexico, under the direct guidance of Dr. Vasant Lad. I completed two years of study before embarking on a four-year clinical apprenticeship in The Ayurvedic Institute's Panchakarma clinic. In 2005, I joined Dr. Lad in Pune, India, for advanced clinical studies. My learning has continued by guiding hundreds of clients from around the country in Ayurvedic care.

What I Love About Practicing Ayurveda

I love sharing the wisdom and secrets of Ayurveda with clients, watching them transform and discover that healing really comes from their inner Guru. I have a great passion for guiding people through Panchakarma; it is such an art and a deep and fascinating experience to watch the layers unfold and to ride out the waves. It truly takes courage to heal and to want to heal, and I am so proud of clients that can go there and trust me to take them there.

Decisions That Supported Success

  • Listening to advice from family members who have business backgrounds and using my own intuition to make wise financial decisions.
  • Managing growth - starting small was realistic. We waited until our client base was strong before expanding into a larger building that included accommodations for PK clients.
  • Meeting with health-related local businesses increased local awareness. I gave an introductory talk at a medical school, formed relationships with local yoga practitioners, and co-promoted events with like-minded local groups.

Lessons Learned

  • I have learned to place great emphasis on the importance of Paschat Karma (post-PK regimen), as it makes a dramatic difference to the duration of PK's purifying effects.
  • It is of utmost importance for practitioners to create space for themselves, have boundaries, and take time to receive. I schedule a few weeks a year to undergo PK myself.
  • Most importantly, I have learned to trust. Thank you India.