Atreya was born is Santa Monica, California in 1956 as Craig M Smith. As a child he grew up in southern California and Hawaii. Atreya has spent most of his adult life living outside the USA. During an eight-year period he lived primarily in India studying Vedantic philosophy, meditation, yoga and Ayurveda. He has lived for many years in France with his wife, Girija, who is French. He is the author of five books on the healing sciences of ancient India, the author of many articles and a member of a number of professional organizations. He has been on a New York radio program, French television and interviewed in ELLE magazine. His books have been translated into six different languages worldwide.

Atreya is a leader in the adaptation of the 5000-year-old medical science of Ayurveda to modern Western society. He is outspoken about the need to revise and revitalize Ayurveda in its application to the Western person. He respects and follows the Indian tradition as much as possible and maintains a close contact with his teachers in India. His work on adapting Ayurveda has caused a number of people to criticize his work. If you want a traditional approach to Ayurveda where the teacher or doctor tries to intimidate and impress you with his knowledge of Sanskrit terminology and medical ability don’t contact Atreya or read his books. If you want to understand how to apply and use the Ayurvedic system in a practical and easy manner to take control of your health and life he proposes a number of learning options, books and articles.

Atreya is the director of the European Institute of Vedic Studies in France, which is affiliated, with the American Institute of Vedic Studies directed by Dr David Frawley (www.vedanet.com). The European Institute offers the courses of Dr Frawley in French and German languages throughout Europe. The purpose of the Institute is to offer profound training in the ancient Vedic sciences of Ayurveda and Jyotish (astrology). The European Institute is the only institute in Continental Europe to offer a three-year training in Ayurvedic medicine. This training provides the foundation for all forms of Ayurvedic therapies and includes clinical practice in herbal and nutritional medicine.

Atreya has affiliations throughout the world and works closely with several Universities in India for the continuing education of his students. Clinical training in India, Europe and the USA are available through the European Institute of Vedic Studies. For more information see www.atreya.com

For the complete nutritional course of ‘Perfect Balance’ developed by Atreya see course

For a complete list of the books written by Atreya see www.atreya.com

Includes excerpts, reviews and ordering information.