AYURVEDA / ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE


What is Ayurveda?   Who Ayurveda / Alternative Medicine Practitioner?

Ayurveda is an ancient holistic healthcare system that originated in India thousands of years ago. It is considered one of the world's oldest medical systems and focuses on achieving balance and harmony in the body, mind, and spirit. Ayurvedic medicine emphasizes the interplay between an individual's physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

An Ayurveda/Alternative Medicine practitioner is a healthcare professional who specializes in Ayurvedic principles and practices. They utilize natural remedies, herbal medicines, lifestyle modifications, dietary recommendations, and therapeutic techniques to promote health, prevent diseases, and treat various ailments. Ayurvedic practitioners in India are commonly known as Ayurvedic doctors or Vaidyas.


Roles and Duties
  1. Patient Assessment: Conducting thorough assessments of patients' overall health, including medical history, physical examination, and pulse diagnosis.
  2. Treatment Planning: Developing personalized treatment plans based on the individual's specific needs, imbalances, and health goals.
  3. Herbal Medicine Prescriptions: Prescribing and administering Ayurvedic herbal remedies and formulations to address ailments and promote well-being.
  4. Lifestyle and Dietary Guidance: Providing guidance on adopting healthy lifestyle practices, including diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management techniques.
  5. Therapeutic Procedures: Performing Ayurvedic therapies and procedures such as massages, detoxification treatments, and other therapeutic interventions.
  6. Prevention and Health Promotion: Educating patients about disease prevention strategies, promoting overall wellness, and encouraging self-care practices.
  7. Monitoring and Follow-up: Regularly monitoring patients' progress, adjusting treatment plans as necessary, and providing ongoing support and guidance.
  8. Collaboration and Referral: Collaborating with other healthcare professionals and referring patients to specialists or complementary therapies when required.
  9. Health Education: Conducting workshops, seminars, or educational sessions to raise awareness about Ayurveda and alternative medicine approaches.
  10. Research and Development: Engaging in research activities to explore the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments, develop new herbal formulations, and contribute to the advancement of alternative medicine 

It is important to note that Ayurveda/Alternative Medicine practitioners must adhere to the legal and ethical standards of their respective countries and follow the guidelines set by recognized regulatory bodies and institutions.


How to make a career in Ayurveda/Alternative Medicine?

Step 1:  Pass class 12th in science stream with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology

Step2:   Obtain a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree or a relevant degree in alternative medicine from a recognized institution. Ensure that the institution is recognized by the respective regulatory bodies or councils governing Ayurveda or alternative medicine in your country.

Step 3:  Fulfill the licensing or registration requirements set by the regulatory bodies or councils to practice Ayurveda/Alternative Medicine legally. This may involve passing licensing exams or obtaining the necessary certifications.

Step 4:  Consider pursuing postgraduate courses or certifications in specific areas of Ayurveda, such as Panchakarma, Ayurvedic nutrition, herbal medicine, or Ayurvedic pharmacy. Specialization can enhance your expertise and career prospects.


Types of Job Roles

a) Ayurvedic Doctor or Practitioner: Running an independent Ayurvedic clinic or practicing in hospitals, clinics, wellness centers, or spas. Providing consultations, prescribing herbal remedies, and conducting therapies.

b) Researcher: Conducting research on Ayurvedic herbs, formulations, therapies, or exploring the integration of Ayurveda with modern medicine.

c) Academician: Teaching Ayurveda/Alternative Medicine in colleges, universities, or Ayurvedic institutions. Contributing to curriculum development and mentoring students.

d) Ayurvedic Pharmacist: Working in Ayurvedic pharmacies, manufacturing units, or herbal product companies. Preparing and dispensing Ayurvedic medicines and formulations.

e) Wellness Consultant: Offering holistic wellness and lifestyle guidance based on Ayurvedic principles. Conducting workshops, seminars, or wellness programs.

f) Ayurvedic Spa Therapist: Providing Ayurvedic massages, detoxification therapies, and other therapeutic treatments in spas, wellness resorts, or retreat centers.

g) Ayurvedic Product Development: Working in research and development, quality control, or marketing departments of Ayurvedic medicine or herbal product companies.

h) Government Health Services: Joining government healthcare initiatives, Ayurvedic hospitals, or primary health centers as an Ayurvedic medical officer or consultant.


Employment sector or industry

The employment sectors or industries for Ayurveda/Alternative Medicine practitioners include:

  • Ayurvedic Hospitals and Clinics
  • Wellness Centers and Spas
  • Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Industry
  • Government Health Services
  • Research Institutions
  • Academic Institutions
  • Self-Employment