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A collection of Ayurvedic healing tools

Ayurveda: an integrative and natural wellness approach

Today, more than 38% of Americans are turning to natural healthcare approaches which aren’t part of conventional medicine and are complementary (used along with) or alternative (used instead of). These include Ayurveda, nutrition, psychotherapy, physical rehabilitation, naturopathy, chiropractic, massage therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, yoga, and meditation. 

Integrative healthcare combines mainstream medicine and natural wellness and is widely used in areas like pain management and in affecting long-term health and wellness changes in people’s lifestyles, rather than merely providing symptomatic relief. 

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda or the “Science of Life” is an ancient medical practice recognized by the World Health Organization. It is a holistic, natural, personalized, traditional science of mind-body-spirit wellness focusing on prevention and management of disease by addressing the root cause. It is growing in popularity in the US and is highly relevant with 6 in 10 people in America suffering from lifestyle-based disorders  (type-2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, lung and kidney disorders and certain forms of cancer) which are the leading cause of death, disability and healthcare costs in the nation. 

How does Ayurveda fit into the Medical Landscape

In India, Ayurveda is considered a conventional form of medical care and in the US, it is a form of Complementary and Alternative Medicine  (CAM). In the US, it is a legal but unlicensed healthcare practice. The scope of practice is based on the legal requirements of each state. In 11 Health Freedom states, you can practice as an independent Ayurvedic professional and in other states, you can conduct lifestyle and preventive health-based classes on Ayurvedic principles or practice under the auspices of other licensed healthcare providers. 

NAMA (National Ayurvedic Medical Association) and other organizations have been diligently working to make Ayurveda a licensed practice. NAMA creates guidelines for participating schools offering educational programs so that students receiving Ayurvedic certifications meet expected competencies. They also offer rigorous exams for board certifications,  provide continuing education opportunities and ethics training.  

An Ayurvedic practitioner taking a rogi's pulse

Becoming an Ayurvedic Professional

Students can study to become Ayurvedic Coaches, Counselors, Practitioners, Doctors, Panchakarma Technicians or Ayurvedic Yoga Therapists. Certifications are earned by completing a series of classes, workshops, projects, practicals and internships.  Successful graduates move on to pursue many career paths including integrative or stand-alone practices, teaching, writing, bodywork services and product manufacturing.

Choosing a school is a very important first step.  Kerala Ayurveda Academy (KAA), provides the highest standards of Ayurvedic education, consultations and products. Ayurvedic study at KAA includes:

  • A heritage of over 77 years of being the most awarded Ayurvedic company with a full spectrum of academies, products, research, clinics, hospitals, resorts and services
  • Professional Ayurvedic certifications, workshops and programs for all levels
  • NAMA approved curriculum and quality training at par with Indian universities 
  • Online study and in-person modules with real-time interaction with faculty, students and mentors
  • Course access via an eLearning platform with continued availability of content following graduation
  • Clinical internships (US and India) preparing students to be confident in combining traditional knowledge with a modern, scientific approach to clinical practice 
  • Highly experienced Ayurvedic Vaidyas and professionals with extensive clinical, practical and research experience 
  • Access to an extensive range of high quality products (California Proposition 65 approved for utmost clarity) offered by the online Kerala Ayurveda Store

An aesthetic collection of herbs on a white table

In a world where stress, conflict, lifestyle-based, auto-immune and metabolic disorders abound, what would be a higher Dharma than to work towards the healing of the planet and nature?

Interested in studying Ayurveda, sourcing products or seeking a health consultation? To find out more visit our website or contact our enrollment counselors.

About the author

  • Anuradha Gupta

    Anuradha “Anu” Gupta is a NAMACB Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Engineer, MBA, Meditator, Writer, 200hr Yoga Teacher and Ayurvedic Doctor-in-training at Kerala Ayurveda Academy. She serves as Guest Faculty Member, Content Specialist and AP Mentor at Kerala Ayurveda USA. She also runs her own Ayurvedic practice, Ayurvedic Footprints.

    Anu has an extensive corporate background. She...

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