SCOPES OF PRACTICE: Level I AWC – Level II AWP – Level III AD – Panchakarma Technician
The scope of practice for graduates of our level II Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner (AWP) certification program is determined by the standards set by the National Ayurvedic Medical Association.
The Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner (AWP) program is based on the second goal of Ayurveda—Aaturasya Vikara Prashamanam (Disease Management). At this level, the emphasis is on gaining a deeper understanding of the disease process and management techniques at its various stages. Students will gain a deeper understanding of Ayurvedic concepts and techniques. Upon successful completion of the AWP Course you will be awarded an Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner Certificate.
With this certificate, students gain the skills and knowledge to assess the Ayurvedic constitution and imbalances in a client and suggest food, lifestyle changes and recommend Ayurvedic herbs, spices and Ayurvedic herbal supplements based on the Samprapti/imbalances. However, the practice of these may vary from state to state. Please check the regulations with the state in which you practice.
Ayurvedic Practitioners can:
- Analyze mind-body constitution.
- Do history taking.
- Assess the imbalances of Agni, Dosha, and Strotas based on the Ayurvedic Principles.
- Suggest food and lifestyle changes based on the Ayurvedic Constitution (Prakriti) and various imbalances in the mind/body systems (Vikriti).
- Suggest Ayurvedic herbs, spices and Ayurvedic herbal supplements based on the Ayurvedic Constitution (Prakriti) and various imbalances in the mind/body systems (Vikriti).
- Suggest Ayurvedic bodywork techniques based on the Ayurvedic Constitution (Prakriti) and
various imbalances in the mind/body systems (Vikriti). - Explain about Ayurvedic concepts (related to Prakriti, Vikriti, qualities, etc.).
- Explain the connection between Body and Mind and how diet and lifestyle, meditation, Pranayama, Ayurvedic herbs, Ayurvedic bodywork techniques and Yoga can help manage many
physical, mental and emotional problems. - Offer talks/write articles on various concepts on Ayurveda.
- Offer simple Ayurvedic bodywork techniques based on the Ayurvedic Constitution (Prakriti) and
various imbalances in the mind/body systems (Vikriti). - Offer cooking classes giving simple cooking tips.
Ayurvedic Practitioners cannot:
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- Diagnose diseases.
- Treat diseases.
- Prescribe treatments or medicines.
- Perform Panchakarma (unless allowed in your scope of practice under other licensing).
Frequently Asked Questions:
Practice of Ayurveda in the U.S.
1. Level I Ayurvedic Wellness Counselors (or AHC - NAMA) focus on guiding clients with Ayurvedic lifestyle techniques for disease prevention. For more detail, please see the complete Scope of Practice: Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor.
2. Level II Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioners (or AP - NAMA) are trained with the additional skill set of disease management for handling more advanced conditions; their scope of practice involves more diverse assessment tools and the ability to map complex imbalances and their treatment protocol. Practitioners also possess a more extensive knowledge of herbs, Ayurvedic formulations and Panchakarma therapies to recommend clients. For more detail, please see the complete Scope of Practice: Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner.
3. Level II Ayurvedic Doctors (AD) use the same assessment and protocol development skills as Practitioners, though with richer clinical training, deeper knowledge and a higher awareness of contemporary medical research and conditions. For more detail, please see the complete Scope of Practice: Ayurvedic Wellness Doctor.
What's the difference between an Ayurvedic Counselor/Practitioner/Doctor and Panchakarma Technician?
We might say that Ayurveda’s current status in the U.S. is analogous to the Chinese medical profession during its early years in the 1970s. While each state does not regulate the practice of Ayurvedic medicine itself, some aspects of Ayurvedic practice may fall within the scope of professions that are regulated. Students and graduates of the academy should be careful not to allow their practice to overlap one of those regulated professions unless they are licensed in that particular profession. Please contact your local state representative for more information about regulations in your area.
While none of the U.S. states currently have Ayurvedic practitioners or physicians as primary care physicians, many of these well-trained professionals utilize their education and skills in combination with other healthcare related credentials.
Yoga Instructors, Massage Therapists, Registered Nurses, Nutritionists/Dietitians, Acupuncturists, Chiropractors, Medical Doctors and other healthcare professionals are recognizing and utilizing the benefits of educational training in Ayurveda.
The National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) is currently working on developing educational standards, scope of practice, and related materials to support future licensing initiatives throughout the US.
Many Academy graduates use their Ayurvedic education to enhance pre-existing professional careers.
There are many ways our students utilize their Ayurvedic education. Some of our students launch a practice as Ayurvedic Counselors or Practitioners.
Many of our graduates incorporate Ayurvedic knowledge in their current practice as healers, such physicians, nurses, yoga teachers and massage therapists. Ayurveda complements all other healing modalities.
Some of our graduates launch Ayurvedic product lines or combine Ayurveda with their existing business.