The scope of practice for graduates of our Panchakarma Technician (PKT) certification program is determined by the standards set by the National Ayurvedic Medical Association.
Panchakarma is a process of cleansing and rejuvenating the system based on the ancient system of Ayurveda. It works with the subtle flow of energy, incorporating various bodywork techniques to allow healing at the deepest level. Using natural ingredients, it is customized for individuals based on their constitution and health conditions. This course covers Panchakarma’s philosophy, principles and methods if implementation, as outlined in the Vedic texts. Upon successful completion of the course you will be awarded a Panchakarma Technician Certificate.
Panchakarma Technicians can:
- Perform all Ayurvedic hands-on Shamana therapies in a clinic or private practice with an emphasis on utilizing the techniques for purposes of pacification. Shamana includes external calming procedures & regimen without internal cleansing.
- Perform Panchakarma therapies in connection with a Panchakarma program, under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner or Ayurvedic Doctor, with an emphasis on utilizing the therapies for purposes of Shamana and Shodhana chikitsa. Shodhana includes detoxification & purification procedures and requires the advanced clinical knowledge of an Ayurvedic Doctor.
- Support and help deliver the Panchakarma treatment program designed by the Ayurvedic Practitioner or Ayurvedic Doctor.
Panchakarma Technicians cannot:
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- Diagnose diseases.
- Treat diseases.
- Prescribe treatments or medicines.
- Design Panchakarma plans with both Shamana and Shodhana therapies (unless allowed in your scope of practice under other certification).
The individual’s scope of practice will be more specifically designated by local/state guidelines. It is the individual’s responsibility to be compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Practice of Ayurveda in the U.S.
What's the difference between an Ayurvedic Counselor/Practitioner/Doctor and Panchakarma Technician?
- Competencies for the Panchakarma Technician (PKT) level of training are pending from AAC.
- PKT can be taken on its own or as an add-on to the primary three levels of Ayurvedic practice.
- Our PKT program's primary purpose is to provide education and hands-on training in the traditional Ayurvedic bodywork methodologies, going into more detail than the level I, II and III Counselor, Practitioner and Doctor certifications.
- The primary role of a Panchakarma Technician is to implement and perform the Panchakarma therapies. Depending on the Panchakarma Tehcnician's other certifications in Ayurveda, the scope of practice will vary in terms of breadth and the ability to design Panchakarma programs. As with general Ayurvedic practice, Panchakarma must be performed in compliance with local and state guidelines. For more detail, please see the complete Scope of Practice: 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.