There are definite academic standards in India. BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery), MASc, etc. In the U.S., however, those who "practice" Ayurveda have often only attended weekend workshops. Presently, the following are the main groups offering coursework in some form of Ayurveda: The Ayurvedic Institute offers an eight-month Academic Studies Program, Gurukula (open-ended study) and Summer Intensives; Maharishi Ayurveda offers a Physician Training Program and other degree/non-degree studies; the California College of Ayurveda; National Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine; International Ayurvedic Institute; and Banaras Hindu University in Florida. None of these offerings presently meets the minimum criteria for a BAMS degree in India.

Ayurveda itself is not recognized in the U.S. and in every medical modality there are rules of practice. While the knowledge of Ayurveda has stood the test of time and use for thousands of years, there is at present very little "objective scientific" verification of its effectiveness. This remains a hindrance to its integration into the health care system in the United States.


References

Bhishagratna, Kaviraj Kunjalal, editor-translator. Sushruta Samhita. 4th ed., Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office: Varanasi, India, 1991.

Dahanukar, Sharadini and Thatte Urmila. Ayurveda Revisited-Ayuraveda in the Light of Contemporary Medicine. Popular Prakashan Private Litd, Bombay, India, 1989.

Murthy, K.R. Srikantha, translator. Sharngadhara Samhita: A Treatise on Ayurveda. Chaukhambha Orientalia: Varanasi, India, 1984.

Sharma, Priyavrat V., editor-translator. Caraka Samhita. Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office: Varanasi, India, 1981-1994.

Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridayam. Translated by K.R. Srikantha Murthy. Krishnadas Academy: Varanasi, India, 1991-1992.


Top