Growing Career Opportunities In Ayurveda

Ayurveda, the perfect science or knowledge of life is believed to be the oldest treatment method which evolved around 600 BC in India. The word Ayurveda originated from the two Sanskrit words, ‘Ayur’ meaning life and ‘Veda’ meaning knowledge. Ayurveda practiced by special physicians called ‘Vaidyas’ is known to promote positive health, natural beauty and long life. In Ayurveda, which is basically a humoural medical system, diseases are understood as an imbalance between the body’s three humors, Vata (nerve energy), Pitta (catabolic fire energy) and Kapha (anabolic nutritive energy). Natural herbs and minerals are used for preparing medicines. Apart from herbs, purification and detoxification, dietary changes, body massages and meditation are used to promote health and prevent and treat illness. Ayurvedic medicines are rapidly gaining acceptance all over the world as they have no side effects and is found to have cures for even rare ailments.

Eligibility Criteria

The Ayurvedic Colleges of India awards the Degree of “Ayurvedacharya” or B.A.M.S. (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery) at the bachelor level. Duration of B.A.M.S is 51/2 years/61/2 years including Internship. Eligibility required to join B.A.M.S (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery) is Higher Secondary/P.U.C. preferably with Sanskrit or an examination equivalent there to, or Intermediate (Ayurvedic group- Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Sanskrit) of any recognised University/Board which confirms to the specifications approved by the Council. Minimum age of joining for BAMS course is 17 years. Some institutions also offers certificate courses or pre Ayurvedic courses of 1 year to 2 years. Eligibility needed for such course is S.S.L.C./ Matriculation preferably with Sanskrit or an examination equivalent.

Job Prospects

An Ayurvedic practitioner can get employment as medical officer/doctor at government and private Ayurvedic hospitals. One can also start his/ her own practice or open ones own retail shop of Ayurveda medicines. They can also find employment as supervisors in ‘Panch Karma’

(Ayurvedic massage) / health centres, as tutors in Ayurvedic colleges or do research, conduct workshops, seminars and retreats. Nowadays Ayurvedic treatments are gaining much more importance.

The number of Pharmaceutical companies manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines are increasing and the medicines are getting popular even in other countries. Patients from all over the world are coming to India for Ayurvedic treatment. More and more ‘Pancha Karma Centres’

are coming up for serving the tourists especially foreigners. With the popularity of the system the demand for Ayurvedic doctors are on the rise. In some of the states in India, it has been made mandatory to appoint at least one Ayurvedic Doctor in every civil hospital. So Ayurveda graduates have a bright scope in future.

Remuneration

In government Ayurveda hospitals the starting salary scale is Rs.15,000 – 18,500 for BAMS graduates. Tutors in Ayurveda colleges get more than Rs 20,000/- per month. In private practice the remuneration depends totally on the effort you put in and your professional reputation. Dedicated and competent practitioners can earn more.

Institutes

*  Rajiv Gandhi Government Post Graduate Ayurvedic College, Kangra, 01894-242064

*  Shri Dhanwantri Ayurvedic College, Chandigarh, 0172-5046000

*  Ramakrishna Ayurvedic Medical College Hospital and Research Center, Bangalore, 080-28568435

*  Sree Narayana Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, Kerala, 0474-2417036

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