Choosing the best Ayurvedic doctor should be done mindfully after careful evaluation of his/her expertise so that you can experience authentic Ayurvedic treatment.
As interest in Ayurveda grows worldwide, along with the rise in quackery, finding a qualified and skilled Ayurvedic doctor is crucial for experiencing authentic and effective treatment.
With the right skilled Ayurvedic doctor, patients can feel the transformative power of Ayurveda without blaming this holistic treatment plan.
This article will provide comprehensive insight into the factors to consider before choosing an Ayurveda doctor, covering qualifications, expertise, treatment methods, and key considerations for making an informed choice.
Who Is an Ayurvedic Doctor?
An Ayurvedic doctor is a licensed practitioner trained in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
These practitioners are trained in diagnosing, treating, and managing health conditions following the principles and practices of Ayurveda. Unlike allopathic doctors,
Ayurvedic doctors approach diseases holistically, often focusing on preventative care, natural treatments, and lifestyle adjustments tailored to each patient’s unique body constitution or Prakriti.
Eligibility of an Ayurvedic Doctor
To become an Ayurvedic doctor in India, one must qualify for a five-and-a-half-year Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree, previously BAM (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine), that includes one year of internship.
The newly qualified doctors are trained rigorously and are capable of treating patients ethically and medically with passion, empathy, and a deep understanding of Ayurvedic treatment principles.
To enroll in the BAMS course, one must have passed Plus Two class with a background in science subjects Physics, Chemistry, and mandatorily biology and qualify for the National level entrance examination like the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) as well.
In addition to this course, the National Council of Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has proposed a 7.5-year pre-Ayurveda course for admission into the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) course.
To be eligible for this program, the candidate must have passed the 10th grade. The program includes a one-year internship, and the first two years are dedicated to pre-Ayurveda.
In addition to the 5 ½ year UG program, the candidate can enter into 3-year postgraduate studies, where the person has to qualify for the All India Ayush Postgraduate Entrance Test (AIAPGET) exam and get admissions to state and central institutes.
Alternatively, one can do a CRAV course, where the doctor gains training under eminent vaidyas (Ayurvedic physicians). Further, one can do a post-graduate diploma or fellowship. These can help an Ayurvedic doctor specialize and deepen their expertise. Patients must verify that an Ayurvedic doctor is appropriately trained and certified before seeking treatment.
To practice Ayurveda, BAMS graduates must enroll in State or Central Medical Councils, where they will receive their Registration number.
Sample of A BAMS Certificate issued by Universities in Kerala
Is There Specialisation for Ayurvedic Doctors?
Yes, like allopathic medicine, Ayurveda also has areas of specialization. A BAMS doctor may pursue postgraduate studies, such as a Doctor of Medicine in Ayurveda (MD-Ayurveda) or Doctor of Surgery in Ayurveda (MS-Ayurveda), to specialize in fields including:
MD-Ayurveda
Kayachikitsa (General Medicine)
Kayachikithsa focuses on treating systemic diseases, such as metabolic disorders, digestive issues, and other general health conditions.
Kaumarabhritya (Pediatrics):
Specializes in children’s health, offering natural treatments to support immunity and development.
Agada Tantra (Toxicology and Dermatology)
Focuses on treating poisoning, detoxification, and skin diseases.
Rasayana and Vajikarana (Geriatrics and Aphrodisiacs)
Rasayana and Vajikarnaa specialize in rejuvenation, anti-aging, and male reproductive health.
Mano-Vigyan (Psychiatry)
Focuses on treating mental disorders through a holistic approach
MS-Ayurveda
Shalya Tantra (Surgery)
Encompasses Ayurvedic surgical techniques, particularly for abscesses, piles, fistulas, and orthopedics.
Shalakya Tantra (ENT and Ophthalmology): Deals with treatments for the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.
Prasutitantra and Stri Roga (Gynecology and Obstetrics)
This specialty focuses on treating female reproductive concerns, including fertility treatments.
In addition to these treatment specializations, there are non-clinical branches where one can grab a post-graduate degree, which includes:
- Kriya Shareera (Physiology)
- Rachana Shareera (Anatomy)
- Dravyaguna Vigyan (Pharmacology)
- Roga Nidan evam Vikriti Vigyan (Pathology)
- Swasthavritta (Preventive medicine)
- Maulik Siddhant (Fundamental Principles)
- Rasa sastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana (Indian Iatrochemistry and Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics)
Treatment Modalities Commonly Used by Ayurvedic Doctors
Ayurveda doctors craft various Ayurvedic treatments aligning with balancing the doshas (the three fundamental energies in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Here are some of the core treatment approaches they employ:
Internal Formulation
Depending on the patient’s condition, a combination of herbal and mineral drugs is used here to treat it. For example, in arthritis, physicians use formulations like Maharasnadi Kashayam, Yogaraja Guggulu, etc.
Panchakarma (Detoxification)
Five purification therapies, including Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), Virechana (purgation), Basti (enema), Nasya (nasal administration), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting), can be tailored to the patient’s condition.
Diet and Lifestyle Guidance:
Ayurveda doctors are also well-versed in providing tailored dietary and lifestyle modifications that suit the patient’s constitution, season, and condition.
Yoga and Meditation
Ayurveda doctors, with knowledge of Yoga, can help in integrating physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to support mental and physical well-being
Other Treatments
This includes Abhyanga (full-body massage with warm oil), Shirodhara (pouring oil on the forehead), Shirovasti (retaining oil over the head), and Herbal kizhi (herbal sudation) to relax, detoxify, and balance the body.
How Ayurvedic Doctors Diagnose Diseases
Ayurveda encompasses various diagnostic techniques; unlike modern medicine, it emphasizes the overall state of the body rather than just the symptoms.
The following Ayurvedic diagnosis was employed in the olden days when modern laboratory techniques were lacking.
However, Ayurveda doctors now combine this traditional knowledge with contemporary techniques to conclude the diagnosis.
The conventional Ayurvedic techniques involve:
Pulse Diagnosis
(Nadi Pariksha): The doctor examines the pulse to determine the body’s doshic status.
Inquiry (Darshana, Sparshana, Prashna):
Doctors observe the person, palpate him, and ask questions regarding his disease conditions, habits, emotions, diet, and lifestyle to understand underlying imbalances.
Urine, Stool, and Tongue Analysis
These physical aspects will tell you the internal disharmony
Prakriti Analysis
Prakriti analysis is a unique diagnostic tool in Ayurveda that determines a person’s natural constitution to plan treatments that suit their body type.
How to Choose the Best Ayurvedic Doctor
Finding a qualified Ayurvedic physician is necessary to unlock the full benefits of Ayurveda. Finding the appropriate doctor can occasionally feel daunting, but with a few simple rules, you can locate a skilled professional who is also a good fit for your medical requirements.
This comprehensive guide will assist you in making an informed choice and help you make the best decision for your Ayurvedic treatment.
Research and Gather Information
Online Portals: First, look online for doctors in Ayurveda. You can search verified online resources like Practo and JustDial.
These platforms will allow you to find practitioners closest to your area and view their reviews, phone numbers, and practice information.
Read Reviews and Testimonials: Patients’ reviews and testimonials on Google, Practo, Justdial, etc., and hospital websites can provide valuable insights into the doctor’s approach and treatment effectiveness.
LinkedIn and Social Media Profiles: You may also search Google for the doctor’s expertise. You will find their social media or LinkedIn profile, which may help you learn about their educational background, certifications, specializations, years of experience, and any published articles or research contributions.
Check for Education and Registrations in Medical Councils
Educational Background
Look for an Ayurvedic doctor with a valuable BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) degree, the standard qualification in India, and enrolment in state or central medical councils.
License and Certification:
Verify their license to practice from central or state medical councils, especially in your region. Some doctors may hold certifications besides a UG degree that reflect further training or expertise.
Specialization:
If you have specific health concerns, consider a specialist.
For example, if you have bone-related disorders like fractures, piles, or fistula, consider going to a Shalya Tantra specialist.
If you are suffering from age-related diseases, consider going to a Kayachikitsa specialist or Panchakarma specialist for targeted expertise.
Enquire about Experience and Knowledge
Practical Experience:
Experience enriches a doctor’s life. A well-experienced doctor can perform accurate diagnoses and curate exact treatment plans.
Success Stories:
An expert physician should have success stories cited under their name and enquire about the past success stories relevant to your health concerns, which can shed light on their practical experience and effectiveness.
Clinical Knowledge and Exposure:
Doctors who worked under efficient doctors and in affiliated Ayurvedic hospitals or clinics had better exposure to diverse patient cases and treatment methods, enhancing their practical skills.
Verify Registration
In India, qualified BAMS practitioners are registered with the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) or relevant state councils. Confirm that they hold current and valid registrations to practice the system.
Evaluate Their Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment
Customized Treatment Plans:
A skilled Ayurvedic doctor can create personalized treatment plans based on the patient’s body constitution (Prakriti), health history, and current symptoms.
In-Depth Consultation:
A detailed consultation that includes pulse diagnosis, tongue analysis, a review of your lifestyle, and modern laboratory investigations is quintessential for proper diagnosis and treatment outcome.
Lifestyle and Dietary Knowledge:
A keen Ayurvedic doctor can go beyond herbal remedies, offering tailored lifestyle and dietary changes to support long-term wellness.
Source of Herbs and Medicines:
Enquire about the sources of herbs and medicines. You are taking a transparent approach, as purity and quality control are essential for effective Ayurvedic treatment.
Integration with Modern Science
Modern Medical Integration:
Whatever the Ayurvedic wisdom, integrating Modern methods can complement Ayurvedic diagnoses and enhance treatment precision.
Evidence-Based Practices:
In this novel era of research, evidence-based medicine is what everyone seeks.
Since everyone is behind google for searching about their symptoms, diagnosis to what the doctor prescribes, a research-backed treatment plan can keep up the transparency.
A well-informed Ayurvedic doctor keeps up with Ayurveda-related research, which is especially useful for chronic conditions where research-backed practices may improve outcomes.
Seek Personal Recommendations and Patient Reviews
Personal Recommendations:
Personal recommendations, obtained by word of mouth from trusted family, friends, or healthcare providers, are far more considered than Google reviews from any unknown person.
Online Patient Reviews:
In the absence of personal recommendations, one can seek online reviews.
While not always fully reliable, they give an idea of the doctor’s reputation and patient satisfaction.
Professional Associations:
Do check if the doctor is associated with reputable Ayurvedic institutions, as these often set higher standards for professional conduct and knowledge.
Consider Practical Logistics
Location and Accessibility:
Proximity can be important for regular treatments, such as Panchakarma, or frequent follow-ups.
Telemedicine Options:
Having your physician’s advice just a number away is always beneficial, as it is convenient if you’re far away or require immediate attention to any complications.
Cost and Treatment Duration:
Ayurvedic treatments can be long-term, so discussing the financial commitment beforehand is necessary, including the estimated number of sessions and follow-ups.
How do you choose the best Ayurveda doctors outside India?
Choosing the best Ayurveda doctor outside India requires extra diligence as Ayurveda is not the most commonly practiced system of medicine outside India. The availability of formally trained and licensed practitioners could be improved. Other than the points above, one needs to consider these points to get authentic treatment. Here are those essential points:
Check for Recognition of Ayurveda in Your Country:
Some countries, such as Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, UAE, Oman, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Hungary, Bahrain, Malaysia, Serbia, Mauritius, Tanzania, Cuba, Switzerland, and Brazil, recognize Ayurvedic medicine and qualified practitioners are available for consultation.
Check for Formal Training
Outside of India, formal training for Ayurveda doctors is offered by institutions such as the Ayurvedic Institute (USA), California College of Ayurveda (USA), Kerala Ayurveda Academy (USA), Rosenberg European Academy of Ayurveda (Germany), European Academy of Ayurveda (Germany), and European Institute of Vedic Studies (UK).
Professional Associations
Look for practitioners registered with recognized Ayurvedic associations in their country, such as the Professional Ayurveda associations, including the World Ayurveda Foundation (Global), Central Council of Indian Medicine (India), National Ayurvedic Medical Association (USA), Ayurvedic Professionals Association (UK), European Ayurveda Association (Europe), Australasian Association of Ayurveda (Australia), Canadian Ayurvedic Practitioners Association (Canada), and the South African Ayurveda Association (South Africa). These organizations help set standards and support Ayurvedic practitioners in their respective countries.
Additional Licensing Requirements:
In some countries, practitioners may also need to meet additional licensing requirements for alternative or complementary medicine. Check if your doctor has met these requirements.
Knowledge of Local Herbs and Formulations
Outside India, access to traditional Ayurvedic herbs may be limited, and the authorities won’t allow certain drugs practised in India and Ayurveda, so it’s essential to choose a practitioner who knows both local herbs and the right suppliers for authentic Ayurvedic formulations.
Are Ayurvedic doctors and traditional Ayurvedic practitioners the same?
No, Ayurveda doctors typically hold a formal degree, Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), previously BAM (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine), and undergo a rigorous, standardized education and training during their curriculum in both Ayurveda and aspects of allopathic medicine.
This qualifies them to diagnose and treat patients, and regulatory authorities recognize them as medical professionals.
On the other hand, a traditional Ayurvedic practitioner may have gained knowledge through informal teachings as part of family traditions and do not hold any degree or valid license to practice Ayurveda.
Some may have yet to study Ayurvedic principles and claim to be traditional practitioners.
To discourage quackery, patients must be diligent in selecting Ayurvedic practitioners to safeguard their lives.
Are Ayurvedic doctors approved by the Government of India?
Yes, the Indian government has approved Ayurvedic physicians.
The Ministry of AYUSH governs the professional training and licensing of Ayurvedic physicians in India (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy).
Graduates of an approved BAMS program must register with the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) or the appropriate state councils, such as the Kerala State Medical Council for Keralites, to obtain a license as an Ayurvedic physician.
This official acknowledgment guarantees that they fulfill the government’s ethical and educational requirements and are permitted to practice lawfully.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Ayurvedic doctor should be done with due diligence and awareness of their expertise and approach to holistic care. One should consider their valid 5 ½ year degree, license to practice Ayurveda, and expertise from reviews and testimonials. For those abroad in India, you must be aware of their licensing from the concerned departments and professional associations. By following these steps, you can confidently select an Ayurvedic doctor who can deliver better treatment outcomes, aligning with Ayurvedic wisdom.