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India-Trained Vaidya FAQ
We receive many emails and phone calls from Indians living in the US, who have earned B.A.M.S. or higher in India. There are several common questions asked and for the sake of all Vaidyas, they will be addressed here. For the most part, we hear from many Vaidyas who have practiced in India, but now cannot or do not know how to begin practice in the US.While this page is to help vaidyas better understand the US-Ayurveda situation - For all the people who send us resumes, please note that there are no jobs at our center. We can offer advice but can not hire any vaidyas. Please do not send resumes.
Vaidyas living in India
We also get e-mail and letter resumes from vaidyas in India, looking to come to America. The discussion below should dispel the myths that exist that the US is a place to make lots of money and it is easy to live here...this is completely the opposite. Most vaidyas living in the US who speak to me have come to realize how difficult it is to make a decent living without extreme working conditions. Yes, salaries are higher, but so is the cost of living. Many vaidyas in the US are now only working in candy stores...or not working at all. So please do not fall prey to the myths about the US.
Vaidyas living in the US
1. Can you practice in the US without a license?
Yes, Ayurveda is too new to require any licensing. However, each state education department has varying requirements about what you can and cannot say and do. You'll need to contact your state board of education for exact laws. In the most strict states, you cannot use any words that make you sound like you are a doctor (MD). Thus, you cannot say "treat", "diagnose", "prescribe", or call your business a "clinic".You can say analyze, suggest, and call your business a center. The main thing the states are concerned about is that you do not try to pretend you are an MD. If you follow these guidelines, you should be safe.
2. How to get clients?
This is more difficult a question. Your best bet is to start to generate clients from your own Indian community- give free talks at the temples, ashrams, yoga centers, etc. It requires a lot of creativity, and hard work!!! Much different than what you are used to in India.
3. How to get herbs?
Many Ayurvedic herb companies exist now. Check the internet search engines under Ayurveda and you will find many. Some offer prepared products, others offer bulk herbs to make your own. But remember that Americans do not like to take powders (churnas).
4. Is there an Ayurvedic pharmacy in the US that will hire us for research?
No, again, Ayurveda is not as well developed in the US as in India, and it is very difficult to find work in the field.
5. Can I earn a Ph.D. in Ayurvedic medicine? Then at least I'll have some recognition by American standards.
Yes, you may earn a degree from Westbrook University but you must have a US recognized MA level degree. Contact Westbrook for more details. [800-447-6496].
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The Vaidya Prayer
1. ?Ahimsa?: If I can only remember one thing let me remember to cause no harm.
2. Let me always remember spirituality is the essence of Ayurveda and let me always focus first on my spiritual path as spirit develops form.
3. Let me be a living example of Ayurveda (i.e. let me always practice what I preach).
4. The ABC's of client care: Let me always:
A) keep fair fees for the people
B) credit Ayurveda and not the practitioner
C) see my clients as whole people and not only view the disease - Ayurveda is more than just medical science...it is the science of life itself
5. Let me ever have my mind applied to the affairs of the Divine
The fisherman stands in the shallow water and casts his net into the sea. Fish that are swimming here and there are caught in the net; but the fish that swim at his feet are safe- for there is no net there. Like this, those who are running here and there in the world are caught up in the net of maya/illusion, but those who ever strive to be closer to the feet of the Lord are saved. Let me be ever closer to the feet of God.
6. Let me ever be guided by Lord Atreya's (Charak Samhita) advice:
A) The first cause of illness is loss of faith in the Divine (i.e., not seeing all things as the eternal Self). Let me ever apply my mind to this life priority.
B) The practitioner who has even the basic knowledge of Ayurveda and just wants to help people are more effective than one who knows everything but wants fame and fortune. Let me ever be simple hearted and devoted to service.
7. Let me ever see and follow the essence of Ayurveda and not be swayed by excess marketing, public relations or esoterics; let my mind remain clear and peaceful.
8. May the light of sharing dispel the darkness of competition among my fellow practitioners.
9. Let me successfully serve my family, friends, and neighbors.