Ayurveda
Introduction:
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.
Life, according to Ayurveda, is a
combination of senses, mind, body and soul. The medicinal system believes that
human beings and nature should be in perfect harmony and that disease occurs
when the equilibrium between these two is disrupted. Restoration of this
fundamental balance, through the use of nature and its products is the main
goal of this medical system. The concept is not just on curing bodily ailments
but also on preventing. Ayurveda emphasizes that 'Prevention is better than
cure'.
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. Check out the link Ayurveda to know more
about the system.
Eligibility & Course
Areas:
Ø 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.
Ø 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.
Ø 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.
Ø Main entrance
exams for admission to a Bachelors degree in Ayurveda include, 'All India
Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Entrance Exam' conducted by Central Board of Secondary
Examination (CBSE), Delhi on a national level to select the candidates at an
all India level (except in the states of Jammu & Kashmir and Andhra Pradesh
) for admission to roughly 15% of the total seats in the colleges of each
state, Pre-med entrance exam conducted by different states on
their own for domiciled candidates. Some national level institutions where
admission does not hinge on domicile status, give admission on the basis of
merit in the 10+2 examination, or conducts their own entrance test for
admission to BAMS courses.
Ø Candidates who
have passed BAMS can apply for post graduate programmes. The Post graduate
programmes are conducted by many recognised institutions and has a
duration of 3 years leading to degrees of Doctor of Medicine in Ayurveda (M.D.
(Ayu)) and Master of Surgery in Ayurveda (M.S. (Ayu)).
Ø Candidates who
have passed MBBS course recognized by Medical Council of India and have
completed one year internship training can also apply for Post Graduate course
in Ayurveda.
Ø Post-graduate
programs is structured into 16 branches leading to a Doctorate in
Ayurveda. The 16 branches are Ayurvedic Sidhanta (Fundamental Principals of
Ayurveda), Ayurved Samhita ( Treatise of Ayurveda), Rachna Sharira (
Anatomy), Kriya Sharira (Physiology), Dravya Guna Vigyan ( Materia Medica
& Pharmacology), Ras- ShastraBhaishajya Kalpana ( Pharmaceuticals), Kumar
Bharitya ( Paediatrics), Prasuti Tantra (Obstetrics & Gynaecology),
Swasth Vrita (Social of Preventive Medicine), Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine,
Rog Nidan ( Pathology,) Shalya Tantra ( Surgery), Shalkya Tantra (
Eye & ENT ), Mano Roga ( Psychiatry), Panchkarma (Detoxification of body).
Job Prospects & Career Options:
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.
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.8000 - 13500 for BAMS graduates.
Tutors in Ayurveda colleges get more
than Rs 8000/- 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.