Ayurveda is one of the ancient Indian systems of medicine which is more than 5000 years old. Literally, Ayurveda means the science (or knowledge) of life. This knowledge of Ayurveda is available in the Vedic scriptures. The system is believed to be the source of all systems of modern medicines.

Ayurveda mainly focuses on healing illness, prevention of disease and longevity or age reversal. The theory of Ayurveda (known as “tridosha” Theory) states that all of life (people, food, animals, nature, the universe, and diseases) are combinations of three energy-elements: air (called Vayu or Vata), fire (called Pitta), and water (called Kapha). When these elements are balanced, one is healthy. Illness is defined as an imbalance of these elements; all disorders excesses of one or more element. Hence Ayurveda uses the various natural methods to balance these three components within living beings. These are given below:

• Taste: Herbs and nutrition
• Touch: Massage (abhyanga), Yoga, and exercise
• Smell: Aromatherapy
• Sight: Color therapy
• Hearing: Music therapy, mantra meditation, chanting
• Spiritual: therapies include meditation, living ethically, and working in a career that one loves or is purposeful

Though Ayurveda is an ancient method of healing diseases, but in recent times the demand in this field has increased considerably. Hence more and more students are now interested for making career in Ayurveda. There are so many colleges in India offering courses in Ayurveda both at undergraduate and post-graduate level.

For information on other Indian traditional systems of medicine, click here

Indian medical colleges offer bachelor program in Ayurvedic medicine such as Ayurvedacharya or B.A.M.S. (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery). This program is of five and half year duration with one year internship.

The minimum eligibility condition for this course is that a candidate should have completed Higher Secondary/P.U.C. preferably with Sanskrit or an examination equivalent there to, or Intermediate in Science with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and/or Sanskrit.

Few institutions are also offering certificate or diploma courses or pre Ayurvedic courses of 1 to 2 years duration. Candidate with S.S.L.C./ Matriculation qualification can take admission to this program.

Admission to BAMS program is generally made on the basis of entrance examination. Some institutes also admit students according to their merit.

There are 17 specialisations in ayurveda, including those of pharmacist, surgeon, dieticians, gynaecologist, teacher, panchkarma practitioner, etc. A BAMS student can opt for any of these areas of work.

Candidates who have completed BAMS can apply for post graduate programmes viz. M.D. (Ayu) and M.S. (Ayu). The Post graduate programmes are of three years duration conducted by many recognized institutions in the country. The programs like Doctor of Medicine in Ayurveda (M.D. (Ayu)) and Master of Surgery in Ayurveda (M.S. (Ayu)) are also open to candidates who have cleared their MBBS program recognized by Medical Council of India and have completed one year internship training.

The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is engaged in research in various fundamental and applied aspects of ayurveda. Here Ayurveda qualified individuals can perform research work for further development in the field.