How to Become an Ayurvedic Doctor in India: Complete Career Guide

Become an Ayurvedic Doctor in India: Ayurvedic Doctors practice a traditional healthcare system that originated in India over 2,000 years ago. They use natural herbs, yoga, meditation, special diets, and other techniques to promote health and well-being.

To become an Ayurvedic Doctor, students can pursue various courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Most start with a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree. After completing their BAMS, those interested in advanced studies can opt for a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Ayurveda. These courses provide comprehensive knowledge and skills needed to become a certified Ayurvedic Doctor, blending ancient wisdom with modern healthcare practices.

Ayurvedic Doctors: Who Are They and What Do They Do?

Ayurvedic Doctors play a vital role in helping people improve their health through natural methods rooted in ancient Indian traditions. These doctors use Ayurveda, a holistic healthcare system that focuses on balancing the mind, body, and spirit.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

1. Mind-Body Balance:
   Ayurvedic Doctors help individuals understand the balance between their mind and body. They use principles of Ayurveda to assess and improve this balance, which is crucial for overall well-being.
2. Body History:
   Understanding the history of a person’s body is essential in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic Doctors analyze past health issues, lifestyle habits, and dietary patterns to provide effective treatments.
3. Addressing Imbalances:
   They are skilled in identifying and correcting imbalances in Agni (digestive fire), Dosha (body’s bio-energies), and Stotras (body channels). These imbalances are often the root cause of many health problems.
4. Diet and Lifestyle Changes:
   Based on an individual’s Ayurvedic constitution, these doctors recommend specific changes in diet and lifestyle. This personalized approach ensures that the suggested modifications align with the person’s unique needs.
5. Herbal and Natural Remedies:
   Ayurvedic Doctors suggest natural herbs, spices, and drugs to treat various ailments. They also recommend Ayurvedic herbal supplements to support overall health.
6. Ayurvedic Bodywork Techniques:
   They list out various Ayurvedic bodywork techniques like Abhyanga (oil massage), Shirodhara (pouring liquids over the forehead), and Panchakarma (detoxification procedures). These techniques are designed to detoxify the body and restore balance.
7. Mind-Body Connection:
   One of the core teachings of Ayurveda is the deep connection between the mind and body. Ayurvedic Doctors educate individuals on how mental states affect physical health and vice versa. By fostering a positive mind-body connection, they help patients achieve holistic health.

How to Become an Ayurvedic Doctor: Key Steps to Follow

Becoming a successful Ayurvedic Doctor involves more than just meeting the basic eligibility criteria. Here are some additional steps you should consider:

Decision Making

Before committing to this career, perform a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to understand if it suits you.

Choose Subjects Wisely

Select your subjects strategically in school. For your 10+2 level, you must take science subjects, with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology being compulsory. Additionally, having Sanskrit as one of your subjects can be beneficial as it is often used in Ayurvedic texts and studies.

Prepare for Entrance Exams

Admissions to Ayurvedic courses require passing entrance exams at both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) levels. You will need to prepare for exams like NEET UG and NEET PG. Thoroughly study the NCERT syllabus for classes 11 and 12. Many students find it helpful to join coaching institutes such as Aakash or FIITJEE for structured preparation.

Choose the Right College

After clearing entrance exams, selecting the right college is crucial. Research and review top colleges offering Ayurveda courses through social media platforms and current students. Utilize rankings from agencies like NIRF, India Today, or Outlook to identify the best institutions. Some of the top colleges offering the BAMS course in India are:

• Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
• Government Ayurveda College, Bangalore
• National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur
• Dr. DY Patil College of Ayurveda, Pune

What Does A BAMS Doctor Mean ?

BAMS stands for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. It is a degree program that mixes traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern medical knowledge. This program teaches students how to diagnose and treat illnesses using both ancient Ayurvedic principles and modern medical techniques.

Duration of the BAMS Course

The duration of the BAMS course is five and a half years, comprising both academic study and practical training. Students study Ayurveda for 4.5 years, learning about the body, medicines, and health principles. They also learn about modern medical sciences like biochemistry and microbiology to help them understand healthcare better.

Job Opportunities for Ayurvedic Doctors

Pursuing a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) opens up various career opportunities in the field of Ayurveda. Here are some of the prominent job prospects for Ayurvedic doctors:

1. State Research Centers: These centers focus on Ayurvedic research and development, offering roles in research and clinical trials.
2. Government Hospitals: Ayurvedic doctors can work in government hospitals, providing healthcare services to a wide range of patients.
3. Private Hospitals: Many private hospitals have departments dedicated to alternative medicine, including Ayurveda, where Ayurvedic doctors can practice.
4. Ayurveda Hospitals: Specialized Ayurveda hospitals provide numerous opportunities for practicing Ayurvedic medicine and therapies.
5. Research Centers: Research roles are available in both public and private institutions, focusing on the advancement of Ayurvedic medicine.
6. Ayurveda Pharmaceuticals: Ayurvedic doctors can work in pharmaceutical companies that produce herbal medicines and Ayurvedic products, contributing to research, development, and quality control.
7. Universities of Ayurveda: Teaching and academic positions are available in universities that offer Ayurvedic courses, where professionals can train future Ayurvedic doctors.
8. Ayurveda Centers: Many wellness centers specialize in Ayurvedic treatments and therapies, providing opportunities for practice and patient care.
9. Spas: Ayurvedic doctors can work in spas that offer holistic wellness treatments, incorporating Ayurvedic principles.
10. Resorts: Wellness resorts often include Ayurvedic treatments as part of their services, offering roles for Ayurvedic practitioners to help guests with health and wellness plans.

Benefits of Becoming an Ayurvedic Doctor

Becoming an Ayurvedic doctor comes with numerous advantages, making it an attractive career choice for many. Here are some key benefits:

1. Competitive Salary: The starting salary for an Ayurvedic doctor typically ranges from INR 3,00,000 to INR 7,50,000 per annum. With experience and expertise, this amount can increase significantly, offering a stable and lucrative career path.

2. Job Security: Ayurvedic doctors enjoy a high level of job security. The demand for healthcare professionals, including Ayurvedic practitioners, remains constant regardless of the economic climate. This stability is a major benefit, ensuring a steady career even in times of economic downturn.

3. Positive Career Impact: The career of an Ayurvedic doctor is highly rewarding, both financially and personally. As you gain more experience, your income potential increases. More importantly, the positive impact you can have on patients’ lives by promoting health and wellness through natural methods is immensely gratifying.

4. Helping Others: One of the most fulfilling aspects of being an Ayurvedic doctor is the ability to help others. By providing meaningful healthcare services, you can improve the quality of life for many individuals. This sense of purpose and contribution to society is a significant motivator for many in the medical field.

5. Community Prestige: Ayurvedic doctors are highly respected in their communities. The role of a doctor is revered in Indian society, and Ayurvedic practitioners, with their specialized knowledge and skills, often enjoy a high level of esteem and recognition.

In summary, a career as an Ayurvedic doctor offers a blend of financial stability, job security, personal satisfaction, and community respect. These benefits make it a compelling career choice for those passionate about natural medicine and helping others.