The popularity of ayurvedic medicine is growing in the U.S., but there isn't a formal system yet to license practitioners. To learn more, our contributor Luiza Vieira talked to Marc Halpern in Nevada City, who is at the forefront of this movement.
Ayurveda originated in India approximately 5,000 years ago. It uses a combination of natural medicines, foods, colors, sounds and touch to help patients.
Marc Halpern is the president of the California College of Ayurveda in Nevada City. The school also runs a community clinic.
"We see a wide range of conditions from Parkinson's disease to auto immune disorders, lyme disease, arthritis, hypertension. We really see the full gamut that any doctor would see, we just take care of the patient differently."
In late March, the school will offer the first accredited doctor program of Ayurveda in the country. But future graduates will only be able to practice as consultants until national board examinations and state licensing boards are created.
“The ultimate goal is of course to have state licensing that will articulate a specific scope of practice for the ayurveda profession. That’s our long term goal.”
Halpern hopes licensing will be possible in the next five years.
