Can you imagine the future of Ayurveda?
When I contemplate this question, I often land on the inspiring notion that in this moment we are living out the destiny of Ayurvedic professionals to become global leaders in health and wellness.
As new avenues for integrating our services into the Western healthcare system continue to emerge, Ayurveda promises to serve as a beacon for U.S. healthcare consumers seeking an expanded array of choices for managing diseases and optimizing well-being. Like our sister sciences, such as traditional Chinese medicine, naturopathy, and chiropractic, Ayurveda is poised for growth as the U.S. medical system continues to evolve toward a more holistic and individualized model of patient care. This natural progression will inevitably lead to more opportunity for individual practitioners and the advancement of our profession as a whole.
One of the most amazing qualities of Ayurvedic medicine is its power to instill a deep desire in those who practice it to share its benefits with everyone! Expanding access to this life-changing healing art requires us to continually build relationships in the name of Ayurveda within and beyond our community.
We need to cultivate unity, and work together to preserve the integrity of our profession and support the growth and excellence of Ayurvedic schools, organizations, and professionals throughout the United States. This collective endeavor is vital not only to the progress of our profession, but also to the long-term future of Mother Earth and her human guests. I have no doubt that the future of Ayurveda is directly tied to the health of our planet and that its focus on living in harmony with nature is destined to become widely recognized as the most sustainable prescription. By spreading awareness of Ayurveda’s natural approach to healing, NAMA, with the help of our great community, is building a formidable legacy.
As we look back on 2020, I want to acknowledge the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on us as individuals and as a community. In the midst of this crisis, we have persevered and thrived. While the cancellation of our Annual Conference disappointed our hopes of connecting with each other in person, the success of this year’s online event surpassed our expectations. Thanks to the staff and the board members who supported our transition to an online event platform, to the speakers who presented such an incredible tapestry of ancient wisdom, and of course to everyone who signed up and generously supported NAMA.
I also want to recognize the conscientious efforts of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee to promote awareness of their goals within NAMA and its membership. Their dedication to deepening our understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion can only strengthen our community.
The NAMA Certification Board (NAMACB) likewise deserves our gratitude. The increasing number of individuals taking the board certification exams attests to growing interest in Ayurveda as a career path. Additionally, many thanks to the NAMA Accreditation Council (NAMAC) for working diligently toward the launch our Accreditation application. These efforts will go a long way toward forging a path to excellence for Ayurvedic educational institutions in the United States and enhancing the credibility of their graduates.
I am confident that 2021 will be a terrific year. We have so many incredible offerings and member benefits, so please keep an eye on your email and social media. The Student Members Mingle, the President’s Corner, our Annual Conference, and other events will all be on offer in the coming months. Your presence in our expanding virtual space affirms the enthusiasm and dedication of our enduring community.
In closing, I want to thank you all, for continuing to support NAMA through donations, volunteering, participating in events, spreading the word about NAMA, and sharing Ayurveda with your neighbors. These contributions all make a difference. However the new year unfolds, you can count on one certainty—at NAMA, we can’t imagine a future without Ayurveda.
Warmly,
Dr. Margrit Mikulis
NAMA President