Join Our Team!

The National Ayurvedic Medical Association is looking for a part-time (20 hours/week) Accreditation Director to start immediately. The Accreditation Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for ensuring a fair, rigorous and transparent process for institutional and programmatic accreditation in the field of Ayurvedic Medicine in the United States. S/he must have experience as an educational professional with knowledge of institutional, programmatic and regional accreditation principles. Work remotely from home office.

Position: Accreditation Director Position

Application Deadline: February 28, 2021                                        

Please send your inquiries to hilary@ayurvedanama.org

Purchase Past Conference Videos

Did you miss the last 2 conferences? No worries, we have them here for you to purchase. There are 33 videos to choose from, and you have the option to purchase individual videos or as a package. If you are a member, the sessions you purchase and watch can be used towards PACE.

Take a look and what we have, purchase a few, and happy watching!

Become an Annual Sponsor, Only a Few Spots Left!

Let’s work together to shape the future of Ayurveda!

We are looking for sponsors to help make our 2021 Annual conference is truly special for our community. If you are an Ayurvedically-focused business, your involvement will give your organization visibility in front of an informed audience who will appreciate being able to become familiar with your products or offerings.

This year we are offering some great opportunities for our sponsors. We have six sponsorship levels for your company to choose from, with benefits that last beyond the event. Sponsorship is on a first-come first-serve basis, and spaces fill up quickly. We invite you to take a look and reach out to us if you have any questions.

We have only a few spots left, so we encourage you to register today!

Diversity & Inclusion Training for NAMA Members is Important Dharmic Work

In July 2020, the NAMA Board of Directors formed the Diversity & Inclusion Committee in response to an increased awareness of the need to make certain that NAMA maintains a culture of diversity, inclusion, and transparency. The board charged the committee with developing opportunities for community involvement and helping to ensure the path to all roles within the Ayurvedic profession and NAMA are accessible to all members.

As a result, the committee has hired diversity, antiracism, and inclusion trainer Mariama Boney of Achieve More, LLC, who will present a three-part member training starting in February and continuing through April of 2021. The training, titled Reveal, Realign & Restore, will offer four PACE credits and serve as a helpful resource for members:

• Explore issues such as power, privilege, cultural competence, awareness, and sensitivity.

• Explore the role that identity and intersectionality have in our work as Ayurvedic professionals.

• Address how to hold space for clients to operate in their self-awareness and assess our own awareness and biases.         

• Discuss the social, emotional, and physical impacts of unconscious bias and the stress from various forms of discrimination and prejudice.

• Uncover ways to use our Ayurvedic practice in response to bias, oppression, and injustice.

• Discuss methods that create an inclusive environment within our Ayurvedic practices and the profession.

• Identify strategies to restore hope and a sense of belonging within our community and for our clients.               

“As professionals in the healthcare field, we must be models and leaders in so many ways. Working with and understanding the wide array of people whose lives we touch is critical to the work an Ayurvedic professional must be skilled at,” says NAMA Executive Director, Hilary Garivaltis. “This training will help all of us to become more educated in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion and will only serve to advance us as individuals and uplift our profession.”

“I truly believe that in our Dharma as Ayurveda practitioners, we must be spiritual truth-seekers and change-makers in our communities, leading the way in creating a more equitable and just society,” says committee member Sandhiya Ramaswamy. “Our shared Vedic knowledge calls upon us to see the inherent divinity within each and every one of us. Unconscious biases get in the way of that. I am so looking forward to learning from the upcoming trainings and uncovering my own inherent biases and prejudices, and I am proud of the Ayurvedic community for collectively embarking on this critical work of equity and social and racial justice that so needs to happen, especially at this time.”

Please watch the following video to hear from other members of the NAMA Diversity & Inclusion Committee who’re working to bring the forthcoming trainings to our community.

We're Hiring!

The National Ayurvedic Medical Association is looking for a part-time (10-15 hours/week) Communications Assistant to start immediately. Work remotely from home office. Computer, website management, systems proficient and highly detail oriented. Flexible hours are possible.

Position: Communications Assistant

Application Deadline: February 12, 2021

Please send your inquiries to hilary@ayurvedanama.org

We Have Good News, Exam Discount Extended!

We have great news for those of you who were looking forward to taking advantage of our COVID-related 2020 NAMA Certification Board Exam discount!

With financial constraints due to COVID-19 not yet out of sight, the NAMA Certification Board (NAMACB) has decided to continue offering the discount price for the Ayurvedic Health Counselor and Ayurvedic Practitioner Certification Exams through March 31, 2021.

The AHC Exam will be offered at $300, and the AP Exam will be priced at $360 through March 31, 2021, but there are steps you must take before you are eligible to pay for the exam. We encourage you to start the process now!

Three parties participate in application process: you, your school, and the NAMACB staff. The process begins with an application and a $75 nonrefundable deposit. You also need to request that your school upload your transcripts to the NAMACB website. After your transcripts are uploaded, NAMACB staff will review your materials to determine if you are qualified to sit for the exam. It is only after you’ve been deemed qualified that you may pay for the full cost of your exam.

If you would like to take advantage of the discount, please begin the process now. Applying is merely the first step.

Exam Application Process

1.     Apply to qualify for the exam. Includes a $75 nonrefundable deposit (you).

2.     Have your school upload your transcripts (school).

3.     Staff reviews your application and transcripts (staff).

4.     If qualified to sit for the exam, staff sends you an exam registration invoice (staff).

5.    Pay invoice (you)

o   Pay by March 31, 2021, to be eligible for the discount.

o   Note: If you have graduated, you may complete Step 1, above, by March 31, 2021, but you must pay the remaining exam fee in full by April 31, 2021, to be eligible for the discount.

6.     Staff will email you instructions to schedule your exam (staff).

Please make sure you give yourself enough time to complete all steps in time.

Most exams around the world are still being administered through Online Proctoring (OLP) from the comfort of your home. All exams remain proctored. For more details about OLP or for general information about the exam, please visit the NAMACB’s Exams FAQ page.

We hope this price reduction will continue to ease the process of becoming board certified during these challenging times!

When you are ready to get started with the exam process, you can apply here to take advantage of the discounted price and begin moving down the road to board certification in the new year!

If you have any questions you can reach out to Laila Jewayni, NAMACB Certification Administrator, at namacb@ayurvedanama.org.

We look forward to your becoming NAMACB board certified.

Latest Article: Why I Plan to Take the NAMA Certification Exam

“Passing my exam will allow me to use the NAMACB “CAHC” (Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor) mark, and will convey my credibility as a practitioner to my clients.”

— Laura Klover

You might think that as a near straight-A student in college, I would be okay with the idea of taking a national certification exam. College, however, was many, many moons ago. Given that it has been such a long time since my last big exam, it stands to reason that as my Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) program comes to a close and the prospect of taking the National Ayurvedic Medical Association Certification Board (NAMACB) exam looms, I am filled with trepidation.

Read Full Article Here →

NAMA Professional Members – We'd Love to Hear from You!

Professional Members,

With the growth and evolution of Ayurveda in the United States, as well as the unprecedented pandemic, we are all undertaking new roles and facing new opportunities and challenges. 

In 2019, NAMA’s Professional Members subcommittee sent out a survey for members to help strengthen NAMA’s ability to accurately and comprehensively represent our membership and serves us. We had a great response and the results were hugely valuable. They were used by nearly every facet of NAMA . For example, the Conference Committee introduced some new business offerings in 2020 and is planning to offer additional options in 2021. 

Take the survey today.

You can help us build on this progress. Your input will help NAMA become a stronger organization by enabling it to see  data trends.

Your voice matters. As a member of NAMA, you are in the unique position of contributing to a growing community of complementary and alternative healthcare professionals in the U.S. We want to hear from you so we can both better support you as a professional and improve our work to grow Ayurveda. We are interested in hearing about your experiences in the field of Ayurveda this year and would greatly appreciate your responses to the updated “How Do You Practice” survey.

This year’s survey is updated with a focus on how our community has been impacted by COVID-19 and includes a special section that focuses on our BAMS community. The results will be shared with those who complete the survey. We are excited to learn how we, as a community, are developing new ways to build successful businesses and optimize the practice of Ayurveda! 

Please take a few moments to complete the survey today. We hope to share the results in early 2021. 

We look forward to receiving your responses. Your honest and thorough responses are deeply appreciated.

Namaste –

Madison Madden, AD, Chair
Professional Members subcommittee

Warm Greetings to all this Holiday Season and Heartfelt Wishes for Health and Happiness in the New Year!

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

Help Us Advance Ayurveda!

Can You Imagine the Future of Ayurveda? We Can!

You are the future of Ayurveda; together we have the power to raise awareness of Ayurveda! Help us raise $100,000 in support of advancing awareness and access to Ayurveda here in the USA. NAMA is dedicated to the advancement and establishment of Ayurveda and continues to work for our growing community to build the infrastructure to build a thriving profession as well as a healthcare resource for all Americans. Your donor dollars are needed for us to reach out goals. 

Give Today!

With your generous help we will be able to:

• Increase access to Ayurvedic education;

• Support the growth and success of the

  Ayurvedic profession;

• Enrich the lives of thousands through

  greater public awareness and advocacy

  of Ayurveda’s personalized, holistic

  approach to healthcare.

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DONATIONS ARE TAX deductible

DONATION REMINDER FROM THE IRS, November 25, 2020

“WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers of a special new provision that will allow more people to easily deduct up to $300 in donations to qualifying charities this year.

Following special tax law changes made earlier this year, cash donations of up to $300 made before December 31, 2020, are now deductible when people file their taxes in 2021.”

This means you can give up to $300 even if you don’t itemize!

NAMA has partnered with the Shah Education and Exploration Foundation, a 501 c 3, to provide tax exemption for our donors.

Take advantage of this opportunity to increase your charitable giving before December 31, 2020.

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