Frequently Asked Questions

All U.S. immigrants require an H1-B work visa. NCCBAM is preparing a BAMS Bridge program that will provide the knowledge necessary to establish your practice. All BAMS and higher Ayurvedic Doctors will be eligible to become certified through NCCBAM to support legal practice in the U.S.

As an immigrant to the USA, you need a work permit (H1 Visa) to work for someone or yourself. Therefore, NCCBAM will offer a bridge program that needs to be completed and the criteria fulfilled to be certified. In addition, you will learn and educate yourself about the ethics and legal parameters of practicing Ayurveda in the USA.

To accurately recognize accredited education and training, individual BAMS and higher graduates may become board-certified Traditional Ayurvedic Medical Doctors (BC-TAM) through NCCBAM. The BC-TAM designation clearly distinguishes the certified training for licensed practice from India through Department of AYUSH (India) as the highest qualified professional in USA.

As a board-certified Traditional Ayurveda Medicine Doctor (BC-TAM), you will be credentialed in the USA to practice Ayurveda. This credential distinguishes you from western trained Ayurveda practitioners.

All applicants who do not complete the grandfathering process before the deadline will be required to complete the Board Exam and any additional requirements for recognition as an BC-TAM.

If the deadline is missed, you must take the Board Exam and some prerequisites to be certified as BC-TAM.

In any clinical setting, the prefix "Dr." may only be used by individuals licensed as Medical Doctors in their jurisdiction or individuals holding a Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) from an accredited institution. Others with degrees conferring a recognized title of doctor may use "Dr." in educational contexts.

Therefore, the "Dr." prefix is reserved only for M.D.s and Ph.D.’s.

The Health Freedom Act (also known as the Safe Harbor Act) is important legislation that does not criminalize the practice of any healthcare modality that one has been trained to practice. Essentially, it allows for freedom of practice by adhering to specific regulations, including providing informed consent.

For detailed information about Health Freedom States, please refer to this link.

Other certifications have substandard requirements as compared to the Traditional Ayurvedic Medical Doctor (BC-TAM) title, which is based on BAMS-level training and licensed practice in India. Other certifications may require 1,2,3 or 4 year training hours, with significantly reduced clinical training. Ayurveda Education is not taught through an accredited institution or recognized for legal, ethical practice.

Other credentials do not qualify as a Healthcare professional with optimum clinical skills.

The BC-TAM credential upholds the BAMS qualification with a clearly defined pathway.

The Ayurvedic Clinical Supervisor (ACS) designation is given to Vaidya’s who are expert clinicians and run wellness centers who supervise and teach students and interns for clinical experience. NCCBAM vets the Vaidya’s and their wellness centers for Ayurvedic clinical practice.

Any qualified and certified Vaidya can teach and practice within their scope with a work permit in USA. Anyone without a work permit can volunteer and give free classes.

The Health Freedom Act provides more freedom to practice alternative and complementary medicine. In states without the Health Freedom Act, practitioners can also work as coaches while conforming to state rules and regulations.

Please check your state rules and regulations to practice. We highly recommend taking legal advice by a healthcare attorney.

Legal practice and licensing are two different concepts. Practicing within the scope of your practice as an alternative system, such as herbal medicine and mind-body medicine, is legal as a health coach. Ayurveda practitioners are not diagnosing or treating like M.D.s; hence, it is not illegal to practice Ayurveda. Licensing is state-level, and while licensing for Ayurveda does not exist yet in the U.S., Ayurveda scan be practiced as Traditional Indian Medicine in its authentic form.

Since our profession is not licensed, NCCBAM serves as a regulating organization to uphold practice standards and board-certify BAMS plus from India. Any foreign degree needs validation by a National Board to ensure authentic qualification, ethical standards, for the safety of the clients and practitioners in the U.S. The Board exam will be offered by NCCBAM by Oct 2025.

Licensing is conducted at the state level through regulatory boards. NCCBAM is a national certification board, not a licensing board. States will refer to national organizations for validating the profession and its standards to consider licensing.

States investigate National Boards to get information towards regulating the profession.

NCCBAM is the only organization that certifies BAMS as the highest trained Ayurvedic professionals in the USA. No other organization values BAMS Vaidya’s as the highest trained professionals in the USA. NCCBAM upholds professional practice standards and prioritizes client safety, requiring strict practice guidelines.

It is illegal to work in the USA without a work permit. NCCBAM complies with the law and does not issue board certification without a valid work permit. You may apply for certification before the deadline, but it will be withheld until we receive your work permit.

Our Board certification is valid anywhere you go and will not be revoked. You will need to renew every 2 years by completing 30 hours of continuing education and pay a fee.

Ayurveda practice in the USA is not uniformly regulated at the federal level, and the legal landscape can vary significantly from state to state. Here are some key points regarding the regulation of Ayurveda in the USA:

• State Regulations: Each state has its own laws regarding healthcare practices, including Ayurveda. Some states have enacted health freedom laws that allow practitioners to provide alternative therapies, while others have more restrictive regulations. It’s essential for practitioners to be familiar with the regulations in their specific state.
• Licensing: Currently, there is no specific licensing for Ayurveda practitioners at the national level, and many states do not have established licensing boards for Ayurveda. Ths means that practitioners often operate under alternative health or complementary medicine regulations.
• Certification: Organizations like NCCBAM (National Council for Certification of Ayurvedic Medicine) provide certification credentials for Ayurvedic practitioners. While this certification can add credibility and recognition, it does not equate to a state license to practice.
• Scope of Practice: Practitioners are typically allowed to provide consultations, dietary recommendations, and herbal remedies based on their training. However, they must be cautious not to diagnose or treat conditions in a manner that could be construed as practicing medicine without a license.
• Health Freedom Act: Some states have adopted the Health Freedom Act, which protects the rights of individuals to practice alternative and complementary medicine, including Ayurveda, as long as they comply with specific regulations, such as obtaining informed consent from clients.
• Education and Training: There is a growing emphasis on education and training standards for Ayurveda practitioners. Accredited programs can help ensure that practitioners have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective care.
• Insurance and Legal Considerations: Practitioners should be aware of insurance issues, as many insurance companies may not cover Ayurvedic treatments. It's also important to have a clear understanding of legal liabilities and to practice within the legal scope defined by state laws.

In summary, while Ayurveda is practiced in the USA, it operates in a complex regulatory environment. Practitioners should thoroughly research their state's laws and consider obtaining certification from recognized organizations to enhance their credibility and practice safely.

Ayurveda and traditional Western medicine represent two distinct approaches to health and healing. Here are the main differences between the two:

1. Philosophical Foundations

• Ayurveda: Each state has its own laws regarding healthcare practices, including Ayurveda. Some states have enacted health freedom laws that allow practitioners to provide alternative therapies, while others have more restrictive regulations. It’s essential for practitioners to be familiar with the regulations in their specific state.
• Western Medicine: Primarily based on scientific research and evidence, Western medicine focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. It often operates on a biomedical model that separates the body from the mind and tends to prioritize physical symptoms and conditions.

2. Diagnosis and Treatment Methods

• Ayurveda: Diagnosis involves a comprehensive assessment, including pulse diagnosis, tongue examination, and observation of physical and mental characteristics. Treatments are personalized and may include herbal remedies, dietary changes, yoga, meditation, and detoxification practices (such as Panchakarma).
• Western Medicine: Diagnosis typically involves lab tests, imaging (like X-rays and MRIs), and standardized medical examinations. Treatments often include pharmaceuticals, surgery, and other interventions that target specific symptoms or diseases.

3. Approach to Health

• Ayurveda: Focuses on prevention and maintaining balance. It promotes a proactive approach to health through lifestyle modifications, nutrition, and stress management. The goal is to enhance overall well-being and prevent illness before it occurs.
• Western Medicine: Often focuses on treating illnesses after they have developed. While preventive care is acknowledged, the primary approach is reactive, addressing symptoms and conditions as they arise.

4. Role of the Practitioner

• Ayurveda: Practitioners (often called Vaidya’s) take on a holistic role, guiding clients through lifestyle changes, dietary recommendations, and mental well-being practices. The relationship is often more collaborative and personalized.
• Western Medicine: Physicians typically take a more authoritative role, diagnosing and prescribing treatments based on clinical guidelines and protocols. The doctor-client relationship may be more transactional, focusing on specific health issues.

5. Use of Herbs and Natural Remedies

• Ayurveda: Heavily relies on herbal medicine and natural substances, emphasizing the use of plants, minerals, and animal products in treatments. Herbal formulas are often customized to the individual’s constitution and health needs.
• Western Medicine: While some aspects of herbal medicine are integrated, Western medicine primarily uses synthetic pharmaceuticals and evidence-based practices. There is often skepticism regarding the efficacy of herbal remedies due to a lack of standardized research.

6. Understanding of Disease

• Ayurveda: Views disease as a result of imbalance in the body’s energies or doshas. Treatment aims to restore balance and harmony within the individual.
• Western Medicine: Often views disease as a malfunction of biological systems or pathogens. Treatment focuses on correcting these malfunctions through medical interventions.

7. Cultural Context

• Ayurveda: Deeply ingrained in Indian culture and traditions, Ayurveda encompasses not just physical health, but also mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
• Western Medicine: Developed in a different cultural context, primarily in Europe and North America, with a focus on scientific validation and technological advancement in healthcare.

Conclusion

While both Ayurveda and Western medicine have their strengths and weaknesses, the choice between them often depends on individual preferences, health conditions, and the desired approach to treatment. Some people may benefit from integrating both practices for a more comprehensive approach to health and wellness.