An Ayurveda therapist is trained to guide individual patients through a variety of Ayurvedic treatments in an effort to achieve optimal health. Such treatments may include dietary management, beauty treatments, pain management, stress management, eye care and massage therapy. An Ayurveda therapist also performs individual assessments to help determine specific courses of treatment needed to cure or manage a variety of health care issues, as well as to help individuals achieve specific dietary and health goals.
In order to become an Ayurveda therapist, most people begin by first undergoing training in a specialized program. Ayurveda courses range in the length of time needed to complete training, but most require extensive classroom time and practical training before an individual can competently work as an Ayurveda practitioner or therapist. Beyond basic theories of Ayurveda, examples of more detailed subjects covered in Ayurveda courses include courses in physiology, anatomy, hair and skin care, herbs and oils, Ayurveda cooking, pain management and massage.
In certain parts of the world, Ayurvedic therapy is considered complementary medicine, while some in countries such as India choose to rely on Ayurvedic treatments as primary care. Depending on where an individual practices, an Ayurveda therapist may need special certification to work with the general public. Some schools offering specialized Ayurveda classes and training offer associate degrees, bachelor degrees and doctorate degrees in Ayurvedic therapy. It is also not uncommon for licensed practitioners, such as nurses and doctors, to enroll in courses while working in the medical field.
A visit to an Ayurveda therapist generally begins with a basic assessment. During this meeting, a trained practitioner evaluates a patient’s overall health and attempts to determine the cause of any ailments. Such is accomplished through a question and answer period, as well as observation, laboratory testing and physically touching parts of a patient’s body to determine pulse rate and other internal functions.
After an initial assessment, an Ayurveda therapist makes a diagnosis and begins working with a patient to design a specific treatment plan. Such a plan not only addresses a patient’s unique condition, but also includes the patient’s level of self-awareness and willingness to participate in her or his own healing. By addressing an individual’s physical condition and any underlying causes for ailments, as well as the individual’s consciousness, an Ayurveda therapist can create personalized treatment options for individual patients.