An Ayurvedic doctor is a practitioner of Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda is based on the idea of balance between the mind, body, spirit and focuses on using natural remedies as well as lifestyle modifications in order to prevent and treat illnesses.

Ayurvedic doctors use a range of techniques to diagnose and treat patients including pulse diagnosis, dietary and lifestyle recommendations, herbal remedies along with detoxification treatments. They may also incorporate yoga, meditation and other complementary therapies into their practice.

In India, Ayurvedic doctors must complete a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) degree, which typically takes five and a half years to complete. They may also choose to specialise in areas such as Panchakarma (detoxification), Kshar Sutra (surgical procedures) or Shalya tantra (general surgery).

For Bachelor’s

• Students must have completed their 10+2 with at least 50% marks in the Science stream.
• Aspirants can select a bachelor’s degree in Ayurvedic Medical & Surgery (BAMS).
• To get admission in the UG Program, scholars need to pass entrance exams like NEET UG.  

For Master’s

• Undergraduates can go further for a Master’s degree in Ayurvedic Medical & Surgery.
• Some universities may require entrance exams for PG Program. 

Apart from working as an Ayurvedic Doctor, there are several other job profiles that a person with a background in this field can pursue. Some of these job profiles include:

• Ayurvedic Consultant
• Ayurvedic Researcher
• Ayurvedic Product Developer
• Ayurvedic Education
• Ayurvedic Entrepreneur

Employment Sector

• Private or Government Hospitals
• Ayurvedic Hospitals
• Resorts
• Spa
• Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical 
• Ayurvedic Health Centre 

There are many recruiters from leading companies who enlist potential medical students in this field. Following are some Recruiters from where students can find an employment opportunity in India: 

• Himalaya
• Patanjali
• Herbals
• Dabur
• Baidyanath
• Ayurvedic hospitals
• Kerala Ayurveda Ltd.
• Ayurvedic clinics and wellness centres

The salary range may vary from company to company, but the salary of an Ayurvedic Doctor is very impressive only in India.

• Patience
• Empathy
• Critical Thinking skills
• Observation
• Interpretation

The career scope of an Ayurvedic doctor is promising as Ayurveda is gaining more recognition and acceptance worldwide. Ayurvedic doctors have a wide range of career options to choose from including private practice, working in hospitals and clinics, wellness centres, teaching and research, Ayurvedic product development as well as public health. Private practice is a popular option where Ayurvedic doctors can provide consultations and treatments to patients.

With the growing demand for natural and complementary therapies, the career scope for Ayurvedic doctors is expected to increase in the future providing ample opportunities for career advancement and development.

• Holistic approach
• Growing demand
• Flexible practice
• Personal satisfaction

• Education and training
• Limited scope of practice
• Low earning potential
• Regulatory issues