Ayurvedic Teaching in Great Britain and Western Europe

Ayurvedic Teaching in Great Britain and W= estern Europe

ABSTRACT

With increasing numbers of people in the West turning to Ayurveda as an alternat= ive or an adjunct to conventional treatments, it is imperative to ensure that t= he practitioners of Ayurvedic Medicine are trained to a high level of competen= ce so that they can deliver safe and effective care. Short courses and an accelerated entry into the profession will defeat the objective of establis= hing Ayurveda as a viable system within mainstream health care services in Europe.

The f= irst higher education degree programme in Ayurveda outside India w= as validated by a British university in 1999. In 2004,MAYU= R: the first Ayurvedic University outside India was established in London in collaboration= with Manipal University, India.

The 24 modules which comprise the B.Sc (Hons) degree cover all aspects of Ayurveda= as well as relevant elements of biomedicine. Ayurvedic education in the West m= ust proceed from a strong base in the Vedic tradition from which this system of health care has originated. It also needs to prepare students for the reali= ties of modern practice, patient expectations and the regulatory frameworks in t= he various countries where this system of medicine is practised.

Ayurv= edic education in the West must also further the progress towards Integrated Medicine and responsible cross-referral. To this end, MAYUR has introduced Ayurveda and Yoga therapy modules within undergraduate medical education at= two of London= University’s leading medical schools.

The promotion of Ayurvedic treatments and clinics needs to be driven by a strong commitment to patient/public safety. This can only be achieved by rigorous education delivered to a high standard by appropriately qualified teachers. Potent medicines can cure. However, in the wrong hands, they can also cause serious harm. Education and training should ensure that practitioners are a= ware of the limits of their own expertise and know when they should refer on.

Excellence in medical knowledge, extensive practical experience, dexterity and purity- these are the four qualities of a physician.

It is better to die than to be treated by a physician ignorant of the science of medicine. Because, like a blind person groping with his hands or like a boat tossed by the wind, a quack physician administers treatment with apprehension because of his ignorance.

Charaka Samhita/Vimanasthana: 3/6; 15-16

Profe= ssor Shrikala Warrier MA, Ph.D, FH= EA

Registrar & Dean =

MAYUR: The Ayurvedic University of Europe