Full Form of BAMS
BAMS-Ayurveda BAMS stands for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. It is an undergraduate degree focused on Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago.
Overview of BAMS
● Nature of the Degree: BAMS is a professional degree that trains students in the principles and
practices of Ayurveda. Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach to health, balancing the body,
mind, and spirit through natural therapies, diet, and lifestyle.
Curriculum and Duration
● Duration: The BAMS program typically lasts 5.5 years, including 4.5 years of academic
coursework and a 1-year mandatory internship.
● Curriculum: The curriculum covers various aspects of Ayurvedic medicine:
● Basic Sciences: Includes subjects like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology,
microbiology, and pharmacology.
● Ayurvedic Principles: Studies classical Ayurvedic texts, principles of Ayurvedic medicine,
and techniques. Key areas include:
● Sharir Rachana (Anatomy): Study of the structure of the human body.
● Sharir Kriya (Physiology): Study of the functions of the human body.
● Dravyaguna Vigyan (Materia Medica and Pharmacology): Study of medicinal
herbs and their properties.
● Rasa Shastra (Pharmaceuticals and Alchemy): Preparation of Ayurvedic
medicines.
● Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine): Diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
● Panchakarma (Detoxification and Purification): Techniques for cleansing and
rejuvenating the body.
● Shalyatantra (Surgery): Principles and practices of surgery.
● Stri Roga & Prasuti Tantra (Gynecology and Obstetrics): Women's health and
childbirth.
● Clinical Training: Involves practical experience in diagnosing and treating patients using
Ayurvedic methods.
Admission Requirements
● Educational Background: Candidates typically need to have completed high school with a focus
on science subjects, particularly biology, chemistry, and physics.
● Entrance Exams: Admission usually requires passing a competitive entrance examination, such
as NEET in India.
Training and Practice
● Internship: After completing academic coursework, students must undergo a 1-year compulsory
rotatory internship in various departments to gain hands-on experience.
● Licensing: Graduates must obtain a license to practice Ayurvedic medicine, which typically
involves registering with a professional regulatory body.
Recognition and Equivalents
● The BAMS degree is recognized in countries where Ayurveda is practiced, especially in South
Asia. Recognition may vary internationally, and practitioners might need additional qualifications
to practice in other regions.
Career Opportunities
● Clinical Practice: Graduates can work as Ayurvedic practitioners in private practice, hospitals,
wellness centers, and Ayurvedic resorts.
● Specialization: Postgraduate studies and specialization in specific areas of Ayurveda are
available for further expertise.
● Research and Teaching: Opportunities exist in academic institutions and research centers for
those interested in advancing the field of Ayurveda.
● Healthcare Management: Graduates can also pursue careers in healthcare management,
administration, and public health sectors related to traditional medicine.
● Pharmaceuticals: Careers in Ayurvedic pharmaceutical companies, involved in the production and
marketing of Ayurvedic medicines.
Challenges and Rewards
● Challenges: Practicing Ayurveda requires a deep understanding of its holistic principles and
integrating them with modern healthcare practices. Continuous learning and adapting to new
research are essential.
● Rewards: The profession offers the satisfaction of promoting natural and holistic health
practices, contributing to the well-being of patients, and preserving ancient medical knowledge.
Ayurvedic Principles
● Tridosha Theory: Ayurveda is based on the concept of three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha),
which are fundamental bodily energies. Health is maintained by balancing these doshas.
● Prakriti (Constitution): Each person has a unique constitution based on the balance of the
doshas, which influences their health, behavior, and susceptibility to diseases.
● Holistic Approach: Ayurveda treats the whole person, considering physical, mental, and spiritual
aspects, rather than just the symptoms of a disease.
● Natural Therapies: Treatment methods include herbal remedies, dietary changes, yoga,
meditation, and Panchakarma therapies for detoxification and rejuvenation.
The BAMS degree prepares students for a career in Ayurvedic medicine, offering comprehensive
knowledge and practical skills in this ancient holistic system. It opens various career pathways in clinical
practice, research, education, and healthcare management, contributing to the preservation and growth of
Ayurveda.