National Ayurvedic Medical Association

HISTORY In 1998, four people, passionately interested in the expansion of Ayurveda in America, began to meet monthly to formulate a structure to support the Ayurvedic Practitioner and classical Ayurvedic education and practice in the U.S. In 2000, they incorporated as the National Ayurvedic Medical Association. The founding board members were Kumar Batra, Cynthia Copple, Marc Halpern and Wynn Werner. NAMA has grown to become a twelve member elected board of directors with more than 1,000 members. Every year, a minimum of four board seats are slated for election. This allows for continuity within the board while providing membership the opportunity to nominate and elect sitting or new candidates. NAMA has various committees that support the key work efforts of the association, including Membership, Standards, Communications, Ethics, Elections and Conference Planning Committees. Other committees and work groups are established as needed for the effective work of the organization. One of NAMA’s primary goals to support Ayurvedic education and the resulting professional practices. The Standards Committee has been very active in surveying Ayurvedic education and setting standards for professional members. With more than 30 Ayurvedic schools offering programs throughout the country, NAMA strives to support the profession of Ayurveda; and works to increase visibility and opportunity for Ayurvedic professionals. Since 2003, NAMA has offered successful Ayurvedic conferences in various cities throughout U.S. These national conferences offer increased depth of knowledge for developing Ayurvedic professionals. Listen to an interview with Cynthia Copple about the founding of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association. After 15 years on the board, Cynthia completed her final term on October 31, 2013. This interview was conducted on November 17, 2013, by Gwen Nagano, former board president. The National Ayurvedic Medical Association is a national organization representing the Ayurvedic profession in The United States of America. Its mission is to preserve, protect, improve and promote the philosophy, knowledge, science and practice of Ayurveda for the benefit of humanity. Vision Statement NAMA is the voice of the Ayurvedic community that empowers individuals, communities and humanity to achieve health and well being through Ayurveda. Purpose The purpose of the Association is to provide leadership within the Ayurvedic profession and to promote a positive vision for Ayurveda and its holistic approach to health and wellness. We will carry out our mission by creating and implementing a dynamic strategic plan to ensure the professional growth and success of Ayurveda. Goals To serve as a representative membership organization of the Ayurvedic profession. To serve as an official spokesperson for and representative of the Ayurvedic profession in the United States. To establish and maintain standards of education, ethics, professional competency and licensing. To establish in the public mind an understanding which will assure maximum recognition and acceptance of the Ayurvedic profession, its programs and practices. To establish and maintain desirable relationships within the Ayurvedic profession, other professions, organizations, governmental agencies, groups and with all reputable organizations of the Ayurvedic profession throughout the world carrying out compatible purposes. To promote, assist and cooperate with local and state Ayurvedic associations in implementing our mission and purposes.To affect public policy and legislation in all matters pertaining to Ayurveda. To support the establishment of licensing for the practice of Ayurvedic medicine. To develop, participate in, conduct and support Ayurvedic research programs consistent with Ayurvedic principles. To maintain the science of Ayurveda as a separate and distinct healing arts profession. To do all things necessary, proper and not contrary to law in the interests of the Association and its members in carrying out the foregoing mission and purposes.