New and Improved Membership Platform Coming Soon

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We’re excited to announce that NAMA will be rolling out a new membership system that will enhance your online experience and enable you to easily find and track all your membership activities in one place. NAMA is bringing a system with new features and processes that will give you benefits, such as the following:

  • Ability to track your credits, certification status, and membership dues all in one place

  • Easy links to personalized member pricing for events/products

  • Easier process for submitting and viewing your PACE credits

  • Ability to connect with other NAMA members through the Member Directory

  • A more interactive and dynamic conference experience

  • Streamlined billing

  • A robust and user-friendly Learning Management System (LMS)

  • And more…

We will be launching at the end of February and ready to debut the expanded new features that will make your NAMA experience a rewarding one. We will keep you posted on our progress to give you enough time to plan for a seamless transition. While we are migrating to the new membership system, you will not be able access the following functions between February 10 and February 28, 2023: 

  • Upload PACE credits

  • Create PACE listings 

  • Submit exam applications 

  • View recorded SIA/Conference videos 

  • Take quizzes for continuing education credits (PACE)

  • Make any profile updates 

Once the new membership system is live, we will provide you with instructional resources to help you navigate the enhanced features. Stay tuned!

Through this transition, NAMA will still host the following events, and you will be able to get PACE credits that will be posted in March 2023, if applicable: 

2/13/23 ~ Student Members Mingle: Everything You Need to Know about NAMACB Exams & Board Certification. 

2/16/23 ~ DEI Conscious Conversations: Ayurveda for All: How to Make Our Ayurveda Practice More Inclusive 

2/27/23 ~ Seminar in Ayurveda: An Ayurvedic View of Management of Psoriasis 

If you have any questions on the transition, membership, or continuing education, please feel free to reach out to Gail Naas, Membership Director, at nama@ayurvedanama.org. 

Thank you for your support and patience as NAMA rejuvenates and grows!  
NAMA Team 

 

2023 Conference Volunteer Applications are Open!

NAMA is now accepting applications for volunteer positions at the 2023 NAMA Conference. This is a wonderful opportunity for NAMA members to become more involved with the coordination and execution of our Annual Conference. To show our appreciation, qualified volunteers who meet the 10-12 hours of commitment will receive a $100 NAMA Scholarship (details below).

Applications will close February 14, 2023
don't wait to apply!

 

What’s the process to become a volunteer?

  1. Register for the conference!

  2. Review the volunteer roles (below), and consider which one(s) you'd like to fill.

  3. Complete and submit the conference volunteer application (below)

  4. The volunteer coordinator will follow up with you.

  5. Be prepared to attend a mandatory conference volunteer orientation (online) that will be scheduled for early April.

  6. In the weeks leading up to the conference, you'll be prompted to review and finalize the volunteer schedule.

  7. Arrive at the conference early to check in as a volunteer and do any in-person volunteer trainings that may be necessary.


How much time is required?

During the conference, volunteers should expect to devote approximately 10 to 12 hours.

What skills are required?

In addition to effective verbal communication skills, the ability to adapt to schedule changes is helpful. Leadership skills can also be helpful, as volunteers often serve as guides to direct the flow of traffic during the conference.

We believe any NAMA member already has the sufficient skills to volunteer. If any additional skills are needed, then we can train you.

What are the benefits of volunteering?

  • Use your skills to help execute a safe and worthwhile Ayurvedic conference.

  • Receive a $100 NAMA Scholarship*.

  • Network with Ayurvedic leaders, speakers, staff and fellow volunteers.

  • Exercise your leadership skills.

  • Have FUN!

What volunteer roles are available?

  • Registration/Conference Concierge
    Help register/check-in attendees and answer basic questions about the conference. This role occurs throughout the event.

  • Session Monitor
    Arrive to the assigned session 30 minutes early to inform the presenter that you'll be monitoring their session, tracking time and helping presenters and moderators as necessary.

  • Videographer Assistant
    Facilitate the videographer's team as needed. For example, you may be asked to be a liaison between the videographer's team and the volunteer team or help them store and retrieve their equipment from restricted areas. No experience with videography necessary.

  • Sponsors & Exhibitors Assistant
    Assist the sponsors/exhibitor team as needed. For example, helping with the storage and retrieval of their equipment. No previous experience necessary.


What are NAMA Scholarship funds?

NAMA Scholarships are funds that can be used exclusively within NAMA (membership dues, past recordings, 2024 Annual Conference registration) and must be used within 12 months. Please note, this scholarship is single-use; if you choose to apply the scholarship to an amount less than $100, you will forfeit the difference.

 

Interested in Presenting a Seminar in Ayurveda?

We are currently looking for presenters for the 2024 Seminars in Ayurveda schedule (last Monday of the month; January-October). If you have a seminar topic or area of expertise you'd like to present, we'd love to hear from you!

Applications for any topic are welcome from Professional Members of any level. Two (2) PACE credits can be earned for presenting a Seminar.

Need some ideas? Here are a few topics we'd like to include in next year's lineup:

  • Men's health

  • Bone health

  • Mental health

  • Vertigo

  • Thyroid

  • Geriatrics

  • Gallbladder

  • PCOS/Fibroids

Upcoming Events from NAMA's Affiliate Organizations

In addition to NAMA’s own 19th Annual Conference, our State and Affiliate Organizations are offering incredible opportunities to study and share Ayurveda in the coming months. Click the links below or check out their websites for all the details. See you there!

The Ayurveda Practitioner Association (APA), based in the United Kingdom, is hosting the following two events:

APA Webinar: A deeply integrative approach to Women's Health & Hormones in Ayurveda
with Dr. Claudia Welch

Saturday, January 28, 2023 | 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm GMT

While the classics of Ayurveda do not directly name hormones, they offer an elegant lens through which we can understand them. We plan to briefly outline this lens, consider three possible categories of causes of hormonal imbalance, and explore what constitutes a truly integrative approach to all causes.

APA Workshop: Understanding Srotas & their clinical application
with Dr. Aakash Kembhavi

Saturday, March 11, 2023 | 11:30 am - 3:30 pm GMT

Improve your Ayurvedic clinical skills by deepening your understanding of the Ayurvedic concept of Srotas (‘body channels’ or ‘channels of circulation’) and its application to different health conditions. During this interactive workshop, Dr Aakash Kembhavi will take a deep dive into each of the 13 Srotamsi, including the origin, passage, opening and functioning of each srota, along with the signs of vitiation by the three Doshas. 

The Ayurveda Association of Wisconsin (AAW) has four fantastic opportunities to learn and share:

Chanting & Mantra Practice: The Sanskrit Alphabet
with Raka Bandyo

Sunday, February 26th, 2023 | 6:30 - 8:00 PM CT

This workshop incorporates the perception of sound and the action of voice as a tool for healing the self and others. Access the Ākāśa tattva by understanding the sounds of the Sanskrit Alphabet in greater detail. Join us to practice recognizing the Devanāgarī script, pronouncing the Sanskrit sounds, and reciting simple yet powerful mantras.

Free for AAW Members | $15 Non-members

The Future of Ayurveda
with Hilary Garivaltis

Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023 | 6:30 - 7:30 PM CT

Join AAW President Tresa Laferty and guest speaker Hilary Garivaltis, former NAMA executive director, for a casual conversation about the future of Ayurveda. Learn how Ayurveda has grown over the years and what may be on the horizon for those interested in utilizing Ayurveda on their wellness journey and the professionals who will guide them. Bring your questions.

AAW Community Free Event. Anyone interested in Ayurveda is welcome to attend.

 

Ayurveda Business Fundamentals - Part One
with Karla A. Cain

Wednesday, May 10th, 2023 | 6:30 - 8:00 PM CT

Whether you have had an Ayurvedic or Holistic health practice for years or are a student who is just preparing to begin your practice, this workshop is for you! Presented by Karla A. Cain, former business development officer for a Fortune 500 company, holistic business mentor, and owner of Sattvic Sage Ayurveda. Join us to learn about creating a strong CRM, legal practice documentation, terminology, and organizing your future business. 

Free for AAW Members | $15 Non-members

Marketing & Promotion 101 - Part Two
with Karla A. Cain

Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 | 6:30 - 8:00 PM CT

Whether you have had an Ayurvedic or Holistic health practice for years or are a student who is just preparing to begin your practice, this workshop is for you! Presented by Karla A. Cain, former business development officer for a Fortune 500 company, holistic business mentor, and owner of Sattvic Sage Ayurveda. Join us to learn about marketing considerations, fundamental pieces and tactics, website musts, product sales/pricing, social media, and more.

Free for AAW Members | $15 Non-members

 

Remember, you can always visit NAMA’s Find An Affiliate Organization page to learn more about all of our affiliate and state organizations and see all of their upcoming events, programs and conferences!

NAMA Grand Rounds Coming: Call for Speakers

NAMA’s BAMS Task Force is excited to announce a Call for Speakers for NAMA’s Ayurveda Grand Rounds, which will be held virtually on July 17, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time. NAMA Ayurvedic Doctor Professional Members may apply.

All NAMA members are encouraged to attend, so please mark your calendars.  

What are NAMA Grand Rounds?

Grand Rounds are a formal meeting of Ayurvedic vaidyas and doctors showcasing the art and science of Ayurveda in a case presentation and clinical discussion. This event will incorporate clinical discussion of two cases on the topic of Asthivaha Srotas Vyadhi in Women, which will highlight the complexity and high standards of clinical Ayurvedic practice. 

Speaker Presentations

Speaker presentations must be supported by classical Ayurveda references, demonstrate a thorough understanding of the disease process (pathogenesis), and include a diagnosis (nidana) and an explanation of the appropriate treatment (chikitsa) and relevant research if applicable. Each presentation will be allotted 45 minutes, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session.

Speakers will present at the Ayurvedic Doctor level. All NAMA members are invited to attend the Grand Rounds. Two (2) PACE credits will be awarded to Professional Members who remain logged in for the duration of the event.

Application deadline: February 28, 2023
Submit: Apply here.
Speaker Education Requirement: AD, BAMS, MD (Ayu), or PhD (Ayu)
Speaker Membership Requirement: Applicants must be NAMA Professional Members/Ayurvedic Doctor
Questions: Gail Naas, Membership Director

We look forward to your applications.  

NAMA’s BAMS Task Force

Rucha Kelkar, Chair, PT, DPT, BAMS, AD AYT
Monika Manohar, BAMS, AD
Rasika Sonaji, BAMS, AD
Geethanjali Ballapuram, BAMS, AD
Bharathi Venkatachalapathy, BAMS, AD FAIHM

Spotlight on Pre-conference Practicums

Pre-conference Practicums will be held on Friday, April 28. These three-hour sessions are designed to provide our professionals with hands-on experience in Ayurvedic applications and in-depth exposure to the topics.

This year, pre-conference practicum sessions are included in your conference registration package and do not require a separate registration! All participants may choose which of the following presentations to attend.

EXPLORING MARMA THERAPY: SELF-HEALING AT YOUR HANDS

with Madison Madden, AD, Alana Greennberg, CAP, Melissa Comacho, LAc, CAP, and Kathy Jo Staheli, AD (Moderator)
Friday, April 28, 8:30 - 11:30 AM

 

GO TO MARKET: AN ACTION PLAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS

with Isaac Brody, Kate O'Donnell, CAP, Karan Chopra, and Heather Grzych, CAP (Moderator)
Friday, April 28, 8:30 - 11:30 AM

Join Us For Our 19th Annual Conference!
April 28- 30, 2023

earn pace credit

NAMA Professional Members can earn 15 PACE credits for attending the full conference. Three additional PACE credits can be earned for attending the Post-Conference Practicum (separate registration required).

Announcing 2023 Seminars in Ayurveda

All ten of the 2023 Seminars in Ayurveda have now been published. Developed and hosted by the NAMA's PACE program, live Seminars in Ayurveda are free, 60-minute webinars. They are open to the public and aim to enhance the Ayurvedic profession through educational engagement. PACE credit is available to NAMA members only.

Seminars in Ayurveda are held on the fourth Monday of the month (January - October), at 5 PM Pacific | 8 PM Eastern.

January 23: AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF TINNITUS

February 27: MUSCLE BUILDING – AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE

March 27: RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH

April 24: AN AYURVEDIC VIEW OF MANAGEMENT OF PSORIASIS

May 22: HERBAL SAFETY: HOW TO FIND GOOD QUALITY HERBS

June 26: REMOTE VIRTUAL PULSE ASSESSMENT (NADI PARIKSHA) IN CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

July 24: AN AYURVEDIC SOLUTION TO STRESSFUL EATING: GOOD/BAD FOOD CHOICES

August 28: BIOLOGY OF CANCER AND THE AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE

September 25: RASAYANA CHIKITSA FOR FASCIAL HEALTH AND CHRONIC PAIN RELIEF

October 23: REVERSE TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN AYURVEDA: INTEGRATING AYURVEDA INTO CANCER RESEARCH

Welcoming the New Year with NAMA

Greetings to All of Our Members,

As we reflect on the past year and as the new year begins, we’d like to pause in gratitude and appreciation for NAMA members, volunteers, supporters, friends, and staff who have contributed to the continued growth of NAMA. We recognize and honor the dedicated volunteers who have devoted their time, knowledge, and experience to NAMA for many years and have now stepped down from their positions. Their significant impact, steady leadership, and expert guidance have helped shape Ayurveda in the United States and will undoubtedly continue to do so in the years to come.

In 2022, the association rejuvenated, grew stronger, and a widened its reach more than ever before. We are welcoming a new Executive Director, staff members, board members, and volunteers, all united in our vision to continue to share and promote Ayurveda in the United States. Over the past two decades, NAMA’s core values and mission have not wavered, thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers and staff. There are currently over 70 members volunteering their time on the 15+ committees and subcommittees of the association. We invite you to become involved in NAMA as a volunteer in 2023. The vibrant and dynamic Ayurvedic community that has come together continues to empower individuals, communities, and humanity to enhance health, well-being, and self-awareness through Ayurveda. 

We are confident that 2023 will be an amazing year. NAMA is growing! We have so many great offerings and member benefits, so please keep an eye on your email and social media. We thank you all for continuing to support NAMA through donations, volunteering, attending the conference or our events, sharing the news about NAMA, and, of course, sharing Ayurveda with your community. 

We wish much light to you in the year ahead. 

Warmly,

Jayarajan Kodikannath, BSc, BAMS, AD
NAMA President

Meet the Featured Presenters

April 28-30, 2023

NAMA’s 2023 Annual Conference will take place from Friday, April 28 - Sunday, April 30, 2023, in beautiful Boone, North Carolina at the Art of Living Retreat Center. This upcoming live-only conference will include three renowned featured speakers and multiple opportunities for our community members to come together and explore a variety of topics and learning formats.

NAMA Professional Members can earn 15 PACE credits for attending the full conference. Three additional PACE credits can be earned for attending the Post-Conference Practicum (separate registration required).

2023 Featured Presenters

AYURVEDA IN MODERN TIMES

with Vasant Lad, BAMS, MASC

Vasant Lad is a native of India and served for three years as the Medical Director of the Ayurveda Hospital in Pune, India. He was a Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Pune University College of Ayurvedic Medicine for 15 years. He holds a BAMS degree from the University of Pune and a Master’s of Ayurvedic Science (MAsc) degree from Tilak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya. His academic and practical training includes the study of allopathy (Western medicine) and surgery as well as traditional Ayurveda. He traveled to the U.S. in 1979 and started the Ayurvedic Institute in 1984. The author of numerous books, Vasant Lad is respected throughout the world for his knowledge of Ayurveda. His work, which comprises over 500,000 copies of his books in print in the U.S., has been translated into more than 20 languages.

Ramkumar Kutty, BAMS, is a student of Ayurveda and has spoken across the world for 20+ years. Ramkumar is the Founder of Punarnava Ayurveda, committed to “Authentic Ayurveda for Universal Well Being.” He is creating vaidyagrama, an experimental self-sustaining Ayurveda healing community.

INTEGRATING AYURVEDA INTO WESTERN MEDICINE

with Sheila Patel, MD

Dr. Sheila Patel, MD, is Chopra’s Chief Medical Officer and a board-certified family physician who combines the best of conventional medicine with Ayurveda to help people achieve optimal mind, body, spirit well-being. She is a certified yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic lifestyle teacher and is a lead educator in the Chopra certification programs. She teaches in a variety of settings and enjoys bringing light to the science and mechanisms of action of mind-body practices

 

Donation Announcement from Hilary

Dear NAMA Friends,

Well, this is my last official post as your Executive Director…

I want to share how honored I have been to serve Ayurveda through this amazing organization and ask you all to join me in an end-of-year donation to continue to support the hardworking, dedicated, and fabulous team that drives NAMA’s success. Please share whatever you can. Every donation makes an enormous difference.

Many blessings to you all. I wish you the Happiest of Holidays and a New Year full of wonderful growth and opportunities!

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