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An observational study of motivation and outcomes for training in Ayurveda
Marc T Edwards1, Susan A Gaylord2
1Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Physiology and Health, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, IA, USA.
Background:
Our prior research revealed that the desire for self-healing was a significant motivation for training in Ayurveda among alumni of one American university. Training led to increased self-rated health. The current study extends that work to look at a cross-section of Ayurvedic practitioners in the US in the context of a larger comparative study across the healing arts.
Methods:
Unfunded, anonymous online survey of a convenience sample of individuals solicited to respond via emails from the National Ayurvedic Medical Association, Maharishi International University, and others. Survey items focused on motivations for study, the related impact of training, characteristics of current practice, and measures of personal health and well-being, along with pertinent demographics.
Results:
Among 528 respondents, retrospectively self-rated health from training to the present increased from a mean [95% CI] of 4.5 [4.4-4.6] to 5.7 [5.6-5.8] on a 7-point adjectival scale. Perceived stress explains 5% of the variance in current self-rated health. Respondents chose to study Ayurveda to have meaningful work in helping others in combination with an interest in complementary/integrative medicine and an orientation towards health and spirituality, without great concern for prestige, social status, or income. Their current practice emphasizes helping clients learn how to heal themselves, particularly by addressing diet and lifestyle complemented with herbal therapy.
Conclusion:
The desire for health agency and spiritual growth are common motivations for the study of Ayurveda. Training in Ayurveda is associated with an increase in self-rated health. Study findings are pertinent to current issues among practitioners of mainstream medicine.
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