Remembering David Simon

It is with sad hearts that we acknowledge the passing of Dr. David Simon on January 31, 2012. David shared his enthusiasm and love of Ayurveda with this community with such grace and generosity. We feel honored to have known him and to have been blessed with his many contributions to the field of Ayurveda and wellness. His kind spirit will remain in our hearts as a reminder of the wonderful work we can all do. Our prayers and best wishes go out to his family and all his many friends.

The NAMA Board of Directors

Warning About Proper Use of Neti Pots

Neti pots and other forms of nasal saline irrigation have been shown to be beneficial for various nasal and sinus symptoms. The Louisiana Department of Public Health issued a warning following the death of 2 Louisiana residents who died from a very rare brain infection caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri. This infection can occur when water containing the amoeba enters the nose, but not when the same water is taken by mouth. Louisiana state health officials recommend using distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water for neti pot use. They also recommend rinsing the neti pot after each use, then leaving it open to air dry. More info ...

Yashashree Mannur to Present on Conception at 2012 Conference

Swastha Babies/Swastha Communities: Practical Practices for Conception
Yashashree Mannur, BAMS

To create healthy babies, healthy seed potential from both parents is necessary. Sara (balanced/ optimum quality and quantity) shukra dhatu and artava are the key building blocks. Modern life can deplete healthy reproductive potential and negatively impact the health of offspring. Fortunately, there are simple and effective Ayurvedic practices such as shodhana / panchakarma, healthy diet and lifestyle, vajikaranas, rasayanas and mantras as illuminated by the classics to counter these effects. More ... .

Virender Sodhi to Present on Childhood Diseases at 2012 Conference

Ayurvedic Take on Childhood Diseases and Environmental Influences
Virender Sodhi, MD(Ayu), ND

Childhood asthma, dermatitis, middle ear infections, and asthma are on the rise. We are at the peak of environmental toxic load, and new chemicals are introduced into our environment without proper testing. Children are prescribed inhaled or topical steroids which are known to have serious side effects and health consequences. This presentation will describe how Ayurvedic medicine possesses an arsenal of herbs, lifestyle modification and yogic breathing techniques that can help.. More ... .

Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz to Present on Menopause at 2012 Conference

Ayurveda for Women's Transitions: Peri-menopause and Menopause
Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD

Transitions - monthly, seasonally and across the life span - are defining features of womanhood. They offer opportunities for resonance with nature and reconnection with the universe. Each transition offers a chance to embrace our true natures as beings of light, spirit, and manifestations of the power of nature. This presentation will look at ways in which allopathic medicine's approach to menopause and peri-menopause can be integrated and enhanced by Ayurvedic wisdom and practice. More ...

Robert Sachs to Present on Death and Panchabootas at 2012 Conference

Dying, Death, and the Dance of the Pancha Mahabhutas
Robert Sachs

In the process of dying, body, mind, and spirit undergo dissolution of doshas via natural, progressive breakdown of the five elements (pancha mahabhutas). Robert Sachs will explain this process and how it can become a profound opportunity for spiritual growth for dying patients and their loved ones. Death need no longer be something we do not discuss or embrace - it can become a part of life and a healing part of community growth. More ...

Standards for Training in Ayurveda in the U.S. Are Evolving

The Standards Committee continues to move forward with its commitment to identify and articulate good, responsible, minimum standards for the scope of practice and competencies for graduates and practitioners of Ayurveda in the U.S. and to have a draft ready to share with the community for input before the end of 2011. Explore the latest updates from the Standards Committee and the new Questions and Answers section for details.

Insurance Coverage for NAMA Practitioner Members

We are pleased to announce that for NAMA Practitioner Members, professional liability insurance for Ayurvedic services has become available through HUB International. Some of the areas covered are Ayurvedic Personal Wellness Consultations, Herbal Compound Mixes and Preparations and Massage Therapy. You can read more on what is covered on our Professional Liability Insurance for Ayurvedic Services page, as well as who to contact.

Invitation to Membership Subcommittees

The Membership Committee is bringing focused attention to meeting the needs of our major member categories, in order to fulfill our mission of supporting the development of the Ayurvedic profession. We wish to more deeply understand these groups in order to offer the kind of services that are most valuable to them. We invite you to make your voice heard through one of the following subcommittees: Practitioners, Students, Organizations, and Volunteers. Email the NAMA Administrator to learn more.

Have You Found Us on Facebook?

Our NAMA Facebook fan page is thriving, with new people joining every week. As of mid January, our page has 1,070 monthly active visitors; more than 2,329 people have “liked” the site. Visit the page to find out about news and updates on Ayurveda, explore online and live events. Become a fan today: Simply enter National Ayurvedic Medical Association in the Search box inside Facebook.