Medical Disclaimer:
AYURVEDIC DOCTOR AND AYURVEDIC YOGA THERAPIST
Antonio (Vishnu) Aragona AD, is not a medical doctor or osteopathic physician. His certification of AD is similar to that of a doctorate, as per a strictly outlined process created by NAMA (National Ayurveda Medical Association), based on his education, training, and clinical background he has met the requirements as a professional member at the Ayurvedic Doctor (AD) level, along with satisfying the requirements for Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist (AYT). NAMA is a leading Ayurveda organization creating standards for what it means to practice Ayurveda in the USA. Furthermore, the title of Doctor of Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine, according to the Samudra Ayurvedic Physician Program (which is based on the Shuddha or “pure” Ayurveda lineage/gurukula style(mentorship), has its roots in the original Ayurveda pre-BAMS curriculum and integration of western/English influence.) By NO MEANS is this to be confused with becoming a medical doctor (MD) which requires a whole other level of training and licensure, as per Western/allopathic standards. Seeing Dr. Aragona is not a replacement for an MD/DO. Here is an additional (paraphrased) statement of “Understanding" that is signed in the initial Guidelines form before working with Antonio Aragona:
I understand that Antonio Aragona is a Doctor of Ayurveda, who provides me with education, Ayurvedic coaching, and information on the Ayurvedic approach to healthcare, which may affect my diet, lifestyle, and health positively. I understand that Antonio may be referred to as Dr. Aragona as a result of the NAMA recognition but I also understand that Antonio is NOT a medical doctor or licensed medical practitioner, has not presented himself as such, and does not seek to diagnose, treat or prescribe for diseases, disorders or other pathological conditions. I agree that I am interested in enhancing my own abilities to regain balance and establish health in mind and body, and this is the reason I have sought his Ayurvedic services. I agree that I may consult a licensed physician for any concern, at any time, about any disease or pathology, which now exists or arises at any time during my professional relationship with Antonio. I understand that Antonio encourages regular medical checkups from a licensed medical professional of my choice and that any medication that I am now taking upon my licensed physician’s advice, or will take in the future, is taken strictly according to my licensed physician’s directions. I also understand that only a licensed physician of my choice can advise on medication dosages or the discontinuance or resumption of such medication.
SEE NAMA HERE
Dr. Antonio:
*Educates clients, members, students.
* Recommends natural products, formulations, and supplements.
*Provides education on Ayurvedic knowledge and perspectives on health and traditional perspectives on dysfunction.
* Provides education and suggestions on health improvement and general traditional techniques according to Ayurveda.
*Improves, supports, and promotes health and its functions.
*Educates on how to make better choices for positive health and quality of life.
STILL POINT AYURVEDA
Still Point Ayurveda is a complimentary Ayurvedic holistic wellness center designed to be informative, educative, and supportive of establishing a balance of health within body-mind-spirit, through maintenance of health and prevention of imbalances. Still Point Ayurveda has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of the information, treatments, or products are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. For medical concerns or before making changes to your diet or lifestyle, please consult your physician.
Please DO NOT take Still Point Ayurveda as a means to substitute your medical treatment. Ayurveda Therapy is a long-term, slow-acting therapy that includes diet, lifestyle changes along with stress management with Ayurvedic bodywork, yoga, and meditation practices. IT IS NOT A MEDICAL PLAN. It is the therapy that slowly builds immunity introducing healthy habits for improvement of health and helps to prevent the risk of imbalances such as chronic diseases. It is NOT AN ALTERNATIVE PLAN for medical treatment.
Still Point Ayurveda is NOT a medical facility or provides emergency services.
Please call your physician, medical facility, or emergency services for ALL medical complaints.
Please note - Still Point Ayurveda is not a yoga studio. Private sessions of yoga and Abhyanga (Ayurvedic bodywork/massage with external application of oil) are provided as a physical exercise plan and detoxifying stress management tool respectively to support an Ayurvedic Program and Ayurvedic Lifestyle.
DISCLAIMER AND CLARIFICATION OF USA-BASED AYURVEDIC PRACTICES
Currently, there is no unified governmental body or agency that oversees Ayurvedic medicine or Ayurvedic practice (practitioners of any kind) here in the United States of America as there is in India. Whereas, in India, two governing organizations provide the foundation and framework for education, healthcare, and medicine known as AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) and the CCIM (Central Council of Indian Medicine.)
There is no Ayurvedic medical license available in the USA. However, there are discussions of what this could or should look like and even if there is a need for this at this time amongst state-by-state organizations such as but not limited to NAMA, CAAM, and AAPNA. Additionally, these and similar organizations have created their structured mission statements and criteria for who qualifies as an Ayurvedic practitioner. In India, as per the history and tradition of this system of medicine, an individual is a Physician of Ayurveda (Vaidya) with various degrees of practice, education, and mastery, a technician (similar to a nurse) known as “Paricharaka”, or Ayurvedic Pharmacist. Whereas, in the USA, some of these organizations have revamped the overall levels and created tiers such as counselor level, practitioner level, clinical specialist in Ayurveda, Doctor of Ayurveda, and some may recognize an Ayurvedic Physician at the level of BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) that has graduated Ayurvedic medical school in India. These levels are still being considered as per appropriateness and relevance to the original standards of India which indicates the level of training that keeps Ayurveda in its fullest integrity. Some organizations may include the “Gurukula” style of authentic Ayurvedic training, otherwise known as Shuddha Ayurveda or Pure Ayurveda, which involves a direct relationship with a teacher who is a recognized practicing Vaidya and through such a lineage is receiving the possible highest level of Ayurvedic training in keeping with the original science that pre-dates the integration of western medicine as per the colonization of the English, which is why this of considered “Pure Ayurveda”. As these USA-based organizations are evolving, there is an ambiguity at this time as to who is doing what or what can be recognized or not.
Though, some of the practitioners that have been trained here in the USA, by various programs with differing models, can cause confusion and some invalidation when going to India and presenting themselves as such. In India, there is no confusion about who has learned what if they learned either through a BAMS curriculum or a Gurukula-style lineage of Shuddha Ayurveda. However, Ayurvedic Physicians in India and within the Ayurvedic community generally recognize the individual from wherever they may have been trained in Ayurveda if it was from a proper Vaidya and Gurukula style mentorship that utilizes the samhitas (original medical texts of all Ayurvedic Physicians.) Lastly, due to the distinction of practices between the USA and India, the full scope of Ayurvedic practice can be performed in India. Whereas, Ayurvedic practitioners/physicians/doctors are limited in the USA overall and state-by-state, which is also determined by whether the state is a Health Freedom State, of which there are presently only 11. Therefore, the various levels established here in the USA have their limits based on the training individuals have had.
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