Question

Do you have to be Indian to practice Ayurvedic medicine?

Answer 1

Well, you don't have to be.

Answer 2

Hey there! Hello!

So, I actually find myself to be pretty keen on this topic, since my grandmother is an Ayurvedic practitioner and owns her own massage/Ayurvedic center. She also has a school in the state of Florida that teaches others how to be licensed Ayurvedic practitioners, as well!

Ayurvedic medicine has all kinds of forms, from herbal blends to essential oils that can either be formulated to a particular person or can be purchased by general dosha (kapha, vata, pitta, or tri-doshic). My family is caucasian and was born in America, and we have no Indian roots (that I know of). One thing that's recommended (and in some cases, required) is that someone who practices Ayurvedic medicine be trained and have a license to assure that no misuse of herbs/oils will take place, since they can sometimes conflict with any prescribed medicine someone receives from the doctors, or with things like pregnancy. Though I don't know which school, my grandmother did receive her Ayurvedic education here in America. 

Anyone who wants to learn more about Ayurveda in general should, at the very least, have an appreciation for it. The person does not necessarily have to be Indian, or any ethnicity in particular, to enjoy and respect Ayurveda and what it has to offer. My grandmother is one of these people who appreciates it, which is why she went to school to learn how to teach others about it. 

I hope this helped you out! Feel free to ask me any additional questions if you have any. :-)