Ayurveda in France
In recent years, we have witnessed a growing popularity of Ayurveda and an increase in specialized centers in France. The same questions often arise: Is Ayurveda truly legitimate in France? Isn't a genuine Ayurvedic treatment more authentic and effective in India?
Ayurveda is a term derived from Sanskrit and meaning "Science of Life." It draws its origins from the Vedas, a collection of sacred texts from ancient India, and is based primarily on the observation of nature and its variations. It encompasses a holistic approach to medicine and provides valuable guidance on the therapeutic use of plants, food, yoga, mantras, astrology, and more.
It is based on the theory of the 5 elements: Ether, Air, Fire, Water, Earth. These elements form the cosmos, the earth, and each individual. In human beings, they are concentrated in different proportions depending on the individual, in what can be called "subtle forces" or Doshas.
The theory of the five elements was also used in Greek, Japanese, Celtic, and Chinese cultures (although the names of two elements differ in the latter) and likely in other cultures as well. Historically, it is quite possible that India is the land of origin of this theory and that its principles spread throughout Asia and then to other continents. While Ayurveda is the traditional Indian medicine, the elements do not belong to a single culture; they simply exist. The Indians have preserved their traditional medicine, maintained the relevant texts, and generously disseminated this knowledge beyond their borders.
How many years are needed to become an Ayurvedic doctor and Ayurveda consultant? Today in India, a minimum of 6 or 7 years of study is required to become a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.
In France, Ayurvedic medicine is not officially recognized and there is no state-issued diploma. However, it is recognized by the WHO and there are reputable centers offering comprehensive professional training programs.
An Ayurveda consultant is able to provide lifestyle advice to an individual and offer appropriate external and internal treatments.
It is often estimated that a minimum of 3 years of study is necessary to become an Ayurveda Consultant, but in practice, several years of experience are needed to validate one's knowledge and demonstrate discernment in the field.
The number of years required actually depends on the practitioner, their ability to discern, and the richness of their experience.
Indeed, ancient texts written during the Vedic period up to the beginning of the Brahmanic period have survived through the ages before being translated. Like all ancient texts, without wishing to contradict or deny their sacred dimension, we cannot rely on their writings without exercising discernment, given that they come from a distant era when society, climate, and lifestyles were very different from the period in which we live today. While the fundamental principles remain unchanged, the treatments, application procedures, and analysis of new types of imbalances must be studied and/or re-evaluated.
The remedies suggested in the texts include local Indian plants, but Ayurveda primarily teaches us to adapt to our environment. Each country offers its own medicinal plants; France is no exception. As an Ayurvedic practitioner, it's important to know and utilize, as much as possible, the local resources to which our bodies are accustomed. Nevertheless, Ayurvedic treatments continue to prove their effectiveness, and there's no question of underestimating them here.
For the past 10 years, annual trips to Kerala to personally experience Ayurvedic treatments and organize trips for my clients and students have, beyond the human adventure, considerably enriched my knowledge; however, certain observations have led me to organize our last wonderful trip in 2024:
The journey to India is very long; from France, it's a minimum of 14 hours by plane, plus waiting time at the airport, plus the sometimes very long taxi ride from the airport to the clinic . A full week is sometimes necessary to adjust to the time difference and acclimatize.
In Kerala, the hot and humid climate can exacerbate problems for people with Pitta/Kapha imbalances. Conversely, this climate is often suitable for Vata imbalances during extended stays (more than three weeks); otherwise, travel, jet lag, and dietary changes initially worsen the condition. A typical example: people with a Kapha imbalance and water retention (edema and circulatory problems) experience an increase in symptoms due to the long flight and the hot, humid climate. A week is often necessary to treat this issue.
It cannot be ignored that the air, soil, and groundwater in India are particularly polluted. It is no longer uncommon to observe respiratory or infectious problems in individuals who were otherwise healthy before arriving at a clinic. Furthermore, consumer products (vegetables, grains, and spices) are generally not organically produced, although organic farming exists but is very rare in India. Many pesticides not authorized within the European Union are used there and can be the source of major long-term problems. Noise pollution can also be a source of discomfort depending on the location of the Ayurvedic center; however, some facilities are situated in natural settings. If this is an important factor for you, it is essential to inquire beforehand.
Finally, while stepping outside one's comfort zone can be beneficial from a general developmental perspective, it remains essential within the context of an Ayurvedic treatment, where the physical and emotional state can be disrupted and where good sleep is crucial. Sleep can be disturbed in India due to jet lag and the imbalance of the Vata dosha caused by travel, exacerbated by the bedding, which is often very firm, even hard, in Indian Ayurvedic clinics. For those who appreciate this type of comfort, this is certainly a rather encouraging point.
It seems important to point out that a large number of people travel to India each year to undergo Ayurvedic treatment and experience an improvement in their health after their stay. If thousands of people repeat the experience annually, they likely derive significant benefits. This article is not intended to underestimate the knowledge and expertise of the Indian teachers and doctors through whom these teachings have been disseminated. Rather, it addresses the current geographical, climatic, and environmental context.
Especially if you are an Ayurveda student, I encourage you to visit India and experience an Ayurvedic treatment there. This will allow you to benefit from the expertise of qualified local doctors, enjoy a change of scenery, experience the often warm welcome, and form your own opinion.
Regarding the issue of pollution, France is not exempt; however, we still benefit from areas where the air is particularly clean, and we are fortunate to find a growing number of producers offering environmentally friendly farming practices. It is worth noting that most Ayurvedic centers in France offer organic and locally sourced food. I emphasize this point because diet is fundamental to good health and optimal benefits from therapy.
Finally, although Ayurveda centers in France often do not have Ayurvedic doctors in the strict sense, that is to say, qualified because there is no state diploma (going to India for 6 or 7 years can be complicated), it remains nonetheless that serious practitioners often have several years of study and experience behind them with the advantage of an approach adapted to the climatic and socio-cultural environment.
While words have their value, nothing beats experience for forming an opinion. You can find contact information for Ayurvedic clinics in India in the Partners section of this website and by searching online.
And of course, we have been welcoming you for over 12 years for authentic Ayurvedic treatments with a highly qualified team and in a suitable environment: our Ayurvedic treatments in France and Morocco.
Amandine Galtier
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* It is important to note that the labels or federations of ayurveda and ayurvedic massage do not necessarily guarantee the quality of ayurveda centers but prove that the program of these centers falls within the official grids of a specification established by the state or the federations themselves.
The term "client" might seem to define a commercial transaction, but in France, the word "patient," according to the medical code of ethics, refers to a sick person receiving medical care and using the official healthcare system. As Ayurvedic practitioners, we cannot use this term. In an Ayurvedic center, the client (beyond simply paying a therapist for their services) is fortunately not at the heart of a commercial transaction, but rather of a change they have decided to initiate in their life, guided by an Ayurvedic professional.