Maharishi Ayurveda Association of America

The Maharishi Ayurveda Association of America (MAAA) is a U.S. nonprofit organization focused on promoting the principles and practices of Maharishi Ayurveda, an alternative approach to healthcare based on traditional Indian medicine. The organization is part of the broader Maharishi movement, which was founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the MAAA is to educate health professionals in the principles of Maharishi Ayurveda, which integrates mental, physical, behavioral, and environmental approaches to health. This educational framework aims to balance the three primary governing factors or doshas in Ayurveda—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—to promote well-being and prevent disease.

Education and Training

MAAA offers educational programs for healthcare professionals, including a comprehensive 66-hour Ayurveda Training Program. This curriculum includes Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses accredited in conjunction with other health institutions. Courses cover various aspects of Maharishi Ayurveda, such as physiological purification procedures, specific herbal preparations, and Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis.

Research and Funding

The association's activities are supported by research on the efficacy of Maharishi Ayurveda modalities. Over the past few decades, numerous studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals highlighting its potential benefits. The organization has also benefited from significant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for research into Maharishi Ayurveda components, such as the Transcendental Meditation technique.

Affiliations

Graduates of Maharishi Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine programs, like those offered by Maharishi University, are eligible for membership in the MAAA. This affiliation provides opportunities for networking with other professionals and specialists in integrative medicine.