Elements and Performance Criteria

Major and minor forms of diagnosis include:
Trividha Pariksha (Threefold examination method)
Darshana (Observation)
Prashna (Questioning)
Sparshana (Touch)
Eightfold examination method
Nadi Pariksha (Pulse diagnosis)
Druka Pariksha ((Eye diagnosis)
Sparshana (Palpation)
Jivha Pariksha (Tongue diagnosis)
Mala Pariksha (Stool examination)
Mutra Pariksha (Urine examination)
Shabda Pariksha (Voice examination)
Akriti Pariksha ( General physical features, ie height, weight, deformation of limbs, nails, skin etc)
Any other method in which the practitioner has been trained to a competent standard
Procedure which is conducted according to legislative and regulatory requirements
Ayurvedic differential diagnosis

Treatment practices include:
Aharatatva (Treatment according to Ayurvedic Dietary and Nutrition principles based on Rasa and Guna Siddhanta)
Dravyaguna (Treatment by means of Ayurvedic preparations based on herbs, minerals and metals)
Shodhana Chikitsa (Purification or Detoxification treatment)
Shamana Chikitsa (Pacification or palliation)
Abhyanga (Massage or Oleation treatment)
Pancha Karma (Five-fold Ayurvedic cleansing process)
Langhana Chikitsa (Fasting or restricted diet or food intake)
Rasayana Chikitsa (Rejuvenation Treatment)

Definition of Ayurveda:
Ayurveda is translated as the 'Science of Life' and is a comprehensive approach to physical, mental and spiritual well-being that takes into account each individual's uniqueness and is concerned with self understanding and self responsibility.

Central philosophies of Ayurveda are:
Concepts of natural harmony and constitutional balance
The 5 basic elements - space, air, fire, water, earth
Constitutional types (Vata, Pitta & Kapha)
The 3 prime qualities or Gunas: Sattva - wholeness, integration, clarity, purity, lightness, 'being'; Rajas - activity, energy, passion, goal oriented, 'doing'; and Tamas - inertia, heaviness, dullness inconscience, 'sleep'
The 'digestive fire' (Agni); the health and integrity of the digestive system; the integrity of the tissues (Dhatus); and the flow of 'life forces' through subtle energy channels (Nadis)
The recognition of ourselves as spiritual beings, with an innate connection to the universal spirit/consciousness
Ojas tejas, prana

Measures are implemented could refer to:
Supervision of practice
Financial documentation
Documentation of medicine prescription and supply
Case notes
Practitioner qualification
Performance reviews
Current certification for special services offered - where appropriate
Clinic standards and procedures

Effective communication and interpersonal skills may include:
Active listening skills
Ability to establish rapport and trust
Eye contact
Verbal communication skills
Written communication skills
Empathy and respect
Ability to clarify needs
Conflict resolution skills
Negotiation skills
Presentation
Honesty and integrity

Opportunities for formal and informal development of skills and knowledge may include:
Articles, public presentations, interviews and other communications
Attendance at lectures or other education activities
Participation in research projects
Attendance of association meetings
Subscription to professional journals
Clinic supervision
Provision of, or attendance in, training
Study, distance-based learning

Critical aspects of assessment:
Ability to work or model work which demonstrates an understanding of underpinning values and philosophies in the Ayurvedic framework
Knowledge of the philosophies, principles and tools of Ayurvedic practice
Basic knowledge of a range of alternative and complementary therapies
Demonstrated ability to seek out and implement new industry findings and practices
Demonstrated documentation skills
Demonstrated ability to explain relevant products and services
Demonstrated communication skills in a one-to-one and group setting
Demonstrated ability to explain clinic guidelines and legislation
Demonstrated ability to undertake performance reviews
Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, coaching and/or mentorship
Demonstrated management skills
Team development skills

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Knowledge of philosophical tradition of Ayurvedic medicine
Knowledge of the history of Ayurvedic medicine
Knowledge about Vedic and Indus Valley heritage
Knowledge about the development of ayurveda from ancient times
Knowledge about the Four Vedas, (Rig, Yajur, Sama, Atharva Vedas)
Knowledge of the Charaka Samhitta
Knowledge of the Sushruta Samhitta
Knowledge of the Ashtanga Hridaya Samhitta
Knowledge of Other recently discovered scientific theories
Knowledge of the subtle life force (Prana)
Knowledge of the Five Elements (Pancha Mahabhutas)
Knowledge of Tridosha
Basic knowledge of the philosophy, principles and practices of other alternative and complementary therapies such as homeopathy, herbal medicine, nutrition and bodywork
Knowledge of how Ayurveda works with the conventional medical model
Knowledge of Ayurvedic bodywork
Communication skills in one-to-one and group settings
Knowledge of ethical issues in management
Knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements in the workplace
Communication skills in one-on-one and group settings
Knowledge of management issues and responsibilities
Knowledge of industry standards
Knowledge of team development issues

Resource implications:
Resource requirements may include:
Relevant texts or medical manuals
Relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments
Appropriate assessment environment
Skilled assessors

Method of Assessment:
Assessment may include:
Practical demonstration and simulations
Short tests and essays
Oral questioning and discussion
Case studies and scenarios

Context of Assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of work conditions. Assessment may contain both theoretical and practical components examples covering a range of clinical situations.