History
The California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine (CAAM) was founded in 1998, marking a pivotal moment for Ayurveda in the U.S. With the establishment of California’s first state-approved Ayurvedic educational institution, it became evident that Ayurveda was on the path to becoming a legally recognized profession. This milestone brought a responsibility to develop standards for education, practice, and ethics, ensuring the safety of the community and promoting the credibility and growth of Ayurveda in California.
To meet these ambitious goals, CAAM was created as a 501C6 nonprofit by a dedicated group of visionary practitioners. Our mission is to unite Ayurveda professionals, educational institutions, suppliers, and enthusiasts across California. Through education, events, and active communication with healthcare peers and the broader community, we are building a unified voice for Ayurveda, driving positive health and well-being locally, nationally, and globally.
Today, CAAM is led by an Executive Committee consisting of a President, Treasurer, and Secretary, supported by a Board of 8-10 members. Additionally, we have various committees and a dedicated team of volunteers working to further our mission.
What We’ve Done…
1998: Ayurveda practitioners began meeting informally to define the mission and goals of CAAM.
2000: CAAM was formalized as a nonprofit 501C6 corporation. Founding members included Dr. Marc Halpern, Mamta Landerman, Mary Thompson, Dr. Andy Landerman, Ursula Greger, Lucina Aquilina, and Darla Mabery.
2001: CAAM hosted the First National Ayurveda Conference in the U.S. at UC Berkeley, uniting students, mentors, educational institutions, suppliers, and practitioners. This event catalyzed the growth of the Ayurveda network in the U.S.
2002: CAAM, continuing to hold annual conferences, was instrumental in having Ayurveda recognized as a medical science by the White House Commission, alongside Allopathy, TCM, and Naturopathy.
Senate Bill 577: CAAM played a key role in passing this bill, which expanded the legal practice of Ayurveda and supported the growth of educational institutions and professionals in California.
Ongoing Efforts: CAAM continues to present forums and webinars, working with the National Association of Ayurvedic Medicine to drive Ayurveda’s growth.
Milestone Achievement: CAAM has secured the first Ayurveda malpractice insurance, covering professionals and teachers.
Our Goals…
Raise public awareness of Ayurveda.
Build a sustainable, unified Ayurveda community.
Serve as a resource for Ayurveda in California.
Provide a unified voice for advancing the Ayurveda profession.
Define the scope of practice for all levels of Ayurveda professionals.
Standardize Ayurveda education in California.
Set high standards for continuing education (CEU) for CAAM professionals.
Establish a Code of Ethical Standards for Ayurveda practice in California.
Offer access to malpractice insurance for CAAM professional members.
Advocate for state-approved licensure for Ayurveda practice in California.
Promote and support research related to Ayurveda.
Maintain regular communication with professionals through newsletters, journals, events, and digital media.
