Abstract
This paper takes an examination of the current state of Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine licensing in the United States. The histories of each medical system are briefly detailed along with that of western medicine. Then the licensing and requisite qualification requirements for medicine practice in the United States are explained. This paper posits that the successes of Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners in obtaining some minimal license requirements in most states are due to the political clout and structure of acupuncturist organizations. It then explains that while improvement could be experienced by both groups, Ayurvedic practice lags far behind Traditional Chinese Medicine in its licensing and practice qualifications.