What is Ayurveda?

What to expect when you visit a therapist

A Brief History of Ayurveda

What to expect when you visit a therapist

You will be asked questions relating to your medical history and perhaps that of your immediate family. Lifestyle questions, such as stress levels, diet, exercise regimes, and sleep patterns will be asked to ensure that an holistic approach is taken, as well as asking you what health concerns you have.

A detailed picture of the patient is drawn up and all life changes are taken into consideration which means that you may need to visit the practitioner each time there is a change in your life or circumstances.

Various tests will be undertaken which include looking at the condition of your nails, checking your eyes, looking at the tongue to assess toxicity levels and examining the abdominal area.

Your physical appearance will be observed as the practitioner will need to identify your doshic constitution. Your pulse will be checked at three points on the wrist and you may be asked to give urine which will be assessed on its colour and odour.

You will then be given dietary advice concerning which foods to eat and when to eat them. In the Indian Sub-Continent areas some practitioners advise a cleansing and detoxification regime called "shodan" which includes enemas, laxatives and induced vomiting.

Increasingly in Europe, practitioners use oils in massage, for either the whole body or to the feet. Yoga, chanting, meditation, herbal preparations, head massages, and sunbathing are other treatments that might be suggested as a programme of recovery.

Your initial consultation will last around one hour and subsequent sessions last around 15-30 minutes. You may only need two to three sessions for minor ailments and up to several months of treatments for major illnesses. Sessions will normally be weekly.

Click here for a brief history of Ayurveda.

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