Ayurvedic doctors say: “We do not cure any individual diseases, we cure the person.”
According to Ayurvedic teachings, health is the balance of three energies called doshas. All three of these doshas are present in every person – Vata (air), Pitta (fire) and Kapha (earth and water), however, the ratio of these doshas is different depending on the person. This proportion determines the natural constitution of a person from birth, and this constitution is always unique. However, if the balance of doshas is disturbed, the person becomes ill. The goal of Ayurveda is, to therefore balance the distribution of doshas, to cure any and all ailments caused by it.
But, how does the doctor determine, or fix this problem?
An Ayurvedic doctor unravels the innate constitution, and ratio of doshas, according to Ayurveda. (That is, the ratio of vata, pitta, kapha, as what it was at birth and/or as is at the current moment.) Understanding this constitution (prakriti) is necessary for a doctor to determine hereditary predisposition to diseases. The current imbalance (vikriti) reveals the current ratio of doshas, which determines the physical problem that the patient may currently experience.
If the patient has any medical results from previous tests and/or studies, these can be shown to the doctor. However, Ayurveda has its own diagnostic methods, and therefore although prior tests may provide additional of information to the Ayurveda doctor, these won’t be the major focus.
Ayurvedic diagnostics allow to see not just diseases that have already manifested, but also those that exist in the embryo, not yet visible in tests. After all, according to Ayurveda, a disease has six stages of development, while out of those, only the last two are manifested as painful symptoms and may be identified by medical tests.
A consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor at our center includes a detailed survey of complaints, medical history, if any, a general Ayurvedic examination including nadi pareeksha (pulse check), examination of the tongue, nails, et cetera… in addition to this, the doctor may choose to assess gait, voice, and overall health of the skin.
Following that, our Ayurvedic doctor will provide recommendations for treatment procedures, suggestions for lifestyle and diet adjustments, in addition to a nutrition plan, if it is needed.
Consultations with a Ayurvedic doctor can be basic or extended.
- A basic consultation includes all the above steps and lasts about 45 – 60 minutes. (As each individual’s case is unique, the consultation time cannot be predicted exactly.)
- Extended consultation, in addition to what is is included in the basic consultation, (as mentioned above), provides the demonstrations and teaching of basic yoga exercises and/or asanas, to help restore the correct balance of the doshas, and subsequently improve health. The duration of the consultation may be 60 – 75 minutes.