Hello there;
I am often asked the same questions about Ayurveda, so I thought I would share them here for you. If you have other questions, please feel free to connect via this blog, call me at (717) 508-4011 or email me at kerry@theholistichighway.com.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a comprehensive medical system that is 5,000 years old. It is the system of medicine from which Chinese as well as classical western medicine has arisen. Ayurveda means the ‘science of life’ and it is considered the oldest surviving treatment system in the world.
How effective is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a very effective system of health that is being more and more recognized in the West. It is one of the primary systems of health care in India, and has been used for thousands of years for all sorts of ailments and disorders. Thousands of people around the globe have turned to Ayurveda and today Ayurveda is popular all over the world. Hospitals and clinics offer it, the media reports on it, researchers examine it, and people love it. Ayurveda has stood the test of time; people continue to practice it privately and openly, from little clinics in India to large spas all over the world. The word is out today– ‘Try Ayurveda, it works.’
Its full effectiveness will depend on various considerations, including the age and state of health of the individual, how much effort they are willing to put into making the necessary changes toward better health, and how compliant they are with taking their formulas and following the recommended guidelines. Since an Ayurvedic regimen is very individualized, its results will depend on individual factors as well, and on follow-up treatments, since adjustments and close supervision are absolutely necessary to obtain optimal results.
What should I expect from a consultation?
Your consultation will start before you even meet with me. A detailed Intake form will be sent out to you for you to complete and return before your first visit. On your first visit, the practitioner will take a detailed medical history, check your pulse, feel your abdomen, examine your tongue, eyes, nails, and skin, and listen to the tone of your voice. The practitioner will also ask you questions about your general health, paying special attention to your lifestyle, diet, habits, and surroundings. The practitioner will then recommend ways to restore your natural dosha balance, which almost always includes changes in lifestyle, especially diet.
How much does a Consultation cost?
The initial Ayurveda consultation takes approximately two hours and costs $175.00. However, Ayurveda does not work on the medical model where you come in for a consult, leave with a prescription and only come back if you need to. Since an Ayurvedic regimen is very individualized, its results will depend on individual factors, and on follow-up treatments, since adjustments and close supervision are absolutely necessary to obtain optimal results. Ayurveda recognizes that it takes time to make a change.
Therefore, depending upon your level of imbalance, you will be invited to join a program of 3-months or 1-year. That way I get to work with you, changing your program as needed and keeping you on track. However, if you feel that Ayurveda is not for you and you do not wish to continue further…then you will only be responsible for the $175.00 consult fee.
Will my Insurance cover Ayurveda?
Unfortunately no, however I can take a health savings plan if you have one.
Can Ayurveda help me lose weight?
Yes, and very successfully. Obesity is caused mainly due to an imbalance in the Kapha dosha. You will learn about how you can balance your increasing Kapha, about Kapha balancing foods, specialized Kapha reducing exercises, essential oils, self massage, gentle detoxification, and herbs. When the recommendations are followed, one can expect to lose weight.
Can Ayurveda really cure cancer?
It must be remembered that Ayurveda does not claim to ‘cure’ disease, but to restore balance to the body, and mind. Cancer is an involved tridosha imbalance at the cellular level. Ayurveda recommends herbal, diet and lifestyle therapy to help support you so that you are as healthy as possible whilst managing your cancer. It is recommended that cancer patients check with their physician or primary health care provider.
Can Ayurveda help chronic pain?
Yes. Personalized herbs, specific diet modifications and also specialized oils and massages prove very effective in pain management without side effects or drug dependency. Various forms of arthritis, and other conditions such as Fibromyalgia; or pain due to falls, traumas or repetitive stress –respond very well to Ayurvedic therapies.
Can Ayurveda help with depression and other mental conditions?
Yes. While antidepressants and other drugs are both critical and often life saving; a person suffering from depression often has trouble living optimally with daily health and vitality. Certain Ayurveda herbs, specialized massages and mind/body therapies are time-tested, gentle mind-balancing tools with no side effects. You can continue taking antidepressants (and remain in touch with your MD regarding the drugs, dosage etc) but at the same time, simultaneously working on balancing the metabolic imbalance. Ayurvedic therapy enhances and expedites recovery and people often feel the ‘joy of being alive’ again after working with Ayurveda.
Can Ayurveda help me prevent acute and chronic diseases?
Please remember that Ayurveda does not claim to treat, prevent or cure diseases, but only to restore balance to the physiology. When balance is restored, many diseases and disorders are often prevented and health is restored. This is the beauty of Ayurvedic lifestyle and food choices.
Do I have to follow a certain religion to incorporate Ayurvedic principles into my life?
No. Ayurvedic principles are universal, and anybody can incorporate them into his or her daily life. There is no need to become religious in order to adopt the principles of Ayurveda. Ayurveda does not advocate a particular religion or a deity.
Do I have to be a vegetarian to follow an Ayurvedic lifestyle?
No not at all. Ayurveda recommends foods that are ideal for your body and mind and not as per any ‘ism’. While Ayurveda supports a healthy seasonal vegetarian diet; it similarly prescribes animal protein. Ayurveda works on the basis that what you eat will depend on which food serves your health and energy needs best? And, what you can digest? Your Ayurvedic practitioner will guide you with details in this area.
Can Ayurvedic herbal supplements help improve my health?
Ayurvedic herbal supplements may help to improve one’s overall health, however, it is extremely important that they be taken in their compatible and complementary combinations, and that one also follows the necessary dietary and daily and seasonal recommendations for his or her particular constitution and health concerns. In order to get results using Ayurvedic her
bal supplements, it is best to consult a professional first.
Can I take medicines, including prescription drugs, and Ayurvedic herbal supplements at the same time?
Before altering the schedule of prescription medications you follow, or additionally taking Ayurvedic herbal supplements, always check with your physician or primary health care provider. Ayurveda can be used in conjunction with Western medicine. Drugs save lives, but because of their toxicity, sometimes they can also weaken or damage the body. Ayurveda can help protect and make the body stronger after or along with drugs or surgery.
Can I continue taking vitamin & mineral supplements along with Ayurvedic herbal supplements?
Unless otherwise directed by your physician or primary health care provider, it is not necessary to take additional vitamin and mineral supplements. Ayurveda recommends getting vitamins and minerals directly from the intake of nutritious foods and herbs.
How do I make an appointment and where can I see you?
Just call UPMC’s Center for Integrative Medicine and the knowledgeable front desk staff will help find a time for you that works if you are in Pittsburgh. (412) 623-3023
Alternatively you can see me at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort every Saturday where I have a clinical practice. Just call the Holistic Healing Center at Nemacolin to make an appointment. (866) 344-6957
You can see me at my home office in Harrisburg, feel free to call me (717) 508-4011 and we can schedule a time.
I am interested but I am not sure Ayurveda is for me – can I just talk with you?
Yes, absolutely. I offer complimentary 30 minute consults just to see if this is something that is right for you. It is important to me that you are as informed as possible when working with me. Book yours below!
Have any other questions? Just let me know,
In health,
