Ayurvedic Consultations
About Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurveda, the Science of Life and Longevity, began on earth through the Rishis, the sages and seers of ancient time, who brought it to the awareness of humanity first through oral tradition and then in written form in the Vedas. Over the years other key physicians developed the science and recorded their knowledge and experience in great Samhitas, or collections of work, which are used as textbooks of Ayurveda to this day. Ayurveda achieved great advancements in ancient times and influenced medical traditions world wide, including Greek medicine, which evolved into our modern day western medicine.
Today's Western Medicine, however, takes a very different approach than its Ayurvedic origins; it treats diseases through specialization of various systems methods of diagnosis and treatment which deal with isolated components with standardized treatment for specific diseases. Ayurveda addresses the individual as an integrated whole always probing for and seeking to eliminate the root cause, allowing and guiding the body towards homeostasis. Ayurveda excels in many approaches to disease prevention, through generalized healthy habits and individualized diet and lifestyle guidance.
Western Medicine offers standardized treatment for various diseases. In Ayurvedic Medicine, many people with the same dis-ease will receive different recommendations based upon their own health history and individual set of circumstances. Both medical systems are invaluable approaches and can work hand in hand, as they do in modern-day India. You should always continue or seek care with a medical doctor for medical conditions. Various approaches in Ayurveda can lead to overall health of the body to parallel medical care with your primary physician.
Ayurveda is a medicine of qualities. We study various opposition of qualities within the body and mind, like heavy and light, sharp and dull and when one quality becomes out of whack, we usually treat by balancing with its opposite. In Ayurveda, the root of all imbalance begins in the GI tract with compromised digestion and can lead to imbalance in the biological elements we classify as 3 doshas which can cause problems in the body and mind when they circulate in the body untamed.
3 Doshas
These three doshas, or bodily humors, are known as Vata (air and ether), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (water and earth). We all contain all the doshas, as we have all the elements inside of us as they are contained in the macrocosm of nature, but we all have a unique ratio of these three doshas and may have predominant characteristic from one or two.
Vata is the force of movement in the body, governing movement of peristalsis and nerve impulses. It expresses healthfully in an individual as creativity, innovation and clarity of mind. High vata can cause forgetfulness, insomnia, anxiety, constipation and drying of the tissues as well as wasting diseases and many other imbalances and conditions.
Pitta is the metabolic force of transformation and governs digestive fire, body temperature and color/complexion. It expresses healthfully as charisma, leadership and a bright brilliant mind. High pitta can lead to anger, overly critical mind, inflammation, hyperacidity and rashes among other expressions.
Kapha is the material substance of the body and principle of nourishment and stability. It governs the anabolic functions of the body to build tissues and maintain structure. Kapha expresses healthfully as thick, smooth, soft hair and skin, stability of mind and emotions, ability to carryout long term goals and a calm, cool, loving and compassionate nature. In excess, Kapha can lead to stagnation in body and mind, lethargy, weight gain, depression, high cholesterol, diabetes among other conditions.
It is important to know our unique ratio of doshas so we can have a better understanding of ourselves with awareness of our tendencies towards imbalances which can lead to more serious conditions. There are many dosha questionnaire's to help you determine your constitution, but, be aware, they can be misinterpreted and therefore are not as accurate as working with an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Ayurvedic Consultations
An Ayurvedic Consultation is a great way to come up with an individualized health plan to counteract negative tendencies that could lead to ill-health and to help to balance the current conditions that lead to discomfort and un-ease. It involves and an initial 2 hour intake process with extensive questioning on health history and symptomology as well as physical assessment through observation of tongue, eyes, etc.
Recommendations are given to address health goals and support balance of the doshas (individual constitution and current states of imbalances) and may include changes in diet and lifestyle habits and can include herbs, treatments, aromatherapy, movement therapies like yoga and sometimes more subtle therapies such as tools for emotional balance and coping with stress. Further follow up meetings can be schedule thereafter to monitor progress and refine the program.
Consultations take place in person in the Albuquerque area or over Zoom from anywhere in the world.
Cost:
Affordable healthcare should be available to all and for this Vital Ayurveda operates on donation only basis.
Suggested Donation:
Initial Consultation (2 hours): $125
Follow Ups (1 hour): $75
After the consultation, a donation link will be sent to your email and please give only what works for you.