The consultation
Your Ayurvedic doctor will ask about the problem that brought you in and then far more widely: how you digest, how you sleep, your energy across the day, your appetite, bowel habits, skin, stress, work, exercise, and the pattern of your days and seasons. This breadth is the point. Ayurveda looks for the pattern behind the symptom rather than the symptom alone.
The assessment
Pulse assessment, observation of the tongue, skin, eyes and build, and sometimes examination of the abdomen help the doctor identify your constitution, known as your prakriti, and the current imbalance, or vikriti. These guide everything that follows. At Omnia we can also use VedaPulse, a device that measures heart rate variability alongside traditional pulse assessment, and blood testing or InBody analysis where they would add useful data.
The plan
You will be given practical dietary guidance, a daily routine suited to your constitution, and where appropriate herbal preparations and a recommended course of therapies such as Abhyanga, Shirodhara or a Panchakarma programme. The plan is written down and explained. Herbs are prescribed with attention to any medication you take.
What to bring
A list of medication and supplements, any recent test results, and an honest account of how you actually eat and sleep rather than how you intend to.
Follow-up
A review after two to four weeks checks how you have responded and adjusts the plan. Most people continue with periodic reviews as the seasons change.
At Omnia
Consultations at our Chiswick clinic are with one of four Ayurvedic doctors, led by the President of the British Ayurvedic Medical Council. Fees are listed on our Ayurveda page.