Why Ayurveda?
Ayurveda literally translates to "the knowledge of life" and can also be interpreted as "the science of self-healing". This means Ayurveda sees your health and healing as ultimately in your hands. It also recognizes many dimensions of health that often aren't discussed in Western medicine: physical, energetic, mental, emotional, and spiritual. It looks at you as a whole person, born with a unique mind and a set of tendencies that define your specific way of thinking, feeling, behaving, and acting.
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Ayurveda's "whole person" approach to health is where its power lies. Each consultation in Ayurveda is unique, just as each person has a specific set of imbalances true for them. Working with Madeline, you'll receive specific healing protocols and therapies to address your health concerns and bring about the greatest balance and well-being. Ayurvedic food, oils, herbs, routines, and daily practices will be advised, and you'll receive a detailed treatment summary and guided support along the way.
What will happen in an Ayurvedic Consultation?
Madeline will take an in-depth look at who you are, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You'll discuss your health history, daily routines, what and how you eat, the state of your sleep and digestion, any health concerns you may have, and any other important aspects of your life. Together with Madeline you'll determine your specific mind/body constitution, and identify any imbalances you have.
From there, Madeline will work on a detailed plan to help bring you back into balance, addressing any specific concerns you have with an Ayurvedic lens. The plan will be fully tailored to you, and may include therapies such as correct foods to eat and avoid, lifestyle practices, how to eat seasonally, herbs, and sensory therapies, like aromatherapy or chromotherapy.
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Why should I see an Ayurvedic Practitioner?
Ayurvedic medicine is really unique. It is empowering, as it teaches you new ways to look at yourself, your tendencies and how you live your life, and gives you a new set of tools for approaching things you dislike or want to change. If other methods of healing or medicines have failed you, Ayurveda is often a great place to turn to. Or, if you are feeling overwhelmed by all the diet and lifestyle advice you've consumed in the past, Ayurveda can take you back to the basics in using food as medicine, with an emphasis on prevention to keep you healthy as you age. Good health really is our natural state, and Ayurveda is interested in restoring that for you and creating a more holistic picture of what good health means for you.
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How many sessions will I need?
Since everyone has a unique set of imbalances and constitution, their treatment plans all look a little different. Madeline's goal in working with you is to help create the optimum environment for your body to heal, and to help you successfully implement Ayurvedic practices into your life. It's a lifestyle goal, so it takes some time to be comfortable and successful. Madeline will be here to guide you as to how many sessions are needed and you'll get a sense along the way of what's best for you, as well. Typically, patients will come once a week for 4-6 weeks at the start, and then we'll reevaluate your frequency based on how things are going.
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Where did Ayurveda come from?
Ayurveda is an ancient healing practice originating in India over 5,000 years ago. Its therapies have varied and evolved over time, but the underlying emphasis on prevention of disease and restoration of balance in the body remain the same.
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What are Doshas?
In Ayurveda, balance is everything. We were born with a unique "constitution", or makeup of the 3 doshas within our body, and we currently are always managing the state of these doshas as they come in and out of balance. Our doshas determine our physical, mental, and emotional characteristics, and by understanding them, you can make lifestyle choices that support our specific doshic makeup and well-being. The 3 doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each of these have 2 elements associated with them that describe their qualities in the body. You'll learn your doshic constitution as part of your Ayurvedic consultation, and you'll be continually working to balance these as the basis of your Ayurvedic health.
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Is Ayurveda just mostly focused on digestion and food?
Yes, and no. Ayurveda sees digestion as the beginning of all disease, but digestion is also not just the food we eat. When is the last time you thought about your ears digesting the TV or your dog barking? We digest many things all day through all 5 of our senses: visual impressions, light, sound, touch, and smells... and food too! All of these form the basis of our health, and when we aren't digesting any of those sensory experiences properly, we can have imbalances. Ayurveda will always take a look at what you digest through all 5 senses as a core part of your health, and treat them as a way to prevent further disease from happening in your body.
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I'm curious but still have some questions about if Ayurveda is right for me.
That's very understandable! If you'd like more information or you aren't sure still about what Ayurveda is and if it can help you, just reach out to Madeline through the contact information below and she'll be happy to chat more with you.
