If you’re curious about scheduling an Ayurvedic Consultation, but have no idea what to expect, read on! In my eyes, the foundation of a successful Ayurvedic Consultation is trust, vulnerability, willingness, patience and openness. It takes all of this and more to thoughtfully fill out the 10 page intake form that is the basis and starting point for our work together. The initial consultation is approximately 90 minutes long during which we will review the intake form together. In detail, we will discuss: medical history, supplements/medication, family history, bowel movements, urination frequency, eating habits, nicotine use/vaping, alcohol consumption, water intake, caffeine intake, sleep schedule, family relationships, relationship with self, spiritual practice (if applicable), emotional/behavioral/mental health, phone health, daily schedule, menstrual cycle, how you eat your meals, work-life balance, current struggles, younger years, trauma and of course, your current goals. (Note: absolutely no conversation is forced, you reveal information as you feel comfortable).
After assessing your intake form and your goals, then the treatment plan begins. Also taken into consideration is: your geographical location, age, the current season of the year, and your dosha/body type. The treatment plan will be anywhere from 2-6 recommendations focused on diet and lifestyle. The Ayurvedic recommendations are simple yet profound. For example, two suggestions may be:
1. Add Cardamom to coffee to reduce the heating and sharp quality of it.
2. Oil the feet before bed to ground energy.
These recommendations are discussed as a team, between Ayurvedic Health Counselor and you. They are agreed upon and hopefully feel do-able and inspiring to you. I want you to feel excited about these shifts and know that this is a collaborative effort. I worked with one client and had asked him if he would be comfortable weaning off his digestive aids, so we could get an accurate idea of his bowel movements. He was honest and said that “No, I would prefer to continue taking one.” So together we decided which digestive aid would remain. After the recommendations are given, you go out into the world and put them into action for 4-6 weeks until we meet again for a 60 minute follow up. At the follow up we discuss:
What worked?
What didn’t work?
Where did you run into challenges?
What can we celebrate?
How is your sleep/energy level/digestion?
What can we adjust?
What are next steps?
Depending on your goals, you may book several follow up sessions to be held accountable and make progress towards your goals. Some clients may book quarterly, once a season to eat in rhythm with nature and tackle any seasonal challenges. The goal of Ayurveda is to bring balance and allow one’s inner wisdom to lead the way. Ayurveda may be a wonderful option for anyone experiencing: allergies, headaches, body aches, indigestion, trouble sleeping, sleeping too much, joint pain, fatigue, lack of motivation, depression, low energy, brain fog, bloating, gas, constipation, feeling a sense of joylessness, recovering from a trauma, working through major life transitions. Ayurveda is a wise choice for anyone who wants to live in harmony with the seasons and establish a daily routine that supports them.
Establishing a daily routine has helped me personally with feeling more grounded, steady and centered. Through the practices of Ayurveda, I feel more connected to my inner wisdom and have a better ability to tap into my heart center when making a decision. I use the teachings of Ayurveda everyday of my life. I am constantly checking in with myself to see how I’m feeling and noticing where I need balance. I am so elated to know that Ayurveda is a life long study and practice and I am so eager and excited to share my passion with you all!
Note: Ayurveda is complementary and supportive to Western Medicine as practiced in the United States and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.
Meg Visnaskas, LMT is a licensed massage therapist at the NH Health & Wellness Center. She is currently enrolled at the Kripalu School of Ayurveda working towards becoming an Ayurveda Health Counselor in summer 2024. To schedule a session or for more information, call 603-801-2777 or email meagan@nhhealthwellness.com.
