FAQs
Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medicine.
It means the Science [ Veda] of Life [Ayu ] or more broadly, the study and practice of what makes us healthy in mind , body and spirit.
It focuses on prevention of disease and how to live a long AND healthy life.
It originates in India and the Asian sub-continent. It is becoming increasingly popular in the West, especially in the US.
Learning about Ayurveda allows us to develop a deeper understanding of our body and mind connection and how they interact.
Only when we understand this can we develop a greater awareness of our true conscious self which we are all seeking.
The key difference between Ayurveda and modern medicine is the focus on the root cause, or more often causes of illness, rather than simply treating the symptoms. Once these are identified, we can focus on how to reduce or eliminate them to allow you to be free of illness as much as possible, and to improve your overall health and feeling of wellness.
Using Ayurvedic teachings on diet and nutrition as well as lifestyle and stress reduction techniques, I will develop a tailor-made treatment program for you to follow.
This will also include active counselling, talking therapies and natural herbal remedies as well as Ayurvedic medications.
Ayurveda is well suited to treating chronic illnesses and especially good at optimizing health and natural immunity to prevent the development of future illness.
The list of conditions is extensive, but these are some of the most common issues I can see and treat.
Digestive issues
Ayurveda is particularly focuses on our digestion as a root cause of illness, even if the patients’ symptoms occur in another part of the body.
Because of this focus on digestion, Ayurveda has great success treating a wide range of digestive issues including IBS [ Irritable bowel syndrome], Heartburn reflux, indigestion, food intolerances including gluten, Coeliac disease , Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Weight issues
The main focus of Ayurvedic treatment of ALL diseases is to first address diet and digestion, it is very effective in managing Obesity, weight loss, overeating, and other eating disorders.
Women’s health issues
Ayurveda is especially effective at managing this group of conditions including Menopausal disorders, Endometriosis, painful periods, menstrual problems including PMT[ Premenstrual tension], and Fertility problems and also importantly ,preparing for pregnancy.
Men’s Health issues
Ayurveda can treat common issues affecting men such as Erectile Dysfunction, reduced libido, infertility, stress anxiety and depression. I can help male patients achieve a better work life balance through lifestyle advice , dietary changes and use of herbal medication.
Skin disorders
Ayurveda can relieve symptoms and significantly improve quality of life for those suffering from Eczema, Psoriasis, Urticaria, itching disorders, Hair loss and Acne amongst other conditions. Topical oils for massaging on the skin are part of the treatment I can offer.
Chronic diseases
ME / glandular fever, Fibromyalgia , Rheumatoid arthritis, Asthma ,Osteoarthritis, Long Covid and Diabetes amongst other conditions can also be treated using an Ayurveda approach with some dramatic improvements.
Musculoskeletal and joint pains including arthritis
Ayurvedic treatments involve topical oils and massages which can be self-administered with advice to relieve joint pains and stiffness, including arthritis and gout. We have a range of herbal medications which can also help relieve symptoms. Ayurvedic treatments also include advice on Yoga postures which can benefit muscle and joint problems. Yoga and Ayurveda are sister sciences which developed in tandem over the ages and are complementary.
Mental health,stress, anxiety, depression and addictive disorders
Ayurveda views the mind as the most powerful tool we that have in order to heal ourselves. It believes that unprocessed emotions and feelings can cause physical illness. In fact we use expressions to reflect this in everyday speech eg “ I’ll need to digest that and get back to you”. Often the most critical barrier to wellness is a psychological block within our minds from past trauma or experiences. Working with patients suffering from depression, anxiety and psychological issues as a GP for many years gives me a unique insight into these conditions. Combining my experience with an Ayurveda approach enables me to treat these debilitating disorders and make a real difference to patients’ lives.
1.First face to face or Zoom consultation -2 hours.
Cost £150
This is a detailed information gathering clinical assessment after which will then spend 1-2 hours compiling a treatment guidance plan.
2.Follow up appointment within a week -1 hour.
Cost £75
At this consultation I will explain your imbalance/s and how the treatment guidance plan will work.
3.First follow up to assess progress on treatment guidance plan at 2-4 week interval. Duration 1 hour
Cost £75
4. Two further follow ups are recommended over the next 2 months to maintain improvement.
Duration 30-45 minutes
Cost £50
These are very important to help you get maximum benefit from the guidance plan and treatments and to ensure permanent improvement in health.
The patient experience is unlike any other alternative treatment, as the patient is actively involved in his/ her treatment. They are given an individualized treatment plan to follow with medications to take over several weeks. Learning about Ayurveda, an ancient system of maintaining health and wellness, is a great opportunity for the patient to become more self-aware of their body and mind. This allows them to feel in control of their health by developing a greater understanding of their unique makeup and what works best for them.
I believe that Ayurveda works very well as a complementary form of medicine alongside conventional [ allopathic] medicine. In fact, both systems share similar principles and are well suited to work alongside each other. With my background as a GP / family doctor for many years, I am very experienced with issues related to your GP/ specialist treatments. I will be familiar with any tests/ investigations /medical problems you have faced.
I can reassure you that the Ayurvedic medicines are safe to take. They are directly sourced and purchased from a recognised company producing Ayurvedic medications in Sri Lanka with oversight from the Ayurvedic Institute UK. The medications are subject to quality control procedures to ensure efficacy.
You may be able to reduce other medications you are taking following successful Ayurveda treatment provided you discuss this with your GP. The goal of working with me as an Ayurvedic practitioner is to use medications only when necessary, and to develop a deeper understanding about how you can heal yourself through simple diet/nutrition and key lifestyle modifications.
When I need to prescribe medications, they are used only for short periods, weeks to a few months while these measures take effect.
Supplements can be prescribed and taken regularly to help you maintain a healthy balance but are not strictly needed.
The medications are sourced directly from Sri Lanka with the approval from the Ayurvedic Institute UK. The medications are subject to quality control procedures to ensure safety and efficacy.
Not specifically, but as a rule I do not treat children below age 12.
In exceptional circumstances I can give advice and make some recommendations but at present I am not insured to treat this age group in the UK.
Cancer patients who are undergoing a course of specialist treatment are advised to finish the treatment before taking any Ayurvedic herbal medications. However, I can prescribe strengthening tonics and diet/ nutrition and lifestyle interventions to improve overall health to cope with the strain of cancer treatments.
As a former GP family doctor of 30 years’ experience, I can readily identify when you need to see your GP immediately rather than an alternative practitioner. It may be possible to see you as a patient afterwards or indeed while you are being treated by your GP as well.
Ayurveda has been studying the topic of healthy ageing for thousands of years. Indeed, there is a subspecialty of Ayurveda called Rasayana which deals exclusively with this area. It involves therapeutic measures to promote longevity, increase memory and resistance to diseases of ageing and maintenance of positive health into or later years. Nowadays with us living longer, but not always healthier, this is more important than ever. I can offer consultations to older patients to discuss how they can achieve optimal physical and mental health into their later years.
The cost will vary depending on the number of conditions we are treating , however the range would be from £40-60 if several medications are needed. I would not expect that patients would need to be on medication longer than a few months in most cases. Medication can be posted for a cost of approx £5.