Ayurveda

Ayurveda ("science of life" in Sanskrit) is one of the oldest medical systems in the world, over 5000 years old. Originating in India, officially recognized by the WHO and the Indian government. Practiced in Ayurvedic hospitals in India, and increasingly in the West as a complementary approach.

Ayurveda posits that each person has a unique constitution (prakriti) based on three doshas: Vata (air-ether), Pitta (fire-water), Kapha (earth-water). Health arises from the balance of doshas according to your nature. Treatments combine personalized nutrition, plants (rasayana), massages (abhyanga), purifications (panchakarma), yoga, meditation.

First assessment: 1.5 to 2 hours. The practitioner identifies your dominant dosha through observation (tongue, skin, Ayurvedic pulse), detailed questioning on your lifestyle. They propose a personalized plan: foods to favor/avoid, Ayurvedic herbs, daily routines (dinacharya).

Chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, stress, sleep disorders, skin problems, immune support, perimenopause support.

Several solid clinical studies: anti-inflammatory turmeric, ashwagandha for stress, brahmi for cognition, triphala for digestion. Global panchakarma is less studied but well integrated in India.

Prefer practitioners trained in a serious Ayurvedic school (ideally several years in India or Bastyr training in USA). Verify plant origin. Typical fees: $100 to $200 for first assessment, $80 to $130 for follow-up.