Is Ayurveda medically recognised?

Yes, Ayurveda is recognized by the World Health Organisation (W.H.O.) as an effective system of medicine.

Are Ayurvedic medicines safe to take?

Yes, whilst they are 100% natural in origin it is important to take the correct dosage and under the direction of a licensed practitioner to avoid unnecessary side effects. Herbal medicines used are created by Ayurvedic Doctors and Pharmacists. They are tested and produced by a trusted laboratory and traceable by its producer to its original source. Subject to strict ecological standards and quality control for medicinal use.

Herbal medicine is given only after a full consultation and importantly on the basis of full disclosure from the patient of any current medical procedures, medication, allergies or alternative treatments they may be undertaking.

Sound Ayurvedic practitioners will always want to encourage a good relationship with your primary health care source. Seek medical attention when needed and we will support work alongside your G.P. or consultant in any way. Our intention will always be what is best for you.

Can I order Ayurvedic herbs from you without consultation?

Initially no. We need to be sure that all is moving in the right direction before reordering but that can be a brief phone call or after a consultation. However, some rejuvenating tonics and medicated oils can be ordered without consultations. It is important to comprehend that we are aiming to find relief from symptoms through progress and not through long term supplementation.

Are you qualified, licensed, and insured to practice?

Yes. I initially trained as a Ayurvedic Lifestyle and Nutritional consultant before extending training to become a fully certified Ayurvedic Practitioner trained by longstanding Ayurvedic doctors in the U.K.

I am a trained meditation teacher with the British School of Meditation and teacher trained in Hatha Yoga with Ayurveda before becoming a Certified Yoga Therapist. If applicable, we use meditation, yoga and breathing techniques to enhance work in pain management, improve anxiety, low mood and reduce stress.

I am insured with Balens Ltd. and am a member of the Association of Ayurvedic Practitioners U.K. (AAPUK) and Yoga Alliance Professionals U.K. and held to their ethical standards.

I am currently on medication does that matter?

No. Many clients are on medication, and we aim to, where possible, improve your symptoms so you are able (with guidance from your primary healthcare provider) reduce your medication use.

Full disclosure of all medications or procedures is vital for best assessment. There are certain treatments you may be undergoing that would prevent the use of certain Ayurvedic medicine due to contraindications, for example, for those undergoing chemotherapy, detoxifying medication isn't advisable.

Will I have to go on a strict diet or an intense exercise regime?

Not necessarily. We will alter your diet if necessary as you start to understand how some foods are affecting your digestion or causing symptoms, but being happy and satisfied in your eating is key to sustainable improvement. We may advocate lifestyle changes that are as simple as a daily meditation or a short walk.

Do you provide any support outside consultations?

If you have an urgent question or if our medicine dosage needs reviewing please contact us. Whilst we recommend 2- 3 weeks between consultations to allow for diet, lifestyle or food supplements to start to take effect, we can book a follow up consultation in between to answer a few questions if your queries are going to take more time.

General note - If you feel you need extra support talk to us within the consultation and we can see what is possible. Keeping your G.P. aware of your feelings or concerns is important. Sharing if you feel at risk or another is at risk is extremely important and fortunately we are surrounded by lots of amazing people available to help. Seek help. Share with your health care practitioners. The Samaritans helpline is available 24 hours a day. Everyone from all walks of life needs support at sometime and there is nothing to be ashamed of.

Where can I find out more about yoga therapy?

International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)

There is a lot of evidence out there about the effectiveness of yoga therapy, here are some for you to view -

Barrows JL & Fleury J. Systematic review of yoga interventions to promote cardiovascular health in older adults. Western Journal of Nursing Research 2016;38:753–81.

Cramer H, et al. Yoga for multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2014;9. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0112414

Gard T, et al. Potential self-regulatory mechanisms of yoga for psychological health. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2014;8:770.

Khalsa SBS, et al (eds). The Principles and Practice of Yoga in Health Care. Pencaitland, UK: Handspring, 2016.

Sharma M, et al. A systematic review of yoga interventions as integrative treatment in breast cancer. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology 2016;142:2523–40.

Sherman KJ, et al. A randomized trial comparing yoga, stretching, and a self-care book for chronic low back pain. Archives of Internal Medicine 2011;171:2019–26.

Uebelacker LA & Broughton MK. Yoga for depression and anxiety: A review of published research and implications for healthcare providers. Rhode Island Medical Journal 2013;99:
20–22.

Vizcaino M & Stover E. The effect of yoga practice on glycemic control and other health parameters in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 2016;28:57–66.

For more research and information on yoga therapy see link to I.Y.A.T.

Many practicing yoga therapists also hold licenses in other health fields. Yoga therapy can complement physical, occupational, and massage therapy; psychotherapy; and more. Although they do not diagnose or treat diseases unless they are otherwise licensed to do so, IAYT-certified yoga therapists are trained in anatomy, physiology, and mental health; this allows them to interact with clients’ other healthcare professionals effectively and to competently suggest referrals when needed.

In “Recommending yoga to your patients? Consider this first,” Jaime Lewis, MD, explains why physicians should specify therapeutic yoga over general practices focused on physical postures:

“[F]or the purpose of reducing symptom burden, alleviating suffering, and improving quality of life in the midst of chronic conditions resulting in persistent pain, medical providers should instead consider recommending therapeutic yoga for their patients, as the intent and scope of practice differs significantly from contemporary yoga.”

As Dr. Wayne Jonas, integrative family physician and former president and CEO of the Samueli Institute, notes, “Some of the best medical centers in the country now offer yoga therapy, including the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the Mayo and Cleveland Clinics.” (For example, read more here and here.)

In this study, all of the U.S. physicians surveyed in a large sample were recommending some form of complementary healthcare to their patients. The data were collected in 2012, so the current totals may be higher, but back then more than a quarter of these doctors were specifically recommending yoga. The biggest predictor of whether a doctor prescribes yoga is their own practice, meaning that once they experience its benefits for themselves they’re more likely to suggest yoga for others.