Ayurveda FAQ's

Here are some commonly asked questions about ayurveda and its practices to help you decide if a consultation or treatment is right for you.

Is Ayurveda Indian?

No! Of course, it is widely practiced and accepted in India, but that acceptance and practice is now growing globally. At its essence, Ayurveda is a holistic medical system that recognises natural rhythms and laws and how to align ourselves with them so that we are in harmony with ourselves and our environment, not working in opposition to it. These natural laws exist in every corner of the world and with every individual of every culture and belief. Many other traditional medical systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine share many of the groundwork principles with Ayurveda, because they are both connected to the inherent principles of life and the world.

An Ayurvedic Practitioner not only learns about these natural principles, but how to customise them culturally and individually.

Alignment with the natural world leads us to physical ease, mental and emotional contentment, and an overall sense of connection to ourselves, other people, our community, the wider world and our spiritual reality. In other words, health in every dimension of our lives.

What treatments are recommended in an ayurvedic consultation?

After an ayurvedic consultation you will be given a full treatment plan. During the consultation, Romany will discuss with you your preferred treatment methods so that the treatment plan is practical and suitable for you. Treatment can be any or all of dietary suggestions, exercise and or yoga, lifestyle adjustments, herbs, use of kitchen spices, basic cleansing procedures, pranayama/breathwork, special yogic techniques and self-care strategies. Sometimes there may be a need to refer to another specialised health care practitioner, or some ayurvedic bodywork will be recommended.

Can I use ayurvedic treatment alongside prescribed medicines?

Yes, this is possible and would be discussed with your practitioner during a consultation. Depending on the medication and health condition, it may be necessary to check with your Doctor.

Can I use Western/NZ grown herbs instead of Indian or exotic herbs?

Absolutely. The ayurvedic classification of herbs looks both at the specific action ie. a heart tonic, but also the energetic properties of the herb i.e. astringent, cooling.

As long as the specific actions and energetic properties of an herb are known (and also the contraindicated uses), they can be considered for treatment.

However, I must say there are some fabulous ayurvedic herbs out there! (Think ashwagandha, brahmi, ginger, turmeric!)

Is Ayurveda vegetarian? Do I have to be a vegetarian? Ayurveda is not inherently a vegetarian medical system. The traditional ayurvedic textbooks have many recommendations for the use of animal products in specific health cases. A principle of ayurveda is that everything in existence can be medicinal in the right circumstance, for the right person and at the right dose (and prescribed by someone who has the knowledge of how to do this!).

However, ayurveda also puts a high regard on life and spirituality. A healthy spiritual life can overflow into having great health in our physical, mental and emotional levels of being. Ahimsa, or minimal violence is a core principle of spirituality. Therefore, any act of harming another being is kept to a bare minimum.

Do I need to do yoga to have ayurvedic treatment?

Not at all. Whilst there is an overlap of yogic and ayurvedic principles and practices, but a background or even an interest in yoga is not necessary to benefit from ayurveda.

What is different about Ayurvedic Massage?

Ayurvedic Massage is called 'abhyanga' in sanskrit, which literally means to rub the limbs of the body. Abhyanga falls into the category of 'snehana' chikitsa (treatments), which literally means both to be loving, and to apply oil!

Ayurveda acknowledges that the dryness of vata dosha is a common cause of damage to the tissues of the body, and that oil is a wonderful antidote to this.

Abhyanga massage always uses a little, or a lot of oil. The most universal oil used is cold pressed sesame oil, but often an herbal infused or essential oil is used, according to the need of the client.

Abhyanga also considers the current state of the client and what strokes, speed and state of touch will be balancing for that person. It also includes the knowledge and use of 'marma' or special energetic points on the body, which are similar to acupressure points.