Ayurvedic treatment is based on a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s physical, mental and psychic state. And a holistic treatment like this needs a holistic diagnosis too. When you visit an Ayurvedic doctor, the diagnosis happens on three levels - Darshana - Sight, Sparshana - Touch and Prashna - Questions.
Darshana - Darshana starts right from the moment the patient walks in through the door. An experienced Vaidya knows to observe the patient’s pace, posture, hunch, and hesitation and learn about him through what he sees. In addition to this, the eyes, skin and tongue also provide vital information.
Sparshana - Next, the Vaidya learns more about the patient through touch. The dryness of the skin, nadis, pulse, and pace of the pulse in different parts of the body also communicates the patient’s situation.
Prashna - Prashna is the art of questioning. Through the right questions, a Vaidya understands where the patient is stuck mentally and emotionally. Knowing about his location, lifestyle, relationship status, and job gives insights into whether the problem is emotional suppression, loneliness, anger or something else.
It is this understanding that helps a Vaidya to put together the right treatment plan. Ayurvedic treatments include diet, therapies, lifestyle changes, medicines and other treatments to cater to all the aspects of a human and aim for holistic well-being.
Tips to make the most out of your consultation
Don’t self-diagnose, rather talk more about the symptoms you want to improve.
The first consultation is the most important and foundational in your healing. Try to be as open, and honest as possible. Avoid telling your self-diagnosis, but rather explain your symptoms. When you walk in with a diagnosis, it may hamper the doctor's thought process in looking at the situation from a fresh mindset.
Try to explain your habits as vividly as possible.
Like, if you are used to 4-5 cups of tea, you may get withdrawal headaches during the treatment if it includes a diet. If the doctors are aware of your habits, they will substitute them with the proper herbal tea. Knowing about your habits helps the doctor understand where your conditions are coming from, and keep you in the right frame of mind to change the habits that are not good for you.
When you communicate about your conditions, please prioritise the ones you wish to improve upon.
If you have a skin condition, sleep issues and pain in your body at the same time, mention which is causing the most interference in your life and what symptoms you want to improve first. This can help the doctor in customising the treatment accordingly.
Share your emotional concerns.
Your mental state may be affecting your body. Our emotions have a huge impact on the energy levels in the human body. That’s why we emphasise sharing what exactly is happening in your mindset.
An experienced Vaidya will be able to discern the effort a patient is capable of putting in their own recovery and healing. The treatment plan will also accordingly includes baby steps that the patient can take to reach a healthy place. Seeing your Vaidya as your health partner and communicating honestly about where you are, what you can do, and what you find most difficult to do can make your road to recovery easy.
Bio
Dr Vignesh Devraj is a fourth-generation Ayurvedic healer. He is the founder and chief physician of Sitaram Beach Retreat, Kerala – a space for authentic healing and transformation. Sitaram Ayurveda has a 100 year legacy in Ayurvedic practice and healing. He also has a weekly podcast on Ayurvedic wisdom and insights @ Ayurvedic Healing and Beyond.
You can connect with him at hello@vigneshdevraj.com