My experience visiting Ayurvedic Practitioners across the UK

As I hit my early 20s, I had this deep curiosity to double check everything I was being told in this world. This ranged from “Wikipedia-ing” facts mid conversation with friends, to checking the gov.uk sites for statistics to see if the latest political policy had any solid reasoning behind it.

Naturally, the same thought pattern was applied  with my personal health, and any trip to my local doctors surgery was often followed by a trip to an Ayurvedic Practioner. Now it’s unfair to say that one contradicts the other, as they are two entirely different systems, but I liked the idea of having multiple options to treat a problem.

Personally I try to use the principle of: if it’s an acute issue - give full priority to the allopathic (or 'Western') medicinal system, if it’s a chronic issue - let’s try and solve this naturally with Ayurveda first.

As a result, I have been on my fair share of Ayurvedic check-ups & consultations across the UK and India over the last decade, and thought I would share what a typical visit  entails.

To set the scene, visiting an Ayurvedic doctor for a check-up is typically an experience that feels more like stepping into a wellness retreat than a doctor’s office. If you're used to those cold, white clinical settings where you're in and out in 10 minutes with a prescription slip, brace yourself for something entirely different.

First of all, when you walk into an Ayurvedic clinic, you’re greeted by the calming aroma of herbs and oils. It smells more like a spa than a medical practice. No sterile antiseptic scents here! Instead, you might catch a whiff of sandalwood, ginger, or something you can't quite identify—but it’s making you feel relaxed already. The decor is warm, with soft lighting and maybe even some calming music. You half expect someone to offer you herbal tea before your check-up. (They don’t to be clear).

The consultation is where things get really interesting. Ayurvedic doctors aren’t just concerned with your symptoms. They want to know everything about you. How do you sleep? What’s your digestion like? Do you crave sweet or salty foods? What’s the sex life like? Does your partner annoy you a lot? (Okay, maybe not that last one, but it feels that detailed.) These questions might seem strange at first, but they all help the doctor figure out your dosha—the body’s natural energies, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that are responsible for everything from your digestion to your mood swings.

Just when you think you've answered enough lifestyle questions to write your autobiography, it’s time for the pulse check. This is where things get very ‘Ayurvedic’. Instead of a quick check of your heart rate, the doctor gently presses their fingers on your wrist and closes their eyes, as if they’re tapping into some ancient wisdom. “You’re feeling quite Vata today,” they might say. You nod knowingly, even though you still don’t really understand what that means. (Pro tip: Vata types tend to be light, creative and energetic but can feel anxious and scattered when out of balance, take the quiz on our site to find out more!)

Next comes the tongue exam. Yep, your tongue is getting its moment in the spotlight. Ayurveda believes your tongue can reveal a lot about your overall health—more than you’d think. They’ll look for things like coating, color, and texture, which can give clues to your digestion and internal health. It's almost like having your palm read, but with your tongue.

After all this, you might expect a prescription or a list of tests. Not so fast! Instead, you’ll likely get a highly customized plan to restore balance to your body. This might include dietary recommendations like, “Eat more cooked, warm foods,” or “Avoid dairy for 3 months”. You might also be advised to take herbal supplements, try oil massages, or practice yoga to balance your doshas. Don't be surprised if you're also told to wake up before sunrise (no more snooze button) or meditate daily.

Of course, if you're a coffee lover or someone who enjoys spicy foods, be prepared for some tough love. Ayurveda loves to recommend giving up caffeine and you may have to swap your spicy snacks for something gentler on your system.

The whole experience feels like a journey into self-discovery. You leave not only with a list of recommendations but also a sense that you’ve learned more about your body than ever before. It’s a holistic approach that feels more like you're being cared for as a whole person, rather than just a set of symptoms. Plus, you get to casually drop phrases like “I’m working on balancing my doshas” into conversation with your friends.

In short, visiting an Ayurvedic doctor is a blend of science, self-care, and a little bit of mystery. And who knew a tongue exam could be this enlightening?

Interested to try it out for yourself? Reach out and we can share the details of some of the Ayurvedic practitioners we highly recommend.

Note: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.