Questions to Ask Your Ayurvedic Practitioner Before Starting

Why ask questions first

In the United States there is no significant regulation of Ayurvedic practice or education, and no state requires a practitioner to have a license. [1] Credentials also vary a great deal from one state and discipline to another. [2] Good practitioners are used to questions. A first visit is the best time to ask them. NCCIH advises being as careful and thorough as you would be when looking for conventional care. [3]

This page is a question list, not a recommendation of anyone. NCCIH itself cannot refer you to practitioners. [3] For what a first visit usually involves, see Your first Ayurvedic visit.

Questions about training and standing

• What is your training, and where did you study? What titles do you hold, and what do they mean? (Titles explained)
• Are you registered or licensed anywhere? With which body, and can I check?
• Do you have experience with people who have my conditions? NCCIH suggests finding out about a practitioner's training and experience in working with people who have your conditions. [3]

Remember that being licensed or certified is not always a guarantee of being qualified. [2] Use the practitioner checklist and see training outside India.

Questions about your own health

Explain all of your health conditions and medicines, and mention if you are pregnant or nursing, since some Ayurvedic products may contain ingredients that could be harmful. [1]

• Will you ask about my other conditions and medicines?
• What would make you send me to a doctor or for tests? (When an assessment is not enough)
• Will you work with my doctor? NCCIH suggests asking whether the practitioner is willing to work together with your conventional health care providers. [3]

Questions about the plan

• What is the goal, and how will we know whether it is working? (How treatment plans are built)
• What does the evidence say for this specific treatment or product? See Ayurveda: evidence by specific practice.
• What are the risks and side effects? Ask about safety, effectiveness and possible interactions with medicines. [4]
• Does any step involve heat, oils, fasting or cleansing? If so, who supervises it, and who should avoid it? (Who should avoid bodywork and cleansing)

Questions about products

• What exactly is in each product, and who made it?
• Has it been tested for lead, mercury and arsenic? Some Ayurvedic preparations may contain these in toxic amounts, [1] and such products typically are not labeled for heavy metals. [5]
• Is it a dietary supplement, a traditional medicine, or something else? Words like "standardized" or "certified" do not necessarily guarantee quality. [6]

See Reading an Ayurvedic product label and Buying Ayurvedic products safely.

Questions about practicalities

• What will it cost in total, including products? Do not assume your health insurance will cover the services; contact your insurer and ask. [3] More on costs and insurance.
• How do I reach you if I feel worse, and what should I do after hours?
• May I tell my doctor about the plan? NCCIH advises telling all your health care providers about all practitioners treating you. [3]

Take your own list

Write down what you take, how often and in what amount, and bring it. [7] See telling your doctor about Ayurveda.

Signs the answers are not good enough

Vague answers, pressure to buy, or advice to stop prescribed medicines are warning signs; see red flags in Ayurvedic practice. Do not use Ayurvedic medicine to postpone seeing a conventional provider about a medical problem. [1]