Is my Ayurvedic clinic Authentic?

We being Indians have adopted Ayurveda since childhood and our rich culture often talks about it, be it in our eating habits or the famous grandmother tips. Integrally, we all believe in Ayurveda. But when it comes to treatments and medicines, we are usually unsure as to where to go.

Let us examine what one should look out for when visiting an authentic Ayurvedic clinic.

1. Ask the name of the doctor and his/her qualification
When we go to a modern doctor, we most often check for his or her qualifications on the board or letter pad. The same should apply for an Ayurvedic doctor. In India, a doctor with a B.A.M.S. or Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery is identified as an Ayurvedic doctor or Vaidya. This can be followed by a Masters degree and doctorate as well.

Be aware that DNYS stands for Diploma in Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences.

2. Ask for a written prescription with details
Most often, there are no written prescriptions given. It is mandatory by law to purchase any medicine only on the basis of a written prescription. The prescription should have the details of the doctor and the the full name of the medicines being prescribed.

3. Accept medicines with proper labels where all ingredients are mentioned
It is your right to know what you are putting into your mouth. Insist on knowing every ingredient in the powder / bati / churna / asav, etc. you have been prescribed. You never know, you may just be allergic to a herb but just because it is not mentioned, you are left totally unawares!

4. Look out for the MRP!
If it is a well-labelled medicine, look out for the MRP. Else, if it is a customized medicine and you find it very expensive, ask the doctor for its details as there may be some rare herbs or other beneficial mineral or metal elements, which may be required for your body as per the treating Ayurvedic doctor. It may not harm to get this in writing as well. Also it pays to ask for a receipt for any future references.

5. Check out the cleanliness and hygienic conditions for a prospective treatment.
If you have been advised a Panchakarma treatment, do check out the hygiene levels at the clinic. The table you lie on, the utensils used for oils and other tools and equipments should be clean. All good clinics usually clean them in front of you with disinfectants after your treatment is done.

6. Insist on disposable material and sterilized instruments
While undergoing a treatment, insist on disposable sheets, undergarments and gloves. These are the basic hygiene requirements any reputed clinic should follow. The instruments should be well sterilized before every use.

7. Beware of spurious locations, rooms and therapists
Due to malpractices under the name of Kerela Ayurveda, a lot of spurious massage centers have opened up. Make sure the room you are getting your treatment done in does not have any hidden cameras (there are mobile apps now to detect this).  Refuse the treatment immediately if you find anything fishy with the surroundings or therapist.

8. Insist on doctor’s visits during treatment
One must insist that the therapy should be under the supervision of an Ayurvedic doctor. The doctor should visit you often to know the progress of your therapy. This may be more necessary for the first few sittings of your Panchakarma course than later on.

This blog is powered by Baidyanath Life Sciences, who bring about authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatments through its centres in Nagpur. Contact us at (0712) 2551413/(0712) 2440020 to schedule an appointment.