The word Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words, Ayur-life and Veda-knowledge (Science) and is aptly commonly referred as ‘The science of Life.’
What Is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is the world’s oldest continuously practiced wellness system, with roots in ancient Vedic tradition. It teaches that true health comes from harmony between the body, mind, spirit, and environment.
Unlike Western medicine, Ayurveda sees each person as a unique, interconnected being. Its focus is not on disease names, but on restoring internal balance through diet, herbs, lifestyle, and awareness.
Understanding the Doshas
Ayurveda is based on three doshas (body-mind types):
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Vata – governs movement and the nervous system
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Pitta – governs digestion and metabolism
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Kapha – governs structure and stability
Each of us has a unique combination of these energies. Wellness comes from maintaining their natural balance. In consultations, we assess your original constitution (Prakriti) and current imbalances (Vikriti) to provide personalized guidance.
Ayurveda addresses the root causes of imbalance in the tissues (Dhatus) and channels (Srotas) rather than treating symptoms directly.
Ayurvedic Diets
Modern nutrition can be confusing and one-size-fits-all. Ayurveda teaches that each person has unique dietary needs based on their constitution, digestive strength (Agni), toxin levels (Ama), and seasonal influences.
During your consultation, you’ll receive:
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A clear understanding of your dosha
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A custom food plan that fits your constitution and condition
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Herbal and spice suggestions traditionally used to support digestion, clarity, and detoxification
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Seasonal and lifestyle guidelines for long-term balance
In Ayurveda, it’s not “You are what you eat,” but “You are what you digest.”
Why Personalized Nutrition Matters
Food is fuel—but not all fuel works for everyone. Ayurveda recognizes that:
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Foods affect individuals differently
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Some combinations create an imbalance
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Digestion quality matters more than calorie count
Ayurvedic diets are traditionally used to:
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Support detoxification and cleanse excess toxins
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Build immunity (Ojas) and digestive power (Agni)
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Calm the mind and nervous system
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Maintain harmony between the elements in the body
Individual / Phone Consultations
What to Expect in an Ayurvedic Consultation
An Ayurvedic consultation typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your needs and concerns. Following traditional methods, I use:
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Darshanam (observation)
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Prashnam (questioning)
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Sparshanam (touch, including pulse and tongue analysis)
This full assessment helps determine your:
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Original constitution (Prakriti)
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Current imbalance (Vikriti)
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Digestive strength (Agni)
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Levels of Ama (toxins), vitality (Ojas), and energy (Prana)
Personalized Recommendations
You’ll receive:
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A constitution-based meal plan and lifestyle guidance
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Suggestions for Ayurvedic herbal formulas (powders, tablets, ghees, or oils)
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Guidance to support the balance of tissues (Dhatus), channels (Srotas), and elimination processes (Malas)
All recommendations are tailored to your unique constitution, stage of life, and seasonal factors, following classical Ayurvedic principles.
If you would like to know my views about your health or set an appointment, see: Fees & Online Health Assessment Forms.
Khabir Southwick, C.A.S., A.P., A.H.P., P.A.C.E. Provider
Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist (CAS), [Registered] Ayurvedic Practitioner (AP), [Registered] Ayurvedic Herbal Pharmacist (AHP), [Registered] Professional Ayurvedic Continuing Education (PACE) Provider
Member of: Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America (AAPNA), American Herbalist Guild (AHG), Ayurvedic Institute, Ayurveda Association of Canada (AAC), National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA)
~ Over 26 years of practice ~
Note: The National Institute of Health Office of Complementary and Alternative Medicine currently considers Ayurveda a form of complementary and alternative medicine in the United States. In the State of California, Ayurveda is a non-licensed profession. Its practice was formally legalized under the passage of Senate Bill 577 in January 2003. Ayurvedic consultations are considered alternative or complementary to healing arts that are licensed by the State of California.
(805) 858-9222
