Collaboration plays a key role in the relationship between client and practitioner. While the expertise of the healthcare practitioner is valuable, so is the experience of the client.
Imagine a two-person canoe, where one rower represents the systems of holistic assessment and the knowledge of various treatments offered by the practitioner. The other represents the personal experience and intuition offered by the client. In this way, experience and expertise form a direction and chart a course for healing.
In an Ayurvedic consultation, a practitioner assesses the client from a unique angle of perception, seeking to connect with different aspects of the client’s inner intelligences. The goal is a nuanced and precise attendance to each of the client’s physical, mental, and emotional needs. When discussing imbalances and conditions with clients, I often find that my assessments confirm the intuitions of the client, who usually has a deep ‘knowingness’ of what is happening and why.
From this foundation, a practitioner then proposes a set of remedies and treatments to resolve the issue, working with the client to determine the best course of action. Sometimes addressing a few key elements can enact great change. Other times, the solution to resolve underlying conditions involves a comprehensive reformation of their lifestyle and habits. Through this cooperative partnership, an understanding of the root cause of imbalance and the plan to move forward emerge spontaneously.
If there is one takeaway from this article, I hope it is this: a health consultation should always be an open dialogue and co-created space for health, healing, and spiritual well-being. In the spirit of collaboration, much progress can be made!
