Frequently asked questions

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a complete natural health care system from India, with a heritage of over 5,000 years. It takes a holistic approach: health is not just the absence of disease, but a state of overall physical, mental and social well-being.

An Ayurvedic practitioner looks at the whole person rather than a single symptom: your diet, digestion, sleep, daily routine and the balance of your doshas (vata, pitta and kapha). Ayurveda works by restoring balance through diet, daily routine, herbs and therapies such as Abhyanga and Shirodhara. If you are new to it, start with a free 15-minute call, and Preeti tells you honestly whether Ayurveda can help.

How much is an Ayurvedic consultation?

At Minute Wonder Ayurveda in San Ramon, an initial Ayurvedic consultation is $250 for 90 minutes and a follow-up is $125 for 60 minutes. New clients start with a free 15-minute phone call.

Abhyanga is $150 for 60 minutes or $225 for 90 minutes, and Shirodhara is $150 for 60 minutes. Swedana is $75 for 30 minutes, added after an Abhyanga, Basti is $150 for 60 minutes, and most Panchakarma programs are $600 to $1,000, planned at the First Visit. See full pricing and what the consultation includes.

Does insurance cover Ayurvedic treatment?

No. HSA and FSA cards usually work, and you get a receipt.

What happens in an Ayurvedic consultation?

The initial consultation is 90 minutes ($250) with Preeti. She discusses your health concerns and symptoms in detail and reviews your daily routine, diet, digestion, exercise and sleeping habits. Using a combination of discussion, a detailed health history, pulse analysis, skin examination and tongue reading, she assesses your constitution and where it is out of balance.

You leave with recommendations for natural detoxification, a customized diet plan, herbal supplements, decoctions and oils, self-care routines, and preventive health care based on Ayurvedic principles. Follow-ups are 60 minutes ($125). New clients start with a free 15-minute phone call. Read the full new client process.

What does an Ayurvedic doctor do?

An Ayurvedic doctor looks at the whole person rather than a single symptom: your health history, daily routine, diet, digestion, sleep, and the balance of your doshas (vata, pitta and kapha). From that, an Ayurvedic doctor builds a plan of diet, daily routine, herbs and oils, and bodywork therapies suited to your constitution.

Preeti Gupta is Ayurvedic Doctor-level certified (NAMACB) and a professional member of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA). She completed over 4,000 hours of classical Ayurvedic study at Shubham Ayurveda Clinic & Classroom, studied Ayurvedic recipes and herbal formulations at Arya Ayurveda Clinic in Pune, India, and trained in India in Panchakarma and other traditional procedures.

Her plans come from classical Ayurveda. She reads your pulse and tongue, takes a full history, and writes a plan you can start the next day.

Should I tell Preeti about my medication?

Yes. Tell Preeti about every medical condition, medication and supplement you take. She asks about current medications in your consultation so your plan is set up around them.

Bring your list to the First Visit. If Preeti recommends herbs or oils, she explains how and when to use them.

Who should not have Abhyanga, Shirodhara or Panchakarma?

Preeti decides this with you after she knows your health history, and she will tell you if a therapy is not right for you right now. As a general guide from the therapy pages:

• Panchakarma is not recommended during pregnancy, acute illness or recovery from surgery.

• Shirodhara is not suited to people with severe head injuries or brain conditions, or with a cold, flu or fever. Skin ailments or rashes on the forehead or scalp should avoid it.

• Abhyanga is planned after Preeti knows your health history. Tell her about any condition or medication, and about pregnancy, acute illness or recent surgery, before you book.

Swedana (steam) and Basti have their own contraindication lists on the Swedana and Basti pages. Please disclose any medical conditions or medications so the treatment can be planned safely for you.

Do you offer online consultations?

Yes. Preeti offers audio and video consultations for California residents when an in-person visit is not feasible or convenient, and for follow-ups with existing clients. See online Ayurvedic consultation for how it works.

If you don't find a suitable appointment time online, please call 925.380.6078.

Is Preeti a vaidya (Ayurvedic doctor)?

In India, a practitioner of Ayurveda is called a vaidya. Preeti Gupta is certified at Ayurvedic Doctor level (NAMACB) in the United States and is a professional member of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA).

She is part of the inaugural cohort of NAMA-certified Ayurvedic Doctors in the United States.

How can Ayurveda help me with my specific health concerns?

Ayurveda, with its rich heritage of over 5000 years, offers personalized solutions to address your unique health concerns. Through a detailed assessment of your unique mind-body type, we provide customized recommendations for balancing foods, lifestyle practices, and daily self-care routines. Our holistic approach aims to support your overall well-being and help you achieve optimal health.

Is vegetarianism a requirement for practicing Ayurveda?

No, being vegetarian is not a prerequisite for practicing Ayurveda. Ayurveda acknowledges the individuality of each person and does not advocate a one-size-fits-all approach. Dietary choices in Ayurveda are based on an individual's unique constitution and health needs.

Is it recommended to eat before or after my appointment?

To optimize your consultation or bodywork therapy session, we suggest avoiding eating one hour prior to your appointment. However, as individual cases may vary, it's advisable to discuss your specific circumstances with our practitioner for personalized guidance.

Do you sell gift cards?

Yes. A gift card for the First Visit ($250), or for any amount toward consultations and therapies, never expires. See gift cards to order one.

Can I book a therapy online?

Yes. Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Swedana and Basti can be requested on the booking page, and Preeti confirms by text or call within 48 hours. New clients often start with the free 15-minute call so the therapy fits their health history.

What should I wear for my Ayurvedic Treatment? Does your center provide a post-therapy shower room?

We recommend wearing comfortable, casual, or sports clothing to your therapy appointment to ensure ease and avoid staining any fancy or formal wear. Please note that our center does not have shower facilities available for post-therapy use.

How soon can I expect to see improvements in my health?

Many clients report feeling a difference within the first few weeks of following their plan, and lasting change usually comes over months. Ayurveda works by restoring balance through diet, daily routine and therapies.

Is it necessary to consume Indian food while following Ayurveda?

No, it is not necessary to eat Indian food while practicing Ayurveda. Ayurveda focuses on the balance of six tastes and the suitability of ingredients and cooking methods, which can be applied to any cuisine, regardless of its origin.

Are audio/video consultations effective?

Audio or video consultations can be highly effective when an in-person consultation is not feasible or convenient. They offer a convenient alternative for seeking treatment and guidance, ensuring you receive the care you need. If you don't find a suitable appointment time online, please contact us at 925.380.6078as we may have additional options available for you.

I’m ready! What preparations are required prior to the first consultation?

To ensure a productive consultation, please prepare the following:

1. Daily Routine: Note down details such as your wake-up time, oral hygiene habits, bowel movements, bathing routine, exercise, meditation or prayer practices, work schedule, and sleep patterns (including daytime naps).

2. Food Diary: Record everything you eat and drink, along with the times.

Complete this information on your computer or handheld device at least one day before your appointment. This will help us gather essential information about your health in advance and make your consultation more effective.

Will I receive personalized recommendations and a treatment plan tailored to my needs after the consultation?

Absolutely! After your consultation, you will receive personalized recommendations and a tailored treatment plan based on your unique needs. These recommendations are rooted in the principles of Ayurveda, rooted in the classical texts of Ayurveda, and aim to address your specific health concerns while promoting overall well-being.

How many imbalances can be addressed simultaneously?

For the best results, we recommend focusing on one or two imbalances at a time. Prioritize the imbalances that affect you the most, as addressing them often leads to the resolution of secondary imbalances as well.