Your First Consultation
A simple guide to help you feel comfortable and prepared before your first visit to Santanalaxmi Ayurvedic Clinic.
What to Expect
The first consultation is a calm, unhurried conversation. Dr Sri Ramulu takes time to understand your health history, present concerns, lifestyle, and overall condition. There is no rush. You are welcome to ask questions at any point. Here is how the visit typically unfolds:
Your Visit at a Glance
Arrive & Settle In
Walk in at a time that suits you. No appointment is needed. The clinic atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried.
Conversation with the Doctor
Dr Sri Ramulu listens to your concerns, asks about your health history, daily routine, diet, and lifestyle. This is a conversation, not a test.
Gentle Assessment
A brief, non-invasive physical assessment including pulse reading (Nadi Pariksha) and tongue observation (Jihva Pariksha) to understand your body's current state.
Prescription & Guidance
Based on the assessment, the doctor prepares a personalised prescription and explains the recommended approach, including diet and lifestyle suggestions.
Follow-Up Plan
A follow-up schedule is discussed so that progress can be monitored and the approach adjusted as needed over time.
How to Prepare
No special preparation is needed. Come ready to discuss your concerns openly and honestly. If possible, have a brief summary of your health history in mind -- any past conditions, ongoing concerns, and how long you have been experiencing your current symptoms. The more openly you share, the better the doctor can understand your situation. There is no need to feel anxious; the consultation is a conversation, not a test.
What the Doctor Will Ask You
Knowing what to expect from the conversation can help you feel more at ease. Dr Sri Ramulu will gently explore several areas to build a complete picture of your health. You do not need to memorise anything -- just answer honestly, and the doctor will guide the conversation. Topics typically include:
- Your health history -- any past conditions, surgeries, or ongoing concerns, and how long you have been experiencing your current symptoms.
- Your daily routine -- what time you wake up, your meal timings, sleep patterns, and general activity levels throughout the day.
- Your diet -- what you eat regularly, any foods you avoid, your appetite, and how much water you drink.
- Your digestive patterns -- regularity, comfort after meals, and any recurring digestive concerns.
- Any previous treatments -- whether Ayurvedic, allopathic, or other systems of medicine. This helps the doctor understand what has already been tried.
- Your family medical background -- any conditions that are common in your family, as these can offer important context.
There are no wrong answers. The goal is simply to understand your individual situation as thoroughly as possible, so the guidance you receive is truly personalised.
The Physical Assessment
After the conversation, the doctor performs a brief physical assessment. This is a gentle, non-invasive process -- there is nothing to feel anxious about. It typically includes:
- Nadi Pariksha (Pulse Reading) -- The doctor places fingers on your wrist to read your pulse. This is one of the most important diagnostic tools in Ayurveda, revealing information about your body's internal balance.
- Jihva Pariksha (Tongue Observation) -- A simple look at your tongue, which in Ayurvedic assessment reflects the state of digestion and overall health.
- General Observation -- The doctor may observe your skin, eyes, and overall appearance, all of which offer useful indicators in the Ayurvedic framework.
The entire assessment is comfortable and takes just a few minutes. It helps the doctor form a complete understanding alongside the information you have shared in conversation.
What to Bring
None of these are strictly required, but they help the doctor understand your background more quickly. For a complete checklist, see our What to Bring guide.
- Any previous medical reports or prescriptions
- A list of current medications, including dosages
- Lab results or diagnostic scans from recent check-ups
- Comfortable, loose clothing
- A note of your main concerns and questions (even a list on your phone is fine)
How Long It Takes
First consultations typically take longer than follow-up visits, as the doctor needs time to understand your full background and assess your condition carefully. There is no fixed time limit -- each consultation is given the attention it requires. Plan for a relaxed visit without scheduling anything immediately after, so you can be fully present and at ease.
No Consultation Fees — A Tradition of Accessible Care
There is no consultation fee at the clinic. This is not a promotional offer. It is how the practice has been run since it began in 1975. The clinic believes that care should be accessible to the families who seek it, and this tradition has been maintained through decades of practice.
After the Consultation
Once the assessment is complete, here is what happens next:
- You receive a prescription -- Dr Sri Ramulu prepares a personalised prescription based on everything discussed and observed. The formulations are specific to your individual condition. To understand what your prescription contains and why, see our Understanding Your Prescription guide.
- Formulations are prepared -- The prescribed Ayurvedic formulations are prepared and provided to you, with clear instructions on how and when to take them.
- Follow-up is discussed -- The doctor will suggest when to return for a follow-up visit, so progress can be monitored and the approach refined. Consistent follow-up is an important part of Ayurvedic care. For more on what to expect between visits, see our Before & After Your Visit guide.
You are always welcome to reach out between visits if you have questions. The clinic is here to support you through the entire process.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a consultation, reach out on WhatsApp, or plan your visit.