Questions & Answers
Frequently asked questions
Everything you might want to know about Ayurveda, consultations and working with Dr Oscar.
Ayurveda
- What is Ayurveda?
- Ayurveda is an ancient system of natural medicine originating in India over 5,000 years ago. It views health as a balance of mind, body, and spirit, guided by three biological energies — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha — known as doshas. Ayurvedic practice focuses on understanding your unique constitution and supporting long-term wellbeing through diet, lifestyle, and herbal guidance.
- What are the three doshas in Ayurveda?
- The three doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha — are functional energies that govern different aspects of your physiology and psychology. Vata relates to movement and the nervous system; Pitta to metabolism and digestion; Kapha to structure and immunity. Each person has a unique blend of all three. An Ayurvedic consultation begins by identifying your dominant dosha balance.
- What is a Prakriti assessment?
- Prakriti is your individual constitutional type in Ayurveda — the unique combination of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha energies present at birth. A Prakriti assessment, conducted during an initial Ayurvedic consultation, involves a detailed conversation about your physical characteristics, digestion, sleep, emotional tendencies, and lifestyle. The result guides personalised diet, routine, and herbal recommendations.
- How does Ayurveda differ from conventional medicine?
- Ayurveda and conventional medicine are complementary rather than competing approaches. Conventional medicine excels at diagnosis, acute care, and pharmacological treatment. Ayurveda focuses on personalised lifestyle medicine — understanding your constitution, supporting digestion, sleep, and stress resilience, and making sustainable changes to diet and daily routine. Anam Ayurveda consultations are designed to sit alongside, not replace, your GP or specialist care.
- Is Ayurveda evidence-based?
- Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine with thousands of years of clinical history. Some Ayurvedic practices and herbal preparations are supported by modern research; others remain under investigation. Dr Oscar O'Duchon brings a GP background to each consultation, applying Ayurvedic principles within a framework informed by both traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific understanding.
- What is Panchakarma?
- Panchakarma is a traditional Ayurvedic cleansing and rejuvenation programme comprising five therapeutic procedures designed to remove accumulated toxins (ama) and restore doshic balance. It includes treatments such as oil massage, herbal steam, and dietary protocols. Panchakarma is highly individualised and discussed during an initial Anam Ayurveda consultation where it is appropriate.
Booking & Consultations
- What types of consultation does Anam Ayurveda offer?
- Anam Ayurveda offers four consultation types: a free 15-minute discovery call to explore whether Ayurveda is right for you; an initial 2-hour consultation (£150) for a full Prakriti assessment and personalised plan; 30-minute follow-up appointments (£50) to review progress; and an annual review (£100) for a comprehensive re-assessment. All sessions are available in-person in Belfast or online across the UK and Ireland.
- How do I book a consultation with Dr Oscar?
- You can book any consultation type directly on the Anam Ayurveda booking page at anam-ayurveda.com/book. Select the appointment type, choose a date and time from the available slots, and confirm via the online booking system. If you have questions before booking, a free 15-minute discovery call is the best starting point. You can also contact Oscar directly at oscaroduchon19@googlemail.com.
- Are online consultations available?
- Yes. Anam Ayurveda offers online consultations for clients anywhere in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Video appointments are conducted via a secure link sent at the time of booking. Online sessions cover the same scope as in-person appointments — Prakriti assessment, personalised diet and lifestyle guidance, and herbal recommendations. In-person sessions are available at the Belfast practice (BT6 9SS).
- What should I expect at a first consultation?
- An initial Anam Ayurveda consultation lasts approximately two hours. Dr Oscar will ask detailed questions about your current health, medical history, digestion, sleep, diet, and lifestyle. He will then assess your Prakriti (constitutional type) and put together a personalised plan covering dietary recommendations, daily routine adjustments, and where appropriate, herbal suggestions. Please bring a list of any current medications.
- Does Anam Ayurveda accept NHS referrals?
- Anam Ayurveda operates as a private Ayurvedic practice and does not currently accept NHS referrals or process insurance claims. All consultations are self-funded. Payment is taken at the time of booking. If you are under the care of an NHS specialist or GP, Dr Oscar is happy to work alongside your existing medical team and can communicate with your GP if you would find that helpful.
Herbal Medicines
- What role do herbal preparations play in Ayurvedic consultations?
- Herbal preparations are one tool within an Ayurvedic consultation — alongside diet, sleep, exercise, and stress management. Dr Oscar may suggest specific herbs based on your Prakriti and current presentation. Recommendations are made on a case-by-case basis during the consultation, not as a generalised supplement protocol. All herbal suggestions are discussed in the context of any existing medications you are taking.
- Are Ayurvedic herbs safe to take alongside prescription medication?
- Some Ayurvedic herbs may interact with prescription medications. During your consultation, Dr Oscar — drawing on his GP background — reviews any current medications before making herbal suggestions. You should always inform your GP or specialist if you plan to take herbal preparations. Anam Ayurveda does not recommend stopping or adjusting prescribed medication without consulting the prescribing clinician.
- What is Ashwagandha, and when might it be discussed?
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb often discussed in the context of stress adaptation and nervous system support. In Ayurveda it is classified as a rasayana — a rejuvenating herb. Whether Ashwagandha is appropriate for you depends on your Prakriti and current circumstances, and would be assessed individually during an Anam Ayurveda consultation.
- Where can I source Ayurvedic herbs recommended during a consultation?
- Dr Oscar provides guidance on reputable sources for any herbs discussed in your consultation. Anam Ayurveda recommends suppliers who provide third-party quality testing and clear labelling. You are never obligated to purchase herbs from any particular source. Quality and provenance matter with herbal preparations — Dr Oscar can advise on what to look for when selecting a supplier.
General
- Who is Dr Oscar O'Duchon?
- Dr Oscar O'Duchon is an Ayurvedic practitioner and retired GP based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He holds an MB BCh BAO (1991), MICGP (2000), and MMSc in Sports Medicine (1998), as well as a Diploma in Ayurvedic Lifestyle Medicine & Nutrition (2022) and an NHS-accredited Health & Wellbeing Coach qualification (2023). He offers in-person consultations in Belfast and online sessions across the UK and Ireland.
- What does "Anam" mean?
- "Anam" is the Irish word for soul. The name Anam Ayurveda reflects Dr Oscar's Irish roots and the belief — shared by both Celtic and Ayurvedic traditions — that true health is a whole-person affair: body, mind, and soul. The practice carries forward a philosophy Oscar's late father also held: that natural healing and personalised care are at the heart of lasting wellbeing.
- Is Anam Ayurveda regulated?
- Ayurvedic medicine is not currently regulated under UK statute in the same way as conventional medicine. Dr Oscar is a retired GP whose medical credentials (MB BCh BAO, MICGP) were awarded by accredited institutions. Anam Ayurveda operates in accordance with the CAP Code and MHRA guidelines. Dr Oscar is happy to discuss his professional background in full during a discovery call.
- Where is the Anam Ayurveda practice located?
- Anam Ayurveda is based at 47 Lisnabreeny Road East, Belfast, BT6 9SS, Northern Ireland. In-person consultations are available at the Belfast practice by appointment. Online consultations are available across the United Kingdom and Ireland. To get in touch, call 079 0815 6437 or email oscaroduchon19@googlemail.com.
- Can I speak to Dr Oscar before booking a full consultation?
- Yes. Anam Ayurveda offers a free 15-minute discovery call so you can ask questions, describe your health goals, and explore whether an Ayurvedic consultation is right for you — before committing to anything. There is no obligation and no charge. Book the discovery call from the Anam Ayurveda booking page at anam-ayurveda.com/book.
- Is Ayurveda suitable for everyone?
- Ayurvedic lifestyle guidance — covering diet, daily routine, sleep, and stress management — can benefit most adults. However, some practices or herbal suggestions may not be suitable for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking certain medications. During your consultation, Dr Oscar reviews your personal circumstances to ensure all recommendations are appropriate for you specifically.
The information on this site is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to treatment.