Live Optimally with Ayurveda
I offer one-on-one Ayurveda Lifestyle & Wellness Counseling to help you achieve a more optimal state of being. By examining and making incremental changes in foundational areas of your life – primarily diet, daily routines, and stress management – I can guide you to experience better digestion, deeper sleep, a calmer mind and noticeably higher levels of energy and vitality.
When you meet with me, you will receive personalized insights into your own health, with specific recommendations tailored to your habits and lifestyle. Many of my clients come to me after doing a basic online “dosha quiz,” and I can help you confirm the accuracy of your results, what they really mean and how you can take strategic action to make impactful changes in your life.
My approach to Ayurveda is one that is:
Incremental – I give you a few targeted suggestions after each session so that you’re not overwhelmed with a sense that you have to make a complete life overhaul. By making small changes over time, you’re more likely to succeed long-term in meeting whatever goals we establish together.
Understandable – I aim to share the basic why behind my recommendations so that you can begin to identify and adjust patterns you notice in your own life.
Fun – As a patient of many Ayurvedic doctors over the years, I believe that Ayurveda is most effective when approached in a way that is light-hearted, inspiring and joyful. I won’t bog you down with too many Sanskrit words, heady explanations or do-or-die suggestions. I respect a lifestyle of moderation over one governed by hard-and-fast rules.
“I knew that all of the things that had become normal for me were not actually normal. After I worked with Meredith for a few months I feel like I am finally a healthy definition of normal. My digestion is better than it’s ever been in my life and my skin glows like never before.”
– Casey C., Oakland, CA
“I’ve always paid attention to my food choices, but Meredith helped me understand that not all healthy foods are the same for my body. This explains why I so often felt like crap even though I was eating all the things I was told were ‘healthy.’ I now can make better choices and I’ve lost weight I never thought I could ever shed.” – Amira K., Sherman Oaks, CA
Sessions
Because Ayurveda is an incremental science, I meet with most clients for a minimum of 3–5 sessions over 3–6 months, with many electing to do more intensive packages where we can meet more frequently. Initial intake sessions are generally 90 minutes, and follow-up sessions are 50 minutes, unless otherwise prescribed.
By meeting across multiple sessions, you will notice the greatest results, although stand-alone intake sessions are sometimes possible, depending on my availability. For package pricing and to schedule your first session, please contact me.
I meet with people in-person at a few locations in Santa Monica and the greater Los Angeles area. I also meet with people worldwide face-to-face using the Zoom conferencing platform. Local clients are able to elect whether sessions following the initial intake are in-person or virtual. Prior to your initial session, I will provide you with an extensive intake form for completion, due back to me at least 48 hours before we meet.
Payment/Cancellation Policies
I accept payment by check, cash and via Venmo (to @pranaful). Packages must be paid for prior to the first session unless otherwise arranged – ask me if a payment plan is needed. You are responsible for notifying me of any reschedule requests or cancellations at least 48 hours prior to a session. Any missed sessions with less than 48 hours advanced notice will be deducted from your package balance. For stand-alone appointments, payment is non-refundable if less than 48 hours notice is given.
My Background
My foray into Ayurvedic medicine began in 2006, and I’ve been a student ever since. I was fortunate to study with Dr. Robert Svoboda, the first Western Ayurvedic doctor, just prior to his retirement and completed his certificate program in Ayurvedic Studies through the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, NM in 2008. Following that, my Ayurvedic education has continued under the direct tutelage of several respected professionals in the field. I have specialized my studies in a specific “feminine form” Ayurveda lineage through Katie Silcox’s Shakti School, where I have been both a student (receiving a 600-hour certification as an Ayurvedic Health Counselor) and teacher (sharing classes on Ayurvedic cooking, cleansing and skin care). I have also offered introductions to Ayurveda at numerous yoga teacher training programs around Los Angeles, including at Soulplay Yoga, The Tree South L.A., and the BeFree Hot Yoga training program, and at retreats across the country. As a chef, I specialize in Ayurvedic approaches to diet, nutrition and menu-planning. In my coaching practice, I specialize in helping busy professionals develop effective routines that fit their lifestyles in addition to supporting individuals and couples to explore natural approaches around fertility, childbirth and postpartum care.