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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 

Integrative Medicine involves using the best possible treatments from both allopathic medicine (Western) and traditional, complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM) based on the patient’s individual needs and conditions.  It integrates successes from both worlds and is tailored to the individual, using the safest, least invasive, and most cost-effective approach while incorporating a holistic understanding of the individual.

Ayurveda originated in India around 5,000BC and is one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world.  The word “Ayurveda” means “ the science of life” or “life knowledge”.  Ayurveda emphasizes the uniqueness of the individual, promotes prevention, and offers natural methods of treatment.

 

Ayurveda is one of the first systems of medicine to recognize the concept of individual mind-body types and the importance of the mind-body connection.  The unique make up of body and mind influences all aspects of one’s life, including body structure, emotional make-up, predisposition to illnesses, and reactions to various treatments.


Panchakarma is an ancient traditional Ayurvedic detoxification process.  The purpose of Panchakarma is to rid the body of accumulated toxins (ama) in order to prepare it for rejuvenation and healing.  Panchakarma includes a series of massages and treatments utilizing pure sesame or coconut oils and herbs depending upon your constitution and symptoms along with a daily basti (oil and herbs enema), dietary recommendations, yoga and meditation daily. It is a time to dedicate oneself to quiet relaxation and meditation so the body is able to do its work during the cleansing period.  Please refer to Ayurvedic Massage Treatments for more details.

The terms Oriental Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are used interchangeably.  The original text of Chinese medicine is the Nei Ching, The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, which is estimated to be at least 2,500 years old.  Chinese medicine views the body as a small part of the universe, and subject to universal laws and principles of harmony and balance. The Chinese system believes that emotions and mental states influence well-being and disease.  Factors such as work, environment, lifestyle and relationships are fundamental to the patient's overall health. Chinese medicine uses terms such as yin and yang, chi, the organ system, and the five elements to describe health and functions of the body.

 

Acupuncture is one of the main forms of treatment in traditional Chinese medicine.  It involves the use of sharp, thin needles that are inserted into the body at very specific points. This process is believed to adjust and alter the body's energy flow into healthier patterns, and is used to treat a wide variety of illnesses and health conditions.

Homeopathy, or homeopathic medicine, is a holistic system of treatment that originated in the late eighteenth century. It is based on the concept that disease can be treated with drugs (in minute doses) capable of producing the same symptoms in healthy people as the disease itself, which explains the phrase “like treats like”. Homeopathic remedies are believed to stimulate the body's own healing processes and does not produce side effects or negative interactions with other medications.

Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice that is nearly 5000 years old.  The word Yoga comes from the ancient Sanscrit word meaning to yoke or bind together.  There are many forms of Yoga, the most popular form of yoga in the US is Hatha Yoga which is a physical practice done on a mat.  Yoga has many benefits for physical health including increasing flexibility, building strength and toning muscles, increasing circulation and stress reduction. Yoga is used to calm the mind and find integration of body, mind and spirit.

At Sanjevani, we practice Ayurvedic Yoga which emphasizes the healing aspects of Yoga.  It is individualized for each person’s needs, taking into consideration their current state of health and body type.

 

Tai-Chi
The Chinese characters for Tai-Chi Chuan can be translated as the 'Supreme Ultimate Force' and may be associated with the Chinese concept of yin-yang or the dynamic duality (male/female, active/passive, dark/light, forceful/yielding, etc.) in all things. The practice of Tai-Chi is a way of achieving the balance of ying-yang, or 'supreme-ultimate' discipline.
The way in which Tai-Chi is practiced in the west may be thought of as a moving form of yoga combined with meditation. Tai-Chi exercise consists of a number of sets or a sequence of movements. Many of these movements are originally derived from the natural movements of animals and birds and are performed slowly, softly and gracefully with smooth and even transitions between each move focusing on the precision of execution with a calm and tranquil mind. Learning to perform the exercises correctly provides one a sense of balance, alignment, fine-scale motor control and rhythm.
In Chinese philosophy and medicine there exists the concept of 'chi', or vital force that animates the body. One of the aims of Tai-Chi is to increase the circulation of 'chi' within the body to enhance one’s health and vitality.  Because Tai-Chi movements have their origins in the martial arts, practicing them does have some martial applications. As an example, in the two-person exercise called 'push-hands' Tai-Chi principles are developed in terms of being sensitive to and responsive of another person's 'chi' or vital energy.


Qi Gong
Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention. Qi Gong (pronounced chee gung) means cultivating energy. It is a system practiced for health maintenance, healing and increasing vitality.
Qi Gong integrates physical postures, breathing techniques, and focused intentions. Qi Gong practices can be classified as martial, medical, or spiritual. All incorporate postures, (moving or stationary), breathing techniques, and mental focus. The practice of Qi Gong is used to increase Qi (or chi), circulate it, use it to cleanse and heal the body, store it, or emit Qi to help heal others.  The slow gentle movements of most Qi Gong forms can be easily adapted, even for the physically challenged and can be practiced by all age groups.
The gentle, rhythmic movements of Qi Gong reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality, and enhance the immune system. It has also been found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions.
A consistent practice of Qi Gong helps one regain a youthful vitality, maintain health even into old age and helps speed recovery from illness. Western scientific research confirms that Qi Gong reduces hypertension and the incidence of falling in the aged population. One of the more important long-term effects is that Qi Gong reestablishes the body/mind/soul connection.
 

Sanjevani represents Sunil Pai, MD’s vision to form a specialized team of Integrative Medicine practitioners who will pioneer a new frontier in the practice and delivery of (health care) medicine, which emphasizes healing, wisdom and self-empowerment. Through this holistic approach, guests will be rejuvenated physically, emotionally and spiritually.  Sanjevani’s Team consists of Integrative Medicine trained MD’s, DOM’s (Doctors of Oriental Medicine/Acupuncturist), Ayurvedic Diet & Lifestyle Practitioners, Clinical Hypnotherapists, Massage Therapists, and Yoga and Tai Chi Instructors – all working cohesively as a group practice.

The first initial Integrative Medicine MD consultation is from 1½ to 3 hours.  Prior to the first appointment various medical history forms and questionnaires will be sent to you by email and U.S. Postal Service to be filled out prior to your visit. We ask that you send copies of your recent laboratory work and summary notes from your primary doctor (if you have one) or specialist to Sanjevani in advance of your visit for review by the doctor.   The evaluation will cover a wide range of topics including review of your medications and supplements as well as nutritional and mind-body recommendations.  You will receive a physical examination from a multi-disciplinary viewpoint incorporating allopathic medicine with Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine.  A comprehensive health recommendation will be provided along with access to other treatments and services provided by the team of healthcare providers at Sanjevani. Follow up visits can range from 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes to 1 hour or more depending on how much time you would like to spend with the Integrative Medicine MD.  Consults can also be provided by phone or web for general Integrative Medicine recommendations.

Yes.  In fact, most people who come to Sanjevani already have a primary care physician.  Most primary care physicians and specialists are strapped by insurance demands to see patients every 7 minutes.  They are not able to provide the kind of guidance, education and personal attention to your health that we do, including diet, stress reduction, exercise, health education and the use of preventative and natural products.  We are able to spend quality time to answer your questions and provide expert advise to your health concerns because we are not under the constraints of the dictates of insurance companies.  

We are not an urgent care facility.  We focus on providing non-immediate care services for prevention and maintenance of chronic diseases. However, we will work together with your primary care physician to ensure that immediate needs such as urgent care, diagnostic imaging and laboratory services or hospitalization will be taken care of.

No and Yes. We are not a traditional medical spa.  We do not perform services that have high health risks or side effects such as plastic surgery, use any substances such as botox or collagen fillers or lasers.  We do however provide natural and safe esthetics using Guna homeopathic injections and Epicuren facials along with our signature massage services that are unlike any performed in Albuquerque.  

We are like a medical spa in that there is a M.D. on site to provide medical evaluations and treatments along with our certified healthcare practitioners.  However, unlike most medical facilities, our focus is not just confined to the physical body, but also takes into consideration the mind and spirit.  If you are looking for a medical experience in a spa-like environment or a spa experience in a medical environment, utilizing non-toxic, organic and natural products, then we are the health and lifestyle center for you.

Sanjevani is a Sanskrit word meaning “the herb which brings life” or “rejuvenation”.

Sanjevani differs from other health and lifestyle centers in the following ways: 1) There is an authentic Integrative Medicine trained MD on site; 2) Sanjevani’s healthcare practitioners work in an integrative fashion – together as a comprehensive group family practice - unlike most centers that have holistic practitioners who just rent space together.

Facial and body esthetics utilizing Guna homeopathic injections and remedies as well as exclusive facials, massages and treatments from Epicuren  are available to rejuvenate and stimulate your body’s own ability to age gracefully.  Sanjevani also offers facials, massages and body treatments inspired by traditional cultures from around the world - Ayurvedic, Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian and Thai.  We also offer one of a kind sound healing and energy treatments.  All of these treatments are unique and nurturing to the body, mind and spirit.  Please refer to our menu under the Rejuvenation Massages and Treatments heading.

Sanjevani offers ongoing classes in yoga and tai chi as well as educational seminars about health and lifestyle changes.  Sanjevani offers a unique opportunity to Go Shopping with Your Doctor to learn how to read food and supplement labels as well as where to shop for and how to buy fresh and organic produce and products.  Please refer to our calendar of events under for regular and upcoming classes and special events.

Yes, Sanjevani offers regular ongoing yoga classes.  Please see our calendar for days and times.

No, we do not accept health insurance.  However, at your request we will supply you with an invoice that you may present to your health insurance company for reimbursement.

Sanjevani LLC Integrative Health & Lifestyle Center is located at 7920 Wyoming Blvd, Suite B, Albuquerque, New Mexico.  For detailed directions please see Location.

Albuquerque, New Mexico’s Sunport (Airport) is located approximately 15 minutes from Sanjevani.  The airport code is ABQ.

Yes, there are several different styles and classes of hotels and accommodation within minutes from Sanjevani.  Please call us for suggestions.

Sanjevani has its own brand of vitamins and supplements.  We have developed a safe and affordable system for taking supplements that will eliminate redundancy and possible side effects.  All the ingredients in our vitamins and supplements have been selected for their safety, efficacy and dosage and are backed by clinical monographs and/or clinical studies.  Sanjevani’s Integrative Medicine professionals are available for a consult to help you to select the supplements that will best suit your health condition.

Yes. Sanjevani carries a small selection of exclusive skin products, all of which are organic and the highest quality natural ingredients. Many of them are handmade by herbal and skin care artisans who are dedicated to providing you with the finest skin care available.  We carry Epicuren exclusive spa products; Desert Woman handmade herbal creams, salves and tinctures; Miessence cosmetics from Australia 100% organic and environmentally conscious; Sea Chi organic products made with a Kombucha base; Guna, Italian homeopathic formulas.

Sanjevani is very aware of how important it is not only for the well-being of the environment but also for the health and well-being of your entire family, including pets, to use safe and natural home care cleaning products.  The daily use of these safe and natural products is particularly important for chemically sensitive individuals.  We proudly carry Seaside Naturals for your daily home care and cleaning needs.

 

 
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