Ayurvedic therapies, such as pranayama, yoga and meditation, are unlikely to have bad side effects. Ayurvedic herbs, however, may interact with medications. A skilled Ayurvedic practitioner will research drug/herb interactions and prescribe herbal formulas that are safe.
There have been rare instances of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, contaminating some Ayurvedic herb supplements imported from India. Ask your health care provider about choosing domestic certified organic herbs that have been tested for purity and quality.
Talk to your doctor if you choose to work with Ayurveda, especially if you take medicines or have to eat a special diet (to control diabetes, for example). A quality Ayurvedic Specialist will work in collaboration with your physician.