If you’re interested in a natural health system centered around connectedness, then ayurveda may be just what you’re looking for. Here, we’ll discuss what ayurveda is and how you can benefit from this ancient holistic practice.
What Is Ayurveda?
Originating in India some 3,000 years ago, the term ayurveda translates to “knowledge of life.” The idea is that disease is due to an imbalance of stress on a person’s consciousness, and the practice seeks to create a balance between the mind, body, spirit, and environment. This process begins with an internal purification process, followed by a special diet, and, lastly, consists of massage therapy, yoga, and meditation.
Benefits of Ayurvedic Wellness
The benefits of ayurveda include:
- Health: Ayurveda is all about ditching clinical treatments and reaching for natural ways to achieve healthier skin and hair, a balanced diet, and an all-around healthier you.
- Less Stress: The idea is to calm down, detox, and rejuvenate yourself.
- Reduced Inflammation: Because you’re focusing on a healthy diet and peaceful practices, you’ll notice a reduction in inflammation, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
- Better Diet: Ayurveda promotes a nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich diet that everybody can benefit from.
How to Incorporate Ayurvedic Rituals Into Your Daily Routine
Ayurveda appeals to many people, but getting started or incorporating these practices into daily life can be tricky. Here are some simple things you can do to capture the essence of ayurveda.
Go to Bed Early
Getting enough sleep is essential for the body to detox and renew itself, so ditch the gadgets about an hour before bedtime so your brain can wind down. If you struggle to remember to do this, try setting an alarm as a reminder to put all devices away at a reasonable time in the evening.
Wake Up With the Sun
According to the practice of ayurveda, sleeping past sunrise makes the body dull, depressed, and lethargic. But luckily, if you’re getting to bed earlier, you should find it easier to wake up earlier.
Scrape Your Tongue
This one is a little random, but oral hygiene is very important in ayurveda. Scraping your tongue is a thorough way to get toxins out of your mouth. Follow this with your regular brushing and flossing routine.
Shatkriya
Shatkriya is a term used for washing your face and cleansing your nostrils. Neti pot users, rejoice, because this will now be part of your daily routine. If you’re new to neti pots, don’t be intimidated. Neti pots are simple to use and help clean out your sinuses so you can breathe better.
Self-Abhyanga
This part of ayurveda is one most of us won’t think twice about: warm oil massages. You could visit a spa that specializes in ayurvedic treatments, but you can also do it at home by yourself. This practice helps tone muscles, hydrates the skin, and calms the mind and body.
Yoga, Breathing, and Meditation
Yoga, breathing, and meditation are integral parts of ayurveda, so it’s important to set aside time for what we’ll call the “big three.” If you’re new to these concepts, focus on one thing at a time until each has been mastered.
Take a Hot Bath
There is no better way to relax your body than a warm bath with aromatherapy. Light some candles, play your favorite music or podcast, use bath salts or bath bombs, and melt the stress away.
Eat Three Healthy Meals a Day
Fuel your body with healthy, sustainable food three times a day!