11 Habits You Need to Start Now
Ayurveda is a 5000 year old system of medicine that is still practiced today. The goal of Ayurveda is to help people achieve optimal health and wellness using natural methods. There are many principles of Ayurveda that can be incorporated into your life to achieve these goals. Here we discuss some of the most important Ayurvedic habits and how you can use them to improve your health!
Do you know your dominant dosha?
Take our Free Quiz to determine your dominant dosha type, as some habits are more important for various constitutions. When we are able to identify our dominant dosha type and areas of imbalance then we can take appropriate actions necessary for maintaining a balanced state. Ideally all three doshas should be kept in balance but regulating your dominant dosha is a more sustainable approach for most people. This will change as you progress through life so it is important to continually check-in with yourself every few months.
For more information on the Doshas check out our article here.
Morning Habits
A morning routine is a great way to set the tone for your day and can be based on your dosha. Drinking room temperature to warm water with lemon first thing on an empty stomach cleanses the liver and is a huge boost to your vitality. Try to avoid using your phone for the first hour after waking up. Listen to calming music and treat yourself as if you were at a spa. A brief walk outside in the sunlight first thing, can do wonders for your mental health.
- Vata individuals should aim to wake up early and do some light stretching or yoga, eat a light breakfast, and begin their day slowly.
- Pitta individuals should consume additional water, followed by a healthy breakfast including fruits and vegetables.
- Kapha individuals should wake up early, drink plenty of fluids, exercise moderately, and have a light breakfast.
Following these simple tips will help you to live in balance according to your unique constitution.
Eat Seasonally
Another important part of living in balance according to Ayurveda is eating seasonally. The foods that are available during each season are those which nature has intended for us to eat at that time. For example, in the winter we should eat warming and grounding foods like soups, stews, and root vegetables. In the summertime, we should favor cooling and cleansing foods such as fruits and vegetables. This approach to eating will help to keep our bodies in balance with the changing seasons. Processed foods and sugar should be avoided as much as possible.
Massage
One of the best ways to keep your body in balance is by getting regular massages. A massage therapist can help to release tension and congestion in the body, promoting optimal health and wellness. If you cannot afford regular massages, consider investing in a self-massage tool like a foam roller or ball. This will help you to release tension and knots in the muscles on your own time.
Yoga & Martial Arts Habits
Now I don’t mean the culturally appropriated yoga or cardio kickboxing you get at big box gyms. Rather, the legitimate ancient practices that will transform your life. Whether its Yoga or Qi Gong the focus is on connecting to your life force, prana, qi though movement and breathing. Studies have shown that these activities greatly reduce a person’s baseline stress level, allowing a much greater sense of well-being and mental clarity. Not to mention the physical benefits of moving parts of your body that have been stagnating while seated at a desk for years. Check out your local small studio and give it a try, it could change your life!
Natural Sleep & Wake Habits
In addition to following a routine based on your dosha, it is also important to follow the Ayurvedic sleep and wake cycles. This means going to bed and waking up at approximately the same time each day. It is also important to avoid screens before bedtime as they can disrupt our natural sleep rhythms. The body cannot replenish itself if you are getting insufficient sleep, which leads to accelerated aging and disease. Sleep is the gatekeeper to your physical and emotional well-being.
Refine Oral Care Habits
Ayurvedic Oral Care is based on the knowledge of Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine. The practice focuses on preventing oral diseases by maintaining oral hygiene through regular brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping. It also uses herbs for treating dental problems like cavities and gingivitis. Good digestion begins with optimal oral care.
Garshana
Garshana is a dry brushing technique to remove the dead skin cells from the surface of our bodies. The scraping motion also releases toxins like ama which can build up in our tissues over time (especially if we eat processed foods or sugar). This practice could be done daily before taking a shower. Additional health benefits include:
- Increasing blood circulation
- Stimulating lymphatic system
- Reducing cellulite
- Eliminating toxins
- Removing excess water weight
- Exfoliating dull and dry skin
- Toning muscles
- Stimulating nervous system
- Reducing stress.
Neti
Neti is a process of irrigating the nasal passages with warm saline solution. It helps to cleanse and purify your nose by removing dust particles, germs, viruses from this area which can cause sinus infections or other ailments if left unchecked for too long. The practice should be done daily but it takes some time before you get used to it so start slowly until eventually working up towards doing it regularly each day as part of your morning routine! It can also improve your aesthetics by reducing puffiness and giving a well-rested appearance.
Ahbyanga
Ahbyanga is an ancient ayurvedic practice that involves self-massage with warm oil. This helps to nourish the skin and remove impurities from your body while promoting relaxation. The practice should be done daily before bathing or showering so as not to dilute its effects because oils are very effective at penetrating into deep layers of tissue where they don’t normally go (this includes toxins!).
Ahbyanga benefits include: Reducing inflammation Improving circulation Stimulating lymphatic system Toning muscles Softening dry skin Deeply cleaning pores Relieving stress Releasing toxins Hydrating tissues Protecting against dehydration Removing excess water weight Balancing out oil production Nourishing hair follicles Stimulating nervous system Increasing metabolism.
Spend Time in Nature
The Tall Writer explains that it only takes, 3 Days in Nature to hit the reset button. To wash away civilization and modern day stresses and connect with your true essence. Being in nature and even simply viewing scenes of nature reduces many negative emotions. It’s more than just the emotional aspect, but it lowers your heart rate, cortisol levels, and muscle tension. The more skilled you are at pulling yourself out of the modern day high stress and environment, the better your health will be in the long term. Even a small living plant in your space can do wonders for your overall wellbeing.
Ahara Rasa
Ahara Rasa which translates to “food essence.” This approach uses dietary modifications to help us better deal with stressful situations. Some foods that are recommended include ginger (stimulates digestion), lavender (calming), chamomile (relaxing), and lemon balm (anxiety-reducing). It is also important to avoid foods that are known to aggravate stress such as caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, and sugar.
Find Your Power
The bottom line is that Ayurveda can help you achieve freedom from the US disease care system. Rather than addressing the root causes of illness with natural therapies, we rely on medications that cause other symptoms and perpetuate the cycle of disease. We have a great selection of potent ancient herbal teas that can help balance your Dosha, take your power back and start working towards true health and vitality.