Have you ever heard of Ayurveda, (pronounced ah-yer-vey-duh)? In short, it’s the ancient art of medicine to prolong life; best natural way to achieve optimal health. Originating in India more than 5,000 years ago, it’s the oldest, yet continuously practiced health care system in the world.
Ayurveda is built around the understanding of nature’s rhythms and laws focusing on the five elements of ether, air, fire, water and earth. It is not meant to replace Western medicine, but instead to compliment it by inhibiting disease from appearing in the first place.
Our bodies are a reflection of nature, therefore the system of Ayurveda understands our deepest connections to the whole universe and how energies can influence our health mentally and physically. Our environments and bodies have to constantly adjust and when they become imbalanced, we feel it in numerous ways.
An individual approach to Ayurveda takes into account everyone’s uniqueness emotionally, psychologically and physically so you can apply what is best for you. Being open to this holistic lifestyle enables the body and mind to balance and fight off disharmony and disease.
Ultimately, the goal of Ayurveda is to teach us how to attain optimal health and life-long well-being through a deeper connection and understanding with ourselves and the world around us. Just by applying and continuing beneficial daily routines for the mind, body, spirit and soul, you can do everything in your power to start to live a healthier life today.
Here are some of the best tips to start to incorporate Ayurveda into your life.
- Wake up before the sun rises.
- Before anything else, drink a full glass of room temperature or slightly warmed water (8oz).
- Wash your face and clean out nasal passages.
- Stretch your body through yoga for a few minutes.
- Sit and calm your mind and prepare for the day with 10-20 minutes of meditation.
- Remind yourself of 3 things that you’re grateful for.
- Feed your body a nourishing breakfast for your specific needs.
- Schedule time on your calendar for at least 3 walks (30-minutes each) per week.
- Make time for lunch each day between 11am-2pm complete with all food groups for optimal health.
- Follow up lunch with a few minutes of relaxation, shut eyes, breathe, meditate a little more.
- Be sure to eat dinner with at least 1/2 of it consisting of vegetables between 5-7pm.
- Allow yourself enough time to digest before bedtime, two hours is generally good.
- Spend your digestion time sipping on a Sleepy Time Tea.
- Aim to go to bed by 10-11pm the latest.
- Remind yourself what you’re grateful for.
To learn more and expand your mind this is a wonderful guide to start living a Ayurveda lifestyle…
