Self-care is a crucial health-care philosophy that promotes your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Among the various attempts towards self-care, Ayurveda is one of the most effective. This age-old holistic system aims at healing all aspects of life by balancing the doshas (or biological energies), which are known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Ayurveda prescribes dinacharya, i.e. following a daily routine to help you tune into the natural rhythms of your body and bring harmony to your mind and body. With therapeutic herbs, dietary tips, and meditative practices, dinacharya helps to restore a balance in your fast-paced life. Here are some ways in which Ayurveda can enrich your life.
Cleanses the body of toxins
According to Ayurveda, detoxification is essential as excessive body toxins or 'ama' lead to doshic imbalances and cause serious ailments. Panchakarma is a five-step process prescribed by Ayurveda to cleanse the body of toxins. It includes fasting and application of oils, which releases the ama, opens the blocked channels and boosts your immunity.
Reduces stress
Ayurvedic methods such as yoga, abhyanga (ayurvedic oil massage) and pranayama (deep breathing exercises) minimize stress and anxiety levels. Regularly following these methods can increase your resilience to stress and promote happiness.
Cures insomnia
Insomnia is the most prevalent condition experienced by many people today. According to Ayurveda, this condition is triggered by the build-up of impurities through an unhealthy diet, weak digestion, harmful lifestyle, and stress. Ayurveda recommends the intake of herbs, juicy fruits, body massages and yoga to restore your natural sleep-wake cycle and bring peace to your life.
Improves digestion
Ayurveda provides plenty of dietary tips that will strengthen your digestive system and help in balancing your doshas. Its emphasis is on preparing meals with love and care as it believes that the mindset with which food is cooked plays a significant role in digestion. It also suggests the consumption of herbs such as Triphala, aloe vera to alleviate digestive distress.
Gives glowing and healthy skin
Ayurvedic diets are plant-based and prescribe natural foods such as green leafy vegetables and nuts. Such diets cleanse the toxins in your body and leave you with healthy and glowing skin. These diets also prescribe herbs such as neem, tulsi, aloe vera, and sandalwood. Regular application of these medicinal herbs prevents premature aging and makes your skin look fresh.
Prevents hypertension and cholesterol
Hypertension and cholesterol are a result of stress and junk food, which have become an inevitable part of our modern lifestyle. Ayurveda urges you to make dietary changes by avoiding spicy foods, untimely eating, and foods with preservatives. It also recommends pranayama and yoga to stay physically active and combat stress, thereby preventing the risk of heart diseases.
Incorporating ancient science of Ayurveda into your modern life can help you stay fresh and fit, and can increase your life expectancy!