This article first appeared in mindbodygreen.com and is written by Beth Anderson
Ayurveda is the ancient medicine from India that focuses on mind, body, and spirit health through diet, lifestyle, physical activity, and cleansing. Your metabolic type, or dosha, is determined and used to evaluate your current imbalances.
In order to be in balance, you must be mindful of diet, yoga and physical activity, mental state and meditation, and maintaining internal and external cleanliness – a truly holistic approach to your health! Many Ayurvedic practices are effective for all people and help to maintain a balance regardless of your dosha.
Here are a few of my favorite Ayurvedic practices:
1. Drink water in the morning.
When you get out of bed in the morning, drink a glass of warm water. You can add lemon or lime if you like. The water will wake up your digestive system and the citrus will help to detox your system. Warm water balances all three doshas, promotes a good appetite, helps with weight loss, and helps flush toxins from your body. What more could you ask for from a simple glass of water?
2. Boost your immune system with a hot water detox.
Most of your immune system is in your gut, so you need to keep the toxins flowing and flushing out as much as possible. If you are dehydrated or if you need to boost your immune system (and who doesn’t?) then try this free, simple hot water detox.
Simply drink a mug of hot water with NOTHING in it every hour for a few days. The hot water will open up the immune system and allow it to drain naturally. Repeating it every hour or so will deep clean your gut immune system and get rid of potential illnesses. This is so much more appealing than taking antibiotics and prescriptions!
3. Eat three meals a day with no snacks.
The United States is the only country in the world where people are encouraged to eat every few hours – and it’s also one of the unhealthiest country. Ayurveda teaches us to eat three meals a day only.
4. Eat enough at each meal to get you through your day.
In the morning, eat a breakfast that’s just enough to get you to lunch. In the middle of the day, eat your largest meal as you are busiest during the day, but only eat enough to last you until dinner. For dinner, eat only enough to get yourself to sleep. For weight loss, eat less for dinner – a clear soup or green salad. It’s so simple and makes so much sense.
5. Use sesame oil to massage and moisturize yourself.
When you shower in the morning or before bed, finish your shower with a few tablespoons of organic sesame oil. Massage your body well with it, especially areas of the driest skin. The oil will leave your skin healthy and glowing all day. You won’t need lotions and this way, you can avoid commercial chemical concoctions while saving money at the same time!
Incorporate these Ayurvedic habits into your daily routine and enjoy the simple results you’ll receive. Stay in balance and your health will dramatically improve physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually!
Beth Anderson is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and a Certified Natural Health Practitioner.
