Ayurveda is becoming more and more popular in the Western world. Maybe you have been hearing that word, but you’re not exactly sure where it comes from or what it means. In Sanskrit the word Ayurveda means “Science of Life”. Ayurveda is the sister science of yoga. It is a holistic homeopathic medicinal system that was developed thousands of years ago in India. Ayurveda treats the body as whole to collectively balance the mind, body, and spirit. If you have been interested to give it a try – here are a few Ayurvedic practices to help to boost immunity, create balance, and stay healthy.
1. Self-Massage
Massage strengthens the circulation in the body, reduces stress, and heals fatigue. According to the Ayurveda system, each of us should spend a little time each day giving ourselves a small oil massage. The oils recommended for this massage are sesame or coconut.
Instructions: Before your next shower or bath plan 15 minutes or more for a self-massage. Take the warm oil of your choice then use circular motions and self to massage the entire body.
2. Oil Pulling
Swishing coconut oil around the mouth helps to detoxify the mouth and it has been proven to pull toxins out of the entire body. This practice can also lead to better oral hygiene and whiter teeth.
Instructions: Place 1 – 2 tablespoons of coconut oil into the mouth. Swish it around for 15 – 20 minutes, just as if it were mouthwash. Make sure to spit the oil out into the toilet once the time is completed (oil in the sink can clog the drain).
3. Tongue Scraping
A normal tooth brushing does not remove all the toxins from the mouth. Tongue scraping is an oral hygiene practice that helps to clear out all the bacteria and plaque that is built up on the tongue and taste buds.
Instructions: Take tongue scraper and place it as far back on the tongue as feels comfortable. Use light pressure to glide the tongue scraper forward and then rinse off after each scrape. Practice this for 1 minute.
4. Ginger Lemon Tea
A gentle way to wake up the digestive system in the morning is to drink ginger lemon tea. The ginger works to ignite the digestive fire needed to metabolize our diet during the day. The minerals in lemon helps to detoxify and loosen the digestive tract.
Instructions: Before putting anything else into the body, in the morning, make some hot water in the microwave or kettle. Cut up some lemon slices and cube a little ginger, if you need some sweetness you can add honey. Mix together, let seep a few minutes, and then enjoy.
5. Meditation
Meditation helps to create balance mentally and emotionally. Slowing the mind down helps to bring more peace, clarity, and resilience to many different areas of our life.
Instructions: After your next yoga practice or when you wake up in the morning take 5 minutes to find a quiet space. Sit up tall and place the hands on the knees. Begin to focus on the sensation of the inhale. For example, the rise in the chest, the air moving up the nostrils. Stick with that one point of focus. Each time the mind slowly wonders, draw it back to the point of focus.