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Ayurveda brings the mind, body, and spirit into balance. The long history of this ancient healing practice dates back centuries.
It was during the Vedic period that Ayurvedic practitioners developed the concept of the three doshas, according to the Yoga Journal. These included vata, pitta, and kapha. The doshas govern different aspects of physical and mental health, such as digestion, metabolism, immunity, emotions, and energy levels.
Based on this philosophy, maintaining a balanced state of the three doshas is essential for overall health and well-being, according to Healthline. When they become unbalanced, it can lead to physical and mental ailments.
Incorporating ayurvedic practices into your life can benefit your physical and mental health.. By understanding the basics of these practices and how they restore balance to the three doshas, you can begin making small changes that will help improve your overall well-being.
Start small and add each of these four fast and easy Ayurvedic practices into your daily routine. But remember that your body is constantly changing - what works for you today may not work for you tomorrow.
Eat seasonally
You can begin by looking at your diet. An Ayurvedic diet, in particular, emphasizes eating seasonally, according to Healthline
Your body responds differently to each season. At different times of the year, your body needs different types of food to maintain balance. Eating foods that are in season helps ensure that you're getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy during specific months.
What types of foods come to mind when you think of the winter months? It sure isn’t ice cream, right? Perhaps more like warm soups and comfort foods? Well, that’s your natural instinct that aligns with Ayurvedic diets. So to begin eating the ayurvedic way today, why not take a look at what foods are currently in season and cook up something delicious and nutritious?
Tongue scraping
Don’t knock it until you try it! Ayurveda believes that the tongue has a direct connection to several of the body's vital organs, according to a blog on the Banyan Botanicals site, including the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, spleen, and stomach. The tongue can provide insight into the health and well-being of these organs.
The surface of the tongue reflects systemic imbalances (and improvements). This is why ayurvedic practitioners always ask to view your tongue to gauge your overall health. You should also regularly check your tongue to keep toxins at bay.
By scraping your tongue daily, you can pick up on any significant changes in your internal balance that may indicate problems. Tongue scraping gently removes any toxins from the tongue itself while stimulating and cleansing the associated organs at the same time.
Nadi Shodhana breathing exercise
As a form of pranayama, Nadi Shodhana helps balance mind and body, according to a blog on the Svastha Ayurveda site.This alternative nostril breathing balances the brain's left and right hemispheres. It's great for all body types or doshas!
To begin, gently press your first two fingers together and place them between the eyebrows to connect with your third-eye chakra. Allow your thumb to follow as it rests on one nostril, pressing it closed. From here, take a deep inhale through your open nostril, close both nostrils for one second, and release on the other side. You should now have the opposite nostril closed with your ring finger. Breathe in and out by switching nostrils, allowing the breath to guide you.
Herbal remedies
Finally, herbal remedies can restore balance to the three doshas. Ayurvedic herbs and spices have many benefits, according to Healthline. Their benefits include improved digestion, mental health, and protection from disease.
Common herbs used in Ayurveda include ashwagandha, turmeric, shatavari, amalaki, guduchi, and triphala. Each herb has its own set of benefits, so make sure to discover what your body needs before choosing your go-to herb.
To use as a herbal remedy, simply mix the herbs with some hot water to create a healing tea. You can even try to add a combination of a few different herbs for that extra healing boost.
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