Ayurved practitioners believe humans are interdependent with nature, and illness arises when this connection becomes broken. Thus, treatments designed to balance an individual’s dosha (energy body) are used to address symptoms at their source and treat root cause issues.
Studies have highlighted Ayurved practices’ ability to significantly decrease stress. Here’s how you can incorporate them into your lifestyle for improved health and well-being.
1. Meditation
Ayurved medicine is one of the world’s oldest holistic (“whole-body”) healing systems and it’s making a comeback thanks to its timeless health tips – so much so that mbg named it as one of their wellness trends for 2019.
Ayurved practices revolve around the philosophy that balance is key for overall health and wellbeing. This can be accomplished through lifestyle interventions such as healthy diets, sleep hygiene and physical activity as well as natural therapies like herbal remedies, botanical extracts, yoga sessions and activities designed to foster mindfulness.
Ayurvedic practitioners begin by determining each person’s unique physical and emotional makeup – called Prakriti – which defines their health traits. From here they devise an Ayurvedic treatment plan designed to reduce symptoms by targeting vata, pitta, and kapha energy principles within their system: digestion, metabolism, movement.
2. Pranayama
Pranayama are yogic breathing techniques which focus on controlling breath. Pranayama literally translates as: extending or expanding vital life force energy by deliberate breath control.
Slow, deep breathing exercises stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system to decrease stress, anxiety and depression. They improve respiratory systems, circulation and can be an effective tool in lowering blood pressure. Furthermore, these breathing exercises have been found to help improve memory retention, increase grey matter in amygdalas and activate frontal cortex areas of the brain.
Sit comfortably in Sukhasana (a simple cross-legged posture) or Padmasana. Focus on counting breaths when inhaling and exhaling slowly until your lungs are empty – repeat this for several rounds. Brahmar pranayama creates a low-pitched humming sound which may help people with high blood pressure or stomach disorders.
3. Yoga
Yoga has long been known to promote cardiovascular wellness by reducing plaque build-up in arteries, known as atherosclerosis. Recent research also indicates that combined with Ayurvedic herbal remedies, it may even help ease chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
According to Ayurvedic principles, each person possesses their own individual physical and psychological makeup known as their constitution (prakriti). Treatment plans tailored specifically for each individual are devised based on this individual prakriti and any ailments they are suffering from.
Ayurved practitioners may recommend diet modifications, exercise routines, herbs or pancha karma cleansing processes as ways to restore equilibrium to the body. As with all complementary health practices and medications taken or prescribed to you, always inform your primary care practitioner as some herbs can interact with medications – these practices and medications are not regulated by FDA in any case.
4. Ayurvedic Massage
Ayurved massage can be a wonderful way to relieve stress, improve sleep quality and moisturize skin, but finding an appointment can be difficult due to busy schedules or pricey packages at spas.
Ancient healing systems consider good health a product of maintaining equilibrium among three body elements — Vata, Pitta and Kapha — within your system. When any one element becomes imbalanced or out-of-balanced, it could lead to disease and illness.
An Ayurvedic massage helps restore this balance by increasing blood circulation, detoxifying and revitalizing the entire body. Abhyanga (oil massage) is a popular technique that uses warm oil all over your skin.
5. Diet
As opposed to diets that only emphasize counting calories, Ayurveda recommends whole food over processed and incorporates lifestyle elements to achieve wellness. Furthermore, this practice promotes good digestive habits.
As one of the oldest holistic (whole-body) healing systems, Ayurveda strives to support our body’s natural ability to heal itself and maintain wellness through balance between mind, body and spirit.
Eating Ayurvedic food can be an excellent way to promote better digestion, increase energy and lower the risks of chronic illnesses. We suggest starting by visiting your local farmer’s market and purchasing fresh and in-season produce which will increase prana or life force within your body.