3 questions to ask yourself to find out if you need to learn about Ayurveda:
1 – Do you want to sleep peacefully for 7 – 9 hours per night, according to your body’s needs, and wake up refreshed and full of energy without an alarm? If yes, then you need Ayurveda for sleep.
2 – Do you ever feel stressed out or overwhelmed by too many thoughts. If yes, then you need Ayurveda to help balance your busy mind.
3 – Do you sometimes lack enough energy, or feel foggy headed or too unmotivated or heavy to meet every challenge? Then you need Ayurveda to balance your sluggishness and invigorate your life.
If you answered yes to even one of the above questions then the answer is yes, Ayurveda can help you.
So what is this mysterious, difficult to pronounce, rumored miracle cure?
Ayurveda (ah – yer – vay – da) is the most ancient recorded form of holistic health care. Ayurveda is not just a diet or sleep schedule recommendation, it’s a body/mind/spirit balancer, supporting the most joyful, healthy, productive, vital you. The practices outlined in an Ayurvedic recommendation are all encompassing for your health and well being. Sure what you eat is a big part of it, huge actually, because food and especially spices in Ayurveda are the magic medicine. Ayurvedic practices are personal and custom, dedicated specifically to keep you balanced and flowing in all ways, physical, mental/emotional, relational and spiritual. Obviously this is not a one size fits all, so if you decide to investigate Ayurveda I highly recommend you find a coach or treatment center to get you started. Ayurveda isn’t just a health system, it’s a way of life, a balanced way of living to your fullest potential. It may sound like a big undertaking, but with just a small amount of effort, self inquiry and education, the benefits are unlimited.
I know that sounds huge, too much to do, too many changes, as if it would take too much time and be too hard. Another reason why an Ayurvedic coach is a great idea. The trick is making simple small changes, just do what works for you, slowly over time. You will begin to feel more vibrant and energetic, and then the practices build on themselves, the better you feel the more you want to integrate into your life, and the more you integrate, the better you feel.
Some of the practices of Ayurveda that help you live a more energetic, healthy and balanced life include:
- Oil pulling
- Tongue cleaning
- Neti pot sinus cleansing
- Eating at the time of day when your digestion is strongest (imagine being your ideal weight and no gas or bloating!)
- Eating food that supports balance and digestion for your specific body type
- Mindful eating to promote healthy digestion
- Connecting with nature through what you eat and activities, including sleep cycles
- Experiencing optimal wellness, and knowing how to get back there when you are out of balance
I know that all sounds crazy and out there, the first time I learned about Ayurveda, way back in my 200 hour yoga teacher training, I was skeptical and confused by what I saw. But I am telling you if you try it, you’ll appreciate it.
Ask me how! As always you can book time with me to see how I can help you achieve optimal health and well being.
Here are a few more details and history about Ayurveda, from an article I wrote a few years ago: Formed from the words for life/longevity: Ayu and wisdom/knowledge: Veda, Ayurveda a sister science to Yoga, emerged from the ancient texts of India, the Vedas, or “Books of Wisdom,” believed to date back at least five thousand years. As a completely universal body of wisdom, Ayurvedic principles can be woven into any lifestyle, region of the world or time, due to the fact that Ayurveda is rooted in the laws and cycles of Nature. According to Ayurveda health is a continuous and participatory process that embraces all aspects of life. Achieving balance in all of these areas is the true measure of vibrant health. Ayurvedic recommendations are not based on averages or universal rules, but on an individual’s current imbalance. Each recommendation is focused on bringing balance back so that self-healing and vibrant health can be obtained and maintained.
Look for future articles on the basics of Ayurveda, including how each of us, and all life, is created out of a combination of the five great elements, space, air, fire, water and earth, forming our dosha, and how this knowledge can lead to achieving and maintaining balance, health and joy!
Also more information on Ayurveda can be found at Chopra.com, founded by Deepak Chopra MD, this is the organization where I received my certification in Ayurvedic lifestyle!