Ayurveda Essentials

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The concept of Ayurvedic (“ayus” = life, veda = knowledge) meaning “whole body” was developed over 3,000 years ago in India. Ayurveda medicine is the belief that wellness begins with a balance of the mind, body, and spirit to promote good health. Believers say every human is made of space, air, fire, water, and earth. Combining these elements together will form three separate energies called Vata dosha (space and air), Pitta dosha (fire and water), and Kapha dosha (water and earth). Each energy participates in a separate function on the body.

For those who may not be as educated on the origins and beliefs of Ayurveda, there are some basic ways to incorporate this way of living into your current daily routine. We’ve compiled a list of essentials you can use moving forward to practice for yourself!

Sweating
When you sweat, your sweat glands release impurities out of the body.
Sweating also aids your body in losing water weight while increasing your circulation.
Running at a steady pace is the perfect way to get your blood pumping and sweat flowing.
The largest detoxification organ is...your skin!

Sleep
Research shows a direct correlation between lack of sleep and weight gain. Adults sleeping four hours a night versus sleeping 10 hours a night found their hunger and appetite increased.
More sleep means staying at a consistent weight and having a clear mind, which in turn improves performance throughout the day.
Try taking a warm bath before bed to relax the body and mind while also preparing the body for a good night's rest. Add Epsom salts or essential oils to soothe your muscles.

Stay Hydrated
It’s important to drink fluids throughout the day to hydrate the body.
Cold water actually negatively impacts your digestion, so try to stick with warm water for meals.
Ginger Tea is known as the “wonder herb” in Ayurveda as it helps with your daily digestion while the ginger root promotes joint health. Try to have at least 1 cup a day.

Mindful Eating
Slower your chewing while eating meals. Taking your time will send a signal to your stomach so it knows when it’s full which will help you avoid overeating.
Stay away from emotional eating or eating when you’re bored. This can lead to guilt and a decrease in your good digestion flow. Occupy your mind with something else like reading, exercising, or talking to friends.
Try to enjoy your food in silence or in an area that’s comfortable and at least semi-quiet.