How to Follow an Ayurvedic Lifestyle

The word "Ayurveda" comes from a combination of two Sanskrit words: "ayus" (life) and "veda" (knowledge of). Ayurveda, therefore, translates to "the knowledge of life." Generally regarded as a manual for living, Ayurveda promotes a lifestyle that's in harmony with nature. It's used to treat a variety of ailments including depression and eating disorders. Follow these steps to follow an Ayurvedic lifestyle.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Practice a Daily Ayurvedic Routine

1. Try to wake up between the hours of 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. The 2 hours before sunrise are supposed to be the purest of the day.

2. Be sure to eliminate the body's waste products at dawn to avoid illness.

3. Wash your eyes with rose water. Add a drop of sesame oil to the water when washing your ears. Put a little oil in the nostrils to clear your sinuses.

4. Exercise early in the morning to keep diseases at bay.

5. Consider getting an oil massage regularly to delay aging.

6. Eat a light breakfast with fresh fruits.

7. Try to obtain gainful employment that fits your dosha type.

8. Plan to have a light dinner between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

9. Try to go to bed at about 10 p.m. to get at least 7 hours of sleep.

Follow a Seasonal Ayurvedic Routine

10. Follow seasonal recommendations to balance the vata, kapha and pitta doshas. Each of these mind-body types is more active during particular seasons. The seasonal directives for each are guides to keep them balanced.

11. Eat light foods and drink water with honey during Fall. Have regular baths and oil massages and avoid napping during the day.

12. Choose foods that are heavy during winter and drink warm water, cow's milk or juice. Have a tepid bath after your oil massage, dress warmly and exercise.

13. Drink more fluids during the summer. Avoid foods that are pungent, acidic or salty. Wear light clothes and avoid strenuous exercise.

14. Avoid foods that are cold, sour, sweet or difficult to digest during spring. Avoid daytime naps but have lots of oil massages and vigorous exercise.

Switch to an Ayurvedic Diet

15. Complete your new Ayurvedic lifestyle by switching to an Ayurvedic diet. Ayurvedic diets are unique to each mind-body type. The cost of food to follow an Ayurvedic diet should be low to moderate.

16. Take a dosha quiz to find out what your dosha, mind-body type, is at the "What's Your Dosha" Web site (see Resources below).

17. Find out more about elements of an Ayurvedic lifestyle at Holisticonline.com (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Consider making an appointment with an Ayurvedic practitioner to obtain proper guidance before switching to an Ayurvedic lifestyle.
• Seek immediate help if you develop severe health problems, especially, but not limited to, respiratory difficulties, chest pain or stroke.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Keep your doctor informed about anything new you undertake.

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[iamageniuster]

on 10/24/2008 Great stuff here. 5 stars! Thanks for the article.