Start the day according to the principles of Ayurveda
Ayurveda is part of the most ancient Vedic knowledge about the laws of nature and the universe that has come down to our days.
By @masha_bo - 27/Jun/2022
Picture: Josh Hild
From the Sanskrit language, Ayurveda literally translates as "the science of life."
According to the Vedas, there was a civilization on Earth with a higher level of scientific development and with extensive knowledge in the field of medicine. But at some stage of its development, this civilization died and a new civilization began to develop, the one in which we now live. Most of the knowledge of the ancestors was lost, but some of it survived on the territory of modern India. Therefore, it is commonly assumed that Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medicine.
Ayurveda is not a traditional medicine that offers the treatment of diseases with pills. The philosophy of this teaching is to prevent disease through a healthy lifestyle.
Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridayam are the oldest classical texts of Ayurveda, supposedly written by 700 BC are kind of instruction on a healthy lifestyle.
In this article, I want to focus on the morning practices described in these sources, which will help balance energy and tune the body into one rhythm with nature.
Get up early in the morning
Get up 30 minutes before dawn. This period is called brahma muhurta - the hour of God Brahma. During this period, many living beings, such as birds and other animals, begin their daily activities and is filled with energy. This time is ideal for spiritual practices and rituals. Do yoga practice Surya Namaskar - sun salutation or short meditation.
Brushing the tongue
Choose a toothpaste without harsh chemicals. It is better to choose a paste with herbs that give an antibacterial and antiviral effect.
Use a tongue scraper to get rid of the coating on the tongue. U-shaped scrapers are usually made from red copper, tin, yellow copper or stainless steel.
Drink a glasss of water before everything
A glass of warm water kicks off the body and digestive system. As you know, water absorbs energy well, so drink water with positive thoughts. This will put you in a good mood for the day. You can add few drops of lemon juice if the here are no personal contraindications.
Use Oil rinse
Use warm sesame or olive oil as a mouthwash. The classical texts of Ayurveda say that this practice is good for the throat, lips, prevents cavities, strengthens the roots of the teeth, reduces the sensitivity of the enamel and keeps the gums healthy.
Gymnastics for the eyes
Do some simple eye exercises:
- Look up and down, then left and right and diagonally.
- Roll your eyes clockwise, then counterclockwise.
- Close your eyes and repeat 2 more times.
Then splash your eyes with cool water.
By integrating these practices into daily routines, Ayurveda seeks to prevent common eye issues and support long-term visual clarity.
Physical exercise
In Ayurveda, exercise (Vyayama) is viewed as a vital practice for maintaining physical and mental balance. Gentle practices like yoga and walking are recommended to promote circulation, flexibility, and strength while keeping the mind calm and centered. Ayurvedic wisdom encourages exercising at the right time, typically in the morning, to stimulate energy flow, improve digestion, and boost vitality. By incorporating mindful movements, Ayurveda aims to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit for holistic well-being.
Practice Meditation
In Ayurveda, meditation is a key practice for balancing the mind, body, and spirit, promoting overall well-being. Rooted in ancient Vedic traditions, Ayurvedic meditation aims to calm the mind, reduce stress, and restore inner harmony. By incorporating techniques like mindful breathing (Pranayama) and focused awareness, meditation helps balance the doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—leading to improved mental clarity, emotional stability, and physical health. Regular meditation practice is believed to nurture the mind's natural state of peace, enhance self-awareness, and support healing from within.
Give a Self-Massage
Put a little oil on the ring finger of your right hand and start rubbing it on the point between the eyebrows, make small circles clockwise. Gradually deepen and slow down your breathing. If you feel weak, place four fingers on your temples and with a little pressure press, not with your fingertips, but with the entire surface of your fingers.
Try starting with at least one practice, and you will already feel positive changes in your physical and spiritual state.