The EVOLUTION Magazine JUNE 2024 | Page 26

Wellness ►

Living the Ayurveda

I Lived This Lifestyle for Two Weeks , and This Is What Happened !
by Tara Holm , contributing writer

Have you ever heard the word Ayurveda ? Principles of Indian history , Ayurveda , revolves around the five elements of earth , water , fire , air , and space and how they relate to our body , dosha , and taste . These elements are not just abstract concepts ; they are woven into the very fabric of our existence , governing our physical and mental states .

The Golden Rule of Ayurveda is maintaining balance and harmony within the body . Self-care practices such as yoga , meditation , and massage can help to balance the body ’ s doshas and energy channels and promote optimal functioning . The benefits of Abhyanga ( massage ) are known to eliminate fatigue , reduce mental stress , create lymphatic stimulation , and , by so doing , assist in detoxifying the body , enhancing sleep , reducing anxiety , alleviating depression , promoting a feeling of well-being and contentment , and balances all the doshas .
What are Doshas ?
Here ’ s My Experience
My Ayurvedic constitution is predominantly Vata . My body is normally cold and dry . My intention for this experiment was to feel nourished , calm , and clear-headed . I had high hopes of seeing big differences in my skin and energy level . 1 . Rise before ( or with ) the sun 2 . Drink warm water or tea first thing in the morning 3 . Abhyanga ( massage ) 4 . Get moving 5 . Shower 6 . Dry Brushing
Mornings can be overwhelming with a daunting to-do list , time management , and anxiety . Ayurveda is one of the world ’ s oldest holistic “ whole-body ” healing systems , and its benefits range from relieving stress , anxiety , and depression to healing physical ailments like inflammation , high blood pressure , and illnesses . If you ’ re unsure where to start finding balance , perhaps trying this morning routine will provide you with the clarity you need !
It is also important to adapt this general template to meet the needs of your personal life , constitution , and current state of balance .
Every morning , I started my day between 4:44 and 5:30 a . m . Having a small glass of warm water and feeling the warmth in my belly and happiness immediately .
“ According to Ayurveda , the doshas control the creation , maintenance , and breakdown of bodily tissue and elimination of wastes , as well as psychological aspects , such as emotions , understanding , and love , according to kripalu . org . 1 “ When balanced , the doshas maintain the systems of the body ; when one of the doshas increases due to certain diet and lifestyle habits , imbalance is created . Ayurveda can help restore harmony to areas that have lost balance . There are three Doshas : Vata , Pitta , and Kapha . Each dosha has a number of corresponding qualities expressed in the physical , emotional , and mental aspects of one ’ s being .”
Being present in my body , burning sage , and using a good oil , Abhyanga brings peace . Honoring my body and where I am at . Breathwork brings mindfulness .
Get Moving !
I would choose a weighted HIIT class or yoga . Sometimes , it was just a shaking-it-dance routine — just move your body !
For your shower , I suggest using toxic-free products like chickpea flour instead of soap ; your skin is your biggest organ , and the results
26 June 2024