Introduction

Routine helps our constitutions to balance, to give structure to a day from regulating our biological clocks to aiding digestion. An ayurvedic morning routine is the ultimate in self care helping us start the day of with positivity, happiness and peace which help promote longevity.

Maintaining good health through Ayurvedic living

Ayurveda is the oldest healing science in the word, that despite its ancient origins has transcended time with teachings that are effective in even today and adaptable to modern lifestyles. The origins of the lifestyle principals taught by ayurveda has a history that spans over 5000 years dating back to ancient Indian scriptures taught be vedics. It teaches us to tap into a natural healing system which focuses on the inner and mental wellbeing of the body.

Today it has become relevant more than ever as people appreciate its emphasis on prevention and maintenance of good health rather than just cure. It teaches us to understand the balance between mind and body and encourages us to base our eating and lifestyle choices to suit our body types rather than to follow trends.

Reasons to follow an ayurvedic morning routine

An ayurvedic morning routine is a set of self-care steps to cleanse, rejuvenate and ignite the digestive system for a wellness start to the day. These simple steps are based on effective life science teachings and work towards removing toxins from the body and remove the build-up of ama. Following an ayurvedic morning daily you will reduce early morning decision fatigue.

What does Ayurveda say about self-care?

The Sanskrit word for a daily self-care routine is ‘dinacharya’ which translate to, dina which means day and charya which means practice. According to ayurveda these daily routines help the body be in tune with itself and the natural rhythms of the day. It is a holistic system of selfcare to give your day a positive and healthy start.

Waking up early

Wake up early in the morning, if possible before sunrise and if not with the sunrise and it will help you benefit from the freshness of nature and bring peace to your mind and senses. Spend a little time with yourself checking in and understanding how you are feeling both physically and mentally. Take a few deep breaths to clean the aura.

Cleansing face and body

Start the day with a morning bowel movement which helps regulate your digestive system. Further going to the toilet first thing in the morning flushes the kidneys and stimulates peristalsis. Next cleanse your face for a fresh start to the day. Wash your face and eyes with cool water and brush your teeth. Use a tongue scraper to gently scrape and clean your tongue to remove bacteria for a healthy start to the day. The simple act of tongue scraping is a direct way of removing ama from your body which is toxic residue.

Staying hydrated

Drinking water in the morning is known as Ushapan and is a healthy habit promoted by ayurveda because having warm water in the morning helps flush toxins from the body and to cleanse your intestines. It also increases your energy levels.

Oil Massage

Next spend a few minutes massaging your body with oil, warm sesame oil if you are kapha or vata and coconut oil if you are pitta dosha. This routine helps you care for and appreciate your body. It creates awareness so you are in tune with your body and focus on tension areas for relief. You can add herbs to your oil for additional health benefits. You can leave the oil while you meditate for greater benefits if not you can take a warm or cool but not cold shower.

Mediation

You can do this just for a few minutes and gradually extend the meditation time if you want to. Focus on your breathing to calm the mind and reduce tension. Take deep cleansing breathes and focus on this to gain mental clarity.

Light exercise

Take time to move your body to gently stimulate it into action. This could be in the form of sun salutations and other light yoga and stretching. If time and weather permit go for a walk to get fresh air.

Eating a balanced meal

Ayurveda is all about the balance and this is true for meals as well. Start your day with meal of fresh ingredients, herbs and spices to help your body feel strong healthy and energised to face the day. Consult an ayurvedic practitioner to find out your body type so you can tailor your ayurvedic diet accordingly.

Conclusion

An ayurvedic morning routine is the ultimate form of selfcare that you can do daily. It will give you the start you need to face the day with strength and clarity. Start your own ayurvedic morning routine this year and feel the benefits of balance, stability and wellbeing.