As noted in may last blog recently I was on a Yoga / Ayurveda retreat in a small, purpose built village in the South of India.
We practiced yoga every morning and had Ayurvedic treatments every day.
The Ayurvedic Doctor, Dr Alibash Anand gave us a lecture on how to orientate towards healthy living. Here is his list.
Ideal daily routine:
- Wake up between 3-6 a.m. – 48 minutes before sunrise;
- Note if you have digested the dinner (drink water – does it taste water or yesterday’s dinner?);
- Brushing the teeth on waking (use astringent, bitter and pungent tastes);
- Water splashing of the eyes (with cold water in summer, use warm water in winter). Note the eyes represent fire – this routine aims to cool them;
- Retaining of medicated oil in the mouth, gargling;
- Chewing – i.e. bitter leaves;
- Herbal drink (avoid tea and coffee or keep it to the minimum);
- Application of medicine / KOHL to the eyes;
- Nasal administration of oil / medicines (try one drop per nostril, leave it there for 5 minutes, do it in the morning or evening but not before or after meal. This is more beneficial than using neti (cleansing the nostrils with warm, salted water using a special dish, called neti pot).
- Mild stretching exercises – one should use only 50% of energy;
- Body massage with warm oil on head, ear, feet and body at least once a week – minimum: head, ear and feet). Start with sesame oil. Oil massage reduces skin dryness. Always use downward motion on the arms, chest and the thighs;
- Bath with warm water and herbal powders – do not use hot water on head, use herbal powder instead of shampoo. Do not shower after strong exercise or a big meal;
- Select a profession you like and one which is beneficial for the community;
- Spend time with friends;
- Have the desire for knowledge;
- Go to bed by 9 p.m, do prayer before sleep, head towards East;
- How should a person be?
- Calm and composed;
- Charitable;
- Humble;
- Affectionate to guests;
- Religious duty;
- Start a conversation;
Other recommendations:
- Eat a healthy breakfast (suitable for your prakruti);
- Pre-lunch appetizer drink and then you main meal of the day;
- Relaxation followed by another herbal drink (or sip warm water);
- Avoid sleeping during the day;
- Yoga and/or mediation;
- Mild warm herbal appetizer before Dinner followed by a light meal. Do not eat for 2 hours before going to bed;
On a personal note I am working towards this complex daily routine by exercising (yoga or walking) every day, aiming to reduce my chocolate / biscuit intake, drinking more water and will try the oil massage. I have difficulty with getting up early in the morning and tend to stay up till late night.
Small changes are more sustainable then unreasonable ‘big changes’.
Please try some of the recommendations – you will feel better!
Tranquability 