“Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of natural healing that has its origins in the Vedic culture of India. ” – chopra.com

Here are some rituals followed by many who live an Ayurvedic lifestyle. These may inspire you in your own daily practices.

Daily routine

+ The ideal time for waking is before sunrise. Start your day with prayer and meditation, focus on auspicious objects for a pleasant successful day. Take time to plan your actions.

+ Empty your bowels and bladder immediately after to develop regular bowel habits. This helps evacuate any metabolic wastes accumulated overnight.  Drinking tepid water when you first wake up  can encourage regularity.

+ Caring for your mouth, teeth and tongue. Wash your face, clean teeth and scrape your tongue. Use a Herbal gargles this improves voice, complexion and sense of smell.

+ Keep ears healthy by adding sesame oil/coconut oil drops in ears daily.

+ Massage sesame oil on body to improve complexion, hairs lustre, tones muscles and blood vessels, soothes skin and nervous system. Your head, ears and soles of feet in particular should be massaged regularly.

+ Avoid negative feelings such as  greed, vanity, jealousy and anger.  Show respect for others and help them in times of difficulty.  Be decisive, fearless and forgiving making good use of your intelligence.

Looking after your body

+ Exercise regularly.  Before breakfast is good for circulations and keeping doshas in balance. A short brisk walk after meals aids digestion.  All things in moderation though so don’t exert yourself.

+ Nourish your body with well-balanced, nutritious and fresh foods.

+ Try to sleep 6 to 8 hours every night.

+ Never withhold natural urges – thirst, hunger, urination, sleep, sneezing, dont induce them either.

Let me know in the comments below if these align with your current rituals or if you are planning to incorporate any of these into your lifestyle.