It is again that time of the year when you bid farewell to the things past and welcome the change of annual calendar with new hope and energy. It is also the time when you evaluate the sweet as well as bitter memories you made in the 12 months and prepare yourself to move forward with more determination and optimism. This calls for the new year’s resolution which is a tradition in all parts of the world to improve one’s life, change a personal behavior or achieve some goals. If health is one of the resolutions you are going to make for 2018, you are on the right page. Ayurveda is so rich in its wisdom and science that it can help you with that in perfectly harmonious and simple manner.
New Year’s resolutions are often tough and people become too lenient to follow those after a while. So, here is some food for your thought the Ayurveda way, so that you don’t have to stress over it. Ayurveda has great wellbeing tips that are in reality easy to follow and will absolutely change your life in healthier ways. Here're some Ayurveda based approach to new year's resolutions that will help you accomplish a complete transformation of health:
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Correct your routine chores_________________________
Eat the right kind of breakfastWhat you eat first after waking up sets the tone for your body for the whole day. Include something nutritious such as fresh whole fruits or vegetable juices. Fix the timing of your breakfast so that your body clock becomes aware of it. Take a pinch of rock salt and ginger before starting to breakfast as this will boost the digestion as well as the release of digestive enzymes. An ideal breakfast should have a combination of six tastes -- sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent in this particular order. Eat slowly. Stop eating as soon as feel you’re almost full. Never eat to the full appetite.
Drink warm water Within 10 minutes after you wake up, drink a glass or two of lukewarm water. Add few drops of lime to it. Even while having meals, take small sips of warm water to help the digestion. Never have a lot of water and drink small sips throughout the day. It will help in better absorption of water in your body.
Scrape your tongue after meals
Clean, pinkish tongue is a sign of good health. On the contrary, a white coat over the tongue is the proof of toxins in the digestive system. Always clean your tongue after having a meal. It prevents several diseases from attacking you.
Take care of your sinusesCold and allergies occur because people forget to take care of the sinuses. It is a good practice to oil your nasal cavities regularly. Use a good herbal oil or consult any Ayurveda practitioner who can prescribe you a herbal oil that you can use as nasal drops. The mucous membrane inside the nasal passage is the first line of defense against infections, congestion, allergies, etc. The herbal oil keeps the sinus tissues supple and healthy.
Give your body regular oil massage
Ayurveda believes in rejuvenating both mind and body for your complete wellness. Body massage and oil therapies such as Abhyangam, Shirodhara, Nasyam, and Panchakarma highly effective in removing the toxins from the body.
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Follow best practices that boost your immunity and health
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Wake up early
Rising early morning has its own health benefits as goes the saying, ‘Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise’. Once you practise waking up by the sunrise or dawn, you would feel more energetic, far less jittery in the morning. You would be able to concentrate better and be more productive.
Meditate daily even for 10 minutesIt pays well for your health if you indulge in a session of meditation in the morning. It helps you de-stress, lower your anxiety levels, allow yourself some reflection time, and relax your mind. As a result you would be more at peace, happier, and healthier. A sound mind is an important aspect of wellbeing. Pranayam is a good choice for meditation.
Exercise and walk everydayExercise is an important aspect of a healthy body. Go for anything that fits your lifestyle, whether it is aerobics, yoga, long walk, or pilates. It boosts hormones and makes your body immunity more resilient by reducing stress levels, hypertension, etc.
Have a sound sleep
It is always a healthy habit to sleep on time. Nurture the respect for your body by going to bed at a scheduled time. 10 o’clock in the night is the ideal nap time and once you body clocks get into the rhythm of uninterrupted sleep at the right hour, it would result in better health in many indirect ways. You would counter fatigue, anxiety, stress, restlessness, and many other problems with this one correction in your routine.These are the new year’s resolutions that you can follow easily by tweaking your lifestyle in a positive way. Within weeks, you would be able to sense the worth and power of these changes in your health as well as life. Have a great year ahead!
Meeting someone who never faced constipation is akin to a miracle in the modern world. In fact, we adults have almost grown insensitive towards our constipation. It is a parasitic companion that has been with us all through our lives and shows no signs of a goodbye.Of course, the inconvenience caused by constipation can remain quite minor but ignorance can make it just worse.People can feel highly uncomfortable due to constipation and it can lead to other health problems as well. It is often suggested that a healthy digestion in the key to a healthy body. When you are constipated, your body’s system is thrown off balance and your mind’s priority to digest the nutrition received from food and remove the waste as soon as possible gets stuck. This can make you sick in the long run.Do you think that we can be wholesome individuals in such a case? Even Ayurveda does not believe so.So, what is the ayurvedic point of view on constipation? Simply put, it is an inability to pass stool on time or passing dry stool. Any kind of difficulty in passing stools or feeling that your intestinal tract is not clean even after using the toilet are some of the common notions associated with constipation. Acidity and gastritis can also be related with this common ailment.People who feel constipated may also feel bloated at times. Sometimes, a period of constipation is followed by a period of diarrhea, also known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and this cycle continues for many years. Let us take a look at what causes constipation in the first place.The primary causes of constipation could be listed as follows:
Lack of fiber
If you are not consuming enough fiber or roughage, then constipation is bound to follow. Ideally, our diet should contain at least some roughage that helps the bowel movement so that the stool is passed easily and without any discomfort.This roughage also helps in cleaning up the intestines and keeping them healthy. Lack of roughage on one hand and excessive use of deep fried, heavy, drying food, on the other hand, could be the culprit.
Dehydration
It is no wonder that many people are not drinking enough water. Lubrication is important for the intenstines as well as the colon as it helps in letting these two work properly. When you are dehydrated, the body will naturally have issues in movement.This would be causing pains and aches in your stomach as the food moves through the intestines and would cause severe discomforts and even cuts or bruises when passing stools.
Medical conditions and medications
In the case of a sluggish thyroid or other hormonal issues or some neurological disorders, problems with the bowels are common. Metabolic disorders are also the culprits in this case.The medications commonly prescribed for pain can also cause constipation. In fact, it is a common side effect of many medications.
Avoiding the urge
When you naturally want to release the bowels, you may delay the urge for several reasons. However, doing so repeatedly could be the reason why your body is now constipation. It is considered a very unhealthy practice in Ayurveda.
Excessive use of laxatives
People who are constipated often resort to different types of laxatives. They are good if used sparingly. However, if you use them regularly or almost daily, then you are allowing your body to totally depend on such external support. This leads to more problems in the future as constipation only increases.
Irregular habits
Erratic sleeping and waking schedules will make it difficult for you to make a proper bowel movement schedule. Ideally, there should always be a definite time for passing the bowels. When our toilet schedules are erratic, undefined and totally confused, constipation is bound to happen.Follow these tips and also consult an Ayurveda expert for complete medical guidance and remedy.Image Credit: Wikimedia
Winter, the season of the best fresh fruits and vegetables, is fully here. As the days have become shorter and nights colder, it is essential to take care of your health in the changing season. If you are unable to manage the demands of this season, then you would likely have problems which will continue throughout this season.
Winter is a predominantly Kapha season. The cold aggravates the Kapha nature. However, if you are living in an area which is extremely cold as well as dry, then you would also be experiencing Vata qualities. As per Ayurveda, you must be focusing on opposites in order to balance the dominant dosha.
Therefore, when you are considering diet and lifestyle choices during winter, you must focus on warmth, hot foods and places, and a lifestyle that will increase the warmth of your body. This is the reason why you should avoid cold food items during winter and focus on foods that create more heat, like peanuts, certain legumes, and savories.
Remember, the digestive fire burns the brightest during winters. As a result of this, it is easier to digest such heavier foods.
During winter, it would be better to protect your body against the cold winds and the chilly climate by wearing warmer clothes. You should not keep wearing summer clothes during this time as the chances of catching cold are very high. So start wearing mufflers, sweaters, etc. even when you find the day sunny enough.
Keeping yourself insulated with woolens will help you manage the core body temperature and keep you away from health troubles as well. Apart from this, you should start including a few spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and black pepper in your diet. These herbs have the potential to pep up your constitution, which is a great help when it comes to combating your winter blues.
Since like begets like, you should be avoiding foods that may aggravate Vata and Kapha. Instead, your food should be sour or salty. Such food will balance Vata and give a way to the Pitta fire to burn. You must also include fats in your diet during winter. Ghee and olive oil are considered to be your best choices.
As Vata and Kapha both have drying qualities, fats help you get ample nourishment for the body. Fats can eradicate any abnormalities associated with Vata and Kapha. Chyawanprash is also a healthy food supplement choice for keeping your immune system robust in this season.
More tips and tricks to stay healthy in winter in the upcoming posts. Keep watching this corner, visit your Ayurvedic specialist for best advice, and stay nirog!
Although obesity can occur because of a sedentary lifestyle, excessive intake of fast food or simply because of hormones and genetics, we should be aware of the fact that it has become an epidemic. However, managing obesity is very simple. A few small changes to your diet and lifestyle can make all the difference that you need in order to lose weight and become healthier.
Here are a few great natural ways in which obesity would say goodbye.
Green Tea
There is nothing that works quite like green tea when it comes to the treatment of obesity. In fact, green tea can provide you the fastest results in weight loss without any extra dieting or exercise. Therefore, you must consume green tea at least twice or thrice in a day. If you exercise and make a few dietary changes along with it, results would be visible in less than a month. It also boosts memory and improves immunity.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known to be a very good drink for those who want to lose weight. You can take one teaspoon of apple cider mixed in a glass of water every day on an empty stomach. Take this for two to three months regularly for good results. The taste of this drink could be improved by including a few drops of lemon juice. Apple cider also helps lower the blood sugar levels
Honey
You must have heard this a hundred times before but mixing a little bit of honey with some lemon juice and a glass of lukewarm water will be very beneficial in losing weight. When you drink this first thing in the morning, you will certainly witness weight loss in two to three months. Raw honey is an antioxidants powerhouse and it also helps you sleep better.
Say NO to cold water
You must always avoid drinking cold water. Instead, drink either warm water or water at room temperature. When you drink warm water, the fat in your body is directly targeted which can lead to effective weight loss. Also, avoid drinking water with meals. If you have to drink water, wait for at least 30 minutes after the meal. Taking lukewarm water helps increase blood circulation and reduces the effects of ageing.
Mint
Nothing works like mint when it comes to weight loss. The best thing about mint is that it increases your metabolism and also helps in better digestion. As a result of this, you are able to get maximum nutrition out of your meals. Just drink a glass of lukewarm water with some mint leaf juice 30 minutes before or after the meal to get the best results. Mint also soothes the stomach and hence is beneficial in ulcers too. Now that you know these ayurvedic secrets, try these remedies for a month and see the changes yourself. Stay Nirog!
A healthy day starts with a healthy morning. However, most of us still wake up tired, grumpy and unwilling to move from the bed. This could be a result of stress, bad lifestyle choices, or simply for the lack of a good morning routine. So, let's help you design a healthy morning routine that keeps you healthier and active all day long.
Here is what to do:
Wake up to natural sunlightNatural sunlight helps in managing your circadian rhythms. If you wake up to natural sunlight instead of annoying alarms, your body will feel at ease and you will have more energy. Once your circadian rhythm adopt to such a morning routine (which will be quick), you will easily be able to manage early morning stress. Your body will feel lighter and your mood will also be better.
Avoid coffee, drink lemon waterIf you are habitual of drinking a coffee as soon as you wake up, then it is high time you give up on this practice. Instead, drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up. This will rev up your metabolism and help your digestion stay strong. For an extra boost, you can add some lemon and/or honey to the water to enhance the taste and keep you energetic all through the day.
StretchAfter having your daily glass of lemon water, you must do a couple of stretching exercises. They will help your body in ‘waking up’ and getting rid of muscular tensions. A good early morning stretch could be all you need to feel fresh. Spare for some for a few yoga postures to ensure a more rejuvenated morning.
Take a bath, a colder oneEven if you love to bathe in hot water, it is advisable to keep the temperature of the water as low as possible. This does not mean you should bathe in the water below 5 degree Celsius. Just choose a temperature that is the lowest that your body can endure on any given day. Cold showers are good for making you feel alive. They will help you feel more relaxed as well.
MeditateOf course, long meditation sessions are simply not practical in the mornings for many people. Hence, you should be focusing on short but fruitful meditation sessions. Just focus your mind on positive thoughts for at least 10 minutes and find a new way to make your days better.
If you follow this routine regularly, then you will be getting better health and mood, day in and day out.
Psoriasis flares up mostly in winter and gets worse without adequate sun exposure. Also, lack of moisture in the air and heaters in the room steal moisture from the skin. A combination of above conditions in winters can lead to a breakout. Psoriasis is a severe skin disorder and it is also considered an autoimmune syndrome. It happens when our immune system starts harming instead of protecting us.
Psoriasis causes the skin to grow scaly patches that sometimes can be painful and itchy with silver or red scales over the skin. Moreover, this is a periodic disease and it repeats itself over the course of days or months. Due to the irregular occurrence of it, sometimes it is hard to distinguish psoriasis and other skin diseases. Here is a list of common symptoms, which occur when psoriasis triggers:
Redness of skin in patches
Scaly skin patches sometimes silver in color
Itchy skin
Painful joint stiffness and swelling
These symptoms also vary according to the Psoriasis type and officially, there are five types of it: Plaque, Inverse, Guttate, Pustular, and Erythrodermic. It can also cause mental stress, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. These side effects are common in people having a skin disease.
A frequent moisturizing can offer some relief from this disease but to alleviate it effectively, you need a serious remedy that can control psoriasis well during winter. It is always best to see an experienced Ayurveda practitioner. In addition, you also need to take care of your diet and other daily habits such as:
Stop taking alcohol
Do not smoking
Try yoga and meditation to reduce stress
Moisturise the dry skin and do not use fragrance directly on the skin
Take lukewarm bath and avoid hot water bath
Diet supplementDiet also plays an important role in getting rid of psoriasis. Taking fish oil, milk, aloe vera, Vitamin D, evening primrose oil, oregano grape, and thistle can certainly help. It has been reported that these foods help remove a mild psoriasis. Take the advice of a doctor before taking these supplements as the accurate assessment of the stage of the disease can only be done by an expert.
Apple Cider VinegarThis vinegar helps in restoring natural pH of the skin and prevents skin infection, itching, and irritation. Mix a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water and consume it twice a day and mostly on the flare-up days. It also detoxifies the whole body.
TurmericIt is most common herb used for many ailments. You can take it as a pill or use it in food. It has an antiseptic and anti-allergic property that reduces the itching and pain.
Olive OilThe application of this oil softens the skin whereby reducing scaling of the skin. Simply apply the lukewarm olive oil on the affected part of the skin and repeat this process until you get the relief.
GarlicOne can also take garlic in food because it lessens infection and brings the antioxidant property. It also has an active compound called lipoxygenase that fights psoriasis and purifies the blood. In addition, you can mix garlic with aloe vera gel and apply on the affected area and leave for 15 minutes then wash it. Apply this paste daily until the skin gets improved.
Follow these natural remedy hacks and manage your psoriasis better. Remember to visit an expert from time to time for complete elimination of the disease.Image Credit: The Blue Diamond Gallery