I have been fortunate enough to research the schedules of some beautiful aspiring women in my career, and I got through more AM rituals thanks to one of these my favorite Camille Style column. And of them all, the women who follow Ayurvedic morning routines have always fascinated me the most.
Maybe it was their way of discussing their more unconventional morning routines, including drinking warm lemon water or scraping their tongues. Although it has long been practiced widely in India, Ayurveda has become more popular in the US But these women never seem to come from trendsetting — that’s just what they’re committed to. In the end, I decided it was time to find out why.
“Ayurveda is the idea that when you live in harmony with nature, you will have optimal health and a vibrant life — but what does that really mean?” To share Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh, a former doctor who is now an Ayurvedic health care expert, integrates ancient wisdom with the best of Western medicine. “My goal is really just to help people understand the power of Ayurveda.”
Earlier, Dr. Kumar-Singh discussed the importance of routines in the Ayurvedic tradition, along with some morning rituals to start the day healthy, focused and in harmony with nature.
Featured image via Claire Huntsberger.
It’s becoming more and more popular, but exactly To be Ayurveda?
Dr. Kumar-Singh explains: “Ayurveda is the 5,000-year-old Indian healing system. “It is really considered the mother of all healing systems – most other healing systems are actually derived from Ayurveda, including traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine.”
In Ayurveda, there are five elements – space, air, fire, earth and water – that make up everything in the universe, including humans. Our natural state is in harmony with the five elements.
Dr. Kumar-Singh explains: “When we start to not get along well, that’s when very subtle symptoms start to show up — something like a minor headache or stomach ache that doesn’t work. we can reduce it,” explains Dr. Kumar-Singh. “We shouldn’t stress about every symptom, it’s about cognitive development. The symptoms are showing us something. ”
When we start to feel off balance, how do we get back in tune with nature?
“When you’re out of sync with the sun’s daily rhythms, that’s when the problems begin,” says Dr Kumar-Singh. “We know from a medical standpoint that the circadian rhythm regulates everything in the body physiologically. Perceiving light throughout the day through our retinas and into our brains controls the release of hormones — specifically, cortisol and melatonin. ”
Even without today’s medical data to back it up, Ayurvedic practitioners thousands of years ago knew the importance of staying in tune with nature’s cycles — and most fundamentally. is the daily cycle of nature.
Dr Kumar-Singh adds: “That’s where the idea of this habit becomes very important. “They are not trendy things or cool things. Habits are the foundation of Ayurvedic healing. That is the first recommendation a practitioner will make. ”
What are some of your most recommended morning Ayurvedic habits?
Dr. Kumar-Singh believes that it is the small, simple changes that have the most profound effects on our health.
“Of course, simple doesn’t mean easy,” she added. “But when you commit to these things, you’re consistent, and you add them up, that’s when the profound effects start to happen.”
Go to bed at the same time every night
“It seems obvious but it is true: your day starts the night before,” explains Dr. Kumar-Singh. “A good night’s sleep affects everything the next day, from your food choices to your mood.”
- According to Ayurvedic clocks, 10 p.m. is the time when our bodies begin to detox.
- Turn off the blue light at least 30 minutes before sleeping. When your brain senses there’s still light, it doesn’t turn off cortisol and activate melatonin.
Stick to the same wake-up call
- Although 4 a.m. is a popular Ayurvedic wake-up time for a quick Google search, Dr. Kumar-Singh doesn’t give a specific time. Instead, she recommends a regular wake-up call to help regulate your day.
Usually in the morning
- The most important thing to do in the morning is detox. Dr. Kumar-Singh says: “Everything comes out because your body doesn’t need it. “Keeping your poop for a long time is very toxic from an Ayurvedic point of view.”
- A good way to get things moving early is to drink a glass of warm water mixed with fresh lemon juice when you wake up.
Detox everywhere
In addition to the intestines, toxins accumulate in our eyes, ears, nose and mouth at night, and need to be eliminated in the morning.
- Rinse your eyes. Make a neti pot. Brush teeth and shave your tongue. Dr. Kumar-Singh is a huge fan of Terra & Co.dental hygiene products.
- Tongue analysisA typical Ayurvedic practice, tells you a lot about the state of your digestion, which, according to Dr. Kumar-Singh, is key to good health.
Set your eating time
- Try to eat at the same time every day. This calms the nervous system and aids digestion.
- The best lunch should be your biggest meal of the day.
Ayurveda and Western Medicine
Ayurveda may be becoming more popular in the US, but Dr. Kumar-Singh certainly doesn’t want you to give up your primary care physician. “If I broke my arm, I would go to the emergency room, not an Ayurvedic practitioner,” she laughs.
But she believes there is value in embracing the concept of Ayurveda, a proactive healing system, along with quick reply modern medicine.
Dr Kumar-Singh said: “We need Western medicine, but the point is that’s not the whole story. “There are other healing modalities that are important, and when you integrate them, that is where the magic is.”
