When it comes to healing the mind, spirit and body, different people turn to different practices. Ideally, we nurture each facet individually. When we feel a migraine, we turn to medications or speak to a medical doctor. If it is anxiety, we seek a psychotherapist’s help to learn more about our mind and its triggers. To nurture our spirit, we indulge ourselves in several activities such as praying, fasting, yoga or other spiritually fulfilling endeavours.

Throughout human history, there are very few 3-in-1 solutions that serve as a holistic healing system for these three facets. Having originated in India over 3000 years ago, Ayurvedic medicine is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit.

Although its main goal is to promote good health and not fight diseases, treatments may be geared toward specific health problems. The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge), thus translating to the knowledge of life. Based on the idea that disease is due to an imbalance or stress in a person’s consciousness, Ayurveda encourages certain lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to regain a balance between the body, mind, spirit, and the environment.

Ayurveda treatment starts with an internal purification process, followed by a special diet, herbal remedies, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation. Here are ways you too can embrace the Ayurvedic lifestyle.

INTRODUCE A DAILY ROUTINE

The tradition of dinacharya (daily routine) is one of the single most powerful Ayurvedic tools for improving overall health and well-being.

Even if you are brand new to Ayurveda, it won’t be long before you hear something about the importance of doing several things—like eating, sleeping, and working—at roughly the same times each day. A daily routine invites health, vitality, and a sense of clarity into our lives. Adopting an appropriate daily routine is undoubtedly one of the most groundings and nurturing things you could do for yourself, and while the concept of having a daily routine is at the heart of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, no single prescription is right for everyone. The general template can and should be adapted to meet the needs of each individual’s constitution and current state of balance. And that’s the beauty of it because the right daily routine can dramatically improve your life.

SELF-MASSAGE EVERYDAY

The act of massage itself melts away tension and stress from the muscles.

Usually, when we hear the word, massage, many of us picture a luxurious spa treatment reserved for special occasions. In Ayurveda, however, the practice of abhyanga (Ayurvedic massage with oil) is recommended daily.

Fortunately, there is a more accessible alternative to professional massage therapy when it comes to enjoying the nourishing benefits of abhyanga every day—massaging yourself. Oil massage may sound like a messy and complicated process best left to the spa, but once you’ve learned the basics, self-massage with oil starts to become second nature and well worth the effort.

EAT AND DRINK MORE CONSCIOUSLY

Have freshly prepared food: Avoid bread, biscuits, and all other packaged food items. Hot food increases the agni (fire) or metabolic fire on entering the stomach. This in turn sets right the metabolism and enhances appetite and capacity to digest food.

Don’t mix cooked and uncooked foods: As per Ayurveda, mixing cooked and raw foods makes the digestion process complicated. It is easy for our digestive tract to break down cooked food, as the enzymes become activated.

Be mindful of water: According to Ayurveda, water is to be had in between meals and not before or after eating food as it has ill effects. Drinking water immediately before food reduces digestion, while after food is similar to poison, it increases assimilation and causes obesity—it is advised to wait about an hour to drink water after each meal. Warm water consumed in the morning on an empty stomach has a lot of medicinal value. Around two glasses is to be consumed by individuals aged between 18 and 60. Other age groups should consume at least three glasses. This will aid better digestion, better sleep and make you feel more active.

Being well-hydrated is the key to having a glowing complexion. In addition to keeping you young and agile in your youth, sufficient water also helps in keeping wrinkles at bay in your old age as it helps you flush out toxins through urine.

Kehindé Fagbule
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Self-identifies as a middle child between millennials and the gen Z, began writing as a 14 year-old. Born and raised in Lagos where he would go on to obtain a degree in the University of Lagos, he mainly draws inspiration from societal issues and the ills within. His "live and let live" mantra shapes his thought process as he writes about lifestyle from a place of empathy and emotional intelligence. When he is not writing, he is very invested in football and sociopolitical commentary on social media.