"Health is Wealth"
Health is the greatest asset for a human being and life turns worthless without good health. Achieving the same demands an exceptional lifestyle. The science of Ayurveda focuses specifically on the maintenance of health to lead a disease-free life.
One of the greatest tools for good health and feeling great all day long is syncing in with nature, for which the recommendation of Ayurveda is well crafted with practices starting from Dawn to Dusk.
In addition to practices that bestow good physical health, there is a mention of rituals to strengthen the mental faculty as well.
Importance of having a Routine
Routine gives certainty.
Maintaining a regime can help combat stress and ensures self-care
Maintains the circadian (biological) cycle.
Helps us build an optimistic attitude toward life and provides ample time to delve creatively.
1) The Magic of Waking up Early
There is a myriad of research conducted on the benefits of being an early bird.
Referring to the wake-up cycle, Ayurveda shares a specific time termed "Brahma Muhurta," which denotes the ' Time of Creator ' (Brahma refers to Ultimate Knowledge), and it falls between 3:30 to 5:30 AM.
This is the time apt for perceiving knowledge, which is why students are advised to study during this time for maximum recollection.
Rising with the Sun draws in more concentration, evokes creative minds, and helps us be productive the entire day.
The biological rhythm will be channelized.
Waking up early requires commitment and dedication which can be brought in with simple changes.
2) Cleansing the Digestive Tract and Oral Cavity
Evacuation of waste material once early in the morning denotes normal functioning of the digestive system. Abnormal formation of stools represents poor digestive fire.
Starting our day with 1 glass of warm water eases evacuation
Also, the seating posture while defecating plays a major role
Just as cleansing the digestive system, maintaining the hygiene of the oral cavity is very important as the mouth is one breeding ground for bacteria.
Ayurveda contra-indicates the use of sweet, salty, and sour-tasting toothpaste, as these may cause the decay of dentures.
3) Application of Herbal Kajal
By far, the most popular cosmetic especially amongst women, the mention of which traces back to the ancient period of Ayurveda.
The application of medicated kajal (With Triphala, lemon, coconut oil, etc), is claimed to keep the eyes cool and clean, improve vision, and strengthens.
4) Exercise
Early exercising has multiple benefits which include an increased level of alertness and concentration which keeps us energized the entire day.
An outdoor activity fosters the absorption of Vitamin D
Improves metabolism and wanes obesity
Daily exercise prevents degenerative arthropathies and vascular and collagen-related diseases.
5) Oil Massage
It is always advisable to apply oil before a bath as it improves skin health.
Daily application of oil retards aging, overcomes fatigue, and improves blood circulation.
Herbal oil/Coconut Oil application in the direction of natural hair growth is recommended.
6) Cleansing the body with a bath
Daily bath post-oil massage improves digestion, enhances longevity energy, and strength, and relieves stress.
The temperature of the water is given importance in Ayurveda.
Warm water - can be poured below the neck
Luke warm water - preferred overhead, as extremely hot/warm water can be detrimental to eyes and hair.
However, bathing is contra-indicated in distension, indigestion, and immediately after intake of food.
One should lend help as much as possible to the poor, sick, and mentally distressed.
One who approaches for help should not be sent back insulted or defamed.
Never reveal enmity towards anybody
Nocturnal travel is to be reserved for unavoidable circumstances.
Sneezing, laughing, and yawning should not be done without concealing countenance.
Prolonged sitting is to be avoided. It is undesirable to keep knees flexed for long.
There are various other points enlightened in Ayurveda which has to be remembered and followed in daily life for good health and prosperity.
And hence, Ayurveda depicts lifestyle, apart from being a system of medicine.
References:
Ashtanga Hrudayam, Sutrasthaana
https://www.ayurprakash.com/dincharya-daily-life-routine/
https://www.herzing.edu/blog/8-genius-tips-waking-early
