- Written By: Dr.P.T. Keshavan Nambisan (BAMS), Co-founder and Medical Director of UWAY Health
The article titled “7 Bollywood Actresses Who Follow Ayurveda Practices” caught my attention on the Times Now website. I’ve included the link at the end for you to read.
Hello, I’m Dr. Keshavan Nambisan, Co-founder and Medical Director of UWAY Health. While I’m not sure about the specific Ayurveda practices these celebrities follow, it’s heartening to see more celebrities adopting an Ayurvedic lifestyle. This trend can definitely encourage others to follow suit, and you can probably benefit in the same way these celebrities have.
Reasons Why Adopting an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Can Transform Your Health
Understanding the Importance of Lifestyle in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, we emphasise a holistic approach to health. This means that instead of just treating diseases, we focus on preventing them by maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Our primary goal is “Swasthya rakshanam,” which translates to maintaining health. By aligning your daily routines and habits with nature’s rhythms, adopting an Ayurvedic lifestyle helps you achieve a harmonious balance within your body and with the environment. This balance is essential for your overall well-being and longevity.
Please note that many of these Ayurvedic lifestyle practices may already be a part of your routine in some form or another. They may seem very obvious and straightforward. However, simple practices done routinely can have a profound impact on both your body and mind. If you are able to follow these Ayurvedic lifestyle practices, I can assure you that you will start to notice the difference within a month
Components of an Ideal Ayurvedic Lifestyle and Its Benefits
1. Dinacharya (Daily Regimen)
Dinacharya, or daily routine, is a fundamental concept in Ayurveda that emphasises the importance of establishing a regular schedule to maintain health and balance in life. This routine includes practices such as waking up early, personal hygiene, exercise, meditation, and balanced meals. By adhering to a structured daily regimen, individuals can align their biological rhythms with the natural cycles of the day, promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Brahma Muhurtha (Waking Up Early):
- I recommend waking up around 1.5 hours before sunrise, during a period called Brahma Muhurtha. This time is considered optimal for your physical and mental health, as the air is rich in oxygen and your mind is calm and clear. This practice can help prevent mental fatigue, depression, and stress-related disorders.
Dantadhavana (Brushing) and Jihwa Nirlekhana (Tongue Scraping):
- Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial. Regular brushing and tongue scraping remove plaque, bacteria, and toxins, enhancing your taste and digestion. These practices help prevent oral infections, digestive issues, and bad breath. Yes it’s very obvious.
Nasya (Nasal Cleansing):
- Administering medicated oils through the nose, known as Nasya, clears the sinuses, improves breathing, and prevents head and neck diseases. It also enhances mental clarity and can help prevent conditions like sinusitis, allergies, and migraines. Nasya can be performed at home. Contact us for free counselling on how to incorporate Nasya into your Ayurvedic lifestyle. Please note that there are different methods for administering Nasya based on specific disorders, which you can read about here.
Abhyanga (Massage):
- Regular oil massages improve blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and nourish the skin. They also promote relaxation and reduce stress, helping to prevent muscle aches, joint pain, and skin disorders. Many people mistakenly believe that Abhyanga (oil massage) can only be done at an Ayurveda therapy center. However, applying oil to your body regularly and taking a bath afterward can also greatly enhance your overall well-being.
Vyayama (Exercise):
- The Ayurvedic Approach to Exercise: Moderate exercise is essential to boost metabolism, maintain a healthy weight, and enhance overall fitness. It increases energy levels and mental alertness, helping to prevent obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Ayurveda doesn’t prescribe specific types of exercises but encourages you to choose forms of exercise that suit your age, gender, and body condition. Remember, exercise should be moderate and not exceed your capabilities. Athletes or those with specific conditions may require a different approach, which we will discuss in another article.
2. Rutucharya (Seasonal Regimen)
Adjusting your lifestyle and diet according to the seasons is important. For instance, eating lighter foods in summer and more nourishing foods in winter helps maintain balance and prevent seasonal ailments. This practice can help prevent seasonal allergies, flu, and colds.
3. Sadvritta (Codes of Conduct)
Following ethical and moral guidelines promotes mental and social well-being. Speaking kindly, being honest, and engaging in virtuous activities foster a peaceful and harmonious life, helping to prevent anxiety, depression, and social conflicts.
3 Reasons Why Adopting an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Can Transform Your Health
1. Prevention of Lifestyle Diseases:
Lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart diseases are becoming increasingly common. These conditions are often linked to poor lifestyle choices such as unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and stress. Ayurveda offers practical solutions to prevent these diseases through healthier habits and routines.
2. Mindful eating practices:
Ayurveda emphasises eating fresh, warm, and balanced meals. I encourage you to practice mindful eating, which means paying full attention to your food, chewing slowly, and avoiding distractions like watching TV or using your phone. This practice improves digestion and enhances the enjoyment of food, helping to prevent digestive disorders, overeating, and nutritional deficiencies.
3. Comprehensive Health:
The Ayurvedic lifestyle promotes physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. By following these practices, you can maintain physical health through proper diet, exercise, and hygiene. Mental health is supported by routines that enhance mental clarity and reduce stress. Social well-being is fostered through ethical conduct and harmonious relationships. Spiritual well-being is achieved through practices like meditation and yoga that connect you with your inner self. Adopting an Ayurvedic lifestyle can lead to a healthier and more balanced life.
Embrace an Ayurvedic lifestyle for a healthy life and experience the transformation.
Common Diseases and Ayurvedic Prevention
Let’s look at some common diseases and how adopting an Ayurvedic lifestyle can help prevent them:
1. Diabetes:
Regular exercise, mindful eating practices, and maintaining a balanced diet can help manage blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes.
2. Hypertension:
Stress reduction techniques like meditation and yoga, along with a balanced diet and regular physical activity, help manage blood pressure.
3. Obesity:
Following Dinacharya, including regular exercise and mindful eating, helps maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.
4. Heart Diseases:
A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management through yoga and meditation reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
5. Respiratory Issues:
Nasya (nasal cleansing) helps clear the sinuses and improve breathing, preventing respiratory problems like sinusitis and asthma.
Scientific Evidence and Modern Relevance
Ayurvedic principles are backed by centuries of practice and evidence. Modern science increasingly recognises the benefits of these ancient practices. For instance, the importance of regular sleep, a balanced diet, and exercise is well-documented in contemporary health research. Ayurveda’s preventive approach aligns well with modern preventive healthcare, making it highly relevant today.
Conclusion
Adopting an Ayurvedic lifestyle can transform your health by preventing diseases, enhancing your well-being, and helping you lead a balanced, harmonious life. By integrating these time-tested practices into your daily routine, you can experience profound benefits for your body, mind, and spirit. Remember, small changes in your daily habits can lead to significant improvements in your overall health. By following an Ayurvedic lifestyle, you ensure a comprehensive approach to well-being that includes physical, mental, and spiritual health. Moreover, an Ayurvedic diet for a healthy life is an integral part of this approach, offering a sustainable way to nourish your body and mind.
Thank you for your time, and I hope you find these insights helpful. If you have any questions or need personalised advice, feel free to reach out, or you can book an online consultation with any of our experienced doctors. And you can read 7 Bollywood Actresses Who Follow Ayurveda Practice here
About Author
DR. PT Kesavan Nambisan
Dr P.T. Keshavan Nambisan is a renowned Ayurvedic expert and the fifth-generation representative of his family, which has been practising traditional Vaidyas of the Old Malabar region of Kerala for generations. He graduated with a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr Keshavan is known for his expertise in addressing complex, chronic, and progressive illnesses such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, chronic kidney disease, and autism spectrum disorders. Before co-founding UWAY, he served as Deputy Chief Medical Officer at The Arya Vaidya Chikitsalayam (AVP), Coimbatore.
