Ayurveda Guide: 10 Ways to Find Balance Naturally

You’ve probably heard the word Ayurveda floating around in wellness circles 🌀. Perhaps you've even delved into Ayurvedic balance techniques or heard someone discussing their ‘dosha’ in a yoga class 🧘‍♀️.

But what exactly are these terms, and how can these Ayurvedic techniques help to bring you back into balance?

Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India thousands of years ago 🕰. The term Ayurveda translates to ‘science of life’. It focuses on achieving balance and harmony within the body, mind, and spirit to promote overall health and well-being 💆‍♂️. According to Ayurveda, imbalances within the body’s three constitutions, or doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), can lead to various health issues. Here are some general principles from Ayurveda to harness these balance techniques:

1. Know your Dosha (Prakriti)

Ayurveda classifies individuals into different constitutional types based on the predominance of the three doshas. Understanding your unique constitution can guide you into making appropriate lifestyle and dietary choices. If you want to know more about your prominent dosha, take the quiz (page link).

2. Balanced Diet

Once you know your prominent dosha, you can begin eating foods that will support and nourish you. Ideally, regardless of your constitution, you should favor fresh, whole foods, a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Avoid consuming processed or overly spiced foods.

3. Mindful Eating

Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues. Eat in a calm, relaxed environment, without distractions. Chew your food thoroughly as it aids digestion.

4. Daily Routine (Dinacharya)

Establish a daily routine that aligns with your dosha and supports your overall well-being. This may include waking up early, practicing gentle exercise or yoga, and going to bed at a consistent time.

5. Yoga and Exercise

Engage in regular physical activity suitable for your constitution. Yoga, Tai Chi, and other mind-body practices can be particularly beneficial for balancing the doshas and promoting flexibility, strength, and relaxation.

6. Stress Management

Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness. Chronic stress can disrupt the balance of the doshas, so managing stress is crucial in Ayurveda.

7. Herbal Support

Some Ayurvedic herbs and formulations are believed to help balance the doshas. Consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using the herbs, as they can have powerful effects.

8. Hydration

Drink plenty of clean, room-temperature water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Herbal teas can also be beneficial depending on your constitution and imbalances.

9. Proper Sleep

Get adequate, restful sleep by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a comfortable sleeping environment.

10. Self-care Practices

Incorporate self-care routines into your daily life. This could include oil massages (Abhyanga), dry skin brushing (Garshana), and other practices that help relax and nourish your body.

How I use Ayurveda in my life

While some or all of these tips might not be new, their importance will depend on your priorities and where you focus your attention. Ayurveda is a vast subject, and it can be daunting to know where to begin. Here are a few of my own tips to help you get started:

My first tip 🌟

Start small. There's a tendency to try everything new that gets recommended to us. Having worked with Ayurveda for a while, I've found that starting with something that easily fits into your daily routine is key. This way, it becomes a habit much more quickly. Maybe your initial step is to find out your constitution. With that info, you can see which foods are best for you. In Ayurveda, a lot of emphasis is on diet, based on the adage that you are what you eat. Imagine that 35 days after eating something, it becomes part of your body tissues! Makes you ponder what you consume 🍔🤔.

My second tip ✌️

Be consistent. Whatever small change you've made, if it's working, stick with it. This will depend on where you need support in your life. For instance, many struggle with sleep, so creating a calming bedtime routine and a peaceful sleeping environment is essential 🛌.

My third tip 🍁

Check in with yourself each season. Reflect on what you need most. For example, while I love the outdoors, summer heat can be intense. Finding ways to stay cool, like walking by a river or the sea, helps. It's also about prepping for the upcoming season.

Ayurveda fascinates me, and I'm eager to delve deeper 📚. If you'd like to know more, please message me 💌. I'd love the opportunity to make a difference and help bring you back into balance ⚖️.

I'd Love To Find Out More!