Ayurveda 101: 5 Morning Rituals to Create Balance

Ayurveda is the science of life. It’s often referred to as yoga’s sister science, as they both originated with Vedic scholars some 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda strives to create balance in our natural constitution, or dosha, taking into account external factors such as the time of year or the climate where we live. While modern yogis often associate Ayurveda with diet, there are many ways to incorporate the practice into your lifestyle.

5 Morning Rituals 

1. Lemon water

Ayurvedic science states that drinking a warm glass of lemon water in the morning helps to purify the blood. There are many articles floating around debating this theory, but all agree that lemon is a good source of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from free radicals – vital for every cellular process from improving the look of your skin to helping prevent cancer. The citric acid in your morning tonic will also enhance your body’s ability to flush out toxins¹. And the citrus flavonoids work to suppress appetite and calm mild stomach upset.

Of course, this simple ritual will also jump-start your water drinking for the day, which is always a huge plus! Use the juice of at least half a lemon, and add spoonful of raw organic honey for a little sweetness (and natural anti-inflammatory powers).

2. Oil pulling

A teaspoon a day keeps the dentist away! Place a spoonful or two of organic coconut or sesame oil in your mouth. Hold it there for about three minutes, then swish vigorously for another minute (be sure not to swallow). Repeat at least one more time. Spit the oil into the trash, and rinse your mouth well before brushing your teeth. Studies show that this process helps prevent plaque buildup and gingivitis², and it will make your teeth feel cleaner and brighter right away.

3. Tongue scraping

After brushing, run a u-shaped metal tongue scraper (available at any health store) along the top of your tongue from back to front. Repeat 5-10 times, rinsing the scraper after each pass. When you’re finished, rinse your mouth and gargle gently. This will remove bacteria and stimulate saliva production, both important for maintaining a healthy mouth and fresh breath. In a pinch, you could use the edge of a metal spoon instead.

4. Dry brushing

Dry brushing is one of the best ways to improve circulation and exfoliate skin. Use a brush with medium-stiff bristles made from natural materials. Stand or sit in a dry tub and start brushing in a circular motion on the soles of your feet. Then move to the tops, the ankles, then up the legs using longer strokes to match the shape of your bones. Continue along your torso and arms, all the way up to your neck, avoiding the delicate skin of your face. Always brush in the direction of your heart.

Stimulating the skin in this way helps to circulate lymph, which carries away cellular waste to be eliminated. It removes dead skin, and the Huffington Post even reported that it helps diminish cellulite³! Plus, it’ll help you feel invigorated even before you step into the shower.

5. Oil massage

I’ve saved my favorite for last. Abhyanga is the practice of self-massage with oils. In colder months or for drier, more brittle bodies, sesame oil is grounding. For the summer or naturally oily, warm bodies, coconut oil is cooling.

Take a little oil and rub it between your hands to warm, then begin to massage the crown of your head with your fingertips. Spread your hands and continue rubbing your scalp in a circular motion, then the face, then move from the extremities up the limbs toward the torso. Use long strokes toward the heart as you would for dry brushing. Pay extra attention to joints like knees and hips, rubbing in a circular motion. Massage the abdomen and chest clockwise, following the shape of the large intestine. Then spend a little extra time on the feet, rubbing the soles with your palms to create friction, then kneading with your knuckles, spreading the toes, and any other motions that feel good.

Allow the oil to soak in for at least 20 minutes before taking a gentle shower or bath. You could also use a lighter coat of oil after a shower in place of lotion (skip the hair).

Abhyanga lubricates the joints, moisturizes the skin and stimulates circulation of lymph and blood. It’s also incredibly soothing for the nervous system, and a beautiful way to show yourself a little love.

To go deeper into your Ayurvedic practice and bring balance to your body and spirit, check out our six-week Herbal Apothecary workshop with Eleni Tsikrikas beginning Wednesday, February 25.

Discover Ayurveda, the planet’s oldest, nature-based medical system. 

References

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2637791/
2. http://www.jaypeejournals.com/eJournals/ShowText.aspx?ID=5204&Type=FREE&TYP=TOP&IN=_eJournals/images/JPLOGO.gif&IID=400&isPDF=YES
3. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/21/dry-skin-brushing-benefits-cellulite_n_1811708.html