Our bodies are designed to naturally revitalize themselves, yet we often take them for granted. We forget how amazing our bodies are in the midst of demanding workdays, chasing deadlines, and household chores. It performs endless functions throughout the day that we are completely unaware of since they are completely beyond our level of conscious awareness. Imagine if we had to remember everything that our bodies do for us and perform each task on our own, from breathing, pumping blood, digesting food, and fighting diseases, to name a few. We wouldn't have lasted more than a few moments, would we? We are far more likely to have good health if we nurture it with love and attention on a regular basis, making choices that nourish our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The healing tradition of Ayurveda offers viable ways for connecting to your body's wisdom as you extend your experience of well-being. Here are a few self-care techniques from Ayurveda that will help rejuvenate you, especially now as we have officially entered the 3rd wave of the pandemic:
SELF-MASSAGE IS WHAT YOU NEED
Massage, according to Ayurveda, relieves muscle tension and stress, leaving you feeling energized. With the use of Ayurvedic massage oil, the advantages are amplified even further. Self-massage is the simple act of massaging oneself, as the name implies. It's crucial to understand that self-massage (abhyanga in Ayurveda) is a far more involved process than merely slathering oil on your body. Bolus bags (a heated herbal pouch) can also be added to it. It rejuvenates you even more than a regular massage. You can make your own bolus bags using common ingredients found in the kitchen. Each time you practice self-massage, Ayurveda recommends that you spend at least 15-20 minutes on it.
MEDITATION IS THE WAY TO GO
You've probably noticed that meditation transports you from the whirlpool of your mind to peace and tranquility at some point in your life. Meditation allows you to feel a deep sensation of relaxation, which helps to relieve tiredness and stress. Truth be told, not only Ayurveda, but a slew of scientific studies has found that regular meditation can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduce anxiety and sadness, and even reverse some of the natural indicators of aging. Make sure you get enough rest for your body and mind by sticking to a normal sleep pattern and practicing meditation on a daily basis, even if it's only for 15-20 minutes if you want to relax and unwind.
RISE WITH THE SUN
You must have heard or seen your family's elders waking up with the sunrise. Well, as per Ayurveda, the best time to wake up is during the Brahma Muhurta, which is the last quarter of the night, because it has several health benefits. Due to the way planets interact with the sun and moon, certain physiological changes occur in our bodies throughout this time. Andreas Moritz, a late writer and Ayurvedic practitioner, used to advise people to gaze at the sun when it was at its softest. This aids in the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Remember that when you're first starting out on your Ayurvedic self-care path of rejuvenation, it's best to take baby steps and focus on just one practice at a time. Be kind with yourself and concentrate on what your body requires, especially now during such unprecedented times.