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Follow the rhythm of life
Humans do not live in isolation, but are embedded in the rhythms of nature, especially day and night and the seasons. Today we know that many organ functions are controlled circadian, which should actually be considered in the lifestyle.
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"Yes" to your own body
Ayurveda recommends daily self-massage, which refreshes and invigorates the body and leads to a positive relationship with one's own body.
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Accept the body functions
From an Ayurvedic point of view, it is very detrimental to health if natural bodily functions are suppressed, including in particular excretion (faeces, urine, semen, vomiting), yawning, belching, hunger and thirst, crying, sleeping and the need to breathe intensely. The basic principle here is to let nature take its course.
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Cultivate a positive attitude towards life
This area includes a variety of measures: Use of collyrium for the eyes, inhaling fragrant incense, cleansing the body, including especially the tongue, gargling with oil, massaging the scalp and ears with oil, oil massage of the whole body (including the feet), bathing, wearing clean clothes and flower garlands, wearing precious stones and jewelry, taking care of the hair, beard and nails, using appropriate footwear and sunscreen.
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Good nutrition
A healthy diet is always a diet according to type, which is varied, fresh and tasty. Since it meets the inclinations of the individual, it requires basically no overcoming and effort to implement it in everyday life. "The tongue is the best Ayurvedic doctor," ancient texts say in this regard. In addition, there is the development of a culture of eating, which involves consciously tasting and enjoying the food in pleasant surroundings.
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Detoxification and purification
From the point of view of Ayurveda, many health disorders are caused by deposits of metabolic products that have not been fully processed or eliminated. Therefore, it is recommended to use spa treatments regularly. These are aimed at regenerating and purifying the body. The so-called "Pancakarma treatment" includes massages, heat applications, taking herbal extracts, diet and other measures and is used both preventively and curatively.
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Stay vital
Ayurveda knows special formulas and pharmaceutical preparations, which are primarily not used therpeutically, but to strengthen the organism and keep it young.
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Be physically active
Here, the specific view of Ayurveda, which is concerned with the right measure in all areas of life, becomes particularly clear. Physical activity is basically seen positively and recommended, it serves to develop endurance and strength.
The effects of regular exercise are:
"ease, the ability to perform one's duties, perseverance, the ability to respond appropriately to difficult situations, reduction of imbalances in the vital forces, and a boost to the digestive fire."
(Caraka Samhita 1.7.32)
At the same time, the classical texts warn intensely against over-exertion, because it can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as exhaustion, fatigue, circulatory problems or fever.
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Relax
Many activities of daily life lead to tension and cramping, which are the precursors of manifest diseases. Besides the already mentioned self-massage, Ayurveda recommends the breathing and physical exercises of yoga.
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Meditation
The human image of Ayurveda assumes that the personality core of each person is free from disease. This self is the source of all life energy. Meditative processes open the access to the inner source of power, promote conscious perception, develop relaxation, serenity and inner stability and also physiologically lead to the activation of regeneration mechanisms. Therefore, meditation should be a natural part of daily life. The lively inner reference to oneself simultaneously serves as a catalyst for many other health-promoting behaviors and promotes self-motivation.
