-
Follow the rhythm of life
Humans do not live in isolation, but are embedded in the rhythms of nature, in particular day and night and the seasons. Today we know that many organ functions are controlled circadian, which should actually be taken into account in our lifestyle.
-
"Yes" to your own body
Ayurveda recommends daily self-massage, which refreshes and revitalizes the body and leads to a positive relationship with one's own body.
-
Accept the bodily functions
From an Ayurvedic point of view, it is very detrimental to health if natural bodily functions are suppressed, in particular excretion (faeces, urine, semen, vomiting), yawning, belching, hunger and thirst, crying, sleeping and the need to breathe intensively. The basic principle here is to let nature take its course.
-
Cultivating a positive attitude to life
This area includes a variety of measures: Using collyrium for the eyes, inhaling fragrant incense, cleansing the body, especially the tongue, gargling with oil, massaging the scalp and ears with oil, massaging the whole body (including the feet) with oil, bathing, wearing clean clothes and flower garlands, wearing gemstones and jewelry, caring for the hair, beard and nails, using appropriate footwear and sun protection.
-
Good nutrition
A healthy diet is always a type-appropriate diet that is varied, fresh and tasty. As it caters to the individual's inclinations, it generally requires no effort to implement it in everyday life. "The tongue is the best Ayurvedic doctor", according to ancient texts. In addition, there is the development of an eating culture that involves consciously tasting and enjoying food in a pleasant environment.
-
Detoxification and purification
According to Ayurveda, many health disorders are caused by deposits of metabolic products that have not been fully processed or excreted. It is therefore recommended to take regular spa treatments. The aim of these is to regenerate and cleanse the body. The so-called "Pancakarma treatment" includes massages, heat applications, intake of herbal extracts, diet and other measures and is used both preventively and curatively.
-
Stay vital
Ayurveda knows special recipes and pharmaceutical preparations that are not primarily used therapeutically, but are intended to strengthen the organism and keep it young.
-
Be physically active
The specific view of Ayurveda, which is concerned with the right balance in all areas of life, is particularly evident here. Physical activity is generally viewed positively and recommended as a means of developing stamina and strength.
The effects of regular exercise are:
"lightness, the ability to fulfill 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 strongly warn against overexertion, as this can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as exhaustion, fatigue, circulatory problems or fever.
-
Relax
Many activities of daily life lead to tension and cramping, which are the precursors to manifest illnesses. In addition to the aforementioned self-massage, Ayurveda recommends the breathing and physical exercises of yoga.
-
Meditation
Ayurveda's view of the human being assumes that the core of every person's personality is free from illness. This self is the source of all life energy. Meditative processes open up access to the inner source of strength, promote conscious perception, develop relaxation, serenity and inner stability and also lead to the physiological activation of regeneration mechanisms. Meditation should therefore be a natural part of daily life. The lively inner relationship with oneself also serves as a catalyst for many other health-promoting behaviors and promotes self-motivation.
