Easy Ayurvedic Rituals To Do Every Single Day

Ayurveda is the sister science of yoga and one of the oldest existing systems of health. In Ayurveda, it's believed that all persons are made up of the same primary elements that exist in nature: fire, water, earth, air, and space. These are all present in each of us in different quantities, and this unique make-up—called our dosha or constitution—is what dictates our individual characteristics and experiences. Ayurveda teaches us how to make choices that are ideal for our body and mind, according to our dosha.

Still, even if you don't know much about Ayurveda and have no idea what your constitution is, there are simple ways that you can bring Ayurvedic lifestyle practices into your daily routine.

In Ayurveda, health is closely linked with the presence or absence of toxins in the body. Using a tongue scraper first thing in the morning, before brushing your teeth, is considered an excellent way to remove toxins and bacteria that accumulate in the mouth while you sleep.

Oil pulling is the practice of using sesame or coconut oil as a mouthwash, swishing it around in your mouth for anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes. This is an ancient Ayurvedic ritual that has become more popular in recent years as more people become aware of its many health advantages.

Abhyanga is a luxurious Ayurvedic ritual that involves self-massage with warm oil all over the body. It feels just as amazing and relaxing as it sounds!

This wonderful practice has many benefits, other than the obvious: well-hydrated, baby-soft skin. When warm oil is absorbed into the skin it's believed to nourish all parts of the body, enhance circulation, and stimulate the lymphatic system. The act of self-massage itself is a nurturing ritual involving the sense of touch, an important healing tool in Ayurveda.

Ayurveda encourages us to rise early—ideally, before sunrise, or before 6 a.m. In Ayurveda, it's believed that we should live our lives in rhythm with the sun’s cycles as we are deeply connected to nature.

Ayurveda teaches us that it's not just what we eat that is important but how we eat. Eating with mindfulness is vital for a balanced body and mind. Our culture and busy lifestyles may not always allow for this. We are so used to rushing from one activity to the next that often we find ourselves eating our meals at our desks at work, or scarfing down dinner while watching TV or answering emails.

In Ayurveda, food is considered sacred and should be honored and eaten with intention. Mindful eating requires us to slow down and honor the food we are putting into our body. This act of slowing down is similar to the pause between breaths, and the same intention that we practice when doing yoga.

Eating is such an essential part of our lives—we should be giving it the same time and consideration we give to other activities.