The advancements in modern life have made certain things easy and accessible but we cannot deny that it has its own ills. Rising stress, erratic schedules, excessive consumption of processed food, irregular sleep routines, lack of exercise, and many other lifestyle factors contribute to modern health problems like obesity, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, etc.
Believe it or not, Ayurveda, the 5000-year old science of holistic living offers certain rituals and practices that can restore balance and prevent these diseases. World Ayurveda Day 2025 is the perfect time to revisit these timeless healing practices.
World Ayurveda Day 2025: 7 Ayurvedic practices for managing modern lifestyle disorders
1. Ahara Vidhi (Mindful eating)
Ahara Vidhi translates to mindful eating. The concept focuses on the importance of what you eat, how much you eat and how often you eat.
It advocates only consuming freshly-cooked, hot meals in a calm environment without any distractions. This could help in preventing bloating and maintaining digestion. It also helps with better nutrient absorption in the body. With this practice, you can avoid overeating and eating at odd times.
2. Abhyanga (Oil massage)
Abhyanga is an effective and healing Ayurvedic ritual that refers to indulging in regular self-massages with herbal oils.
These self-massages can help in calming your nervous system, nourishing the skin, and improves circulation. It also helps stiff muscles due to sedentary habits and reduces everyday stress.
3. Nasya (Nasal therapy)
Nasya is an Ayurvedic practice that is necessary for those who lead urban lifestyles. Living in polluted areas, away from nature, can lead to sinus troubles and allergies.
This practice helps in keeping the respiratory passages clear. It entails applying a few drops of ghee or oil in the nostrils. It also helps thwart off sinus-related headaches, sinus congestion and improve mental clarity and productivity.
4. Dinacharya (Daily routine)
Dinacharya promotes living in sync with the body’s natural circadian rhythms. This practice proves that staying aligned with the body’s natural rhythms is the foundation of good health. It entails rising before sunrise, hydrating and maintaining fixed meal and sleep times to regulate metabolism and hormones.
5. Shirodhara (Relaxation technique)
Ayurveda also promotes deep relaxation techniques like Shirodhara. This technique involves pouring warm medicated oil steadily over the forehead. It can also be a simple head massage.
This relaxation practice can help calm a rattled nervous system, alleviate chances of insomnia, stress and stabilise mood. These therapies have especially proven highly effective against stress-induced disorders.
6. Yoga and Pranayama
Yoga combined with breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom and Bhramari can help manage stress, especially if you lead a stressful and demanding lifestyle.
It can also help boost circulation and immunity, reducing chances of developing infections. Regular practice can help lower cortisol levels, support heart health, and restore overall hormonal balance.
7. Rasayana (Rejuvenation ritual)
Rasayana advocates for the use and consumption of rejuvenating herbs like Ashwagandha, Triphala, Guduchi, and Chyawanprash to strengthen immunity, enhance longevity, and delay the effects of aging.
The Rasayana Chikitsa or rejuvenation ritual is categorized into two groups: Vatatapika Rasayana and Kutipraveshika Rasayana. Vatatapika Rasayana entails the consumption of healing and rejuvenating herbs and minerals. Kutipraveshika Rasayana consists of treatments like fasting and meditation.
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