Easy Start Tips
Author: Linda Sinden Date Posted:12 February 2019
With February now upon us, we are well and truly into the year. For those of you who have resolved to take steps towards better health, it’s worth considering a few simple Ayurvedic methods to get you started on the journey to mind-body balance - without the pressure of a complete overhaul. The tips below are easy and meaningful ways to explore how small tweaks to your lifestyle can benefit your wellbeing.
Ditch cold water
This is an easy adjustment you can make to your daily routine. While cold water can dull your digestive fire, warmer water (from room temperature to hot, depending on the season and your dosha type) can be a great way to stimulate digestion and benefit from enhanced hydration.
- Vata types do best to sip warm to hot water, with lukewarm or room temperature water in hot weather. Try taking Vata Tea
- Pitta types should aim for room temperature drinks in summer, and lukewarm to warm heading into the cooler months; Try Pitta Tea
- Kapha benefits from room temperature water in hot weather and hot water or drinks at other times of the year. Try Kapha tea
Boiling the water for some time prior to drinking makes it more ‘penetrating’ so it better stimulates your Agni (digestive fire) and is more hydrating. A practical way to approach this small change is by boiling your day’s water, allowing it to cool to the appropriate temperature, then pouring into a Thermos to enjoy throughout the day with ease. How simple is that?
Flushing Ama
Do you have a build-up of impurities causing discomfort or congestion and know you need to flush Ama (the accumulation of toxins and impurities) from your body? If yes, take sips of boiled warm-to-hot water every 15-30 minutes throughout the day and see which of the following herbal regimens is best for you.
Strong Hunger If you have a strong hunger take:
- Elim Tox O Take 1 tablet after meals 3 times daily.
- Liver Care Take 1 tablet before meals 3 times daily.
Normal Appetite If hunger is comfortable and at regular intervals take:
- Elim Tox Take 1 tablet prior to meals 3 times daily.
- Liver Care Take 1 tablet prior to meals 3 times daily.
- Digest Tone Take1-2 tablets at bedtime with a little warm water.
Sluggish Appetite If your appetite is slow, sluggish or maybe you don’t experience hunger at all
- Take 1 tablet of Congest Assist and 1 tablet of Rejuvenation Plus 15-30 mins before meals with warm water prior to breakfast, lunch and evening meals.
- 15-30 minutes after eating take 1-2 tablets of Digest Plus.
- Take 2 Digest Tone tablets at bedtime with a little warm water.
Take a walk
It’s free! It requires no special equipment, and you’ll find it benefits your body and mind equally. It seems so simple, but walking truly is the ideal exercise. Taking a short walk aids in balancing all three of the doshas and is highly beneficial after eating, as it stimulates digestion. Try going for a walk first thing around sunrise and observe how you feel for the rest of the day! A post-dinner stroll is also great as it aids digestion of your evening meal and makes for a lovely start to your evening winding-down routine.
Adjusting your walking approach to your dosha type will optimise it’s balancing effects:
- Vata types will find a leisurely pace soothing and grounding.
- Pitta types benefit from a medium pace, ideally concentrating on natural surroundings as opposed to pushing for speed.
- Kapha types will enjoy the sense of invigoration that comes from a faster, more challenging walk.
- Top tip: Invite a friend along for catch-up and enjoy the quality time together.
Try Kitchari
Kitchari is a staple of the Ayurvedic tradition, a one-pot meal typically made from mung dahl (split peas) and white rice alongside ghee and spices. Kitchari is yet another convenient method of balancing all three doshas, not to mention a delicious meal to add to your repertoire!
Try our simple recipe (serves 1)
- ¼ cup yellow mung dahl (wash well) or lentils
- ¼ cup basmati rice (wash well) or barley
- 1½ cups fresh vegetables, cubed
- 2 tsp of Vata, Pitta or Kapha seasonal spice mixture according to season
- 2 tsp of ghee (clarified butter) or safflower oil
- 2 cups of water
In a pot, gently fry seasonal spices in about 1-2 tsp ghee or oil for a few seconds, then add mung dahl, rice and chopped vegetables. Cover well with the water, and boil gently until rice and mung dahl or lentils are tender (about 40 minutes.)
For those of us with busy working lives, incorporating kitchari into your routine can be easy! Instead of completing the cooking process on the stove, simply pour the mixture into a thermos flask after 2-5 minutes, and allow the meal to cook in its own heat for approximately 4 hours. Come lunchtime, you’ll have a warm, delicious and balancing meal ready to go! In summertime add a side salad. Top your serving off with a rounded teaspoon of mango, date or lime chutney to complete your lovely meal.
Wishing you the bliss of balance...
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Linda Sinden has been a practising Maharishi Ayurveda Consultant since 1990 and is a regular contributor to our weekly Insights. She has a practice in Auckland, New Zealand and also provides phone or Skype sessions for those who need assistance, but don’t have a consultant in their vicinity. Email: lindasinden@orbislife.co.nz Skype: Linda.Sinden |
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