Ayurvedic Steps for Emotional Balance
Date Posted:16 April 2012
While there are some people who enjoy emotional balance, there are many others who struggle with fear, anger, mood swings, anxiety, or depression. Even when individuals understand it is their emotional health that is out of balance, very few look to their lifestyle or diet as not only causes, but also the potential cure. Rather, they turn to prescription medications and hoping for a quick fix to their problem, only to find out they are not as effective as they were hoping or experienced side effects, some of which can be severe.
Since poor lifestyle choices, environmental toxins, stress, and poor dietary intake are often the root cause of the issues surrounding our emotional balance, it would make sense to look at those choices as first steps on your path towards better health. Maharishi Ayurveda takes a full-body approach to health and vitality, with the belief that the mind, body, and emotions are intertwined; when one is out of balance, the rest will soon follow. When one has an emotional balance problem, it is likely that a mental issue or physical impairment will soon follow.
In order to get a fresh new start on approaching emotional balance, one must look at all areas of their life and be willing to make the necessary changes.
Meditation
Whatever your personal beliefs are, taking some quiet time to yourself to meditate or pray can calm the body and counteract negative physical, mental, and environmental stress.
Transcendental Meditation is a technique of meditation that is effortless and can be practiced in as little as fifteen to twenty minutes a day and as many times as needed throughout the day. You may have to start out with just a few minutes a day, but with practice, you will be able to go much longer. Transcendental Meditation can be taught by someone with plenty of experience or a certified instructor.
Sleep
According to Ayurveda, sleep is one of the pillars of a healthy life. Getting proper rest and sufficient sleep is essential for your overall well-being. Ideally, you should try to be sleeping by 10:00 pm and rise with the sun. Sleep rejuvenates the body and the mind, allows the body to redirect its energy towards healing and also allows the body to operate at its optimal best while awake. Although the amount of sleep you need may vary, and the principles of Ayurveda do not call for a maximum eight hours of sleep, it is important enough to get adequate rest for your individual constitution.
Ayurveda offers several suggestions to improve the quality of your sleep. People have the ability to learn good habits and retrain bad ones. Getting a proper night of sleep is one good habit to develop. Training your body to fall asleep by ten and waking up by six am is the ideal sleeping schedule. For optimal health, this schedule should be followed whether it is during the busy week, on the weekend, or even on vacation. Going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day allows the body to become adjusted to the routine, which causes the body and mind to start relaxing as the time for sleep approaches.
Exercise
Exercise is critical if you want emotional balance and physical health. Exercise gets the blood, lymph, and other fluids moving and pumping through the body. Taking walks outdoors in the fresh air with the sun shining is one of the best forms of exercise you can perform for your mind, body, and emotions. Exercise enhances circulation, increases the efficiency of the systems responsible for clearing toxins, increases your ability to breathe deeper, tones the muscles, and boosts the body's ability to manage stress in a healthy manner.
If you have not been working out or exercising on a regular basis, start slow and build up. It should not cause a great deal of discomfort as that tends to be counterproductive, and people are less likely to continue exercising on a regular basis. Exercising first thing in the morning boosts energy levels for the rest of the day and facilitates a more refreshing night of sleep.
Elimination
This may not be everyone's favourite subject, but healthy bathroom habits are just as important as refreshing sleep, exercising, and eating properly. Constipation causes sluggishness, builds up toxic ama, fatigue, and depression. Regular bowel movements are necessary for good health. The body's digestive system was designed to remove waste created by the body; if it is unable to function properly, the waste builds up and wreaks havoc on multiple bodily systems and functions.
It is best to eliminate waste first thing in the morning as soon as you arise. Taking a product such as Herbal Cleanse the night before with a glass of water can help your body get things moving by the morning. Drinking enough water during the day can also help the body to eliminate properly and completely. Supporting the digestive system is also important for proper elimination. Within the digestive system, there are good or friendly bacteria and bad bacteria. In order to properly absorb nutrients, friendly bacteria must be prevalent within the gastrointestinal tract. Antibiotics, fertilizers, and pesticides common in today's food supply wipe out the friendly bacteria on a regular basis, so it should be replaced often. Supplements containing probiotic, drinks like lassi, or Ayurvedic buttermilk are all excellent resources for keeping your friendly bacteria plentiful.
Eat Smart
Ayurvedic foods should be as close to nature as possible and follow your body's dosha type. Ayurvedic foods should also be easily digestible and create ojas, the feeling of energy or bliss due to properly functioning digestion. One classic Ayurvedic food suggestion is to drink hot water on a regular basis. This helps to reduce ama (toxins) and improve digestive power. Lunch should be your heaviest meal of the day, giving your body the time to properly digest and assimilate what is needed. Breakfast and dinner should consist of foods that are light and easy fare.
Daily Oil Massage
A daily oil massage can be a wonderful way to alleviate stress, allow your troubles to melt away and refresh your spirit. Depending on the time of the day, the effect of the massage will vary. During the daylight hours, it will increase energy and be invigorating. During the evening or before bedtime, it will have a much more tranquil effect on the body. During cold winter months, the oil can be warmed to help improve the lymph flow and circulatory system.
Choose from our herbalised massage oils:
Vata Massage Oil rich in soothing herbs that help balance dryness; moisturising & calming
Pitta Massage Oil for normal to sensitive skin; rich in herbs to help keep you cool and soothed
Kapha Massage Oil for normal to oily skin. This oil is rich in warming herbs that have a stimulating and cleansing effect
Pranayama
Pranayama is an excellent way of restoring emotional balance and alleviating stress. Pranayama is deep, gentle breathing used for self-healing and restoring balance within the body. Prana is the source of all life forms, the vital energy; Pranayama gently opens up the channels of the body to increase prana within. Pranayama also helps to improve digestion, eliminate toxins, and helps the minds learn how to deeply concentrate and focus, which can ground you for the rest of the day.
These Ayurvedic recommendations will help you improve your lifestyle, boost your digestive system, and restore a healthy emotional balance in order to give you optimal health, longevity, and vitality.