How Ayurveda can keep you healthy over the holidays

The ancient science of Ayurveda has many practical and easy suggestions to stay healthy in every season. I was introduced to Ayurveda in 2004 and it has changed the way I eat, shower, sleep, nap, drive, you name it and it has a new meaning after learning about my dosha.

Your constitution(dosha) is very important in order for you to stay healthy and live a long and happy life. The three doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, air/space, water/fire, water, earth. These Mahabhutas (master elements) impact everything about you from the way your dream, think, walk, talk, what you are attracted to, and what you don't like.

Knowing your dosha is essential to make positive changes that create and restore balance in the mind-body. Here are my top 3 favorite Ayurvedic techniques that have helped me over the years.

1. Abhyanga - Full body oil massage. Heat up the oil (sesame for vata, coconut for Pitta, sunflower/safflower/mustard for Kapha) , rub it all over, leave it on, then have a hot shower/bath. Clean only the parts that need it and leave the oil on. Benefits, relieves dry skin, keeps you feeling warmer and detoxifies the body.

2. Neti Pot - For years I have raved about the benefits of this practice. Neti pot is done with a small pot that has a spout. Mix some warm filtered water with ionized salt, tip your head pour the water through, after warm use Nasaya oil to keep your nose lubricated. Benefits, helps prevent colds/flu by maintaining a healthy, clean mucus membrane in your nose, gets rid of excess phlegm and mucus, helps keeps sinuses clear and open.

3. Tongue Scraping - I can't live without my stainless steel tongue scraper. It's a small metal (you got it, depends on your dosha which is best to use) u shaped scraper that you drag across your tongue from back to front 7 to 14 times to remove the buildup of ama (toxins) that settle on your tongue. It is especially noticeable first thing in the morning. When you stick your tongue out you may see a whitish, or yellowish layer, that's ama and if you use your toothbrush on your tongue you're only pushing it deeper into your tongue. Think of your tongue as a shag carpet! Main benefit, your breath is fresher, tongue is clean so you taste food better, and you get rid of ama instead of swallowing it or pushing it deeper into your tongue.

I hope you enjoyed this little intro about the way Ayurveda has helped me to be healthier and happier!!!