Ayurveda has some specific rituals that are important for starting the day and maintaining overall well-being. Following specific Ayurvedic morning practices can help detoxify the body, boost immunity, and improve longevity. These practices are designed to align our body’s natural rhythms with nature, ensuring optimal health and disease prevention.
Here are 5 Ayurvedic rituals that everyone should adopt for a healthier and longer life:
Rise with the sun
According to Ayurveda, we should rise early for the “Brahma Muhurta” (about 4:30–6:00 AM), ideally before sunrise. This is due to the fact that it is thought to be the most peaceful and spiritually energising time of day. According to a study done in 2012, rising early in the morning has been a prescribed discipline of ancient Indian tradition. Getting up early helps balance the body’s energy, improves mental clarity, and helps the body’s biological clock sync with the rhythm of the natural world.
Always cleanse your face and eyes with cold water
Washing your face and eyes with cold water as soon as you wake up is important for clearing out stored toxins and revitalising your senses. Ayurveda advises cleansing the eyes with herbal-infused water (such as rose or triphala water) to improve eyesight and avoid dryness or discomfort. Also, splashing cold water on the face promotes alertness and nervous system stimulation.
Make sure to clean your tongue to remove toxins
Tongue scraping should be an essential part of your morning routine. In Ayurveda, it is believed that it helps eliminate “Ama” (toxins) that accumulate overnight. Using a copper or stainless steel tongue scraper removes bacteria, improves digestion, and improves taste perception. Neglecting tongue cleaning can further lead to bad breath, toxin buildup, and poor gut health. This may contribute to various diseases over time.
Build a habit to practice Pranayama
Pranayama, the practice of controlled breathing, is a fundamental Ayurvedic ritual that promotes physical and mental well-being. Starting the day with deep breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) helps oxygenate the brain, detoxify the lungs, and reduce stress. According to a research done in 2014, Yoga can help with the betterment of lungs function, which will help them avoid respiratory illnesses in the future.
Add spices to your diet
In order to help with digestion and increase metabolism, Ayurveda advises adding therapeutic spices into your morning routine. In the morning, consuming warm water infused with turmeric, ginger, and black pepper improves liver function, boosts immunity, and cleanses the body. The body is shielded from infections and chronic illnesses by the potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities of these spices.
