Ageing is inevitable. But it does not mean that it has to be a tough or bitter experience. Instead, it should be considered as a graceful and meaningful journey.
With the help of Ayurveda, you can make the journey towards older age beautiful by focusing on improving the quality of your physical and mental well-being.
Take Care of Yourself
According to Ayurveda, ageing is a natural process regulated by the three Doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
As we age, our Vata Dosha goes out of balance and we experience it through symptoms, such as dryness, weakness and difficulty in mobility. Therefore, balancing Vata Dosha is essential to remain healthy and active in the later years.
Ayurveda recommends many natural ways to keep your Vata Dosha in balance.
Change Your Lifestyle
Indeed, lifestyle changes can make a whole lot of difference in the way you age.
Follow a Daily Routine
Following a structured daily routine or Dinacharya has a strong positive influence over the Doshas.
- Morning rituals
Start the day with a glass of warm water to wash out toxins. Oil pulling, brushing and tongue scraping are small routine activities that make way for great oral health. This should be followed by some yoga or stretching exercises to keep your body flexible and disease-free.
- Oil massage (Abhyanga)
Use organic black sesame oil to do a full-body massage before taking a shower. It helps to moisten and feed the skin. It also prevents the formation of cracks and relieves Vata Dosha.
- Healthy breakfast
Consume a balanced, freshly cooked breakfast to have energy throughout the day. Don’t run after the packaged breakfast options like cereals, muesli, etc. Cook your first meal of the day with love and with a dash of ghee and it will do wonders to balance your aggravated Vata.
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Have a Balanced Diet
While planning for a meal, include foods that are fresh and organic and are light on the tummy.
- Have warm, cooked foods
As you age, your digestion may be compromised. Hence your body may not be able to absorb nutrients properly.
Therefore, it is advisable to go for warm, cooked meals rather than raw, cold, or heavy foods that, on the other hand, may cause indigestion.
- Consume anti-ageing foods
Increase the intake of foods that can help counter oxidative stress such as berries, green leafy vegetables, fruits and nuts.
- Stay hydrated
Have plenty of water, especially during the warmer Summer and Autumn months or if you engage in heavy physical activity or work outdoors.
You can also have herbal teas occasionally to help detoxify your body. However, not all herbs may be suitable for you. So, it’s better to consult a qualified Ayurvedic doctor for advice.
Sleep Well
Sleep is an essential factor for overall wellness.
- Have adequate sleep
One must get quality sleep in order to be healthy and alert. Sleep for 6-8 hours at night so that your body gets enough repair time to rejuvenate itself.
- Establish a sleep routine
Be consistent with your sleep and wake-up timings. In addition, this helps to set your body clock efficiently.
- Create a calming environment
Declutter your bedroom by getting rid of all the electronic gadgets and things that may distract you at night.
- Practice relaxation techniques
Do activities that will help you relax, such as listening to music or reading a book, before sleeping.
Try Detoxification
As we age, more toxin buildup happens in our body because our body’s natural process of expelling the toxins gets weakened. Detoxification flushes out toxins from the body and revitalizes tissues.
- Seasonal detox
Discuss with an Ayurvedic doctor to choose one suitable detox program at the beginning of every season. Detoxifying not only purifies your body but also improves your energy levels.
- Herbal teas
Occasionally, drink herbal teas that support liver functions and remove toxins from the body. Remember, not all herbal teas suit you. So, it’s better to consult a qualified Ayurvedic doctor for advice.
Sip dry ginger tea at night. It gently detoxifies your gut, boosts digestive fire and promotes blood circulation. Dry ginger also controls Vata, which is the dominant Dosha especially in old age.
Ayurvedic Practices for Ageing
Apart from diet and lifestyle practices, Ayurveda also recommends certain practices that help you age well.
Yoga and Exercise
Physical exercise is vital so as to keep your body in the best shape possible.
- Yoga
Perform relatively low-impact movements to help in the flexibility of joints. First, try Bitilasana Marjariasana (Cat-Cow pose); then, move on to Balasana (Child’s pose); and finally, conclude with Pashchimottanasana (Seated forward bend pose).
It is advisable to perform these poses under the supervision of an expert Yoga trainer if you are a beginner.
Also, practising Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) daily can also help maintain flexibility and energy levels.
- Daily walks
Take a walk for about 45 to 60 minutes daily. It improves blood circulation; as a result, it makes you feel better and more energized.
- Strength training
Do strength training under the supervision of an expert trainer to help sustain muscles and bones. As the endurance power of your muscles increase, new cells regenerate, delaying the ageing process.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Age is just a number! It’s all in your mind. Your mental health is, therefore, also of great importance in healthy ageing.
- Meditation
Incorporate meditation into your daily routine. This not only helps lower stress levels but also enhances the ability to focus.
- Mindful breathing
Practice deep breathing techniques like Nadi Shodhna (alternate nostril breathing), Kapal Bhati (skull breathing) and Om breathing (inhale at ‘O’ and exhale at ‘m’). This purifies your inner system and improves the flow of oxygen in the whole body.
Practising Bhramari Pranayama (humming bee breath) before bed is scientifically proven to calm the nervous system and reduce stress. Do it three times followed by 5 minutes of meditation to experience great results.
- Gratitude practice
You can also start gratitude journaling. Honestly, I felt a tremendous change in my life when I started doing it myself.
When you do it, you learn to appreciate what is around you. This technique helps you to focus on the positive things in your life, reduces stress and helps you sleep well.
What do less stress and more positivity mean? More youthfulness, isn’t it?
Connect with people
Social relationships are indeed important for one’s emotional well-being and for delaying the process of ageing.
- Stay connected
Staying connected with your loved ones makes you feel less lonely and also has a good effect on your mental health.
- Community involvement
Engaging in community programs or volunteer work not only keeps you busy but also makes you useful to others.
- Pursue hobbies
Learn to get involved in some activities or sports. These pursuits will undoubtedly help you find happiness in life.
Look back into your yesteryears. Was there something you liked to do the most back then – maybe in your youth or childhood?. Perhaps, that interest is still alive!
Picking up an old hobby whether it’s painting, gardening, or singing can keep your mind active and joyful.
Above all, keep your Doshas balanced and work on maintaining your overall health.
We cannot prevent ageing, but we can definitely work on ageing in a healthy way.
By following the above-mentioned Ayurvedic tips, you can support your body and mind as you age, maintain vitality, and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Remember, ageing is not about years. It’s about how well you nurture yourself through each stage of life.
So, what steps are you taking to age gracefully? Let us know in the comments!
If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.