Ageing with Ayurveda

Ageing or growing older is inevitable.  But, it does not mean that it has to be bitter and harsh. It should be considered as a beautiful mission. With the help of Ayurveda, you can focus on improving the quality of your life and stop considering ageing as a disease.  Ayurveda has a lot of profound tips and directions on how to grow old wisely.  Let’s discuss them in this blog.   Ageing  is  a  journey  of  Self-Care  with  Ayurveda     According to Ayurveda, ageing is the preordained and natural process regulated by the three Doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.   When we get old, the Vata Dosha aspect goes up.  As a result, we experience dryness, weakness and difficulty in mobility.  Therefore, Vata should be balanced if one is to remain healthy and active in the later years.  Ayurveda has described various natural ways to revolt against all these effects and to enliven the process of longevity.   Change Your Lifestyle     Lifestyle changes can make a whole lot of difference on the way you age.    Follow a Daily Routine   Following a structured daily routine or Dinacharya has a strong positive influence over the Doshas and is healthy for the body.   Morning Rituals   Start the day with a glass of warm water in order to wash out toxins.  Complement it with some yoga or stretching exercises to ensure that the body remains 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, prevent the formation of cracks and relieve Vata Dosha.   Healthy Breakfast    Consume a balanced, freshly cooked breakfast to have energy throughout the day. Want to learn more about Dinacharya? Download my free   e book   here.   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 and 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 may cause indigestion.    Consume Anti-ageing Foods   Increase the intake of foods that can help counter the oxidative stress such as berries, green leafy vegetables and nuts.    Stay Hydrated   Have plenty of water and herbal teas to help detoxify your body.     Adequate Sleep     It is important that one gets quality sleep in order to be healthy and alert.    Establish a Sleep Routine:   Be consistent with your sleep and wake up timings. 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  Ayurvedic  Remedies       Ayurveda recommends many remedies that can help you age gracefully.      Ayurvedic Herbs for Longevity   The following are some of the Ayurvedic herbs can help you live a disease-free, long life:    Ashwagandha Ashwagandha is known to possess the qualities of a ‘tonic’ which actually works as a stress relieving agent and increases energy levels in the body.  However, Ashwagandha, being a strong herb, should be taken only under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.    Turmeric The anti- inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric are useful for ageing and joint pains.    Amla (Indian Gooseberry) Amla offers significant benefits. It enhances the immune system, skin health and digestion.     Natural Skincare    Ageing can cause your skin health to deteriorate. Hoence, it’s important to take care of your skin.  Here are ways by which you can do it naturally.    Turmeric Face Mask   Turmeric is quite an effective remedy for all types of skin problems.  You can mix it with honey and yoghurt to prepare a face mask to make skin glow as well as slow down on skin ageing.    Aloe Vera Gel   Using aloe vera gel helps avoid skin dryness and makes your skin youthful.    Rose Water   Rose water is often used as a toner. It removes impurities from the skin.    Detoxification    Detoxification flushes out toxins from the body and revitalises tissues.    Seasonal Detox   Discuss with an Ayurvedic doctor and 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   Have herbal teas that support liver functions and remove toxins from the body.     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 one’s  body in the best shape possible.    Yoga   Perform relatively low impact movements that help in the flexibility of joints. Try Bitilasana Marjariasana (Cat-Cow pose), Balasana (child’s pose) and Pashchimottanasana (seated forward bend pose).     Daily Walks   Take about 45-60 minutes walks daily. It improves blood circulation, makes you feel better, and helps gain energy.    Strength Training    Lift weights of a lighter category to help in sustaining of muscles and bones.     Mindfulness and Meditation   Your mental health is also of great importance in healthy ageing.     Meditation Incorporate meditation into your daily routine. This helps lower stress levels, enhance the ability to focus, and improve general mental health.     Mindful Breathing   Practise deep breathing techniques like Pranayama.    Gratitude Practice Learn to appreciate what is around you by trying to focus on the positive things.  Try gratitude journaling .      This reduces stress and helps you sleep well.    Social Connections   Social relationships are indeed paramount… Continue reading Ageing with Ayurveda