How to Improve Health Through Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient form of medicine which originated in India thousands of years ago. Today, in the United States, Ayurvedic medicine is considered to be a complementary and alternative form of medicine that is used in conjunction with conventional medicine. The practice of Ayurveda is thought to improve health by balancing the mind, body and spirit. Prepare to take an active role in improving your health with Ayurveda.

Instructions

• 1

  Find an Ayurvedic practitioner to assist you. If you do not want to use an Ayurvedic practitioner, then purchase the book, "Perfect Health: The Complete Mind/Body Guide," by Deepak Chopra.

• 2

  Determine your psycho-physiologic body type, also known as your constitution or prakriti. Your constitution is the balance of three doshas: pitta, vata and kapha. One of these doshas is dominant.

• 3

  Maintain healthy sleeping habits by going to sleep before 10 p.m. and awakening before 6 a.m.

• 4

  Begin each day by drinking a warm glass of water with lemon juice. Then, give yourself a massage using warm oil. Massage up and down over your limbs, in a circular motion over your joints and in a clockwise motion over your abdomen. Incorporate some form of meditation into your morning routine.

• 5

  Establish a sound exercise routine which incorporates Yoga. Exercise before 10 a.m. and avoid exercising at the middle of the day, when the sun is strongest, or close to bedtime. Slow your exercise when your forehead is sweating.

• 6

  Eat your largest meal between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Have a smaller breakfast and smaller dinner. Be sure to incorporate all six tastes into each meal, including sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent. Eat to balance the doshas.