Ayurvedic practices, routines and rituals. The philosophy of Ayurveda

Ayurveda (knowledge of life and longevity) is a traditional Indian healing system with a history of over 5000 years. Ayurveda goes beyond the treatment of disease to a holistic approach that balances the body, mind and spirit.

Within this philosophy, practices, routines and rituals play a central role, with each element having its own meaning and function, not only to prevent illness but also to promote general well-being.

The basics of Ayurveda

Practices, routines and rituals have different functions in Ayurveda. Practices are flexible and individual, routines structure daily life, and rituals strengthen the spiritual connection. Together they form a harmonious system that can promote health and well-being.

Ayurveda is also based on the concept of the three doshas – vata, pitta and kapha – which represent different life energies. Each person has a unique combination of these doshas, which influence their physical and mental health.

Specifically, "vata" is the principle of movement (wind, air and ether), "pitta" is the fire or metabolic principle (fire and water) and "kapha" is the structural principle (earth and water).

Ayurvedic practices

Practices in Ayurveda are specific techniques or activities designed to promote well-being. They are often flexible and can be adapted to suit individual needs.

Yoga: Yoga is one of the best known Ayurvedic practices. It uses postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama) to strengthen the body and calm the mind. It helps reduce stress and increases flexibility.

Meditation: This practice promotes mindfulness and inner peace. Regular meditation can help clear the mind and release emotional blockages. It is an easy way to connect with your inner self and reduce everyday stress.

Practices require discipline and commitment

Regular use of Ayurvedic practices requires discipline and commitment. Many people start with small steps and gradually incorporate more practices into their daily lives. Studies show that such practices not only contribute to physical health, but can also significantly improve quality of life.

Ayurvedic routines

In Ayurveda, routines are regular habits or daily routines that help maintain physical and mental balance. They give structure and stability to daily life.

Dinacharya: This is the Ayurvedic daily routine. It includes practices such as brushing your teeth with herbal oil, drinking warm water in the morning or having massages (abhyanga). Such routines help to detoxify the body and prepare it for the day.

Seasonal adjustments: Ayurveda places great emphasis on adapting your diet and lifestyle to the seasons. In winter, this may mean adding more warming spices such as ginger to the diet, while in summer, cooling foods such as cucumbers are useful. These habits support the body's ability to adapt and promote health in harmony with nature.

The morning routine: The first step to a healthy life

The Ayurvedic morning routine often begins with getting up before sunrise. This is considered the optimum time for the body.

Drink water: The day is usually started by drinking warm water or a mixture of water and lemon. This stimulates the metabolism and rids the body of toxins that have accumulated overnight.

Oil pulling: Oil pulling, which involves holding vegetable oil (usually coconut or sesame oil) in the mouth for about 15 to 20 minutes, originated in Ayurveda. It is used for oral hygiene and is said to improve general health.

Brush your teeth and scrape your tongue: After oil pulling, brush your teeth and clean your tongue with a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and improve your sense of taste.

Massage: Another important ritual is massage (abhyanga) with warm oil infused with herbs. It improves circulation, calms the nervous system and nourishes the skin. Massage should be done daily or at least once a week, including self-massage.

Meditation and breathing exercises: These two practices are essential for mental clarity and emotional stability. Meditation and breathing exercises (pranayama) are mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts for their ability to calm the mind and sharpen concentration.

Ayurvedic rituals

Rituals are deeply rooted ceremonies or ritual practices that often have a spiritual dimension. They strengthen the connection with the self and the environment.

Puja: This is a Hindu ritual often performed as an invocation to the divine or as an act of thanksgiving. In Ayurvedic terms, this can mean giving thanks for food during meals or performing a short gratitude meditation before eating.

Ayurvedic cleansing: This series of cleansing rituals (panchakarma) is performed once a year to rid the body of accumulated toxins. These cleansing rituals use various methods such as oil massages, steam baths and special diets to regenerate the body and mind.

Lunch and evening rituals

Another aspect of Ayurvedic rituals is the organisation of lunch and dinner.

Regular meal times: Ayurveda recommends eating at fixed times to avoid overloading the digestive system. Meals should be as fresh and balanced as possible, taking into account the dosha types.

Eat warm: Warm, cooked food is easier to digest and helps absorb nutrients. Spices such as ginger, turmeric and cumin are often used to aid digestion.

A quiet evening: Finish the day with some quiet activity. This includes gentle stretching, limited screen time and avoiding heavy meals. Again, it is important to end the day with meditation or reading to calm the mind.

Rituals in harmony with the seasons

In addition to daily routines, Ayurveda also recognises the importance of seasonal changes. The "ritucharya" deals with the adjustments that should be made in lifestyle and diet according to the seasons. For example, heavy, warming foods should be preferred in the cold months, while light, refreshing foods are recommended in the summer.

Ayurveda teaches us to live in harmony with ourselves and with nature

Ayurvedic practices, routines and rituals are much more than just daily habits; they are an integral part of a holistic approach to health. In a fast-paced world, where stress and hectic pace often take over, health and well-being need to be cultivated. Ayurveda teaches us to live in harmony with ourselves and nature – a wisdom that is timeless and universal.

© "Ayurvedic practices, routines and rituals. The philosophy of Ayurveda. Tips to improve your physical and mental health". An article by Izabel Comati, 12/2024. Image credits: top "Ayurvedic practices", middle "Ayurvedic routines", bottom "Ayurvedic rituals"; all Images CC0 (Public Domain Licence).