Three Ayurvedic Self-Care Practices

27 Dec Three Ayurvedic Self-Care Practices

Posted at 08:27h in Articles by

In Ayurveda, self-care is more than just attending to our physical needs; it’s a wellness approach that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit.

Let’s explore three foundational practices in Ayurveda: Tongue Scraping, Abhyanga, and Oil Pulling.

Each of these not only promotes physical health but also supports a deeper sense of balance and well-being.

TONGUE SCRAPING

What Is It? A daily practice of gently scraping the tongue to remove buildup.

Significance in Ayurveda: It is believed to remove toxins and bacteria from the tongue, enhance taste reception, and contribute to overall oral hygiene. Ayurveda views the tongue as a reflective organ for various bodily systems, so keeping it clean is considered essential for maintaining internal health.

ABHYANGA (Ayurvedic Self-Massage)

Abhyanga is a soothing self-massage practice that forms a crucial part of Ayurvedic daily routines.

Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Choose the Right Oil: Depending on your Dosha, select an appropriate oil. Commonly used oils include sesame oil for Vata, coconut or sunflower oil for Pitta, and safflower or almond oil for Kapha.
  2. Warm the Oil: Gently warm the oil to a comfortable temperature. You can do this by placing the oil container in a bowl of hot water.
  3. Start with Your Scalp: Apply the oil to your scalp and gently massage with the pads of your fingers.
  4. Massage Your Body: Move to your face and ears, massaging more gently on these areas. Then, use long strokes on your limbs and circular motions on your joints, chest, and abdomen. Always move towards the direction of your heart to enhance circulation.
  5. Let the Oil Absorb: Allow the oil to be absorbed by your skin for about 10-15 minutes. This is a good time to relax or practice meditation.
  6. Follow with a Warm Bath or Shower: After the massage, take a warm bath or shower. You can use a mild soap if needed. The warmth helps the oil penetrate deeper into the skin, enhancing its benefits.

Check out which Ayurvedic Oil works for your Dosha type by going to More Life Market.

OIL PULLING

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic technique for maintaining oral hygiene and detoxifying the body. Here’s the process:

  1. Select Your Oil: Traditionally, sesame oil is used, but coconut oil is also popular.
  2. Swish the Oil: First thing in the morning, before eating or brushing your teeth, take about one tablespoon of oil in your mouth.
  3. Gently Swish and Pull the Oil: Move the oil around your mouth, swishing, sucking, and pulling through your teeth. Do this for about 15-20 minutes. It’s important to do it gently to avoid jaw fatigue.
  4. Do Not Swallow: The oil will mix with saliva and become milky and thin. It’s important not to swallow the oil as it contains toxins and bacteria drawn out from your mouth.
  5. Spit Out the Oil: After 15-20 minutes, spit the oil into the trash or toilet to avoid clogging your sink. Do not spit into the sink.
  6. Rinse and Cleanse: Rinse your mouth well with warm water. You can also use warm salt water for an additional cleansing effect. Finally, brush your teeth as usual.