Ayurveda for Your Daily Routine

By Dr. Beena Vesikar

We regularly oleate our cars and other machines but often forget to oleate our bodies. ABHYANGA (Ayurvedic massage) provides our body with what it needs and rarely gets.

Ayurvedic massage is a gentle, firm self, whole body massage done with warm oil every morning before taking a bath. Abhyanga is a healing and rejuvenating therapy. It relieves stress, pacifies Vata and is deeply relaxing.

Touch has the power to comfort, reassure and relax. Abhyanga contributes daily touch requirements for good health. Ayurvedic Massage techniques are based on the Doshas (Biological humors) and Marmas (Vital points—the anatomical site where the muscles, veins, ligaments, bones and joints meet together). Massage is done keeping in mind the age, body constitution, season and condition of the digestive fire.

Ayurvedic massage therapy helps in increasing metabolism, improves circulation and heart function, nourishes cells, softens, smoothens and glows skin, tones muscles, lubricates joints, induces sleep at night, provides physical stability, improves vision, reduces pain, tensions and calms the mind by relieving fatigue.

Applying oil on the scalp helps hair growth and prevents headaches and strengthens the nervous system. Massage to the foot is relaxing, relieves pain, improves vision and smoothens the heels and toes.

Oils for massage are chosen according to the body constitution. For Vata predominancy, sesame oil; for Pitta predominance, coconut oil; and for Kapha Predominance, almond oil will give the desired benefits. Medicated oils are used to massage for specific diseases. For Kapha predominance, dry massage with herbs is recommended. Relax for 15-20 minutes after Abhyanga and then take a warm tub bath or shower.

Ayurvedic massage techniques are used in certain therapeutic treatments (purificatory procedures).These are practiced for particular diseases and conditions under supervision of an Ayurvedic doctor. Ayurvedic massage is helpful in many diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, paralysis, facial palsy, insomnia and many more.

After Abhyanga and a bath comes the meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ayurveda has certain rules regarding the eating habits, arrangement of food, and by following these rules one may lead a healthy life. Food should not be taken before a bath, or without offering food to God. Food should not be consumed too hurriedly, or too slowly, no excessive talking or laughter while having meals. It should be taken at the right time, quantity and in proper manner.

To understand Ayurvedic eating, one needs to understand the concept of Tridoshas. Tridoshas are the energetic forces that influence nature and human beings. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are the Tridoshas.

Doshas predominate at different times of the day. From sunrise to about 10 a.m. conditions are cool and moist. This is the Kapha period. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the sun is strong. This is the Pitta period and from 2 p.m. to sunset again it begins to cool a little. This is the Vata period. This cycle repeats in the evening, i.e. from sunset to 10 p.m., Kapha period; from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. is the Pitta period; from 2 a.m. to sunrise is the Vata period.

Hence Ayurveda recommends eating the main meals (lunch) in the Pitta predominant period. Whereas breakfast and dinner should be light, being in the Kapha predominant period. Ideally there should be a gap of three hours between dinner and bed time.

Food is the vital breath of living beings, hence people rush to food. Complexion, cheerfulness, good voice, imagination, happiness, contentment, immunity, intellect—all these depend on the food that one takes.

Beena Vesikar recieved her BAMS and MD degrees from the University of Poona in India and has taught in Ayurvedic colleges in India. She is passionate about Ayurveda and dedicated to spreading this ancient wisdom in the U.S. She is located in Farmington, MI and can be contacted at vesikarbeena@rediffmail.com.