When most people hear the words “holistic health,” they might think of new-agey nonsense.
But holistic health is actually a very rational, scientific approach to care that takes into account all aspects of the person – body, mind, and spirit. In this post, we’ll explore what holistic health is and how you can apply its principles in your own life. Stay tuned!
So, what is Ayurveda?
It’s a holistic system of medicine that considers the body, mind, and spirit as an integrated whole. The goal of Ayurvedic nutrition is to create balance in the body by eating foods that are compatible with your individual constitution or dosha.
If you’re interested in learning more about this ancient system of health and nutrition, we offer Introduction to Holistic Health course where you can explore all aspects of Ayurveda in-depth.
We will share tips and look at some foods that can help boost agni, as well as some tips on how to create healthy meals using these foods.
Are you ready to learn more? Great! Let’s get started!
So today lets look at balancing with Touch
A loving touch releases healing chemicals. Touch relates to the element of air. You feel a rush of wind on your skin. Like air, touch is full movement and motion.
Ayurveda reminds us to balance our bodies with Self abhanga or massage.
Why? because skin is the largest organ of the body.
It’s rich with neuro-chemicals, immune modulators, and nerve receptors. Through these channels, touch changes us emotionally, physically, and biochemically.
When your skin is stimulated by loving touch or massage, it releases healing chemicals that:
•Enhance immune function
•Improve circulation
•Elevate mood
•Promote restful sleep
All dosha types benefit from self-abhyanga.
In addition to the direct benefits of massage, herbalized oils provide healing benefits.
According to Ayurveda, these oils help protect tissues from potentially harmful chemicals that can accumulate in the body.
The skin absorbs the oils, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can protect and balance tissues.
Do you know which of your Mind and Body Dosha needs balancing?
In our Holistic health program, you can take the Dosha quiz to understand your mind-body type and your current needs to balance your body and mind.
Ayurvedic medicine is based on the idea that the world is made up of five elements — aakash (space), jala (water), prithvi (earth), teja (fire), and vayu (air)
A combination of these element results in our unique mind-body type/s or doshas, known as vata, kapha, and pitta. These doshas are believed to be responsible for a person’s physiological, mental, and emotional health.
Oil massage keeps the body’s first line of defense, the skin, lubricated and healthy. – Ayurvedic saying
REFLECTION
- BREATHE:
- Take a moment to pause and notice your breathing.
- Feel the air going in and out of your body.
- Observe how deep or shallow the breathing is
- REFLECT:
- on a what is are you seeking today?
- Is there anything that is making you feel uncomfortable.
- Can you notice tension, pressure, unpleasant sensations in your body?
- RESPOND:
- Slow deep breathing… and guide your breath to go deeper
- Try breathing in for a count of 4 and breathing out for a count of 5 or longer
- If you notice your mind going away from breathing, gently come back to the breath, without any judgements
- With the next breath out Release and let go of anything that is not needed
or anything that is not helping you right now. - What new sources of touch would you like to bring in?
Remember that you have a choice!
Breathe, connect with power of choice and stay balanced.
If you’re looking to improve your health, Ayurveda may be a great place to start. This holistic approach to nutrition takes into account all aspects of an individual, including mind, body and spirit.
Our Holistic health course will teach you everything you need to know about the principles of Ayurveda so that you can start eating in a way that supports your health goals. Register now and join us on this journey to better wellness!
“Every human being is the author of his own health or disease.”
– Ayurvedic saying
In our Holistic health program, you can learn about what is a dosha or mind-body makeup as described by Ayurveda. (three doshas: Vata, Pita, Kapha).
Understand what each dosha looks like when it is in-balance and when it is out of balance.
