HOLISTIC SELF-CARE IN AYURVEDA
WHAT IS SELF-CARE IN AYURVEDA?
Dinacharya in Sanskrit is derived from two words: "dina" which means "day", and "charya" means "activity". Ayurveda encourages establishing our holistic wellness ritual.
HOW IS SELF-CARE VALUED IN AYURVEDA?
In Ayurveda, taking care of yourself holistically is just as important as treating chronic diseases after medical findings with the doctor. It is even more important to keep healthy fit to prevent illnesses and discomforts. Ayurveda teaches the value of holistic self-care in accordance with your dosha. For example, an Ayurvedic self-care routine that help to balance Vata might not be so great for Pitta, and vice versa including Kapha. That is why it’s essential for us to adopt the right self-care routine that work with our doshic constitution.
If you're not sure about your doshic constitution, take the quiz here.
SOME HOLISTIC SELF-CARE ROUTINE IN AYURVEDA
- Morning meditation and mantras
- Drinking warm water in early morning
- Yoga
- Early bath
- Tongue scraping
- Dry-brushing
- Abhyanga
- Neti
- Nasya
SO WHY DO YOU NEED TO ESTABLISH YOUR OWN HOLISTIC SELF-CARE?
As I care for myself, so I care for my family and the people who are important to me (Riley, 2003)
We might not view healing the same way. Some of us don’t always approach health holistically and oftentimes resort to addressing issues individually, which isn't bad either - but we must realize that whatever is the present is the result of our past, and so starting our journey in holistic self-care is one of the best ways to save ourselves from worsening imbalances in our overall health.
Self-care doesn't have to be fancy, we start from treating our body right, choosing what's best for us holistically - from the food we eat, to following our body's needs (exercise, meditation & rest), to every little thing that makes us grounded and happy. It's focusing on what makes us better everyday - starting from our body, mind and social environment.
...because a healthier "you" enables you to do and give more.