5 Ayurvedic Morning Rituals to Start Your Day Off Right
#1 AM Ritual - Rise before the Sun
Have you ever heard of Ayurveda? It's a timeless system of medicine that says taking care of your body is important for your overall health. One of the ways to do that is by following some simple Ayurvedic practices in your morning routine.
First off, try waking up early! And by early, I mean an hour before sunrise. I know what you’re thinking, “No way, I like to sleep in.” Before you give up on this notion, answer the following questions: Are you tired of waking up feeling groggy and unenergized? Do you wish you could start your day with a sense of clarity and focus? Well, my friends, let me introduce you to Brahma Muhurta - the "Sacred Hour"!
Brahma Muhurta is that magical time of day, approximately an hour before sunrise, when the energy of the universe is at its most powerful. Ayurvedic practitioners have long known the benefits of rising early and embracing this time of day, and now you can too!
By waking up before the sunrise, you'll be tapping into the natural rhythms of the universe and setting yourself up for a day of success. You'll have more mental clarity, better focus, and a greater sense of peace and calm. Plus, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy a cup of warm water with lemon and engage in some gentle yoga or meditation before the demands of the day begin.
So, if you're ready to become a morning person and harness the power of Brahma Muhurta, set your alarm and get ready to rise and shine like the brilliant star you are!
#2 AM Ritual - Tongue Sraping.
Another practice is tongue scraping. As an Ayurvedic coach, I get asked a lot about tongue scraping. It might sound weird, but it's actually really important for your health! Your tongue can tell us a lot about what's going on inside your body, and scraping it helps remove yucky stuff that can make you feel sick or give you bad breath.
So, how do you do it? You need a special tool called a tongue scraper, which you can buy at a health food store or online. When you wake up in the morning, use the scraper to gently scrape your tongue from the back to the front, rinsing it off between each pass. It's important not to press too hard, or you could hurt your tongue.
The best time to do this is right after you wake up, but you can do it whenever you feel like your tongue needs it. Just make sure to rinse the scraper after each use, and do it over a sink to avoid making a mess. Silver and bronze tongue scrapers are both effective in removing the coating on the tongue, but there are some differences between them.
Silver tongue scrapers are more durable and easier to clean but are more expensive. Bronze tongue scrapers are softer and gentler on the tongue, making them a good choice for people with a sensitive tongue, but may not last as long as silver ones. It all comes down to personal preference and budget when choosing between the two.
Give it a try and see how much fresher your mouth feels!
#3 AM Ritual - Warm Lemon Water
Drinking lemon water in the morning is a refreshing way to start your day and can provide a host of health benefits. It's super easy to make too! All you need is a glass of water and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
But why is lemon water so great? Firstly, it can help to kickstart your digestion by flushing out toxins and promoting the production of digestive juices. This can be especially helpful if you struggle with bloating or constipation. Lemon water is also a great source of vitamin C, which can boost your immune system and help to fight off illness.
Drinking lemon water can also improve your skin health, as vitamin C is essential for collagen production. Collagen is a protein that gives your skin its elasticity and firmness, so getting enough vitamin C can help to keep your skin looking youthful and radiant. Plus, lemon water can help to alkalize the body, which can reduce inflammation and support overall health.
Overall, drinking lemon water in the morning is an easy and delicious way to promote your health and wellbeing. Give it a try and see how you feel!
#4 AM Ritual - Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a timeless Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth for several minutes to promote oral health. Although it may seem unusual, oil pulling has gained popularity in recent years due to its numerous reported benefits.
To start oil pulling, take a tablespoon of oil, such as coconut oil or sesame oil, and swish it around your mouth for 10-15 minutes, making sure to pull it between your teeth and around your gums. As you swish, the oil will start to mix with your saliva, becoming thinner and frothy. Spit the oil out into a trash can (not down the sink) and rinse your mouth with water before brushing your teeth as normal.
But what exactly are the benefits of oil pulling? Firstly, it can help to remove harmful bacteria from your mouth and reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Oil pulling has also been reported to help whiten teeth, freshen breath, and soothe oral inflammation. In addition, some people even report feeling more energized and clear-headed after oil pulling!
While there is still limited scientific research on oil pulling, many people have reported positive experiences and believe it to be a simple and natural way to support oral health. It's important to note that oil pulling should not replace regular dental visits and oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing.
Give it a try and see if you notice any improvements in your oral health or overall wellbeing. Just remember to spit the oil out into the trash can, and not down the sink because it can solidify and cause blockages in the pipes over time.
# AM Ritual - Yoga & Meditation
Starting your day with yoga and meditation is a great way to feel relaxed, focused, and healthy. Yoga involves stretching and strengthening your muscles through different poses, which can help you feel more awake and alert. Meditation, on the other hand, involves sitting quietly and clearing your mind, which can help you feel less stressed and more at peace.
The best part about starting your day with yoga and meditation is that it doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Even just a few minutes of yoga followed by a few minutes of meditation can make a difference in how you feel for the rest of the day. You can find plenty of online resources to help you get started, and you can even do it from the comfort of your own home.
So, why not give it a try? Even if you're not a morning person, taking just a few minutes to stretch, breathe, and meditate can set a positive tone for the rest of your day. You might even find that you enjoy it so much that you start to look forward to it each morning!
These simple Ayurvedic morning rituals can help you feel more energized and focused throughout the day. They may seem a little weird at first, but give them or just one a try and see how they work for you. Consistency is key, so try to make these practices a part of your daily routine.
Comment and let me know how your journey goes.
