Ayurvedic Guidelines for Holistic Living.
Ayurveda prescribes three major guidelines for Healthy Living. They are Dinacharya, Ritucharya & Brahmacharya.
Dinacharya
One should get up early in the morning at 0430 AM , the time prescribed for Meditation. After brushing the teeth, one should take an oil bath.
Oil, preferably coconut oil, should be put all over the body and one should relax for 30-60 minutes for the oil to sink in. Oil Bath is known in Ayurveda as Abhyanga. Because of the oil bath, you will get proper sleep. The body becomes fresh. The body is fortified and becomes cool. Oil will take care of all the diseases of the scalp. It will prevent hair loss. The hair becomes blacker and more healthy.
After Abhyanga, one should do exercise. Exercise will increase the digestive capacity and obesity will be controlled. After doing exercise ( Yoga exercises are the best ), one should massage the body mildly. One should not do excess exercise. Excess exercise can result in weakness, thirst, fever and vomiting. Mild massage can destroy phlegm and reduce fat.
Taking oil bath daily increases the digestive fire. It will increase the sexual capacity. More energy and strength will be imparted by an oil bath. Physical weakness will disappear. One should pour only cold water over the head . Hot water bath is ideal for the rest of the body.
Ritucharya
Western system of Astrology which follows the Tropical Zodiac identifies four major seasons - Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
From March 21 we have the beginning of summer, after the Spring Equinox. From June 21 we have autumn, after the Summer Solstice. From Sept 22 we have Winter, after the Autumnal Equinox and after Dec 22, which is the pagan festival of Winter Solstice, we have Spring.
The Indian system of Astrology which follows the Sidereal Zodiac identifies six major seasons known as Rithus. Two months constitute a Rithu. ( Tau Dwau Rithu ).
They are Sisira ( January & February), Vasantha ( March & April), Greeshma ( May & June), Varsha ( July & August ), Sharath ( September & October ) & Hemantha (November & December ).
The Three Humurs of Ayurveda are Wind ( Vata ), Bile ( Pitta ) & Phlegm ( Kapha ). Their equilibrium is Health and their disharmony is ill-health.
During Sharath Rithu, Pitta will be more.
During Hemanta Rithu, Kapha will be more.
During Greeshma, Vata will be more.
During Varsha, Vata will be more.
During the hot Greeshma Rithu, one should avoid hard labour which gives a tough time for the body. The ideal foods during Greeshma are Fruit juices, buttermilk, lime juice and these should be taken extensively. Can have cold water bath. Water Melon, plantains, bananas, cucumber, tomatoes, jackfruit and leafy vegetables can be taken in.
Uttarayana ( the Northern Progress of the Sun ) involve the six solar sidereal months from Capricorn to Cancer.
During this phase, one should take abundant fruits like pomegranate, water melon, orange, grapes and tender coconut water. This phase is known as Adana Kala because much strength is lost from the body due to the hot season. Plantains and bananas should also be taken in. Rice, wheat, gooseberry ( which is a rich source of Vitamin C ), pineapple, mangoes, cashew, groundnut, carrot, pumpkin,honey, milk and leafy vegetables should also be consumed.
Dakshinayana ( the Southern Progress of the Sun ) involve the six solar sidereal months from Cancer to Capricorn. This phase is known as Visarga Kala , as this is a period which augments physical strength. Bittergourd, gooseberry, chilli, wheat, honey, rice and vegetables can be taken in during this period.
Brahmacharya
Brahmacharya means to roam in Brahman, the Absolute, to embrace none but Him.
Lustre and virility are all dependent on the seventh Tissue Element, Semen. If there is a weaking of this tissue element, the body loses potency. Hence the need for preserving this vital Tissue Element through proper celibacy.
Article Source: http://www.fitnesshealtharticles.com.
About the Author:
G Kumar is an astrologer, writer and programmer of www.eastrovedica.com. He has 15 years research experience in stock market astrology and other in various other branches of astrology. Recently he was awarded a certificate by the planetary gemologists association as a planetary gem advisor. To subscribe to his Free ezine, the Z Files, click here
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