Ayurvedic Morning Routine
Daily Bio-Feedback
Although Ayurvedic medicine can heal us when we’re sick, the primary aim is preventive, buttressing our health when we’re well. Starting the day with an Ayurvedic morning routine is thus a useful way of promoting the kind of wellbeing that can also serve as an indicator of our state of health. Integrating Ayurvedic morning routine components such as oil pulling, self-massage or tongue scraping into the start of the day offers an easy and effective solution to self-care.
The Preventive Power of Observation
Each component of the Ayurvedic morning routine provides daily bio-feedback, direct routes to an evolved body awareness which enables the immediate detection of even the tiniest disorders and issues. Following the mantra of ‘avoid the danger that hasn’t happened yet’, Ayurvedic medicine provides a fascinating opportunity for preventing illness using our body’s inner intelligence.
‘By finding out how I’m doing physically first thing in the morning, I can do something about it straight away, e.g. cancel a dinner date, eat easy to digest foods for the day, take the appropriate herbs, have some manual therapy, or take part in a Yoga class.’
Christina Mauracher
When Doshas Step out of Line
The Ayurvedic teachings tell us that if imbalances aren’t addressed, over time they will initiate an illness process. This unfolds in six stages:
1. An increase of one or more of the Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
2. The excess of Dosha leads to the formation of Ama (metabolic residue) in the digestive system. In stages 1 and 2, Dosha imbalances can easily be remedied by making minor lifestyle changes. E.g.: If, during your morning routine, you discover a slight coating on your tongue – perhaps because you had a glass too many or ate too heavily the night before – you can correct this imbalance by eating easy to digest foods, dinner cancelling, or even fasting.
3. Doshas and Ama spread in the bloodstream. By phase three, problems have become more apparent. This is when a deep cleansing with a detox or Panchakarma programme is urgently recommended.
4. Doshas and Ama settle in a weak part of the body.
5. An imbalance or illness becomes apparent.
6. The imbalance or illness enters the complication stage and symptoms worsen (e.g. cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, kidney failure, etc.). Once you reach this phase, issues are becoming chronic.
