| In Ayurveda, there are four crucial components to | | | | Another basic for good health and longevity is enough |
| healthy and balanced living: eating well, getting enough | | | | sleep. According to Ayurveda, sleep is important so |
| sleep, exercising regularly and daily meditation. | | | | our minds and bodies get to recharge. Lack of sleep |
| For Ayurvedic healers, it is not just what you eat, but | | | | hampers digestion, clouds the mental state and |
| it's also how your body reacts to what you eat that is | | | | burdens many organs. Sleep deprivation is linked to |
| important. However, many people have become | | | | high blood pressure and depression, among other |
| overweight because they have become "imbalanced" | | | | things. Interestingly enough, Ayurveda does not think |
| when it comes to their approach to food. Eating the | | | | eight hours of sleep is for everyone. Because you are |
| right kind and the appropriate quantity of food is so | | | | unique, you need to know your own sleep quota that is |
| important in Ayurvedic healing. One proverb states that | | | | adequate and makes you function well. The quality of |
| "food is divine". How divine? Food even enjoys a | | | | sleep is also important. Ayurveda says the best kind of |
| higher status in Ayurveda than all other herbs and | | | | sleep happens then when the mind is completely |
| medicines! | | | | separate from all other senses. It is suggested that |
| As long as we continue to eat inappropriate and | | | | early sleep is more productive, try to go to bed early |
| unhealthy foods or continue to have unpredictable | | | | (before 10 pm). It is important to wake up early too, |
| eating routines and habits, our bodies will suffer serious | | | | preferably before 6 am. Aromatherapy, a cup of |
| consequences. We damage our energy level, mental | | | | herbal tea, deep breathing exercises and a bedtime |
| well-being and emotional state by eating junk and | | | | massage can all help you enjoy a deeper slumber. |
| chemical-laden food. These all seriously damage our | | | | The third basic component of a healthy life is an |
| general health and well-being and even cause | | | | adequate level of physical and mental activity. Along |
| irreversible damage to our organs, thereby shortening | | | | with diet and sleep, Ayurvedic healers say we need |
| our life-span tremendously. | | | | an exercise program that caters to our needs. For |
| Ayurvedic practitioners, unlike many Western diet | | | | example, if you are trying to balance a Kapha dosha, |
| gurus, do not have a "one-size-fits-all" approach to | | | | go for more vigorous exercise like aerobics or tennis. If |
| eating and nutrition. We all have unique dietary needs | | | | you are a Pitta, swimming is a good option. Walking |
| and we all have to create a diet that fits us over time. | | | | and yoga are good for everyone because they are |
| However, Ayurveda suggests some general guidelines | | | | convenient and practical. They can also be done |
| for healthy food choices and you can use the | | | | everyday alone or with a partner. It s recommended |
| guidelines that work best for you. Remember to listen | | | | that you exercise early in the morning to sustain |
| to your body carefully because it will guide you to the | | | | energy levels during the day and to sleep easier at |
| foods that can enhance your physical, mental and | | | | night. Never exercise on an empty stomach or after a |
| emotional balance. It is highly recommended that you | | | | meal. Never continue the exercise if you feel pain or |
| eat raw, fresh, natural whole foods. | | | | exhaustion. As with all other elements, moderation in |
| It is also encouraged that you follow an eating routine | | | | exercise is crucial to physical and mental balance. |
| and treat eating times as sacred. Try not to take short | | | | Finally, Ayurveda encourages daily meditation to |
| meals or eat while working. Prepare and cook food | | | | recharge all the senses. Taking thirty minutes a day to |
| with care and look for a place where you can eat in a | | | | meditate enhances the ability to manage stress. It also |
| pleasant atmosphere. When you take the time to eat, | | | | promotes mental focus and emotional equilibrium. |
| you give food the chance to turn into ojas - the | | | | Meditation also helps you get good sleep and reduces |
| substance that Ayurveda calls the essence of life and | | | | hypertension. Many tapes and books are available to |
| the best product of the eating and digesting process. | | | | get you started on this key Ayurvedic practice. |