Ayur-what-ic?

Before we dive in… let'due south play a word association game!

Please read the words beneath and observe what images starting time come to mind:

Science.

Illness.

Treatment.

If you were born later on the 18thursdaycentury Industrial Revolution (which, let's face it… you lot were), then you probably saw white lab coats, test tubes, needles, prescription drugs and fluorescent lit hospital hallways when yous read the words in a higher place.

But what if there were different associations with disease and treatment? What if instead of lab coats yous saw plant allies and creative expression?

Intro to Ayurveda

Thousands of years before modern medicine came to be, healers in India developed Ayurveda. This v,000-year-onetime technology is based on creating a holistic, preventive, and individualized organisation of care for each person.

Rather than labeling a person with their dis-ease/illness and treating them with a "ane size fits all" mentality, Ayurveda takes a more elementaland holistic approach to restoring balance. For example, if someone was struggling with depression, rather than treating them with long-term prescription drugs, Ayurveda would accommodate diet, lifestyle and herbs based on the person'due south elemental make up so that they could experience sustained vitality.

So, what does all of this have to do with coconut oil?

Ayurveda uses a lot of oil. Of course, oils are used for cooking and eating raw—but there is a whole world of oily practices to back up your health and well-being.

Here are my top iii:

1.) Abhyanga: Self-massage

Benefits: improved circulation, lymph massage, adds moisture and softness to the skin, lubricates internal organs, basic and joints, and aids in amend slumber.

Frequency: Daily if possible, two-3 times per calendar week minimum to see results

Steps:

  • Briefly warm oil until it becomes liquid. Be sure to test temperature on the dorsum of your hand so you practice not burn yourself.
  • Take hold of a dry brush with firm bristles to remove dead skin, dirt and debris from the surface of your skin.
  • Starting at your feet, move the castor towards your centre. Use gentle—but firm—pressure. This prepares the pores to receive oil.
  • Ideally, aim for long strokes on limbs and curt strokes over joints.
  • Apply oil liberally all over body with aforementioned move as you did when dry brushing.
  • Allow oil to sit for 5-10 minutes so that the oil can penetrate the deepest layers of the skin and movement closer to internal organs. You may practise some deep breathing or meditation while waiting.
  • Rinse off in cold or absurd shower.

two.) Gundusha: Oil Pulling

Benefits: Kills harmful bacteria in your mouth, reduces bad breath, prevents cavities, reduces inflammation and improves gum wellness.

Frequency: 1-3 times per day, may increase over fourth dimension

Steps:

  • Upon waking, utilise one tablespoon of kokosnoot oil and swish in mouth for 15-twenty minutes (yes, minutes). You may showtime with 5 minutes and piece of work your manner up.
  • Spit oil into compost or trashcan once done. Do not swallow or spit down bleed.
  • Rinse oral fissure well, so brush teeth.

3.) Nasya: Nasal Drops

Benefits: lubricates nose, heals and soothes cracks in nostril, cleanses the sinuses, improves vocalisation, vision and mental clarity.

Frequency: As needed

Steps:

  • Liquify coconut oil and place in a dropper.
  • Drop 3-5 drops of the coconut oil into each nostril.
  • Gently press each nostril closed, assuasive the oil to spread throughout.

But in that location are tons of dissimilar oils, why coconut oil?

Great question! Lets curl our sleeves up and break information technology downwardly a bit more.

According to Ayurveda, we are all composed of earth, air, fire, h2o, and space (too chosen "ether"). Although we all have these elements within usa, at that place is ever one or maybe 2 elements that are ascendant. Your elemental constitution at the time of your nativity is known as your "prakruti" and your current country is known as your "vikruti". The goal is to create and sustain witting practices in your diet (mental/emotional/physical) and lifestyle, so that your vikruti (current state) is as close to your prakruti (essential state) every bit possible.

The type of oil you lot employ is based on your prakriti, vikruti and current flavour.

How can they tell what your brand up is?

Ayurvedic practitioners and medical doctors of Ayurveda tin place a person's prakriti and vikruti with pulse diagnosis, tongue reading, and by asking a series of seemingly unrelated questions.

A practitioner's diagnosis can exist very in-depth.  However, you tin can also first to notice what element is dominant within y'all by taking a bird's-center view of how you lot are showing up in your day to day life.

The elements are organized into iii chief energies, called "Doshas". Here is a very bones breakup:

Dosha: Pitta

Element: Burn down

Pitta-dominant people are the ones that seem to have endless energy for work. They usually run warm and their bodies are naturally very strong. Pittas are highly intelligent and have incredible attention to detail.

Dosha: Vata

      Element: Air and Space (ether)

Vata-dominant people are the creatives. These are whimsical, artistic, imaginative, and at times unpredictable beings. Ofttimes, they have very agile minds. Vatas usually run a bit common cold and can be prone to dry skin.

Dosha: Kapha

      Element: Earth and H2o

Kapha dominant people are also known every bit the lovers. They tend to be easy-going, wearisome-moving and very grounded. Kaphas can be sluggish and have been known to overindulge in food, sleep and material things.

Kokosnoot oil is best for pittas and some vatas.  It is ideally is used in late spring, summer and early autumn. Since coconut oil is considered cooling, it can be used at anytime by someone who is wanting to cool their burn down.

Permit us know if/how the techniques above support your transition into the fall. 😊

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional person medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with whatsoever questions y'all may have regarding a medical condition.