‘Good gut Good health.’
A healthy gut is a sign of good digestion, balanced hormones, enhanced immunity, stable energy and overall good functioning of the body. Ayurveda – the ancient system of holistic healing and wellness emphasizes upon the role of good health and how keeping an ideal Dinacharya (daily routine0 can help one to maintain a healthy gut.
In Ayurveda, everything is designed in a systematic and structured manner that lays emphasis on routines, food supplements, everyday rituals and customized habits. In today’s modern life people are juggling between fast paced routines, hectic work life, poor nutrition choices, stress, anxiety and other lifestyle diseases to be a significant part of their daily lives.
Maintaining a healthy gut has become all the more important to remain healthy This is where the ayurvedic morning steps meant especially for gut health come in handy and play a major role in transforming one’s gut health and in turn influencing their mood, metabolism, digestion and overall body energy. In this guide, we shall be looking at some important ayurveda morning steps which will allow you to build a healthy gut and find renewed strength.
Wake up with the sun
Ayurveda always recommends one to wake up with the sun. It is the magic of the morning hour or the Brahma Murata specifically that sets the body’s natural rhythm and gently wakes up the body from a state of rest to a state of active movement and alertness.
This is the time when the digestive fire – Agni slowly begins to rise. The digestion and energy levels for the entire day are set. Waking up early not only fixes your circadian rhythm but also boosts mental clarity and uplifts your natural energy levels.
In addition to fixing your routine and building discipline, waking up early also reduces acidity, bloating and heaviness and motivates you to eat better and do active movements that will further be beneficial for your gut health.
Hydrate and flush out toxins
One of the first things that is suggested to do right after waking up is to consume water preferably warm water. The body has been in a state of rest over the night, and the digestive enzymes have broken down your food. It is time to assimilate the nutrients and eliminate the toxins.
Ayurveda recommends one to consume Luke warm water, preferably sitting in a Malasana – Garland Pose to create pressure and allow easy ejection. This entire activity is called Usha Paan which means drinking water in morning time at sunrise.
Ayurveda also recommends consuming detox water such as infusing lemon, ginger, fennel seeds, cumin, coriander etc with warm water to balance doshas and target specific gut requirements.
Oil pulling – Kaval
Oil pulling also known as Kaval is an ayurvedic ritual which concentrates on the removal of toxins from the oral cavity. This basically involves swishing a tablespoon of oils such Sesame or coconut preferably cold pressed in your mouth for eight to 10 minutes. It is an extremely powerful technique which not only helps remove accumulated toxins from the oral region. But also removes bacteria, enhances your gums and teeth and reduces inflammation and boost your overall immunity. This step also boosts your digestion as digestion starts in the mouth and keeps your gut healthy in the long run.
Tongue scraping – Jihwa Prakshalana
Tongue scraping is the procedure that is often followed post Kaval or even after brushing the teeth. This is helpful in removal of accumulated ama – toxins. Ayurveda recommends one to perform this ritual with a copper tongue cleaner and using herbs such as Neem twigs to gently brush and massage the gums.
Breathwork techniques to activate gut health
Kapalbhati (Skull shining breath) – Ayurveda and Yoga are sister sciences and the role of breath work is deeply related to the overall health of an individual. So practicing breath work techniques such as Kapala Bhati which involves short and sharp exhales that activates the digestive organs, helps you awaken up and warms your body to boost digestion and metabolism.
Anulom Vilom (Alternate nostril breathing) – Anulom Vilom is extremely helpful for people who are battling with a weak appetite, constipation, IBS and stress. It helps one to balance the nervous system and calm down and find relief in digestive issues, that are often related to digestion.
Abhyangam
Abhangam or the Ayurvedic self massage is a powerful technique to boost gut health. The best ayurveda treatment kerala, stresses on the importance of Abhyanga, and therefore, its global popularity today. In this treatment, one needs to gently warm up a preferred choice of oil and then massage the oil in rhythmic circles with appropriate amount of pressure over the body.
This helps to calm down the nervous system and stimulate the internal organs. Massaging on a regular basis helps the natural movement of the gut, offers relief in bloating, gas and improves circulation. This is especially effective in the winter season as it also removes dryness and boosts up energy.
Eating breakfast as a King
Even though Ayurveda relies on the principle of eating light satvik means. Yet, the concept of eating the breakfast as a king where one should have an ideal breakfast that involves light, warm and easy to digest nourishing meals.
Since Ayurveda understands the body’s digestive fire to rise with the sun and breakfast sets the foundation and rhythm for the entire day. One should consume a well-balanced meal that includes proteins fruits carbs and some herbal decoctions. Whether it is in form of tea or infusions, it helps to enhance Agni, the digestive fire and boost up the nourishment levels for the day.
Conclusion
Our gut health is directly related to our mind body and overall health. When the gut is healthy it is reflected the body’s mechanisms in form of better digestion, enhanced metabolism, healthy skin health, reduced acidity, bloating and constipation issues. Following these ayurvedic morning steps for a healthy gut will help you to stay energetic, balanced and remain healthy in the long term.
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