Ayurveda-ayuh means life and veda means knowledge, "the knowledge of life/ science of life.
Ayurveda is an ancient healing science originating more than 5,000 years ago in India from the ancient Veda texts. Ayurveda is also known as the sister science to yoga. Using herbs, spices, massage, diet, and yoga this is all prevented medicine. Through this study you learn how to live in harmony with nature and with yourself. Ayurveda uses simple principles to maintain your lifestyle on an emotional and physical level as well as help you become more aware of your body, mind, senses and soul.
Pitta: is fire and water. Governs digestion, body temperature, metabolism- all transformation. Pitta is also the seat of the ego. When a Pitta is balanced they are well organized and competitive. When out of balance excess heat builds in the body causing inflammation and skin rashes. Pitta is summer so have to watch out for the heat by eating more cooling foods.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle and Dinacharya (daily routine):
*Rise with the sun
*Drink a warm glass of water (can add lemon or lime)
*Rinse face with cold (Pitta and Kapha) warm water Vata.
*Scrape tongue (use a cooper or metal not plastic scraper) clean teeth
*Do Abhyanga (before or after shower)
*Do Neti, Nasya
*Oil face
*Yoga asana, Pranayama, Meditation
*Breakfast
*Make lunch the largest meal of the day
*Sip warm water through out the day
*Avoid snaking in between meals
*Eat a light supper
*Mediation- Relaxation before sleep turn computer and TV off
*Go to sleep between 10pm11pm
Pitta/Summer Practices:
Try creative, noncompetitive, nurturing, expansive, relaxing and cooling practices. Avoid creating too much heat in the body and mind.
*Asana: Moon Salutations, tree, twist, triangle, half moon, forward bends and legs out wide stretching. Cobblers pose, legs up wall.
*Pranayama: Shitali, Chandra Bhedana (left nostril breathing), Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing).
*Meditation: Cooling imagery, Mediation on the breath, Silence
*Savasana: Moderate Length (10-15mins)