As a traditional medical science Ayurveda is based on two different pillars. The goal of the millennium-old holistic science is to maintain health through prevention and the healing of diseases.
Especially today, in the time of the worldwide pandemic caused by the corona virus, Ayurveda offers many possibilities to strengthen the immune system with the power of nature. A healthy lifestyle from a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual point of view is the basis for a strong immune system. Especially in these difficult times, take the time to pay more attention to your well-being in order to come out of this crisis stronger:
Ayurvedic oral hygiene – Strengthening the upper respiratory tract
Get used to an Ayurvedic routine in the morning (Dinacharya). In the beginning there is the cleaning of your tongue from plaque, for example with a tongue scraper. Afterwards you drink a glass of warm water, which has been boiled the evening before and filled in a thermos flask. Rinse your mouth with 1 tablespoon of high-quality sesame oil, coconut oil or ghee for 5-10 minutes. Then cleanse your nose with salt water and 2-3 drops of oil or ghee in each nostril. These measures lead to a healthy oral flora.
The throat as a gateway for infections
A dry mouth and throat are not only uncomfortable, but also more susceptible to infections that promote inflammation of the mucous membranes. To protect the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat from drying out, drink enough warm water and herbal teas during the day and avoid food that is too spicy and dry.
If you feel a dry cough or inflamed throat, boil fresh mint and ajwain seeds (king cumin) in water and inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes daily.
These seeds have strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, and inhalation in turn helps blood circulation and moistens the throat.
Eating ajwain seeds, as a spice in warm meals or as tea, also helps with many digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, stomach ache or flatulence. The stimulation of the digestive fire is intensified according to Ayurvedic view in combination with ginger and rock salt.
Meditation & Pranayama – Strengthening the inner balance
For a healthy balance of body and mind, practice yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation for at least 30 minutes daily. Ideally on an empty stomach or make sure that you have not eaten for at least an hour before.
The right diet
Eat freshly prepared, light and warm vegetarian food and make sure you use wholesome, seasonal and fresh products and healthy fats when cooking. Season the food with herbs and spices such as turmeric, garlic, coriander, ginger and chilli. Avoid ready meals, cold, heavy and fermented foods and keep the intake of alcoholic beverages to a minimum.
For the evening we recommend the so-called “Golden Milk”:
Put half a teaspoon of turmeric in a cup of warm milk and season as you like with cinnamon, cardamom, freshly ground black pepper and honey.
Because of its active component of turmeric, “Golden Milk” is rich in antioxidants that protect cells from damage, ward off disease and infection and contribute to your overall health.
As part of your Ayurvedic cure at Somatheeram, our doctors would give you the classic Ayurvedic dietary supplement Chyavanprash. This contains many other ingredients to strengthen the immune system and the respiratory system.
Unfortunately, you cannot obtain Chyavanprash from us, but there are various suppliers who have this in their range. Dissolve 15-20 grams of it 1-2 times a day in warm water or milk.
Ayurvedic science and its recommendations for strengthening the immune system and other health-promoting measures are by no means intended as prevention or therapy, as there have been very few scientific studies on this subject to date. Nevertheless, we recommend that you take the above-mentioned methods to heart in order to improve your own health and wellbeing and thus find a way to achieve your very individual peak form.
Use this special time to rethink your lifestyle and learn to listen to your own body and its signals.
Take care of yourself and stay healthy!
Your Somatheeram team
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