The Link Between Stress and Natural Toxins
Chronic stress and illness are inherently depleting, and they often go hand-in-hand. When the body is overtaxed by normal daily activities and the wear-and-tear of stress or illness, digestion becomes compromised and
When too much ama is generated, the body can't keep up with 'taking out the trash'. Consequently, waste builds up and begins to impede our energy and vitality, which makes simple daily chores even more taxing. Excess ama and waste build-up directly depletes
Curious about how well you are eliminating ama? Check your tongue in the morning. If you see a thick opaque coating, it is likely ama!
Meditation—One Part of Rejuvenation
In the western medical model, as well as
Practices that are
Here are a few forms of rasayana (rejuvenating practices) that can be done at home to help manage chronic illness and stress, or offer support when life just seems overwhelming. These rasayana practices help to unclog ama and build vibrant, healthy ojas. Consider these ideas an invitation to take extra special care of yourself. Remember to always discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor and health care team when you want to make changes to your self-care and wellness practices.
Ways to Bring Rejuvenation into Your Life
The ways to rejuvenate are endless! Choose a few ideas from this list to get you started.
- Eat and drink nutrient-rich foods to balance your dosha and deliver the building blocks your tissues need. Bring them into your body in an easily digestible form—and don't overeat or snack.
- Drink water to flush ama from the tissues.
- Add spices and greens to balance the six tastes.
- Enjoy Chyavanprash, an herbal mixture that is deeply restorative. You can add it to grains in the morning or to milk or water to make a tea.
- Drink herb-infused milk as a bedtime restorative. You can make this with dairy or vegan milk. Give these recipes a try.
- Eat dates to build ojas.
- Take amalaki, which contains natural antioxidants and is nourishing to the body.
- Try an ojas-building shake to support health and vitality.
- Get a massage to relax muscles and support comfort. Ayurvedic self-massage works the same way as other forms of therapeutic massage, feeding skin, releasing muscle tension, and moving lymph. Massage also helps clear away dead skin cells and promotes healthy skin. Oil massage is grounding; it shifts you away from stress and fight-or-flight mode towards a happy state, opening the possibility for natural detoxification pathways in the body to work better.
- Soak in the tub. Soothing soaks help you relax and sleep more deeply, especially with the addition of relaxing herbs, minerals, or essential oils. A warm bath encourages the lymph to move and carry waste out of the tissues for disposal. When you soak in a warm tub, natural toxins are eliminated through the sweat glands. Add a gentle scrub to slough off dead skin. Remember, the skin is the largest organ for detoxification.
- Sip lavender or chamomile to relax the body and mind.
- Add epsom salt to your baths. It contains magnesium, which is a mineral that helps muscles relax.
- Enjoy rose essential oil, or rose petals, which are soothing and calming to the heart. If rose is not your thing, find an essential oil or flower that works for you.
- Go to a restorative
- Slip into bed by 10 p.m. for a more complete sleep. Burning the candle at both ends is not restorative. Fatigue adds to stress response, and regular rest supports healthy ojas. Get eight hours on a regular basis and notice how you feel.
Many of us need support when dealing with chronic stress or illness, and by bringing rejuvenation into our regular routines, we can directly promote balance and prevent burnout. Add these simple rejuvenation rasayana practices when you need a little extra support in your life, and feel the power of self-care!