Learn Your Dosha and Learn About Your Body and Mind
Ayurveda, translated into the "science of life," is a form of traditional alternative medicine native to India, where it's been practiced for centuries. Ayurveda is a holistic philosophy, seeking to restore balance inside a person and then between the person and their environment. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, everything in the universe is composed of water, air, ether, and fire. Everyone is born with a combination of the three doshas, which operate as metabolic principles; determining the dosha that best matches your mind/body type and balancing your dosha through exercise, diet, and lifestyle will help you achieve optimal health and happiness.
Vata leads the other doshas. Vata-types are naturally thin and find it hard to gain weight. They also tire easily as they have a low energy preserve. The key to a goodvata balance is through consistent rest and a consistent lifestyle. Vatas control many major body processes (nerve impulses from the brain, breathing and digestion) so they usually fall out of balance first, which begins early stages of disease. In fact,Vata disorders compose nearly one half of all illnesses. But when vata is balanced, the other two doshas, pitta and kapha, are generally in balance as well.
Pitta types are generally intelligent, witty, and find it easy to concentrate. They usually are well-proportioned with medium builds. Fire is a characteristic of Pitta, expressed in such qualities as a short, fiery temper or red hair. Because the body temperature of the Pitta type is generally warm, they must be careful when out in the sun; overexposure can cause imbalance. They're known for their strong digestive abilities, but should be careful not to drink too much water to quench their thirst, as this can negatively affect the digestive process. This is symbolic of Pitta's quality of causing humans to crave purity and moderation as they promote our intake of air, water, and food. Toxic emotions should be avoided to keep a Pitta type healthy and happy.
Kaphas are naturally resistant to disease and usually have a generally positive outlook on life. They typically have heavy frames, making them sturdy with high amounts of physical strength and stamina. TheKapha dosha is slow-- Kapha types chew and digest slowly, learn slowly (but retain information well), and talk slowly. Kapha types can become stubborn and lazy when out of balance, but they are usually relaxed and affectionate. They need stimulation, consistent exercise, and must take care to avoid overeating.Kapha doshas encourage consistency and a sense of well-being. A Kapha imbalance typically shows up via a cold, asthma, or allergies, as Kapha controls the body's moist tissues. Kaphas are particularly susceptible to illness in the months of March through June, when cold and wet weather prevails.
Learning about your dosha can help you know your body and your mind better. Avoiding certaining activities, emotions, lifestyles, and even foods will help to keep your dosha in balance, and your mental, physical, and psychological well-being optimally healthy.
Boost Your Immune System with Homeopathy
If you're trepidacious about taking prescription drugs for sinus headaches and runny noses, consider homeopathy. Homeopathy, which is over 200 years old, is a holistic medicine. Its premise is built on improving the overall well-being of a person, including their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, not just treating the disease. Homeopathy strengthens the immune system by restoring the endocrine and nervous systems into balance, thus building resistance to sickness, instead of the modern medicine approach of treating symptoms as they arise. Homeopathy makes use of diluted natural substances, which trigger immune reactions in the body capable of fending off a diverse number of ailments.
To find a qualified homeopath, request a recommendation from a friend or family member. Or you may find local practitioners through the National Center for Homeopathy's website. Some chiropractors, osteopaths, and pharmacists are also homeopathic practitioners. On your first visit to the homeopath, be prepared to describe your symptoms as specifically as possible. Providing the best possible information will help your homeopath to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms so that you can boost your immune system in all the necessary ways. If you're merely seeking to prevent illness by boosting your immune system, they say that, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Your homeopath can supply you with immune boosters that will have you looking and feeling your best all year.
For best results, plan on regular visits to your homeopath to make sure your current treatment plan remains successful. When your body is restored to balance, for example, you'll likely need a different homeopathic treatment plan. When seeking any type of homeopathic treatment, stay informed through research and communication with your practitioner. Some insurance companies cover homeopathic treatment if the compounds are distributed by a licensed pharmacist, while others do not cover any type of homeopathic treatment.
Exploring different varieties of homeopathy will improve your health in a safe, non-invasive way. If "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," homeopathic medicine that seeks healing in natural ways seems worthwhile.
How to Fit Exercise into Daily Life
Incorporating exercise into your life will improve your mental, physical, and cardiovascular health. Beginning an exercise program may be overwhelming, but there are many ways you can fit exercise into your daily life without joining a gym or embarking on training for a marathon. Small amounts of exercise can really add up over the course of a day, a week, a month, and a year.
Anytime you park your car, make it a game with yourself to park farther than you normally would. Think of all the walking you can add to your life when you park your car even a few extra feet away when you go to work, the mall, and all the other errands you run. Take opportunities to walk when another option is offered, too. For example, go in at the bank instead of going through the drive thru, and go in for your food instead of going through the drive thru. In many cases, this will increase your daily exercise and save money on gas.
When you go to the mall or a big box store, before you start shopping, walk the perimeter of the store one or more times. Determine not to get distracted and stop, and enjoy watching people and getting an extra few minutes of exercise in the process.
Choose physical games. If you live with friends and/or family, consider purchasing a video game that involves dancing, golf, tennis, etc. You'll appreciate the time together and the competition, and may not even realize how much exercise you're actually getting!
When you're watching TV, don't use the remote. This way, every time you want to change the channel or adjust the volume, you'll get exercise as you walk to the TV. You may even set a goal to do 5 sit ups during each commercial break, or walking in place while you watch commercials. You'll still be able to watch TV as you do these things, and get a little extra exercise in the process.
Take the stairs. Whether at the mall, your office, or the mall, try and take the stairs. Maybe you can go up the stairs and take the elevator on your way out, or vice versa.
In your busy lifestyle, remember that every bit of exercise you can fit in will help, no matter how big or how small. Remember that whatever you do today to make yourself healthier and stronger will make healthier than you were yesterday.