30 Nov DISCOVER HOLISTIC WELLNESS WITH AYURVEDA

Ayurveda is a natural system of medicine & holistic wellness that originated in India over 3,000 years ago and is considered a legitimate form of medical care in that region, on par with conventional Western medicine, with practitioners requiring state-recognised training. The word Ayurveda means “knowledge of life” and is focused on achieving balance and harmony in the body, mind, and spirit to promote optimal health and wellbeing, including natural health supplementation, yoga and mindful practice, and eating well. Discover the important lessons we can learn from Ayurvedic practice for a holistic approach to wellness. 

If you want to learn even more from an established Ayurvedic practitioner, watch our video here, where Benita Kolloori shares her profound insights into this transformative ancient practice.

WHAT IS AYURVEDA?
Ayurveda promotes lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to restore balance in the body, mind, spirit, and environment. Treatment may include dietary changes, herbal remedies, massage, yoga, and meditation. Ayurveda focuses on “life forces” known as the three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Vata Dosha controls very basic body functions such as cell division. It also controls your mind, breathing, blood flow, heart function, and flexibility. Pitta Dosha is responsible for controlling digestion, hormones and metabolism. And finally, Kapha Dosha is concerned with muscle growth, body strength and stability, weight, and your immune system. 

The goals of Ayurvedic practice and treatment include eliminating impurities, reducing symptoms, increasing resistance to disease, reducing worry, and promoting harmony in life. In Ayurvedic philosophy, every individual’s constitution is composed of three doshas, with one dosha demonstrated as the most dominant. Our physical and emotional traits can help guide us to which dosha or life force is most dominant for us. The goal of Ayurvedic practitioners is to restore balance among the doshas, as imbalances can lead to illness.

AYURVEDIC LIFE FORCES

Vata Dosha
(Ether & Air)
The life force that governs movement, communication, and creativity
Frame: Thin and lanky
Skin: Dry, cool, maybe rough
Sleep: Has trouble falling or staying asleep
Temperament: Enthusiastic, nervous or jumpy

Pitta Dosha
(Fire & Water)
The life force that governs metabolism, digestion, and transformation
Frame: Average build, apple shape
Skin: Warm, smooth or oily
Sleep: A deep sleeper who prefers coolness
Temperament: Assertive, outgoing or bossy

Kapha Dosha
(Water & Earth)
The life force that governs stability, structure, and lubrication
Frame: Stocky and very tall or very short
Skin: Pale, moist or cold
Sleep: Pleasant but struggles to wake up
Temperament: Accommodating & pleasant, but cautious

How can you incorporate Ayurvedic practices into your lifestyle?
Intermittent fasting and a balanced diet, yoga and meditation, herbal remedies, dry brushing and more all find their roots in Ayurveda. 
Here are four simple modern practices inspired by ancient wisdom that you can incorporate into your own life.

1.Supplementing with adaptogens to help your body manage stress
When life gets overwhelming, it’s important to give your body the support it needs to handle stress. One fantastic way to do that is by incorporating adaptogens into your routine. Adaptogens are natural substances that work with your body to promote balance and resilience. They can help you navigate the ups and downs of everyday life, providing a gentle boost to your overall well-being.

Sfera Ashwagandha Capsules
Helpful in for balancing your mood, metabolism and digestion and is a potent adaptogen which supports your hormones and adrenal system

Sfera Berberine
This ayurvedic supplement helps improve heart function while supporting healthy blood sugar, blood pressure and blood lipid levels

Sfera Tulsi (Holy Basil) 60’s
A great adaptogen and antioxidant, Tulsi promotes heart health, digestive health and respiratory health, fights stress and protects against colds and flu

Sfera Saberry (Amla) 60’s
This Ayurvedic herb is great for your liver and is packed with vitamin C that strengthens your body’s natural defence system and protects your cells against free radical damage.

2. Yoga
   In the midst of our busy lives, it’s crucial to find moments of peace and reconnect with ourselves. That’s where yoga comes in. Yoga is a beautiful practice that combines gentle movement, breath awareness, and mindfulness. It not only strengthens your body but also nourishes your mind and soul. By dedicating some time to yoga, you’re offering yourself a sanctuary of tranquillity and self-care.

MOVE TPE Alignment Yoga Mat – Rose Pink
Made from biodegradable and recyclable material, this exercise mat has high durability, elasticity and comfort and is perfect for yoga, pilates and other floor exercises

Asoka Yoga Bamboo Block
Sustainably and gently advance your practice with this yoga block made from fast-growing renewable bamboo, boasting a hollow core to be extra lightweight

3.Dry Brushing
Taking care of your skin is a wonderful act of self-love, and one simple technique that can do wonders is dry brushing. Dry brushing involves gently brushing your skin with a natural bristle brush, usually before taking a shower. It exfoliates dead skin cells, stimulates blood circulation, and even helps with lymphatic drainage. As you glide the brush over your body, you’re not only invigorating your skin but also promoting a healthy glow from within.

Celluvac Sisal Hair Dry Body Brush
Dry Brushing stimulates your nervous system and can improve your blood circulation while also promoting relaxation, unclogging your pores and brightening your skin’s glow

Oliō Body Brush
Get glowing and softer skin while stimulating blood circulation and promoting lymphatic drainage with an all-natural bristle brush and hardwearing beechwood handle

4.Eating a balanced diet & paying attention to when & how you eat
Food is not just fuel for our bodies; it’s an opportunity to nourish ourselves both physically and emotionally. By incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals, you’re providing your body with the essential elements it needs to thrive. Additionally, paying attention to when and how you eat can make a significant difference in your overall well-being. Taking the time to savour your meals, eating mindfully, and listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues fosters a deeper connection with yourself and promotes a healthy relationship with food.

Good Life Organic Turmeric Plus
Turmeric is a warming Ayurvedic remedy with a host of benefits which include potent antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties

Taka Turmeric Golden Latte
A delicious heartwarming creamy health latte made with certified organic turmeric and other Ayurvedic spices such as tasty cinnamon and cardamom

Earth Products Ghee (Clarified Butter)
Ghee is clarified butter which means that the water and milk solids have been removed making it a lactose-free, heart-healthy alternative to butter and hydrogenated vegetable oils

A Little Something Organic Cumin Seeds Refill
Organic-certified cumin seeds are not only nutritious and loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, but they amp up any dish with a deliciously spicy and nutty flavour