Ayurveda is a traditional way of healing. Ayurveda focuses on balancing doshas (Kapha, Vata and Pitta) for physical and mental well-being. It is not just about using herbs as medicines. It is much more than that. It is a way of life. Daily practice of Ayurvedic rituals is essential to take care of your body and mind during the transitional weather. These rituals are a part of routine called Dinacharya. We have penned down a list of 10 Ayurvedic rituals to help you transition through the Spring season and make the most of your Dinacharya.

1. Waking up and sleeping with the sun
A good night’s sleep is important for good health. It provides energy needed for the next day. In Ayurveda, it is recommended to wake up and sleep with the sun. It is ideal to wake up 1 hour and 30 minutes before sunrise. Similarly, it is best to sleep before 10 pm. It is said that the body detoxifies and repairs itself between 10 pm and 2 am. Day time naps are not recommended in Ayurveda as they are believed to slow down the Agni or the digestive fire.

2. Sip on hot water
The first thing to do in the morning after waking up is to sip on some hot water. First boil the water and let it cool down to become lukewarm. You can also add a little lemon juice depending upon your dosha. Drinking lukewarm water stimulates Agni or the digestive fire. You can also add spices like cardamom, ginger and turmeric to make a herbal tea. This will keep you warm throughout the day.

3. Empty your bladder and colon
It is essential to empty your bladder and colon as soon as possible after waking up. The longer we go throughout the day without bowel movements, the more time toxins get to build up in our body. Emptying the digestive tract is an essential Ayurvedic ritual in the morning.

4. Use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue
Another essential Ayurvedic ritual is to clean your tongue. Toxins or Ama settle on the surface of the tongue during night forming a white layer. It is important to remove this buildup for better digestion. It is best to use a copper tongue scraper after brushing your teeth as Copper is antibacterial in nature. Dont forget to wash the tongue scraper after each use.

5. Practice oil pulling
Oil pulling or Gundusha is known to have health benefits like improving oral health, preventing tooth decay and gum issues. It is also known to promote better gut health. Oil pulling is the practice of swishing a tablespoon of oil in the mouth on an empty stomach for a few minutes before spitting it out.

6. The cleansing ritual - Shat Kriya and Neti Kriya
Shat kriya or splashing water on your face in the morning is a recommended Ayurveda practice to awaken your senses and feel rejuvenated. This can be followed by the nose cleaning ritual or the neti kriya. The neti kriya helps to clean your nostrils and promotes better breathing throughout the day.

7. Self massage
Massage or Abhyanga is another important Ayurveda ritual. Abhyanga is a warm oil body massage that helps to calm the body and mind and relaxes the nervous system. Self Abhyanga can be easily done using herbal oil. It’s better to use an oil according to your dosha. Begin by massaging the outer ear, neck, upper spine, arms, joints, abdomen, legs, and feet.

8. Yoga , breathing and meditation
The correct order according to Ayurveda is to first practice Yoga, then do breathing exercises or pranayama, followed by meditation. If you are a beginner, start with beginner yoga poses. Then move to deep breathing exercises or pranayama. Do it for 10-15 minutes. Finally, end it with a peaceful meditation.

9. Take a relaxing bath
Taking a daily bath is another essential ritual in Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, bathing restores balance to body, mind and spirit. Bathing in the morning will relax you for the day ahead.

10. Feed yourself right
Diet is an essential component of Ayurvedic healing. Three meals a day is crucial. Keep breakfast light with lots of salad and fruits. Lunch has to be the heaviest meal of the day. Again, keep dinner light to ease digestion while you sleep. Try to have dinner immediately after sunset. This will allow enough time for proper digestion before you sleep. During Spring, avoid oily and spicy food. You can make herbal tea or an ayurvedic kaadha to boost your immunity during the transitional weather. Also incorporate plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Including these rituals in your daily life will better your health and promote holistic well-being.