Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection. Amidst the festivities, it is essential to prioritize our health and well-being. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, is rooted in a holistic approach to health and wellness. Its philosophy revolves around the idea that the mind, body, and soul are interconnected and must be balanced for optimal well-being. During festivals, Ayurveda plays a significant role in promoting health by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a harmonious lifestyle. Ayurvedic principles encourage individuals to align with nature’s rhythms and make conscious choices that nurture their physical and mental health.
In this article, we have shared insights from an Ayurvedic expert on how to celebrate Diwali while also reaping long-term health advantages for both you and your loved ones.
1. Balancing the Doshas
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, emphasizes the importance of balancing our doshas for optimal health and wellness. During Diwali, it is important to recognize the different doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – and their effects on our body and mind. Vata dosha tends to increase during this festive season due to excessive activities and irregular eating habits, leading to anxiety and restlessness. Pitta dosha can be aggravated by consuming oily or spicy foods commonly found during Diwali celebrations, causing indigestion and skin problems. Kapha dosha may become imbalanced due to overindulgence in sweets and heavy meals, resulting in sluggishness and weight gain.
By understanding these effects, we can make conscious choices to maintain a harmonious balance of our doshas during Diwali festivities.
According to Ayurvedic expert, Dr. Deepak Kumar Soni, BAMS Ayurveda, “One can balance their dosha with simple tips:
-Vata: Opt for warm, nourishing foods and massage your body daily with daily sesame oil.
-Pitta: Pacify pitta by avoiding spicy and acidic foods and add amla juice to your diet.
-Kapha: Try to indulge in exercises daily to avoid weight gain and add green tea to your diet”.
Revitalize your well-being naturally with our Herbal Supplements
2. Ayurvedic Dietary Guidelines
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of eating seasonal fruits and vegetables for maintaining good health. Seasonal fruits like pomegranates, oranges, and apples are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that boost immunity. Vegetables such as pumpkin, carrots, and leafy greens provide essential nutrients while aiding digestion. Including these fresh produce items not only adds vibrant colors to our festive meals but also supports overall well-being. Ayurvedic principles suggest consuming them in their natural form or preparing them with minimal spices to preserve their nutritional value.
Important tips:
-Align your dietary choices with your dosha or body constitution.
-Always opt for fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced foods.
-Incorporate herbs and spices into your diet.
-Drink lukewarm water after and before meals.
3. Reducing Intake of Processed & Sugary Food
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of consuming natural and wholesome foods for overall well-being. Processed foods are often laden with additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats that can disrupt digestion and lead to various health issues. Similarly, indulging in excessive sugary treats can cause spikes in blood sugar levels and contribute to weight gain. Instead, opt for homemade sweets using healthier alternatives like jaggery or honey as sweeteners. Additionally, incorporating traditional snacks made from whole grains, nuts, and seeds can provide nourishment without compromising on taste.
4. Herbal Remedies
Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, utilizes a wide range of herbs and spices in its remedies to promote health and wellness. Some commonly used herbs include turmeric, ginger, ashwagandha, tulsi, and neem. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger aids digestion and boosts immunity. Ashwagandha helps reduce stress levels and promotes relaxation. Tulsi acts as an adaptogen, strengthening the body’s natural response to stressors. Neem is renowned for its antimicrobial properties that help cleanse the body from within.
Dr. Deepak further recommends 4 easy home remedies to stay healthy this winter:
-Take 1-2 teaspoonfuls of Chyawanprash to enhance your immune system.
-Take fresh Giloy juice 15-20 ml mixed in water and drink regularly to fight cold and flu viruses.
-Soothe sore throats and ease congestion with ginger tea.
-Relieve sinus congestion by applying peppermint oil.
Elevate your well-being with our Immunity Boosters – your passport to a stronger, healthier you.
5. Abhyanga (Oil Massage)
Abhyanga, an ancient Ayurvedic practice, offers numerous benefits for promoting health and wellness during Diwali. Firstly, it helps to relax the mind and body by reducing stress and anxiety levels. The warm oil used in the massage nourishes and moisturizes the skin, leaving it soft and supple. Abhyanga also improves blood circulation, which aids in the detoxification of the body by eliminating toxins. It boosts immunity, enabling individuals to stay healthy during the festive season. Additionally, this traditional massage technique can alleviate muscle tension and joint pain while improving sleep quality.
Performing an at-home Abhyanga massage is a simple and effective way to promote health and wellness during Diwali. Here are the steps to follow for this rejuvenating practice.
-Start by heating some Ayurvedic oil, such as sesame or coconut oil, in a warm water bath.
-Begin massaging the scalp with gentle circular motions using your fingertips. Then, move on to the face, ears, neck, shoulders, arms, chest, abdomen, back, buttocks, and legs – always using long strokes towards the heart.
-Spend extra time on areas that feel tense or sore. Afterward, let the oil soak into your skin for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water and patting dry with a towel.
6. Detoxification Rituals
Detoxification rituals, such as Panchakarma, play a significant role in promoting health and wellness during Diwali. These practices aim to eliminate toxins from the body and restore balance. By flushing out harmful substances, detoxification rituals enhance digestion, boost metabolism, and improve overall well-being. They also rejuvenate the mind by reducing stress levels and promoting mental clarity. Additionally, these rituals help strengthen the immune system, making individuals more resistant to illnesses during the festive season. Always consult an Ayurvedic doctor before deciding to do Panchakarma.
Five therapeutic procedures involved in Panchakarma are:
-Vamana (emesis)
-Virechana (purgation)
-Basti (enema)
-Nasya (nasal administration of medicated oils)
-Raktamokshana (bloodletting or detoxification of blood)
7. Meditation & Yoga
Yoga, meditation, and stress management techniques have numerous benefits for our overall health and well-being. Practicing yoga helps in improving flexibility, strength, and balance while also reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calmness. Meditation aids in reducing stress levels, enhancing focus and concentration, as well as boosting mental clarity. Stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness practices can help regulate emotions, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality. These ancient Ayurvedic techniques not only contribute to physical wellness but also promote mental rejuvenation during the festive season.
8. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy with Ayurvedic essential oils offers numerous benefits for promoting health and wellness during Diwali. These oils are derived from natural sources such as plants, flowers, and herbs, making them safe and effective. They have powerful therapeutic properties that can help reduce stress and anxiety, uplift mood, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall well-being. The inhalation or application of these oils can stimulate the senses and promote relaxation, creating a peaceful atmosphere during the festive season. Additionally, Ayurvedic essential oils possess antimicrobial properties that can purify the air by eliminating harmful bacteria and viruses.
Conclusion
By incorporating Ayurvedic principles into our Diwali celebrations, we not only prioritize our health but also align ourselves with the natural rhythms of the season. This holistic approach allows us to truly revel in the spirit of Diwali, fostering a sense of inner radiance and well-being that lasts long after the festivities have concluded. Let this Diwali be a testament to the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda in promoting health, happiness, and harmony in our lives.
Wishing you all a very happy and healthy Diwali!
(The article is written by Monalisa Deka, Senior Health Content Editor, and is reviewed by Dr. Deepak Kumar Soni, Ayurvedacharya)