Amidst the whirlwind of holiday festivities, it's easy to lose sight of our health and wellbeing. While Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, it can also be a period of increased stress and overindulgence. From gifting pressures to an abundance of sugary treats and festive beverages, the season can cause imbalances in our physical and mental health.
Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to wellness, focusing on the mind, body and spirit connection. By incorporating Ayurvedic practices into your daily routine, you can alleviate the negative effects of the festivities and enjoy a healthier and happier Christmas.
Here are our top Ayurvedic tips to incorporate into your Christmas routine:
Honouring Agni and the Ayurvedic Clock
Ayurveda emphasises the importance of our digestive fire, known as Agni in Sanskrit. A strong Agni is essential for health, happiness and vitality to get rid of waste in the body, or ama. Agni produces prana, the vital life force that sustains us, so when Agni is weakened, we feel low, and our energy depleted.
During Christmas celebrations, consume your largest meal during lunchtime when Agni is at its peak. This practice aligns with the body's natural rhythms, allowing for better digestion and assimilation of nutrients. Take your time when eating your meal and make sure you chew it thoroughly to support a healthy Agni.
Triphala for Digestive Support
Incorporate Triphala into your routine to support your digestive health around indulgent holiday meals. Triphala is a blend of three fruits (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki) and aids in detoxification, supporting regular bowel movements. The synergy of these three berries make it Rasayana - meaning it sharpens the mind and strengthens the body at a cellular level, bringing rejuvenation and repair.
Our Organic Triphala Powder helps ignite the digestive fire and restore skin, mind and body equilibrium. It is the perfect at-home remedy to help reduce ‘ama’/toxins and cleanse, rejuvenate and balance the body. Take 1 tsp per day (3g) of Triphala superfood for thirty days before bedtime or in the earlier hours in the morning.
Mindful Movement and Body Massage
Embrace the tradition of a post-Christmas dinner walk to integrate gentle movement into your day. A leisurely stroll not only aids digestion but also allows you to connect with nature and destress after the hustle and bustle of gift giving and meal preparation. Why not try some light yoga exercises and Pranayama (deep breathing) to keep the body active while promoting a sense of calm. Remember to take deep breaths throughout the day to stay relaxed in your mind and body.
Body combing and abdomen massage are great practices to beat the bloat and stimulate the lymphatic system which is responsible for removing toxins and waste products from the body. With a body brush, body comb or your hands, place them on your abdomen and gently apply pressure. Make small, circular motions, start at your navel and work your way outwards in a clockwise direction. Combine body combing with a relaxing oil, like our Spirited Kapha Oil, perfect in Winter months.
Hydration, Herbal Teas and Diet
Stay hydrated by sipping warm herbal teas infused with herbs like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, peppermint or fennel. These herbs have anti-inflammatory properties, aid digestion and support the body during colder months. Warming foods like soups, steamed seasonal vegetables and chutneys and pickles also help to stimulate Agni. Include plenty of ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and other warming spices in your meals and try to eat fresh produce wherever possible.
Ayurveda emphasises the importance of eating at regular mealtimes to keep your digestive fire strong and efficient so avoid snacking in between meals.
Rest, Relaxation and Sleep
While it is the season to be jolly, don’t forget to take time to rest and replenish your energy stores. It's easy to get caught up in social gatherings and late-night box set binges but skimping on sleep can disrupt your body's natural rhythm and impact the immune system. Make sleep a priority by setting regular sleep and wake times, getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night and creating a relaxing bedtime routine.
The Art of Sleep Ritual Gift Set includes the Sleep Dharma Calm Balm and Pillow Mist which are the perfect duo for a deep and restful sleep.
Let the wisdom of Ayurveda guide you in nurturing your health, wellness, and beauty this festive season.