I know many people are now living in a state of fear because of Covid-19. The future seems confusing and uncertain. Health officials recommend relying on good judgment and “social distancing” to keep ourselves safe. Yet even as we limit our social interactions, it’s important to remember that we are all in this together. This realization is essential to our well-being. Throughout the long history of humankind (and of the animal kingdom, too) those who learned to collaborate and intelligently adapt have prevailed.
One of the best ways to cope with a community-wide threat is to reach out and try to help others. Strive to understand people’s weaknesses, relieve their worries, and raise their spirits. When we really connect to the wisdom, strength, and compassion within us, everything becomes easier. With this in mind, I would like to provide my community with the support Ayurveda has to offer.
Ayurveda provides us with a host of ways to ramp up our immune system. Here are a few tips that may not be on your radar. Take a look, and please reach out to me if you have any questions.
Support your agni: Our digestive system is the root of good health. Help keep it in good working order with plenty of whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat three nourishing meals a day. Breakfast should be warm and easy to digest, lunch should be your largest meal of the day, and dinner should consist of a light, warm, and easily assimilated dish, such as a soup, or lightly steamed veggies and rice. Stay away from processed foods, sugars, and heavy, oily foods. Dairy foods can also be problematic due to their mucus-forming properties.
Consume a small amount of Trikatu daily before lunch: Trikatu is a Sanskrit word meaning “three spices” or “three peppers.” Trikatu is an Ayurvedic blend of equal parts of the fruits of black pepper (Piper nigrum), long pepper (Piper longum), and the rhizomes of ginger (Zingiber officinale). Its many benefits include the following:
Helps to clear excess kapha or mucus from the body
Supports healthy digestive, circulatory, and respiratory functioning
Helps rekindle agni (digestive fire)
Boosts metabolism
Scrapes away excess fat tissue (helpful for weight management)
Helps remove impurities and toxins (ama) from the body
Take amalaki: Amalaki (a.k.a. amala) contains a number of health-enhancing nutrients, including vitamin C and other antioxidants. Amalaki is widely available for purchase online as well as from stores that specialize in natural foods or dietary supplements. Buy herbs here.
Enjoy tulsi tea throughout your day: Tulsi, or holy basil, is a delicious form of basil that not only is a respiratory tonic, but also has antiviral qualities. It is also acts as a powerful nervine tonic that can help soothe anxiety, relieve stress, and rejuvenate the nervous system. Buy herbs here.
Get good sleep: Sleep is of equal importance to two other key aspects of health: proper nutrition and regular exercise. This vital trio—nutrition, exercise, and sleep—form the three pillars of health. Sleep deprivation suppresses production of the infection-fighting cytokines, antibodies, and cells that are your body’s first line of defense against the virus.
Avoid total isolation: While we need to exercise caution in regard to large gatherings and social interactions, our health can suffer if we isolate ourselves completely. Social isolation disrupts the functioning of the vagus nerve—the brain-gut connection that regulates our immune system and our response to stress. Try to maintain a sense of social connectedness by engaging in small and safe social gatherings, eating meals with your family or a few friends, and avoiding over-reliance on electronic socialization. Above all, stay calm and open hearted while observing these commonsense precautions:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Wash your hands frequently.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue; then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using soap and water or household cleanser.
Keep bundled up and warm during cold weather.
At this time I have opened my doors to online health consultations. I am offering our comprehensive consultation package at 25% off to support our community during these trying times. If you would like additional support with building your immunity or have other health concerns and want to learn how to manage it through Ayurveda this is the perfect time to do so.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease