Springtime is known for being a decluttering and detoxing time of the year. We open the windows (and maybe even the closets) and sign up for spring cleaning tips and challenges for our homes. We have similar intentions with our bodies this time of year. As we naturally attune to the uplifting energy of springtime we become more health-conscious and gravitate toward eating lighter foods and spending more time outdoors. We might even find ourselves waking up earlier as the light shifts from winter to spring.
Here are three Ayurveda suggestions that naturally help you spring-clean your body at the start of the day:
Scrape your tongue before brushing your teeth to clear off bacteria that has accumulated on your tongue during the night. We've all been to the doctor and been asked to stick out our tongues and say Ahhhh, right? This is because different parts of the tongue are related to and show the health of our lungs, heart, stomach, liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines. A tongue scraper is a wonderful tool that gently removes toxins from the tongue itself and simultaneously stimulates, massages, and cleanses the associated organs and deep tissues. Adding the use of a tongue scraper to your daily routine not only assists your body in eliminating toxins that have accumulated in your mouth overnight, but it also ensures that your mouth starts the day feeling fresh and clean.
Drink warm water with a squeeze of lemon before any other beverage. Yes, this means even before coffee! According to Ayurveda, drinking warm water with lemon will cleanse and detoxify your body, enhance your digestion, kindle your appetite and your digestive fire, and increase your metabolism (if you want to lose weight). Warm water with lemon also naturally facilitates morning elimination, and we all know that pooping "on the regular" is a vital part of cleansing your body, in spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Move your body in the morning: exercise to improve your circulation, strength, and endurance. Regular exercise, especially yoga, helps us all relax and I don't know anyone who would say no to feeling more relaxed these days. It also helps us have sound sleep later on at bedtime and improves digestion and elimination, two healthy components of spring cleaning your body. Easy does it though as we move gradually out of winter hibernation and into springtime. Exercise to half of your capacity. Slow down when perspiration forms on your forehead, armpits, and spine. And then do it again the next day.
The start of your morning impacts the rest of your day. That’s why it is so important to start it off right. As you do your spring cleaning around your home, incorporate these three Ayurvedic suggestions into your mornings. This will create optimal health in your "forever" home which is your body and help you feel balanced and supported this spring.
If you liked this info and you want to learn more about the health benefits of Ayurveda, please register for our upcoming Intro to Ayurveda workshop: Discover your Dosha.