Our world seems out of control, but we can influence and take proactive actions to reduce sickness. We can take better care of ourselves and our loved ones.
I attended a webinar offered by CAISH (Centre of Ayurvedic & Indian System of Healing) for best practice approach to strengthen immunity and would like to share a few key points to boost your self-immunity in this time of health crisis.
Internal immunity is achieved by reducing levels of stress, like anxiety, worry and panic; this can weaken your immunity. Low levels of stress bring stronger immunity.
Follow a routine of regular sleep, yoga or some form of physical exercise. Meditation is key to keeping levels of stress in check. However, if depression is already present, stay away from regular-seated meditation and try some dynamic practices that induces relaxation such as tai-chi (standing meditation), pranayama (deep breathing), yoga nidra, mantras or listening to music, dancing, nature-walking. Anything to ease the mind into a positive state of balance.
Follow a Diet That Supports Immunity:
Avoid animal foods; instead, include more micro greens (these are immature greens produced from the seeds of vegetables and herbs). In addition, leafy greens such as swiss chard, spinach, beet greens, bok choy, kale, watercress, cabbage and romaine lettuce. These vegetables are packed with important and powerful nutrients that are critical for good health. Avoid frozen foods. Add foods with bitter, pungent and astringent taste. Reduce foods that have sweet, salty and sour taste.
Follow a Kapha Reducing Diet
Fruits: lemons, oranges, grapefruit, papaya, plums bananas, fresh figs, grapes, melon, pineapple, golden berries & avocados.
Grains: Buckwheat, millet, brown rice corn, oats and rye. All legumes except kidney beans, soy black lentils and mung beans. Reduce nuts, seeds: sunflower and pumpkin.
Sweeteners: raw honey. Spices: add pepper, ginger, turmeric, garlic to your foods. Avoid salt. Oils: almond, corn or sunflower in small amounts. Stay away from dairy except ghee and goat milk.
Teas: Tulsi, ginger, hot water and lime juice, celery seed cinnamon, cardamom, chai, peppermint, fennel, thyme, and cumin.
Chyawanprash: It’s a powerful immune ayurvedic bolster. Amla, the vital component in chyawanprash detoxifies the body and cleanses the blood, liver, spleen and the lungs.
Trikatu: ayurvedic blend of three peppers: black pepper, long pepper and ginger. Herbs that are adaptogen to support and nourish the mind: ashwagandha, brahmi and gotu-kola, ginseng (chinese herb known for boosting immunity).
Neti pot: familiarize yourself first before using it. Use it with warm lukewarm water with a pinch of salt. It’s recommended for preventing respiratory infections. Otherwise use a nasal spray with saline solution. Lubricate your nose by applying sesame oil and turmeric or ghee in the nostrils.
Gargling after washing your teeth for warding off infection: hot water and turmeric or with sesame oil.
Air purification: steam local herbs such as rosemary, oregano, mint, basil, parsley, eucalyptus and sal. Also a decoction of Triphala can be used for purification.
Exposure to sun whenever is possible.
Stay home – self-isolation – is the best way to prevent and avoid the spread of germs.
Integrate some of these practices in your daily routine. Keep it simple. Avoid overdoing. Reduce constant exposure to media and news. In times of crisis and uncertainty “less is more”.
Keeping our internal immunity is a collaborative effort. If we cannot be on the frontline helping, we can help by keeping ourselves healthy and taking care of each other with love, compassion and self-care.
Make your own Immnunity Mantra: Sleep Nourish Boost Move Rest.
The following material is provided for educational purposes only. Use at your own discretion. If you have a health problem, medical emergency, or a general health question, you should contact a physician or other qualified health care provider for consultation, diagnosis and/or treatment."
For personalized Ayurvedic Consultation, Yoga Therapy and Mindfulnes, connect with Monica Daza-Stephan Ayurveda & Yoga Therapist | Phone: 416-275-9141 |info@yogafymylife.com
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