How to Follow an Ayurvedic Lifestyle

How to Follow an Ayurvedic Lifestyle



The word "Ayurveda" comes from a combination of two Sanskrit words: "ayus" (life) and "veda" (knowledge of). Ayurveda, therefore, translates to "the knowledge of life." Generally regarded as a manual for living, Ayurveda promotes a lifestyle that's in harmony with nature. It's used to treat a variety of ailments including depression and eating disorders. Follow these steps to follow an Ayurvedic lifestyle.







Practice a Daily Ayurvedic Routine




1


Try to wake up between the hours of 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. The 2 hours before sunrise are supposed to be the purest of the day.





2


Be sure to eliminate the body's waste products at dawn to avoid illness.





3


Wash your eyes with rose water. Add a drop of sesame oil to the water when washing your ears. Put a little oil in the nostrils to clear your sinuses.





4


Exercise early in the morning to keep diseases at bay.





5


Consider getting an oil massage regularly to delay aging.





6


Eat a light breakfast with fresh fruits.





7


Try to obtain gainful employment that fits your dosha type.





8


Plan to have a light dinner between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.





9


Try to go to bed at about 10 p.m. to get at least 7 hours of sleep.



Follow a Seasonal Ayurvedic Routine




1


Follow seasonal recommendations to balance the vata, kapha and pitta doshas. Each of these mind-body types is more active during particular seasons. The seasonal directives for each are guides to keep them balanced.





2


Eat light foods and drink water with honey during Fall. Have regular baths and oil massages and avoid napping during the day.





3


Choose foods that are heavy during winter and drink warm water, cow's milk or juice. Have a tepid bath after your oil massage, dress warmly and exercise.





4


Drink more fluids during the summer. Avoid foods that are pungent, acidic or salty. Wear light clothes and avoid strenuous exercise.





5


Avoid foods that are cold, sour, sweet or difficult to digest during spring. Avoid daytime naps but have lots of oil massages and vigorous exercise.



Switch to an Ayurvedic Diet




1


Complete your new Ayurvedic lifestyle by switching to an Ayurvedic diet. Ayurvedic diets are unique to each mind-body type. The cost of food to follow an Ayurvedic diet should be low to moderate.





2


Take a dosha quiz to find out what your dosha, mind-body type, is at the "What's Your Dosha" Web site (see Resources below).





3


Find out more about elements of an Ayurvedic lifestyle at Holisticonline.com (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Consider making an appointment with an Ayurvedic practitioner to obtain proper guidance before switching to an Ayurvedic lifestyle.








Seek immediate help if you develop severe health problems, especially, but not limited to, respiratory difficulties, chest pain or stroke.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Keep your doctor informed about anything new you undertake.



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How to Follow an Ayurvedic Diet

How to Follow an Ayurvedic Diet



Ayurveda, an alternative healing system, aims to heal the individual mentally and physically. It's often used to treat a variety of ailments including acne, arthritis, hypertension and migraine. One of the most important methods of Ayurvedic healing is through a diet tailor-made for your own body. Follow these steps to learn how to follow an Ayurveda diet.







Know Your Dosha




1


Discover more about the 3 doshas: "Vata," "Pitta" and "Kapha." The doshas represent your mind-body type. They're a very important part of Ayurveda. They're responsible for a person's good health.





2


Take a free dosha quiz to find what your dosha is. Ayurvedic diets are planned around each individual's unique dosha.





3


Follow your dosha to plan your Ayurvedic diet. Each of the 3 doshas requires different foods for balance and well-being.



Choose Foods That Fit Your Dosha




1


Eat foods that are sweet, sour and salty if you have a dominant "Vata dosha." Warm, comfort foods are best for this body type because Vata individuals usually have dry and cold bodies. Dairy products are also recommended.





2


Stock up on foods that are sweet, bitter or astringent if your dosha is Pitta. Pitta individuals are fiery. They're allowed to eat all the cold desserts they want. However, reduce salt, oils and fat, and avoid alcohol, sour foods and heavy foods.





3


Try to avoid butter and foods that are sweet to keep your "Kapha dosha" balanced. Kapha individuals usually have thick hair, skin and bodies. Focus instead on foods that are pungent, bitter and astringent.



Follow the Guidelines for an Ayurvedic Diet




1


Learn to eat your meals only after your previous meal has been properly digested. Make sure your body isn't weighed down while it's still digesting. It needs to properly rid itself of unwanted elements before you start eating again.





2


Realize the proper ways and the effects of combining foods. Ayurveda advises that certain foods shouldn't be eaten together if their properties aren't complementary.





3


Understand the proper seasons to eat certain foods. Based on their general natures, the doshas require certain foods in different seasons. For instance, Pitta individuals, who are fiery in nature, should eat cool foods in the summer but avoid oil and spices that produce heat.





4


Eat organic food. Avoid food that's been processed, dyed, artificially flavored or deep fried. Knowing the origins of your food is helpful in assuring its purity.





5


Expect to spend low-to-moderate amounts when buying food for an Ayurvedic diet.





6


Visit the AyurBalance Web site to learn more about an Ayurvedic diet (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










See a medical doctor if you experience chest pains, dizziness or nausea.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Keep your doctor informed about anything new you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033070_follow-ayurvedic-diet.html

How to Find Safe Sweeteners for Non-Toxic Living

How to Find Safe Sweeteners for Non-Toxic Living



Non-toxic living is a lifestyle chosen by individuals who want to avoid products made with chemicals and artificial ingredients. This lifestyle can help avoid complications due to diabetes and high blood pressure. Those living a non-toxic lifestyle can find safe sweeteners from a variety of places in their neighborhood. Follow these steps to find them.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet capability







Hunt for Safe Sweeteners




1


Start your search with a little research. Use HolisticMed.com's "Healthier Sweetener and Stevia Resources" Web page for a list of ingredients and types of sweeteners to avoid (see Resources below).





2


Consult with your family doctor. Doctors help hundreds of people find healthy alternatives to aid them in non-toxic living.





3


Locate the organic or health food section of your local grocery store. Based on increased demand, many grocery chains are beginning to market safe sweeteners and foods to help their customers eat healthier diets.





4


Search for safe sweetener at your local health food store. Natural sweeteners like raw honey and organic maple syrup are the mainstays of a delicious and non-toxic diet. Health food stores feature a wide assortment of condiments and sweeteners made from natural ingredients.





5


Meet with local farmers at the farmer cooperative in your area. Local farmers may be able to supply you with local honey. They also may be able to direct you to fellow organic producers in the area who have other sweeteners to offer.





6


Frequent local markets or bazaars during the summer and fall seasons. Individual producers and small companies use these local events as a place to sell their natural products, including sweeteners. Stock up on organic maple syrup and other non-toxic sweeteners.








Tips & Warnings










Ask questions and read labels while searching for safe sweeteners. Health food and organic product retailers should be able to give you more information about a particular product. Ingredient lists should include specific natural ingredients to back up their organic claims. Determine good criteria for labels by consulting the "Health Castle" Web site (see Resources below).








Prepare to spend more for organic and non-toxic sweeteners. Safe sweeteners and other non-toxic food products are on average more expensive than their name-brand counterparts.








Deal quickly with allergic reactions that may come with use of non-toxic sweeteners. Natural ingredients can cause symptoms like swelling, which need your doctor's attention.



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How to Find Safe Laundry Products for Non-Toxic Living

How to Find Safe Laundry Products for Non-Toxic Living



Non-toxic living requires replacing your brand-name cleaners and detergents with products that are safe for the whole family as well as the environment. Safe laundry products are important to non-toxic living because they make contact with all of your clothing on a regular basis. Clean detergents and soaps can eliminate persistent skin rashes caused by allergic reactions to artificial scents and coloring agents. There are a number of places where you'll find safe laundry detergents. Follow these steps to find them.







Things You'll Need:





Updated phone book for your city




Computer with Internet capability







Locate Providers of Safe Laundry Products




1


Shop for safe laundry products in health food stores. These stores feature food and household cleaning products that are organic, biodegradable and non-toxic.





2


Consider mail order and catalog options for your non-toxic laundry products. You can locate these providers by searching online. These companies will send you a catalog of their products. Often, they have customer service phone numbers available. Use the "National Green Pages" Web site (see Resources below) to get started.





3


Research online recipes for homemade laundry products. Since safe laundry products are made from natural ingredients. All it takes is a few common items around the home and patience. Learn more by visiting the "HealthGoods" Web site (see Resources below).





4


Understand the signs of a truly organic laundry product. A label that includes long chemical names and artificial coloring agents do not fit the standards of non-toxic living. Look for words like biodegradable, organic or all-natural.





5


Review the program schedule of your local public radio station. These stations often feature
housekeeping
tips and ads from retail outlets that promote non-toxic living. Listeners can speak with non-toxic and organic store owners directly to find out about their inventory.








Tips & Warnings










Budget your laundry product money wisely. Most non-toxic and healthy living products are 2 to 3 times more expensive than their name brand competitors.








Follow all washing and drying instructions on your clothing. Some clothing can be damaged by a combination of the wrong detergent and the incorrect washer or dryer setting.








Understand that safe laundry products may cause short term reactions and symptoms. Natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions such as skin irritation and rashes. Consult your physician immediately if symptoms appear.



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How to Find Safe Household Cleaners for Non-Toxic Living

How to Find Safe Household Cleaners for Non-Toxic Living



The concept driving non-toxic living is that we should all avoid toxins, chemicals and preservatives that may cause us harm. A non-toxic lifestyle is ideal for anyone who wants to cope with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). Homeowners and individuals who choose a non-toxic lifestyle can find it difficult to adhere to. The major problem for most consumers is finding all-natural or organic versions of the everyday products that we need in our homes. However, there are many resources available for the person trying to find safe household cleaners. Follow these steps to find them.







Things You'll Need:





Phone book updated within last 6 months




Computer with Internet capability







Shop For Non-Toxic Products




1


Consult with your local health food store about safe household products. Health food stores are beginning to stock personal care and cleaning products that match their non-toxic ethos.





2


Attend farmers' markets to find
healthy food
and alternative household products. Farmers' markets may be held year round, depending on region. These markets feature small vendors selling non-toxic cleaners, organic food and other environmentally friendly products.





3


Find the non-toxic cleaning products section of your local chain store. Many local and regional grocers and retail outlets offer special sections for safe household products.





4


Utilize local fair-trade stores in your town. Fair-trade cleaners and products are friendly to laborers and to the environment. They're made from natural products.





5


Listen to your local public radio station. Public radio stations often have local or statewide programs that allow consumers to share the secrets to a safe, non toxic household. Many program hosts have conversations with store owners promoting their products. Check local listings through radio station Web sites.





6


Consult the Enviro$ense Web site (see Resources below) for a list of items that can be substituted for toxic household products.








Tips & Warnings










Consult a variety of stores and online resources to find safe household products. There are a growing number of non toxic cleaning agents and personal products. By working with a variety of shops, grocery stores and information sources, you'll find the variety of products available.








Alternative household products tend to be more expensive than traditional name brand products. Prepare to spend up to twice what you'd normally spend for non-toxic products.








Rush to your family physician immediately if the use or accidental ingestion of safe cleaning products leads to illness. Symptoms like labored breathing or continual coughing should be addressed with haste.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033081_safe-household-cleaners.html

How to Tie a Scarf With a French Twist

How to Tie a Scarf With a French Twist



The French twist is a knot that can be worn with any outfit to get a sense of sophistication. Learning to tie this beautiful knot is both fun and easy to do. Just follow these steps, and soon you can make any outfit have an elegant and refined look.







Things You'll Need:





Square scarf



Flat surface









Step
1



Spread your scarf on a flat surface so that it's in the shape of a diamond. Then bring the bottom point up towards the top point, placing it a little bit beyond the center of the scarf.




Step
2



Bring the top point down to the straight closed end of the scarf, and then fold the bottom edge over so that it's directly in line with the scarf points to the left and right of the scarf.




Step
3



Fold the top edge down to the newly formed bottom edge and then fold the entire scarf again lengthwise.




Step
4



Hold the scarf with both hands while leaving a bit of material at each end and then begin loosely twisting the scarf working your way out towards the loose ends of the scarf. Next hold the twisted scarf in front of your neck. Then bring the ends to the back of your neck and loop them around from the back to the front while making sure that the sections are next to each other and not on top.




Step
5



Add a few more twists to each end and then bring them to the back and knot them again. Then tuck the loose ends inside the scarf to finish the French twist.


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How to Tie a Scarf Into a Lady's Half-Windsor

How to Tie a Scarf Into a Lady's Half-Windsor



Scarves are some of the best accessories to own and wear since they add so much sophistication to suits, dresses and casual wear. Learning how to tie a scarf into a half-Windsor is simple and easy. Just follow the instructions and before long you can look like a sophisticated lady.







Things You'll Need:





Large square scarf



Flat surface









Step
1



Spread the scarf out on a flat surface until its points are facing like a diamond, and then bring the bottom point up to just above the center of the scarf.




Step
2



Bring the top down to the straight closed end of the scarf and then fold the bottom edge over so that it's directly in line with the points at the left and right of the scarf.




Step
3



Fold the top edge down to the bottom edge and then fold the entire scarf over lengthwise.




Step
4



Drape the scarf around your neck so that one end is lower than the other, and then hold the short end in place and wrap the long end over and around it.




Step
5



Bring the long end over the short end once more, this time placing two fingers in between the short end to form a knot. Then bring the long end behind the knot and pass it through the loop around your neck.




Step
6



Thread the long end through the front of the knot where your fingers are and pull it down to tighten it. Then adjust your half-Windsor knot and smooth out the loose ends to finish.







Tips & Warnings









Cut off all the tags from the scarf.



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