Ayurveda for Women: Ancient Wisdom for Your Body and Rhythms

Ayurveda, India's traditional system of healing, means "the science of life." Beautiful soul, what I love most is that it sees you as a whole being, body, mind and spirit, living in rhythm with nature.

Vata (air and space) is creative and quick, and needs warmth and grounding. Pitta (fire and water) is passionate and focused, and needs cooling and softness. Kapha (earth and water) is loving and steady, and needs lightness and movement. Most of us are a mix, and our balance shifts with seasons and life stages.

Wake with the sun. Scrape your tongue, sip warm water with lemon, then give yourself abhyanga, a slow self-massage with warm sesame or coconut oil. It's one of the most sensual, nurturing things you can do for yourself.

Eat your biggest meal at midday when digestion is strongest, and favor warm, cooked, spiced foods: kitchari, dal, golden milk, roasted vegetables. Ginger, cumin, turmeric and cardamom are your friends.

Ayurveda invites women to rest during menstruation, to slow down, eat warm nourishing foods and avoid intense exercise. A radical idea in our busy world, and such a gift.

Ayurveda is a traditional practice, not a replacement for medical care. Herbs can interact with medications, so speak with a qualified practitioner or doctor before starting any. Krystal x