To sleep early at night and wake up early, at least one and a half hour before sunrise (an ambrosial hour), is good for health.
Health is not merely the fitness of the body. It includes an exhilarated and peaceful mind and brain.
To meditate and worship for 10-15 minutes in the morning after awakening provides mental peace and happiness.
always take a compatible and beneficial diet to remain healthy and prevent ailments. A person who follows a compatible diet does not require any medication.
During meals, be in a peaceful and cheerful state of mind. Spare some time for yourself, at least during meal hours.
Take food in time. Food taken before the digestion of the previous meal is harmful to health. It is a golden rule in Ayurveda to eat only when hungry. Otherwise, fast for one meal of the day.
Yogurt at night and sleeping during the day (except in the summer season) are harmful to health.
Exercise benefits the body, but exercising or working more than the body’s strength is very harmful.
Both obesity and emaciation are undesirable; obesity is more harmful and is a root cause of various ailments, so beware of it. Do not take disease lightly because ignoring a common condition may become fatal.
an appropriate diet according to the season is recommended for good health, and one must eat less than one’s appetite.
Take 1-2 glasses of lukewarm water in the morning. Intake of lukewarm water containing the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of honey is beneficial. Do not take tea and coffee on an empty stomach in the morning.
Locking teeth during defecation prevents the loosening of teeth, even in old age.
hold water in the mouth in the morning and sprinkle cold water on the eyes. Also, clean the palate with the thumb to prevent diseases of the eyes, ears, nose and throat.
Massaging the balls of the feet with mustard oil before bathing keeps the vision regular, even in old age. Walking barefoot on green grass in the morning improves the vision. Full body massage with mustard oil once a week, along with massage of the soles of the feet and thumbs, is very beneficial. It promotes circulation and relieves excess Vāta.
Gaze at the sun’s rays at dawn for five minutes daily to improve eyesight.
Brushing the teeth after each meal and before sleeping at night removes food particles from between the teeth.
Practise yogāsanas and pränayämas regularly after morning ablutions and baths. This keeps away all kinds of diseases. It keeps the mind peaceful and makes the body healthy and strong. It also enhances mental strength.
Breakfast should include easily digestible, light and fibrous foods, sprouts, fruits and porridge. While eating, chew the food properly to facilitate assimilation. After a meal, sit in the position of Vajāsana for at least 10 minutes, and if possible, walk at night after dinner:
Take at least 8-12 glasses of water (3-4 litres) daily. Do not drink water while eating food. Take water half an hour before and after the meal. Always drink water in small sips.
Always sit straight; if sitting on the floor, avoid any support while getting up.
Include a maximum of green vegetables and salad in the diet. Excessive warm and cold food is harmful to digestion. Use minimum spices in the food. Daily intake of seasonal fruits is beneficial for health. Do not eat fruit along with food. Take it separately before the meal.
Never suppress natural urges of the body, such as defecation, urination, sneezing and so on, as it may result in various diseases.
To deal with faulty language, conduct and thoughts and move ahead in life’s journey, close your eyes daily at night and think patiently, peacefully and introspectively. Work accordingly to achieve and adopt Aştańga yoga in life. Do not cover the mouth while sleeping. Maintain proper ventilation in the room while sleeping. Sleeping in the left lateral position results in adequate breathing from the right nostril, which facilitates the digestion of food.
Do not read or sleep on the belly.
Oil application on the head calms the mind and induces sound sleep.
Drinking water and other edibles should be clean and fresh because unhygienic conditions invite various diseases.
Dry hair immediately after washing to prevent sinus problems.
Blowing the nose forcefully may injure the ears, eyes and nose.
Cracking of joints may injure the body, as it causes derangement of Vāta.
It is harmful to have sex during menstruation, which causes derangement of Vāta. After coitus, milk heated with raw cashews and raw sugar promotes strength and maintains sexual vigour.
