Morning routin e

The hours before sunrise belong to the subtle energy of Vata. So, wake up before sunrise to ensure that you are filled with pulsating power throughout the day. After sunrise, it’s Kapha’s turn to rule, bringing a heavy, earthy energy that makes us more sluggish.

Making positive statements throughout the day, such as: ‘All that is positive and good can come to me and my day passes with ease.’ Be grateful for each new day

Perform this exercise in bed: Tap along your body’s meridians – start on the outside of the feet, then the inside, then the soles. Then gently tap the abdominal zone, lower back, chest area, hands and shoulders, head and face. Finally treat yourself to an ear massage. Imagine that all the cells of your body are waking up and saying ‘good morning’.

The tongue is the mirror of the viscera. Set the rounded end of a tongue scraper at the back of the tongue and slowly pull it forwards towards the tip of your tongue. Repeat several times until you have scraped the entire surface of your tongue. This frees the tongue of unwanted particles, improving your sense of taste and stimulating detoxification of the gut.

Ideally, tongue scraping is followed by oil pulling: an uncomplicated method of detoxification. Put a tablespoon of sesame oil in your mouth, then swish it around for five to ten minutes. The oil extracts toxins from the oral cavity, eliminates caries-causing acids, nourishes the gums and prevents gingivitis, receding gums and bad breath.

Have a drink before brushing your teeth. Stir the juice of half a lemon in a cup of hot water. You might also like to add a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of rock salt. This flushes the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract, and strengthens Agni (digestive fire).

Especially in the autumn and winter months, brief full-body massages, preferably using warm sesame oil, which calms the nervous system and stimulates blood flow. Take a shower afterwards and imagine the water purifying your thoughts, body and energy field.

Put up a sign in the bathroom with your objective. For instance: ‘I step into today feeling calm and serene, in the knowledge that I will also take time for myself.’

Five to ten minutes of meditation a day offer the best nourishment for the mind and spirit.

At first, one or two of the exercises will be plenty. Make notes about your energy level and state of mind for a week. Then add more rituals, and observe your drive and strength.

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