Additional Practices

Now, there are a few other practices that Ayurveda strongly recommends. Nasal Cleansing (Neti) One of these is nasal cleansing, also known as Neti. Some of you may already be familiar with this practice. We won’t be demonstrating it here, but we’ll be sharing detailed slides so you can explore it further if it feels relevant to you. Nasal cleansing is especially helpful for people who struggle with breathing or respiratory discomfort. It can be practiced once a week or once every two weeks, depending on how your respiratory system feels. Beyond respiratory health, Neti supports oxygen intake and is often recommended for those experiencing mental or emotional imbalance, as well as hormonal fluctuations. Eye Care The next practice is eye care. This can include Ayurvedic eye drops, as well as simple eye exercises. One very gentle and effective practice is palming — rubbing your palms together and placing them softly over closed eyes to allow the warmth to relax the eye muscles. As we spend more time on screens, eye fatigue and dryness have become increasingly common. If you use devices for long hours or experience eye strain, these practices are highly recommended. Oil Pulling (Gandusha / Kavala) Next is oil pulling, known in Ayurveda as Gandusha or Kavala. This practice is similar to mouthwash, but instead of chemical liquids, natural oils are used. Medicated oils can also be used for enhanced benefits. Oil pulling supports oral and dental health and can be helpful for those experiencing sinus congestion, digestive issues, or general oral discomfort. It supports overall health of the oral cavity and contributes to systemic wellbeing. Warm Bathing Rituals The next practice is warm bathing rituals. Since many of us work from home, we may be bathing quickly or less mindfully. However, taking time for a warm shower or bath can be deeply restorative. If you have the option to take a bath, it’s highly recommended. Even a mindful warm shower can be beneficial. This can be a beautiful end-of-day ritual, especially after work. It helps create a clear boundary between professional and personal life, which is particularly important for those who are self-employed or working from home. Exercise & Movement Movement is another important practice to consider. Exercise should support a balance between activity and rest. It’s not about pushing yourself excessively and then collapsing into exhaustion. Instead, movement and rest should complement each other. As you notice fatigue in the body — whether in your back, neck, legs, or overall energy — that’s your cue to rest. Choose movement that balances what you do during the day. If your work is sedentary, gentle activities like walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, yoga, Pilates, or Tai Chi can be supportive. Find the right type of movement, intensity, and duration for your body. Meditation, Sleep & Rhythm Meditation is especially helpful if your mind feels busy or overstimulated. Even a short practice can help calm the nervous system. Sleep rhythm is equally important. Waking up at a consistent time requires going to bed at a supportive hour. Ideally, the time soon after waking is a good moment to connect with yourself — through stillness, breath, or a short meditation. This doesn’t need to be long. Even five or ten minutes is enough. Start Small Finally, I wouldn’t recommend trying to implement all of these practices at once. Instead, pause and reflect. Choose one, two, or at most three practices that feel most important and relevant to you right now. Build a simple foundation first, and then gradually layer in more practices over time.