Mira Kapoor has adopted these 3 Ayurvedic principles in her life: ‘Gives an entire map of how your body functions’

Eat with the sun

Holistic health and wellness coach Isha Lall shared that sunlight exposure during meals leads to better digestion, hormonal balance, and overall well-being. Here are some key benefits of eating while the natural light is out:

1. Improved Circadian Rhythm: Sunlight exposure strengthens your circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock, which regulates digestion, metabolism, and sleep. A study in Nature Reviews Endocrinology (2019) highlights that eating in sync with natural light improves nutrient absorption and reduces the risk of metabolic diseases like Type 2 diabetes.

2. Hormonal Balance: Natural sunlight boosts serotonin (feel-good hormone) production, which not only uplifts your mood but also helps regulate hunger hormone ghrelin that regulates appetite, and leptin that signals fullness. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2014) found that serotonin increases with bright light exposure, potentially curbing overeating and indulgence.

3. Vitamin D and Metabolism: While sunlight isn’t directly consumed, exposure during meals can increase your body’s vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption, immune health, and even gut microbiota balance.

Pratiksha Kadam, chief dietitian, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, added that when sunlight hits the body, it enhances the production of vitamin D, which, in turn, increases calcium absorption and improves bone density.

“You biologically perform better during the day, so when you eat with the sun, it aids your body in optimal digestive enzyme output. Studies have found that eating in the daytime helps with blood sugar control, resulting in weight management and better metabolic health,” she said.

Abhyanga, aka self-massaging the body and all its pressure points with emollient oils, can have immense positive effects on the skin texture (Source: Freepik)

Know your dosha

Vata

According to Lall, Vata regulates all movement — breath flow, heart rate, all muscle contraction, tissue movement, and communication throughout the mind and nervous system. It is also responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of the body, including breathing, the proper functioning of the dhatus or tissues, and handling all natural desires, such as hunger, thirst, urination, excretion, and sleep.

Pitta

“Pitta is responsible for the metabolism of the body and also the proper functioning of the digestive system. It is believed to be located in the upper abdomen above the navel. Pitta is responsible for ensuring the normal functioning of the digestive system. Pitta, associated with fire, ensures a normal body temperature,” she added.

Kapha

According to the expert, Kapha is responsible for providing the body with vitality, vigour, and immunity. “It is believed to be in the chest area. It provides stability and strength to the body structure. Since it has a water element, it hydrates tissues and cells. Also, it keeps the skin hydrated,” she added.

Oil massage

Abhyanga is one of the most ancient Ayurvedic philosophies that promotes the importance of the regenerative and nourishing properties of body oil massage. “As an essential part of holistic skin and body care, Abhyanga has been practised for many centuries and is the purest form of infusing rich emollients of Ayurvedic oils into the body,” said Neha Ahuja, Ayurveda expert and founder of Kaashi Wellness.

Self-massaging the body and all its pressure points with emollient oils can have immense positive effects on the skin texture, internal body functions, and the mind. It’s almost like composing a calming rhythm that helps relax the nervous system.

The soft application, delicate scent, and circular motions across the body have extensive healing properties. Here are some of the benefits listed below:

*Improve blood circulation
*Endow one with energy
*Calm down all emotions
*Pamper the senses
*Promote lymphatic drainage
*Increase physical strength
*Enhance overall skin health
*Eliminate dehydration, pigmentation, and signs of ageing.
*Reduce insomnia and more.

“One must invest at least one day each week for a transformative oil bath. This enables our body to absorb the nutrients in the oils through the hair follicles of our skin and penetrate deep into the skin cells thus providing it with the best nourishment,” Lall added.