Do you face extreme tiredness or lethargy regularly? This is one of the biggest symptoms of the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or adrenal fatigue syndrome (AFS). Fortunately, the ancient Indian science of healing, Ayurveda, can provide you with immediate tips and support your path to recovery. 

Severe fatigue is often the result of imbalance of your doshas. These are biological energies constituting the human body and mind, formed from the five elements of nature (air, water, fire, earth, and ether). Each of us differs in bodily constitution which determines our dominant dosha. You can also detect dosha imbalances through ailments – such as insomnia, anxiety, distress, or digestive issues such as bloating or constipation. It is particularly the excess of the vata dosha (an element of air) causing fatigue. 

Fighting fatigue through Ayurveda is a gradual process.

You will need consistency to fight your body’s response to illnesses, which will eventually raise your energy levels too. Take a look below for some natural ayurvedic immunity boosters. 

Healthy Dietary Practices 

Following a healthy diet is one of the pillars of good health. It is equally important that your eating routines are kept in check. These two factors work in harmony with others to maintain long-term dosha balance.

Ayurveda views food as medicine, and the kitchen as a pharmacy.

Bodily ailments from dosha imbalance can be countered simply with the right diet. For instance, symptoms such as bloating and constipation which are related to an excess of vata (an element of air) can be soothed through warm and nourishing foods. Warm soups, curries, cooked rice and vegetables are some effective ayurvedic medicines.

Try to incorporate healthy fats and oils, honey, ginger tea, rice and wheat, and dense fruits (such as bananas, mangoes, figs and berries) into your diet. As for fluids, coconut water and coconut milk, as well as juices of carrot, cucumber and beetroot are recommended for even child immunity. Milk and its products (such as ghee, cheese or yogurt) are also recommended for healthy gut functioning. Finally, dry fruits such as grapes and walnuts are also helpful in reducing aggravated forms of vata. 

Another minor, yet incredible cornerstone of your diet is that of herbs and spices. 

Turmeric, cumin, coriander and garlic can do wonders in improving energy levels. Other ingredients such as cinnamon, basil, black pepper and ginger can be consumed as teas or a hot water concoction. These are best advised on an empty stomach. The western concept of ‘turmeric latte’ is nothing but the Ayurvedic suspension of haldi doodh – made from dissolving half a teaspoon of haldi, or turmeric powder, into 150 ml of hot milk. This concoction is especially helpful in stabilising your mood and general immunity levels. 

Nearly all other naturally grown, locally sourced foods can be enjoyed in optimization. However, do limit your consumption of cauliflower, broccoli, and beans, which can cause gas and further vata imbalance. Also be sure to limit your intake of red meat or processed meat, which can strain your digestive system. Ayurveda firmly opposes junk or packaged food, such as caffeine, alcohol or nicotine, or chips or chocolate. You can find additional tips on a healthy Ayurvedic diet here. 

Yoga 

We all know that yoga holds extensive mental and physical benefits. However, it also has a long-term impact on reducing cellular inflammation through steady stress reduction. Light yoga asanas are recommended to even those feeling sick or fatigued. Certain basic postures can go a long way in providing you with resilience against sickness. 

Sukhasana (or sitting cross legged) is a traditional meditative pose which allows the life force, or prana, to move through the body optimally. It counterbalances stress hormones, particularly nervous system distress and heightened heart rates, in order to build overall immunity. Secondly, the Ardha Matsyendrasena or spinal twists gently stimulate the stomach, enabling smooth functioning of the digestive system. This action builds immunity by eliminating toxins, which cause inflammation and infections. 

Another simple and often underrated pose is the Viparita Karani (lying horizontally with legs up the wall). This is a relaxing pose which enables lymph drainage, blood circulation, and nervous system rejuvenation, all of which restore immunity. 

You can reap the entirety of benefits yoga offers if practiced early morning. Do get yourself an experienced instructor to guide you through asanas and prevent injuries. Of course, yoga practice should be taken up as merely a component of a larger healthier lifestyle. You can find more information on the wonders of yoga and ayurveda here. 

Ayurvedic Massages

Massages are known to reduce blood pressure, stress, and muscle stiffness. You may have however not heard that it also helps with lymph drainage – in which the flow of lymph is promoted through the pressure applied on lymphatic vessels. This is important to preventing lymphedema, a condition in which lymphatic fluids accumulate and cause swelling.  

The Abhyanga massage is especially popular in Ayurveda. It is done by applying oil throughout the body, beginning with the scalp and proceeding to the feet. The action of massaging directs toxins towards the lower half of the body, thus reducing the risk of ailments and diseases. It promotes lightness and radiance, which gives you energy for the day, and is also an excellent immunity booster. 

There are other miscellaneous forms of massages that indirectly affect immunity levels. The Abhyanga massage in particular is known to improve vision, energy, alertness, and physical strength, and delay ageing symptoms. Adequate mental and physical health cannot be compromised when battling low immunity. You can find further information on Ayurvedic massages here. 

In summary, these three practices – a healthy diet, yoga, and massages – are foolproof Ayurvedic immunity boosters. 

If practiced regularly in the right manner, they can go beyond fighting fatigue to bringing extraordinary energy levels to your body. It is truly ancient wisdom prescribed in our vedas which provide a long-term solution to fighting fatigue.