Composed of the Sanskrit “Ayur,” meaning life, and “Veda,” meaning knowledge, Ayurveda is the science of life. This holistic system of wellbeing developed in India some 5,000 years ago as a way to help people sync with nature and thrive in an ever-changing environment. This knowledge was passed down as an oral tradition until around 1000 BC, when it was inscribed as part of “the Vedas,” an ancient body of texts that are still sacred today. Ayurveda is often considered to be one of the oldest medical systems, and is certainly the most developed.

In some parts of India, Ayurveda has been the only system of healthcare since it was first developed, although it was banned under British rule between 1835 and 1947. Thankfully, the tried-and-tested practice survived underground until India reclaimed its independence, when Ayurveda became recognised as a medical system in its own right.

Below are Jasmine’s 5 top tips on how to easily integrate Ayurveda into your lifestyle.

• Invest in a Tongue Tingler(AKA tongue scraper)
  This U-shaped copper tool helps to keep your mouth healthy. First thing in the morning, gently clean your tongue to get rid of the gunk that builds there overnight, an Ayurvedic practice that helps with bad breath and makes your tastebuds more sensitive to the flavours in your food, among other benefits.
• Try Golden Milk
  Cooking up a mug of golden milk— dairy or nondairy milk simmered with spices including turmeric and ginger, and sweetened with jaggery — is one of the simplest ways of easing yourself into Ayurveda. This elixir is perfect when you get out of bed, an afternoon pick-me-up, or to help you unwind in the evenings!
• Avoid cold water and start drinking hot water
  Ayurveda tells us that drinking cold water dampens our digestive fire, or Agni, making us more prone to indigestion. Hot water nurtures your digestion and helps flush your system, so fire up a kettle and start sipping throughout the day.
• Indulge in Abhyanga
  Abhyanga, aka a hot oil massage, is a lovely Ayurvedic practice to integrate into your life — and one that you can pamper yourself with daily, at least once a week or pre or after travelling to help you get grounded. Create a relaxing environment, gently warm a pure sesame, jojoba or almond oil and work it into your skin from head to toe in broad strokes. Relax for 30 minutes, then shower or bathe without soaping off and pat dry.
• Get oil pulling
  Oil pulling sounds scary, but is very gentle and easy! You just swirl unrefined sesame or coconut oil around your mouth and through your teeth for about 20 minutes after tongue cleaning and brushing your teeth. This much more gentle and tastebud-friendly “mouthwash” works in a similar way to an oil-based skin cleanser, drawing out harmful bacteria and breaking down build up, while taking care of the natural pH and microbiome of the mouth [https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/oil-pulling]. You’ll notice a difference in a few weeks!