Today, we live in a world where stress, pollution, overstimulation and the fast pace of modern life are taking a toll on our overall well-being continuously. Our lifestyle has forced to find an alternative sense to lifestyle and many are now seeking ancient wisdom to restore balance. One such alternative concept of life is served by, an ancient Indian system of holistic health that implies health as maintaining energy equilibrium within the body, mind, and spirit. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of our surrounding environment, including the clothing we wear, room we sleep in, weather etc. in influencing our energy levels and overall wellness.
Understanding Ayurveda and Energy
Ayurveda involves the concept of doshas as the three fundamental life energies that govern our physical and mental constitution and state. These doshas, known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, are derived from the combination of five core life elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) and govern various functions within and around our body. Each individual has a unique combination of these doshas, and maintaining their balance is core principle for optimal health and energy.
The Influence of Clothing can have
Clothing is seen as our second skin and is believed to play a significant role in influencing regulation of our doshas, according to Ayurveda. Wearing the right type of clothing for your body can help regulate the imbalances and enhance energy flow. Here's how you can balance your energy or chakras with Ayurvedic clothing:
Choose Natural Fabrics:
Understand the importance of natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool. These materials allow the skin to breath naturally, are great at absorption and hence prevent overheating or over sweating. They also help maintain a stable body temperature which indirectly stabilises metabolism. Synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, can trap heat and moisture, forming a breeding ground for bad microorganisms disrupting the body's natural balance of both temperature and pH.
Colors and Doshas:
Colors have a profound impact on our energy and mood hence we have concepts like Colour Therapy and Theory in place. According to Ayurveda, specific colors can be associated with each dosha – earthy for Vata, cool for Pitta, while warm are recommended for Kapha. Wearing colors that resonate with your unbalanced dosha can help restore required equilibrium between you and your surroundings. This the reason why Red colour is a symbol of love, as it encourages passion and ignite our root chakra.
Comfortable Fuss Free Silhouettes:
Clothing should never restrict natural body movement or hinder circulation of air or blood. Loose-fitted and comfortable attire that allows for free flow of energy and body fluids preventing constriction of any kind are recommended in accordance to ayurveda. A lot of monks are seen wearing a few drapes at most. This is a especial recommendation for Vata-dominant individuals who are prone to cold and stiffness.
Seasonal Adaptation:
Ayurveda also recognizes the affect of seasons and geography on our dosha balance. For instance, in colder months, layering with warm fabrics in earthy warm tones can help pacify Vata. In warmer months, breathable materials and calming colors can alleviate Pitta imbalances.
Mindful Adornment or Accessorising:
Adorning and accessorising yourself mindfully with practitioners’ recommendation, can also influence your everyday energy and goal. Ayurveda suggests wearing natural gemstones, seeds, metals, and fabrics that have some resonance with your dosha. For instance, wearing a cooling moonstone can pacify Pitta, while a grounding tiger's eye can balance Kapha. Fresh water pearls are recommended for aggressive people with super fast lifestyles as it brings calmness to one’s mind.
Energy Cleansing:
Just as we cleanse our bodies, our clothing also needs energetic cleansing. Modern ways of washing clothes and drying in machines, in complete closed loop derives them to freshness in long run. Sunlight, moonlight, exposure to sound vibrations like chants and other natural elements can help clear any residual of negative energy from your garments and body. Sunlight also kills bacteria. Moonlight provides calming warmth. Do give it a try and see for yourself.
In conclusion, the practice of Ayurvedic clothing also known as Ayurvastra is a holistic approach to enhancing your everyday energy and well-being by simply sliding Ayurveda into your everyday essential textiles. By consciously choosing clothing that aligns with your dosha, body type, current lifestyle and lifestyle goals you can achieve a balance between your inner and outer worlds with simple transitions. Remember that Ayurveda is a private journey, and it's essential to listen to your body and intuition while deciding on your everyday clothing and surroundings.
Embrace the wisdom of this ancient tradition of Ayurvastra and let your clothing become a tool for promoting balance, vitality, and a deeper sense of self-awareness.
