Parent Diaries

With the onset of interest and belief in the Indian system of ancient wellness around the world, incorporating ancient wisdom into the care of your new baby is not just an emerging trend but it can provide a holistic approach to well-being. In this blog, we'll discuss and delve into the basic principles of Ayurveda – the Indian System of Holistic Wellness and explore how it can be thoughtfully applied to your infant care. Understanding Ayurvedic Principles: At the core pillar of Ayurveda stands at the belief that each individual is a unique combination of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha: representing the fundamental energies that regulate different bodily functions, both physiological and psychological. Understanding the doshas is crucial in Ayurveda as it helps identify the difference in each human being, narrowing down its treatment practices to every individual's constitution rather than the belief of mass medicines, promoting balance and harmony with no side effects to worry about. This allows real root treatment of the problem rather than suppressed short term relief. Lets now understand these doshas a little more: Vata: Vata types tend to be thin and lanky. They are very mentally and physically active and enjoy creative endeavors, meeting new people, and traveling to new places. In a state of equilibrium, individuals with balanced vatas exhibit flexibility, vibrant imagination, and original thinking. Associated with the elements of air and space, Vata governs movement and is linked to qualities such as lightness and changeability. Vata individuals frequently encounter symptoms such as cold extremities, constipation, dry skin, and joint cracking. Insomnia and reduced immunity are prevalent challenges for those with heightened vata sensitivity. Pitta: Pitta types are dominated by the fire element, which makes them innately strong, intense, and irritable. They tend to have a medium build and endurance with powerful musculature. Individuals of this type typically possess a moderate physique, enduring strength, and robust muscles. Their skin, often freckled, readily reddens in sunlight, during physical activity, massages, and when experiencing embarrassment. They exhibit strong determination and excel in adhering to their convictions. Aligned with the elements of fire and water, Pitta is responsible for digestion and metabolism, characterized by qualities like heat and intensity. They boast robust digestion and a hearty appetite, craving both nourishment and challenges. Frequently, they contend with health issues like inflammation, rashes, acne, and loose stools. Kapha: Individuals with a Kapha constitution possess sturdy builds and inherent athleticism, provided they engage in regular exercise to control their inclination towards weight gain. Rooted in the elements of earth and water, Kapha is linked to structure and stability, embodying qualities of heaviness and solidity. They value a systematic, step-by-step approach and prefer maintaining a consistent routine in both their personal and professional lives. Introducing themselves to new environments, meeting new people, and occasionally practicing fasting prove beneficial for them. Applying Ayurvedic Principles to Infant Care: Individualized Care: Ayurveda constitutionally recognizes that each baby is born with a unique psychological and physiological composition, influenced by the predominant dosha. Though the correct composition can only be determined by a certified Ayurveda Practitioner - observing a baby's temperament, physical characteristics, and responses to stimuli can offer slight understanding and insights into their dosha balance. Balanced Nutrition: Ayurvedic dietary principles emphasize the importance of food as nourishment source that align with a baby's dosha. For instance, Vata-predominant babies may benefit from warm, grounding foods, while Kapha dominants actually may need occasional fasting. Pitta-dominant infants may thrive on cooling and hydrating choices. Gentle Massage and Touch: The practice of infant massage is deeply rooted in Ayurveda also know as Abhyanga. Read our blog in details about it at: https://www.wearmiho.com/blogs/news/ayurvedic-baby-massage-oil-for-winter Using warm, natural oils, and gentle massages not only help soothe the nervous system and promote digestion and physical strength, but it also forms an emotional bond between parent and child, helping them understand body clues better until the little human understands itself. Creating a Calming Environment: Considering a baby's dosha, parents can create a perfect room setting for their babies’ overall health and development by adjusting factors such as lighting, room temperature, and choosing the correct sensory stimuli. Vata babies may benefit from warmth and soft textures, while Kapha babies may appreciate a well-ventilated space. Analysing a baby's dosha constitution at home for the basics involves observing various factors like: Physical Characteristics: Consider the baby's build, skin type, and features. This might keep on changing due to initial rapid growth period. Temperament: Observe behaviours, likings, sleep patterns, and reactions to stimuli. Understanding their human behaviour can suggest the constitution widely. Appetite and Digestion: Note how the baby responds to different kinds of foods and feeding habits in corelation to their digestive stress. Ayurveda provides a gentle and holistic framework for caring for the youngest members of our families. Ayurveda encompasses a vast expanse of wisdom, addressing various facets of life. It holds the potential to enrich your life in multiple ways. For personalized advice regarding your baby, consulting with an Ayurvedic expert is recommended. Bonus: Here are some long lost Ayurvedic advices for babies and new mothers: The sun and moonlight have various health benefits that the baby needs during the initial months. Traditionally the day the baby completes his fourth month, he is bathed, made to wear new clothes and brought out of the nursery. The elderly and well-wishers bless the baby and only then the baby is taken to other rooms of the house. the baby's room was fumigated with ayurvedic resins and leaves to counter negative energies and infuse positivity in the room. Utilize Brahmi, heeng, gugulu, and jatamansi for fumigating a baby's room and clothing, effectively neutralizing airborne germs.

The ecological awareness shift in the fashion industry has given rise to a demand for sustainable clothing options that cater to different all the categories, be it kids' wear, women's wear, or men's wear. If you're looking to make eco-friendly choices for your wardrobe, understanding sustainable fabrics, processes, techniques, local textile crafts, traditions, the suppliers and manufacturers in India can be a great starting point. The Rise of Sustainable Fashion Sustainability in fashion is about making clothing choices that consider the entire lifecycle of a garment, from its production to disposal and afterlife. It prioritizes natural fibres, recycled raw material, ethical manufacturing practices, minimizes waste, biodegradability of the product, and reduces the environmental footprint.   Sustainable Fabrics: A Deeper Insight Sustainable fabrics are those that have been sourced, produced, and manufactured in ways leading to minimal to zero negative impacts (ideal will be positive impact) on the environment and people involved in the process. Here are some of the top sustainable fabrics gaining popularity in clothing and lifestyle industry, along with their unique benefits: 1. Organic Cotton Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or hazardous chemical fertilizers, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional cotton. It is commonly used everywhere today, including kids' wear, women's wear, and men's wear. Organic cotton is soft, breathable, and ideal for various clothing styles. 2. Recycled Cotton Recycled cotton fabric is made out of cotton that otherwise would have ended up in a landfill. Also known as upcycled cotton, it’s either made from cotton products that have already been thrown out, such as clothes and bedding or from pre consumer cotton waste like pattern cutting table. In addition to reducing the amount of cotton that ends up in landfills, recycled cotton can also reduce reliance on cotton production, making it a great option provided it’s widely adopted by manufacturers and consumers. 3. Hemp Hemp and Linen are versatile and sustainable fabrics that require minimal water and pesticides to grow. It is used for a wide range of clothing, from casual wear to high-end fashion and other lifestyle products. These fabrics are known for their durability and breathability. 4. Tencel (Lyocell) Tencel, also known as Lyocell, is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, primarily from eucalyptus trees. The production process is eco-friendly and closed-loop, meaning that the solvents used to decompose the pulp to fibres are recycled. Tencel is soft, moisture-wicking, and great sustainable alternative used for activewear and undergarments. 5. Recycled Polyester Recycled polyester is majorly made from post-consumer plastic bottles and fishing nets, diverting non-compostable plastic waste from landfills and oceans. It's commonly used in sportswear, shoes, outerwear, and accessories. This fabric helps reduce the consumption of virgin resources to meet up consumer demands. 6. Bamboo Bamboo fabric is derived from bamboo pulp, which is a highly renewable resource as it grows really fast and require no chemical pesticides or fertilizers. It's extremely soft, breathable, and naturally antibacterial. Bamboo fabric is suitable for everyday wear and can be used in various clothing categories.     Other fibers like Ethical wool, Ahimsa or Eri Silk, Lotus, Pineapple, Banana, Milk, Rose and may more fabric alternatives, are also gaining popularity as people – both manufacturers and consumers are looking for new and creative replacements to give newness and yet preserve the cause. India is a hub for sustainable clothing manufacturing and sourcing. With old yet rich culture and textile crafts there is a lot to explore and employ in the world of sustainable life choices. When shopping for sustainable clothing, it's essential to research brands and suppliers that align with your values. One can look for certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or Fair Trade and values to ensure the authenticity of sustainable claims. By choosing eco-friendly fabrics and supporting ethical manufacturers, you contribute to a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry and future, regardless of your clothing category needs.     In conclusion, sustainability in fashion is not limited to one category. And rather than a destination, it is a journey. Whether you're shopping for kids' wear, women's wear, or men's wear, there are numerous sustainable fabrics and manufacturers in India that will cater to your needs. By making conscious choices, you can build a wardrobe that not only looks good but also feels good for the planet and the people who make your clothes.

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.