“Kids who are born in joint family with grandpa,grandma,uncle,aunt and good relatives are really gifted” – our grandma used to tell us. That’s really true. They learn the art of sharing,respect,love,care and education beyond books. Our grandma always insisted us to take bath before food and to have the food on time. Uncontrolled flow of water is of no use…similarly uncontrolled way of living…Take control of your habits…Take control of your life…
Habits are influential and it is challenging to form – particularly good habits. Ayurveda says whatever we do in our daily routine has to be done within the specific time period and to perform it after that bound can harm the human body.
Bath – a healing activity
Bath is a healing activity that is intended to put back the soundness of mind, body and soul. It promotes the body strength, improves mental alertness, flushes out the toxins from the skin and calms the mind. Bath has a dominant place in the social and religious life of India. It is essential for internal detoxification. A relaxed bath comforts rigid muscles, opens blocked pores, revitalize moisture to the tissues and acts as a healing therapy. Thus morning bath is an essential part of our culture.
According to Astangahrdaya, bath improves the digestive fire, increases the life span, boost strength, eradicates impurities, fatigue,sweating and drowsiness.
Sushrutasamhita mentions the sight of a man is stimulated by applying cold water to the head at the time of bathing. Taking warm water bath on the head tends to harm the eye-sight. Taking bath with hot water of lower body warm water would damage the hair and eyes.
What happens when you take bath after meals?
In the interpretation of bathing after having food, it is stated that one should not take a bath in the following two hours after having a meal. The fire element in the body is in charge of food digestion. The fire element (agni) in the body is energized and enhances blood flow for active digestion. While you take a shower, the body temperature declines and ends in slow digestion. It would cause bloating in the body and create sluggishness. As it puts pressure on your chest, it increases risk of cramps and heartburn.
What other activities should be avoided post meals?
Sleeping, exercising,walking long distances,doing yoga, pranayama,drinking water, sun exposure,singing,travelling – These are all the activities that should be avoided immediately after the breakfast,meals and dinner. These activities hinders the nutrient intake to the body and results in lethargy.
The Take Away
Our ancient vedic texts recommend us bathing just before sunrise and sunset. If you can bath only once a day then the best time is in the morning, in order to cleanse the skin, purify your body and mind. It is good to take bath before food for a healthy digestion. In case, if you have your food before then wait for two hours to take bath.
“No need of medicine to heal your body’s pain…If, what you ate before digested well, you eat again.”