by Soniya Basu | Apr 28, 2025 | Ayurveda, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Wellness & Healing
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, emphasizes the importance of “Desha,” or geographical location, in influencing health. Desha considers how environmental factors impact our well-being. This article analyses the Ayurvedic concept of Desha, particularly Anupa Desha, and draws comparisons with UK geography, providing practical dietary and lifestyle advice to mitigate Vata imbalance, a common concern in the UK.
Understanding Anupa Ayurveda Desha
Ayurveda describes three main types of Desha:
- Jangala Desha: Dry land, characterized by fewer trees and water.
- Anupa Desha: Marshy land, with abundant trees, mountains, and water bodies like rivers and the sea.
- Sadharana Desha: Normal land, possessing a balance of features.
People inhabiting Anupa Desha are described as having tender bodies and are more prone to Kapha and Vata disorders.
UK Geography and Anupa Desha
🌍 While the UK is not directly referred to as Anupa Desha in Ayurveda, its climate shows close similarities. ❄️💨
🌧️ The UK experiences long winters, extreme cold, persistent winds, heavy rainfall, and damp conditions, making it prone to Kapha and Vata vitiation.
🌊 Coastal proximity, abundant rivers, and historically marshy lands further strengthen this correlation, as moist environments tend to aggravate Kapha, while cold and windy conditions disturb Vata.
Personal Experience: Vata Imbalance high in UK
🌬️ Cold & Windy Climate – The UK’s cold, dry air increases Vata, leading to imbalance. ❄️💨 🍽️ Dietary Habits – Too many raw, dry, processed foods can worsen Vata, lacking warmth and nourishment. 🥗⚡ ⏳ Lifestyle Stressors – Work pressure, financial concerns, irregular routines, and excessive screen time overstimulate Vata. 📱😵💫
Many individuals in the UK, including myself, experience symptoms related to Vata aggravation.
Vata-Related Health Concerns
🦴 Musculoskeletal Issues – Joint pain, stiffness, arthritis, and osteoporosis may develop. 🏃♂️💢 🧠 Nervous System Disorders – Anxiety, insomnia, headaches, nerve pain, and tremors can arise. 🛌🌡️ 💨 Digestive Problems – Bloating, constipation, and dry colon issues are common signs of imbalance. 🍽️❌ 🩸 Circulatory Issues – Poor circulation, cold hands and feet, and fatigue may manifest. ❄️🩸 🌀 Mental & Emotional Effects – Forgetfulness, feeling scattered, fear, and insecurity can be linked to Vata aggravation. 🤯💭
🔹 Dry skin and premature aging 🧴⌛ 🔹 Tinnitus (ringing in ears) 🔊🎵 🔹 Weight loss when severely aggravated ⚖️💨 🔹 Dry cough and respiratory issues 🌬️🤧
These issues are often exacerbated by the UK’s limited sunlight, especially during the colder months, leading to widespread Vitamin D deficiency disorders.
Ayurveda Desha Approaches to Vata Balance
Ayurveda doesn’t directly mention Vitamin D, but it explains the conditions associated with its deficiency through Vataimbalance and low Ojas (vitality). Here’s a combined approach:
- 1. Supplements (UK Market):
- The NHS and Ayurveda recommend Vitamin D supplementation, especially from October to April.
- Popular options in the UK include Vitabiotics Ultra D3 (1000 IU), BetterYou Vitamin D3 Spray, Holland & Barrett Vitamin D3, and Solgar Vitamin D3 1000-2000 IU.
- While the NHS recommends 10 mcg/day (400 IU), many safely take up to 1000 IU/day unless otherwise advised.
- 2. Vitamin D-Rich Foods:
- While sunlight is limited, certain foods can help:
- Fortified cereals: Enjoy warm with milk and seeds.
- Fortified plant milks (Alpro, Oatly, Rude Health): Combine with warming spices.
- Eggs (yolk): Cook with ghee or olive oil.
- Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel): Excellent for joint health.
- Mushrooms (UV-exposed): Cook with turmeric and ginger.
- 3. Protein-Rich Foods (Balancing Vata):
- Include protein sources like pulses (moong dal, toor dal, masoor dal, chickpeas), tofu/tempeh, paneer, Greek yogurt (plain, room temperature), fish, eggs, nuts (almonds), and seeds (pumpkin, flax, sunflower). These are readily available in UK stores like Goldenacre Minimart, Scottish Grocers. Tesco, Asda.
- 4. Lifestyle Tips for Vata Balance:
- Sunlight: Get outdoor sunlight between 10 am and 2 pm when available. ☀️
- Oil Massage (Abhyanga): Perform daily oil massage before bathing to nourish joints and skin. 💆♀️
- Warmth: Wear layered clothes and use heating pads for joints. 🔥
- Hydration: Stay hydrated with warm water and herbs like ginger or fennel. 🫖
- Oil Application: Apply oil (sesame or coconut) before bathing, especially for numbness and stiffness. Karpooradi Thailam can also be used.
- Epsom Salt Baths: At Night Apply oil in Hands and Legsif you are prone to numbness, Soak in warm water with Epsom salt before bed. 🛀
- Exercise and Yoga: It is very essential to practise exercise and yoga for mobility, as joints and bones tend to get stiff in this climate. Aim for at least daily walking, gym workouts, or activities like Zumba to stay physically active and maintain joint flexibility.
Dietary Recommendations for Vata and Kapha Balance in the UK
To balance Vata and Kapha, focus on incorporating these foods, commonly found in UK markets:
- Foods to Reduce Vata:
- Vegetables: Carrots 🥕, sweet potatoes 🍠, beetroot, asparagus, courgette, okra, green beans.
- Fruits: Ripe berries, peaches 🍑, plums
- Other: Unsalted butter, ghee-sautéed foods.
- Foods to Reduce Kapha:
- Vegetables: Leafy greens (kale) 🥬, broccoli 🥦, cabbage, cauliflower, peppers 🫑.
- Fruits: Apples 🍎, Pears
- Spices: Ginger, garlic, and turmeric are beneficial for both Vata and Kapha.
- General UK Foods that help in Vata and Kapha Balance:
- Grains: Cooked oats, rice (basmati)
- Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas
- Dairy: Warm milk, ghee
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds
- Oils: Olive oil, sesame oil
- Herbs and Spices: Cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper
Ayurveda’s concept of Desha provides valuable insights into how geographical factors influence health. While the UK differs from the classical Anupa Desha, it shares some characteristics that can predispose individuals to Vata and Kaphaimbalances. By understanding these influences and adopting appropriate dietary and lifestyle practices, including Vitamin D supplementation, a protein-rich diet, and the use of warming, grounding foods and practices, UK residents can promote better health and well-being.
Be slow in choosing, sure in living – Choose Ayurveda.
by Soniya Basu | Apr 14, 2025 | Ayurveda, Wellness & Healing
With deep gratitude, I offer thanks to the Almighty and wholeheartedly salute my parents for bestowing upon me the opportunity and knowledge to share the profound wisdom of Ayurveda with the world.
As an Ayurvedic practitioner deeply rooted in the ancient science of healing through years of dedicated study and practical experience, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of modern life on our well-being, particularly since moving to the UK. The demands of busy schedules and the unique challenges of the UK climate can often disrupt our natural harmony. This very observation inspired the creation of this space – a sanctuary to guide and empower those living in the UK to rediscover and embrace nature’s inherent rhythm through the transformative principles of Ayurvedic living.
🌱 What is Ayurveda, Really?
Ayurveda, a term derived from the Sanskrit words “Ayu” (life) and “Veda” (science), translates to the “Science of Life.” Revered as a vital branch of the Yajurveda, one of the ancient texts of Vedic literature, its origins stretch back thousands of years. Yet, the foundational principles of Ayurveda remain remarkably potent and directly applicable to our lives today, promising to resonate with well-being for generations to come.
Modern scientific research is increasingly validating the timeless wisdom of the ancient sages, revealing that Ayurveda transcends a mere medical system. It is a holistic and complete lifestyle that deeply nourishes the intricate connection between our body, mind, and soul through mindful attention to diet, daily routines.
💫 The Mantra: Prevention + Holistic Healing
As the classical Sanskrit sloka beautifully articulates:
“Swasthasya swasthya rakshanam, aturasya vikara prashamanam cha.”
“To maintain the health of the healthy and to cure the disease of the diseased.”
This profound statement encapsulates the true essence of Ayurveda – a dual focus on preventive care to nurture and sustain vibrant health, and holistic healing to alleviate the root causes of imbalance and disease.
Ayurveda is about creating balance every day so that you glow from the inside out (yes, even during British winter).
Your Journey to Balance and Harmony in the UK
Through this blog, I aim to share Ayurvedic wisdom specifically tailored to the nuances of life in the UK.
Expect posts on:
- 🌿 Healthy Ayurvedic lifestyle
- 🥣 Local + traditional remedies that work in the UK climate
- 🧘♀️ Routines to support mental clarity, gut health, and sleep
- 🌸 Gentle detox practices and daily rituals
- 🫖 Herbal diet, spice blends, and mindful recipes
- 💆♀️ Holistic treatments for chronic illnesses — focused on treating the root, not just the symptoms
Embrace the Wisdom: Choose Ayurveda for a Sure and Balanced Life
This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about being intentional — choosing health, slowness, and harmony over hustle. Because when you align with nature, your body listens, your mind calms, and life simply flows better.
Be Slow in choosing, sure in Living – Choose Ayurveda
📬 Stay tuned for Imma’s weekly wellness post!
With warmth and well-being,
– Ayurveda Imma
Ayurvedic Practitioner
by Soniya Basu | Apr 14, 2025 | Ayurveda, Wellness & Healing
Ayurveda, the ancient system of holistic health, beautifully emphasizes the profound connection between our well-being and the natural rhythms that govern our world. Two fundamental yet remarkably simple concepts within Ayurveda, Dinacharya and Rtucharya, offer us practical pathways to cultivate overall wellness, particularly for those of us embracing life in the UK.
🌄 Dinacharya: Harmonize Your Day with Intention
Dinacharya, the Ayurvedic practice of a daily routine, is key to synchronizing our body and mind with nature’s cycles. A crucial aspect of this is getting up early, during Brahma Muhurta (approximately 1.5 hours before sunrise). This time is considered highly auspicious, filled with peace and pure energy, which can significantly benefit mental clarity and overall well-being. It also includes mindful oral care: brushing gently in circular motions, and the importance of oil pulling with sesame or coconut oil for oral and internal cleansing, especially beneficial for smokers and vapers. Traditional eye care involves medicated collyrium (Kajal) for improved eyesight for people who use more computer and mobiles.
Exercise is vital, but balance is crucial; overdoing it can deplete energy, especially for gym-goers. Ayurvedic eating 🥗 emphasizes consuming food only when truly hungry, and the previous meal is digested. Cultivating 😊 goodness and happiness throughout the day also forms a vital part of this regimen.
🍂 Rtucharya: Living in Harmony with the Seasons
Rtucharya, the Ayurvedic wisdom of aligning our routines and diet with the cyclical shifts of the seasons, holds profound relevance for those of us living in the UK. As an Indian who has made the UK home, I’ve been struck by the remarkable accuracy with which ancient Ayurvedic texts delineate the appropriate diets and practices for each season. While the seasonal transitions in India possess their own distinct characteristics, observing the often more subtle yet undeniably present changes in the UK climate have illuminated the deep understanding embedded within these ancient teachings. It’s truly admirable how the revered Acharyas meticulously documented these natural rhythms and their impact on our well-being, centuries ago. The Ayurvedic concept of seasonal influence, scientifically observed even in UK. Seasonal changes directly impact our 🔥 Agni (digestive fire), 💪 strength (Bala), and overall ⚖️ body constitution (Dosha balance).
By consciously following the regimens (diet and practices) prescribed by Rtucharya for each season, individuals living in the UK can experience tangible benefits. Adapting to consume 🥗 warming and nourishing foods during the colder months can effectively combat the ❄️ winter blues and maintain robust immunity. Conversely, embracing cooling and lighter foods and practices during the warmer periods can help navigate the heat effectively, preventing Pitta imbalances.
✨ The Multifaceted Benefits of Dinacharya and Rtucharya
Embracing these principles yields numerous benefits:
- 🧘 Improved digestion: Results from regular routines.
- 🌟 Enhanced energy: Comes from consistent sleep and wake cycles.
- 😌 Stress reduction: Achieved through mindful practices.
- 🛡️ Stronger immunity: Supported by seasonal adaptations, preventing seasonal allergies.
- 💖 Emotional balance: Fostered by grounded routines.
- ⚕️ Prevention from disease: The aim of Ayurveda is achieved.
- ⚖️ Balances dosha, body, mind, and soul: Practicing these regimens brings equilibrium.
- 💪 Strengthens the body: Makes our physical form resilient.
- 🕉️ Bestows longevity: Contributes to a longer lifespan.
- 🔮 Clear body, mind, and soul: Promotes inner purity and clarity.
In essence, the scientific principles underpinning Dinacharya & Rtucharya, meticulously detailed in ancient Ayurvedic texts, are demonstrably relevant and applicable to life in the UK. By understanding and implementing these seasonal guidelines, we can proactively support our well-being, enhance our resilience to environmental changes, and cultivate a deeper harmony with the natural rhythms of our adopted homeland.
Be Slow in choosing, sure in Living – Choose Ayurveda
📬 Stay tuned for Imma’s weekly wellness posts, seasonal guides, and easy lifestyle shifts that speak your language and soothe your soul.
With Wellness,
– Ayurveda Imma
Ayurvedic Practitioner
by Soniya Basu | Apr 10, 2025 | UK Healthcare, Wellness & Healing
So, you’ve landed in the UK — jet lagged, slightly freezing, and suddenly wondering: What if I catch a cold or twist my ankle on those cobblestone streets? Don’t worry — the UK’s got your back (and your lungs, bones, and teeth… kind of).
🧠 First things first: What even is the NHS?
The UK’s healthcare system is called the NHS — National Health Service. It’s publicly funded, meaning it’s mostly free at the point of use (yep, no outrageous hospital bills here). You pay for it through taxes and a little something called the IHS — Immigration Health Surcharge — when applying for your visa.
Paid your IHS? You’re covered. ✅
📋 What the NHS covers (and what it doesn’t)
Free stuff:
- GP (General Practitioner) appointments 👩⚕️
- Emergency services 🚨
- Hospital treatment 🏥
- Mental health support (through referral) 🧠
Not free:
- Dental treatments 🦷
- Eye tests + glasses 🕶️
- Prescriptions in England (currently nearly £10 per item) 💊
(Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland get them for free — lucky, right?)
🩺 Getting Started: Register with a GP (like, ASAP)
One of the first adulting things you need to do when you get here? Register with a GP near your accommodation.
It’s simple:
- Google “NHS GP near me” or use the NHS website.
- Call or fill in an online form.
- Show your passport, visa, student letter, and proof of address.
That’s it. You don’t need to be sick to register. In fact, it’s way better to do this when you’re healthy.
🤒 What if you actually get sick?
- Minor stuff (cold, headache, sore throat): Pop into a pharmacy (aka a chemist). Pharmacists are low-key superheroes and will help you out with meds.
- Non-emergency but not chill: Call your GP and book an appointment. If you need urgent help but it’s not an emergency, dial 111 (free 24/7 advice line).
- Emergency: Call 999 or go to A&E (Accident & Emergency). Only use this for real emergencies — like chest pain, broken bones, or passing out.
💡 Pro Tips from One Friend to Another
- Always carry your NHS number once you’re registered.
- Keep basic meds (paracetamol, cold tablets) in your stash.
- Some unis offer free mental health support — use it if you need to talk.
- Ask your desi squad or seniors for doctor/pharmacy recommendations in your area — the community always knows best.
The NHS can feel a little confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s actually pretty solid. Just remember: register early, don’t freak out if you’re sick, and always know where the nearest pharmacy is.
Got more questions? Drop them in the forum!
