With new and emerging research, the importance of a massage or any kind of physical stimulus to the body that manipulates our muscles tells us that massage therapy can assist with preventing certain health issues and complications. So why not use the full benefits of a massage on a daily basis as prevention? And the best part is, we can even do it ourselves (to some extent).

General movement and exercise reduce the risk of mortality by nearly 30%. This means that our muscles, joints and connective tissue might get banged up every once in a while, but with many of us, that rarely happens. It’s actually the opposite because of our modern, sedentary lifestyle, where our range of motion and flexibility decreases. This is where osteopathy can assist and also potentially decrease the risk of long-term health issues.

Rosemary, “dew of the sea,” has a long history with herbalists, dating back to ancient times where it was used as a tonic and stimulant to bring benefit to the heart, digestion, liver and mood. Rosemary is a powerful antioxidant, and its therapeutic properties are emerging for use in anxiety, depression, cognition, hair growth and cancer inhibition.

Jasmine is considered by many as the king of essential oils. With its deep floral and warm and rich scent, it creates a state of relaxation and calms the mind. To entirely immerse ourselves in its amazing smell and health-enhancing properties, we can use it in topical applications, baths and while showering, as well as during inhalation to clear our airways.

In ayurvedic medicine there are three doshas that make up our individual and unique mind-body type. They are called - Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and they determine our body shape, mental activity, personality and what diseases and health issues we might be prone to. If you have cold hands and feet, dry skin and are dealing with constipation, you should learn more about the Vata dosha.

During the winter time our respiratory system is exposed to an increased amount of bacteria and viruses, and sometimes our sinuses, throat and lungs get impacted. To support them in their recovery, many studies suggest using certain herbs as they exhibit powerful anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial effects.

Good health comes by having our physical and mental self in balance, which is how we prevent diseases, and our health from declining. Ayurveda is a health and lifestyle system that can prevent, but can also treat diseases using different herbal preparations and other holistic approaches, which are often complementary to modern medicine.

Latest research shows that regular yoga practice can reduce hypertension, asthma attacks, effects of autoimmune diseases, and increase red blood cell count, our flexibility and core strength. For many of us who are looking to resolve certain health issues through a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, practising yoga should be a part of our daily routine.

Found mostly in the Pacific region, sandalwood has had many uses throughout the history - from ceremonial burning to topical applications. With its woody and calming scent, sandalwood essential oil is today one of the favourites for stimulating endorphins, the pineal gland and relaxing tensions.

Boswellia serrata as a herbal extract is a powerful anti-inflammatory that helps with swelling and agitating conditions such as arthritis and asthma. For a long time, it has been one of the main go-to herbs in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Today, it is being extensively researched as a part of modern medicine.

The refreshing scent and aroma of oranges always puts a smile on our face. It gives us the zing. Sweet orange essential oil does even more, as it stimulates relaxation and helps with inflammation, especially due to viruses and bacteria.

Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient holistic approach to health and wellbeing, where mind, body and spirit are equally important. While modern medicine focuses mostly on treatment, ayurveda looks at how we can prevent diseases. This is why nutrition is only a part of the answer and the balance between mind and body is highly sought after to achieve health.