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This blog is another opportunity to feel grateful. Thank you, dear Universe, you continue to bless me with recovery and health.

Going down my memory lane, the mind was constantly ringing a bell in my ears. I was standing on the fence struggling to manage my rare disease, Isaac Syndrome.

Diagnosed with it in the year 2016, so it was not a surprise if I was taking over 42 tablets a day! Tablets filled my tummy, more than meals could. Managing a rare disease and chronic illness felt nothing less than a nightmare.

Rare and Chronic diseases are by and large the language of living a modern lifestyle.

In 2016, I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Isaacs’ Syndrome. Isaacs’ is a neuromuscular health condition that stems from muscle hyperactivity. In the process, I also discovered that I had Lyme disease. Lyme is a bacterial illness that gets transmitted through ticks.

Glaucoma also accompanied me. Glaucoma is an eye-related disease that damages the optic nerves. And Membranous Glomerulonephritis is a progressive kidney disease. I faced tremendous issues with my gut, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes. During my journey, I also developed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diabetes, Frozen Shoulder, Eczema and Blood Pressure.

I tried several approaches, meeting different doctors, but none seemed like giving me a promising solution. Our body is smart enough to give away signs that it needs modifications to keep in harmony. When all the doors were shut, there was this one door that opened up. It was decided to listen to what my grandfather always said!

“Let me try my luck!”, I said this to myself and gave it a shot. Nothing but miracles happened. My health became manageable. Gratitude is only beyond words now.

In this blog post, I am sharing over 10 tips my grandfather considered as words of wisdom.

Though I was a notorious kid who was uncooperative in taking commands back then, I now feel obliged not only to follow them but also to spread my knowledge and my practical experiences of miraculous health transformations that these 10 simple tips brought. Certain traditions and customs look ordinary in appearance but have many health benefits.

Even before I could request the readers to follow this advice, I want you to know that just like you all I was also struggling to manage my rare disease. But now, I realize I am way more than a rare disease.

My journey of rediscovering these timeless health practices began with my grandfather. He is a perfect epitome of living a thoughtful life, driven by a set of ancient principles. These not only nurtured his physical well-being but also cultivated a deep sense of inner peace and balance.

For his generation, ayurvedic practices were not a mere prescription. It came naturally to try home remedies and live healthily. As I reflect on his life and the lessons he imparted, here are profound markers of a holistic approach to health.

1) Rise and Shine: The Power of an Early Start

My grandfather’s day began even before the sun could rise. For him, early rising not only provided him with ample time for reflection and planning but also allowed him to synchronize his body’s natural rhythms with the rising sun.

It gave him the time, space, and peace that he always needed.

2) Fostering a Connection with Nature Through Farm-to-Table Approach

His love for nature extended to his plate as well.

He would often embark on a morning stroll to the local farm, selecting the freshest vegetables and fruits for the day’s meals. This farm-to-table approach ensured nutrient-rich produce and fostered a profound connection with the earth. His love for nature was selfless.

3) Embracing the Smile Curve

Should there be a constant friend that my grandfather always cherished, it was his smile. It was not a mere reaction to joy but a conscious choice to radiate positivity and warmth. His belief in the power of a genuine smile always acted as a catalyst for inner and outer healing. His positivity was infectious.

4) The Morning Routine: Warm Water Ritual

My grandfather was a diligent man. Each morning, he would religiously consume a glass of warm water on an empty stomach. That always helped in detoxifying and cleansing the system. It also helped in preparing him for the day’s nourishment.

5) Stating the Elegance of Copper

No plastic, no microwave-friendly utensils, my grandfather always preferred plastic. He used it for his daily water intake. This stood out as a testament to the profound health benefits of this ancient practice. To add on, there are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of copper that also contributed to his overall well-being.

6) Mindful Eating: Time for Gratitude and Digestive Wellness

Not watching the television, not getting lost in the train of thoughts, my grandfather always sat with crossed legs and savored each bite. He was always mindful of his food habits and always ate right.

By thoroughly chewing his food, he not only aided the process of digestion but also embraced the ritual of gratitude. There was always a smile on his face that acknowledged the efforts of those who cooked the meal.

He aligned his mealtime with the sun’s cycle. This increased the ability to digest and assimilate nutrients optimally. Overall, it boosted his health.

7) Singing to The Yogic Symphony: Embracing the Soul

His daily practice of yogic postures, (except Saturdays and full and no moon days), enhanced his commitment to holistic wellness. By incorporating yoga into his routine, he not only nurtured his physical vitality but also cultivated a profound sense of inner peace and harmony. It was a win-win situation.

8) Self-Love in the Form of Abhyanga: The Art of Self-Massage

By engaging in the practice of Abhyanga at least thrice a week, my grandfather emphasized the importance of self-love and self-care. This ancient Ayurvedic ritual not only promoted relaxation and improved circulation but also served as a reminder of the necessity to nurture oneself.

9) Herbal Solutions: Harnessing the Power of Nature’s Remedies

His unwavering trust in the efficacy of herbal formulations mirrored the deep-rooted connection between nature and well-being. Whether it was a simple formulation for indigestion or a potent herbal remedy for common ailments, my grandfather only relied on natural ingredients to help solve his health problems.

10) The Chessboard of Mental Agility

In a world dominated by digital distractions, my grandfather found solace and mental stimulation in the game of chess. This strategic pursuit served as a source of joy and intellectual engagement. It helped him think better and make planned moves.

Conclusion

As I reflect on these timeless health practices, I am reminded of their significance. In today’s world that is dominated by fleeting trends and quick-fix solutions, these 10 simple tips that my grandfather told me proved to help in my rare disease journey.

Colonialism shook us to our core. Yet, in many traditional families, ancestral ways of living continue to influence health matters.

My grandfather’s legacy serves as a gentle reminder of the transformative power of ancient wisdom. I hope these points make us embrace a holistic approach to health that encompasses not only the body but also the mind and soul.

At times, the most effective stimulus is to rearrange and make sense of health situations. There is no measuring tool to weigh these healthy practices, yet they are very powerful.

It is through the preservation and perpetuation of these time-honored practices that we can hope to cultivate a life of lasting wellness and fulfillment.

Check out other blog posts about my journey to rare disease diagnosis on Rachit’s Blog – Ordinarily Rare

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not represent any kind of medical advice.