Ayurveda for Office-Goers: Staying Healthy in Polluted Indoor Air ..?
Most corporate employees spend half their waking hours in sealed AC offices.
Indoor air can be 5–10 times more polluted than outdoor air, restricting prana flow and weakening respiratory strength.
Dust, printers, cleaners and recirculated air contribute to dosha imbalance and low immunity.
Ayurveda cautions that cold, dry, still air aggravates Vata and Kapha together.
Vata aggravation symptoms:
Dry skin/eyes, headaches, fatigue
Brain fog, anxiety, restlessness
Neck/shoulder/lower-back stiffness
Constipation, bloating, disturbed sleep
Lethargy, weight gain
Sinus congestion, slow metabolism
Feeling heavy or sleepy after lunch
Tulsi: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-allergic; protects against cough and throat irritation.
Turmeric: Curcumin reduces oxidative stress and inflammation from air pollutants.
Yashtimadhu (Licorice): Soothes bronchi, relieves spasms and dry cough.
Ginger: Clears mucus and improves circulation in cold AC environments.
Vasaka: Powerful expectorant; helpful during smog season and winter pollution.
Carry warm water in a thermos to balance Vata and aid digestion.
Keep a copper bottle for naturally purified drinking water.
Apply nasya oil discreetly during restroom breaks to protect nasal passages.
Keep a warm shawl to shield the neck/back from AC drafts.
Place neem leaves or cloves in drawers for antimicrobial air purification.
Personal inhalers or handkerchief use is fine; avoid diffusers in closed offices.
Overuse may trigger headaches or irritate coworkers.
Essential oils should never be consumed internally without medical supervision.
Indoor air can be 5–10 times more polluted than outdoor air, restricting prana flow and weakening respiratory strength.
Dust, printers, cleaners and recirculated air contribute to dosha imbalance and low immunity.
❄️ Impact of AC Rooms on the Body
Ayurveda cautions that cold, dry, still air aggravates Vata and Kapha together.
Vata aggravation symptoms:
Dry skin/eyes, headaches, fatigue
Brain fog, anxiety, restlessness
Neck/shoulder/lower-back stiffness
Constipation, bloating, disturbed sleep
Kapha accumulation due to long sitting + low temperature:
Lethargy, weight gain
Sinus congestion, slow metabolism
Feeling heavy or sleepy after lunch
🍵 Ayurvedic Herbal Teas for Indoor Pollution
Tulsi: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-allergic; protects against cough and throat irritation.
Turmeric: Curcumin reduces oxidative stress and inflammation from air pollutants.
Yashtimadhu (Licorice): Soothes bronchi, relieves spasms and dry cough.
Ginger: Clears mucus and improves circulation in cold AC environments.
Vasaka: Powerful expectorant; helpful during smog season and winter pollution.
🧘 Office-Friendly Ayurvedic Hacks (No One Will Notice)
Carry warm water in a thermos to balance Vata and aid digestion.
Keep a copper bottle for naturally purified drinking water.
Apply nasya oil discreetly during restroom breaks to protect nasal passages.
Keep a warm shawl to shield the neck/back from AC drafts.
Place neem leaves or cloves in drawers for antimicrobial air purification.
🌿 Essential Oils at Work — Use Cautiously
Personal inhalers or handkerchief use is fine; avoid diffusers in closed offices.
Overuse may trigger headaches or irritate coworkers.
Essential oils should never be consumed internally without medical supervision.