This is when the coiled serpent of subtle energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine, awakens and begins its inexorable journey through the seven chakras of a woman’s psychic body. Farah Baria shares her recipe for nurturing physical strength and flexibility

Life’s tough for teenagers. Then suddenly, one day, you turn the corner. The zits vanish, the throb in your loins ebbs, and that Prince Charming in your head is told to take a hike. End of Act I. You step gingerly off the hormonal roller coaster, look around, and discover, to your surprise, that it’s great to be on terra firma after all; to finally take root.

For a woman, the 20s are prime time. This is when kundalini, the coiled serpent of subtle energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine, awakens and begins its inexorable journey through the seven chakras of your psychic body. The chakras themselves are whirling discs of energy that guide the physical body and mind. The first of these is Mooladhara, the root chakra, kundalini’s original address. Located near the perineum, Mooladhara is active in childhood, providing a sense of groundedness, solidity and stability.

In the early 20s, when we feel adequately secure and rooted, kundalini rises to Swadhisthan, the second chakra located at the cervix. Actually, Swadhisthan is the body’s Pleasure Centre, providing the libido, or sexual energy required to find a mate and start a family. Having accomplished Nature’s work, in our late 20s we ascend to Manipura, a sort of Executive Centre which gives us the power for accomplishment. Careers are forged and relationships crystallise when Manipura is activated.

But, since the physical and the psychic are subtly and inextricably entwined, abusing the body can send the chakras into a tizzy. According to the scriptures, reckless and compulsive sexual activity, wanton bingeing, and profligate boozing ruffles Swadhisthan, causing gynaecological problems and sexual dysfunction; late nights and long working hours pique Manipura, leading to fatigue and psychological burnout.

Obviously, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that moderation is the key. Start with a wholesome, satvik diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains. The ancient yogis believed that food is consciousness – we are essentially what we eat – and satvik foods are light and luscious, full of prana, the ethereal life force that pervades the universe. Raw fruits and vegetables are especially pranic so a weekly juice detox works wonders after a weekend of frenetic partying. Beetroot and carrot cocktails purify the blood and tone the liver, papaya cleanses the digestive tract, watermelon and coconut juice flushes the kidneys.

In addition to diet, herbs are rarefied nutrients that seep into the body tissues, protecting them against disease and degeneration. Chyavanprash, the classic Ayurvedic formula is perfect at this age. It’s a sort of gooey, tart marmalade made from amla, a tropical fruit that is the highest natural source of Vitamin C. amla is also a powerful tonic that builds the blood, nourishes the reproductive organs and stops the wear and tear of tissues. The other great vedic elixir is triphala, a traditional bowel cleanser that keeps your gut free from the toxic junk we call food.

This is also the time to stop taking your machinery for granted. Begin a regular exercise routine: a quick, comprehensive and challenging one is the Surya Namaskar or yogic Sun Salutation, a series of 12 poses that combine dynamic movement, strength and flexibility. A powerful cardiovascular exercise, the sun salute makes you sweat profusely, cleansing the skin, activating the liver to rid the body of toxins, and calming the nervous system. The sequence itself has all the fluid beauty of a dance recital, but you will probably need a trained yoga therapist to teach you the correct method. Beginners can start with six to 12 rounds every day while fitness junkies can eventually aim for as many as 108.

Bathing is another wonderful way to attune ourselves to our bodies. According to the ancient vaids, bathing is a sacred ritual that cleanses body, mind and spirit. They recommend beginning this rather elaborate form of self worship with a garshan massage, brushing the entire body from the toes to the head with a natural loofah in swift upward strokes. The next stage is abhyanga, a complete body massage with sesame or coconut oil. When you’re well marinated, remove the excess oil with traditional ubtan, a paste made from equal parts of chickpea flour, sandalwood powder and turmeric. Now you’re ready for your bath. Run the water (tepid but never hot) through an old sock containing tulsi, neem and pudina leaves, plus bits of lemon peel. Light scented agarbattis and listen to mantras or chants while bathing. Finish with a rude blast of cool water to energise the body and bring the blood back to the surface.

A natural beauty regime adds the final garnish. Cleanse and tone the face with pure rose water for dry skin and tulsi water for oily skin. Youthful faces are normally full of oil glands so ensure that your moisturiser is light, else custom make your own with two tablespoons of fresh aloe gel straight from the plant, combined with a little lanolin. Sea salt is the perfect weekly scrub to slough away dead surface cells. And perhaps the best natural shampoo for the hair is the humble soapnut or areetha; wash the hair thoroughly, then condition with natural ingredients. My favourite recipe is three tablespoons of sesame oil, the juice of a whole lemon, one egg yolk, one tablespoon honey and any essential oil (the oriental ones like jasmine, sandalwood and frangipani are particularly heady and exotic).

Finally, tune in to discover the beauty inside. You stand on the threshold of existence, unscripted by destiny, unfettered by mundane responsibilities, untrammelled, as it were, by life.

Relish the moment.