The Winter season can be one of the harshest times of the year due to the extreme changes in temperature and lack of physical activity. We all tend to sleep more, gain weight and can even experience mood changes. The daylight hours are shorter making it more difficult to feel energetic or that we can quite fit everything into our day.
According to the principles of Ayurveda there is a rhythmic cycle that affects our doshas lending to unbalance. These forces of nature can wreak havoc on our health and well-being. Being aware and prepared for these changes with Ayurveda we can work proactive to counteract these seasonal setbacks and achieve balance.
Here are a few suggestions of lifestyle adjustments that you can make to help stay healthy and vibrant throughout the winter season.
Nourish
The winter is predominantly a Vata season with strong kapha undertones due to the cold weather, a sense of heaviness, increased moisture and dry bitter winds. This is an important time to nourish the whole inner and outer body.Nourishing warming foods and Ayurvedic herbal teas will help to keep the digestive fire burning. You should avoid cold drinks, salads and damp foods as they will be counter intuitive.
Choose foods high in healthy fats which will support the greater digestive capacity. This will also help to nourish the outer skin from the inside. Ghee is an excellent food product to add into your diet for staying warm.
Spice Up the Season
Add vibrant spices like chilli, cayenne, nutmeg, black pepper, and ginger as an important part of your winter Ayurveda diet. These spices help you raise your inner temperature and feel more full. The flavours will also help awaken your senses that easily are dulled during the bitter months.
Try Ayurvedic Golden Milk, delicious, nourishing and warming.
Keep Warm
It's very important to keep your body warm during these exceptionally cold months. Cover your head when you're out protecting your ears and throat with a scarf.
At night before bathing take time to give your hands and feet a soothing warm oil massage. These areas are more prone to the cold as the body naturally focuses the circulation to the core and innermost part of the body. This natural protective process protects the heart and aides in maintaining the vital digestive fire needed to produce energy.
A self massage with warmed Ayurvedic herbal massage oils will bring warmth to the colder areas of the body, stimulate overall circulation and prepare the body for rest at night.
Boost Your Immune System
With the increased activities and mingling with others indoors during the winter we are exposed to a wide range of bacterial and viral infections. It is important to boost our natural immune defence with important Ayurvedic foods & herbs like Chyawanprash, Tulsi, Neem and Gudduchi. Amla within Chyawanprash is packed full of immune boosting Vitamin C & other antioxidants. Tulsi is excellent for immune function especially when dealing with ailments of the lungs. Neem is known for its antimicrobial effects. Gudduchi along with its many longevity and memory enhancing properties is excellent for boosting immunity. These are just a few Ayurvedic foods and herbs that are great to add to your winter regimen or keep on hand to treat winter ailments.
For a more in-depth understanding and professional advice on living in optimum health we suggest you consider a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor or practitioner…click here.