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Winter Wellness with Ayurveda

The seasonal shifts create a cycle that is for our complete well-being. The seasons offer us support and are a guidance system. When we align with this system we will cultivate our health on every level. At this time in the southern hemisphere we are witnessing the natural world around us shifting: withdrawing and slowing down

Each season has its qualities and the more we embrace them with an appropriate daily routine, the more we will flow with them. Through embracing and not resisting these cycles we will maintain a more vital state: physically, mentally and emotionally.

Winter encourages stillness: it is the night before the day. An invitation to redirect our energies more inward. A perfect remedy to our modern, fast paced lifestyles. A time to rest, reflect and modify our energy for some internal rejuvenation. The unfortunate side of this season is that it can leave one feeling stagnant, uninspired and potentially at times heavy.

Ayurveda teaches that like increase like and that opposites bring balance. Our environment affects us all in different ways and each season ushers in a unique set of qualities that can either aggravate or pacify the inner workings of our being.

This is exactly why adopting a seasonal shift in your routine and self-care regime is fundamental. Making shifts in your diet and lifestyle to accommodate the change in season is an intelligent way to upgrade your health and well being on every level.

Ayurvedically speaking, Winter is a Kapha season with strong Vata undertones. With cloud-covered days, increased heaviness with the drop in temperature, and extra moisture in the form of rain and snow, we feel the tendency towards retreating, slowing down and getting grounded. The Vata element comes with the winds and dryness of the season and can promote a restless mind

DIET:

Winter is the season when the digestive fires have the capacity to be at their strongest. The Body requires more fuel to stay warm and healthy in the winter months. The cold weather impacts the fire principle deep into the core of the body igniting the digestive capacities. This is a integral process as a strong digestive fire leads to a strong immune system. Our bodies will naturally crave a more substantial, nutritive diet at this time of the year, and you are likely to find yourself easting larger quantities of food. Focus on eating warm, cooked and slightly oily, well spiced foods. Drink room temperature, warm and hot beverages and avoid iced and chilled drinks.

Cooked grains, oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, mushy soups and steamed vegetables are ideal. Legumes are good too, though be sure they are well-cooked and add a dollop of ghee so as not to aggravate the vata element. See extended food list below.

Dairy is best avoided in the winter months, though a cup of hot milk spiced with turmeric or dried ginger and nutmeg to promote sound sleep is always nice. Avoid damp and cold foods, excessively sweet and overly heavy or oily foods, which promote a sense of heaviness and may lead to feeling uninspired.

To encourage clean and clear respiratory passages you may make a tea from ½ teaspoon of each dried ginger, cinnamon and clove.

A tea with ginger, cinnamon, black pepper coriander seeds, cumin seeds and fennel seeds will encourage your digestion after meals.

Should you find yourself prone to imbalances like colds, coughs and sinus congestions through this season, Ayurveda suggests kapha is out of balance and this would be a great time to do a mindful and supported cleanse to break this cycle.

LIFESTYLE:

Take time to slow down, adjust your bedtime according to your needs for more rest. Pamper yourself with warming baths and early nights.

Exercise, fresh air, and sunlight should still be considered priorities in your self-care, though be mindful to not overdo it, and to dress warmly.

Being mindful with your breath is a very easy way to reduce the stress through this time. Simply take a few minutes everyday or at either end of your day to deepen your breath by slowing it down. 5 minutes of slow inhalations and exhalations through your nose will do wonders for your mental and emotional loads and attitude. This is not to be underestimated. The depth and smooth flow of your breath encourages all the systems of your body to function at optimal rates.

Making time for bodywork:

Abhyanga Massage: soothing the nervous system and stimulating the immune system. Read more under Ayurvedic Body Treatments.

Marma Therapy: to re-energise the body. Enhances immunity as well as invigorating the mind, restoring clarity and confidence. Read more under Ayurvedic Body Treatments..

Nasya: An Ancient Herbal Therapy for Neck, Head and Sinus Conditions. Read more under Ayurvedic Body Treatments.

 

The following is a list of ideal winter foods:

FRUITS:

Apples (cooked)

Bananas

Berries

Lemons

Dates

Figs

Limes

Oranges

Papaya

VEGETABLES:

Asparagus

Beets

Carrots

Chillies

Corn

Eggplant

Green Beans

Mushrooms

Leeks & Onions

Okra

Potatoes

Spinach (cooked)

Winter Squash

Turnips

GRAINS:

Amaranth

Corn

Oats

Quinoa

Brown Rice

Most of all keep a positive attitude. Just as the seasons change, so do we. A positive attitude will increase your overall health.



This post first appeared on Ayurvedic Medicine & Massage Bondi Junction | Ayur, please read the originial post: here

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Winter Wellness with Ayurveda

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