Stay Balanced During Winter with Ayurveda

An Ayurvedic Winter

During Winter the earth’s energy is withdrawn back into herself. It is a time of rest, storing and preparation .A time of being grounded, internalized and still. The weather is often cold, wet, cloudy and heavy and is dominated by the water element. These are all qualities to aggravate KAPHA.
Here are some ayurvedic and yogic perspectives on staying healthy and balanced during winter:

1. First in morning drink a cup of hot water. This relaxes the digestive system, kindles the appetite, encourages a healthy bowel movement and flushes out the kidneys.

2. Massage yourself with warm, organic Sesame Oil. Sesame is warming. This can offset the seasonal tendency to coldness, aching joints and “frozen shoulder”. Wash off in a warm shower. If you don’t have time to do this regularly schedule an appointment with an Ayurvedic Practitioner for an individualized Abhyanga (Hot Oil Massage).

3. Practice Asana that balance KAPHA and clear any excess water. Do vigorous sun salutations, also include strong back bends and forward bends to warm the kidneys and increasing chest opening postures to help clear phlegm.

4.To blow away any colds, coughs, poor circulation, nasal drips and a slow digestion fire you may benefit from taking an Ancient Ayurvedic Formula, called TRIKATU.

Call or e-mail me if you want to take some. I have it in stock.

5. For breakfast have a small bowl of porridge consisting of oats, polenta, barley or rice. Add some cinnamon, cloves and honey. Honey is very beneficial for Kapha as it can encourage clearing of mucus.

6. Lunch and dinner should be wholesome meals, avoiding cold and excessively sweet food. Barley is one of the best grains for KAPHA, as it gently clears fluids from the body and can help clear sluggish digestion. Drink spicy teas, like ginger tea, throughout the day.

7. After a long day settle in for a relaxing evening. Practice calming pranayama or meditation. Ayurveda suggests that an occasional glass of red wine may be beneficial in the winter to encourage circulation and stimulate digestion.