About Winters: Ayurveda Winter Wellness 2023

Spring is primarily governed by Kapha, Summer by Pitta, Autumn by Vata, and Winter by a combination of both Vata and Kapha, as per Ayurveda Winter Wellness principles.

The cold, dry, windy, and vulnerable nature of Vata is prevalent in the earlier parts of the season, while the dark, inert, wet, and earthy qualities of Kapha are more prevalent in late Winter and early Spring. By observing the qualities of nature throughout this season, we can use our intuition to help ourselves thrive during these few months.  

Rest, restore and revive.

Some animals hibernate during Winter, and we would also do well to spend time getting some much-needed rest. The increased amount of darkness is an obvious sign that we need more sleep at this time of year, so getting to bed earlier and rising a little later as the sun rises is supportive to good health at this time of year. Vata is all about movement and activity, but is also strongly linked to anxiety, whilst Kapha is related to stillness and ‘groundedness’, yet also inertia. Balance these two aspects by moving each day in a way you enjoy; get outside and bask in the Winter sun on a brisk walk, practice asana, swim, cycle, or dance around the living room, then spend more time nourishing yourself, finding stillness and focusing on self-care. Take a warm bath at least once a week and wear socks to retain more body heat. 

Herbal Support

Ayurveda is big on using herbs to heal and help and Winter is the perfect time to spice up your life. Digestive fire is strong at this time of year, which is why we’re usually more than happy to eat a little more than we might in the Summer. Specific herbs and spices can help warm the body and maintain digestive fire, also known as ‘agni’. Herbs to add cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, turmeric, chilli pepper, cayenne, paprika, nutmeg.

Sesame for self-massage

Daily oiling and massage is an important aspect of Ayurveda, in order to keep the joints supple, muscles toned and the body’s temperature regulated. Sesame oil is brilliant for any Vata-type people and is the preferred oil for self-massage during Winter. You can scent oils with sweet, warm fragrances like sweet orange or rose and massage the whole body in the mornings, paying special attention to the scalp. 

Boost your Ojas

Ojas can be translated as ‘vital essence’. It’s a little like the body’s vigor, energy, abundance and juiciness and is related to Kapha’s more positive qualities of stability and strength. During times of instability, cold and dryness, ojas can become depleted, leading to physical and mental weakness, decreased digestive fire, low mood, and depleted energy levels. To replenish your vigor and keep levels of ojas high this season, add these foods to your diet on a regular basis:

• Sesame oil and other healthy oils such as coconut, olive, and almond 
• Ghee
• Almonds (soaked and peeled if possible)
• Cashews
• Walnuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sesame seeds and Tahini
• Bananas
• Dates
• Avocado
• Figs
• Warm, lightly cooked vegetables
• Organic, easily digestible grains
• Honey
• Molasses

Chyawanprash is a nutritive and regenerative herbal jam which is available to purchase at many health shops and contains herbs like amla, ashwagandha, cinnamon, cardamom, bamboo manna, saffron and many more which aids in building immune strength, also known as ‘bala’. Prioritise Ayurveda Winter Wellness practices to boost your ojas and thrive throughout the season.

Diet adjustments:

• Warming soups, nourishing pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, kale, pears, okra, and other seasonable vegetables,
•  Reduce raw and dry foods and
•  Prefer warm, homemade fruit (apples, cranberries, figs, grapes, limes) compote with spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla. 
• Incorporate sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, citrus fruit, bell peppers, meat beans, seafoods.
• Avoid anything that is increasing Vata (for example, caffe). 
• Regular drinking of warm water is now extremely important.

Lifestyle adjustments: 

• Establish a daily routine raising time no later than 7 am, relaxed eating, moderate exercise, and consistent bedtime (not later than 10 pm)
• Self-massage with warm sesame oil 
• Meditation 
• Yoga, grounding movement
• Dress for the season
• Use warming aromas

Incorporating Ayurvedic principles into your daily routine can greatly enhance your overall well-being and contribute to a harmonious Ayurveda Winter Wellness experience.