For maximum Indians, winter is a favorite season. In ayurveda, winter season (sitakala) is divided into two – hemant (pre-winter) and sishir (late-winter). As per ayurveda, hemant ritu begins with sharad Purnima and it continues for two months (mid-november to mid-january). Sishira ritu begins from mid-january to mid-march. This season belongs to dakshinayana (southern solstice). It is also called as visarga kala, wherein the human strength is relatively high.
Winter season encompasses dusty environments, drop in the temperature, chilly and cold winds, intense sunlight that may lead to the disequilibrium of vata and kapha dosha. Also, during winters, agni (digestive fire) increases with the support of vata dosha which in-turn marks an increase in the appetite.
“Winter Comes with its Chills, But Health is the best Shield.”
Some Ayurveda Tips to Cure the Winter Blues:
- Cold & Cough, Viral fevers, Allergies: Ginger-Tulsi tea, Snehan, Swedan (steam inhalation), Nasya karma, Turmeric milk, Amla juice, Saltwater gargling, Chywanprash, Stay hydrated.
- Dry Skin: The very best natural way to keep skin moisture is to have abhyanga (warm oil massage). Shatadhauta ghrta is also advisable as a moisturizer. Kumkumadi tel can be used as face serum. Intake of ghee regularly to combat dryness in winter.
- Winter Depression: Shira abyanga, Pada abhyanga, Shirodhara, Pranayam, Meditation, Tulsi tea, Chamomile tea are useful.
- Joint Pains: Abhyanga, Snehan, Swedan (steam inhalation), Patra potli swedan, Janu basti, Basti karma, Yogas, Pranayam are advisable.
- Heart Issues: Hriday basti, Chywanprash, Pranayam are recommended.
- Digestion related Problems: Snehan, Swedan (steam inhalation), Ginger tea, Basti karma, Lukewarm water, Yoga, Pranayam, mungdal soup with vegetables.
- Eat sweet, sour and salt predominant taste food.
- Include following foods in diet- Meat soup of animals mixed with fats, Wheat flour, Black-gram, Wine prepared from jaggery, Sugarcane and sugarcane juice, Milk and milk products, freshly harvested corn & rice, Honey, Vinegar, Amla, Fig, Apple, Lemon, Raisins, Spinach, Pumpkin, Carrots should be consumed in abundance.
- Exposure to sunlight (sunbath), fire, reside in warm rooms and woollen clothes and footwear should be worn always.
- Take nasya (nasal drop) and apply agaru on body after bath regularly.
Dont’s for the Winter Season
- Avoid spicy, pungent, bitter and astringent predominant taste food.
- Avoid cold food and drinks, fasting, skipping meals and exposure to cold wind.
- Restrict from sleeping during day,
Conclusion
Ayurvedic treatment for winter diseases emphasizes boosting immunity, balancing Vata and Kapha doshas, and maintaining warmth. Key approaches include boosting immunity by consuming warm, nourishing foods, using herbal teas like tulsi tea, ginger tea, etc., turmeric milk, daily practices like steam inhalation, oil massages, and incorporating yoga, pranayam and exercises, Ayurveda helps the body stay resilient. Overall, Ayurveda emphasizes prevention, natural remedies, warmth, and wellness, offering a gentle yet powerful way to thrive through the winter season.
“Keep Warm,
Keep Well.”