State of body in WINTERS

During winters internal metabolism is increased. All doshas are in balance in early winter, so increase your inner strength at your best. During winter healthy people  will be healthier and digestive power is increased. Later on Kapha starts to accumulate in body.

AYURVEDIC  WINTER  REGIMES:-

1. Wake up with Sun. Sleeping beyond sunrise can easily cause respiratory/sinus diseases.
2. Gargle and massage your gums (after you brush your teeth) with sesame oil which can protect your oral cavity and prevent gum bleeding.
3. Drink a glass of water(warm)which can stimulate your system.
4. All kind of massages(with recommended oils) and exercise are good during winters.(yoga with intensive pranayam)
5. Shower in a warm water(better if boiled with astringent)herbs like nut grass,  pomegranate leaves, rose petals or sandal wood)
6. Use warm water for your ablutions(washing,cleaning etc)
7. Cosmetic pastes like saffron and musk are advised to increase vitality of skin.
8. Fumigation in room with herbs of hot potency is also good (you can add these herbs to your fire place).
9. Due to long nights and sharp digestive fire, we will feel hungary early morning so its important to take breakfast early.
10. Heavy foods  within your digestive limits are recommended.
11. Eat sweet, sour and oily foods(but not artificial sweets or fried foods)
12. If you have any ailment than its is the best time for Panchkarma (detox) treatment.
13. An invigorating and expansive yoga practice this winter can be surprisingly supportive of your overall wellbeing. Appropriate poses include Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar), Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I), Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II), Reverse Warrior (Viparita Virabhadrasana), as well as forward bends, and backward bends. Postures that stimulate metabolism like Cobra (Bhujangasana), Bow (Dhanurasana), Side Plank (Vasisthasana), Spinal Rolls, Leg Lifts, and supine twists like Revolved Abdomen Variation (Jathara Parivartanasana Variation) are also very appropriate.
14. Pitta type individuals should take heavy foods to suit their strong digestive power and should include materials such as ghee and cheese in their diet in plenty.
15. Vata type individuals should avoid pungent food substances. The Vata type individuals should include salted meat soups in their diet.
16. Kapha and Vata type individuals should avoid direct and strong cold winds
17. Reduce stress by simplifying: Get organized by making lists and planning ahead.
18. Travel smart: make sure you leave early with plenty of time so you’re not rushed.
19. Make a detox tea by steeping the following spices in 2 quarts of boiled water: tsp. whole fennel, tsp. marshmallow root and 2 mint leaves.
20. Avoid overeating. This means learning to pay attention to the signals your body gives you. Put your hands over your stomach to see if you are hungry for food. Hunger indicates that your body is ready to take in food. If you’re not hungry, don’t eat. Sit down for your meals and take a moment of silent appreciation for the food, the cook, your digestion and the silent source of it all. Enjoying food with all your senses prepares the digestive fires (agnis) to process that meal more efficiently. If you don’t distract yourself from the meal by reading, watching television or working, then you will notice when you feel satisfied. Not stuffed, just satisfied. The Ayurvedic texts say we should eat to about 75% of our capacity. This is about what would fit into your two cupped hands.
21. Bundle up! Protect yourself from the elements, especially the head, neck and shoulders. If it’s really cold outside, breathe through a face-mask or scarf, so the air that enters your lungs is warmer and moister.