As the hot spell has come to an end, we move into the winter months. The temperatures have taken a dip and the air is more crisp and dry. This time of year it is important to focus on grounding, nourishing, and oiling practices.
Immunity is directly correlated to digestion. That is why so much emphasis is placed on how and what we eat in Ayurveda. This time of the year it is important to focus on the sweet, salty, and sour tastes. Eat foods that are oily, moist, and hot. Add a little extra oil to your diet as well as warming spices to keep digestion strong during these cooler months. Ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove are all warming spices that are beneficial to incorporate to strengthen digestion, circulation, and immunity. Sip warm water or herbal teas throughout the day to keep your body clear and hydrated. Warm water with honey, lemon and turmeric is a simple and delicious way to treat your body with warming care. Choose soups, stews, cooked foods, root veggies, steamed veggies, avocados, olive oil and ghee.
Be sure to oil your body through Abhyanga and Nasya (oil in the nose). Use sesame or almond oil to keep your body lubricated and protected. If you use a Neti pot, be sure to do Nasya a few hours later.
As the nights get longer, our sleep should increase as well. Get to bed before 10pm and wake up with the sun in the morning. Exercise in the morning to boost your mood, immunity and keep circulation flowing.
If you are experiencing frequent stress, insomnia, constipation, joint pain, irregular menses, headaches, colds, and flus these could be signs that your vata is out of balance. If this is the case we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with us to get your body back in balance.
Happy Holidays,
Santa Cruz Ayurveda