An Ayurvedic Guide to Surviving Winter
In Ayurveda, each calendar year is divided into six seasons, each according to the movements of the sun.
Mid January to mid-March (approximately) is considered Shishir Ritu (late winter). The heavy, dull, cold, clear and static qualities of Ayurveda’s, Kapha (Kah-pah) Dosha (Doh-sha), govern this cold and wet season in the Northern Hemisphere.
Bare, vulnerable, and fiercely dominated by the element of ice - the energy of Late Winter is like an unborn child, ripening within the Mother, but nature is not yet ready to give birth.
If we were to watch her, to listen, she would tell us to rest, to reflect, to build an internal will and to stay healthy. For the Spring Equinox will officially grace us with her welcomed presence come mid March. And life from there, dear friends, is headed straight into light speed.
This is not a season of weakening, rather a season of cultivating true strength. It is the best season to improve your immunity, get clear about your intentions for the future, find some balance and stay inspired by life from the inside-out.
Do more than just survive. Thrive!
The Three Doshas:
Ayurveda is based on the principles of three doshas. Doshas are the prominent primal energies that make up every individual. Each dosha governs a different physiological function in the body. While all beings have all three doshas within them, each individual carries a differing balance of doshas at varying times in their life. The Ayurvedic Doshas are: Kapha, Pitta and Vata.
Kapha Dosha represents the relationship between the elements, Earth and Water. It’s name means, “that which sticks.” Seasonally, it accumulates in late Winter and early Spring and governs the life stages of infancy through adolescence.
It is the energy of building. Physiologically, it is responsible for our structure, our physical form and the smooth functioning of all its parts. The main locations of Kapha in the body are the chest, throat, lungs, head, lymph, fatty tissue, connective tissue, ligaments and tendons.
Kapha qualities: cold, wet, heavy, static, oily, stable, dull, dense, smooth, soft
Tastes that increase Kapha: Sweet, Sour, Salty
I invite you to reflect on the following questions (tip: refer to the Kapha qualities and tastes above, as needed):
How do you feel right now?
Where do you see Earth and Water( (Kapha) most active in the environment this season?
Where do you see it in your body, diet, lifestyle, and mindset?
Is there too much of it, just the right amount, or not enough?
Where could you use more balance in your life right now?
Take our Dosha Quiz
Winter Routines to try:
1. Go to bed and wake up early
2. Favor cooked food and warm drinks
3. Always wear a hat! (over 60% of body heat is lost through the head)
4. Wear bright colors to improve your mood
5. Have more sex! Ooo Lala!
6. Use humidifiers in your home to counter dryness
7. Add Dry brushing (garshana) to your daily routine
8. Give yourself a daily oil massage after a shower using an organic natural oil infused with a warming essential oil like cinnamon, clove or ginger
9. Start building a regular workout routine
10. Take Triphala to help stimulate healthy digestion
Winter Foods to favor:
Apples (cooked)
Asparagus
Beets
Buckwheat
Brown Rice
Cherries
Chilies
Chicken
Eggs
Garlic
Ghee (clarified butter)
Ginger
Grapefruit
Green Beans
Leeks + Onions
Lentils (brown and red)
Miso
Mung Dal
Oats
Pomegranates
Quinoa
Spinach
Tofu
White Fish
Winter Squash
*limit dairy, fried food and excess sugar
Spices:
All spices are supportive during the winter months