There’s limitless magic that comes with establishing routines. And as we regularly dive deeper into the world of wellness, we encounter rituals and practices which have existed in cultures for hundreds of years. Ayurveda is maybe some of the distinguished, and it’s additionally the oldest mannequin of holistic well being care, relationship again three to 5 thousand years. Among the numerous truths rooted in Ayurveda is our connection to the pure world. That’s why at the moment, we’re sharing Ayurvedic winter suggestions to aid you keep properly this season.
Featured picture by Kristen Kilpatrick.
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What is Ayurveda?
“Ayurveda is this idea that when you live in harmony with nature, you will have optimal health and a vibrant life,” Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh, a former doctor who now works as an Ayurveda wellness skilled, beforehand shared with us. Ayur means life and Veda means science in Sanskrit. In essence, Ayurveda interprets to “the science of life.”
According to Deepak Chopra (maybe essentially the most well-known trendy practitioner), Ayurveda consists of two essential theories:
1. The thoughts and the physique are inextricably linked
2. Nothing has extra energy to heal and rework the physique than the thoughts
Deepak sums it up like this: “Freedom from illness depends upon expanding our own awareness, bringing it into balance, and then extending that balance to the body.”
5 Ayurvedic Winter Tips
In Ayurvedic medicine, everything consists of the five earth elements: fire, ether, water, air, and earth. Ayurveda believes that these elements are what unite all humans. Each element is manifested through the three doshas: Kapha, Pitta, and Vata.
We each have a different combination of the three doshas and tend to lean toward one type. (To discover your dosha, take this quiz. However, know that the guidelines beneath will be utilized to any dosha sort.) Fully understanding the intricacies of Ayurveda can take years, however there are Ayurvedic winter suggestions that may simply be woven into our each day lives. Below are my favourite nods to Ayurveda that may aid you thrive this winter.
Get Things Moving Early in the Morning
An important theory in Ayurveda is that of “digestive fire.” Gut health is considered central to overall well-being. We are learning more and more through modern science about the importance of gut health and how connected it is to major disease processes and overall immunity.
What to do:
Every morning upon awakening, drink a large glass of warm filtered water with fresh lemon juice. (You can learn more about the benefits of lemon water here.) If your body leans toward constipation, add bitters to your water to assist in digestion. If your physique leans towards diarrhea, add contemporary mint or ginger to your heat water.
Eat for the Season
Ayurvedic drugs thrives on the theories of a seasonal routine. By balancing your weight-reduction plan and way of life with the season, you’re setting your self up for optimum well being. Ayurveda teaches that like brings on like and counter-balancing a season with weight-reduction plan can assist you attain a larger state of equilibrium. In different phrases, as a result of winter is a dry, chilly, and total tough season, it is best to eat meals with reverse qualities to obtain stability.
What to do:
In the winter, it’s vital to transfer away from uncooked and chilly meals. Instead, concentrate on consuming heat meals with wholesome fat, hardy greens, warming spices, and scorching drinks.
Try incorporating extra of those meals within the winter:
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Healthy fatty oils like coconut oil or olive oil.
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Hardy root greens like onions, carrots, squash, pumpkin, beets, and candy potatoes.
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Warming spices. I like to make the next spice mix initially of the season and maintain it on my spice rack to add to veggies, teas, heat milk, hen, or grains.
- Ayurvedic winter spice mix: 6 components turmeric, 3 components cumin, 3 components coriander, 6 components fennel seed, 1 half powdered dry ginger, 1 half black pepper, 1/4 half floor cinnamon.
Swish Away Bacteria on the Daily
Oil pulling is an oral Ayurvedic tradition that is similar to the idea of using mouthwash. Current scientific research has shown that daily oil pulling can prevent gingivitis and cavities. Of course, it shouldn’t take the place of good dental hygiene. However, oil pulling can be a fantastic addition to your routine. Additionally, taking time to complete a gentle meditative routine is always a positive.
What to do:
Measure one tablespoon of coconut oil and swish the oil in your mouth. Pull the oil gently through your teeth and around your gums (don’t swallow it!). It should be tasty and soothing. The goal is to get up to 15-20 minutes of swishing per day, however even just 5-10 minutes will be helpful. I like to use it in the morning before and during showering. Be careful not to spit it down the drain or toilet as hardened oil can clog pipes. Spit in the trash or in a jar to dispose of later.
Find a Way to Move Every Day
Walking is considered a tri-doshic exercise, meaning that no matter your dosha type, walking will help balance your mind, body, and soul without strain. In addition, walking after meals aids in digestion and supports the “digestive fire” that is so important in Ayurveda. In western medicine and science, we also know that walking supports heart health, strengthens muscles, and improves bone density. Why not make walking a habit?
What to do:
Schedule a daily walk after your heaviest meal of the day. (In Ayurvedic tradition, breakfast and dinner should both be light, making lunch your heaviest meal.) However, for most Americans, dinner is the heaviest meal. If that’s true for you as well, make it a habit to stroll through your neighborhood post-meal. This movement increases blood flow to your intestines and stomach, which aids in digestion.
Live in Tune with Nature
Routine is a beautiful way to align your energy, organize your life, and focus on your goals. In Ayurvedic medicine, routine is deeply important and should follow nature’s cues. A routine should be predictable and match the shifts of the sun and seasons. In fact, your body is already programmed to follow the earth—you have an innate inner cycle called the circadian rhythm. Ayurvedic medicine encourages you to pay attention to this inner rhythm and the earth in regards to waking, energy expenditure, eating, and sleeping.
What to do:
Remember these are suggestions. Take them as loosely or seriously as you’d like—I like to think of the cycle of the earth as a general energetic guide.
6 a.m. Rise with the sun every day, preferably by this time. The early morning is a slower, lower energy time so be gentle with yourself and your body.
6-10 a.m. This is a good time to eat a light breakfast. Consider meditating, light exercise or yoga, and gently start your work day.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This is your most energetic time. Exercise and eat lunch (you have lots of energy to digest a big meal). Generally, this is your most productive time. Schedule tasks or work events that require you to be on point during this period.
2 – 6 p.m. This is when things begin to slow down again. Listen to your energy and save tasks that are less mentally taxing for this part of the afternoon. Ayurveda also suggests eating dinner before 6 p.m. for optimal digestion and health.
6 – 10 p.m. You should ideally be asleep by or around 10 p.m. When the sun goes down, begin to wind down yourself. Gentle yoga or meditation is also good in this time block.
10 p.m. – 2 a.m. Hopefully, you’re asleep during this window. Ayurveda believes this time is important for rejuvenation, rest, and digestion. If you’re not, begin to wind down and do something relaxing to encourage rest. If you can’t sleep, a cup of hot milk with warm spices is the Ambien of Ayurveda and has scientifically proven qualities to promote sleep.
This post was originally published on January, 9, 2020, and has since been updated.
