The sixth chapter of sutra stanam in charaka samhita and the third chapter of sutra stanam in astanga hredayam talk about the seasonal changes that occur in the body how they affect Vata Pitta and Kapha and the dietary and lifestyle guidelines one can follow to maintain a balance of doshas during these seasons and avoid diseases.

These three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, regulate our mind-body system, as well as the whole of nature. We feel fine, enjoy perfect health, and radiate natural beauty when these three doshas are in their ideal balance

It’s important to remain in complete harmony with nature to have a safe and balanced life. Changing your diet and lifestyle can be a perfect way to keep in sync with the seasons’ natural cycle. It will be easier for you to make a healthier lifestyle and diet decisions and maximize your immune system, metabolism, and energy once you understand your intrinsic nature and qualities and how they change with each season.

A system of seasonal living, also referred to as Ritucharya, was developed by Ayurveda. Season means Ritu and routine mean Charya. Following these regimens and Ayurvedic practices, the body and mind will adapt to the various seasons and the body becomes stable in all season

The winter season is divided between early winter (Hemant) and late winter (Ayurveda) (Shishir). The weather is cool and chilly in winter, with plenty of moisture. When animals and humans normally go into the hibernating mode, the winter season is often marked by a feeling of lethargy.

The Kapha dosha is generally characterised by these qualities and winter is therefore generally believed to be a Kapha season. This is the Kapha season when the speed of life is slowed by the cold and heavy weather. Lubrication of the joints, the softness of the skin, and immunity are the responsibility of a healthy Kapha. However, dullness, weight gain, mucus-related diseases, and negative feelings contribute to an excess of this dosha.

Another feature of winter is the aggravation of Vata by the dry, cold weather, contributing to joint pain, indigestion, and other problems. The goal of the Ayurvedic winter diet is to pacify both Vata and Kapha in winter.

Cold weather increases digestive strength, or Agni, which in winter is typically stronger than in other seasons. Therefore, a little more and slightly richer food can be better in this cold season. if you eat too lightly, powerful Agni will start to break down body tissue and which leads the Vata dosha to become out of control.

To keep you going during this season, here are some easy health tips for winter:

Aahaar(Food)

Choose hot and cooked food :

In winter, since it can harm the immune system, it is best to avoid chilled drinks and cold food. It can help match the Vata and Kapha perfectly for the season by opting for cooked food and hot beverages.

Combination of all six tastes

The one that, according to Ayurveda, has a combination of all six tastes is a supportive winter diet. The six flavors found in the food are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent, and in order for us to remain healthy, especially in wintertime, one must enjoy a balanced proportion of all these six tastes.

List of some food that you can used in winter

1. Oil, ghee, butter
2. Milk: unctuous, nourishing
3. Cereals: Wheat, Rice
4. Meat
5. Nuts,figs,dates
6. Sesame products
7. Drink hot water to counteract cold and dryness
8. Spices:
9. Black pepper, cumin, ginger, garlic, turmeric

Vihaar ( lifestyle)

Abhyanga:

Abhyanga is a massage performed with warm oil. The oil is distributed across the body, from the scalp to the soles of your feet.

It’s the most common massage in Ayurveda, India’s traditional medicine method. Through natural practices like massage and what you eat, Ayurveda aims to preserve health.

In the winter season, you don’t want to go with coconut oil It’s a cooling oil. It’s great for this current season, but you want to switch to Sesame during the winter season and it would be great to you know oil yourself hang around for about 15 minutes and we’ll have a nice warm bath You’ll feel rejuvenated.

Udvartana:

Udvartana is an invigorating full body massage performed using herbal powder or paste in a rhythmic motion. This medication is particularly prescribed for, diabetic neuropathy, obesity, paralysis, skincare, sciatica, and indigestion. This massage also improves muscle tone and circulation apart from cleansing and nourishing the skin, helps to Reduces and balances Vata and Kapha.

Vyayamm:

Since lethargy is caused by the winter season, you need to give your body stimulation. A perfect way to do this is exercise. You can pick your workout regimes, depending on your energy levels and the time of day.

Yoga

Yoga is a perfect way for the mind to calm down and remain safe. Different movements help to produce heat in the body for the cold/winter season and are perfect for balancing Vata and Kapha

Clothing

Use heavy and warm clothes and avoid exposure to cold air particularly the ears

Breakfast

All those of you who Skip breakfast, According to Ayurveda winter season is not the time to be skipping breakfast. You are going to feel hungry because your Agni is going to be strong this season. So try to add more nourishing foods in your breakfast that support your Agni or metabolic fire.

Rest

Long nights and smaller days define winter, so you can give your body and mind enough rest. It will help you to build the perfect balance by going to bed early and rising early.

Try to reduce stress

Winter makes you slow down, which helps you to significantly alleviate tension. It will help you avoid clutter and uncertainty and minimise anxiety by having a structured and coordinated schedule for your everyday activities.