Ayurveda for Winter

Not unlike Autumn, Winter is cold. But with mid to late Winter there comes a hardness, which can often bring snow and ice before the melting into Spring. It is a Season largely dominated by Kapha but there is still a strong presence of Vata Dosha, which we should be mindful of. Feel into your own body and mind and see which dosha feels more prevalent now. Kapha Dosha is composed of the elements Water & Earth and as the environment around us cools down even further and even turns wet (snow), so too Kapha Dosha will increase within us - remember one of the golden rules of Ayurveda ‘like increases like’. If you’re in balance you should naturally start to crave warm, dryer, more spicy foods to keep your digestive fire burning and stop any feelings of sluggishness - tune in and see what nature has to offer, Kapha season foods will be in abundance all around us. Below is a guide to help you through this wonderful season with ease:

Signs of Kapha Aggravation 

  • Any signs of ‘phlegm’ or congestion in the body;

  • Respiratory disorders, colds, flu, asthma, bronchitis, swollen glands, benign tumours;

  • Sluggishness, weight gain, diabetes, water retention, lethargy & headaches;

  • Attachment, greed, ‘heavy/low’ mood, depression or sadness;

  • Loss of appetite;

  • Feeling drowsy and tired during the day;

  • Indigestion;

  • Itching;

  • mucous in stools

General guidelines to pacify Kapha  

  • Do not sleep after 6am and retire by 10pm;

  • Do not eat between 6am-10am or after 6pm. Biggest meal should be at lunchtime;

  • Exercise as vigorously as you can during the hours 6am-10am. You can also exercise between 6pm and 10pm but less vigorously;

  • Frequent changes in routine or lifestyle habits;

  • Avoid cold, damp, heavy foods or drinks;

  • Eat only when hungry;

  • It is ideal for Kapha types to fast between the hours of 6pm and 10am;

  • Favour spicy, bitter & astringent foods. Avoid/reduce sweet, sour & salty foods;

  • Avoid excess sleep and never sleep during the day;

  • Keep warm & dry;

  • Dry body brush before showering and dry self massage or use a very small amount of warm sesame oil;

  • If possible have a monthly oil therapy. Choose from Udvartana, Pinda Sveda, Pristhabhyanga or Nabhi Abhyanga;

  • Herbs to consider - Triphala, Guggulu, Arjuna, Shallaki, Pippali & Brahmi

Foods to favour

  • Green, bitter & astringent veg;

  • Astringent, less sweet fruits;

  • Barley, buckwheat, couscous, oat bran & rye;

  • Most spices are good;

  • Chai OK in moderation as long as well spiced, lassi OK too;

  • Small amount of oils - sunflower, ghee or almond best but in moderation;

  • Vegan diet is ideal for Kapha types. Proteins from aduki beans, black beans, chick peas, red/brown lentils and Mung dal or very lean white meat of turkey or chicken. Fresh water fish, venison and shrimp in moderation.

Foods to reduce

  • Avoid Sweet, juicy veg like sweet potatoes and cucumber;

  • Avoid overly sweet & juicy fruits like mangoes, bananas, melons and avocados;

  • Avoid bread with yeast, wheat, pasta, cooked oats and rice in moderation.;

  • Avoid salt;

  • Avoid any cold dairy from cows milk;

  • Avoid most nuts & seeds;

  • Avoid cold drinks and favour warm;

Winter shopping list

  • Artichoke, Asparagus, broccoli, green beans,

  • Fruits like green apples, winter berries, cherries & pears

  • Barley, buckwheat, dry cereal, couscous & oat bran;

  • Black beans, red lentils, chick peas, aduki beans;

  • All spices!;

  • Neti pot, nasya oil, sesame oil & eucalyptus essential oil

Happy Winter!

Mairead MoodieThe Sacred Space