Ayurveda is an ancient system of herbal medicine, derived from India some 5,000 years ago. It contains guidelines and practices for maintaining optimal health, treating illness and aiding the body’s return to its natural state of balance. When combined with diet and lifestyle suited to an individual’s constitution, Ayurveda provides the tools to empower us to realise our full potential in life.
The winter months are an especially sensitive time for the body and mind. We need deep rest, extra nourishment, warmth and as much light as possible to maintain optimal health and brain activity. Below are some specific practices to help you feel your best at this time of year:
– Rest well and early. The ‘golden hours’ of sleep are before midnight, so getting to sleep earlier will give you extra energy in the morning.
– Start the day with Abhyanga (self-massage) followed by asana practice, Shavasana, a good wash and then a light, nutritious and healthy breakfast.
– Eat warm and nourishing meals. Try spiced porridge or warm compote at breakfast, a hearty warm lunch and a lighter early dinner. Small soup portions are a great way to add warmth and moisture to meals to keep the vata dosha balanced.
– Avoid snacking between meals as much as possible so your digestive fire (Agni) is potent for the next meal. Hot drinks can keep hunger at bay, or a bowl of simple miso soup.
– Limit sugar, alcohol, meat, wheat and hard cheese whenever possible as these are the most difficult things to digest and can cause an accumulation of toxins in the body.
– Do a detox day once a week, eating only mung soup and steamed green vegetables for all meals. Try to also limit the time you spend online on this day. Take a walk outside, have a treatment or enjoy a relaxing yoga class such as Nidra in the afternoon instead.
