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Writer's pictureVeena Haasl-Blilie

Ayurvedic Winter Wellness for Cold & Dry Climates

Updated: 19 hours ago

Winter is here, and with it comes the chill and dryness that can take a toll on both body and mind. Cold winds and arid air can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, constipation, and dry skin if we don't take steps to care for ourselves. Fortunately, Ayurveda provides valuable practices to foster wellness and balance during the winter months. This post unveils seven essential Ayurvedic winter wellness practices to help you flourish, not just endure, this winter.


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"I refer to this time of year as Vata 2.0, marking the deep part of autumn where Kapha begins to intertwine. There's a significant amount of elemental energy shifting. The transition from one season to the next isn't abrupt. Elements of Vata, like cold, dry winds, now blend with the typical winter characteristics. Of course, this varies depending on the year and your location!


The earth's doshas are more variable. For instance, last winter, it was warmer in Northern Minnesota than in New Mexico. Friends and clients in Minnesota were gardening in January, enjoying the warm sun, while I was literally freezing in New Mexico. Snow birding meant heading closer to the Canadian border rather than the Mexican one.


As environmental elements become more unpredictable and erratic, we need to be more vigilant in balancing our doshas. During this season, pay attention to Vata and Kapha." -Veena, Saumya Ayurveda


1. Nourishing Your Diet with Warm Foods


Your diet plays a crucial role in Ayurveda, especially as seasons shift. During winter, your body needs warmth and sustenance. Focus on incorporating warm, well-spiced, well-cooked foods instead of raw salads and cold dishes.


Use seasonal vegetables like carrots (rich in beta-carotene), sweet potatoes (high in potassium), and winter squash to help keep your body warm. Especially consider adding warming spices such as ginger (which can increase circulation), turmeric (known for its anti-inflammatory properties), cinnamon (can help regulate blood sugar and improve circulation), and cardamom (aids digestion) to your meals.


In Ayurveda, digestion is key to good health and balanced doshas. Stoke your digestive fire (agni) which can become compromised from cold and wind...and dark winter season. For a satisfying winter meal, try a hearty lentil soup. This protein-packed dish not only warms you from the inside out but also provides essential nutrients to support your immune system.



2. Hydration with Herbal Teas


Even though winter may reduce your thirst, staying hydrated is vital. Replace cold water with warm herbal teas to maintain hydration levels, balance your doshas, stoke agni (digestive fire), and reduce ama (toxins).


Infusions made with ginger can boost circulation and digestion, chamomile soothes the mind, and fennel can reduce bloating. Each cup serves as a warm comfort on a cold day. Additionally, make a habit of sipping warm water throughout your day. This simple change can promote hydration, support detoxification, and keep your skin healthy, fighting off the dryness of winter.



3. Routine Abhyanga (Self-Massage)


Abhyanga, or Ayurvedic self-massage, provides nurturing benefits during winter. Using warm oils like sesame (known for its warming properties) or almond oil can nourish your skin and calm your mind.


By regularly massaging oil into your skin, you enhance circulation while deeply moisturizing. Aim to perform this practice at least three times a week to keep Vata grounded. Take your time to focus on tense or dry areas. You will likely feel a reduction in stress while also enjoying improved clarity of mind and emotional balance during the winter months.


Abhyanga Massage - How to Do Ayurveda Self-Massage at Home Coming Soon: Ayurvedic Skincare: Managing Dry Skin in Vata Season Beyond Basic Moisture


4. Prioritize Sleep Hygiene


As daylight shortens, aligning your daily rhythms with nature's cycles is crucial. Ayurveda emphasizes balancing the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which can easily become disrupted during winter.


To encourage restful sleep, establish a calming pre-bedtime routine. Activities such as meditation, gentle yoga stretches, and inspiring reading of a PAPER book, can help your mind unwind. Try to be in bed by 10 PM to align with natural cycles, which can stabilize the Vata dosha, often heightened during cold, dry weather.



5. Keep Your Mind Balanced with Meditation


The winter season can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation and sadness. Daily guided meditation can effectively counter these fluctuations. Just a few minutes of mindfulness can significantly enhance your mental well-being.


Find a quiet spot in your home, sit comfortably, and focus on your breath. Incorporate guided visualizations or positive affirmations to foster feelings of calmness and optimism. Regular meditation not only balances emotions but also strengthens the immune system, equipping your body to fight off seasonal illnesses.


Remember to keep moving each day. Whether you do that inside or outside, movement keeps your prana flowing. Walking in woods, cross country skiing, or indoor exercise, choose what works well for you and keep it going.


"Try our Best Yoga Poses for Vata Dosha: Ground and Balance. Add Surya Namaskar (sun salutations) coordinating your inhale with rising motions, and exhalation with downward movements. This practice is meditative when you coordinate the flow of your prana (breath) with each asana (posture) in the series."

--Veena, Saumya Ayurveda


Coming Soon: 3 Energizing Ayurvedic Morning Routines to Brighten Dark Winter Days


6. Embrace Warming Herbs and Spices


Many herbs and spices serve as powerful allies in the winter. They not only add flavor but also possess medicinal properties that support your winter wellness.


Consider incorporating ginger (increases body heat), black pepper (supports digestion), and cardamom (improves circulation) into your cooking. Enjoy a cup of spicy chai made with ginger, and cardamom. This delicious drink keeps your spirits up while offering a warming effect on colder days.



7. Create a Cozy Environment


Not everyone loves winter, yet with Ayurveda tools for a cold climate, living in Northern, Midwest, or other climates doesn't have to through your doshas out of balance until the spring thaw.


Your surroundings play a significant role in your comfort level during winter. Ayurvedic principles advocate for creating a cozy, harmonious space that promotes calm and relaxation.


Utilize warm colors and soft fabrics in your decor to cultivate an inviting atmosphere. Consider using essential oil diffusers with scents like eucalyptus (clears the air) or clove (adds warmth) to enhance your space. Additionally, maintaining a warm, cozy home environment helps combat the dryness of winter air, which can lead to skin problems. Adding indoor plants not only beautifies your space but also improves air quality and boosts your mood.


Incorporating these seven essential Ayurvedic practices into your winter routine can help you navigate the challenges of cold and dry climates with resilience. By aligning your lifestyle choices with Ayurvedic wisdom, you can achieve harmony within your body and mind, enhancing your winter experience.


Give yourself the gift of winter wellness. Embrace the season with intention and care for your body, ensuring that the winter months are spent thriving, not just surviving.


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Embrace Your Winter Wellness Journey


The insights provided by Ayurveda have remained relevant through the years and can significantly enhance your well-being in winter.


By adopting practices that meet your body’s needs during these cold months, you pave the way for a season of vitality and health. Whether through wholesome foods, warm beverages, or mindful self-care routines, your journey through winter can become a fulfilling and uplifting experience.


As you prepare for the colder season, prioritize health and well-being by weaving these essential Ayurvedic practices into your life. With a little love and attention, winter can be a time of growth, comfort, and renewal.


 

Ayurvedic Winter Wellness for Cold & Dry Climates Discover how personalized Ayurvedic treatment can change your life

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We all want to be heard, understood, and cared for as whole beings, not a set of isolated symptoms. True health is more than the absence of disease, which is why Western medicine so often leaves us feeling hopeless and unseen.


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Veena at Saumya Ayurveda

MEET VEENA: YOUR AYURVEDIC GUIDE

Veena is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and meditation teacher, and monk.


She is President Emeritus and teaching faculty of the Meditation Center.


Veena fell in love with the traditional medicine used in her family’s home, learning herbal remedies at her grandmother's knee.


An experienced Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Veena’s deep, intuitive knowledge of Ayurveda empowers her clients to reclaim their fullest, most vibrant lives –mentally, physically, and spiritually.


Veena individualizes treatment plans to each person, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, so it fits your life and becomes woven in your lifestyle, naturally.


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