Wednesday, 31st October 2012
Ever feel the onset of those winter blues? Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D), is a form of depression that affects many people during the winter months.
Occurring annually anytime from September through April, people affected by S.A.D. experience severe mood changes, loss of energy, and often have physical symptoms that correlate with the on-set of this imbalance.
In Ayurveda, ritucharya or seasonal routines are considered one of the foundations for maintaining good health. It has long been recognized that our individual constitutions or body-types are affected by changes in nature throughout the yearly cycle. Most of us have experienced how a cold, overcast day affects us differently to a warm sunny day or how several days
of cold gusty winds can aggravate our nervous systems. Ayurveda incorporates the simple but elegant principle that ‘like increases like’ to understand how the seasons will affect the energetic forces
Ritucharya for autumn and early winter
Diet : a Vata pacifying diet is recommended favoring sweet, sour and salty tastes. Food should be well cooked and easy to digest. It should be served warm and heavier, more oily food is appropriate. Dry food such as popcorn, raw vegetables and nightshades [i.e. eggplant, potatoes and tomatoes] and also raw fish should be minimized. Frozen foods and ice drinks will also aggravate Vata.
Herbs : most warming herbs and spices are balancing to Vata dosha though very drying spices such as chilli, mustard seed and black pepper can be taken in moderation.
Supplements : Nutrient rich supplements can support a healthy immune system. Take a daily does of fish oil Omega 3’s, Vitamin D, chlorella, and spirulina plus a good multi vitamins free of additives such as cellulose (which does not break down in the body) Gaia, New Chapter, and Thorne make excellent vitamins and supplements. Consult your healthcare practitioner first to see what is right for you.
Drinks : meals should be accompanied by plenty of warm liquids, a good tea for pacifying Vata dosha is made with equal parts of ginger, cinnamon and cardamom. Alternatively chamomile or liquorice tea or hot water is excellent.
Activities: Vata dosha is specifically increased by too much jogging, cycling, exercising and by working too hard. Rushing to be on time, long hours of study, staying up late at night and will aggravate Vata. Sleep and rest pacifies vata. Meditation is also excellent. As Vata is cool, stay warm. Wear a hat, scarf, and gloves even in moderate weather.
Oil massage is wonderful for pacifying Vata dosha, with particular attention to rubbing oil into the soles of the feet and into the scalp. Performed before bedtime this helps one to relax and promotes a sound sleep.
Colors that pacify vata are red, orange, yellow, and white.
Drinking a cup of warm milk (whole organic cow’s milk, nut milk, or rice milk) before bedtime is good in autumn and winter together with a pinch of cardamom, ginger or nutmeg. One should ideally be in bed by 10 pm.
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