The winter season, known as Shishir Ritu, brings qualities that are cold, dry, and heavy. Consequently, it naturally tends to aggravate two of the three main doshas: Vata and Kapha. Vata, which governs movement, increases due to the cold and dry air, leaving us feeling anxious, stiff, and parched. Furthermore, Kapha, which governs structure and lubrication, can increase due to the cold and heavy weather, leading to sluggishness, congestion, and a desire to oversleep. Therefore, adapting your routine is essential to counteract these seasonal imbalances and maintain optimal energy and health.
Start with Warmth and Cleansing
Wake up early, ideally before sunrise. This simple practice helps align your body with nature's rhythm, which is key to dosha balance. Upon waking, immediately reach for a glass of warm water. In addition, adding a splash of honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon not only boosts digestion but also helps kickstart your metabolism. Specifically, focus on oral hygiene:
Tongue Scraping: Use a copper tongue cleaner to remove the build-up (ama or toxins) accumulated overnight. This improves taste perception and digestive fire (Agni).
Oil Pulling: Swish a tablespoon of warm sesame or coconut oil in your mouth for a few minutes. This fortifies the gums and moistens the nasal passages, which are often dry during Indian winters.
The Power of Warm Oil Massage (Abhyanga)
Abhyanga, or self-massage with warm oil, is arguably the most important ritual for a winter routine. Moreover, the dry, rough quality of Vata is immediately soothed by the warm, unctuous quality of the oil. Use sesame oil as it is inherently warming and deeply nourishing, perfect for combating the season's chill. Apply the oil gently but firmly all over your body, paying special attention to your joints, which can become stiff in the cold. Similarly, a light champi (head massage) with oil helps calm the mind and prevent winter-related hair dryness. However, always ensure your bath or shower immediately following the massage is warm, not scorching hot, to help the skin absorb the oil’s benefits.
Movement and Nourishment
After your warm bath, engage in light physical activity. Therefore, a short round of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) is perfect, as it generates internal heat and keeps the body limber, reducing Kapha's tendency toward lethargy. Furthermore, physical activity helps improve circulation, distributing the benefits of the Abhyanga. Finally, transition to a warm and nourishing breakfast that is easy to digest. Think of spiced upma or a bowl of cooked oats, rather than cold cereal or a chilled fruit smoothie. Also, consider ending your routine with a cup of haldi doodh (turmeric milk) later in the morning; its spices and warmth are a delightful and balancing way to face the rest of a chilly winter day.
