Sweep Away Those Seasonal Coughs, Cold & Winter Blues

Sweep Away Those Seasonal Coughs, Cold & Winter Blues

As the days get shorter and the air gets colder, it is time for us to adapt accordingly to make the most of these wonderful changes in seasons.

In Autumn; cold, rough, vulnerable qualities start to emerge in the environment indicating that Vata is dominant. Vata lingers on in early winter giving way gradually to Kapha with the environment taking on a cold, heavy, wet, earthy qualities. It is so important for us to observe these changes in the seasons, tap in to our intuition, balance and adapt to these changes ignorer to thrive during the colder seasons.

It is essential to keep Vata in balance. Vata helps movement, transformation (think of autumn leaves swept around by the wind). If unbalanced, this can lead to anxiety, drying and cooling. Kapha is grounding, bringing calm and stillness. If aggravated, it can cause stagnation, inertia and cold. These Doshic imbalances can result in our immunity being reduced and anxiety to increase – for example the prevalence of winter blues, coughs and colds are all too evident during the colder months.

There are number of ways to keep your Vata and Kapha dosha in balance.

1. Wrap up warm – lower back, feet, chest, neck and head to be kept warm and dry.

2. Bathe in warm water.

3. Nourishing Ayurvedic massages / Abhyanga with sesame oil and Vata pacifying herbs.

4. Avoid “cold” food and drinks (temperature and Doshic quality) – eg salads, iced water, frozen food, water melon, white sugar and soy. These are very cold and can dampen your digestive fire causing congestion and ama / toxin build up.

5. Nourish your body with warm, spicy, unctuous food such as broths, soups, stews,     curries, honey, cooked grains, vegetables, porridge, ghee, sesame etc

6. Make the most when the sun is out!

7. Wear bright cheerful colours that pacify Vata and Kapha – think red, orange, pink! Look fabulous.

8. Exposure to cold wind, staying up late, afternoon naps, blue light exposure from electronics during bedtime are to be avoided as they aggravate Vata.

9. Exercise according to your ability - Yoga, brisk walks / runs in the winter sun, cycling or simply dancing in your living room.

Copyright: Rochelle Wickramaratchi

07 June 2023