Winter has arrived. The mornings are cold, the smell of wood fires in the afternoon, the neighbours hearty cooking wafting into the evening. Meeting the sun in the morning and following it into the day to stay toasty.
Each season has specific qualities and as long as we can understand the impact of these qualities on our physical and mental wellbeing and make adjustments in our lifestyle and diet accordingly, we can be healthy in any season.
Winter is naturally dominant with cold, damp, moist heavy and sticky qualities that can be responsible for health issues like sinus congestion, colds, flu, coughs, asthma, stiff joints, dull sluggish circulation, and a dull, heavy mind, which can lead to further problems such as depression and constant physical and mental ailments throughout the season.
So how can we best protect ourselves from the affects of winter. The biggest most powerful way is through our daily routines and diet choices as described below. This creates a protective barrier around us.
Daily Routines for Winter
These routines are general for winter and depending on your individual requirements these may vary.
If you have current prescribed routines from me please stick with them. If you are unsure please check in.
Stimulation. It’s important for us to move a little more in winter. Favour activities that keep our feet on the ground such as yoga, walking or a light jog and only exercise until you feel light sweat on the brow. That’s enough for most of us. We don’t want to over do it. This helps to get the lymphatics moving and bring lightness to the body countering the heaviness of winter. Remember to stay nice and warm outdoors by wearing enough layers too.
Brush teeth and scrape tongue first thing in the morning. This is our first opportunity to remove toxins from our body.
Nasal drops. Place 1 to 2 drops of warm cold pressed sesame oil in each nostril in the morning, this will help counter congestion and mucous that leads to problems such as headaches and runny nose, common cold. I prefer to lay on the bed to do this with my head tilted back, 2 warm drops in each nostril then while gently sniffing oil into sinuses, massage around the eyes with first two fingers then massage behind the ears gently. You only need to lay down for 10 to 15 seconds. Best to follow with morning drink below. Allow space of 30 minutes before or after a shower or bath.
Morning drink on and empty stomach. Made from 1/2 tsp grated ginger, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp raw honey. Add boiling water to a mug with the ginger. Remember to wait for your drink to cool a little before adding lemon and honey. Stir and enjoy.
Steam inhalation. Twice per week to minimise congestion in chest and upper respiratory system. Use 1.5 litres of boiling water and 10 drops of eucalyptus oil. Take care when using boiling water close to the body. Place a towel over your head and bowl. And breath slowly and deeply through the nose. As a great side affect this also helps the complexion of the face and can even prevent breakouts as it opens and clears the pores of the skin on the face.
Deep breathing. 10 deep long slow breaths, 3 times per day. This ensures prana levels are toped up throughout the day which is important to all functions and timings in the body.
Self massage at least twice per week in winter massage the body gently with cold pressed black sesame oil. Ensure the oil is nice and warm. Remember long strokes toward the heart and circular around the joints. Clockwise around the naval.
Diet Advice for Winter
Favour warm nourishing food such as lentils and legumes as your digestive fire is stronger in winter and can metabolise more, providing more nourishment to your tissues.
Use ghee in your cooking. Ghee is very nourishing, anti-inflammatory and helps to build your tissues by supporting your metabolism.
Sip hot water through out the day between meals.
Reduce bread, cheese, smoothies, yoghurt, ice cream, bananas, cake, muffins, cold drinks to name a few.
If you have more questions regarding eating during winter for your body type please make a booking to see me.