Stay well this winter – May/June 2016
The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life. – B.K.S. Iyengar
I am convinced that the more we connect and harmonise with ourselves and with Mother Nature the healthier we become. This means changing the ritual of our lives in accordance to the season, by adjusting our food and behavior.
Winter can aggravate conditions that can weaken your immune system—so it’s essential to take good care of yourself at this time of year. With that goal in mind, here are some suggestions to keep your immune system strong and your energy up. If the body is not getting what it needs it normally will ask for it? When the weather gets colder we naturally are attracted to warmer food to compensate for the colder weather but to take this concept further.
- Food Fuel – Eat warm, mushy foods- Soups, casseroles, curries, porridge are all on the menu. This means eat less raw and cold foods
- Lube it up – We need more fat in winter to counteract the dryness. Add more healthy oils to your diet – ghee, coconut oil, and flaxseed, avocado oils to your food.
- Spice it up – add more spice to your food – spices such as pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne, cloves, cardamom, cayenne and turmeric to name a few. They all aid in digestion and are warming in property. An easy way to get more spice is to make the spice chai tea recipe below.
- Hydrate – Make sure you are drinking plenty of fresh, pure hot boiled water. Water is essential for the optimal function of every system in your body and hot water will help loosen mucus. Adding some raw ginger will enhance this action
- Oil your skin –an Ayurveda massage is deeply nourishing to your nervous system and stimulating for your lymph system. A monthly visit for an Ayurveda massage supported by daily application of medicated oils is one of the nicest things you can do for yourself.
- Sleep – we naturally want to sleep more in winter. Treat yourself to a few early nights a week. Before bed sip on warm milk with a small amount of nutmeg, ashwagandha, cinnamon and ghee for a sound and peaceful sleep.