Ayurveda makes it easier for you to maintain good health or improve your health if necessary. The many thousands of factors that influence our health are summarised in basic functioning principles, the three doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha, which simplifies many things. When the three doshas are in their individual balance, we enjoy perfect health, feel good and radiate natural beauty.

The tips presented here for the cold season are intended to help you maintain your inner balance. Think of these tips as recommendations, not strict rules.

Nutrition

In winter, due to the external cold, the inner "Agni" - the digestive power - is usually stronger than at other times of the year. Therefore, you can eat a little stronger and richer food now. Food that is too light and dry would cause the strong digestive fire to break down body tissue and Vata to become unbalanced.

• If possible, always prefer warm and nutritious foods (e.g. stews, pasta dishes, casseroles), dairy products (e.g. cream, rice pudding), nuts and almonds, soaked dried fruits such as dates, sultanas or figs (tip: with cream and cinnamon!).
• On the other hand, reduce raw vegetables, salads, cabbage and dry foods such as raw oatmeal, crispbread or cornflakes with cold milk.
• Always use some ghee (purified butter) for cooking. Ghee is particularly highly valued in Ayurveda for its health-promoting properties.
• Now favour the flavours "sweet", "sour" and "salty" and use mainly Vata-balancing spices such as cinnamon, fennel, aniseed, nutmeg, cumin and cumin, to name but a few. Many of these spices are already included in the Vata Churna, an Ayurvedic spice blend.
• Avoid ice-cold drinks - drink warm ones instead, e.g. Vata Tea, Gentle Breath Tea, Almond Drink or Raja´s Cup, a deliciously fine Ayurvedic coffee substitute.
• Regular drinking of hot water is highly recommended. It should simmer gently for about 5 minutes with the lid off. Then pour it into a thermos and drink it in small sips throughout the day.

Food supplements

The most important Ayurvedic food supplement is Maharishi Amrit Kalash. This dietary supplement consists of a herbal paste and herbal tablets whose health-promoting effect has been scientifically confirmed, among other things, by a significant reduction of cell-damaging "free radicals".

According to Ayurveda, our body has special nutritional needs during the cold season. The cold season food supplement is specially formulated with this in mind. The upper respiratory tract receives support from the Ayurvedic Prana Syrup, the refreshing n Throat Pastilles and the dietary supplement Prana-Rasayana.

Ayurvedic oil massage

Vata has the qualities "cold" and "dry", so it can be balanced by warmth and moisture. A full body oil massage is one of the most pleasant Vata-balancing measures. Try it out! Before a sauana session, before showering or bathing, massage the whole body with "matured", warm sesame oil - or with Vata massage oil refined with Vata-calming herbs - and let the oil soak into the skin for a few minutes. Click here for our massage instructions. The shower or bath afterwards should also be pleasantly warm.

Ayurvedic daily routine

In winter, metabolism and body strength are stronger in healthy people than at other times of the year. Therefore, you can do a little more physical activity now. However, always make sure that you do not overexert yourself, but maintain a healthy level of activity and rest.

Besides sufficient sleep, the regular practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a key to deep inner regeneration and relaxation. We regularly offer TM seminars at the Haus der Gesundheit.  

Especially in autumn and winter, reduce, if possible, everything that could affect the balance of your Vata Dosha. These are primarily avoidable stress factors such as overwork at work, long journeys, going to bed late and watching too much television. Perhaps read a good book again or listen to relaxing music, e.g. Maharishi Gandharva Veda. Scent your home atmosphere with the balancing Vata aroma oil.

The most important measures at a glance:

1. Healthy levels of activity, rest, exercise, adequate sleep and Transcendental Meditation.
2. Strengthening, nutritious and warm food
3. Regular daily routine - especially regular eating habits
4. Warmth - warm oil massage, warm food, warm clothes
5. Strengthening the organism with Ayurvedic food supplements

Based on an article by Maharishi Ayurveda Europe