When winter arrives , the air turns cool and dry, which makes our skin dry, joint stiffens and mind get scattered. Ayurveda sees this as vata doshic imbalance. Our body begins to crave warmth,softness,unctuousness and nourishment. Oil has qualities such as unctuous, warm, heavy ,stabilizing,soothing, deeply penetrating which has strong power to counteract the vatic dosha imbalances .That’s where oil comes in as a natural antidote.
OIL: THE NOURISHER OF BODY AND MIND
In ayurveda, applying oil to the body is not just physical nourishment; it is an emotional care too.Oil acts as a lubricant,protector and healer, supporting every tissue in the body(dhatus).
Regular use of oil through abhyanga(massage), and snehapana(internal oleation has many benefits:
ABHYANGA:
Physical Psychological
Improved circulation Stress and anxiety
Muscle and joint health Mental clarity
Nourished skin Improved well being
Enhanced stamina and strength General benefits
Better sleep antiaging &longevity
Digestive support balance dosha
Immune system support
SNEHAPANA:
Internal oleation therapy involving the oral intake of medicated ghee or oil offers many benefits primarily in detoxification, and balancing of vata pitta dosha. It is a vital pre-procedure for panchakarma treatment performed at any ayurvedic treatment centre.
- Deep detoxification Therapeutic indications:
- Improved digestion and metabolism skin disorders
- Balancing doshas GIT ailments
- Enhanced skin and complexion Osteoarithritis , joint pain
- Boost immunity and vitality Neurological disorders
- Mental and emotional clarity Chronic constipation
- Hormonal balance support metabolic conditions
In winter, our digestive fire& strength is high, hence easy digestion of snehapana takes place.
APPLICATION OF OIL IN DIFFERENT WAYS:
- Morning abhyanga: Make the oil lukewarm and apply it on the body from head to toe after sometime,have a warm bath.
- Oil pulling: Swish sesame or coconut oil in the mouth for 5-10 minutes to strengthen gums & detoxify.
- Nasal application(nasya): A few drops of warm ghee or oil, mostly anutailam, is administered into both nostrils in day & evening to keep nasal passages moist and clear.
- Dietary fats: Include ghees,sesame oil, coconut oil, olive oil in diet to nourish tissues internally.
OILS FOR WINTER SEASON:
1.COCONUT OILS: It acts as a face cleanser, moisturizer and it can treat many skin disorders.Its anti microbial properties may be beneficial for skin health.
2.TILA TAILAM: It helps to keep skin refresh and natural.Used in cooking and provide many nutrients to the body.It is an anti fungal and antiseptic oil that prevents premature skin aging.It helps in providing deep nourishment to the skin,preventing dryness and flakiness. It has a warming effect which helps to aid in reducing muscle pain, cough,and cold in the winter season.
3. SARSHAPA TAILAM: Play a role in alleviating cold symptoms when applied externally to chest & back. It has a heating effect on the body.
4.BHIRANGARAJA TAILAM:Beneficial for the skin particularly in soothing dry and flaky scalp , which can be a problem in winter.
5.MAHANARAYANA TAILAM:Through regular massaging ,vitiated vata can be pacified,providing last relief from joint stiffness and muscle tiredness.
6. BRAHMI TAILA:for neurological issues
7. PINDA TAILAM: Beneficial for dry skin,improves blood circulation,reduces joint pain, cures skin diseases and cracks feet.
8. ELADI TAILAM:Moisture and nourishes the skin to perform its protective function.
9. CASTOR OIL: Nourishing for dry,cracked skin that is common in winter.Best for over all health and well being
10.ASWAGANDHA OIL: Helps in conditions of vata disorders,muscle wasting, raktapitta,bleeding disorders and yoni vikaras.
Winter is the vata dominant season-cold,dry and rough in nature.These qualities disturb the body’s natural lubrication.This is the main reason oil becomes body’s best friend in this season.
Your body’s cravings for oil in winter is nature’s signal for balance.Embrace it with mindfulness, we can discover the ancient ayurvedic secret which can keep you healthy,glowing and calm all seasons long.
Dr Ardhra Prabhan