When the winter begins, the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, our bodies try to adjust with the cold season. But with the transition –concerns such as cough,cold, fatigue and low energy often make their way into our daily lives. Ayurveda , the ancient science of holistic healing, teaches us that preparing the body before winter is the key to staying healthy, stronger and radiant throughout the season.Many people also visit an ayurvedic treatment centre during this time to strengthen immunity through traditional therapies.
Ayurvedic perspective: Immunity and ojas
According to ayurveda, Ojas is considered as the essence of life-the subtle energy that gives strength,vitality and immunity.It is the final product of proper digestion and tissue nourishment. When all the seven body tissues are well nourished and balanced, the pure essence that remains is OJAS.It represents the natural immunity, disease resistance, strength, mental peace .
When ojas is strong, the body will naturally withstand seasonal challenges . But during the transition, our body’s natural defenses tend to weaken ,making us more vulnerable to colds, coughs and fatigue. Ayurveda helps us to strengthen ojas-the essence of vitality and immunity –making the body stays balanced & free from disease throughout the season.
1.Boosting our digestive strength:
Strong immunity starts with strong digestive fire. When agni is diminished, ama accumulates, blocking channels and lowering the immunity.
Tips:
- Sip warm water or ginger tea.
- Avoid cold ,refrigerated , and heavy foods.
- Include soups,khichdi, and light spiced foods.
Seasonal cleansing like panchakarma treatment also enhances digestion and clears toxins.
2. Nourish ojas with strengthening foods:
Ojas is built through nutritious , unctuous and healthy food.
- Add ghee, milk, almonds ,dates ,sesame seeds , jaggery and raisins to the diet
- Warm herbal milk with turmeric , aswagandha,or asparagus
- Avoid fasting or skipping meals during the cold months.
- Seasonal vegetables like carrot,beetroot and pumpkins are grounding and warming
Strengthening foods are often advised before undergoing ayurvedic panchakarma treatment for better results.
3.Abhyanga(Daily oil massage)
Daily oil massage is part of our dinacharya.
- Improves blood circulation and detoxification
- Nourishes skin and strengthen the nervous system
- Lubricates joints and muscles
- Improves immunity
Recommended oils: sesame oil, dhanwantharam oil. Ksheerabala tailam etc
4.ENHANCING LUNG HEALTH:
Winter increases respiratory vulnerability.Strengthen the lungs and vital energy with breathing exercises and herbal support.
- Perform yoga& pranayama daily
- Steam inhalation with tulsi,dry ginger & eucalyptus.
- Drink herbal tea made from tulsi,dry ginger& black pepper
- Take talisapatradi choornam,trikatu choornam,sitopaladi choornam,vyoshadi vatakam under medical guidance if prone to cold.
Many ayurvedic panchakarma centre therapies also support better lung capacity during winter.
5 Rasayana herbs for immunity & rejuvenation:
Ayurveda explains potent drugs to restore strength, increase longevity &improve health.
- Chyawanaprash: As morning tonic to improve immunity,strength
- Aswagandha: Enhances vitality and reduces stress
- Guduchi(Amruth): increases resistance to infection.
- Amla: Rich in Vitamin C and rejuvenating
- Pipali: Improves respiratory strength & digestion.
6.MIND-BODY HARMONY:
Emotional stress reduces immunity .In order to improve mental health, we can do the following:
- Daily meditation or chanting mantras to calm up the mind.
- Gentle yoga (Like Suryanamskara,Bhujangasana,vajrasana)
- Engage in warm baths,herbal teas or aroma therapy with camphor or eucalyptus.
- Perform deep breathing exercises
- Develop positive emotions, sustaining good relationships and engage in activities which bring happiness and satisfaction.
7 Following Dinacharya(Daily routines)
Ayurveda explains daily routines which help in balancing body rhythm and immunity.
- Walking up at Brahmamuhurta
- Massaging & having hot bath
- Gargling with sesame oil or herbal decoction .(kavala)
- Perform Nasya(application of nasal drops in both nostrils) with Anutailam or Shadbindhu tailam to protect the respiratory tract .
- Exercising regularly
- Sleep early and avoid late night screen exposure
8 Detox (Purificatory therapies):
Seasonal cleansing before winter helps to eliminate ama and strengthens the body’s resistance.
- Abhyanga & Swedana: Helps to improve circulation and relaxation
- Virechana: helps to remove toxins accumulated in the body
- Nasya: Good for all disease above head & neck.
- Rasayana therapies after detox for deep rejuvenation.
- STAY WARMED,STAY HEALTHY:
Cold climate aggravates the vata doshas which causes dryness and stiffness .
- Keep the body warm by oiling .
- Avoid exposure to cold winds
- Use a room diffuser with warming oils like sandal wood,cinnamon, or tulsi.
True immunity is not just physical resistance-it is ojas,balance of body,mind and soul.By harmonizing diet,lifestyle and seasonal care with Ayurveda
Let’s welcome this winter with warmth,strength, and peace!
Dr ARDHRA PRABHAN
