We will be learning some more valuable Ayurevdic wisdom to help support us through this season in ‘The Art of Cooking- Winter Workshop’ on Sunday 24th January at 4pm-6pm with Ella Young. You can find out more information here
Winter Wellness Guide ~ Inspired by Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a sister science of yoga; it is a system of healing that originates in ancient India and fortunately the wisdom has been preserved. This art recognises us as a part of this ever-changing world and offers us practical tools to help us ebb and flow in harmony with the natural world.
The wintertime is about grounding, building and nourishing. It is the kapha time of year which means that the elements of earth and water predominate, think slow, heavy, dull. This is a wonderful opportunity for hibernation, reflection and deep self-care.
1. Sleep – but maintain a routine The darkness is almost asking us to sleep a little longer during this season – go to bed a bit earlier and try to keep it consistent.
Consistency is the best medicine for our body clock, creating regular timings for when we sleep, wake, digest, eliminate, work etc. Having this structure in place helps us to steer clear of decision-fatigue and reserve our energy… our body becomes more efficient at regulating itself and focusing on the task at hand.
2. Drink warm liquid
Warm water is my favourite drink of all time. For an added hit of fire, a little fresh ginger goes a long way – the perfect cold-season company.
3. Oiling inside and out
In Sanskrit (the ancient language of Ayurveda and yoga), the word for ‘oil’ is the same as that for ‘love’. Ayurvedic medicine puts a lot of emphasis on the importance of oil as a method of nourishing, stabilising and even alleviating the elimination process within the body.
Abhyanga (self-massage) is the most beautiful ritual to enjoy year-round and in the winter, I would recommend gently warming the oil before it touches your body for an extra treat.
To moisturise from the inside out, consumption of pure, high-quality oil with most meals is advised. Ghee is revered in Ayurevda as one of the most nourishing foods possible, increasing ojas (vitality) and striking through ama (toxic build up).
4. Generate internal heat
The qualities of slow, heavy and dull are to be respected and enjoyed, however we don’t want to lean too far one way and so we want to draw the opposite qualities to find balance.
Dynamic asana practice is a fantastic way to step out of the slow, finding a sense of lightness and space inside. Through the simple practice of breath and body coordination, we begin to warm and gather our being.
Regardless of whether you are moving the physical body, an ujjai (victorious) breath is a great way to create inner warmth.
5. Warm your heart
Share moments of love by making eye contact, sending sweet love notes, giving what you can and then receiving the gratitude in return with grace. Hold your heart and feel the warmth that you create… it’s likely that their heart is warm too!
We will be learning some more valuable Ayurevdic wisdom to help support us through this season in ‘The Art of Cooking- Winter Workshop’ on Sunday 24th January at 4pm-6pm with Ella Young. You can find out more information here
Blog piece written by Ella Young
Become a healthy, peaceful, content version of yourself in 2021!