Regardless of your own constellation, a certain dosha predominates in the respective season. In late autumn or with the beginning of winter we are at the peak of Vata. At the same time a change to Kapha Dosha takes place. This brings with it certain characteristics to which we react both physically and mentally. And differently - depending on the dosha type. Just as body, mind and soul are inseparably connected, we as humans are also connected to the nature that surrounds us. In the winter, these are the frosty temperatures, annoying colds and also a slightly depressed mood. If you know how to balance your constitution with the prevailing dosha of the season, you will strengthen your Ayurvedic type in winter.
Winter is determined by Vata and Kapha
Vata corresponds to the elements of air and ether and the principle of movement. Predominant are the properties light, dry, cold and unstable. Earth and water, in turn, are the elements of Kapha - with the properties of heavy, cool and stable. It depends on the individual winter when the change of Vata and Kapha really starts. If the weather is dry, Vata will be in the forefront. If it is a wet winter, Kapha will be more intense. To preventively do something for your health and well-being, you can counteract these predominant characteristics. With the following tips, all Ayurvedic types can strengthen themselves in winter:
Heat inside and outside
To strengthen your immune system, freshly cooked food and warm drinks are recommended. They boost the metabolism and protect you from the cold from the inside. From an Ayurvedic point of view, sweet (neutral), sour and salty tastes are important to balance Vata and Kapha. Warming spices such as ginger, pepper or cardamom in the food also heat up.
Spa program
If you have the opportunity, now is the perfect time for hot baths. Otherwise, it also helps to get warm in the sauna every now and then. Not for nothing are spa excursions a good idea in winter. Here at Sonnhof you can also enjoy our spa area as a day guest.
Move it - Movement brings warmth
The cold, dark days make us want to hole up at home and not go outside. This is the sluggish effect of Kapha, which you can remedy with exercise. Not only is it a good and healthy way to warm up your body, but it can also counteract Kapha-induced lethargy and heaviness. Yoga, for example, makes you more supple, the energies flow better, because body and mind are stimulated. You become more active right away - mentally as well.
Regularity brings stability to your day
Especially too much Vata makes us restless. A structured routine with fixed meals and regular sleep helps against this. But beware: too much Kapha makes us sluggish. Therefore, refrain from naps during the day. It is better if you consciously go to bed early so that you can refuel enough fresh energy. To minimize the feeling of stress, hectic and restlessness, a good organizational management can help you to tackle your tasks in peace.
Stay connected
Winter depression plagues many. This is not surprising due to the dark short days. Although it can sometimes be nice to have a few moments to yourself, you should be careful not to isolate yourself. Now is the time for social warmth. Surround yourself with people who are good for you, do something with them, and generally do extensively all that makes you happy. A happy mind strengthens all Ayurvedic types in the cold season.
How the Ayurveda type Vata comes strengthened through the winter
The changeable nature of Vata is triggered even more in winter. If this Dosha determines your Ayurvedic type, you should pay special attention to regularities. This concerns the meals and also the body care. Your skin, which is already prone to dryness, will be even more stressed. So massage it daily with oil to moisturize it sufficiently and at the same time stimulate blood circulation. Sesame oil and ghee in food also support this internally. With hot ginger water throughout the day, you absorb fluids and warm yourself at the same time. Spices such as cardamom, cumin, black pepper and ginger are recommended in meals because they also warm you up. Since you as a Vata type tend to be nervous and restless, you can stabilize yourself with daily meditation sessions.
How the Ayurveda type Kapha comes strengthened through the winter
In winter, Kapha types are prone to colds with mucus production. This includes, for example, a damp cough and colds. Mucus-forming foods or drinks, including dairy products, should be avoided for this reason. Because warmth is especially important for the Kapha type, well-seasoned soups, hot ginger water and warming spiced teas are recommended. This will make you warm inside. Externally, you can stimulate the blood circulation with massages. This stimulates the metabolism, while you can enjoy pleasant warmth. Activity is very important! Unlike Vata types, exercise can be really cranked up. Feel free to break a sweat! This also counteracts Kapha-induced heaviness and stagnation and prevents weight gain.
How the Ayurveda type Pitta comes strengthened through the winter
The predominant element in Pitta is fire. For this reason, these Ayurvedic types actually do quite well in winter, as the cold naturally balances the inner heat. But here, too, imbalance can lead to disease. Because too much Pitta causes inflammation, infectious diseases with fever can become a problem in the cold season. Anti-inflammatory foods and drinks help counteract these illnesses. Spicy, salty and acidic food should rather be avoided, but foods like broccoli, potato or green beans and spices like coriander, cardamom and turmeric as well as dairy products are good to balance the Pitta.
