Ayurveda philosophy teaches that everything in nature is made up of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether.

The five elements form together to create three doshas (energies):

        Vata: ether, air

        Pitta: fire, water

        Kapha: earth, water

Each one of us is born with a dominant dosha. The seasons also have certain energies about them.

Late Spring/Summer: Pitta

Autumn/Early Winter: Vata

Late Winter/Early Spring: Kapha

*Exact dates vary due to climate and location. It is a gradual move into each season/dosha. For example, where I live in the Northeastern United States the change from vata to kapha occurs in January or February as the weather shifts from dry to wet and from windy to stillness.

You can use the foundational principle of Ayurveda to stay healthy and balanced through winter:

Like attracts like, opposites create balance.

Read more here or listen to the podcast episode. Be sure to grab your free self-inquiry download.

And now... Ayurvedic tips to stay healthy this winter:

• Create routines and regular meal times. This calms vata dosha.

• Wake up with the sun to maximize sunlight.

• Drink warm water upon waking up. Limit caffeine.

• Practice abhyanga (self-massage) with organic oil before or after showering.

• Set a bedtime and turn off electronics an hour before.

• Avoid cold foods (anything straight out of the fridge) and reduce consumption of raw foods.

• In December: Practice restorative or yin yoga. Focus on grounding during standing poses in your vinyasa practice.

• In Kapha season: Practice more vigorous yoga. Include backbends to help clear out mucus and congestion.

• Stay warm but go outside. Move your body everyday.

• Cover your head and extremities.

• Use essentials oils as aromatherapy.
  • Vata: lavender, clary sage, geranium
  • Kapha: eucalyptus, bergamot, clove
  • Pitta: lavender, jasmine, sandalwood

How do you create balance during vata season? What about kapha season?