Great news is on the way in Ayurveda. We are approaching Hemanta or early winter season (mid Nov - mid Jan). This is the season where health is most abundant and we don't have to manage doshas as closely. We are in the last season of the Southern solstice (Dakshinayan), where there is increasing moistness, coolness and a more nourishing atmosphere. The coolness pacifies Pitta and due to the colder climate, Kapha is more compact. Vata, for once, is already at peace. The cooler climate outside, means the internal fire (agni) is turned up and has a greater ability to convert food into the subtle nutrients our tissues need.
This is the time to eat a more nourishing diet: heavier, richer, oilier. We also want to build robust and healthy tissues to last throughout the year. We have more energy, stronger immunity and a strong appetite! We can eat larger quantities at this time, as well as favor the sweet, sour and salty tastes. Up your ghee intake , and use more oil in your diet. Wheat, black gram (urad dhal), rice, sesame seeds, milk, meat, figs, dates and cane sugar are great now.
Lifestyle tips for this season include abhyanga (warm oil massage, pre-bath), sipping hot/lukewarm water, moderate exercise (turn it up from the fall season), exposure to the sunshine & toasty fires when available, and last but not least, this is the best season to have sex as often as you'd like, this is the fertility season!
As always, this blog is dedicated to my Gurukula @ Vedika Global:
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