3 tips to stay warm, nourished and grounded this Winter (Vata) Season

3 tips to stay warm, nourished and grounded this Winter (Vata) Season

Here in the Northern Hemisphere, Winter is in full swing, with the cold temperatures, windy conditions, and rain, ice and snow. Even in temperate Southern California where I live, the temperature has been falling with the cold rains, and now the winds have picked back up again. Every season is governed by a specific dosha. Fall and early winter are governed by Vata dosha. Vata dosha is made of the elements air and ether and its predominant qualities are light, cold, dry and mobile. While the dry fall winds have died down for the most part, we now have colder conditions, and the dryness has been somewhat replaced with the dampness of rain or snow in some parts of the country. And if you are someone with a predominant Vata constitution (Learn more about Vata dosha and find out here), you have to protect yourself even more from the light, cold, dry mobile qualities of Vata taking over – think feeling very cold (especially extremities), dry skin and hair, and perhaps feeling ungrounded and spacey. Here are 3 surefire ways to warm, ground and nourish you this winter season.

1. Food – Warm, nourishing, grounding and well spiced

Tastes that pacify Vata dosha are sweet, salty and sour. Of these tastes the sweet taste (made up of earth and water), is the most nourishing and grounding. Healthy examples of sweet tasting foods include whole grains, nuts, root vegetables, natural sweeteners (honey, maple syrup etc.), healthy fats and sweet and juicy fruits. Nature knows best. Fall and early winter harvest (depending where you live), includes grounding root vegetables like carrots, beetroots, potatoes, as well as the heavier winter squashes such as pumpkin and butternut squash. Perfect Vata pacifying foods. Since sweet tasting foods are heavier to digest, they should be mildly spiced using Vata pacifying spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom and fennel. And don’t forget herbs such as thyme, oregano, sage and basil. Herbs and spices not only fabulously flavor your meals, they also aid digestion and are packed with potent antioxidants. Start your day with a bowl of nourishing oatmeal cooked with apple, walnuts and spiced with ginger and cinnamon. Favor warm (cooked foods), especially soups and stews. Click here for 3 Soups to Warm you up this winter featuring grounding butternut squash, sweet potatoes (yams) and carrots.

2. Self-massage (Abhyanga) – A loving way to stay nourished and grounded

Self-massage = Self-love. Fall is the time to nourish yourself even more, with a warming and grounding abyanga (self-massage) at least 2-3 times a week. Use Vata pacifying oils such as almond and sesame oil warmed up to a comfortable temperature and lovingly massage yourself following the directions given here. You can also add a few drops (1-2) of calming and Vata pacifying essential oils like lavender, ylang ylang or cedarwood to your massage oil. Click here for the self-massage protocol.

3. Aromatherapy and essential oils – Smell your way to ground and balance

Sweet and spicy essential oils calm and ground Vata dosha. These include lavender, sweet orange, ylang ylang, rosemary, ginger, cedarwood and frankincense. You can make as a spritzer or an oil blend, to use as needed to remain calm and grounded.

Vata pacifying aromatherapy blend (oil or spritzer)

2 oz jojoba oil (carrier oil) or 2 oz distilled water
4 drops Lavender essential oil
4 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
3 drops Rosemary
3 drops Frankincense
Mix everything together in a glass bottle and shake well.
Each season brings its gifts – the short, cold days of winter encourage us to nourish ourselves, and to also go within. Enjoy the crisp cold air, the beautiful snow and the longer nights by keeping yourself toasty and grounded.

The information in this article is intended for informational and educational use only; It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, foods, supplements, fitness, or other health programs.