Human health and hence the body is influenced by each season through the year. Hence, it becomes highly important for us to protect our health through our diet (Ahara) and lifestyle (Vihara) aligned with the season.
Let’s dive in to practical tips that you can follow and that you should avoid during Shishir (Late Winters).
Division of Seasons in Ayurveda
The typical breakdown of seasons is not same as what the western world has told us.
In India, traditionally, the year is divided into two periods (Ayanas) and these individual periods are further divided into 3 seasons each.
1. Uttarayana (Adana Kala) – when the Sun moves northward and becomes stronger for India (India being in the Northern Hemisphere).
Seasons: Shishir (Late Winters), Vasant (Spring), Grishma (Summer)
During this period, the Sun and dry winds absorb moisture from the body, gradually reducing physical strength.
2.Dakshinayana (Visarga Kala) – when the Sun moves southward and its strength decreases
Seasons: Varsha (Rains), Hemant (Early Winters), Sharad (Winters)
Characteristics of Shishir Ritu (Late Winter)
During this season, wind is dry and weather is cold and chill, hence, Kapha begins to accumulate in the body. However, digestive fire is strong. Nights are long, promoting deep sleep and physical recovery.
This gives a clear picture what to eat and what precautions to take during this period.
Precautions in Shishir Ritu
· Since the weather is still cold, it becomes very important to protect yourself from cold exposure not only from outside but also from inside.
· Avoid staying awake late at night
· Avoid excessive dry and cold foods.
Diet (Ahara) in Shishir Ritu
It is recommended to have warm, nourishing, and unctuous foods. Body naturally craves for sweet and salty tastes. Nature offers us highly nutritious root vegetables like carrot, beetroot etc. Greens are also at their pick in this season.
Hence, we see our mothers making dry-fruit laddoos, kheer, pinni, hot soups etc.
However, excess consumption is discouraged. Such foods are really helpful in catering to Vata-Kapha imbalance typical in cold weather.
Avoid:
•Cold, dry, light foods
•Excess fasting
Lifestyle (Vihara) in Shishir Ritu
Let’s explore what lifestyle practices Ayurveda has recommended us during this season.
•Oil massage (Abhyanga) with sesame or mustard oil
•Regular exercise
•Sun exposure
•Wearing warm clothes
•Avoid day sleep and staying awake late at night
Late winter is an important seasonal phase in Ayurveda, where the body demands intentional support through right diet and lifestyle which if followed as per ayurvedic principles will prevent seasonal health issues. Following a late winter diet which comprises of digestion-friendly, warm and nourishing foods will help strengthen digestive fire (Agni), improve immunity and maintain Vata-Pitta-Kapha Balance. In addition to diet, it is also important to adopt lifestyle that Ayurveda recommends such as abhyanga, exercise, adequate sleep etc.
The key take away:
At Prakroot Ayurveda, we believe that living in harmony with nature through seasonal Ayurvedic routines not only supports holistic well-being but also prepares the body for a smooth and healthy transition into spring.
