If three people get a viral fever, one may recover quickly, another may develop asthma, and the third could contract pneumonia. The ancient science of Ayurveda does not focus on the virus as much as on strengthening the person’s immune response and using supportive practices to balance Vata Dosha, Pitta Dosha and Kapha Dosha.
Ayurveda is a natural, holistic form of medicine in India and an alternative healing practice in the US. One of its basic tenets is that everything in nature, including humans, is composed of five elements; earth, water, fire, air and ether. These elements combine to form the three energy principles of Vata, Pitta and Kapha Doshas (read more here). Even the daily rhythms and seasons are governed by the fluctuations of the Doshas which in turn impact our immunity. We are part of nature, and aligning with natural rhythms helps us stay healthy and in balance. Intuitively we know this. We feel cold in the winter and dress warmly; animals hibernate and many festivals of light are celebrated to combat the darkness around us. If you have the sniffles or feel sluggish, you’re not alone. Let’s explore how to increase our immunity in the winter and balance Vata Dosha!
Ayurveda and Immunity
In Ayurveda, immunity is classified as natural or genetic, influenced by time or acquired through consistently following a good diet, lifestyle, daily, and seasonal regimen.
Immunity does not merely refer to the resistance of a person’s body and mind to preventing diseases. It also includes the ability to recover faster and without complications if someone falls sick. Weak immunity can lead to recurrent infections, skin disorders, as well as autoimmune and digestive conditions.
Agni, Doshas and the Seasons
Good health and disease begin with our gut and our metabolic fire or Agni. Agni helps with the creation and transformation of healthy tissues leading to our vital essence or Ojas which givess strength and immunity. Agni and Doshas fluctuate through the seasons which is why so much importance is given to following a seasonal regimen. In fall and early winter in the US, Vata, or the energy of movement dominates and can go out of balance. Towards the end of winter and spring Kapha dominates, and summer is governed by the Pitta Dosha.
Why is immunity worse in winter?
Here’s a paradox; we expect our immunity to decline in the winter but our Agni is usually higher. Agni is fanned by Vata Dosha and we tend to feel more hungry as well as digest food better. Our tissues get nourished, and immunity can improve with the right dietary and lifestyle regimen for the winter. However, Vata is a tricky Dosha. If we don’t balance Vata Dosha, it can instead derange Agni and lead to many cascading issues which eventually cause a decline in immunity. At the same time, if our immune system is already strong with fortifying practices and formulations, we can combat imbalances! Therefore, the key to good health in the winter is a healthy immunity and balancing Vata Dosha!
Winter is a cold and dry season governed by Vata. Vata’s qualities are rough, dry, mobile, light, clear, subtle and cold. When Vata increases, there is dryness in our system, in our joints and sinuses, and if we are not mindful, it can lead to depletion, inflammation, skin dryness, allergies, constipation, bloating, reduced immunity, joint pains, and restlessness. Increased dryness can irritate our sinuses and make us prone to respiratory ailments while restlessness without grounding can trigger anxiety and insomnia. Vata imbalances can trigger Kapha, which is also aggravated by the cold and leads to congestion, sinusitis and asthma if we are not careful. Our Vata Bundle can help balance Vata Dosha.
What can boost my immune system?
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Eat warm, cooked, unctuous, whole foods with all colors of the rainbow.
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Reduce stress by focusing on gratitude, counting blessings, celebrating laughter, and spending time with loved ones! Give the senses a break by avoiding digital overload which is very Vata aggravating.
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Try Abhyanga or self-message with Vata Massage Oil (Pavan Oil) or Santhwanam Oil; oil and love are synonyms in Ayurveda (Sneha). There is nothing more nourishing for the skin and the system than Abhyanga, but avoid it if you’re congested or sick.
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Slow down and focus on restorative practices like journaling, grounding yoga, meditation and introspection. Bundle up when outdoors and avoid cold exposure.
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Get plenty of sleep. Try and have a warm, cozy, nighttime regimen; shut off devices early and apply oil to the bottoms of the feet (don socks to prevent slipping).
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Include herbs and formulations that balance Vata Dosha, as well as rejuvenate and support the immune system
What should I eat to support immunity in winter?
Vata needs routine, but craves a haphazard lifestyle! As your Agni increases, you may feel like eating indiscriminately which can impact digestion and immunity. Do follow regular meal times. Have warm soups and stews and make sure to hydrate enough even if you don’t feel too thirsty. Favor the sweet, sour and salty tastes with fresh, nutritious foods that nourish the Agni.
Eat root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, squashes, winter-melon, butternut squash, as well as adequately spiced greens like spinach and kale, whole grains, dairy, ghee, oils, nuts, seeds, and sweet fruits. Rather than big legumes, have smaller lentils like moong, red lentils, and black gram. Try our delicious, immune-boosting Turmeric Ghee this season!
Avoid cold foods and drinks, carbonated beverages, raw foods, vegetables and cold salads, unripe fruits and processed foods including white flour and white sugar. Minimize the pungent, bitter and astringent tastes and very light or dry foods like popcorn, chips, and crackers. These can aggravate Vata and impact immunity.
What herbs should I take to support immunity in winter?
Vata benefits from warming and grounding spices like turmeric, black pepper, ginger, cumin, cloves, cinnamon and fennel. Some of the spices that boost immunity can be used to fortify ourselves like Moringa and Turmeric.
Have warming immune-boosting teas like ginger or licorice (avoid licorice if you have congestion and have DGL Licorice if you have hypertension). A blend of holy basil, cinnamon, cardamom and a pinch of cloves and black pepper make for a delicious, warming tea! Try Ayush Kwath tea to boost your immunity if you have a cold.
Our formulation, Immune Support aids cellular rejuvenation, longevity and healthy aging and is strengthening at this time. Late winter is Kapha season and the transition can render us vulnerable, causing a build up of toxins and decline in immunity. Indukantham is a key formulation that supports Vata, gut health, digestion, metabolism, immunity, enhances energy and is beneficial for the digestive and respiratory systems. Indukantham Gritham is a powerful rejuvenator, popular in cleansing and Panchakarma, which enhances immunity, vitality and good health. For those that want the benefit of this formulation in an easy-to-take format, it is available as Indukantham Ghritham Capsules. However, do see one of our highly experienced Vaidyas for a consultation before you take formulations or if you have a health issue.
The Ayurvedic approach to a healthy winter is to support your Agni, nourish tissues, prevent Vata imbalances and ensure that your immunity stays fortified. As the world slows down in the cold winter season and the nights get longer, we may feel a tad lonely or isolated. It’s a time to focus on a rejuvenating lifestyle, nourishing foods, connecting with ourselves and others, and letting our inner light shine!
