Winter: Hemanta and Shishira Winter has been divided into two seasons, but as the changes are

practically the same for both, I will discuss them as one season. During the winter months, the atmosphere is generally cold, dry, and light, this creates an environment in which the vata dosha in our bodies is easily impaired. Therefore, during this season, the main aim is to keep the vata dosha in its natural balance. If not, you may suffer backaches, joint pains, and dryness of the body, both internally and externally. Because of the cold external environment, the body works extra hard to keep warm, so the digestive fire is strong in the winter months. This explains why we are often drawn to heavy nourishing foods in the winter. If we do not eat correctly, the strong jatharagni (digestive fire) will digest the bodily tissues, which also causes vata to increase. To stay well balanced in the winter, the following guidelines are recommended: Take warm, heavy, and nourishing foods, like milk, wheat, rice, potatoes, grains, corn, sugarcane, jaggery, and oils. Use spices such as: cumin, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, turmeric, and black pepper. Prefer sweet, sour, and salty tastes. Drink hot water. Take warm oil massages with vata-pacifying oils. Oils such as sesame seed oil may be used. The massage should be mild and not vigorous. Do physical exercise at half your strength. Avoid unnecessary exposure to cold air and expose the body to sunlight whenever possible. Wear warm clothing made of silk, wool, and cotton. Your bed should be warm and covered. Avoid activities and foods that increase vata. Avoid fasting.