Kitchari + Ghee: 8 Ayurvedic Keys To Staying Balanced In the Winter

Intuitively, we slow down, look inward, meditate and hibernate come winter. In the cold month of January, we are focused on shedding toxins and emotional baggage, but that doesn’t always have to mean simply going raw. This season, we are turning to the ancient medical practice of Ayurveda to add some breadth of knowledge to our winter detox ways. We've been picking the brains of some of L.A.'s top Ayurvedic pros over at the hard-core Surya Spa and hope you find these Ayurvedic basics and winter cleansing tips just as useful as we have... ayurvedic refresher: The three doshas Vata (Air, Ether) - this energy rules the muscles, joints, nervous system. Characterized as dryness and cold. Pitta (Fire, Water) - rules bile and digestive enzymes. Characterized by fire and heat. Kapha (Earth, Water) - rules the connective tissue and mucous. Characterized as oily or heavy. THE FIVE ELEMENTS: Ether: is the subtlest form of matter Air: is created from ether mixed with eternity Fire: air moves to create friction and creates heat or fire Water: heat produces moisture creating water Earth: as water becomes denser, earth matter is formed According to Ayurvedic tradition, each of us is made up of uniquely different combinations of these elements, and therefore need to be treated differently when it comes to our health. Someone who is more air-predominant, for example will need less air and more fire and water elements coming from their diet and lifestyle, whereas people with more water in their constitution, will need more fire and air elements to balance themselves. Regardless of our ruling doshas (Need to catch up? Read out Ayurveda 101,) when it is cold, our bodies naturally conserve energy, we move less and eat more. The season winter is represented by the Kapha dosha (one of three bodily humors that make up an individual's constitution, made up of the the five elements.) The Kapha dosha is made up of the Water and Earth elements. It is grounding. And winter is an opportunity to use this energy to create balance. If we are out of balance there, then we may feel extra tired, lazy or sluggish. In balance, we are steady, strong-willed and powerful. Think of winter's cold affecting the earth. Perennial plants become dormant, but are still alive and strong - they withstand the sometimes brutal cold and still manage to bloom come spring. This is the energy we need to cultivate during this time. Whether you're interested in supplementing your usual juice cleanse or just want to add new principles to your daily winter routine, these recommendations will help you to take your winter wellness habits to the next level... [olists num=1] [olists num=2]

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