As temperatures start dipping, our immune function also begins sliding southwards, making us prone to invading viruses and bacteria. But the profound insights treasured in Ayurveda – India’s 5,000-year-old holistic health science, offer intelligent ways to take prevention into our own hands by building inner strength naturally to combat infections.
Kapeefit – a leading health tech startup grounded in the healing wisdom of Ayurveda, outlines specialized guidance curated by its founder Nishant Agarwal and team of specialist vaidyas to arm our defenses against winter maladies using timeless protocols buried in Ayurvedic texts.
Why Does Immunity Plunge During Winters? – An Ayurvedic Outlook
“According to Ayurveda, the rise in cold, dry, light qualities of environment during winters aggravates the Vata dosha – the subtle energy that governs movement in our mind-body system. This Vata aggravation suppresses Agni or digestive fire, which is key for strength and immunity,” explains Kapeefit founder, Nishant Agarwal.
“Weak Agni translates into poor nourishment absorption from food and underperforming internal cleansing processes. This piles up toxins internally over months. AMA or toxins clog channels blocking flow of nutrients, oxygen and immune cells, eventually compromising our defenses against foreign bugs,” adds Dr. Rajeev Sharma, Ayurvedic Consultant at Kapeefit.
Build Ojas Reserves Through Ayurveda For Winning Winters
To counter environmental stressors in winter, the ancient Ayurvedic routine encompasses special self-care practices that provide layered protection by balancing doshas, stoking digestive Agni and specifically promoting Ojas production through herbs and rituals.
“Ojas is regarded as the most refined byproduct of perfect digestion and tissue nourishment in Ayurveda. It is the pure essence of all our body tissues and the fundamental source of vitality, strength and cushioning against diseases. Enhancing ojas reserves through ayurvedic protocols creates powerful antibodies to guard against infections,” reveals Dr. Sharma
Ayurvedic Grandmas Knew Best – Winter Wellness Wisdom From Ancient India
While modern medicine relies solely on synthetic vitamins, antibiotics and vaccines for protection, ancient vaidyas perfected the art of reinforcing natural immunity by harnessing nature’s pharmacy and circadian cycles smartly. Kapeefit experts unravel some of these fail-proof ayurvedic habits for skillful winter management from centuries-old texts:
1. Consume Seasonal Immunity Promoting Foods
“As temperatures decline, include more warm, nourishing & moisture-balanced foods in meals like sweet, ripe fruits – Indian gooseberries (amla), sweet oranges, dates, root vegetables like white radish, beets, fibrous greens like fenugreek, spinach, bitter gourd while minimizing cold, frozen foods. Specific herbs like Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Yashtimadhu amplify ojas for powerhouse immunity too,” recommends Dr. Sharma
Spices like ginger, black pepper, garlic, turmeric, ajwain, cumin charge up sluggish Agni, combat AMA while providing antiviral, antibacterial phytochemicals when weather is pleasantly warm internally despite external chill.
2. Oil Is Well – Abhyanga & Gandusha For Daily Defense
Abhyanga essentially means oil massage in Sanskrit, while Gandusha refers to oil pulling therapy. The benefits of these rituals spill far beyond skin and dental health.
“When vaidyas recommend winter abhyanga with specially crafted medicated oils based on constitution, the lipid-soluble herbs permeate our tissues down to the microcellular level. The oil’s insulating action prevents water loss while the herb’s antiviral properties enter our bloodstream to block impending infections,” clarifies Agarwal.
Likewise, swishing pure cold-pressed oils draws out fat-soluble toxins from tissues and blood to strengthen resistance against pathogens entering throat and chest.”
3. Agni Igniting Beverages
Cold water suppresses digestive strength, hampering nutrition absorption thereby immunity. Replacing plain water with warmer alternatives through the day feeds the inner fire vital for health.
“Include lighter honey-infused or lemon-spiked lukewarm water round the clock, preferably in copper or clayware. Slow-sipped medicinal kadhas with immunity herbs, hydrating ayurvedic health tonics like Chyawanprash, herbal teas, milk punch or whey balances fluid requirement with internal warmth quotient. Moderate amounts of white rice Kanji provides easily digestible energy and heat too,” adds Dr. Sharma.
4. Clearing Wind Passages Through Nasya & Vyayam
Just like we adorn warm jackets externally to keep cold at bay, nurturing internal heat production is equally important through Ayurvedic techniques like nasal oiling and physical movements.
“Lubricating nasal passages with Anu Thailam regulates critical channels that connect respiratory system with brain, easing out excess discharge while enhancing tissue immunity against lodging bacteria. Likewise, Asana or physical exercises prescribed by constitution circulates nutrients and oxygen to clear physiological channels that may get blocked by sluggishness,” explains Agarwal.
5. Manage Mental Stress Actively
Whether we accept it or not, today’s fast-paced multidimensional stresses severely undermine immunity, even if physical health seems fine otherwise.
“Stress hormones and neurotransmitters released in response surges inflammation levels, which cascades into complex issues over time. So make time for calming rituals like breath work, yoga-Asana, meditation, soft music even amid crammed schedules. Creative hobbies, mood-lifting aromas & oils boost positivity & inner harmony to aid holistic wellbeing,” advises Agarwal.
Integrate these ancient ayurvedic tips recommended by Kapeefit founder Nishant Agarwal and health specialists in your winter schedule this year. Skillfully harness the timeless healing wisdom from India’s revered science of life and let Ayurveda guide you to robust, wholesome living despite seasonal shifts!
