Winter health, an Ayurvedic perspective. 

Courtesy Darci Frankel Spa Owner Hanalei Day Spa  

The winter season Kapha season. The time when the Earth and water elements are predominant and when Kapha dosha has a tendency to accumulates in your system. If you have a tendency toward excess Kapha (phlegm and mucous) to facilitate greater health, take Kapha pacifying lifestyle and food choices which are lighter, warming and stimulating foods, spices and beverages.  Pancha Karma during the winter and spring season helps eliminate excess Kapha.

Here are some signs that indicate you may have excess Kapha in your body:
· Obesity or overweight
· Congestion, runny nose
· Slow or dullness in the mind
· Fatty deposits/lipoma
· Slow digestion, assimilation and/or elimination

Tips for staying balanced in winter:

· Wake up earlier.
· Eat more warming foods which are in season.
· Find a skin brush or loofa mitts at your health food store and dry brush your skin before your daily shower and Abhyanga self massage. 
 · Give yourself a vigorous daily abyanga oil massage to keep the lymphatic system moving. Click here for instructions.
·  Be active and exercise more vigorously.
·  If  it is a cloudy or colder day, add some heating/warming spices like ginger, black pepper, or cayenne to your foods or tea. This will counteract the heavy, cold qualities and help you feel light and clear.
·  Establish a good routine waking up and going to bed earlier.