AYURVEDA FOR MONSOON

If you’ve ever noticed how much drier your skin seems to get in the winter, you know that your body changes according to the seasons. Ayurveda believes in the same, and as a result provides holistic approaches to diet, activity levels and more, catered to the current weather, rather than one which is constant year-round. Below is a list of ayurvedic tips to navigate your way through the rainy, slushy monsoons.

• Grains, soups made with pulses, light yogurts are all great for monsoon diets.
• Ayurveda recommends a tea made with long pepper, ginger, pepper and salt to boost digestion during rainy spells.
• Frozen food, oily food and heavy foods such as potatoes, ice cream must be avoided. They take much longer to digest and can cause bloating or gastritis.
• Ayurveda advocates physical activity to keep agni burning. Practice yoga regularly to stay fit and healthy.
• Do an oil massage using sesame oil with a few drops of neem oil mixed in before bathing once or twice a week. This helps curb vata.
• Take warm showers to help regulate the body.
• Though a short nap is recommended after lunch for better digestion according to Ayurveda, in the monsoon season, this must be avoided.
• Monsoon is the best time to undergo a panchakarma
• It is important to keep your feet dry during this season.

• Burn dried neem leaves inside the house to help eradicate all insects and pests.
• Basil ginger tea is recommended by Ayurveda to prevent catching a cold in the event of getting wet.
• Eat a small piece of ginger with rock salt prior to every meal.
• Udwarthanam is recommended during monsoon season to help reduce fat and toxins in the body.
• Bitter food can be consumed during the rainy season as it is better digested.
• Avoid naps during the day as this can further slow dozen digestion resulting in problems in the gastrointestinal

By following these ayurvedic steps, your body is sure to be ready for the monsoon.