Pearls of Ayurvedic Wisdom

Simple Ayurvedic tips for nourishing your mind, body and soul through the winter months

By Rippan Sandhu, Co-founder and CEO, Ayurda Wellness

According to Ayurveda, three types of energy called Doshas circulate in our bodies. When these Doshas are in balance, we experience good health and harmony. Not sure of your dominant Dosha? Take our Skin Quiz here.

For many, a sense of heaviness prevails at this time of year due to the presence of the winter-dominant Kapha Dosha energy. So how do you combat this dreary feeling and boost your energy levels? By nourishing your mind, body and soul with some simple lifestyle, dietary and self-nurturing tips - like eating wholesome, nourishing food and wrapping up warm to enjoy an invigorating walk in the fresh winter air. Health is your true wealth.

1. Get outside every day

During the winter months, your Kapha energy wants to hibernate and remain snuggled up indoors. But your Vata element, responsible for body movement, can become frustrated with this inactivity and quickly get out of balance. To counter those long, sluggish winter days, get your woolies on and venture out into the great outdoors. A brisk wintry walk every day will help to rebalance any Kapha-Vata energy imbalances that may be manifesting as anxiousness, congestion, cramps, digestive disorders and poor circulation.

2. Resist the urge to nap

Even though your whole body is telling you to go into hibernation, avoid the urge to nap during the day. This will only slow down your metabolism and reduce the digestive fire necessary for optimum digestion and energy levels.

3. Try right nostril breathing

A few minutes of breathing through your right nostril every day will promote circulation and metabolic processes. Right nostril breathing, or Pingala Nadi, increases Pranic energy - the physical energy to revitalise the body and lift your spirits. It increases the efficiency of the digestive system, boosts the nervous system and lifts the body's temperature, which helps eliminate mucus. It is also an effective technique to reduce anxiety, depression and stress.

You can easily practise this sitting at your desk, or in any position where the spine is erect and the body is relaxed. Simply place the index finger of your left hand on the outside of your left nostril. Inhale deeply for approximately 54 seconds and exhale for around 56 seconds. Practise for about 5 minutes per day. Or try Nadi-shodhan as an alternative.

4. Support your digestive fire

The ancient healing tradition of Ayurveda believes that our health and wellbeing is underpinned by the ability to digest everything we take in from the environment - including all the experiences, emotions and impressions we receive through our senses, as well as our food and drink.

My top 5 tips for optimum food digestion

1. Sit down when eating and focus on your food.
2. Sip warm water throughout the day.
3. Eat your meals at the same time every day.
4. Stop eating before you are full.
5. Allow 3-5 hours between every meal.

Embrace the season

Creating a balance between mind and body awareness can bring health and wellbeing to your life. Remember to honour each season and embrace its cycles. And don't forget - spring is just around the corner.

Rippan Sandhu

Co-founder & Brand Visionary, Ayurda

The architect of the Ayurda brand, Co-creator of Australasia's first authentic Ayurvedic skincare range, founder of the award-winning Spa Ayurda, now part of Ayurda Wellness. Certified Health Coach with a long-standing commitment to the wellbeing of women and children.

Meet Rippan