Winter weather can imbalance the doshas of Ayurveda quickly, especially Kapha and Vata. If you are predominantly Kapha or Vata dosha, which are the coldest doshas, then check out this Ayurvedic guide for winter. 

I recently came back from a winter wonderland vacation in Winter Park, CO and honestly, the struggle is real! I need a vacation from the vacation. 

If you haven’t been to the mountains of Colorado then I highly recommend it! It’s absolutely beautiful! The snow capped mountains, the blinding white snow, and the crisp cold air was so refreshing as a vacation spot. However, I could feel the effects almost immediately. But I digress..

Winter and The Dosha’s 

Ayurveda has woven its threads into my everyday life. I see its principles all around me wherever I go. I’d like to share a few of my observations, especially if you are in the winter season. 

Winter and Vata Dosha

Vata is made up of ether and air elements. Those elements are harsh and if you aren’t careful they will suck all of the moisture out of you. In winter, the dry air and cold temperatures can easily vitiate the Vata dosha. 

You may notice in winter that your skin is drier than usual. It’s almost as if you could soak in an oil bath and still be scaly. Or is that just me?

Constipation can also be a problem since there is less moisture in your body which can move deep into your intestines and colon. 

Your mucous membranes can dry up to where your nose, throat, and mouth are so dry that it could be uncomfortable to sleep or even breathe deeply. 

Winter and Pitta Dosha

While the qualities of Pitta, such as hot and oily, aren’t as present, there are other Pitta qualities that show up in winter. The qualities which can show up are sharp and intense. Especially if you’re in a very cold climate like Colorado, Alaska, etc. Once you step outside you can feel the intensity of the freezing air touching your skin.

Winter can actually be balancing to the Pitta dosha because it cools it down. However, I made an observation while skiing. 

I noticed a large correlation with snow sports and alcohol. Alcohol is essentially fire water which quickly throws Pitta out of balance. It brings the heat to our cheeks and takes the edge off of the freezing temperatures. Which is why, perhaps, it’s so popular while skiing. 

I’ve noticed in cold climates that bars and pubs are packed. While the temperature outside is cold you could be too hot internally.

Winter and Kapha Dosha

Winter is the season for Kapha dosha. It’s cold, heavy, dense, and can feel like the most sluggish time of year. It’s presence is all around us during cold winter times. 

Kapha is made of earth and water, and mixed together, what do the elements create? Mud! If you have a lot of Kapha in your original nature, or a Kapha imbalance, then watch out for your overall mood in winter.

Seasonal depression, low energy, and even sadness can occur in winter more easily. The combination of low energy, gloomy days, and heavy food will cause Kapha to become out of balance. 

Ayurvedic Guide to Winter

So how do you keep each dosha balanced in winter? Let’s dive into some practical tips to maintaining balance of Vata and Kapha dosha in the winter season.

How to Balance Vata in Winter

As mentioned, two of Vata’s main qualities are cold and dry. To balance those qualities we need to bring in opposites such as warm and wet.

Tips for balancing Vata Dosha in winter:

• Take a warm epsom salt bath with a drop or two of lavender essential oil;
• Abhyanga 3-4x a week for 10-15 minutes with warm oil.
  • My favorite is the Vata massage oil from Banyan Botanicals.
    • See Banyan Botanicals Affiliate code at the end.
• Use Nasya Oil a few times a day to moisturize the nose cavity.
• Drink plenty of warm water with a pinch of high quality salt.
• Drink electrolytes to replenish internal hydration.
• Focus on demulcent herbs such as marshmallow, licorice, and slippery elm. 

Read all about Vata here.

Tips for balancing Pitta Dosha in winter:

Pitta doesn’t need much balancing in winter unless you are partaking in a lot of Pitta imbalancing habits. 

• Reduce alcohol intake especially if you start to experience loose stools, intensity or anger.
• Add hot spices to your food to keep agni strong in winter. 
• Offset the sharp elements of winter by bundling up but don’t let yourself overheat. 

Read all about Pitta dosha here.

Tips for balancing Kapha Dosha in winter:

Kapha will benefit from most of the Vata balancing recommendations. However, here are a few more. 

• If the Vata oil recommendation is too heavy for you then try this Kapha oil. 
• Eat warm, wet, and well spiced soups and stews. 
• Reduce sluggish sensations after eating by focusing on sauteed or steamed veggies that are easily digestible. 
• Eat your largest meal of the day around 11am or 12pm.
• Get moving! Try a vigorous workout for 30 minutes to an hour. Or visit a sauna for 10 minutes to boost your energy and sweat. 
• Try waking up before the sunrise, and Kapha time of day, which is from 6-10am. This will provide much needed endorphins to provide sustainable energy. 

Read all about Kapha dosha here.

How does Winter Effect You?

While winter can be a beautiful season it can also be harsh if you aren’t careful. Depending on your constitution, how you are effected will be different from your partner or friends. 

Notice which dosha’s start to creep in and if they are are imbalancing you. Ayurveda says that we live according to the seasons so your personal practices in winter may be different than the summer. 

I’m curious – what do you notice about yourself when it’s really cold outside? 

Leave a comment below or shoot me a message if you’d like to discuss any side effects you experience! Share this Ayurvedic Guide to winter with a friend!

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