In winter Vata is aggravated and the dosha Kapha begins to accumulate before getting worse in spring. Cold, humidity increase kapha in the body. We are therefore more likely to get colds, indigestion, and lung problems.  When Christmas holidays are over, our body is full of toxins, we feel heavier, digestion is complicated, and we get sick.

Here are some Ayurvedic and yogic tips to help your body clean up. 🙂

The top detox

  1. Drink 1 glass of hot water when you wake up
  2. Choose flavours: spicy, bitter, astringent
  3. Eat cooked, hot, light and spicy (store your raclette appliances!)
  4. Avoid eating early in the morning or late in the evening
  5. Eat only when you are hungry
  6. Avoid cold or ice-cold water
  7. Choose cooked soups and vegetables (e.g. leek soup + spices)
  8. Avoid naps
  9. Avoid exposing yourself to cold, cover up (hat, gloves, scarf, warm socks)
  10. Enjoy the sun’s rays as much as you can during the day
  11. Eat while sitting and calmly (avoid eating your meals while walking or on the bus)

Herbal teas

  • Honey decoction, lemon and ginger optional

  • Thyme, horsetail, red vine, cinnamon, cloves

cup of herbal tea

The detox dish

Kitchari with cinnamon, dry ginger, asafoetida, pepper

Digestive, warming and stimulating spices
Cinnamon, cumin seeds, dry ginger, mustard seeds, cardamom, chilli, pippali, pepper noir

Body care

  • Udvartanam: Detoxifying slimming massage
  • Marmatherapy: Massage + 107 acupressure points to restore energy to the body
ayurvedic massage

Pranayama

It is a daily technique used in Ayurveda that acts on the brain, nervous system and lungs and allows a complete harmony between body and mind.

The objective of Pranayama is to achieve as complete an absorption as possible of Prana, which is the subtle life force. When Prana is controlled, the mind is calmed, concentration and mental faculties are improved.

Surya: to increase digestive power and warm the body

Duration: 11 cycles 3 times a day.
Method: Sitting in a suit, chin slightly retracted. Inhale through the right nostril, exhale through the left nostril. Gyan mudra and nasika mudra.

Bhastrika: to improve digestion, free the sinuses, strengthen the liver, increase the body’s internal heat

Duration: 7 cycles. Experienced: 21 cycles.
Method 1: never practice lying down. Eyes closed, slightly tuck in the chin, legs in a suit (or virasana), inhale through both nostrils at the same time in forced and exhale in forced. After 7 cycles, observe a break time and alternate leg crossing. The abdomen is passive. No shoulder movements.
Method 2: Same posture (or virasana). We use the digital pranayama. Close the left nostril. Breathe in by the right and breathe out by the right.

  • Breathe in and out normally through both nostrils once.
  • Close the right nostril. Breathe in from the left and breathe out from the left. Repeat by changing the crossover of the legs.

Yoga

Ardh supta pawanmuktasana
Ardh supta pawanmuktasana
Ardh supta pawanmuktasana
Ardh supta pawanmuktasana
Torsion
Torsion
Markatasana
Markatasana

Happy New Year to you! 🙏

Written by Chloé & Sarah de Premanand Yoga and Ayurveda

Discover the yoga course offered by Chloé and Sarah: Week End Detox Yoga and Ayurveda in Normandy – Yogadvisor
And all their yoga and meditation classes: https://www.yogadvisor.yoga/author/chloe/

 

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