Ayurveda Regimen for Winter Depression
Long nights, short days,
sw eaters, warm clothes and chilly weather make many of us sick and depressed.
This depression which surfaces especially in winter is a Seasonal Affective
Disorder (SAD) and is often called as winter Time Blues or Winter depression.
The exact cause for this depression is as of yet unclear. But yet few scientists
believe lack of exposure to sunlight as the reason for this disorder. The symptoms of winter
depression are tendency to over eat, craving for carbohydrates and sweets and
weight gain. Had our ancestors
observed this change in humans? The answer is yes. Have they recommended any
remedies? Yes, they have recommended simple and effective natural remedies to
overcome Seasonal Affective Disorder. They have laid down explicit guidelines
about diet and lifestyles which have to be followed according to
seasons. The winter season is
marked as Hemanta ritu and Sisira ritu in Ayurveda. Hemanta ritu
starts from mid November and ends in mid January. This falls in southern
solstice which is called as visarga kala or dakshinayana in
Ayurveda. Sisira ritu starts from mid January and lasts till middle of march.
Sisira ritu falls in Northern solstice which is called as Aadana kaala or
uttaraayana. The response of human
body to this season is very well explained in Ayurveda. People will have
increased strength and their digestion capacity is increased during the winter
season. This is marked by increased hunger. These symptoms are caused by
increased body fire which is supported by vata. Vata inside body increases in
winter because of cold and dryness which is prevalent in outer
atmosphere. The winter time
depression is noticed mostly in persons who have vata as major constituent in
their prakriti or body constitution. The cause for this type of change is
longer nights of winter. Light therapy is
recommended by doctors for winter time blues. Exposure to artificial light may
cause headache, Irritability, Eye strain, Inability to sleep and fatigue.
Exposure to sunlight and if sunlight is not available sitting near fireplace is
the remedy suggested in Ayurveda. Keeping the home well lit
with lights help to reduce the intensity of depression. Moderate exercise like
yoga is another remedy for winter depression. Ayurveda recommends oil massage
(abhyanga) to body and head (moordha taila). Indulging in sexual
act to keep the moods elevated and to keep the body warm is another strongly
suggested Ayurvedic remedy. Meeting friends who are
kind and understanding boosts morale and brightens up the day. Spending time
with friends on the beach helps to expose your body to sunlight and keeps your
spirits high. Relaxing with meditation,
massage , light music and laughter helps to great extent. The following Ayurvedic
tips help to prevent and reduce the intensity of seasonal disorder of winter,
the winter time blues. Expose yourself to
sunlight as much as you can. In absence of sun light sitting near fire place is
very helpful. Massage your body with
vata balancing herbal oil (abhyanga). Never forget to apply oil on your
head (moordha taila). Then remove the oil by taking hot water bath. A
mixture of flours of yellow gram (channa), green gram (moong) ,
fenu greek seeds (methi) in equal proportion is the best herbal scrub
which can be used to remove the oil. This mixture prevents the washing of
natural oil from skin. Consume hot soups. Use
vata balancing foods like wheat, oil, corn, black gram and jaggery. Tickle your
taste buds with sweet, sour and salt tastes. Always use hot water for all daily
routine activity. Use thick blankets and sheets made of cotton, silk and wool.
Always wear foot wear. Indulge in sexual act. Spend your leisure time with
friends and relatives whom you like. December 11,
2005 Disclaimer
by Dr. Savitha Suri
The above article is
educational in nature, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent
any disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult your
physician.
Dr. Savitha
Suri B.A.M.S is Chief Consultant physician at
Chaitanya Integrated Medical Center, Udayagiri, Mysore, Karnataka, India. She is
practicing Indian Systems of Medicines since 12 years. By arrangement with http://www.ayurhelp.com/