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Choose what earth made especially for you
No matter what, it is imperative to keep our immune system as healthy as possible. There are many ways to do so, and it’s essential to understand how Ayurveda’s approach to immunity can benefit your overall wellbeing.
One of the main concepts regarding immunity in Ayurveda is the notion of Ojas, which literally means vigor in Sanskrit. Ojas is the resulting subtle energy that lingers after the body has gone through various processes of breaking down substances, absorbing nutrients, and successfully nourishing all tissue types in your body. Ojas is the resilience with which your body stands against disease and other types of unfavorable changes, creating an imbalance in your Dosha. Through maintaining an Ojas of good quality, you ensure that your immune system is functioning at its best and can keep you protected during the fall and winter.
How can Ayurveda Help you Stay Healthy?
According to your lifestyle, you can incorporate or change things to promote good Ojas. First, as is the core of Ayurveda, you must focus on achieving a strong and healthy Agni (or digestive fire). Good digestion is necessary to nourish all your organs and systems, promoting a more robust immune system and better defenses to guard off disease.
You can add foods rich in antioxidants to your diet such as berries, honey, nuts, dark green veggies, and orange fruits and vegetables like oranges or carrots. Remember that seasonal ingredients are always a better and healthier choice, and you can select them according to your Dosha. You can also incorporate ginger tea, strengthening the upper respiratory tract, and turmeric, which reduces toxins in the body and is anti-inflammatory.
It´s the Small Things that Make a Big Difference
Something else you can add to your daily regimen (or Dinacharya) is a daily saline sinuses cleanse, which aids in the prevention and treatment of flu and colds. You can also try lubricating your sinuses with a special Nasya oil (Nasya is the application of treatments and oils nasally). You can purchase delicious Nasya oils from Aroma Bliss or Banyan Botanicals.
To make sure that you are keeping good Ojas, make sure that your sleep schedule is constant and enough every night.
Practice Yoga focused on nourishing and grounding instead of depleting your energy. You can further support your Yoga practice with Pranayama (yogic breathing exercises), whether it be Dosha specific or focused on attaining a particular benefit.
Make it a Habit
It is vital to keep a Dinacharya that focuses on self-care, whether through the incorporation or transition of rituals. You can focus on your Abhyanga (full body oil massage) by doing it yourself and switching between a goal-specific oil and your Dosha specific oil. We recommend sesame oil for Vata, coconut or sunflower oil for Pitta and sesame or mustard oil for Kapha.
Remember that in Vata season, it is better to sip warm water throughout the day, meditate daily, and keep your stress in check, as it is one of the main factors that can debilitate your immune system.
Stay warm this season and feel amazing in your own skin.