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Ayurveda
Ayurveda Regimen for Winter Depression
by Dr. Savitha Suri
 wLong nights, short days, sweaters, 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
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
Disclaimer:
Information provided in this article is for the sole purpose of imparting education on
Ayurveda and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult your physician.
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