Long nights, short days, sweaters, winter clothing and cold weather many of us, sick and depressed. This depression which surfaces in winter, especially in seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and is often referred to as the Winter Time Blues or Winter depression. The exact cause of depression is currently uncertain. But scientists believe, however, lack of exposure to sunlight as the reason for this disorder.
The symptoms of winter depression tend to eat more, craving for carbohydrates and sweets and weight gain.
Our ancestors had observed this change in humans? The answer is yes. They have recommended solutions? Yes, recommended a simple and effective natural remedy to overcome SAD. Have been established explicit guidelines about diet and lifestyle to follow the seasons.
The winter season is marked as Hemanta and Sisira Ritu Ritu in Ayurveda. Hemanta Ritu begins in mid November and ends in mid January. This falls within the southern solstice which is called as Kala or Dakshinayana uisarga in Ayurveda. Sisira Ritu began in mid January and lasts until mid-March. Sisira Ritu falls northern solstice is known as Kaala Aadan or uttaraayana.
The human body's response to this season is well explained in Ayurveda. People will have greater strength and their digestion capacity is increased. This is characterized by increased hunger. These symptoms are caused by increased body fire which is supported by vata. Vata inside body increases during winter due to cold and drought in the upper atmosphere.
The depression of the winter season is particularly evident in people who have vata as major component in their prakriti or constitution. The cause of this type of change is more long nights of winter.
Light therapy is recommended by doctors for the winter blues. Exposure to artificial light may cause headache, irritability, eyestrain, difficulty sleeping and fatigue. Sun exposure and if the sun is not available sitting near fireplace is the remedy suggested in Ayurveda.
Keep your home well lit with lights to help reduce the intensity of depression.
Moderate exercise like yoga is another remedy for winter depression. Ayurveda recommends oil massage (Abhyanga) for the body and head (moordha Taila.). Indulging in sexual act to maintain morale and keep the body warm is another strongly suggests ayurvedic medicine.
Meeting friends who are kind and boosts morale and understanding of sunny day. Spending time with friends at the beach, you can expose your body to the sun and keeps his good humor.
Relaxing with meditation, massage, light music and laughter helps to great scale.
The following ayurvedic tips help prevent and reduce the severity of the condition of the winter season, winter blues.
You are exposed to sunlight as much as possible. In the absence of sunlight sitting near the fireplace is very useful.
A massage oil to your body with vata balancing herbal (Abhyanga). Never forget to apply oil to the head (moordha Taila.).
Then, remove the oil hot-water baths. A mixture of flour, yellow gram (Channa), green gram (moong), Greek UNCDF seeds (methi) in equal proportions is the best herbal scrub which can be used to extract the oil. This mixture prevents the washing of human skin oil.
Consume hot soups.
Vata balance using food as wheat, oil, corn, mung bean and brown sugar.
Tickle your palate with sweet, sour and salty
Always use hot water for all activities of daily routine.
Use thick blankets and cotton sheets, silk and wool.
Always use the foot.
Enjoy a sexual act.
Spend your free time with friends and family you want.