04/01/2025
ORIENTAL THERAPIES FOR THE COLD SEASON
We are approaching the middle of winter, which is theoretically the coldest time of the year, although in recent years, the weather has been completely different from what would have been normal for this time. The cold makes us dress thickly, avoid going out in open spaces, look for heat sources, drink warm liquids and eat everything that can warm us, in order to compensate for the coldness of the outside environment. As we will see below, from the point of view of the recommendations that the Indian and Chinese tradition gives us, there are elements that we can very well apply to us as well. Both Eastern traditions (Indian and Chinese) make a lot of use of the elements of nature to characterize certain phenomena, both from the world around us and from within our body. The Indian tradition describes 5 elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether, while in the Chinese tradition we also find 5 elements, but instead of Ether appears Metal.
1. The winter season is primarily characterized by cold, so heat is lacking the most. He is put in correspondence, according to Chinese medicine, with the element Water, with the energetic organs Kidney and Urinary Bladder and with the state ("emotion") of fear. This moment is practically opposite to the hot season (summer) in which heat and the Fire element predominate. Therefore, fire is said to be in short supply and therefore needs to be strengthened. At the same time, we must strengthen everything related to the Water Element, to the energy of the Kidney, which is an energy related to vitality, regeneration, conservation, toning. It is necessary to protect both the kidneys as physical organs and all the noble tissues that have a lot of water in their composition (such as, for example, the nervous system). So the main thing we need to do this season, according to Chinese medicine, is to try to conserve our energy as best we can (avoiding any overwork) and aim to amplify heat, which is in the greatest deficit at the moment. For tonifying the Kidney energy, we will consume tonic foods for this organ, such as some black-coloured foods (black beans, black sesame seeds), other seeds, seaweed, salty-tasting foods, warm liquids, but also many spices . Some tonic remedies that are also found here, which we can use during the winter to tone the kidneys are: fenugreek seeds (which also tone the liver), goji berries, but also plants such as horsetail, pear root , cranberry and juniper fruits.
To warm up, it is recommended to take warm baths for the feet (considering that the Kidney meridian starts right from the center of the sole), but also for the lumbar area (where the kidneys physically exist). We can also warm the lumbar area by other methods, such as the application of creams with a warming effect (for example, cream with hot pepper extract), but also by protection by wearing wool, fur or other natural materials.
2. We need to pay a lot of attention to regeneration, as a result, it is good to sleep more, try to relax, retreat more inside, praying or meditating. Basically, this is the best moment for reflection, for gathering forces, for drawing constructive conclusions related to what we have done so far and what direction to take it starting with the new season that will come later. This does not have to be a mental endeavor, but means that we must also listen to the vital needs of our body, as well as our emotions, that is, to participate with the heart, so that at the beginning of spring, when that rebirth of nature will begin with force , that we too can be reborn, after we have managed to overcome (as far as possible) our fears and negative states. It is a good time to ask ourselves questions like: "What do I want from life?", "What should I do to be in the best harmony with my being?"
Seeking to be as silent as possible, withdrawn within, especially if we are in moments of turmoil, we will be able to receive certain inspirations regarding what is best to choose for the future. Many times, especially during active periods, we are caught in the maelstrom of actions, impulses, thoughts, which externalize us and thus consume a lot of our resources. Due to this excessive externalization, many people are no longer able to relax properly, to rest in order to regenerate. Many people use their free time to continue work or even skip sleep, but by doing so, fatigue will accumulate and we will actually use up our resources much faster. Well, these moments when nature is also quiet, we can use them primarily for reflection, for contemplation, to discover in us either some talents or maybe hidden desires, which we haven't had the courage to bring out until now. From these reflections, the buds of new directions may later result, through which we will be able to express ourselves in the period that will follow after the winter is over.
We can say, in psychological terms, that it is a good time to explore the subconscious, something that we are not used to do unless we are used to living reflectively, that is, to have a rich inner life, in which to be in dialogue with our deepest being and our Creator.
3. Another important aspect that is stated in ancient traditional texts, related to the element of Water, is the preservation of the reproductive (or creative) potential. In our current culture of consumption, competition, action, externalization, people are taught to seek over-stimulation because it brings them the illusion of happiness. This attitude conducts to the lack of depth and the accelerated consumption of one's own resources, as well as the superficiality of today's relationships between people. Or, the lesson of water is to learn to become deep again. Instead of fleeting sexual relationships that bring frustration, disappointment, tension, resentment, and even disease (especially among women), we should opt for long-lasting relationships based on love, responsibility, and true intimacy. At the same time, it is important to conserve our sexual energy, which is not only important in reproduction, but also in inspiration and creativity.
4. Water is the element that is also related to memory. Thus, this season is the best time to organize your memories, just as you would organize your house or your computer documents. We keep what is useful to us, the memories from which we draw conclusions and lessons; we get rid of all that is useless, torturous, traumatic, learning to forgive and free ourselves from the burden of such toxic memories.
5. Let's also say a few words about how Ayurvedic medicine sees this season. The winter season is characterized, from this perspective, by the amplification of the qualities of cold, dry, mobile, rough, light, all of which are predominant during this period (in Ayurvedic terms, the predominant manifestation of Vata dosha, which has these specific qualities). The cold wind and cold can predispose us to osteo-articular diseases, which start or worsen during this period. Also, muscle contractions occur more frequently (eg torticollis, muscle spasms).
The cold especially affects people who have a more fragile physical structure, who are underweight, more agitated by nature, the so-called Vata typologies. They can be more easily unbalanced by the cold of this season, because they have less adipose layer with a protective role; likewise, they can be emotionally destabilized more easily than people who have a more robust structure and better vitality. So called Kapha dosha, stronger individuals, can also be affected by cold, but usually have greater resistance to disease. The two typologies, Vata and Kapha dosha, suffer more from cold than the fire typology (Pitta dosha, characterized by accelerated metabolism, strong digestion, and by a strong will and determination, leadership qualities). Therefore, especially those who are already sensitive to the cold must be careful during this period.
6. The most important thing is the consumption of spices, warm food and drinks, as well as taking remedies that help digestion and metabolism. These will be chosen based on the person and the risks of disease or health problems they already have. For example, people with Vata typology will not use very strong spices, but milder ones, such as pink pepper (less aggressive than other types of pepper), rosemary, pippali (Piper longum), hingu (Ferula asafoetida), cinnamon, garlic in smaller doses or mixed with oil so that it is not so aggressive. Instead, for Kapha dosha typologies, it is even recommended to use the strongest spices, among which we list: horseradish, pepper of all types (white, black, green), cinnamon (even freshly ground), cloves, thyme, hot peppers, dry ginger, garlic in large doses. People with Kapha typology do not need to drink a lot of liquids, they have enough reserves; on the other hand, for people with predominantly Vata dosha, it is very necessary to consume warm liquids: soups, teas, compotes. Even the water must be drunken warm or even hot.
7. This is also the time when the most substantial foods, rich in protein and fat, are needed. As we move into the winter season, it will be very good if we consume foods of animal origin, especially dairy, to which we can also add spices. Maturated cheeses are easier to digest than fresh ones. Winter is also the season for pickles, especially spicy ones. The salty taste, which corresponds to the Water element and in the Indian tradition, is the one that best balances a Vata dosha type of person or health problem. For example, pickles or seaweed are especially indicated in this season. People with predominant air typology (Vata dosha) have the greatest need for consistent food, administered in small doses, at as regular intervals as possible. Food combinations or supplements rich in fatty substances (butter, oils, avocado, various seeds, nuts) or sweet combinations with honey or very sweet fruits (raisins, plums, dates, figs) are most useful. In their case, digestion is a bit more delicate and there is a tendency to constipation and bloating, so it is good to use substantial foods, rich in fiber and with moderate spices. An example would be lentil soup with cumin seeds or hummus (chickpea paste) with tahina (sesame paste) or with sesame seeds baked with salt and then lightly ground. The warm polenta with cheese and cream can also be included in the menu.
8. A person with an air typology (Vata dosha) or who has problems that show an imbalance of this type (osteo-articular and muscular pains, palpitations, dry skin, attention and memory disorders, etc.) is in great need of external applications of oily substances, i.e. warm oil massage, performed constantly for a longer period. The best recommended oils are sesame, olive, sunflower. Considering that osteo-articular pains occur frequently in the elderly, against the background of bone demineralization and loss of vitality, and that these symptoms tend to worsen in winter, we have yet another reason to introduce into the treatment tonic and anti-aging remedies, such as ashwagandha, sea buckthorn, spirulina, ginseng of all kinds (Indian, Korean, Siberian). Here, among the most indicated are bee products, starting with royal jelly, pollen and honey. For people with Vata dosha typology, essential oils with tonic effects are indicated, such as frankincense, musk, sandalwood, rose, basil, camphor, cinnamon (the latter in small doses), put in the aromatherapy diffuser or added to the massage oil.
9. For people with Kapha dosha, on the other hand, even if we are in the winter season, it is not advisable to consume salty foods or too much liquid, but they can eat the most spicy dishes, along with lighter, dry foods, not very substantial (dry bread, cereal flakes). For them, it is even advisable to skip a meal, especially the evening meal. The remedies indicated for people with a robust constitution (Kapha dosha) are those that favor eliminations, because these people have an innate tendency to accumulate body mass and have difficulty losing weight. In the cold season, they need, for example, warming diuretics, such as juniper berries elderflowers, cranberries, blueberry leaves, spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa). Of course, in the list of these herbs we find some with an action mainly on the body, which can help in infectious problems such as viruses (we refer to garlic, for example), while others, such as fresh or dried ginger, are more refined and they can help us especially on an emotional level, to have a dynamic state and not an inertial one.
The essential oils recommended for the Kapha dosha typology are those of cedar, myrrh, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, which can be diffused in the room or incorporated into massage preparations. If there are muscle spasms or joint pain that worsens with the cold, bee venom creams or cream combinations containing other essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties, such as wintergreen/Himalayan willow (Gaultheria procumbens) oil, can be used topically.
However, even if we do not have such problems, but we recongnize into this typology, we will benefit enormously from the intake of warm oils, applied to the skin in the form of a massage performed as often as possible.
10. Applications with oily preparations will help us both physically and emotionally and to eliminate some functional disorders. One of the most pleasant therapies is called Shirodhara and consists of applying a warm oil to which medicinal herbs have been added to the forehead continuously for 20-30 minutes. This therapy can be used both for relaxation, treating stress and insomnia, as well as for toning the hair or for some neuro-psychological problems. However, we must be very careful not to immediately expose ourselves to cold or wind after performing such therapies, because we are more sensitive for a while and can catch a cold. Ayurveda is recognized for the importance it places on the use of oils in therapy. In the Pancha Karma therapeutic system, preparations containing oils are used and applied to all orifices (nose, ears, oil enemas, vaginal applications). The purpose of using such preparations is also to prevent the onset of diseases and ensure a long and healthy life.
Moreover, the traditional Indian medical system includes a specialized branch called Rasayana, the science of regeneration and rejuvenation, which deals with restoring the body's vitality, extending life span, ensuring an optimal quality of life. It is not, as Western medicine thinks, about using substances with an antioxidant role or injecting products to make us look good, on the contrary, things are much deeper and aim at certain aspects of finesse. For example, we must be in optimal health to be able to use the recommended recipes for these regenerative therapies. A sick man will first have to treat himself, and only then will he be able to resort to such methods with a regenerative visa.
11. Those who have a typology with the predominance of Fire (Pitta dosha) are temperamental, volcanic, passionate beings (even workaholics at times), involved in everything they do, who tend to overheat. For them, the cold season can be a blessing, because it helps them to detach from their eternal involvement in everything. Balancing for those in this description comes from drinking warm, lightly spiced liquids (which they need in all seasons, not just winter) as well as food rich in proteins. �These people have the strongest, most active digestion, so they can digest even heavier food combinations faster than others. However, they must be careful that if those food combinations are not correctly chosen or the meal is taken in a strong negative state, they risk easily indigestion or other types of digestive disorders. Good spices for the Pitta dosha typology are those with a less spicy (cooler) tone: anise, fennel, cumin, coriander, cardamom, mint, turmeric, tarragon, dill, parsley, etc. In their case, very hot, sour or salty foods should be avoided, including pickles or alcohol, especially strong. The same is true of dietary supplements: those with a fire type will avoid tincture remedies, instead they can successfully administer warm macerations, syrups or herbal mixtures homogenized in honey.
The fire typology (Pitta dosha) has the greatest need to periodically perform liver drainage cures, to stimulate residual elimination from the body. During the winter, for example, short-term cures can be made with sweet citrus juices (tangerines, oranges), possibly diluted with water. Warm vegetable root soup or mushroom soups are also good. In cold climates, hot drinks (teas) spiced with milk are used a lot.
The remedies indicated for people with a fire type are those that increase the ability to control the body and help to relax. Among the plants we could list: calamus root, administered in very small doses (a pinch of powder per administration, maximum 1-2 teaspoons per day); melissa, an excellent sedative herb; yarrow, calendula, chamomile, hawthorn, rose hips, linden. The essential oils suitable for this type are lavender, orange, rose, sandalwood, lotus.
12. Let's also say a few words about the colds that can appear during this period, how we can distinguish them and how we can treat them with the help of Ayurvedic principles.
Vata type cold is characterized by dry cough, hoarseness, muscle pain, insomnia, expectoration with very little whitish mucus, rather stuffy nose. This picture resembles that described in milder viral infections. In these conditions, inhalant solutions with essential oils can be used and a small amount of sesame oil is placed in each nostril. One will, of course, take vitamin supplements, especially vitamin C. In such situations, there is clearly no need for antibiotic treatment.
Pitta colds are more noisy, may be accompanied by high fever, deep red throat, difficulty swallowing, red face and cheeks, greenish-yellow mucus and/or sputum. It is a classic picture that suggests bacterial infection, especially if the fever is high. We can add to the treatment propolis, massage with camphor or peppermint essential oil, anti-inflammatory remedies, essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, pine, fir, administered internally, 3 drops a day, with honey.
Finally, the Kapha cold is the most difficult to treat, because here we encounter a heavy, viscous, adherent, abundant, transparent or whitish (like glass) mucus, and the fever may not be so high, but it is more difficult to give way. Here we must use strong mucus-dispersing remedies. Not only fluidizing remedies are important, but also nutrition that minimizes mucus formation. Dairy products, sweets, fried foods, white yeast bread, pastries, hearty food, even tonic syrups are strictly prohibited. It is recommended to drink warm tea with lots of lemon, ginger and honey, and limit the consumption of food (you can eat something very light, for example polenta, compote or semolina). Sweating therapy is very important, which will help lower the fever. For this, remedies are taken that promote sweating (such as elderflowers), along with antitussive and expectorant plants (cowslip, yarrow, horsetail, mullein, lungwort etc.), cinnamon, ginger.
13. Not always the manifestations are as clear as described here. In addition, sometimes the patient has other health problems that can complicate the situation. In such cases, it is best to consult a specialist doctor from the beginning, instead of delaying the situation. Sometimes several natural remedies administered simultaneously, intensively, may be necessary.
For example, fever is considered a serious illness in Ayurveda, especially in some situations when there are other symptoms that indicate seriousness. In the case of fever, it may be necessary to administer detoxifying, draining remedies aimed at eliminating waste products of metabolism that hinder circulation and liver function. Among such remedies we mention: wormwood, yarrow, turmeric, blessed thistle, in larger or smaller doses, depending on the type of patient. In Ayurveda, there is a fever-fighting formula containing 48 herbs, the main one used being chirayata (Swertia chirata), which is also used in the treatment of malaria.
14. Another situation frequently encountered in the cold season is the damage to the sinuses. And sinuses can be divided according to their type, into several subtypes.
The Vata type is characterized by severe pain, thirst, dryness of the sinus mucosa and even wounds and ulcers. Local washes with antiseptic solutions are recommended, then the application of sesame oil to which other oils with therapeutic value have been added. Poultices may be applied, and if a collection of pus occurs, it will be drained.
Pitta-type sinusitis has very abundant, foul-smelling and intensely colored secretions that accumulate especially at night. In this case, licorice poultices (with anti-inflammatory effect) can be applied and turmeric, triphala, poplar buds, manjistha administered internally.
Kapha-type sinusitis is manifested by very thick and adherent secretions, whitish or transparent, it worsens especially at night, the sinuses being painful, but with a dull ache, sometimes itching and a feeling of loading, heaviness. In this case, plants that produce strong unobstruction will be used, such as neem, citraka, turmeric, vidanga, elecampane root, as well as oil in which salt has been added, macerated chirayata, trivrit, essential oil of myrrh.
15. As we have seen, it is good to take into account the adaptation to the season, even when we are healthy, because in this way we will prevent diseases. Knowing our own typology, sensitivities, will make us take measures earlier, be artisans of our own health and reduce visits to the doctor. Changing the lifestyle and eating habits, adapting them according to the season, are simple measures that will save us from complications in the future. It is always better to prevent than to later treat a serious disease already established. It is better to avoid a harmful or toxic food than later to try your best to eliminate the toxic effects it has brought to the body.
16. Everyone is responsible for how they take care of their body, so that they don't get seriously ill later. To end on an optimistic note, I would say that it is not necessarily necessary to get sick; if we have learned our lessons and take care of our body's well-being, we will pass through the cold season unscathed and then be reborn with the onset of spring.
Photo source: pacificcollege.edu
