As we move toward winter, you may find yourself becoming uncharacteristically cold, dry, rough, mobile and light.  These are some of the physical qualities or gunas that characterize the Vata Dosha.  You may be thinking, I am not Vata, why  would I experience this?!

Whether you are primarily Vata, Pitta or Kapha, winter is the Vata season.  And, for this reason, you may take on qualities that are typically foreign to you during the other seasons.

So, how do you stay warm both inside and out?! 

**Start with moving toward a Vata balancing diet that favors warm cooked foods as opposed to cold, dry foods.

**Consider incorporating Vata balancing tastes: sweet, sour and salty.

**Treat yourself to daily warm sesame oil massages.  This is called Abhyanga, and can be a self oil massage and or a partner oil massage.  Winter is a great time to snuggle together.  Hence, try both!  Share with your children, who doesn’t like a warm oil massage lovingly applied?!

** Sip warm/hot water throughout the day or try a Vata balancing tea(recipe to follow.)

Recipe Vata Balancing Tea:

3 cups of water, small piece of chopped fresh ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom seeds, 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 small cinnamon stick a pinch of clove. Place all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to boil.  Turn down heat to low and cook for additional 10 minutes.  Strain and serve.  If you are feeling something sweet, add a little honey.  Drink after meals.  Can be kept at room temperature for 1 day.