Ritucharya And The Ultimate Winter Essentials

8 December 2017
4 mins read

Each season in Ayurveda holds special significance in how it affects our mind and body and there is great emphasis on the need to practice ‘Ritucharya’. Literally meaning ‘Routine of the Seasons’, Ritucharya is the principle of Ayurveda that helps in keeping the mind and body healthy through the changing seasons. In Ayurveda, our state of wellness and the movement of the sun are deeply intertwined. The practice of Ritucharya is based on the movement of the Sun and it helps the body to remain in harmony with the energies of each season thus avoiding issues related to changing seasons and environmental extremes. It is said that in one part of the year called ‘Aadaan Kaal’ (Northern Solstice), the Sun moves in and absorb our energies. The second part, ‘Visarga Kaal’ or Southern Solstice shields us from the Sun and we derive more energy from it.

With winter or ‘Shishir Ritu’ setting in, here are our picks to keep the mind and body in harmony during the cold season:

PURE CINNAMON ESSENTIAL OIL

This spicy essential oil provides the warm comfort of a quilt on a cold day. Sourced from the lush jungles of Kerala, this cold pressed oil is a veritable powerhouse of antioxidants. A head massage with a reviving blend of Cinnamon and Coconut Oil relieves tension, stimulates the scalp and promotes lustrous hair growth. When added to Sweet Almond Oil, it helps in fighting skin dullness, adds a healthy flush and even counters winter dryness. When diffused into the air, the spicy and woody aroma of this pure essential oil induces a sense of warmth, helps in clearing congestion and fighting the early signs of a cold.

**ORGANIC SWEET ALMOND OIL**

When the woolens take over our wardrobes, it’s time to reach out for nurturing skin and hair therapy that has stood the test of time. Sweet Almond Oil, a rich source of Vitamins A & E, is winter sunshine in a bottle. Warming, nourishing and healing, this is an ideal top to toe treatment that is especially well-suited for cold weather. Light and non-greasy, it is an excellent solution to hair breakage that also deeply nourishes the scalp, controls hair damage and leaves hair soft and lustrous. When used as a face and body oil, it replenishes the natural lipids of the skin to keep it soft and also polishes the skin texture for even complexion. This is also ideal for babies of all ages for a naturally fortifying after-bath massage.

**SUGANDHADI REJUVENATING BODY TREATMENT OIL**

We all need some extra warmth when the temperatures start to dip. And this 100% natural oil with the goodness of Whey and Sesame is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy for winter woes. In the ancient Ayurvedic text of Sahastrayogam, Sugandhadi is referenced as a muscle relaxant that promotes a sense of well-being and relaxation through massage. Winter Cherry and Jelly Leaf extracts help remove fatigue, body aches & stress. Children can benefit tremendously as this herbal blend is a great muscle toner. For everyone else, the lethargy and soreness experienced during winter months can be reduced with a gentle massage with this efficacious formulation.

**BRINGADI INTENSIVE HAIR TREATMENT OIL**

The change in weather has an adverse effect on our tresses, triggering hair breakage & fall, scalp infections as well as hair follicle inflammation. A rich earthy oil with potent Ayurvedic herbs infused in pure Sesame oil, Bringadi Hair Oil Treatment is a wonderful formulation that addresses major hair and scalp issues faced during the dry and cold winter season. It is rich in Gooseberry, Balloon Vine, Liquorice and other nourishing ingredients that cleanse, charge & add gloss to tresses. This priceless Ayurvedic recipe also has potent anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that help ward off any signs of scalp infection due to infrequent hair-washing, making it perfect for that soothing Sunday scalp massage in the wintry sun.

With the onset of winter, there is a significant impact on our skin, hair, and body. The dry weather strips our skin of its natural oils leaving it parched for deep nourishment. Lack of hydration encourages dry skin patches, uneven skin-tone, clogged pores and untimely breakouts. The Ritu Charya principles of Ayurveda encourage the intake of warming food during winters with spices like Cinnamon, Clove, Turmeric, and Cumin. ‘Abhyangam’ or warm oil massages and soaking up the sun when it’s out is also highly recommended. With a mindful change to our regular routines in line with the principles of Ritucharya, winter can also be an experience to treasure the ways of nature and take care of ourselves when the cold sets in.

About the Author

Vipin Yadav

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