Winter is a time to hibernate, and a time for self-reflection and going within, including taking advantage of the opportunities for extended practice of the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programs.

Winter wellness through Maharishi AyurVeda
by Dr. Dinesh Gyawali, Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield, Iowa, USA, The Review
25 January 2018

Winter in Iowa can be hard on our health and well-being, with Kapha and Vata doshas often getting out of balance.

One's digestive fire (Agni) gets stronger while at the same time problems can arise with breathing, sinus congestion, bones and joints, skin, and more.

Here are some Maharishi AyurVeda tips to consider:

• Start your day with a glass of warm water. Optionally, you can squeeze 1/2 of lemon/lime into it and add a teaspoon of honey. Make sure to stay hydrated with warm water and/or varieties of herbal teas, such as Vata tea, Kapha tea, and Sniffle Free tea from MAPI.

• Favor fresh, warm, well cooked, and mild-to-moderately spiced food over cold, raw, uncooked, and processed food. Since cold weather stimulates one's appetite, you can eat larger meals. Spices such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon, dried ginger, pepper, and long pepper can be helpful.

• Body massage (abhyanga) with a suitable oil not only moistens the skin but also helps with purification. If needed, you can do a dry massage (gharsana) followed by abhyanga.

• Having a regular bed time and rising time is important. Favor a good night's sleep and avoid daytime naps.

• Get exercise (yoga, cardio, weights etc.) according to your strength and avoid excess outdoor activities.

It's a time to hibernate, and a time for self-reflection and going within, including taking advantage of the opportunities for extended practice of the
Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programs.

• One teaspoonful of Maharishi Amrit Kalash nectar twice a day helps promote immunity against possible imbalances.

For further help, can be obtained at MUM's Integrative Wellness Center in the Women's Peace Palace Monday–Friday, 10 am–4 pm.

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