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With the arrival of winter Solstice on Dec 22, the
winter season is officially upon us. However, for those
of us in San Diego it is hard to visualize a true
winter, as we have it pretty good. With the sun coming
back and days growing longer, spring will be here sooner
than we know it. According to Ayurvedic philosophy,
winter is the time of Kapha. Kapha energies can be
compared to the qualities of earth and water. These can
be described as oily, heavy, cold, stable, dense and
smooth. With this energy playing a major role you can
expect a little more sinus congestion and mucous
buildup, a little weight gain to help fend off the cold
and also a little sluggishness. Although it may seem
bad, everything has its purpose so keeping yourself in
balance is what will keep you healthy. Kapha is about
growth and stability, keeping our cells lubricated and
to provide nourishment. To keep Kapha balanced is to
keep the energy moving. Imagine pouring concrete, in
order to keep it from solidifying before you can lay the
structure, it has to be stirred. Go for a brisk morning
walk to get the juices flowing. In addition to movement,
keeping the digestive fire going will help your body
absorb nutrients more effectively from the heavy foods
that are common at this time of year. If your digestion
is weak, lethargy, congestion, low immunity, aching
joints, and even depression can show up. Limit sweets
and dairy as they can cause congestion. Try not to graze
all day but space your meals out and eat your biggest
meal at midday when your digestion is strongest. Add
some good warming spices to your meals to help balance
your digestion as well. These include basil, cardamom,
cinnamon, clove, fennel, ginger and oregano to mention a
few.
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Essentials
Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
Marjoram is belongs to the mint family and is a close
relative to oregano. However, marjoram is sweeter than
and not as strong as its cousin. The herb was used
traditionally to bring happiness to newly wed couples
and bless the dearly departed. It also was put under the
pillow so one would dream of their true love.
 The
properties of marjoram include anti-bacterial,
antiseptic, antispasmodic, arterial vasodilator,
digestive stimulant, diuretic, expectorant and sedative.
I use it in my treatments for the antispasmodic and
sedative properties. It is great for those that
have muscle tension in neck and shoulders due to stress
and emotional upset. It promotes peaceful sleep.
To be used with caution while pregnant. In addition,
too much may cause lethargy and cool sexual drive.
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Quotes & Inspirations
"It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The
question is: What are we busy about?"
"Sweep away the
clutter of things that complicate our lives."
- Henry David
Thoreau
“Our life is shaped
by our mind; we become what we think. Suffering follows
an evil thought as the wheels of a cart follow the oxen
that draws it.
Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think.
Joy follows a pure thought like a shadow that never
leaves.”
~ Buddha
“The greatest
deception men suffer is from their own opinions.”
“One can have no smaller or greater mastery than mastery
of oneself.”
- Leonardo de Vinci
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