Tips For Daily Routine During Winter

• Ayurveda suggests waking up a bit later in the winter (around 7 a.m.) than you would in other seasons.
• Tongue scraping. Have you ever noticed a film or coating on your tongue in the morning? This is ama (digestive impurities) that has been deposited overnight by your digestive system ridding your body of toxins. Jihwa prakshalana, or tongue scraping, helps clean the tongue of ama—which can compromise your digestion and immune system—before it can be reabsorbed. Here’s how to do it:

1. After brushing your teeth, take your sterling silver or stainless steel Tongue Cleaner (or the front of a silver spoon) and place it as far back on your tongue as comfortable.
2. Firmly but gently, scrape the surface of your tongue from back to front.
3. Rinse your tongue scraper with hot water after use.
4. Repeat 5-7 times, until your tongue looks and feels clean.

• Sesame seed oil Gargle ( Oil swishing ): Swish 1 tablespoon of sesame, coconut, or olive oil around in your mouth for 60 seconds, and “pull” bacteria from your mouth and gums. It might sound strange, but it feels wonderful and can help reduce tartar buildup, leaving you with healthier gums. A few pointers:

1. Swish the oil gently
2. Avoid swallowing
3. After you’re done, spit the oil into paper towels and place in the trash, rather than down the drain (oil can clog pipes)
4. Rinse your mouth before consuming any beverages.

• Next, drink a cup of warm water to stimulate a bowel movement .This washes the GI track, flushes the kidneys, and stimulates peristalsis.
• Then treat yourself to a quick massage with warmed sesame oil all over your entire body
• Let the oil soak in for 5 to 10 minutes, then take a hot shower and exfoliate your skin.
• The nasal membranes are particularly vulnerable during cold weather. Support them by using 1-2 drops of Nasya oil in the morning.The Nasya Oil will awaken the mind and lubricate the respiratory passages.
• Shake off any sluggishness with some morning exercise or yoga.
• Dress in bright, warm colors like reds and oranges.
• Always cover your ears, neck, and head with a scarf or hat if you are outside in the cold.
• Skip daytime naps; the long, dark, evening hours provide a perfect atmosphere for you to relax and unwind.
• Ideal time to retire to bed can be around 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. and, before bed, apply some Bramhi mind Oil to your scalp and Sesame seed oil to the soles of your feet to facilitate restful sleep.