Follow an Ayurvedic Morning Routine
Ayurveda recommends sleeping in a little later in the winter (about 7 a.m.) than in other seasons. Scrape your tongue first thing in the morning to remove the dead germs and yeast that have gathered overnight and to enhance circulation to the visceral organs. Brush your teeth with toothpaste containing warming herbs like cinnamon, clove, bilva, and haritaki. After that, drink a cup of warm water to induce a bowel movement. Then give yourself a brief massage. Warm sesame oil should be applied to your complete body (it is warming and beneficial to all prakrutis in the winter). Allow the oil to soak in for 5 to 10 minutes before taking a hot shower and exfoliating your skin.
Yoga, pranayama, and meditation are great ways to end your morning routine. Congestion in the respiratory organs is relieved by Surya namaskara (sun salutation) and positions that open the chest, throat, and sinuses. If you can, try the fish, boat, bow, locust, lion, and camel stances, as well as the shoulder stand and headstand. After that, go through a couple rounds of bhastrika, or fire breath. This breathing technique generates heat and clears mucus from the respiratory tract.
It is critical to eat a nutritious breakfast after meditation. If you don't fuel your digestive fire first thing in the morning, it will dry up physical tissues and stimulate Vata. Enjoy a bowl of cinnamon-spiced oats, barley, cornmeal, tapioca, or poha (basmati rice flakes). Boil 1/2 teaspoon fresh or powdered ginger, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of ground clove in a cup of boiling water for 5 minutes after breakfast. Consume this tea to boost your digestive fire, promote circulation, and eliminate extra mucus. If you have an ulcer or any inflammatory issue, skip the tea.
