As cold weather sets in, many people suffer from a lack of appetite and lose or cannot gain weight. In Ayurveda, this seasonal change is attributed to the doshas' imbalances, especially Vata which increases in winter. Due to the cold and dry qualities of Vata, some digestive disturbances are caused which might thereby lead to hunger loss and slow metabolism.
But Ayurveda offers a range of natural solutions for regaining balance, stimulating appetite, and healthy weight gain. To understand more, we speak with an expert.
Understanding the Root Cause: Vata Imbalance and Agni Disruption
In Ayurveda, the digestive system is controlled by Agni, i.e., digestive fire, which is fundamental for correct metabolism and nutrient utilisation. “Cold weather may lead to a suppression of Agni resulting in bad digestion and the accumulation of Ama, the noxious residue of the undigested food,” says Astha Jain, Co-founder of Ayuvya.
She says that this slow bowel movement is associated with appetite loss and difficulty in gaining weight. “Furthermore, Vata being cold and dry, acts on the natural tendency of the body to become light and perhaps a bit active, thus lessening the appetite even more. However, when Vata is balanced, it brings about good digestion and nourishment,” Jain adds.
According to Jain, these Ayurvedic practices restore balance and stimulate appetite.
Panchakarma Detoxification
Panchakarma is a well-known detoxification process that comprises five treatments to eliminate Ama from the system and restore Agni. All these therapies are meant for purification and rejuvenation, and also the promotion of healthy digestion. Panchakarma improves the digestive fire and rids the body of toxins, hence reinstating the appetite loss typical of cold weather conditions.
Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Oil Massage)
Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic oil massage that nourishes the body, calms Vata, and improves circulation. The warm and grounding oils used for massage balance the dry and cold characteristics of winter and soothe the nervous system while aiding digestion.
Shirodhara for Mental Clarity and Balance
Mental strain/anxiety may also suppress the appetite in wintertime. Shirodhara, the pouring of warm herbal oil on the forehead, exerts its calming effect on the mind and nervous system, leading to a state of relaxation. This mental calmness leads to more positive digestion and appetite, which in turn is important for proper weight gain.
Dietary Adjustments and Rituacharya
An Ayurvedic diet based on an individual's Prakriti (constitution) and season can be very effective in promoting digestion and weight gain. In the winter months, attention should be given to warm, moist, grounding foods that activate Agni (i.e., digestive fire). The use of Rasayana herbs such as Triphala enhances detoxification and rejuvenation of the body in addition to its beneficial effects on improving digestion. Follow Rituacharya, the seasonal pattern, to counter winter’s influence by having heating, nourishing food, e.g., soups, stews, and root vegetables.
Promoting Ojas and Vitality
In Ayurveda, Ojas is said to be the very essence of vitality and immunity. Eating healthy fatty foods like ghee and earlier soothing activities like yoga and meditation are useful in strengthening Ojas and improving appetite. One also needs to keep a balance in sattva the quality of clear and harmonious thinking. All this will help reduce the stress that is otherwise a hurdle for proper digestion.
Jain says that using Ayurveda for cold weather loss of appetite and weight gain is a holistic process whereby the doshas are made to come back into balance by improving Agni and the elimination of Ama.
"Combined practices, such as Panchakarma, Abhyanga, and Shirodhara, along with a tailored diet will help you with seasonal loss of appetite whilst building strength to maintain your ideal weight during these winter months," she concludes.