Winter Newsletter 2010

Naturopathic Winter Support

Improve and maintain your Immune System health and prevent colds, coughs and flu

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water
• Try to avoid crowds as much as possible
• Drink plenty of filtered water
• Eat a diet high in vegetables, seasonal fruit, whole grains and lean, quality protein
• Consume onion & garlic for antimicrobial activity; ginger & chilli for their warming properties
• Get plenty of sleep, manage the stress levels and make time for rest and relaxation
• Moderately exercise daily to improve circulation of the lymphatic/immune system
• Don’t wait for a virus to take hold, have a prevention/action plan to implement asap

Ayurvedic Guidelines For Winter

Winter is naturally dominated by our Kapha intelligence which is responsible for body fluids, lubrication of the joints and positive emotions. When aggravated, it produces loss of digestive power and accumulation of mucous, causing sinus, cough and fatigue. Ayurveda suggests that over exertion, stress, mental fatigue and poor nutrition impair immunity, allowing viruses to proliferate. Poor digestive habits also weaken the digestive ‘fire’ allowing an accumulation of toxins to be stored in the body.

Ayurveda suggests building immunity, stimulating digestion, and keeping mind and body in balance to help prevent winter induced health problems.

Therefore, Ayurvedic inspired regimes during winter can assist the body to balance and function optimally

• Establish a morning routine - scrape your tongue with a tongue scrapper and brush teeth on first rising. Prepare a hot drink of a ¼ tsp of fresh ginger root, juice of a ¼ of lemon, add hot water, when it cools, add ¼ tsp honey, drink and enjoy!
• Improve digestion - drink hot water with half an inch of freshly grated ginger 1-3 times/day with meals
• Eat warm cooked foods - steam, stir fry, bake, casserole, stew or soup foods
• Avoid eating raw foods and salads, yoghurt, cheese and frozen or cold foods and beverages
• Drink warm boiled milk with a pinch of nutmeg/cinnamon to warm and nourish the tissues
• Reduce stress – increase rest and relaxation periods, increase sleep quantity and quality
• Balance prana – engage in yoga, deep breathing and meditation daily
• Exercise during daylight hours – avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, especially after dark
• Protect yourself from the cold – rug up and avoid drafts and wind

Clinic Notice

Please note the clinic will be closed on the following days to attend continuing professional development seminars and workshops in June, 2010:

Fri 4, Sat 5, Mon 7, & Wed 16, Thur 17, Fri 18 & Sat 19.