Everyone is getting a cold......

The viruses that create colds are always present. Sometimes, if your elements are out of balance or if the season is changing, your body becomes weakened and you can no longer destroy the viruses effectively. The result is the common cold. Prevention is best recipe by following the diet and routine for your element.

Once cold symptoms appear, follow the routine below.

As soon as you feel a cold coming on, you should begin to rest and follow the Wind or Vata Plan. Eat warm nourishing foods. Stick to a schedule for eating and sleeping. Taking the time to rest at the first signs of a cold instead of waiting until you are bedridden will actually save you time in the end. Keep yourself warm and keep your face covered with a scarf if you are going outside. Wearing a shawl or scarf indoors is also a good idea. Your diet should be simple, easy to digest and served warm. Lemon and Ginger are your best friends especially in hot water.

Diet

Day 1		Fast. Fasting can include hot herbal teas and heated broth. Teas Fresh ginger and honey Fresh lemon and honey Cinnamon tea with ½ tsp. of powdered turmeric added
Day 2 - 7		Eat a bland diet of easily digestible foods. Avoid Salt Avoid Raw Foods

Routine

• Rest
• Dress warmly
• Open the windows and let fresh air in, unless it is very cold outside
• Go for a slow walk outside
• Soak your feet in hot water while covered with a blanket before bedtime
• Follow your elemental routine

Herbal Therapy

Trikatu		combo of black pepper and dry ginger with pippali (three spices)
Ginger		Add fresh ginger to hot water

Yoga Pose

• Sirsasana
• Balasana or Child's Pose
• Sarvangasana or shoulderstand
• Uttanasana or hand to foot pose
• Paschimottanasana or seated forward fold
• Kurmasana or tortoise pose
• Ujjayi Pranayama with inhalation retention
• Legs up the Wall Pose or Vipariti Karani

Go to www.elementalom.com to find out what element you resonate with.