Why Is This Winter Colder Than Usual? The La Niña Effect Explained

Introduction: Climate Shift Meets Ayurveda 

If you’re feeling an unusually sharp chill this winter, with early cold waves, extra dryness, and sudden temperature drops, it’s due to the impact of La Niña, a climatic phenomenon where temperatures in the central Pacific region fall, affecting global weather.

This occurs every few years and influences the monsoonal patterns, temperature fluctuations, and snowfall. In our part of the world, the impact of La Niña triggers strong Himalayan cold waves, long spells of low temperatures, foggy mornings, and occasional winter rains that intensify the cold.

In Ayurveda, dramatic weather changes such as those triggered by La Niña disturb doshic balance, especially Vata and Kapha. Cold, dry winds amplify Vata, leading to dryness, joint discomfort, digestive fluctuations, anxiety, and disturbed sleep. Fog and stagnant cold increase Kapha accumulation, slowing metabolism and causing congestion. Understanding the science with Ayurveda’s seasonal wisdom helps us stay healthy and resilient through the season.

Winter 2025-26: Harsh Conditions Expected to Get Worse  

Weather agencies indicate that this winter may be one of the coldest in recent years. Northern and central India remain most affected, while even southern cities such as Hyderabad, which usually hardly experience winter, are expected to feel noticeable cold waves. Dense fog in north India makes the situation worse. 

Ayurveda states that in Hemanta Ritu (mid-November to mid-January), Vata rises because of cold, dry qualities, while in Shishira Ritu (mid-January to mid-March), Kapha accumulates due to dampness. La Niña magnifies both doshic shifts, and the enhanced cooling may also strain immunity and respiratory function. Therefore, seasonal care and keeping agni (digestive fire) strong are critical.

A throwback to the Charak Samhita Su 27/342 is particularly appropriate here. The text states clearly:
“Balam Ārogyaṁ Āyuśca Prāṇāśca Agnau Pratiṣṭhitāḥ..” (Strength, health, longevity, and vital life force depend on the state of agni (digestive fire).

La Niña’s Impact on Health: An Ayurvedic View

Cold, polluted air actively constricts and irritates the respiratory channels or Pranavaha Srotas, making it more difficult to eliminate Kapha excesses. La Niña makes winters particularly severe, leading to a worsening of respiratory symptoms, especially for those with asthma, COPD, or allergies.
Children and the elderly, too, are highly vulnerable. 

The dry cold also aggravates joint conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and affects the skin. Sleep patterns are likely to be impacted due to heightened Vata. Dense fog, added to the mix, further aggravates congestion, cough, and breathlessness.

Winter pollution due to vehicle emissions, heating fuels, and stagnant air adds irritants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile compounds that inflame the respiratory system. Supporting lung health becomes a priority, along with immunity and warmth.

Ayurvedic Routines: Your Guide to Winter Fitness 

• Hemanta Ritu is the season when digestive fire is naturally strong—ideal for nourishing the body and supporting immunity.

• Sip warm water frequently to maintain internal warmth.

• Consume Tulsi, Black Pepper, Dry Ginger, and Jaggery for warmth and respiratory support.

• Eat warm, freshly cooked, slightly oily, and well-spiced meals to stabilise Vata and prevent Kapha congestion.

• Include root vegetables, leafy greens, soups, and warming spices (Dry Ginger, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Clove, Garlic) to boost digestion and circulation.

• Drink hot herbal teas to support internal warmth and clear respiratory pathways.

• Limit dairy product consumption.

• End your day with Turmeric milk to support sleep without increasing Kapha.

• Keep extremities and the chest warm to protect overall vitality.

• Practise Nadi Shodhana Pranayama for respiratory balance.

• Perform Nasya with warm sesame oil or ghee to clear and protect nasal passages.

• Add Rasayanas (rejuvenating therapies) such as Pippali Rasayana, Shilajit, Chyawanprash, and Amrit Kalash to strengthen immunity and build ojas.

• Practise daily Abhyanga (oil massage) with sesame or Vata-pacifying oils to reduce dryness and support joints.

• Protect the head, ears, chest, and feet from cold winds to preserve ojas.

• Get sunlight during late mornings to boost warmth and vitality.

• Avoid early-morning fog to protect lung health.

• Practise light yoga and pranayama to maintain energy and balance.

A Day of Winter Wellness Prescribed by Ayurveda! 

Here’s a step-by-step daily guide that will protect you from the excesses of winter and up your wellness quotient!

1)Begin the morning with a warm herbal tea such as Tulsi-Lemon-Ginger to awaken agni and support immunity.

2)Exercise for 30–40 minutes to maintain heat and circulation.

3)Follow up with abhyanga using warm oil, and bathe with lukewarm water.

4)Take your daily dose of  Chyawanprash or Amrit Kalash to support ojas.

5)Eat a warm breakfast and lunch. Nourishing soups, seasonal vegetables, and a dollop of organic cow ghee are recommended.

6)Sip a cup of Turmeric-Ginger herbal tea at mid-day -  invigorates digestion and respiration.

7)Have dinner at least two hours before bed.

8)A gentle foot massage before sleep calms Vata, while caffeine-free herbal teas soothe the mind for deep, restorative rest.

Follow Ayurveda: Be Protected from La Niña!

Though La Niña may bring one of the coldest winters of the decade, Ayurveda provides a practical and time-tested way to stay healthy. By following Dinacharya and Ritucharya  (daily and seasonal rituals), supporting warmth, nourishment, breath, and immunity, you remain balanced and strong amidst climatic unpredictability.
 

TESTIMONIAL
Sunandan Duara, 34, Senior Manager in a Gurgaon-based firm

‘If our jobs allowed, my wife and I would have definitely left the city and headed for Coorg, her hometown. The temperature fell to 8 degrees yesterday, and the pollution levels in Delhi-NCR are horrifying, with no sign of letting up. We are particularly worried about our daughter, Mishi is just 5 and has to go to school in this polluted environment. She has been falling ill – coughing and wheezing – too often.

We have air purifiers in all rooms in the house, but it’s just not enough. We’ve recently started on some Ayurvedic remedies: herbal tea, Turmeric-Ginger milk at bedtime, I’m also trying to practice Nasya – dropping a few drops of warm til oil in my nose in the mornings seems to be helping clear the congestion. 

We’ve also started on a formulation called Amrit Kalash – even Mishi is having it. It’s lab-tested, and she has taken to the taste of the nectar paste, so that’s good. We’re just keeping our fingers crossed that these remedies help us stay protected through the harsh days ahead.