Why Is Delhi So Polluted in December? Ayurvedic Tips to Protect Your Health

“Delhi, India’s capital, has faced serious air pollution for years, particularly during the winter. December is one of the worst months in the year for pollution levels; hazardous air quality affects the health of millions. To answer the question of why Delhi is so polluted, it is important to understand the not-so-hidden patterns behind this seasonal pollution crisis and how to take steps to protect health. Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine, provides valuable knowledge and practical information on how to safely keep our bodies and minds free from the pollutants that surround us. In this blog, we will explore why Delhi is so polluted in December and how Ayurvedic practices can help us stay healthy during this period.

Understanding the Winter Pollution Crisis in Delhi

Delhi’s air quality deteriorates in December due to seasonal and human activities. There are several explanations for the pollution spike:

1. Seasonal Factors:

December is cold and stagnant (with low wind speeds), so this leads to the trapping of pollutants near the ground. The pollution doesn’t disperse and therefore builds up in the air, raising the concentration of harmful particles. And in winter the fog thickens the problem, making it even more difficult to breathe.

2. Human Activities:

There is also an increase in human activities during winter months which increases pollution levels. During festivals such as Diwali, firecrackers are widely released that emit toxic chemicals in the atmosphere. You can also catch smoke from the fields from neighboring states, especially from stubble burning in the states of Punjab and Haryana. Besides, vid cold weather the pollutants load from vehicular emissions increases.

3. Health Impact:

The alarming pollution levels in Delhi during December affect public health at large. Alas, they were right: respiratory ailments, asthma and allergies, fatigue, and eye irritation were among the more common complaints among people living in the city. The effects can be even worse for people who already have pre-existing conditions. Complications are more likely among children, the elderly, and those who have respiratory problems.

How Delhi’s December Pollution Affects Your Body According to Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, health is a balance of three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. According to Ayurveda, these doshas consist of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. An imbalance of these elements can be caused by environmental factors (eg, pollution) and can have profound effects on health.

1. Vata Dosha:

Air pollution, especially that of particulate matter, is more dry and dusty in nature and aggravates the Vata dosha. For those whose stomachs are affected by this, symptoms manifest in the form of dryness in the body, increased irritability, anxiety, and disturbed sleep. Cold air will only aggravate Vata imbalances that cause fatigue and discomfort.

2. Pitta Dosha:

The intensive heat from pollution, paired with the excessive exposure to the chemicals in the air can lead to inflammation and digestive issues, which is mainly synonymous with an aggravated Pitta dosha. Pitta constitution people may have issues like acidity, heartburn, and skin inflammation.

3. Kapha Dosha:

The cold, damp weather and pollutants aggravate the Kapha dosha, resulting in congestion, sinus issues, or sluggishness. Those with a Kapha constitution may find the heavy, damp air particularly oppressive, and can have heavier breathing and heavy, lethargic fatigue.

4. Ayurvedic Lens on Seasonal Imbalances:

Overall, winter is a period when kapha dosha naturally aggravates due to the cold, damp climate. During this period, pollution can disrupt these delicate balances, often resulting in more serious health problems. In particular, Ayurveda asserts that maintaining dosha balance is crucial in the face of harsh elements relevant to today’s age, such as pollution.

4 Ayurvedic Tips to Protect Your Health During December Pollution

1. Strengthen Your Immunity

Increasing your immunity to polluted days is integral to keeping you healthy. Ayurveda recommends herbs with immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties such as Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Amla, and Giloy. These herbs along with very warm, cooked foods like turmeric, ginger, and garlic will help you build up and resist the effects of pollution.

2. Do Breathing Exercises (Pranayama)

Yoga breathing exercises or Pranayama are known to cleanse lungs and reduce the effect of polluted air. Breathing practices, such as Anulom Vilom Breathing and Kapalbhati, increase the flow of oxygen, settle the nervous system, and enable us to build respiratory health. Practicing these regularly can drastically reduce pollution-induced stress.

3. Nasal Cleansing (Neti)

Saline Water Nasal cleansing is really helpful for clearing up the pollutants in the nasal part. In winter, practicing Neti aids in clearing nasal congestion, minimizing irritation, and keeping the airways clean and devoid of toxins.

4. Detoxify Your Body

Ayurveda solutions for detox are Triphala, Panchakarma therapy to flush out toxin accumulation due to pollution. Triphala is a natural herbal blend that helps in digestion and detoxification of the body. Benefits of Panchakarma Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic detox process that removes deeply entrenched toxins and restores harmony, leading to better physical and mental health.

5. Skincare for Pollution Protection Skincare

Pollution is a prime contributor to dry, irritated, and prematurely aging skin. Ayurvedic solutions like sesame oil massages and face packs with neem, turmeric and sandalwood shield your skin from the pollution to keep it nourished, and also help in damage control.

Leading a Pollution-Free Life with the Help of Ayurveda

When it comes to exposing pollution, creating a purifying indoor atmosphere can help.

Conclusion

Natural plants like Aloe Vera, Tulsi, and Neem have air purifying properties while essential oils, including eucalyptus and lavender, can contribute toward respiratory health. Ayurvedic herbs and using a humidifier is an excellent method to treat humidity levels and inhales the moisturizing balance into your lungs too.