December 21 marks the first day of winter. The east coast ushered in the beginning of winter with its first snowfall of the year. According to Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga, the period from late fall to early winter is Vata season. Ayurveda is an ancient system (dating back at least 2,000 years) of traditional Indian medicine designed to restore us to health and wellbeing by bringing back into balance the elements inherent in us from birth.

December 21 marks the winter solstice and the first day of winter. It is the shortest day of the year, the sun is at its lowest peak, darkness reigns. It also marks our transition back towards the light. Daylight grows a little longer each day as we approach the spring equinox when day and night are in equilibrium.