Winter can make your skin and body unhealthy. Climate is cold with chillness and cool breeze especially in morning and evening. Our body also adapts few changes according to this change, hunger and sleep both increases. This helps one to cope up with the adverse climate. Our digestive fire increases hence heavy foods can be consumed during this period. As the climate is cold, natural accumulation of Kapha occurs. Also typical features of Vatha is seen like cold, dryness of skin, constipation and joint pain may be seen particularly during winter. Some people may also experience insomina and anxiety. Regulation in diet and lifestyle can help to solve winter health issues smoothly. Here are few tips that may keep you healthy naturally.
Food and drinks : During winter, one should avoid raw foods, dry foods, processed, frozen and canned foods, cold drinks, caffeinated drinks etc. Vatha pacifying foods like Green veggies, fruits, nuts, milk and milk products, fats oils, cereals, pulses, soups, citrus etc should be taken. One is advised to take sweet, salty and sour foods. As the digestive fire is high heavy meals can be easily digested. Fasting or skipping meals should be avoided as it may lead to Vatha ailments like joint pains. One should consume warm meals. Drinking plenty of water helps to detoxify and remove constipation. It also keeps the body hydrated and avoid dryness.
Exercise : Exercise should be regularly done just after waking up to prevent accumulation of Vatham in the body. Exercise helps to tone muscles and joints. Winter triggers joint pains and muscle cramps so inorder to improve blood circulation and digestion one should keep moving- Brisk walking, jogging. dancing, Yoga, Aerobics, Enjoy it with fullest. Sunbath during winter is advised especially during early morning and evening.
Oleation or Oil bath : Chapped lips, Chapped feet anmd hands, dryness of skin, Joint pains are major complaints in Winter. Massage with warm medicated oil / Sesame oil /coconut oil/ Almond oil / Olive oil etc may help to overcome chapping and drying. It improves blood crculation and keeps the skin glowing even in peak winter. Joint pains can be fixed with right type of medicated oil followed by warm water bath. During bath avoid harsh soaps Instead herbal powders like green gram, milk cream, turmeric paste can be used.
Herbal Tea : Ginger tea, Tulsi tea, lemon tea etc are very helpful to keep cold ailments at bay. It also aids digestion and keeps skin and body healthy.
Special Herbs : Herbal medicines like Triphala, Aswagendha, Sathavari, Nellikai or Amla etc are helpful to keep the body detoxified and expell impurities and toxins. It also cures constipation, joint problems . Nellikai lehyam (Siddha medicine) is recommended during winter to keep immune system regulated. Kindly consult your Siddha consultant to get prescribed the right medicine according to your problem, body conditions and age.
Sleep Well : Sleeping 7 to 8 hours is necessary for healhy bosdy and glowing complexion. Consuming early dinner and getting off to bed early is advised during winter. As nights are longer one can wake up early and start the morning routine. Sleeping early would give rest to both mind and body and protect one from adverse climatic conditions and preserve body temperature.
Hair care : Oil massage should be done regularly to protect the hair from dryness and breakage. It provides circulation and growth of hair. Use mild shampoo suitable for cold climate. Dandruff amy be common during this period so massaging the scalp with 8 to 10 drops of lemon juice mixed in warm coconut oil is very helpful. Avoid too much shampooing. Comb your hair well at least twice daily. While miving out avoid wet hairs. Never use hot water over scalp, it may lead to hair fall. Wear scarf if climate is too windy and cold.
Hope these tips help you stay healthy and glowing. Take care!