We recently discussed winter skin care from an Ayurvedic perspective in my online course, My Body Thrive. Dry, chapped skin seems to be the norm for almost everyone right now unless you live in Hawaii or the Southeast. Our hands, feet, scalp, lips, and nasal passages are so vulnerable to the dryness this time of year. According to Ayurveda, this means we must be careful to keep the Vata dosha in balance, while trying not to aggravate the Kapha dosha.
Here are a few easy ways to keep your skin healthy during this challenging time of year:
Self massage with sweet almond or sesame oil after a bath or shower. Remember to keep the water temperature warm enough but not too hot, which will strip natural oils from your skin and make you even drier.
Treat a dry scalp with a night time massage — use your fingertips and rub your scalp vigorously all throughout the hair using your regular massage oil or an oil formulated for the scalp such as Healthy Hair Oil, Brahmi Oil, or Bhringraj Oil. You don't need much oil, just enough to coat your fingertips. Not only will this increase circulation and eliminate a dry scalp, your hair will be silky soft in the morning!
Pay extra attention to your feet! They take quite a beating this time of year. Treat them to a warm foot bath before bed with Epsom salts followed by a foot massage with your favorite oil. This soften your feet and you'll likely sleep better.
Hydrate — seems simple but we often don't drink enough water during the colder months. Sip warm water or lemon water throughout your day.
Eat foods that are moist and heavy — think hearty soups, vegetable stews, and roasted root vegetables.
Do you have questions about Ayurveda and My BodyThrive?
Contact me anytime! I'm happy to help. peaksandposes@gmail.com
Winter Skin Care from an Ayurvedic Perspective
Winter hiking is such a joy and one of the best ways to experience the beauty of this time of year. The sun glinting off of fresh snow, quiet and near empty trails, and the thrill of sledding downhill.
I am always in such awe of the snow covered mountains — the views, the blanket of white cloaking everything, and the quiet. Few things boost my mood better than a winter hike.
Winter hiking has some unique and special challenges — please take special care. Check the conditions for your specific trail, dress in layers, and be prepared with crampons, snowshoes, and a compass. For a full list of winter gear, and safety tips, check the AMC's website.
Join PeaksandPoses on our Winter retreat!
Embrace the Season! Get Outside
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