Winter season is often the most awaited season because of holidays, fresh and green vegetables, cosy evenings and colourful surroundings. But one thing that winter also brings along is dry skin and joint pain which is often a common complaint.
In Ayurveda’s understanding, both these conditions are a result of aggravated Vata dosha which is affected in the winter season. Majorly this dosha is responsible for creating dryness in the skin and bringing stiffness in the joints.
This is the reason that people often complain of cracking heels and dry patchy skin in spite of regular moisturization. When the Vata dosha is aggravated in the body, the body tends to lose moisture very easily. This also impacts the blood flow in the body and affects circulation and lubrication in the body.
The Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala, are world famous for boosting health, hydration and promoting overall wellness. In this guide, we shall be concentrating on some easy and effective remedies offered by Ayurveda that tackles dry skin and reduces joint pain, specific to the winter season.
Abhyanga – The art of oil massage
Abhyanga is perhaps one of the most effective and traditional Ayurveda Winter Remedies that directly deals with treating dry skin and lubricating the joints. The practice of Abhyanga involves massaging the entire body with preferably warmed oil in rhythmic circles with appropriate amount of pressure to relax the body, moisturize the skin and also calm down the nervous system.
This effective oil massage when done with the right kind of oils and in the right motions can improve mobility, reduce stiffness and deeply hydrate the body. Abhyangam is therefore, one of the best Ayurveda Treatment for Joint Pain. Some advantages of performing Abhyanga every day in winter season are –
- Deep moisturization.
- Enhanced blood circulation.
- Relief Inflammation and joint pain.
- Mental clarity.
- Better and good quality sleep.
Shirodhara
Shirodhara, also better known as Dhara oil pouring therapy Kerala, is highly beneficial in balancing aggravated Vata dosha, which is responsible for dryness and stiffness on the body. It reduces, winter anxiety, dullness and relaxes the overall body on a therapeutic level.
Ayurvedic diet to promote moisture in the body
In Ayurveda food is not just treated as a means of nourishment and replenishment, but as medicine. Ayurveda recommends diet to be the prime source of relieving body of any ailments including dryness, joint inflexibilities.
Some Vata balancing food that promotes healthy joints and skin –
- Ghee, with warm foods, enhances taste, promotes digestion and keeps joints lubricated.
- Drinking Golden Milk, made with milk, turmeric powder and a pinch of black pepper.
- Warm and nourishing soups made with carrots, spinach, beetroot, peas etc. that keeps the body healthy and also promotes weight management.
- Consuming seeds such as flax seeds, sesame, pumpkin, sunflower, etc. rich in Omega fats. This can be consumed in the form of laddus made with ragi and seeds.
- Almonds and walnuts soaked overnight to promote joint health.
Foods to avoid during the winter season –
- Cold salads, especially post sunsets.
- Frozen foods as it promotes stiffness.
- Eating irregular meals.
- Controlling caffeine. Often people consume excess caffeine to combat cold, but excess caffeine can promote dryness.
Ayurvedic herbs to boost skin and joint health
Ayurveda addresses and resolves body related issues through therapeutic herbs. Some effective winter herbs are-
- Aloe vera gel – This naturally available moisturizer hydrates the skin. Also, when consumed it soothes digestion and balances Pitta dosha.
- Kumkumadi oil – This Ayurvedic elixir oil is helpful in naturally moisturizing the skin. Laden with Saffron and prepared in Sesame oil and Goat milk is effective in keeping the skin soft, supple and hydrated.
- Ashwagandha – This stamina and immunity boosting herb keeps the joints healthy and also nourishes the bones.
Ayurveda recommendations for winter hydration
Some key Ayurvedic recommendations that boost hydration in the winters are –
- Consuming warm water throughout the day to stay warm and hydrated. Infusing the water with key ayurvedic herbs also promoted detox and healing.
- Drinking herbal teas made with tulsi, cinnamon, turmeric, honey etc. not only keeps you refreshed, but also boosts immunity.
- Exposing the body to the healing sunlight in the mornings can enhance the vitamin D levels in the body, which is highly beneficial for good joint health.
Yoga asanas and breath work practices that promote warmth and joint health
Yoga postures for effective joint health-
- Butterfly posture
- Pawanmuktasana
- Warrior Pose
- Surya Namaskar
Breathwork practices –
- Pranayama (the yogic breathwork).
- Bhastrika
- Ujjayi
Ayurvedic Snana (Bathing) for boosting moisture
Ayurveda recommends bathing with lightly warmed water infused with healing oil such as sesame or coconut. The Ayurvedic tradition also suggest one to use Ubtan – organic scrubber, made with natural ingredients such as besan (chickpea flour), turmeric, rose water, milk etc.
Conclusion
The age old wisdom of Ayurveda has been evergreen and stays relevant even in modern times like today. Seasonal problems such as winter dryness and joint pain, can be easily tackled with the right intervention. The Ayurvedic rituals and therapeutic treatments teach us that the winter time can be enjoyed in full vigour with the right practices and the right diet.