#03 Self Care - Self Abhyanga

#03 Self Care: Self Abhyanga

Winter is here! Snow, ice, warm fireplace, cozy blankets, hot cocoa and dry skin, oh my.

This is winter here in the New England area, dry, wet cold and is a challenge for our skin over the long winter months.

What to do? Well Ayurveda has this under control! 

A few ways Ayurveda helps in the winter:

• Eating warm grounding foods

                   Do you remember when you where young and your mother or grandmother would make a stew or pot pie and left you feeling full and loved. Relaxing with warm foods in the cold dry weather helps keep you feel comfort, grounded and nourished through food. Nourishing foods keep the body strong,healthy and balanced the immune system.

• Add ghee to your diet 

                  Ghee is the perfect winter soother. Ghee can be added to your foods to help lubricate the joints and moisten dry skin. Massaging the skin, lips, dry areas to relax, soothe and lubricate the skin and leave you glowing.

• get outside, but layer properly

                 Getting outside, fresh air, reconnecting to the elements are key to a strong immune system. Layering for the weather properly will protect the areas of delicate skin, such as neck, hands. Bundle up and get out their.

• take time to meditate or do regular yoga

                 Creating your relaxation routine, doing daily meditation, yoga, walking or stretching will help relax the mind and keep the immune system in balance.

• and self abhyanga,

                 Self Abhyanga! This is one of my favorite winter tips. Taking a little time every morning to apply oil to the body will help relax and strengthen the immune system. Place an old towel down on your bathroom floor, warm some oil, then apply to the body starting at the head then working slowly down the body, spending extra time at the ears and feet.

Spending a little time with self care in the long winter months will help to create a smoother winter, and softer skin.