Getting on to winter season we can notice cracked lips, cracked heels and dry skin! All this can be easily dealt by doing some simple Ayurvedic rituals, and thereby making the winter looking all pretty and pink in you!!
Due to it being cold and windy in winters it is important to maintain the balance of the vata and kapha doshas.
A few simple things you can incorporate in your daily routine during the winters.
1. ABHYANGA (BODY MASSAGE) – the best way to nourish the largest organ of your body, that is right your skin!!
A daily 10 min self- full body massage right before your shower (on empty stomach) will maintain excellent health of your skin.
Pure sesame oil is best due to its warming properties, also Balashwagandadi taila can be used for its rejuvenating and strengthening properties.
Abhyanga improves the texture of skin making it soft & supple, improves circulation and lymphatic drainage, slows the ageing process, and improves muscle tone as well.
2. USE OF SN ANA CHURNAS – After Abhyanga bath powders can be used instead of the conventional harsh soaps.
A combination of powders of triphala, neem, and chickpea can be applied on the skin and scrubbed to remove the oil from the body followed by warm water shower.
This adds to the effect of Abhyanga and keeps the skin clear and health.
3. VYAYAMA (EXERCISE) – Exercise will help you warm up and sweat those toxins out and keep your skin healthy and lustrous.
Sweating through exercise can be a big game changer for skin health.
But remember not to over exert yourself and exercise only to half your capacity or strength.
4. KEEP YOURSELF WARM – Get those sweaters out and cover yourself with layered clothing. Protect yourself against cold winds as it can aggravate vata and dry your skin.
5. There is a saying which goes YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
Your skin health depends on what you eat and how it gets digested!!
Drinking warm soups, taking in of warm cooked food (sweet, sour or salty in taste) with ghee as a garnish will make you hydrated.
Avoid raw, uncooked foods.
You can also consume Ginger tea which will not only keep you hydrated but also balances your vata and kapha, regulates digestion inturn keeping your skin healthy.
A few simple remedies:
For Cracked Lips or Dry Skin – Apply ghee on your lips and dry skin patches (avoid if you are prone to acne) Apply honey on your lips at bedtime.
For Cracked Heels – Apply a small amount of sesame oil or ghee and wear socks and wash it off in the morning (be careful so as to not to apply in excess quantities that may cause slips or falls)
Face Pack s:
Pack 1 – Mash half a banana , add 2 tablespoons of milk and a juice of a lemon and apply on face and neck , leave it for 20 minutes and wash off with cold milk.
Pack 2 – Make a paste of 1 teaspoon of hibiscus powder, a tablespoon of rice flour and yoghurt, apply on face and leave it for 20 minutes and wash it off and pat dry.
• Always pat dry your face and never rub your face with the towel
• Change your pillow covers once in 3 days
• Avoid speaking for long hours on the phone directly as the phone heat may damage your skin, instead use headphones whenever possible
• Do not exfoliate a lot
• Wash your face before you go to bed
• Sleep warm
Stay Warm, Eat Warm and Stay Healthy!!!
