Tips for a Healthier Winter
04/01/10 15:16 Filed in: Healthy Tips
Over the years I have learned a few tips that help me keep my body healthy especially when the seasonal changes are under way.
Colonics and Cleanses
As with your car you want to prepare your body for seasonal changes from the inside as well as the outside. As a colon-hydrotherapist I have often recommended colonics on a quarterly basis or during seasonal changes to reduce the toxic load on the body which helps to avoid colds and flu. The main reason for doing this is to reduce the toxic load on the liver so if a colonic is not workable to you there are other methods to improve liver health. For a simpler method make a trip to your health food store and find a liver cleanse program that you can purchase. It is recommended that you reduce the fat in your diet while doing this and even better if you follow a strict diet for at least part of the time. Like anything the more you put into it the better your results will be.
Certain herbs support efficient liver function.
Blue Flag-dispels heat fire and fever, cleanses the blood and lymphatics and helps bowel elimination. Combined with chickweed it can alleviate itchy skin.
Burdock Root-a strong acting herb for blood purification and clearing lymphatics. Known to cleanse congestion, reduce swelling and dispel toxins either through the skin or diuresis.
Chickweed-cleanses and purifies the blood, promotes bowel movement, soothes protects and nurtures internal membranes, stimulates cell growth and helps heal wounds.
Dandelion Root- among other attributes, dandelion root is a cleanser for the liver and gallbladder. It is especially good for diets that consist of a regular intake of meats or high in fat.
Milk Thistle-purifies the liver, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Plantain-firms tissue, assists in purifying the blood and lymphatics and helps heal wounds while promoting cell growth.
Slippery Elm-acts as a skin emollient, soothes protects and nurtures internal membranes.
If you are willing to do a cleanse you can try the Master Cleanse. The master cleanse is a common cleanse and has had good results over many years. If you carry more body weight and have never undertaken a cleanse before I suggest the Arise and Shine cleanse. It is more expensive, however it is a fool proof method for a novice to cleansing diets. The cleanse kit comes with instructions and should include what you need to do the cleanse properly. Although I have not tried the process myself I have known many people to rave about it.
A tea made from ginger root and turmeric is excellent for relieving joint and tissue inflammation. Ginger is an excellent anti-inflammatory herb. It also helps soothe your tummy after overeating. Turmeric is an antiviral so it boosts the immune system. Since the tea heats up the body it is recommended during cool or cold climates. To make this tea grate or cut up at least a tablespoon of ginger root per cup of tea. Bring cup or mug of purified water to a boil, add the ginger and steep for fifteen minutes. Strain the tea into a cup and add a 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder to the tea before drinking it.
Healthy Skin
I believe that Ayurvedic skin care is an excellent way to keep your skin healthy. In the morning or before showering, brush the skin for about ten minutes with a skin brush. A natural skin brush can be purchased at a health food store. Brush the skin starting at the top of the head and work your way down. They say it helps to brush in a circular motion over joints and brush the length of the limbs in between the joints. Now apply a heated Ayurvedic oil to the skin, also starting at the head and working down to the feet. During the winter you can usually use sesame oil or Prabhanjanam or a 50/50 combination of both. Both oils are warming and good for dry environmental conditions. Both oils are especially for a Vata dosha body type. In Ayurvedic tradition there are three doshas or body type-Vata, Pitta and Kapha. To take a test to see which is your primary dosha you can take an online dosha test
If your are experiencing exhaustion or feel your body is in a delicate condition you might use a Bala oil. For warmer climates or if your body tends toward inflammation, Chandanadi oil is more appropriate. You can cut Chandanadi with coconut oil if you prefer. Both have a cooling effect on the body.
During your shower it is recommended to use a mild soap to keep from removing the oil entirely. These oils not only add a protective layer to the body, they also are medicinal to body tissue so thoroughly massaging the oil into the pores of the skin is encouraged. If you know an Ayurvedic doctor or practitioner I recommend that they prescribe the best oil for your body type. There are several oils and I have only mentioned two.
Feet
Feet that tend to crack and peel need extra care. The above oil massage before showering may be enough, however if after awhile you do not see a change you can try massaging your feet with a cooling lotion such as peppermint. I have found that Tea Tree oil rubbed over the feet after a shower helps my feet. If you have feet that are prone to severe cracking or dryness you can try another Ayurvedic approach which consists of applying a coat of Brahmi Ghee to the feet before bedtime and wearing an old pair of sox to bed.
Although these suggestions are by no means exhaustive they may serve you so enjoy!
Colonics and Cleanses
As with your car you want to prepare your body for seasonal changes from the inside as well as the outside. As a colon-hydrotherapist I have often recommended colonics on a quarterly basis or during seasonal changes to reduce the toxic load on the body which helps to avoid colds and flu. The main reason for doing this is to reduce the toxic load on the liver so if a colonic is not workable to you there are other methods to improve liver health. For a simpler method make a trip to your health food store and find a liver cleanse program that you can purchase. It is recommended that you reduce the fat in your diet while doing this and even better if you follow a strict diet for at least part of the time. Like anything the more you put into it the better your results will be.
Certain herbs support efficient liver function.
Blue Flag-dispels heat fire and fever, cleanses the blood and lymphatics and helps bowel elimination. Combined with chickweed it can alleviate itchy skin.
Burdock Root-a strong acting herb for blood purification and clearing lymphatics. Known to cleanse congestion, reduce swelling and dispel toxins either through the skin or diuresis.
Chickweed-cleanses and purifies the blood, promotes bowel movement, soothes protects and nurtures internal membranes, stimulates cell growth and helps heal wounds.
Dandelion Root- among other attributes, dandelion root is a cleanser for the liver and gallbladder. It is especially good for diets that consist of a regular intake of meats or high in fat.
Milk Thistle-purifies the liver, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Plantain-firms tissue, assists in purifying the blood and lymphatics and helps heal wounds while promoting cell growth.
Slippery Elm-acts as a skin emollient, soothes protects and nurtures internal membranes.
If you are willing to do a cleanse you can try the Master Cleanse. The master cleanse is a common cleanse and has had good results over many years. If you carry more body weight and have never undertaken a cleanse before I suggest the Arise and Shine cleanse. It is more expensive, however it is a fool proof method for a novice to cleansing diets. The cleanse kit comes with instructions and should include what you need to do the cleanse properly. Although I have not tried the process myself I have known many people to rave about it.
A tea made from ginger root and turmeric is excellent for relieving joint and tissue inflammation. Ginger is an excellent anti-inflammatory herb. It also helps soothe your tummy after overeating. Turmeric is an antiviral so it boosts the immune system. Since the tea heats up the body it is recommended during cool or cold climates. To make this tea grate or cut up at least a tablespoon of ginger root per cup of tea. Bring cup or mug of purified water to a boil, add the ginger and steep for fifteen minutes. Strain the tea into a cup and add a 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder to the tea before drinking it.
Healthy Skin
I believe that Ayurvedic skin care is an excellent way to keep your skin healthy. In the morning or before showering, brush the skin for about ten minutes with a skin brush. A natural skin brush can be purchased at a health food store. Brush the skin starting at the top of the head and work your way down. They say it helps to brush in a circular motion over joints and brush the length of the limbs in between the joints. Now apply a heated Ayurvedic oil to the skin, also starting at the head and working down to the feet. During the winter you can usually use sesame oil or Prabhanjanam or a 50/50 combination of both. Both oils are warming and good for dry environmental conditions. Both oils are especially for a Vata dosha body type. In Ayurvedic tradition there are three doshas or body type-Vata, Pitta and Kapha. To take a test to see which is your primary dosha you can take an online dosha test
If your are experiencing exhaustion or feel your body is in a delicate condition you might use a Bala oil. For warmer climates or if your body tends toward inflammation, Chandanadi oil is more appropriate. You can cut Chandanadi with coconut oil if you prefer. Both have a cooling effect on the body.
During your shower it is recommended to use a mild soap to keep from removing the oil entirely. These oils not only add a protective layer to the body, they also are medicinal to body tissue so thoroughly massaging the oil into the pores of the skin is encouraged. If you know an Ayurvedic doctor or practitioner I recommend that they prescribe the best oil for your body type. There are several oils and I have only mentioned two.
Feet
Feet that tend to crack and peel need extra care. The above oil massage before showering may be enough, however if after awhile you do not see a change you can try massaging your feet with a cooling lotion such as peppermint. I have found that Tea Tree oil rubbed over the feet after a shower helps my feet. If you have feet that are prone to severe cracking or dryness you can try another Ayurvedic approach which consists of applying a coat of Brahmi Ghee to the feet before bedtime and wearing an old pair of sox to bed.
Although these suggestions are by no means exhaustive they may serve you so enjoy!