Hello Winter

Have you ever thought of dry skin, and chapped lips as an imbalance in the body? Ayurveda sees the human body as an aspect of nature and thus is affected by nature. Early to mid-winter is Vata season, the weather is windy and irregular; the air gets cold and dry.  The change in nature can show up in our bodies as dry hair and skin, chapped lips, sore throats, difficulty sleeping, or inability to focus.  A basic principle of Ayurveda is that like increases like, and opposites balance.  So, to balance the cold, rough, dry, irregular quality of nature we need to think…warm, moist, soft and regular.   Healthy oils, inside and out can greatly reduce dry skin.  Cooking with organic oils such as coconut oil, olive oil and ghee help lubricate the tissues from the inside out. As for the outside, applying warm coconut oil or sunflower oil regularly to the body moisturizes and nourishes the skin while also calming the nervous system.  For a deeper experience try the wonderfully grounding and nourishing Ayurvedic practice of daily self-massage called, abhyanga. The practice of abhyanga detoxifies the body and stimulates the energetic channels. Place a small container of organic sesame or coconut oil in a bowl of hot water to warm it.  Rub a dry brush over the skin.  Begin by massaging the warmed oil into your scalp and face, then continue to gently massage the whole body. Let the oil absorb for a few minutes then shower with warm water. The water helps the oils absorb into the skin. It is a wonderful way to nurture yourself! One last tip…  To remedy dry nose and throat, take a small amount of sesame oil in your palm, and with your pinkie finger apply the oil to the inside of each nostril. This can be done before you go to bed and again in the morning.

All oils should be organic, cold or expeller pressed, and can be found in the grocery section.  If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin!