By: Dr. Ayesha Qureshi, ND
Canadians are finally bestowed with face numbing Arctic winds. The good news is Canada’s celebrity groundhog, Willie, predicts only six more weeks of winter (fingers crossed).
The following strategies will help you keep warm for the remaining winter:
- Add contrast showers to your daily showering routine
After your regular warm shower, alternating between cold and hot water in the shower can help improve circulation in the body which can increase your body temperature. Here’s how to do this: At the end of your shower, cycle between 1 minute of a hot shower, followed by 30 seconds of a cold shower. Continue this for 3 cycles. Always end the cycle with a cold shower. - Sit and relax in the tub
Baths help increase circulation in the body and warm you up. Epson salts can be added to your bath water to provide muscle relaxation benefits. Himalayan bath salt can promote detoxification. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and keep warm with a cozy bath. - Drink warm beverages
Warm beverages can provide instant warmth which warms your core. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that further provide immune boosting benefits. Consider incorporating herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger, liquorice, peppermint and lemon balm to warm you up and promote relaxation, provide immune boosting benefits and anti-inflammatory effects. - Wear scarves!
Keeping your neck covered is more than just an old wise tale. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the neck has acupuncture points that are vulnerable to external pathogen, “wind.” Wind invasion can cause common cold symptoms in the body including stiff neck, chills and fatigue. Protect the neck by wearing hats and a warm scarf!
Stay warm!
