This article was published in Andrea Ashley Magazine Winter 2017 Isuue https://andreaashley.ca/magazine
During the winter months, many of us struggle to get through the days which have a limited amount of sunlight and cold weather. The cold weather has a strong effect on our bodies. It tightens muscles, causes more muscle pain, muscle spasms, muscle knots, joint pain and less circulation. “A cold breeze blowing across an already-energy-deficient muscle will throw it into shortening, and shortened muscles can be a primary and key cause of pain,” says Jacob Teitelbaum, MD director of The Annapolis Center for Effective Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia Therapies. Also, changes in temperature or barometric pressure, a measure that refers to the weight of the surrounding air can trigger joint pain (Goodman).
Below are some of my favorite methods I use to get through the cold winter months in New York.
Biomat: A BioMat uses far infrared rays which penetrate deeply into the body and address imbalances at the cellular level. You can adjust the heat on the mat to your liking and then simply lay down on it. It feels as if you are being warmed up from the inside and is ideal on cold days. It can be used to help with a wide range of health issues, including relieving minor muscle pain, joint pain and stiffness, increasing blood circulation, reducing stress and more.
Steam room: The steam room can help with winter congestion, colds and sinus infections. Breathe in the steam with eucalyptus essential oil on a towel to help with any type of respiratory infection.
Essential Oil Diffuser: Essential Oil Diffusers provide an excellent method of calming and moisturizing to build a healthy, natural, warm, and pure living environment. Use eucalyptus essential oil to help with congestion, to control coughing, or to sooth a sore throat. This oil is perfect for boosting concentration and for keeping your energy level elevated. It is great for dark, cold or rainy winter days when extra stimulation is much needed.
Hot tea: Cold fruit smoothies are refreshing on a hot summer day, but in the winter our bodies crave something warm. Consuming a hot drink will heat up your whole body. My favorite tea mix in the winter acts as a natural antibiotic. Whenever I feel like I am getting sick, my go-to tea remedy is a mix of raw manuka honey, black pepper, turmeric, coconut oil, ginger, lemon, apple cider vinegar, garlic, oregano. Also, warm water and lemon is easy to make with many health and detoxing benefits.
For more, check out my Instagram at @nychamptonshealth
MacMillan, Amanda. “Do Saunas Help or Hurt Sore Muscles?” Outside Online. Outside Magazine, 06 Oct. 2016. Web. 09 Jan. 2017.
Jeffrey A. Morrison, M.D., 2011. Cleanse You Body, Clear Your Mind, New York, New York, The Penguin Group