How to better care for ourselves during the winter period — a naturopathic perspective
How to better care for ourselves during the winter period — a naturopathic perspective
Article by Jayson Acs
Coming winter time , catching a cold seems to be just another thing to worry about . One could say the low temperatures justify this worry . Equally you probably noticed that sometimes you go through a whole winter untouched , only to get sick during spring time when the weather is warmer outside . And indeed it often happens that our immune system gets altered and we mysteriously “ catch a cold ” in warm weather .
First , it is important to free ourselves from fear . There is in fact a low number of deaths caused by this so-called physical condition and naming it “ affection or disease ” would be an overstatement . Generally , when speaking about a flu “ epidemic ” we refer only to 15 % of the population and much under 0.1 % from the ones affected by it end up dying .
There are more chances to get struck by lightning than to die from flu . Many more people die due to car accidents , but nobody ever thought of banning cars .
From the naturopathy perspective , it is important to look at what it is that we generally lack during the winter time .
1 . First of all : heat
Once you understand this , you can already bring in the solution . In cold seasons for example , you should set a regular schedule for using a sauna . Do this according to your own schedule , but at least once every other week , especially when you feel more tired or following a more intense effort . Greater heat causes the body to sweat , this way eliminating some kind of residue left in your organism after the metabolic processes . Once the heat is felt , the sensation of contraction caused by lower temperatures also disappears . The profound relaxation that comes with the sauna serves excellently , as it brings a general feeling of well-being .
If a sauna is difficult to find where you live , then a beneficial alternative , is a hot bath . After a good shower , when your pores are clean , fill your bathtub and allow yourself to enjoy a gradual relaxation for about half an hour . When you feel you have had enough , stop . From time to time turn on the hot water tap to maintain a very good heat and to feel perfectly relaxed .
If you have spas or hot bath resorts relatively within your reach , it is best to go there if you can . There is nothing like the comfort of a wider , well heated environment where you can also enjoy a hydromassage in a Jacuzzi . During the cold season aim to enjoy these even more so than summer .
The intense heat opens up the pores of the skin and expand the dimensions of the aura , which in turn may create certain vulnerability and if you go outside in the cold air , there is the possibility of “ catching a cold ”, even if you are dressed properly
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