Some tips to avoid aches and pains in the cold

Brrrr... it is really cold outside. The wind cuts like a knife, freezing noses, toes and fingers. Our bodies shiver in an intend to warm us up. In the last two weeks, an increased number of appointments in Elemental Practices have been due to acute low back pain or a flare up of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Since the temperatures have dropped, have you started to notice any aches and pains in your neck, lower back and hips? Do you feel your joints and muscles stiffer than usual?

Yes, the weather has a big impact in our bodies. Cold slows the movement of energy and fluids in our bodies, constricting the blood vessels, impairing circulation, causing tightness, contraction and pain.

What can you do to comfort those aches and pains during these cold days?

Wrap up

- Wear extra layers of clothing. If you have thermal clothing, it is the time to put it on.

- Tuck your shirt inside the trousers to keep your low back warm. A cool draft can easily penetrate into your lower back when the skin is exposed to the cold.

- Protect your feet with warm socks and proper shoes when going out.

- Cover your head with a hat and protect your hands with gloves

- Wrap your neck in a scarf. The back of your neck is very sensitive to invasions of cold. Covering it will prevent neck pain and headaches as well as protect your inmune system.

- Be mindful not to get cold after a shower or a bath. In those moments, the pores of the skin are open and cold can easily go in.

Warm up your body

- Prepare a hot foot bath for your feet. Soaking them in warm water will warm up your whole body.

- Give warmth to those parts of your body that feel cold with hot water bottles, heat pads or electric blankets. Key areas to warm up are the lower back and the base of your neck.

Nourish and warm your body

- Eat warming foods such as porridge, soups and stews. Avoid drinking icy drinks and eating raw fruits and vegetables.

- All teas can give comfort in cold days. Cinnamon, cloves, ginger and honey are especially warming

Exercise gently

Increasing the flow of energy in your body will keep you warm. Preferably exercise indoors, be mindful to wrap up well if you are exercising outdoors. Exercise until you feel your body warm but avoid sweating. QiGong, TaiChi and Yoga are gentle practices that promote the movement of energy and fluids in the body.

Listen to your body

In winter time, energies move inward in nature. The trees have lost teir leaves and the animals hibernate during the long dark days. Winter is a time of stillness and quiet, it is the season of retreat and rest. Listen to your body and connect with what it needs. Is it asking you to slow down? Is it asking you to take some time to yourself?

There is so much you can do to look after yourself during cold days. There is no need for you to be in discomfort and pain. Elemental Practices can assist you with your health requirements and can be contacted at elemental.practices@gmail.com or (+44)07400432699

#pain #coldweather