Published by Kerry Meath-Sinkin
If you are like me, staying hydrated during the winter months in Minnesota can be a challenge. Our skin can become dry and dull. Luckily, in Ayurveda there are some wonderful techniques that can help.
First, start to hydrate yourself from the inside. Incorporating warm and moist foods can counteract the drying effects of the season. This means cooking your food, adding warming spices (cinnamon, ginger, clove, cumin, etc.), and plenty of warm liquids and/or healthy fat. You can have fun incorporating these qualities in different ways. For example, think about a warm squash soup instead of a cold, light salad. Try eating some juicy fruits, or warm baked apples, instead of dried fruits.
Second, re-hydrate from the outside. Consider giving yourself an oil massage. Oil massage is known to help increase circulation, tone the muscles, calm the nerves, lubricate the joints, improve mental alertness, soften your skin, increase daily stamina, and improve your sleep. My teacher Dr. Vasant Lad, would say, “a dry stick easily breaks”, but if you let that stick sit in oil, it becomes much more pliable. The same is true for oil massage in our life. If you want to learn more about full body massage check out an article from one of my favorite teachers. If a full body massage seems like a lot, you can start with soaking your feet in warm water at night. You then put warm oil on your feet before bed and let your feet absorb the oil overnight (make sure to wear an old pair of socks over your oily feet).
In Ayurveda, your routine can also play a huge role in keeping you warm and hydrated. So think about getting in regular meals, plenty of rest, and lots of quiet time or meditation. While these ideas may seem simple, they can make a huge difference! Have fun, and enjoy.
Kerry Meath-Sinkin is a registered investment advisor and financial planner based in Minneapolis. She graduated with honors from Brown, and works with clients not only in the Twin Cities, but nationwide. Kerry believes in a holistic approach to finance. She works with her clients to develop a practical plan with their finances, while also working on their inner relationship with money. Together, these aspects allow clients to feel healthy, abundant, and free. Kerry also has a passion for healthy living, is a certified Ayurvedic practitioner, and public health educator. Click here to learn more about Kerry.