Winter conjures images of snow covered mountains, soft bulky sweaters and hot chocolate by the fire. The cold, brisk weather inspires thoughts of all things warm and cozy. Your skin and soul yearn for comfort too, which makes now the perfect time to begin a preventive care program with your local spa to keep you healthy and soothed throughout the winter.
Ayurvedic massage therapies are designed to remedy both body and mind, resulting in a deep sense of calm. Winter worries disappear and rough, chapped winter skin is moisturized and left silky smooth following an Ayurvedic therapy. Ayurveda, roughly translated from Indian as “science of life,” uses individualized therapeutic measures relating physical, mental and spiritual harmony. Considered by many researchers to be the oldest healing science, Ayurveda is a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle. It has been practiced in India for more than 5,000 years and has recently become popular in the West.
In this brisk weather enjoy the serenity of a local spa.
Some Ayurvedic massage treatments partner warm herbal infused oils with aromatic herbal poultices. The therapist uses this combination to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin through massage techniques that are intended to eliminate toxins from the body and provide inner balance and peace. Herbs such as cardamom are used to purify the skin, while liquids such as sesame oil and coconut milk soothe irritation and dryness.
During the winter months, the healing properties of ginger and ginseng can be used with any treatment method to relieve arthritis symptoms, improve circulation and cleanse the system of toxins. Try treating yourself to a Hot Stone massage. A Hot Stone treatment combines heated oils with warm stones which are then used to massage the body. The heat from the warmed stones loosens tight muscles and improves circulation to induce a deeply relaxed state of mind and body.
During the winter months, the healing properties of ginger and ginseng can be used with any treatment method to relieve arthritis symptoms, improve circulation and cleanse the system of toxins. Try treating yourself to a Hot Stone massage. A Hot Stone treatment combines heated oils with warm stones which are then used to massage the body. The heat from the warmed stones loosens tight muscles and improves circulation to induce a deeply relaxed state of mind and body.
Putting our best face forward isn’t so easy if it has been over-exposed to bitter temperatures and chilling winds. Your skin’s radiance is often replaced by either patchy red irritation or a pallid complexion. In older skin, this can often lead to the dreaded appearance of wrinkles. Look facials that include active botanicals, which protect and nurture delicate facial skin. Active botanicals are also used to strengthen cell metabolism and reduce the presence of fine lines. Perhaps the most common winter grievance is dry, itchy skin. An invigorating body scrub softens your skin and leaves it smooth and polished. You can achieve the same exfoliating effect at home by making a salt scrub. Simply combine one cup of table salt, one-eighth to one-fourth cup of olive oil, and six drops of your favorite essential oil. For rough heels and elbows, use kosher salt instead of table salt. This simple home recipe is also a perfect remedy for dry, chapped hands.
Keep old man winter at bay and enjoy the romance of the season with the inner peace that comes from soothing the soul and nourishing the body.
No matter what the season, your skin deserves a little pampering.
