Do you feel like “I want to go into hibernation!” when the weather turns??
Do your joints feel stiff, and your muscles feel taut? You are not alone – this has been a big topic of conversation in my massage room this week!
Today, I’d love to let you in on the conversation…
I want you to know that there are ways to still feel supple over Winter
Today I’m sharing with you 3 strategies that is really helping my clients – and can help you too!
Because in fact, whilst some aches & pains CAN be due to posture, & injury…cold weather does also play a role!
Cold weather & heat loss places extra demands on the body & causes our muscles to contract. I can tell the difference in most of my clients shoulders right now
What is actually happening?
- Low temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict resulting in reduced circulation
- When we are cold, this slower blood circulation can cause metabolic waste to build up in the joints and muscles
- Synovial fluid lubricates our joints and acts as an oil to reduce friction. When cold, synovial fluid can stagnate or get less viscous.
So, what can we do about it?
1) Keep mobile
It’s common to feel like you just want to curl up on the sofa! If you feel pain or creaky, before you pop your feet up, it’s important to mobilise your joints – taking them gently through their ranges of movement. You don’t have to even go out in the dark if you have me on Video!
Or if you are someone who likes to go out for that bracing walk or jog, now is the time to slightly extend your warm-up to make sure you have fresh circulation through the muscles, which takes a little longer when we are colder.
A key move is to support your feet, as over 20% of our joints live here! Rolling them out feels so great before your exercise, or after a hard day in shoes:
2) Boost circulation with Oils
Ginger essential oil is a warming essential oil that works as an antiseptic, a tonic and stimulant.
In fact, the most potent form of ginger is the essential oil because it contains the highest levels of gingerol.
Ginger oil can be rubbed topically with a carrier oil on an area of pain. Think how lovely your shoulders will feel with this!
A component of ginger essential oil, called zingibain, is responsible for the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties. This important component provides pain relief and treats muscle aches, arthritis, migraines and headaches.
Clients are really loving the Neals Yard warming salve at the moment – taking it to work to rub on their backs, or sore necks. Check it out here. It’s powerful combination of Ginger, Rosemary & Juniperberry warm the muscles & smells divine. I place an order twice a month if you would like some too at £10.50 a pot.
3) Heat Patches
A lovely hot water bottle for 20 minutes on an area of pain or soreness is research proven to aid in healing. It is shown to be useful for chronic pain & helps avoid or delay ingesting anti-inflammatories. It is also shown as the number 1 support post exercise within a 24 hour & 48 hour time-frame.
If you don’t have access to a hot water bottle, try a heat patch – which you can get from places like Boots. This is great if you are at work. Change the placement of the heat every 20 minutes, as research showed no further progress after that boost of 20 minutes for a given area.
I hope these top tips support you through Winter. Keep an eye out for my turmeric latte recipe coming soon!
I would love to hear from you if you have methods that support you through Winter that you would like to share, take care xx