The start of Autumn is a great time to think about winter wellness. Cold nights, crisp mornings and crunchy leaves underfoot – for some it’s a welcome sign of cosy evenings and festive celebrations to come, but for others there’s a sense of dread as the nights draw in.
These three winter wellness tips form the foundation of my preparations for happier and healthier seasonal transition from summer, and I recommend these things to my clients, too. In this list you’ll find something to suit every budget and preference - and I’ve also shared examples and ideas for inspiration.
1/ Immune-boosting treatments
Summer can be an incredibly busy few months, especially if you have kids, so you may not have been able to carve out space for any therapeutic activities for a little while. Now is a great time to invest in yourself and book in some immune-boosting, stress-busting treatments, especially since we’ll be spending more time staying warm indoors. Lymphatic drainage and reflexology lymph drainage are both highly effective ways to boost the immune system, as they help to eliminate toxins and support the body’s own flu-fighting functions for a healthier winter season. They also support deep relaxation and improved circulation, which can help anyone who struggles with stress and colder extremities during the winter months.
2/ Essential oils
I use essential oils all year round – and they really come into their own during the colder months. There are lots of different ideas you can try if you’re planning on incorporating essential oils into your daily routine and they’re a versatile, easy and enjoyable way to enhance your emotional and physical wellbeing. You can make (or buy) massage blends, bath oils and diffusers to use at home, or take a rollerball of essential oils with you to help you relax and re-set on the go.
I always make sure to mention that quality is very important when using essential oils for healing. There are a lot of products on the market now, which is great, and some are better than others. Look for reputable brands and only source medicinal 100% pure organic oils wherever possible. It’s also important to exercise caution when using essential oils – they are very concentrated, so they should be used carefully following any guidance closely and should always be kept out of reach of children and pets.
3/ Healing herbs
Plant medicines have been employed for thousands of years all over the world by indigenous communities to help protect immunity and prevent illness through the changing seasons. Science is only just starting to reveal to us the many different specific qualities and features of some of nature’s best-known remedies, from honey and cacao to herbs and even flower extracts. There are a number of fantastic herbs and plants which are well known for their healing power with some even proven to have protective properties, and it can be overwhelming to know which one to try first.
I recommend opting for formulas that are rich in Vitamins C and D – whether you choose to supplement or opt for medicinal plants and herbs which are abundant in these and other immune-boosting compounds. Two powerhouse plant remedies I love as the temperatures drop are echinacea and elderberry. Echinacea is high in antioxidants, and has been shown in studies to stimulate immune cells. It’s great as a ‘first defence’ – take it as soon as you start to feel under the weather or sense a cold coming on. Elderberry is also antioxidant-rich and is said to be an anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, although research is in its early stages (as is sadly the case with most traditional and ‘alternative’ remedies). Still, there’s sufficient anecdotal evidence to make it a winter staple throughout Europe, where it has been in use for centuries as a cold and flu remedy. Elderberry contains high levels of vitamin C and flavanols, which contain compounds with important roles to play in the human immune system. As with all herbal remedies, be sure to consult with your doctor or specialist before taking anything new to be on the safe side.
Preparing in advance can make winter a breeze and keep bugs and bacterial infections which could hamper your healing journey at bay. Book a treatment now or get in touch for tailored wellness advice: www.physiocareholistics.co.uk
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