When temperatures fall in the fall or winter, the coldest months are the most difficult for old people, women, and people who have a yang-deficient constitution and are often cold in their hands and feet. People with rheumatoid arthritis or chronic “cold legs” must also be careful. Apart from causing discomfort, cold exposure can, over time, worsen or even cause certain illnesses. Below are five simple, scientifically supported, and effective ways to keep your legs and feet warm and stay healthy during the cold season.
- 1. Use Clothes Properly: React Sensibly to Temperature Changes
- 2.Warm Your Feet with Water: Make the Feet Get Warm First
- 3. Massage Important Acupoints: Control the Body and Generate Heat from Inside
- 4. Moderate Movement: Bring Qi and Blood Flow into the Body
- 5. Consume Heat-giving Foods: Defend the Body from within
1. Use Clothes Properly: React Sensibly to Temperature Changes
According to the traditional wisdom, one should follow the “autumn freeze” principle meaning the body is exposed mildly to cool temperatures between 15°C and 20°C to become stronger. However, when the temperature during the day is below 15°C, it is better to put on a layer of clothes in order to protect not only the body but especially the legs. Do not let your ankle be exposed to the cold as the chill can weaken the flow of blood and make the feet become numb or cold.
Scientific basis:
- Enables blood circulation with the help of moderate freezing process thus the blood vessels stay elastic.
- Improves body’s defense system against the cold thus the body gets less viral infections in winter
2.Warm Your Feet with Water: Make the Feet Get Warm First
Soaking your feet in warm water at around 40°C for 15 to 20 minutes before going to bed is a simple and efficient method to stay warm and calm. It not only gives a feeling of comfort but also helps blood circulation, relieves tiredness, and improves sleep quality. If you like, you can add natural products like ginger and mugwort leaves to increase the effect – ginger is good for dispersion of cold and promoting blood circulation whereas mugwort is great in pain relieve and it supports healthy menstruation.
Scientific basis:
- Expands the foot vessels to facilitate blood circulation.
- Relieves muscle contraction and everyday tiredness.
- Helps relaxation and better sleep quality.
3. Massage Important Acupoints: Control the Body and Generate Heat from Inside
According to Chinese medicine, the body acupoints are connected with the body’s health condition. Meticulous fingers work on Zusanli (area below the outer knee) and Yongquan (the middle of the sole) can heat and invigorate the body’s yang energy and thus resist cold better. Rubbing these points with your hand for 5 to 10 minutes every day will not only help to get rid of numbness but also to have more energy of life.
Scientific basis:
- Imparts warmth by spleen and stomach strengthening functions.
- Supports yin and kidney energy for cold resistance.
- Increases blood flow and lessens muscle la grippe.
4. Moderate Movement: Bring Qi and Blood Flow into the Body
Performing gentle exercises on a regular basis keeps blood flow in the body at a normal level and thus body strength is gradually built up. Practices like tai chi, fast walking, and static postures (e.g. standing meditation) are perfect in helping blood to flow in the lower limbs. Tai chi helps with both flexibility and balance, walking keeps one in consistent motion, while standing postures bring about both stability and the endurance of muscle.
Scientific basis:
- Enhances blood and qi flow, thus body becoming more resistant to cold.
- Muscle-building activities help the muscles that support good posture and provide warmth.
- By ending together with sport, the body releases endorphins, it relaxes and improves its mood abilities.
5. Consume Heat-giving Foods: Defend the Body from within
Food has a major role in the keeping of the body warmth during the cold period of the year. Intake of heat-producing foods such as ginger, garlic, mutton, and walnuts is beneficial for the body as they enable it to produce heat and energy. Ginger and garlic improve blood circulation and make the body less susceptible to colds, while mutton is the source of yang energy and walnuts provide the vital fatty acids and vitamins that are necessary for sustainable energy and warmth. It is better to leave the cold drinks and raw foods out of your diet since they can harm digestive health and make the body less resilient to cold.
Scientific basis:
- Warm foods are great for keeping the body at its core temperature.
- Blood flow is improved by spices such as ginger and garlic.
- Foods rich in energy like walnuts help in strengthening the metabolism.
Conclusion
Keeping your legs and feet warm during autumn and winter is vital not only for the overall circulation but also for disease prevention. Incorporate good dressing, foot soaking, acupoint massage, moderate exercising, and heat-producing foods into your lifestyle to keep your body healthy and full of energy during the cold seasons.
