Why Do I Keep Getting Chilblains Every Winter, and Can Ayurveda Help?

Question

Last year, I noticed something strange happening to my fingers and toes during winter. They would turn red, swell up, and feel extremely itchy. Sometimes, they even had this weird burning sensation, almost like my skin was on fire, and in the worst cases, they turned purple and felt numb. I thought maybe I had frostbite or something, but I wasn't even outside for long periods. After some Googling, I found that these symptoms matched chilblains.

Now, it's happening again this winter, and I still don’t fully understand why. I’ve never had chilblains before last year, so why now? I work from home, so I’m mostly indoors, and my house isn’t that cold. I do have poor circulation (my hands and feet are always freezing), but I thought that was just normal for some people. Could my sedentary lifestyle be making chilblains worse?

I tried using hand creams, but they didn’t help—actually, they made my chilblains even more irritated. I also read that soaking my feet in warm water might help, but then another article said it could worsen chilblains by increasing inflammation. So now I’m completely confused.

Does Ayurveda have a different way of looking at chilblains? Is it related to Vata imbalance since it happens in cold weather? Or is it more of a Pitta issue because of the burning sensation? Are there Ayurvedic herbs or oils that can prevent chilblains from forming in the first place? And is there a specific diet that can help? I really don’t want to suffer through another winter with chilblains.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

Chilblains in Ayurveda can indeed be related to an imbalance in Vata dosha, as it manifests during cold weather and is often linked to poor circulation, dryness, and a lack of warmth in the body. Vata governs movement and circulation, and when it's aggravated by cold and dryness, it can lead to symptoms like poor circulation in the extremities, itching, swelling, and burning sensations. In some cases, Pitta dosha may also be involved, particularly due to the burning sensation you experience, which is often linked to heat or inflammation in the body.

To prevent and alleviate chilblains, Ayurveda recommends a combination of herbal remedies, oils, and dietary changes. Herbs like Ginger, Turmeric, and Ashwagandha help stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial in preventing chilblains. Amla (Indian gooseberry) is excellent for nourishing and strengthening the skin and blood vessels. For topical relief, Sesame oil or Mustard oil can be massaged into the affected areas to provide warmth and soothe the skin, as both oils are known to balance Vata and Pitta and support circulation.

In terms of diet, Ayurveda suggests warm, grounding, and nourishing foods to balance Vata and support circulation. Spices like cinnamon, garlic, and turmeric can help improve blood flow, while ghee and warm soups can help keep the body moist and balanced during the cold months. You may also want to consider avoiding excessive cold or raw foods, which can further aggravate Vata.

Lastly, for your lifestyle, incorporating gentle exercises to improve circulation, like yoga or walking, can help prevent chilblains, as a sedentary lifestyle can exacerbate poor circulation. Keeping your extremities warm with layers and using a heat pack on your hands and feet during colder days may also help reduce the risk. By focusing on both external treatments and internal support through diet and herbs, you may find significant relief from chilblains this winter.

Why Do I Keep Getting Chilblains Every Winter, and Can Ayurveda Help? - #15042

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