General Medicine
Question #18646
2 days ago
17

Hypothermia - #18646

Anonymously

Last winter, I had a terrifying experience while hiking in the mountains. It started off fine, but as the temperature dropped, I began feeling extremely cold. At first, I thought it was just normal shivering, but soon, my fingers became numb, and I couldn’t move them properly. My speech started slurring, and I felt overwhelmingly tired, as if I just wanted to sit down and sleep. A friend who was with me recognized the signs of hypothermia and immediately took action. Luckily, we found shelter, and they wrapped me in blankets and gave me warm liquids. It took a long time for my body to feel normal again. Since then, I have been very cautious about cold weather, but I still struggle with sensitivity to low temperatures. Even minor exposure to cold makes my hands and feet go numb, and I sometimes experience dizziness when it's chilly outside. I have read that Ayurveda focuses a lot on balancing body heat and circulation. Could you recommend Ayurvedic remedies for people who are prone to hypothermia or extreme cold sensitivity? Are there specific herbs, teas, or oils that can help improve warmth and circulation in the body? I’ve heard that ginger and black pepper are good for keeping the body warm—should I be incorporating them into my diet? Also, are there any specific lifestyle practices, such as Abhyanga (oil massage) or certain breathing techniques, that can help improve heat retention in the body? I would love to know if there are ways to strengthen my system so that I don’t feel so vulnerable to the cold. Thank you for any guidance on this. I don’t want to experience hypothermia again, and I want to make sure my body is better prepared for cold weather.

Hypothermia
Ayurvedic treatment for cold sensitivity
Body heat balance
Improving circulation with ayurveda
Ayurvedic herbs for warmth
Natural remedies for winter
Oil massage benefits
Vata imbalance
Seasonal ayurvedic care
Warming foods in ayurveda

On the Ask Ayurveda service, online consultations with Ayurvedic doctors for General medicine are available for any issue that concerns you. Expert doctors provide consultations around the clock and for free. Ask your question and get an answer right away!

Doctors’ responses

Dr. Ayush Varma
Graduating with an MD in Ayurvedic Medicine from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 2008, he brings over 15 years of expertise in integrative healthcare. Specializing in complex chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndromes, and digestive health, he uses a patient-centered approach that focuses on root causes. Certified in Panchakarma Therapy and Rasayana (rejuvenation), he is known for combining traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern diagnostics. Actively involved in research, he has contributed to studies on Ayurveda’s role in managing diabetes, stress, and immunity. A sought-after speaker at wellness conferences, he practices at a reputable Ayurvedic wellness center, dedicated to advancing Ayurveda’s role in holistic health and preventive care.
1 day ago
4.75
Thank you for sharing your experience, and it's great that you've become more cautious about cold exposure. Based on your symptoms, it sounds like there's an imbalance in your Vata dosha, which can lead to coldness, dryness, and poor circulation. To help you improve warmth and circulation, consider the following Ayurvedic recommendations. Integrate warming spices like ginger and black pepper into your daily meals; you can take ginger tea by boiling fresh ginger slices in water with a pinch of black pepper and a little honey, having it two to three times a day. This tea will stimulate your digestion and warmth. In addition to spices, incorporate foods that are warm and nutritious, such as cooked whole grains, soups, and stews with seasonal vegetables to support vitality and energy. For lifestyle practices, daily Abhyanga with warm sesame or mustard oil can significantly enhance circulation and warmth within your body. Warm the oil slightly before use and massage it into your skin, focusing on areas prone to cold sensitivity. Aim for about fifteen minutes each morning; it's also beneficial to take a warm shower afterward to maintain that warmth. Breathing techniques, specifically Kapalabhati (skull shining breath), can help warm your body by increasing circulation; practice this for about ten minutes daily to invigorate energy. Additionally, consider incorporating turmeric into your diet, as it's anti-inflammatory and helps improve circulation. Remember to dress warmly in layers when going outside, and mindful movement like yoga can enhance circulation and balance your doshas. With these adjustments, you should find your body becoming more resilient to the cold.

0 replies
Dr. Ayush Varma
Graduating with an MD in Ayurvedic Medicine from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 2008, he brings over 15 years of expertise in integrative healthcare. Specializing in complex chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndromes, and digestive health, he uses a patient-centered approach that focuses on root causes. Certified in Panchakarma Therapy and Rasayana (rejuvenation), he is known for combining traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern diagnostics. Actively involved in research, he has contributed to studies on Ayurveda’s role in managing diabetes, stress, and immunity. A sought-after speaker at wellness conferences, he practices at a reputable Ayurvedic wellness center, dedicated to advancing Ayurveda’s role in holistic health and preventive care.
1 day ago
4.75
Based on your experience with cold sensitivity and hypothermia, it seems you may be dealing with a Vata imbalance, which is characterized by qualities like dryness and coldness. To enhance warmth and circulation in your body, there are several Ayurvedic strategies and remedies you can incorporate into your daily routine. Start by increasing your intake of warming spices, such as ginger and black pepper. You can make ginger tea by boiling fresh ginger slices in water and adding honey for sweetness. Drinking this tea regularly, especially in colder months, can help stimulate digestion and promote warmth. Also, consider incorporating warming foods into your diet like cooked root vegetables, soups, curries, and whole grains, particularly those that are Vata-pacifying such as oatmeal and quinoa. For your lifestyle, practicing Abhyanga, or self-massage, with warm sesame oil can significantly enhance circulation and create heat. Warm the oil slightly before applying it to your body, focusing on areas prone to cold sensitivity, such as your hands and feet. This daily ritual can improve your overall circulation and grounding. Regarding breathing techniques, practicing Kapalabhati or deep belly breathing can enhance oxygen flow and internal warmth. Try to incorporate this practice in the morning to energize your system. Additionally, staying active with light exercises, such as yoga or brisk walking, can also help keep your circulation strong. Lastly, consider herbal supplements like Ashwagandha or Trikatu, a blend of black pepper, ginger, and long pepper, which can support circulation and enhance metabolic heat. Always consult with a knowledgeable Ayurvedic practitioner before starting new herbs. By integrating these recommendations, you can strengthen your body and better prepare for cold weather, reducing vulnerability to conditions like hypothermia. Stay warm and listen to your body’s needs as you implement these practices.

0 replies

If you need a detailed answer, ask the Ayurvedic doctor your question

The Ayurvedic doctor will answer all of your questions, advise you what to do now to get better, what to do in the future, what Ayurvedic treatments and practices should be followed.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service.