Bath shower in winter - #19759

Maria, it looks like your concerns are related to cold intolerance, joint pain after bathing, low blood pressure while fasting, and dry skin. Let’s analyze this step by step and find a practical solution. Bathing twice a month with additional ablution five times a day may not be sufficient for overall hygiene, as sweat, dead skin, and bacteria can accumulate. However, if you feel extremely cold or uncomfortable bathing daily, here’s what you can do: • Warm sponge baths: Use a warm, damp cloth with a mild herbal cleanser to wipe your body on non-bathing days. • Oil massage before bath: Apply warm sesame oil (or mustard oil if very cold) before bathing to prevent pain and dryness. Lukewarm water bath: Avoid very hot or cold water. Bathing in warm water prevents joint pain. Use gentle herbal cleansers: Avoid strong soaps; instead, use besan (gram flour) with turmeric or mild Ayurvedic soaps. 2. Shoulder Pain After Bathing • This could be due to Vata imbalance (cold weather increases dryness in joints). • Apply warm sesame oil or Mahanarayan oil before a bath. • Avoid cold exposure after bathing; keep yourself warm immediately. • If pain persists, take Dashmool Kwath powder 1 tsp in 400 mL water boil upto 100 mL filter and take twice daily before 1 hour food or have Ajwain & salt hot fomentation on the painful area. 3. Low BP During Fasting • Your BP drops because of prolonged fasting, dehydration, or low electrolytes • Drink lukewarm water with a pinch of salt or coconut water before fasting. • Break the fast with dates, soaked almonds, or warm milk with saffron to stabilize BP. • Avoid too much caffeine (tea/coffee) as it can worsen BP fluctuations. • Take Ashwagandha Churna (½ tsp with milk) to support energy and BP balance. 4. Dry Skin & Discomfort • Apply oil daily (coconut/sesame/almond oil) before bathing. • Drink warm milk with ghee at night to nourish skin. • Increase ghee & healthy fats in your diet. • Take Triphala 1/2 tsp with honey to improve digestion and skin health. Conclusion & Action Plan 1. Bathe at least twice a week with warm water and oil massage to maintain hygiene. 2. Apply warm oil before bathing to prevent pain and dryness. 3. Improve fasting routine by adding hydration and energy-supporting foods. 4. Keep yourself warm and avoid sudden cold exposure.

Bathing twice a month and performing ablution five times daily may cover basic hygiene, but it may not be enough for overall cleanliness. In winter, it's common to feel hesitant about bathing due to cold temperatures, but infrequent baths can lead to body odor, skin infections, or irritation. The shoulder pain after bathing might be due to muscle stiffness, poor circulation, or sensitivity to cold water. Dry skin and low blood pressure during fasting can also contribute to discomfort. What You Can Do: Warm Water Baths: Use lukewarm water for bathing instead of cold water to prevent shoulder pain and muscle stiffness. Moisturize: Apply a gentle moisturizer right after bathing to combat dry skin. Hydration: Ensure you drink enough water, especially while fasting, to maintain hydration and prevent low blood pressure. Diet: Consume foods rich in healthy fats and oils to support skin health. Exercise: Gentle stretching or shoulder exercises can relieve stiffness. Frequency: Consider bathing 2-3 times a week in winter for better hygiene. You can also use wet towels for a sponge bath on non-bathing days. If the symptoms persist, consulting a doctor for a detailed evaluation is advisable.

Hello Maria, I would first suggest gathering more details about your overall health history, such as your diet, sleep patterns, stress levels, family medical history, and the exact nature of your shoulder and chest pain. Additionally, it's important to assess your hydration levels, any other symptoms you experience during fasting, and if there are any triggers for your skin dryness or discomfort. From an Ayurvedic perspective, it seems that there may be an imbalance in your body, possibly involving Vata (which governs dryness, discomfort, and mobility), or Pitta (which governs heat and digestion, potentially influencing your low blood pressure during fasting). The fear of bathing during winter might be due to a Vata imbalance, which can cause dryness and fear-based emotions. In this case, it’s crucial to balance the body through proper hydration, warm oils, and internal strengthening of your digestive system to boost energy levels.