Holistic coach reveals why you should keep your feet warm during monsoons

“Monsoon means dampness in nature and in the human body. According to Ayurveda, cold and damp weather can increase the Vata and Kapha doshas, which slows down digestion and blood flow in the gut too. Hence, we are more prone to issues like bloating and uneasiness,” said Lall.

Warm feet help maintain good circulation and keep the digestive fire, or Agni, strong, she said.

What health benefits are associated with this trick?

“Our grandparents would say, ‘Paer garam, pet naram, sar thanda’ is a sign to a healthy body. What that means is warm feet, soft stomach and cool head is a way to good health. It improves blood circulation, help you feel more relaxed, improves the digestion and hence enhances your immune system,” she shared.

According to her, warm feet also reduce the chances of catching a cold, flu and other infections that are common during monsoon.

Warm feet help maintain good circulation and keep the digestive fire, or Agni, strong, Lall said. (Source: Freepik)

What makes our feet go cold during monsoons?

Lall said that there’s a drop in temperature in nature and the weather is cooler and more humid. “We are tied with nature and we also feel a drop in our body temperature. Feet are particularly susceptible because they are farthest from the heart and not covered either and often come in contact with cold, moist surfaces,” she shared.

She added that cold feet is a significant sign of poor circulation.

“It will make you feel dull and lethargic and even affecting your mood. Cold feet also reflects your susceptibility to allergies, colds, respiratory issues and joint pains,” said Lall.

 How can you keep your feet warm?

Wear socks: Choose warm socks to keep your feet cozy.

Foot Baths: Soak your feet in warm water with a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or ginger to improve circulation.

Keep Feet Dry: Always dry your feet thoroughly after they get wet. Moist feet for a long time will aggravate Vata dosha.

Warm Foot Massages: Once a day massage your feet with warm sesame oil or mustard oil. This not only warms them up but also improves circulation and balances the body and mind.

Use Heating Pads: A heating pad or hot water bottle can be a quick way to warm up cold feet.

Avoid raw salads: In monsoon opt for warm and cooked foods which will keep the gut healthy and avoid digestive woes. A good gut will also enhance blood circulation in the entire body.

Breathwork: Do 5-10 rounds of simple right nostril breathing to enhance energy flow and circulation in the body, overall