The ancient Greeks blamed seasonal changes on the unfortunate marriage between
Persephone, the daughter of the goddess of the harvest, and Hades, the god of the underworld.  For four months out of the year Persephone would travel to the underworld to visit her husband; stricken with grief, her mother Demeter would let the fields grow cold and lifeless.

Although winter in California is not so intensely cursed by Demeter we still experience the toll of seasonal changes on our skin and body.  For the best recommendations for Winter skin and body care,  I have posed the following questions of our resident experts.

Question:  Why do many people experience joint aches and stiffness when the weather changes from warm to cold?

The Expert:  Sergio Casco, Massage Therapist and Certified Yoga Instructor

“There are many possible causes of joint aches and or stiffness .  The most common reasons are:

• Blood doesn’t circulate to your extremities as readily when it is cold.
• In cold weather our muscles tighten up.
• We have a tendency to exercise less when it is cold.

What to Do:  Protect…Eat…Move

Protect:  To eliminate joint aches and stiffness during cold weather the solution is to keep your body and especially your joints warm.  Layer when outdoors and remove layers indoors.

Eat:  A diet containing the proper amount of calcium and vitamin D is important for good bone and joint health.  Enjoy a calcium rich diet by eating foods such as broccoli, kale and figs.   Adequate vitamin D allows calcium from the foods you eat to be readily absorbed.  Moderate sun exposure helps to provide the body with Vitamin D.

Move:  Less movement means slower blood circulation and more stiffness in your joints. Opt for exercises that won’t give your joints a pounding such as gentle yoga and walking. Thai Yoga Massage is excellent for loosening up tight joints and improving circulation.   Add self-massage to your daily routine with a nutrient rich liniment.

These recommendations are no way limited to the winter months.  We would all benefit year around!”

Changes Expert Recommendation: Soothing and healing linament:  Freeflex with MSM, Freeflex Boost