Raynaud’s Syndrome: What Is It and What to Do About It?

---

The cold weather is fast approaching. So, it’s a wonderful time to talk about the impact it can have on our bodies. Today, let’s learn about Raynaud’s syndrome and how the Ayurvedic treatments abhyanga and pinda sweda can help.

What is Raynaud's Syndrome?
First of all, what is Raynaud's syndrome (sometimes called Raynaud’s disease)? This condition is characterised by episodes of reduced blood flow to certain areas of the body, typically the fingers and toes, causing them to feel cold and numb. They might even change color to a light blue.
 
Most people with Raynaud’s syndrome can simply warm themselves up to fix any issues. But if these arteries constrict for too long, it could even indicate a more serious underlying condition.
 
In Raynaud’s phenomenon (or Secondary Raynaud’s syndrome) the constriction is so severe and long lasting that it causes skin ulcers and even tissue death—but this is very uncommon.
 
Reynaud’s is very common in people assigned female at birth, as well as those with:
 
●      Scleroderma
●      Rheumatoid arthritis
●      Systemic lupus erythematosus
●      Connective tissue disorders
●      Hormonal imbalance (including hypothyroidism)

What causes Raynaud's flare-ups? There are many potential triggers, including:
 
●      Emotional stress
●      Eating cold food
●      Strenuous exercise

What to do About Raynaud's
There are two ayurvedic therapies that are particularly helpful in treating Raynaud’s disease. These are abhyanga (warm oil massage) and pinda sweda (a type of swedana or sweating therapy). Let’s look at both to see how they work.

Abhyanga (Warm Oil Massage)

• Improved Circulation: In abhyanga, warm herbal oils are applied to the body, boosting blood flow and clearing blockages in small blood vessels. This helps your circulation and tissue health, the underlying systems related to Raynaud’s.
• Muscle Relaxation: By relaxing your muscles and blood vessels, abhyanga eases constriction and relaxes stiffness in your body. It’s a great way to both destress and combat Raynaud’s.
• Warmth: When cold is the issue, warm oil makes for a luxurious countermeasure. It provides direct warmth to the skin and underlying tissues, helping to counteract the cold-triggered symptoms of Raynaud's disease.
• Skin Softness: As a wonderful side effect, your skin will feel lovely and soft after the massage!

Pinda Sweda (Sweating Therapy)

• Detoxification: Pinda sweda is the application of warm herbal poultices to the body. This is known as a detoxification process, providing support for overall circulation and health.
• Enhanced Blood Flow: Heat from the poultices can improve blood circulation in the treated areas. As that blood flow increases, the Raynaud’s reduces.
• Relaxation and Pain Relief: The heat and pressure from the poultices melt away muscle tension and soothe the entire body, powerfully (though indirectly) managing the stress and discomfort associated with Raynaud's.

Additional Considerations
Overall, while abhyanga and pinda sweda may offer symptomatic relief and support wellness, they should be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to managing Raynaud's disease, including lifestyle modifications and medication as prescribed by your GP.  Remember:
​

• A Powerful Partner to Conventional Care: Ayurvedic treatments go hand-in-hand with conventional medical care to provide full-spectrum wellness. For that reason, you’ll want to continue any prescribed treatments and consult with your GP about these therapies.
• We are Individuals: The effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatments depends on the individual, with some people responding extraordinarily well and others less so. This is why skilled practitioners will tailor everything to your exact bodily system.

Want to learn more about how Ayurveda can empower your wellness journey? Contact me today without any obligation. Let’s talk about how we can help support you through the coming cold weather and throughout the year!