Ayurveda honors the hands and feet and considers them magnets that attract life energy. Vedic goddesses are portrayed with multiple arms and hands holding symbolic objects or positioned in poses called Mudras that instill divine energy. And walking barefoot is thought to draw energy from the earth. Respect is shown to a teacher, parent or elder by touching their feet to draw wisdom energy from them. This is carried into temples which are always entered into barefoot. Worshipers bend down and touch their heads to the floor of holy books or deities symbolizing the drawing of energy from the divine.
That is why washing and massaging the hands and feet every day is an essential part of Ayurvedic self care. Massaging the hands and feet boosts circulation, helping alleviate vata problems like dryness or cold extremities, as well as kapha problems such as water retention.
The hands and feet reveal much about any Dosha imbalances we are suffering. Use the chart below to identify constitutional imbalances, and read on for the solutions that are best for you.
What are your symptoms?
Vata:
- Wrinkled or rough hands
- Rough, hard feet
- Nails that break or peel easily or have ridges
- Cold hands and feet
Pitta:
- Fungus in the nails
- Athlete's foot
- Cuticles that bleed easily
- Hot, sweaty hands and feet
Kapha:
- Puffy, swollen hands
- Cold, clammy hands and feet
- Thick layers of superfluous skin
- Heavy, clumsy movement of the extremities
Where to Start?
As a general practice, wash hands and feet with a mild soap, and then massage with the appropriate Ayurvedic oilto relieve dosha imbalances. Or, for simple, all purpose moisturizing, use sesame oil or ghee.
Once a week, give your hands and feet a balancing treatment with a special scrub and moisturizer. You'll be amazed how smooth and supple your skin feels, resonating with the vital energy of the earth.
Your problems... Solved!
For vata and kaphaimbalances, make a paste of 1 teaspoon rock salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, and 2 tablespoons sesame oil. Rub the mixture in small circles into both hands and feet, focusing on the heels, soles, ankles, finger and toe webs, fingers and toes, wrists, and palms.
For pitta tendencies, make a solution of 1 teaspoon neem oil and 2 tablespoons coconut oil and massage into both hands and feet, focusing on the heels, soles, ankles, finger and toe webs, wrists, and palms.
For an all purpose treatment, rinse the hands and feet with the juice of 1 lemon diluted in 1 cup of warm water. Dry with a soft, fluffy towel. Finish by massaging 3 to 5 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream into your hands and feet to moisturize thoroughly.
Where to find Ghee and Neem oil:
Try your local health food store, Indian grocery store, or go online to:
Make Your Own
You can make your ghee by heating sweet, unsalted organic butter over a low flame for about 10-15 minutes until the milk solids that cause the butter to spoil, separate from the clarified butter or ghee, and settle to the bottom of the pan. Pour off the ghee on top into a clean container and store in a cool, dry area.
