Thriving Through Winter with Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM): Expert Advice from Practitioners at Layan Life by Anantara

Phuket, Thailand, January 23, 2025 - As the new year settles in, many of us face the aftermath of indulgent holidays and the challenges of winter’s cold, short days. The Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM) doctors at the new, world-class wellness retreat Layan Life by Anantara offer expert advice for those battling through the winter months with a holistic approach to maintaining health and balance. Here’s how you can align your habits with TTM principles to thrive through winter and the rest of the year.

TTM is rooted in the belief that the body is governed by four elements: Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. Each element plays a role in physical and mental well-being:

• Earth: Represents the physical structure, including muscles, bones, and tissues
• Water: Governs bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, and lymph
• Fire: Controls digestion, metabolism, and body temperature
• Air: Influences movement, breathing, and the nervous system
  

Winter, characterized by cold and dryness, can disrupt the balance of these elements, particularly Fire and Water. TTM emphasizes restoring harmony by tailoring food, drinks, and habits to counter these imbalances.

1. Warm and Nourishing Drinks

To combat the cold and support digestion, opt for these TTM-recommended beverages:

• Ginger Tea: A staple in TTM, ginger is warming and aids digestion. Add honey for additional soothing benefits.
• Turmeric Shot: Turmeric helps reduce inflammation and supports immunity.
• Lemongrass and Lemon Tea: This fragrant tea promotes relaxation and supports detoxification. 
  

2. Seasonal Foods for Balance

In TTM, winter calls for warm, easily digestible foods to maintain internal heat and nourish the body. Consider these:

• Soups and Stews: Prepare dishes with ingredients like galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili to enhance warmth and flavor.
• Root Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkins are grounding and nutrient dense.
• Warming Spices: Incorporate cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper into meals to stimulate circulation and digestion.
  

3. Healthy Habits for Winter

TTM encourages practices that promote circulation, relaxation, and balance:

• Self-Massage: Use warm oils infused with herbs like plai (a medicinal herb in the ginger family that is native to Thailand) or ginger to soothe muscles and improve circulation.
• Stretching and Movement: Gentle exercises such as yoga or tai chi help maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
• Warm Baths: Add herbal sachets containing Thai herbs like kaffir lime and lemongrass to your bath for relaxation and detoxification.
  

4. Protecting Emotional Well-Being

Winter’s short days can impact mood. TTM suggests mindfulness practices to maintain emotional balance:

• Meditation: Focus on deep breathing to calm the mind and balance the Air element.
• Aromatherapy: Use essential oils such as jasmine, ylang-ylang, or sandalwood to uplift your spirits.
  

By aligning your diet, habits, and mindset with TTM principles, you can navigate winter’s challenges and embrace the new year with vitality. Remember, balance is key—listen to your body and adjust as needed. Here’s to a healthy and harmonious 2025.

Layan Life by Anantara is a new retreat center aimed at transforming the wellness experience at the family-friendly beachside paradise of Anantara Layan Phuket Resort. Combining cutting-edge technology and ancient Thai healing traditions and drawing on more than two decades of pioneering wellness expertise from Anantara Hotels & Resorts, Layan Life offers bespoke three-to-10-day programs using the ‘Whole of Life’ approach to wellness that celebrates key life stages.

Prices start from $1,583 USD for a 3-night retreat, which includes all treatments and meals. Accommodation is charged separately. 

Editor's Notes:

Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travelers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting destinations. The collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new territory, curating personal travel experiences.

From cosmopolitan cities to desert sands to lush islands, Anantara connects travelers to the indigenous, grounds them in authentic luxury, and hosts them with passionate expertise. The portfolio currently boasts over 45 stunning hotels and resorts located in Thailand, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Seychelles, Mozambique, Zambia, Tunisia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Portugal, Spain, Hungary, Italy, The Netherlands and France, with a pipeline of future properties across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and South America.

The brand’s premier vacation ownership program, Anantara Vacation Club, extends the opportunity to own a share in the Anantara experience with a portfolio of eight luxurious Club Resorts as well as travel privileges at partner resorts and hotels worldwide.

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