Have you ever wondered how our ancestors maintained optimal health and beauty at the same time? Their focus was on staying alive, so there wasn't much time for beauty treatments. Well, they took care of their bodies, and consequently, their inner beauty grew.
Here's how they did it.
Massage
The ancestors were very active, so they often had sore muscles. They would relieve the soreness by rubbing the affected areas.
Massage is fantastic for keeping your body calm- it relaxes your muscles and releases tension. It can remove stored toxins from the body. Massage also moves and releases stuck energies in the body, both physically and emotionally.
Our ancestors understood that a body under pressure doesn't work at its full potential, and can't attain its optimal beauty.
REGULAR MASSAGE AT HOME
You might balk at this idea because you think that it's too expensive. However, you can learn to do it at home. It's simpler than you think.
If you live with a friend or partner, it's even easier. You can ask where they're sore and practice pushing using different methods and at varying levels of pressure.
What if you have no partner? No problem. Use a foam roller or buy an at-home massage device at your local sports store.
An even less expensive option is to get a few tennis balls and put them in an old sock. This DIY massager is fantastic for relieving tension between the shoulder blades and the lower back.
Steam
The ancients used steam to open their lungs, soothe their skin, and sweat out toxins. Some cultures created elaborate ceremonies to smoke and steam themselves. They built shelters with a center hole, lit a fire in the center, and let the wood burn to coals, then slowly poured water over the coals to create steam. Also, they added herbs to the coals, filling the air with aromas.
STEAM BATH AT HOME
You could do a simple steam bath at home and enjoy lively and beautiful skin. The steam will open your pores and release the toxins in your skin. Inhaling steam deeply can help clean out toxins from air pollution and environmental stressors.
What you need:
- A towel
- A pot of boiling water
- Herbs or essential oils of your choice
Directions:
Boil the water.
If using dry herbs for your steam, add them into your pot at this stage. However, if you're using essential oils, wait until the water is steaming because the heat burns off the oils instantly.
When your water is boiling, put the towel over your head and ensure the pot is covered as well. Be careful not to burn your face or set the towel on fire.
Breathe in and out slowly, steadily, and deeply for a few minutes. Remember, this is supposed to be relaxing, so if you feel uncomfortable, back away or reduce the temperature.
After your steam, treat your skin gently- your pores are open, and your skin will be sensitive. Finish off with a cold rinse.
SOME HERBS OR ESSENTIAL OILS TO ADD TO YOUR STEAM:
Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus oil is intensely cleansing, and its scent is stimulating and invigorating.
Mint. It has a pleasant scent and cleansing properties that sink deeply into the pores and help clarify skin.
Lavender. It's famous for being a herb that promotes relaxation. It also has cleansing properties.
Mud
The ancestors purposefully used mud to protect themselves from the sun and as a balm for wounds. They also enjoyed the additional benefit of radiant, toxin-free, and beautiful skin.
Using mud in skincare pulls out toxins from the skin and absorbs extra natural oils. Also, natural muds and clays are exfoliating and add nourishing minerals to the skin, resulting in a flawless finish and additional protection from the elements.
MUD MASKS
Why don't you try exfoliating and use a mud mask regularly? It works wonders, especially if you have oily skin.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team
