It can get expensive to treat yourself to a luxury day at a spa. And sometimes it’s not the money, but finding the time to get yourself there, is the issue. Well no more excuses! I have Four simple techniques and products that will awaken the senses, nourish the soul, and make you feel like you just left the spa. Why turn to some place else, when your home can be transformed into a lovely day retreat.
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The first step is finding the right space within your home. Maybe its the bathroom, filling up the tub, and lighting the candles. Or maybe your bedroom creates the perfect zen feeling for you. Where ever you choose to do your relaxing is fine, just make sure it is clean, warm in temperature free from technology and other distractions including clutter. After all a cluttered space, is a cluttered mind.
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No spa would be complete without aromatherapy. Here is a list of scents and what affects they have on the body and mind. Essential oils can be added to a spray bottle, vaporizers, humidifiers, or my favorite is adding the oils to a bowl of steaming hot water. As the steam evaporates it carries the scent of the oils with it, diffusing into the air. It’s a cheap and easy way to diffuse essential oils while adding some moisture to the air.
Recipe for a fresh, clean smell in the air:
1 drop Cedar wood
3 drops Pine
2 drops Rosemary
Recipe to induce Sleep:
2 drops Chamomile
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Neroli
Recipe for a Spicy aroma:
4 drops Bergamot
2 drops Clove
Romance is in the air:
2 drops Geranium
2 drops Orange
2 drops Ylang Ylang
- Next item to add to your home spa is bath salts/ sugar scrub. Here is one of my favorite recipes that I found in Whole Living Magazine.
Ingredients
~ Pure honey 1 TSP
~ Light olive oil 1/4 CUP
~ Raw sugar 1 CUP
~ Citrus zest 2 TSP
- Blend the ingredients until well mixed, then store in a jar. Ta-da!
- Massage oils. It is important to give your self a massage from time-to-time. Massages help to relax the mind, connect to ourselves in a nurturing way, increase circulation and move lymph fluid, which helps our bodies fight off infections.
In fact, there is an ancient ayurvedic technique called Abhyanga or self-massage. “The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries, or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming and least affected by old age.” Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, V: 88-89
Depending on your Dosha (mind, body type) you would use specific oils to help balance your dosha. Sesame oil is said to be the “king of all oils,” and is good to use in the winter because of its warming qualities and coconut oil in the summer because of it’s cooling qualities.
Benefits of applying oil to the body (Abhyanga):
Produces softness, strength and color to the body
Decreases the effects of aging
Bestows good vision
Nourishes the body
Increases longevity
Benefits sleep patterns
Benefits skin
Strengthens the body's tolerance
Imparts a firmness to the limbs
Imparts tone and vigor to the dhatus (tissues) of the body
Stimulates the internal organs of the body, including circulation
Pacifies Vata and Pitta and Harmonizes Pitta
Benefits of applying oil to the scalp (Murdha taila):
Makes hair grow luxuriantly, thick, soft and glossy
Soothes and invigorates the sense organs
Removes facial wrinkles
Benefits of applying oil to the ears (Karna purna):
Benefits disorders in the ear which are due to increased Vata
Benefits stiff neck
Benefits stiffness in the jaw
Benefits of applying oil to the feet (Padaghata):
Coarseness, stiffness, roughness, fatigue and numbness of the feet are alleviated
Strength and firmness of the feet is attained
Vision is enhanced
Vata is pacified
Sciatica is benefited
Local veins and ligaments are benefited
Now go and create a center of bliss right inside of your home. Take the time to nurture and heal yourself.
Namaste and love,
Kim Fischer, RYT
Lotus Life Yoga Center