SELF LOVE PRACTICES
A non-negotiable fact as we move through any change that is occurring either within us or around us is that it is essential that we have good self-care practices in place so we can support ourselves through any process unfolding.
You may be moving through healing, and you are closing out internal stress cycles, or you are moving through hormonal changes, relationship changes, changes with children, change of career, or health changes, and knowing how to support yourself at home can be challenging.
When we are amid change, the most important things that will support us are stress reduction and positive lifestyle changes to better support this stage of life.
Emotionally, we need to support ourselves through this and encourage self-love practices that are going to provide us with safety, stability and nourishment.
Due to the natural internal pressure change can bring, whether that is on a chemical level or circumstantial, our lymphatic system can become affected. This is because in a stressed state the breathing muscles become compromised, which can cause a direct impact on the lymphatic, fascia and nervous systems.
From a spiritual viewpoint, our lymphatic system is the system of uncried tears. It is our grief. And through any change we experience, grief will be present, which perfectly highlights the emotional connection we experience with our physical body. Our digestive system can also feel this ‘hold on/let go’ tussle within, so looking after our gut microbiome can greatly support us as we move through change. Oral hygiene is a key player in our digestive and overall health.
Here are a couple of early morning routines you can include to help you do this.
Oil pulling: Oil pulling is fantastic at pulling bad bacteria out of our mouth and system, which leads to a healthier immune system and digestive tract. It will also reduce your stress levels and tension due to jaw loosening and can improve TMJ Syndrome, headaches, and improve lymphatic drainage around the face area.
HOW TO OIL PULL: With coconut oil or sesame seed oil, place a tablespoon of oil in the mouth and swish for 2-5 minutes before spitting the oil out in the bin. Do not spit in the sink or toilets as this will clog your drains. Brush your teeth.
WHICH OIL TO USE: Coconut oil is great as a natural teeth whitener and has cooling properties; however, sesame seed oil supports hormonal balance because it is rich in phytoestrogens. For those moving through the change of life, this oil is great as it can mimic estrogen, which can ease the symptoms of menopause.
Tongue scraping: Tongue scraping can be done with a tongue scraper or floss and should always be done in the mornings so we can scrape off the bacteria that builds up on the tongue as we sleep.
Apply beautiful oils to your whole body: This should be done morning and night. Almond oil is beautiful to use in the mornings, but you can also use a good cold-pressed olive oil, peanut oil or coconut oil ( coconut oil can be harder for the skin to absorb and is cooling rather than warming). To get the full health benefits as listed above, using sesame oil at night is ideal, especially if you are going through hormone changes. Sesame oil is very warming and penetrates the skin lining well. It activates tissues and encourages movement of nutrients, promoting relaxation and mental calmness.
You can simply apply the sesame oil to damp skin directly after a shower, or you can use the following recipe to make an infused oil yourself.
Ingredients:
100g dried herb (Calendula Flower can be great as it hydrates and nourishes dry skin and slows the development of wrinkles)
100ml alcohol (use vodka)
2ml distilled water
1000ml sesame oil
Method:
Mix alcohol and distilled water, stir in herbs and macerate in a covered vessel for 24 hours.
Add the sesame oil and warm over a water bath (50-60 degrees). Remove the lid and stir frequently until the alcohol and water have evaporated.
Strain and press the marc. Filter the oil to remove residue before storing in amber bottles.
You can use this oil directly on the skin
With so many health benefits, adding these steps to your daily morning routine can have such a huge uptick in your physical body and mental health, and is a beautiful way to give yourself some love when you need it most.
In health,
Carly