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October 6, 2021

Is your skin as dry as the falling leaves?

Do you notice any changes in your body in the fall?

According to Ayurveda, fall is the Vata time of year. Vata has qualities such as dry, mobile, light, rough, cool, and subtle.

You might notice these qualities in nature–all the falling leaves, the wind, and the temperature starts to cool. And you might see them in yourself as well. For example, you might be feeling anxious or have scattered thoughts.

If you’re starting to notice your skin getting rough and dry, a daily self-massage using warm oil can make a big difference.

Sesame oil can be lovely this time of year because it has warming qualities. You could also try almond or avocado oils.

If you’d like, you can add a few drops of essential oil.

You can warm your oil by placing the container in a pot or bowl of warm water. Test the oil temperature by placing a drop or two on the back of your hand or your wrist.

It can be helpful to place an old towel on the floor in case of any spills, so it doesn’t get slippery.

It’s best to be in a warm room, maybe near some sunlight coming in through a window or near a heater.

Start small. A little bit of oil goes a long way. If you use too much oil, it can take longer to absorb, and you may get it on your clothing. If you need to get dressed right away, it can be helpful to put on some old sweats or pajamas.

If it’s early in the day, it’s a good idea to start at your feet (you can put on socks or stand on a towel) and work your way up to the top of your head. Moving in this direction can help move your energy up, so you feel revitalized for the day ahead.

If it’s later in the day, it’s best to work from the top of your head and work your way down. This will help ground your energy so you can get a good night’s sleep.

It’s best to use organic and unrefined oils because they are the purest. Keep in mind that your body absorbs and digests everything you put on your skin. So, don’t put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t want to put in your mouth.

If you want to get more bang for your buck, use a dry brush before applying the oil. You can also use a dry washcloth to get a similar effect. This will help to open your pores, and it also helps to stimulate your lymph. Another option is to leave the oil on your skin for 20 minutes, and then take a warm shower or bath. The warm water will help the oil absorb better into your skin. If you shower after applying your oil, you may want to put an old towel in the bottom of the shower to prevent falling. If you’re worried about your pipes, you can apply the oil after you shower.

Experiment and see what works best for you. If this is a new habit for you, start with your feet for just a minute or two, gradually adding on. Your skin will thank you for it!

 

 

PS Whenever you’re ready… here are 3 ways I can help you make the shift from settling for the results you’re currently getting to really thriving in life.

 

  • Join other like-minded people who are taking control of their health in my Peace Run Yoga Facebook Group! Allow us to be a place to share ideas, get advice, and meet others who are on a health journey.

 

  • Join me for the JOY Detox later this month. I’m getting a group of amazing people together for 21 days to detox body and mind.