Wax and Bubbles

• Massage Oil:

What you will need-
-4 ounces of either apricot, sweet almond, jojoba, grape seed, or avocado oils
-50 drops of an essential oil blend or your choice
-Container with a flip top or pump tops

Bottle 4 ounces of either apricot, sweet almond, jojoba, grape seed, or avocado oils with up to 50 drops of either a relaxation oil blend or a citrus oil blend.

Sweet almond oil or apricot kernel oil provides a good balance of massaging time and absorbency time. Use jojoba or grape seed oils if you want a lighter carrier oil and quick absorbing oil that will create more of a friction and a heated massage from rubbing the oil into the skin. Avocado oil is a great carrier oil to use during the winter months.

• Body Scrub:

What you will need-
-1 cup sea salt or coarse sugar (smoother grain for the body, rougher grains for elbows, knees and feet)
-1/2 cup olive, canola, or jojoba oil
-50 drops of your choice of essential oil blends

Stir together the 1/2 cup of olive oil or canola oil which ever oil carrier you are using with this recipe with your essential oil blend of your choice. After the oils are combined, pour in the sea salt or the sugar. Stir with a wooden spoon till completely incorporated. Experiment with different types of salts and sugars till you get the grain you are seeking to use on your body or your feet. Scoop the mixture into a glass jar with a tight fitting lid, especially if you are going to keeping the mixture in your humid bathroom.

1. Cleanse and tone the face throughly, ideally using a cold cream cleanser and skin toner of your choice.

2. Gently hold the head to establish contact. Then oil your fingertips and, with sweeping, stroking movements, lightly draw your fingers from the bottom of the face to the top, avoiding the eyes. Repeat several times, gently increasing the pressure.

3. Place your fingertips horizontally in the middle of the forehead, using a little more oil if required. Draw them firmly out to the temples several times. You should be able to feel the bones of the forehead through the facial skin and flesh.

4. Now place your fingertips on either side of the nose. Draw them up and out to the sides of the face several times, using a little less pressure than you used on the forehead.

5. Using both indeex fingers, make small circles all over the nose. Be careful not to block off air flow. Continue making small circles over the chin and around the mouth area, avoiding the lips.

6. Finsih as you started, with gentle sweeping strokes up the face, getting gradually lighter until the contact disappears. Encourage your friend to lie there and relax for a few minutes after the massage is finished.

Self-abhyanga is simple to do, is deeply nurturing and restores balnace when you skin needs soothing. Here;s how to treat yourself:

• A warm room (ideally, the bathroom)
• 2 to 3 ounces untaoste, organic sesame oil
• 1 small glass bottle with a cap
• Hot tap water (in a bowl or sink)
• 1 old towle or mat that you don’t mind staining
• Paper towels

Warm it up: Pour oil into the bottle and cap tightyly. Place the bottle in hot water until the oil is warm enoug for your liking.

Rub it on: Undress completely and stand on the towel or mat. Pour a little oil inot your palm. Test it first on a small patch of skin; if you experience any irritation, try a different oil, such as coconut or sunflower. Apply the oil to the crown of your head, using your fingertips to move outward in circles. (If you would rather not get your hair greasy, you can massage without oil.) Apply the oil from head to toe, working downward until your entire body is anointed. Massage it into your ksin for 10 to 12 minutes, giving each part of your body adequate attention. Use loong strokes up and down your arms and legs, and circular strokes over your joints, chest and abdomnen.

Soak it in: Sit quiety on the edge of the tub with your eyes closedfor a few minutes, breathing deeply while your ksin takes in the nourishment.

Wash it off: Pat any excess oil from your ksin with paper towels. Be sure to dry the soles of your feet before stepping into the bathtub or the shower, so you don’t slip and fall. Cleanse your ksin with warm water and a gently soap. If you have oil in your hair, apply a mild shampoo and rinse well. Pat dry with a fresh towel. (Don’t put an oily towel or mat in the dryer, for it will cause a fire.) Dress, smile, and greet the day a new grounded, warm and balanced from head to toe. (Source: Some information pulled from YogaJournal 2007)