The health of our skin goes a lot deeper than just the products we use and how we take care of it externally. Skincare is what we put in our bodies, on our bodies, and how well we take care of our overall health and well-being.
A foundational principle in Ayurveda is that the senses and sense organs are the gateways to the mind and body and that we can use the sense for healing. Although for centuries this was a difficult concept to understand from a Western medical perspective, we are now validating this ancient observation with modern science.
The Ayurvedic term for self-love is Snehana. Love is nothing but unconditional acceptance of the other person. We love our parents. We love our children. We love our friends. Parents’ love for their children is exalted as unconditional.
Many of us have had conventional massage that works to release tight muscles and create relaxation. In Western medicine, massage can be used for specific issues, such as musculoskeletal sports injuries and performance, massage for lymphatic drainage after cancer surgery, or for certain pain syndromes.
In times of stress and unknown, don’t underestimate the transformative power of a soak and self-massage. Try this self-care practice to connect back to nature and create inner calm.