Create Space…
Spring is officially here, and this year it is particularly a welcome change charged with energy, and dare I say even a big sense of eagerness and readiness to get out and live life. This energy is a strong and upward moving energy (think of the plants emerging from their roots) that we also experience within ourselves and although a totally normal response to the shift from dormant Winter to Spring, can feel overwhelming for us, especially in an already tense or anxious climate we have all felt in the culmination of the last two years. This can manifest in the form of sleepless nights, feelings of overwhelm, not being able to focus, swift changes in mood, feeling flooded with new ideas and frustration of not being able to have them come to fruition.
Some of the things I find helpful is a full spectrum Spring clearing starting with self, then moving on to your environment. For the self, I always recommend dry brushing to move and drain the lymph, sipping on some herbal tonics (especially herbs that are ruled by the Sun such as Calendula (helps with lymphatic drainage) or Rosemary (circulatory and cerebral stimulant helps with circulation and brain fog), or tonic plants full of minerals like Nettles which is actually ruled by Mars…more on that in future posts), getting out in the fresh air and Sunshine taking slow and deep breaths…bonus points if you can find a peaceful place in nature (download the All Trails app, you will be surprised at how many places there are surrounding our little city!).
I also highly recommend brushing and exfoliating the scalp. Perhaps come to visit us for a scalp treatment with botanical exfoliants and tonics with the added benefit of scalp massage and pressure point work.
Exercise and get your circulation moving so that stagnation (physical + psychological) will ease up in the body and mind, bringing important nutrients and oxygen to the extremities. Make time for down time with friends. When possible, meet and hang outside, walk together or plan a picnic near the waterfront. India Point park is lovely as are all of our local beaches. Lincoln Woods already has many areas and lots of picnic tables already set up and is a lovely place to gather. Please remember to dispose of trash properly, as making this effort also feels good!
A little on how to dry brush the body. On dry skin start at the extremities. I like to start with the upper body first, so at the tips of the fingers with short, quick and fairly firm (but not too firm or hard, it should feel invigorating and not painful) brush upward and toward the heart. From the tips of the fingers move upward on the arms, and downward on the neck, chest and don’t forget the very important underarms, where a larger quantity of lymph nodes live, and downwards on the upper back. Move to the extremities on the lower body, starting with the tips of the toes and work upward toward the heart, spend a little more time on the inner thighs where lymphatic stagnation tends to settle. Brush counterclockwise around the belly. There is a larger concentration of lymph nodes surrounding the digestive organs, breasts and armpits, so be sure to give these areas a little extra love. The whole process should only take about 5 minutes. Remember, everything toward the Heart. I also love to incorporate sipping on Calendula tea (tisana). Calendula aids in lymphatic drainage and helps quell inflammation from a therapeutic standpoint, and is a “Sun plant”, ruled by the Sun which helps bring sunshine energy to the spirit and psyche helping with overall sadness or moodiness. Dry brushing stimulates microcirculation bringing important nutrients and oxygen to the extremities, and also exfoliates dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smooth. I recommend dry brushing in the morning as it is energizing, followed by a shower and then a lovely body oil made from botanicals to help support circulation and moisture for the skin. A great combo would be Calendula infused in Grapeseed + Jojoba + Vitamin E oil (I know a good source where you could get some) !
It’s important to keep your brush clean. For this I would recommend a sanitizing spray made with Tea Tree essential oil infused in inexpensive vodka. You don't want to use water for two reasons. Water is the basis for life…which means microbes, and they are microscopic. Also, oil and water DO NOT MIX unless you use a solubilizer. Cosmetic chemistry 101. However the oil will disperse and solubilize in alcohol. You just need to blend and let it rest for a few days to do its magic. Use this spritz to clean your brush, and let it dry thoroughly before using it again. The alcohol will also evaporate quicker than just plain water. Speaking of cleaning…this moves us to the second part of Spring clearing…your environment.
Decluttering and donating (only things that are worthy to give to another, aka in good clean condition) is also medicine for the psyche and nervous system. It creates space to breathe and focus. Try to clean your home using non toxic chemicals. There are plenty of formulas on the web using ingredients such as Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon, and Baking Soda to make some powerful cleansers. Burn incense, candles that don’t contain fragrance filled with phthalates and other harmful chemicals, and fragrant herbs to cleanse the air and honor your surroundings. When you can, look for local artisans making these items. Use herbal clearing wands that are made with sustainable plants and purchase them from a reputable source. You can also make your own and get the herbs from a local supplier. Regular garden Sage, Lavender and Conifer leaves work well. Our Apothecary is full of these Herbs and more, plus we are planning some foraging classes on the farm this Spring and Summer so you can learn to forage and make your own! Want to do the clearing smokeless? We have a few varieties of room sprays for clearing that are fragrant and non toxic. Also something we will be teaching how to make in an upcoming workshop.
Lastly, plant some seeds. Whether it be in pots, in a small garden in your backyard, in a windowsill, at your desk…wherever. Nothing is more “grounding” (root word is ground) than sitting with our Mother Earth and tending to her. Spending time with your hands in the soil is one of the most satisfying things we can do as a species. What’s more joyful than watching a baby sprout bloom into something magnificent? Even if it doesn't work the first time around, you will have created compost to feed other plants. It’s never a bad outcome! I use Strictly Medicinal to get most of my seeds if I’m not saving them myself from plants I have already grown. We also have some fun seed paper products at the salon for a lovely and colorful way to start.
I hope all of this is helpful. Looking forward to monthly Teatime sessions to recommence this year! Sign up for our newsletter to be in the loop on events and workshops on all things Hair, Skin, Body, Herbal, Music and Art! Also for all the happenings and events down at the Farm!
May you have a blessed and joyful Spring.
