Breathing is the most vital thing we have to do in life. However as obvious as it may seem people in these more hectic times have fallen into bad breathing habits. Because of the fast pace of life and stressful situations they very often tend to hold their breath or breathe rapidly and shallowly using only the upper chest; a fraction of their lung capacity which can lead to further physical and mental anxiety. Becoming familiar with the air entering and leaving the body is very beneficial. In yoga it is considered the simplest form of meditation.

The three part yogic breath is a simple pranayama (breath control) practice. It is best practiced in a lying position with the hands placed on the chest and abdomen. Firstly breathe into the lower abdomen feeling it rise slightly, the hand on the chest remaining still. Next breathe to feel the ribs swelling against the upper arms. Lastly breathe into the collarbone area. This completes the inhalation. The exhalation is from the collarbone area, chest, then abdomen. Continue with the practice for as long as you need. This practice uses the diaphragm, thoracic and clavicle parts of the chest and lungs.

Once you have mastered this technique you will find you can do it anywhere. It will help in a stressful situation, if you are stuck in traffic jams, or finding difficulty sleeping. So breathe easy and relax, it's your passport to a healthier you!

Joanna Gibbons B.W.Y. Dip. Cert

Cleansing

Cleansing the skin helps promote and maintain a healthy complexion, its main purposes are:

1. Remove surface dirt, make-up, sweat and pollutants to help stop any formation of spots and blemishes.
2. To gently exfoliate dead skin cells,  removing them helps the skin’s appearance, and by increasing blood circulation this helps to promote new cell growth in the skin.

Different cleansers available: Clay, Gel, and/or Cream.

The first cleanse removes surface dirt etc. Second cleanse is more deeper, concentrating on areas of congestion. A double cleanse will therefore cleanse the skin and give it a really good clean, a feeling you may not get with just one cleanse.

After the skin has been cleansed, it then has to be toned.

Most toners have a tightening effect on the skin, this helps the skins pores to close after cleansing, and decreas the flow of sebum and sweat on the surface of the skin. Toning also helps to restore the Ph level (Balance) of the skin.

Toners can be applied in a numerous ways either by a facial spritz, or being applied onto clean, damp cotton wool pads.

It is possible to make toilet or flower water at home by adding about 20-30 drops of essential oils to a 100ml bottle of spring or de-ionized water, leaving it for a few days in the dark and then filtering it through coffee filter paper.

Almost any oil can be used – Rose, Orange Blossom, Lavender & Petitgrain are the most common to be used. (Aromatherapy oils used for the body should be used, NOT the ones you would burn in an oil burner!)

You can also blend oils together to suit different skin completions:

• Mature Skin: Lavender, Neroli & Frankincense.
• Dry Skin: Sandalwood, Chamomile & Rose.
• Oily Skin: Tea Tree, Bergamot & Geranium, Lemon.

Moisturisers protect the skin from dryness and dehydration by helping to seal in moisture that is lost throughout the day. Moisturisers help to restore and retain the skins natural moisture balance, this helps to soften and soothe the skin by relieving any tautness and decreasing any sensitive areas. It feeds the skin by plumping out the skins tissues and cells with moisture, which helps minimize the appearance of any fine lines on the skins surface. Mixing an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) with your moisturiser, will decrease the signs of ageing (fine lines, wrinkles etc) and protect the skin from the suns natural rays. It is best to use one all year round, even when it’s cloudy, windy or snowy, the suns rays can still penetrate.

By drinking 6-8 glasses of water (2 pints) per day you will keep the skin and body hydrated, and this also aids with detoxification within the body.

Cleansing Routine

• Starting from the base of the neck in gliding movements up to the jaw-line, work cleanser over the skin, then up onto the face around lips, nose, around eyes and forehead.
• Remove with damp sponges/cloth in warm, tepid water, Or, rinse by splashing water onto the skin.
• Repeat cleanse (Double Cleanse), concentrating on areas with congestion, using small circular motions. Concentrate around the nasal area, as this is a common place for dirt and dead skin cells to hide.
• Remove with sponges etc (As Step II.)
• Tone! Either with damp cotton wool pads OR using a facial spirtzer.
• Moisturize! Apply a small amount in the hands and apply to the neck and face in an upwards/gliding movement, making sure you cover everywhere.

Cleansing Routine (For Men)

As per previous routine. However men may want to use a facial brush on days when they are shaving, to help lift the hairs up from the skin to ease irritation afterwards, and to prevent in-growing hairs.

I hope you are finding the information on this page informative, fun and helpful. None of the people who contribute to the Wellbeing page receive payment. They are all passionate about the work they do and are happy to share their skills and knowledge with you. If you would like to contact them, ask a question, learn more about what they do, and/or say 'thanks for the info', go to the contacts page and leave a message in the 'feedback box'. This will then be forwarded to them. In particular, if you have tried one of Wendy's recipes, let others know how easy and delicious the recipes are!

Be kind to your body and relax your mind, Wishing you good health,

Imagine a colourful world titillating our senses, releasing feelings of pleasure and bringing harmony to our lives…

How often do we allow our senses to respond to colour to help us feel good?

Simply take time to notice how colour affects your mood and emotions:

How do you feel when you pick a big bunch of golden daffodils from the garden on a bright, crisp sunny morning?

Take a deep breath in filling yourself with the glorious colour and aroma.

Maybe a moist, dark brown chocolate cake can encourage a sense of comfort and security when you are down or it may release a feeling of rich heavenly decadence!

OR

Does your heart melt when you are given a bouquet of elegant long stemmed deep red roses?

Think of the joy of sharing a delicious meal with close friends and think of all the glorious colours in our gardens!

To learn and find our more here are some useful references for you to try.