Pranayama Breathing with Mattie

Our At Home Self-Care Series was created as a way to continue to support our wellness community during these days of quarantine. It is a conglomeration of blogs and videos chock full of information to help lift your spirits and decrease your stress and anxiety. It is intended to help you stay healthy in body, mind & spirit, while feeling connected to the very same people that help you feel happier and better in your bodies.

Below, Mattie Gunnery-Fay, LMT, guides us through several Pranayama Breathing Techniques. Pranayama is yogic breathing exercises that have the ability to release stress, improve our mental clarity, and increase our energy. Stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system and ground into your body with these breathing exercises.

DIY At-Home Facial with Esthetician, Vanessa Everett

This is an easy 3 step DIY facial that you can do right in your own kitchen! Remove dead cells and moisturize your skin with some simple pantry items. It’s a great little self-care pick me up for when you can’t get in to see your favorite Esthetician. Always remember that what goes on your body, goes in your body, so don’t use any ingredients that you may have a reaction to.

A couple things to have ready:  

• A few towels

• Cleanser and toner (A toner is used to rebalance the skins pH and allow for better product absorption, but you can still do the facial without it.  Witch hazel can also be used as a facial toner.)

• Large pot of freshly boiled water (few drops of essential oil or flower essence optional)

Homemade Facial Exfoliating Scrub:

• ½ tablespoon cornmeal

• 1 tablespoon raw honey

• 1-2 drops essential oil (optional)

*Distilled water can be added to improve consistency.  Finely ground sugar can be substituted for cornmeal and some kitchen oils like coconut or grapeseed can be used instead of honey.  It’s important not to use anything abrasive.

Homemade Facial Mask:

• 1 tablespoon finely ground oats (you can use a mortar and pestle or a food processor)

• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt (0% Greek yogurt works well)

• 1-2 drops essential oil (optional)

Step 1:  Cleanse.  To begin your facial, give your skin a thorough double cleanse with your favorite cleansers.  The first cleanse is to remove any makeup or debris from the skin.  The second cleanse is to really get in there and cleanse the skin.  Pat skin dry with a towel and tone.

Step 2:  Exfoliate.  After cleansing, steam the face to open your pores and increase circulation.  Simply placing your face over a pot of freshly boiled water will do the trick.  I like to drape a towel over my head as well to trap the steam, but it’s not essential.  After 1-2 minutes, apply your homemade facial scrub using your fingertips in gentle, circular motions.  Gently massage for at least 30 seconds.  Return your face to the steam for 3-5 minutes.  Remove scrub with warm water.  Pat skin dry with a towel and tone.

Step 3:  Mask:  Apply your homemade mask using your fingertips.  Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes and remove with lukewarm water and a washcloth.  Pat skin dry and apply your favorite serums and/or moisturizer.

*Remember the Wellness Shop is open, so if you’re running low on your favorite skin care product, we are offering at home deliveries or curbside pick-up.

I hope this serves you well and I look forward to seeing you all again soon!

-Vanessa

Boost Immune Function with this Simple Routine

Our At Home Self-Care Series was created as a way to continue to support our wellness community during these days of quarantine. It is a conglomeration of blogs and videos chock full of information to help lift your spirits and decrease your stress and anxiety. It is intended to help you stay healthy in body, mind & spirit, while feeling connected to the very same people that help you feel happier and better in your bodies.

Below, Lisa Nelson LMT, brings us through a simple immune boosting routine that you can use every day to increase your energy, vitality and boost your immune function. This 4 minute sequence will leave your entire body humming and ready to take on the day!

Decrease Stress with these Two Reflex Points

Our At Home Self-Care Series was created as a way to continue to support our wellness community during these days of quarantine. It is a conglomeration of blogs and videos chock full of information to help lift your spirits and decrease your stress and anxiety. It is intended to help you stay healthy in body, mind & spirit, while feeling connected to the very same people that help you feel happier and better in your bodies.

Below, Reflexologist, Charlene Shea, introduces us to two reflexology points of the hand that decrease stress and promote an overall sense of well being in the body. Simply working both the solar plexus and the adrenals on a regular basis will have cumulative effects on your body, mind & spirit.

Your Quarantine 'Must Haves'

Our Wellness Shop is chock full of carefully curated organic and all-natural wellness gifts and body care products designed to help you feel your best and bring you JOY.

During these days of sheltering in place and our temporary closure our Wellness Shop is OPEN. Our entire selection is available online. Don’t forget to select ‘pick up in store’ at checkout and we’ll make arrangements for at home delivery or curbside pickup.

Below, Therapeutic Bodywork founder, Beth Warner, breaks down your 5 Quarantine Must Haves. (We know how difficult it was to select only 5!) Check it out: