Balance November 2017 - 60

bac k to the futu r e

TRIED AND
TRUSTED

E SSENTIAL OILS
Ancient: Traditional Chinese
Medicine's herbalism practices
underpin modern aromatherapy. These days
several essential oils have similar proven
healing powers. A 2015 study by four Brazilian
scientists suggests lavender, bergamot, bitter
orange or sweet orange reduce anxiety, while
a study by The National Research Foundation
of Korea found that lavender, ylang ylang,
marjoram and neroli all helped to lower blood
pressure in patients with hypertension.
Modern: Acupuncturist Annee de Mamiel
mixes bespoke oils, fusing Chinese medicine
and aromatherapy. Long nights and cold
weather are a great excuse to try the Winter Oil
- traditional oils, including neroli, argan and
rose geranium blended with fruit and plant
extracts to lift spirits and soothe skin. Just in
time for the December Equinox.
TRY:
Winter Facial Oil, £70, demamiel.com

AYURVEDA
Ancient: This Indian system
classifies humans by three types of
dosha (energies); vata, pitta and kapha. It's a
unique combination of the three that makes
up your individual Ayurvedic constitution.
According to ayurvedic science,
if these are out of whack, it can play havoc
with your health. So far, so mystic. But,
according to a six-year study by the Centre
for Cellular and Molecular Biology, there is
genetic evidence to support the theory, adding
extra punch to the practice of personalising
diet and lifestyle choices to obtain and
maintain equilibrium.
Modern: Beauty and wellness brand Rituals
has translated the traditional practice into
modern products. The Ritual of Ayurveda
collection offers nourishment, rejuvenation and
balance. But the first step is to identify your
dosha via a short online quiz then select the
relevant oil from one of three new blends, apply
to exfoliated skin and reap the rewards. Other
brands based on the principles of Ayurveda
include Pukka Herbs and Banyan Botanicals.
TRY: The Ritual of Ayurveda -
Balancing Ceremony, £65, rituals.com

BATHING IN SEA SALT
Ancient: Salt - a humble mineral
lauded for its healing properties
for millennia. Hippocrates, the father of
modern medicine, was one of the first to
advise bathing in sea salt to improve many
ailments including skin diseases, and to clean
bad ulcers. Thalassotherapy (using seawater
for healing) was widely used in ancient Greek
and Roman times. In the 17th century, pit
salt therapy, also known as halotherapy,
was seen as excellent for respiratory health.
Modern: For a more modern restorative salt
water bath, Balance recommends adding
Isla's Apothecary Himalayan salts to your
tub once or twice a week. Soak for up to 20
minutes, breathing deeply, to feel the effects
of the health-giving minerals. Athletes, take
note; a recent study by the University of
Birmingham shows recovery-aiding
magnesium sulphate is absorbed by the skin
during a salt bath, so bathe immediately
post-sweat and you will speedily replenish
your mineral supplies.
TRY: Himalayan Salt Soak, £26,
islaapothecary.com B

BIRCH TREE SAP
Ancient: Japanese forest bathing
(essentially hanging out with trees)
has been shown to improve mood and boost
physical and mental wellbeing, according to
an extensive study undertaken at Nippon
Medical School. Alongside food for the soul,
Scandinavian forests also have another, more
tangible use; Birch tree sap tapping. Sap, the
nutrient rich water collected from deep inside
the birches, was originally a fast route to

60

sustenance for remote dwellers in harsh
weather and has been practiced for centuries.
Modern: But what was once only the nectar of
forest foragers is now available globally, thanks
to a drinks company making birch water more
widely available. Tapped is an organic, low
calorie drink, said to support liver function.
TRY: Birch water, £9, tappedtrees.com

BA LA N CE November 2017

IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK

species have been hailed since ancient times
for their cleansing properties. The Greeks,
Babylonians and Egyptians all swore by
chewing Mastic tree gum, a resin scientifically
proved to be a potent antioxidant. Myrrh, the
famed Eastern resin, is recognised in Unani
medicine (a fusion of Arabic and Greek
alchemy) as a natural antiseptic and analgesic.
Modern: Fast-forward to today and you'll find
both Mastic and Myrrh as ingredients in the
Yesti collection from Niod - a series of facial
products combining age-old ingredients with
up-to-the-minute science. Use Mastic Must
as a daily morning cleanser to remove
impurities and tighten pores, top up on a
weekly basis with a Myrhh Clay mask.
TRY: Mastic Must £27; victoriahealth.com
http://www.tappedtrees.com http://www.victoriahealth.com http://www.demamiel.com http://www.rituals.com http://www.islaapothecary.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Balance November 2017
