Inside Out Facial Reflexology & Yoga

When I practice (rare because I’d rather learn than do) Diện Chẩn Facial Reflexology, I look to nature to provide. I have “a thing” about using local ingredients for massage. Wild Fennel and Olive Oil (Funcho Selvagem e Azeite ) are abundant here and is my new favorite oil for hair and skin. Easy to gather, easy to make and a nice gift to send someone home with. Fennel has amazing benefits for hair and skin.

Ustrasana (Camel Pose) - one of my favorite poses especially after a run. I like the stretch gives along the front of my body, remember not to crunch the neck.

An excellent prepatory pose is Virasana (Hero Pose). If you are practicing Ustrasana for the first time instead of putting the front of your feet flat on the floor it is acceptable to flex them, making it easier to touch the heels.

“There are two mistakes along the way to mastery; not starting it and not going all the way.” - unknown

Finally I made it to Portugal, landing in Lisbon on Nov 26, nearly two months ago! I did not do what I should have/could have to manage the stress of moving in the middle of a pandemic with two dogs to another country. Factor in that we (me and the dogs) really hadn’t settled since our return to the USA in November of 2019.

Frustrated by my inertia to continue my yoga practice during the month prior to leaving the USA caused me to pay a heavy price, a severe case of shingles in late December on my face and in my eye, triggered of course by stress. I neglected to take the measures I knew would keep my body, mind and spirit in balance. Weeks of pain and recovery followed, all of which was preventable.

Unable to come up with an acceptable answer for myself, frustrated until a Tedtalk appeared on my feed with Master Sheng Heng Yi, the Master of the Shaolin Temple in Germany-there was my answer. I had on several occasions followed his Qigong videos. This resonates deeply with me and now I share it with you.

“Five Hindrances to Self Mastery”.

Master Shi Heng Yi – 5 hindrances to self-mastery | Shi Heng YI | TEDxVitosha Meet Shaolin Master Shi Heng Yi in his serene talk about self-discovery. Learn why rainfall is an essential part of each flowering. And every small step – pa...

Dry Brushing and Self Massage

We live in SUCH stressful times, kids at home, no kids, alone, covid, working/not working, the condition of the world, and lockdown. There is no time like now to take a few minutes each day for Self Massage and Dry Body Brushing, it’s free, full of physical, emotional and mental benefits and it intimately involves only you.

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing and self massage are a quick and easy way to be good to you and your body, believe me, your body, mind and spirit will appreciate it. Including this in your morning routine will add a few minutes of time but a day full of benefits.

I don’t have dry skin but dry brushing feels soooo good. Dry brushing is wonderful for sloughing off dead skin but more importantly, improves lymphatic drainage and circulation. Not promoting any products but while in China visiting my son and daughter in law I fell in love with a brush she had from The Body Shop. I like the natural look, softness of the bristles and the price, $12, aptly named, The Round Body Brush.

Self Massage

After showering pat your body dry leaving some dampness. Take your favorite oil, I like Coconut, and perform a self massage, starting with massaging your hands, work up the forearm, upper arm, shoulder across the chest, don’t forget to massage the base of your neck/collarbone and breasts, to the other side and down. Take a little bit more oil (a lot is never necessary) massage the belly in circles (excellent for the colon) move around to the buttock, down the thigh, calf, heel, foot and repeat on the other leg.

Remember to stroke upwards towards the heart to improve circulation.

About the Belly

Cats, and many animals, will only expose their bellies to those they trust. It is a very vulnerable part of our bodies and no wonder, a lot happens in the belly area. Question, how often do you touch your belly? Through belly massage we can directly connect with energy, digestive, emotional and sexual sources within our body. All ancient medicines hold the belly as an energy source. Traditional Chinese Medicine & Vietnamese Medicine believe that the belly, just below the navel, is where Jing is turned into Chi, this area is called the Elixir of Life field. Ayurveda holds that the belly is home to the Second Energy Source the Sacral Chakra – emotions, desire and sexuality. It is important that we include the belly in any self massage and a good way to stay tuned to yourself and your energy.

Oil

I use Coconut Oil which is best for my Pitta Dosha. Sesame Oil is excellent for Vata & Kapha Dosha. I don’t buy anything fancy, a simple organic oil is perfect.

After washing my hands I then perform a 12 Step Vietnamese Face Massage, for my face I use the same Coconut Oil and you should use whichever serum, lotion, oil you prefer.

There you have it, a few extra minutes after your shower improves digestion, physical appearance, energy, circulation and lymphatic drainage. If you can’t schedule this each time you shower try at least once per week, after all, no one will be as good to as you.

Certifications in Dien Chan Hanoi Vietnam