Mini-Ayurvedic Facial

So I'm going to make every effort to blog more. I'm also making an effort to take more picture... That actually include me! I was trying to think of what to blog about as I had my hand on face and realized I hadn't given myself any type of facial in a-g-e-s. So the light bulb went on, DING!

I've given myself this facial a few times, and my sister and sister-in-law have also both tried it. It's a pretty economical do-it-yourself facial... If you can find the ingredients. I live relatively close to "Little India" in Artesia, CA and I had a hard time tracking down the garbanzo bean powder, which is also known as chick peas. Trying to hunt it down is a story all in itself. Most of the time I just received blank stares when I asked for garbanzo or chick pea flour. Then finally a man stepped in did some translating. Anyway, here's the how to..

I forgot to add that you should really use an old t-shirt when doing the facial because you'll end up with yellow stains. And don't plan on going out, because you skin takes on a yellow cast for a few hours... You've been warned! :)

Mini-Ayurvedic Facial

by Grace Wilson, IntentBlog

The garbanzo flour is mildly scratchy, gently exfoliating the skin, and helps to draw out fluids and debris from the pores. Turmeric has antibacterial properties.

Supplies needed:
1 – 2 tsp simple cleanser (mixture of three parts garbanzo flour to one part turmeric, you can make a larger quantity and keep it in a zip-lock bag)

• Pot of boiling water
• Tea towel
• Rose water in a spray bottle
• Five drops oil (sesame for Vata, coconut for Pitta, safflower or sunflower for Kapha)
• Optional: a drop of essential oil for your steam (lavender, eucalyptus, rose geranium); a drop of Tea Tree oil for oily skin

Directions:
Put a small pot of water on the stove and bring to a boil. You only need a cup or two of water. While it heats, begin the facial by cleansing your face.

Put one to two teaspoons of the simple cleanser in the palm of your hand. Add a couple drops of water and mix with your finger to make a paste. Apply the paste to your face and throat, and using your fingertips, gently cleanse and exfoliate the skin with small circular strokes. Rinse with warm water.

Sit at a table or desk with the pot of boiling water on a pot holder or trivet right in front of you. Drape the tea towel over your head to make a steam tent. Lean over the hot water and allow the steam to envelop your face. This will help to open up your pores and relax your facial muscles.

Close your eyes and breathe long and deep. Sit and steam for two or three minutes, or as long as it feels comfortable. This is a great opportunity to indulge in some aromatherapy, so as an option, consider adding a drop of your favorite essential oil to the boiling water.

Lavender and rose geranium are great for the skin as well as relaxing and uplifting. Eucalyptus is great for clearing the mind (and the sinuses) – particularly beneficial if you’ve had a recent cold or sinus condition.

After steaming, rinse your face with lukewarm water, and pat dry with a towel.

Put three to five drops of oil in the palm of your hand. (If you have oily skin and are worried about applying oil to your face, add one drop of tea tree oil to the facial oil in your hand.) Before applying it to your face, spray your face with rose water.

While your face is still damp, apply a light layer of oil, and spend a minute or two massaging and rubbing it into the face and neck. The extra minute of massage will help bring oxygenated blood to the facial tissues, keeping your face looking vital and fresh.