By Shahnaz Husain
Massage treatments are popular during Navratri at our salons. These include head and body massage. The massages help to get rid of toxins, induce relaxation, tone up muscles and improve blood circulation. You can also do deep breathing exercises (like yogic pranayama) and meditation.
First, massage the body with sesame seed (til) oil. Then apply a body pack. “Ubtan” or body packs can be made at home for body care, consisting of wheat bran (choker), gram flour (besan), curd or cream of milk (malai) and a pinch of turmeric (haldi). Mix together and apply on the body, before bathing. Wash off during bath to clear away the dead cells and make the skin soft and smooth. Immediately after your bath, apply a body lotion while the skin is still damp. If the skin on the elbows is excessively dry, use a thicker cream or oil on them. Massage it into the skin.
DIY Face Packs for Navratri
- Make a cold infusion of Hibiscus flowers, byallowing them to stand overnight in cold water, in a ratio of one to six. Next morning crush the flowers. Strain and keep the water. Mix the flowers with 3 teaspoons of oats, 2 drops of tea tree oil and add the water to mix into a paste. This hibiscus pack helps to cleanse, refresh and tone the skin, adding a glow.
- Avocado pulp can be mixed with aloe vera gel and applied on the face to nourish and moisturise the skin. Wash off with plain water after 20 minutes. Fresh and raw avocado should be used. Avocados contain about 20 vitamins and minerals. It is rich in antioxidants, which help to delay skin aging.
- Mix cucumber and ripe papaya pulp with curd and two teaspoons oats. Lemon juice can also be added. Apply on face and neck. Wash it off after half an hour. Helps to remove tan and brighten the skin.
- For oily skin, soak one tablespoon moong dal in water for a few hours. Make a paste and add one tablespoon of tomato pulp. Apply on face with a light massage. Wash off with water after 20 minutes. Reduces oiliness and brightens the skin.
- Take two teaspoons choker (wheat bran), one teaspoon each of ground almonds, honey, curd and rose water. Mix together and apply on the face, avoiding lips and area around eyes. Wash off after 30 minutes.
About Shahnaz Husain
Shahnaz Husain, pioneer of the Ayurvedic beauty movement, heads the Shahnaz Husain Group, with a global network of franchise ventures and 375 Ayurvedic formulations. A Case Study at Harvard for Brand Creation, she is now a Harvard Subject for “Emerging Markets” She was honored with the Padma Shri Award and is the first woman in 105 years to receive the World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur Award from Success, the U.S. business magazine. Indeed, Shahnaz Husain is a leading international beauty Icon!
