Ancient Hacks For Modern Living:

Calm Your Mind and Clear Your Skin

Welcome, today, we’ll delve into how historical perspectives, traditional remedies, and cultural practices can enhance our daily lives in 2024.

In my first post, I introduced the concept of the “Anthroglow,” a unique blend of anthropology and beauty. This approach connects elements of human biology from both past and present, offering a holistic path to wellness. By drawing inspiration from anthropological insights, we can uncover the secrets of ancient rituals and integrate them into our contemporary routines.

Being healthy and having good well-being isn’t just the absence of disease. To me, being healthy means embracing holistic health, where mental, physical, and spiritual wellness are all in balance.

Let’s explore a few ancient beauty and wellness hacks that you can incorporate into your daily routine to feel better, look better, and live longer. These are practices I use in my daily life, especially when I’m away for work. My job is particularly demanding, and I don’t have a lot of “me time.” Plus, if you didn’t know, I work on a boat, so getting to land for treatments, classes, or even just grounding myself on solid ground (grass, soil) isn’t an option. It’s crucial to incorporate wellness into our days as much as possible.

If you’re reading this and you also work on the ocean, I hope these tips help you feel better. If you’re on land, it’s great for you too. Get out there and ground yourself in the elements—walk in a field, enjoy the outdoors, and be mindful in your day-to-day activities.

These practices are all free and can be done by yourself, sometimes with a few tools to boost results. So let’s dive into some ancient tricks:

Deep Breathing

Ever heard of Wim Hof? He’s basically a breathing wizard, inspired by ancient Tibetan Tummo techniques and yoga. His method is simple but sticking to it daily can be a challenge.

Here’s the gist:

1. Sit comfortably like you’re about to meditate.

2. Hyperventilate with 30-40 quick, deep breaths. Think of it as turbo-charging your lungs. In through the nose or mouth, out through the mouth.

3. Fill your belly and chest with air in short, powerful bursts.

4. After your 30-40 breaths, take a deep one, exhale, and hold your breath. Yep, no air in your lungs for as long as you can.

5. Finally, inhale deeply and hold it for about 15 seconds.

Start small and work your way up. Holding your breath for a minute and a half might seem impossible at first, but you’ll get there. I tried it with my legs up the wall and managed 30 seconds. Baby steps!

Give it a shot and see how you do. Let me know!

Deep breathing can zap stress, sharpen your mind, and lift your spirits. Just five minutes a day is like a mini-vacation for your brain!

Yoga

In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, finding a moment of peace and clarity can feel like a distant dream. Yet, an ancient practice offers a profound solution: yoga. This age-old ritual, rooted in the wisdom of thousands of years, provides a sanctuary of calm and a means to enhance our daily well-being.

Breath work:

• Practiced for thousands of years, integral to yoga.

• Releases toxins and stress when you exhale.

• Nourishes mind and body when you inhale.

• Helps regulate circadian rhythm and reduce inflammation.

• Quick stress relief in just a few minutes.

Meditation:

• Ancient practice for mental and spiritual health.

• Just a few minutes a day makes a significant difference.

• Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and let stress melt away.

• Use apps like Calm or follow shavasana practices on YouTube.

Dry Body Brushing

In our pursuit of glowing skin, we often forget that some of the best beauty secrets are centuries old. Enter dry skin brushing—a timeless ritual with roots in ancient Egypt, where beauty and health went hand in hand.

The Egyptians were skincare pioneers. They perfected dry brushing, using natural fibers and exfoliants like sour milk and wine to keep their skin soft and radiant. Their methods set the stage for modern skincare.

Modern Benefits

Today, dry skin brushing is back in vogue, offering:

• Exfoliation: Sweeps away dead skin cells for a smoother complexion.

• Circulation Boost: Stimulates blood flow, enhancing skin tone and reducing cellulite.

• Lymphatic Support: Helps detoxify the body and strengthen immunity by aiding lymph movement.

How to Dry Brush

1. Choose a Natural Bristle Brush: Firm but not too harsh.

2. Brush Before Showering: Removes dead skin, prepping you for a refreshing wash.

3. Use Strokes towards the heart: Start from your feet and hands, moving towards your heart.

4. Be Gentle: Firm strokes invigorate without irritating.

5. Moisturise Post-Shower: Lock in hydration on your refreshed skin.

By embracing dry skin brushing, you’re tapping into an ancient beauty ritual that’s proven its worth over millennia. Revitalize your skin and boost your health with this simple, yet powerful practice.

Ayurvedic Rituals

Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine from India, (Ayur means life, Veda means science or knowledge) it focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit to promote health and wellness. It incorporates daily rituals known as “dinacharya,” which can easily be woven into our busy modern lives. I have always been interested in this way of life, and since I studied the traditional Ayurveda massage it has made me want everyone to know about Ayurveda rituals for health and wellbeing.

Here’s how you can sprinkle a bit of ancient wisdom into your daily routine:

• Oil Pulling: Start your morning by swishing some oil (coconut or sesame) in your mouth for 10-20 minutes. Think of it as a mouthwash, but with superpowers! Not only does it freshen your breath, but it also pulls out toxins. Just make sure not to swallow it – you don’t want a mouthful of yesterday’s grime!

• Tongue Scraping: Grab a tongue scraper and gently scrape your tongue to remove any coating. It’s like a mini car wash for your mouth, clearing away the overnight debris and kick-starting your digestive system. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying!

• Abhyanga (Self-Massage with Oil): Give yourself a luxurious oil massage before your shower. Imagine you’re a royal getting pampered, because you deserve it! It hydrates your skin, improves circulation, and gives you a glow that could rival the sun. Learn about your dosha (ayurvedic constitution) to choose an essential oil blend. I use sesame oil. This massage can be done quickly using long stokes to rub the oil in, and circular motions around the joints. Great self care and gentle exercise.
  

• Eat Mindfully: Savour your meals without distractions. Imagine you’re a food critic at a fancy restaurant, analysing every bite.

• Herbal Teas: Swap your afternoon coffee for a soothing herbal tea. Think of it as a warm hug in a mug that keeps you zen and hydrated. Ditching regular coffee for me has been a life changer for my energy and clear skin.

• Early to Bed: Wind down with a calming bedtime routine. Avoid screens, maybe read a book, or practice some light stretching. Picture yourself as a baby being gently rocked to sleep – no worries, just sweet dreams.

Legs Up The Wall

Viparita Karani, the yoga pose from the 17th century, is basically lying on your back with your legs up against a wall. Do this for ten to fifteen minutes in the afternoon, and it can calm your nerves, refresh your energy, and even help with digestion—perfect prep for a great evening.

This helps with stress, inflammation, blood pressure, and anxiety, making you feel more zen and maybe even live longer.

Plus, this pose gives your vagus nerve a nudge, helping your body to relax. So next time you’ve got a few minutes and a wall, give Viparita Karani a try and chill out!

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Treatments to get:

Ayurvedic Massage (Abhyanga)

A full body massage using warm, herb-infused oils tailored to an individual's dosha.

Benefits:

- Grounding and Calming: Stabilises the body and mind, reducing stress and anxiety.

- Skin Health: Prevents dryness and nourishes tissues.

- Vitality and Radiance: Preserves prana (life force) and tejas (inner radiance).

Why I Recommended:

Promotes physical health, emotional balance, and spiritual wellbeing, especially for those under stress or fatigue.

Cryotherapy or Cold chambers

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

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Whether you’re anchored at sea or firmly planted on land, these ancient wellness hacks are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. They’re free, effective, and a great way to take a little “me time,” no matter where you are. So, why not give them a try? Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.

Thank-you for reading, I hope it has been beneficial! Please ask any questions you need in the comments. Or comment what you like about this post, I'd love to hear from you. xx

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Disclaimer:

The content provided in this blog post is for informational and educational purposes only. All information shared is based on personal experiences and insights. The author does not claim to be a medical professional, and the content should not be construed as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical guidance. It is essential to consult with your doctor, therapist, or counselor before implementing any practices discussed in this blog post. The author holds no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Thank you for your understanding.