Healing Gems

In this relaxing ritual, you’ll gather stones to stimulate the body’s seven main energy centers, or chakras, in the Ayurvedic tradition. While many massage therapists use large stones to massage out tension in muscles, simply placing stones at strategic points on the body can encourage relaxation.

On a sunny day, take a stroll along the beach to gather seven dark-colored, smooth, round stones, preferably 1 or 2 inches in diameter. Set your Zen Timer to 15 minutes. Set them down in a sunny spot and allow them to warm up for 10 to 15 minutes. When you’re ready, lie flat on your back and place a stone on each of the seven chakras (see Vital Energy Centers), one by one. Let your body relax and sink into the ground; feel the weight of each stone and the sensation it creates on your skin. Visualize energy radiating from each chakra through your body, from the top of your head through your toes. Set your Zen Timer for 20 minutes. Relax for about 20 minutes, and then remove the stones.

adapted from Body + Soul, July/August 2006

Zen Timers

Now & Zen

1638 Pearl Street

Boulder, CO  80302

(800) 779-6383

pamper your feet

Cold feet are one of winter’s most annoying — and common — afflictions. The answer? A rich blend of warm, wintry spices. Cayenne, cinnamon, and ginger are all circulation boosters and mild stimulants. Applied topically, they increase blood flow, relieving chill and numbness. Cayenne, in particular, has foot-warming benefits; folk wisdom suggests sprinkling the fiery pepper into socks on cold days. For a more luxurious experience, try this simple foot mask. It combines spices, skin-soothing ingredients such as oatmeal and honey, and the invigorating essence of orange.

Orange Spice Foot Mask

cure cold feet

1/2 cup whole oats
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 tablespoons warm water
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
4 drops sweet orange essential oil

Food Mask How-To
1. Using a food processor, grind the oats to a fine powder. Transfer to a medium-size bowl, add the remaining ingredients, and stir until blended into a thick paste.

2. Prepare two warm, wet washcloths or hand towels, either by wetting them and placing them in the microwave for one to two minutes or by soaking them in hot (not boiling) water. Wring out excess water and set aside.

3. Sitting with your feet in the tub or a large basin, use your hands to spread a thick layer of the mask over each foot, covering them completely up to the ankles. After wiping hands clean, wrap each foot in one of the washcloths to seal in the moisture from the mask. Set your Zen Timer for 15 minutes.  Set your Zen Timer with Bowl.  Sit back and relax for 10 to 15 minutes.

4. When you’re ready to remove the mask, carefully lift off the washcloths. Rinse your feet thoroughly using warm water. Pat dry with a towel.

adapted from Body + Soul Magazine, Jan/Feb 2006 by Donna Garlough

Zen Alarm Clock with Maple Leaves

Now & Zen

1638 Pearl Street

Boulder, CO  80302

800) 779-6383

do it yourself facial

Massaging Your Face
This is a great way to loosen muscles scrunched into habitual expressions. “This brings blood to the surface, clears out puffiness, and reduces fatigue in the skin,” says Chris Haas, owner of Ra Organic Spa in Burbank, California. Don’t have time for an appointment? At home, all you need is the following ingredients for a facial serum. Barbara Close, founder of Naturopathica, recommends a base of evening primrose and avocado oils with rose geranium, lavender, and German chamomile essential oils for dry skin, or apricot kernel oil with juniper, lemon, and rosemary oils for oily skin. How? Starting at the chin, move your hands in small circles and continue to the cheeks, around the eyes, and to the forehead. By doing this, you’re stimulating circulation and bringing more nutrients to the skin. Follow with a warm compress to increase the absorption of the serum. Here are some DIY recipes for facial serum, based on your type of skin:

For Dry Skin
Ingredients
1-ounce bottle
1/2 ounce avocado oil
1/2 ounce evening primrose oil
6 drops rose geranium essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops German chamomile

Directions
Fill bottle halfway with avocado oil. Add essential oils, cap bottle, and shake well. Top off with half ounce of evening primrose oil and shake again.

For Oily Skin
Ingredients
1-ounce bottle
1/2 ounce apricot oil
1/2 ounce hazelnut or jojoba oil
6 drops rosemary essential oil
3 drops juniper essential oil
4 drops neroli essential oil

Directions
Fill bottle halfway with apricot oil. Add essential oils, cap bottle, and shake well. Top off with half ounce of hazelnut or jojoba oil and shake again.

For Sensitive Skin
Ingredients
1-ounce bottle
1/2 ounce jojoba oil
1/2 ounce rosehip seed oil
3 drops everlasting essential oil
2 drops German chamomile
6 drops rose geranium essential oil

Directions
Fill bottle halfway with jojoba oil. Add essential oils, cap bottle, and shake well. Top off with half ounce of rosehip seed oil and shake again.

adapted from Body + Soul, October 2010

Chime Timers and Clocks with Chime in Bamboo, Walnut, Maple, and Black Lacquer

Now & Zen

1638 Pearl Street

Boulder, CO  80302

(800) 779-6383