Thursday, July 12, 2012

NOT JUST A FACIAL, A BIOVEDIC FACIAL!


Ahhh … what kind of facial?

Rose powered, fresh herbs,
ghee, mint tea... Yum!
If you are a regular reader, you already know that the term ‘vedic’ comes from the word Ayurveda (science of life), and that ‘bio’ is connected to the notion of organic or pure. ‘Bio’ also refers to the bioenergetic flows that move organically through the body; they are magnetic, plasmic and electric. Thus, a ‘biovedic’ facial is one that marries Ayurvedic and bioenergetic knowledge, techniques, as well as organic/natural ingredients based on your physical needs and the practitioner’s perceptions of your face and body flows.

First, assessing where you’re at
The first step of the facial consists in finding out which element or elements (air, water, fire, earth) are most prevalent in your body and whether or not they are in a state of balance. This is called an assessment of your ‘dosha’ or constitution. It is done by asking questions, reading your face as a map, and taking your pulse. Ingredients for the facial will then be chosen accordingly, and sometimes evaluated through muscle testing to find out what strengthens you and to avoid allergic reactions.

Listening to the messages of your face
Vicky's ultra-sensitive pink nose, cheeks and chin called
for cooling and moistening ingredients. The Pitta
moisturizer and toner fit the bill perfectly.
You will then settle comfortably on a massage table. To establish contact between client and practitioner, we generally start with a short foot massage or with a compress on the face to open the pores. By this point, your body will start communicating through its different flows and information will arise. It may say that there is excess fire on the surface of the skin or extreme dryness in the dermal layers. Certain areas can feel blocked and cold and require a combination of several oils or just one. A facial could focus on the forehead for relaxation and around the nose to improve breathing on a first visit. The next one could center around the facial marmas (Ayurvedic equivalent of acupuncture points) of the lungs and so one.

A facial marma point could reveal that
 the kidneys need to be warmed up.
Following the guidance in the 
moment
The sequence of this process is never predictable, which is where it differs most from other types of facials. Ingredients used may be from the line of Face to Grace products or any combination of fresh and dried flowers and herbs, spices, dairy, oils, hydrosols, essential oils, etc. By staying grounded in the moment and connecting with your body’s reactions, the practitioner could perceive that releasing a knot in your shoulder with a ginger compress would do more to make your skin breathe than any quantity of cleanser. Pimples around the mouth could tell that there is something you are not digesting well. Ultimately, what the practitioner does is to remove obstacle blocking the flow of life in your cells, to strengthen the healthy ones and to ensure that your inner radiance reaches the surface.

Your receptivity and ability to relax, as well as the practitioner’s knowledge, subtle perceptions, creativity and pure intention will ensure you receive a facial that nurtures all layers of your beauty. You will feel it and those around you will notice the results.

If this is the kind of facial care you are looking for, book a appointment now, in person or on Skype, at info@facetograce.com.