Try some of these simple DIY therapy techniques to stay on top form 24-7!
Wouldn’t it be brilliant if you could tap into the benefits of complementary therapies throughout the day without having to book yourself in for time-consuming and expensive treatments? Help is at hand because, with our clever natural health hacks, you can learn to heal yourself at any time of the day. From energising acupuncture and grounding visualisations to meditative breathwork and relaxing feng shui, there are loads of simple self-help techniques to boost energy, beat stress and restore harmony and balance to your life. Try our ideas below and be your own holistic healer for a day!
7am
Start the day with positive visualisation
When you wake up in the morning start off on the right foot by using creative visualisation techniques to make dreams and goals come true. As you lie in bed, create a mental picture for your ideal day then dwell on it for a few moments each morning. As you think about the day ahead, with its various activities and interactions, you are setting intention so make sure you set the right one! How do you want to carry yourself? Choose a word that represents who and how you want to be throughout the day, and then call it to mind frequently. Try words such as energised, joyful, focused, purposeful and calm and you’ll be starting your day on the right track.
8am
Revitalise your body with thalassotherapy
A few clever complementary therapy techniques can help to kick-start your body in the morning. Before you get into the shower try body brushing to stimulate your lymph system and flush out toxins. Using a natural bristle brush, gently sweep across your entire body always brushing in the direction of your blood flow towards your heart. Afterwards, jump into a hot shower then turn the temperature down to icy cold – a DIY form of thalassotherapy – which helps boost your circulation and restore radiance. Try to direct the shower jet towards your lower back. This is where your adrenal glands sit and it will kick-start them into detox mode.
9am
Ground yourself with mindfulness
Why waste valuable time sitting on bus to work when you could be practicing a simple but powerful mindfulness technique to bring about focus and clarity. Paying attention to the present moment is a great way to set yourself up for the day and what’s more, it’s one of the easiest things in the world to do – just clear your mind of any thoughts and focus entirely on the act of walking. While you’re walking mindfully notice your natural breathing, the weight of your feet on the ground, the way your body moves. If your thoughts wander, gently bring them back to your walk or your breath.
11am
Boost your energy with acupuncture
You’ve got a long day ahead so make sure you stay on top form by taking a tip from traditional Chinese medicine. The ancient technique of acupressure uses manual pressure to stimulate specific energy points across the body, releasing the flow of vital ‘qi’ energy. One of the best revitalising points is the soft pad of flesh between the joint of your thumb and index finger. Just apply a firm pressure with your thumb or index and middle fingers and hold for three minutes – you’ll feel refreshed and ready to take on the world!
2pm
Combat stress with yogic breathing
If you’re feeling a bit frazzled, tap into the healing power of yogic pranayama or breath control to reduce stress in a matter of minutes. Taking deep breaths activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which reduces your heart rate and relaxes your muscles. One of the most popular techniques is the 4-7-8 breathing method. To try it for yourself first exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound. Then close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight. Repeat the cycle three more times and you’ll be a picture of calm and serenity in no time.
3pm
Beat sluggishness with aromatherapy
Don’t let that pesky mid-afternoon energy slump get you down and instead harness the power of essential oils to give you a natural high. Aromatherapists believe that essential oils trigger certain neural pathways in the brain, which can, in turn, have an effect on your hormone levels, boosting energy levels for the rest of the day. Try a few drops of essential oils of rosemary, lemon, orange, or cinnamon on to a handkerchief and inhale deeply whenever you need a quick rejuvenating boost.
5pm
Find harmony with colour therapy
When you get home at the end of a busy day, a spot of DIY colour therapy is one of the simplest ways to restore your balance. Colours have a profound effect on your health and wellbeing on a vibration level, so it makes sense to surround yourself with the right ones. In the kitchen use yellow, gold and orange tones to stimulate the appetite and aid digestion, while blue crockery and plates have been found to reduce your appetite, so it’s a top choice if you’re counting the calories. In the sitting room use neutral tones to make a natural backdrop, then use accents of colours to encourage different moods. Green can be deeply soothing and relaxing, while splashes of orange, yellow and red cushions add a buzzy feel, and silver lifts your spirits.
7pm
Relax with crystal healing
Crystal healers believe that these powerful stones work on an energetic level to bring about healing deep within our cells. Encourage peace and relaxation by placing calming crystals around your house. Try amethyst to help you relax, lapis lazuli for peaceful thoughts and hematite or moonstone for a deep calm.
9pm
Sleep well with Feng Shui
Coming from the Chinese words for ‘wind and water’, the ancient art of feng shui focuses on the correct placement of furniture in your home to ensure that good energy flows properly – and the layout of your bedroom is essential for a decent night’s kip. For a soothing and restful sleep, make sure your bed is positioned diagonally facing the door and avoid placing it under a sloping ceiling, as this can encourage negative and oppressive energy. Clear clutter from under your bed as it causes stagnant energy to form, and ditch mirrors in your bedroom as they have a powerful energy that can trigger insomnia. Follow these harmonising tips and you should have the perfect end to the perfect day. Happy healing!
