South Asian Women on Ancient Wellness Practices that help them connect to roots

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The very famous Hindi phrase, “Khush Raho”, is an all-time heard saying in all South East Asian households, especially that of India. It is a short blessing and a seemingly mundane expression that was used and said. Now the value of it since the pandemic has grown and self-care side by side as incorporated by older generations especially those focused on the daily aspect of life. Some of these practices include –

1.  Grounding helps refocus and align both mind and body –

One of the core Indian wellness practices is that of grounding or earthing -which is standing barefoot on the soil in a bid to realign oneself with the present. It is a ritual said to encourage gratitude and an outdoor connection. This for 15 minutes in a day increases focus and reduces anxiety.

2.  Hair Oiling encourages intimacy –

Haircare. Long-haired woman spraying hairspray on her hair and smiling

Hair oiling is a multi-generational practice upheld within the vast majority of traditional South Asian households, with benefits including stimulating hair follicles to keep it glossy and promoting hair growth and making it appear glossy. This divine and meditative routine begins by including home-based ingredients such as – a blend of amla ( Indian gooseberry), coconut, castor and almond oil and then massaging it with your hands. This therapy when practised once or twice a week increases blood flow and keeps the brain active.

3. Opt for a natural approach to skincare –

Spa and wellness concept. Self care. two beautiful women in bath robes applying facial mask having fun

Growing up, our grandparents and older generation family members would dislike the idea of using packaged skincare and haircare products and ask us to prepare the homemade version of it to have a chemical-free and more effective regime which is healthy. Turmeric is used for skin cleansing before a wedding or application of milk and curd to the face and body to remove tan and other acne marks and creating this as part of the beautification process was used.
Usage of Manuka honey for scar marks and burn as well as mashed papaya works wonders.

4.  Scents are key to creating a relaxed environment –

Self-care, Wellness concept. Letter board text Self Care Time, aroma sticks, body and self-care handmade cosmetics and natural organic beauty product.

Burning of incense sticks is a way to detox and remove negative energy and bring in positive energy and deepen our connection with spirits during meditation. These familiar scents bring back warm memories of childhood and loved ones too. Sandalwood, jasmine, mogra and lotus are some of them which cleanse the house within seven minutes of lighting them.

5.  Preparation of Spiced Tea –

Crush spices such as cardamom, fennel, cinnamon in a mortar and grind them with a pestle and strain them into the usual milk tea prepared at home and it turns into masala tea. It is an instant mood booster as well as has dietary benefits and allows one to take a step back from computer and work and brings the family together despite busy schedules. 

Author’s bio :

Hi my name is Sahana Sridhar! I love eating and travelling to different places and am always ready for new cuisines. Most times I enjoy being at exhibitions and handicrafts draw my attention since I love photography, I prefer clicking anything ranging from food to travel to animals. Also a big-time dog and cat lover

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