Australian Yoga Journal — November 2017

37

november/december 2017

yogajournal.com.au

PHOTO:JML5571/ISTOCKPHOTO.C

OM; BY J. PALYS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Cleansed crystals for

skincare

BY SAMANTHA SARGENT

As humans, we tend to overthink and analyse things, so that

we can ‘be sure’ that we’re getting it ‘right’. What I love about

crystals is that there is so much that we don’t know. Crystal

technology is nothing new, and neither is crystal healing.

Crystals have been used for thousands of years, with records

showing their existence in the lives of the ancient Sumerians,

Greeks, Egyptians and Chinese.

What’s fascinating is that crystals were highly regarded in ancient

times, and today we’re seeing a resurgence in their popularity.

What a beautiful thing that we are embracing — the return to what

our ancestors knew, respected and gained benefits from. There are

different crystals for just about everything. Some are renowned for

their cleansing, stress-relieving and purifying properties (for example,

amethyst). Others for their soft energy of love, compassion,

self-acceptance and peace (for example, rose quartz). And others

for their warm, energising, abundant properties to help support

the transformation of dreams and wishes in to tangible form

(for example, citrine). Different crystals can impact the physical,

emotional and spiritual aspects of our being ... it’s simply a

matter of how we interact with them.

If you’re keen to use crystals in your skincare rituals, there has

never been a better time as more and more artisan skincare

makers are choosing to incorporate crystals into their

manufacturing process. You can either choose the DIY approach,

or enjoy the benefits with products already prepared for you.

Samantha Sargent is a natural skincare expert and distributor for

AEOS skincare. AEOS Energised Organics works with an alchemist

who takes up to 12 months to transform solid crystal rocks into a

tincture that is then added to each product, so that the crystal

can be absorbed by the skin, and into the bloodstream for

assimilation. What the lab has found over years of honouring this

alchemical process — that the ancients such as Hippocrates used to

adhere to — is that the liquid crystal tinctures have an impact

on both the emotional mind and the skin. http://www.aeos.net

HOW TO CLEANSE YOUR CRYSTALS

Crystals take on energy, just like

we do, so when you get your

newfound treasures home, bathe

them in salt water. Or even better,

take them down to the beach and

bathe them in the ocean. Crystals

also like to be cleansed and

charged during a full moon. To do

so, simply lay them on a natural

surface under the full moon’s light.

DIY CRYSTAL PREPARATIONS FOR

SKIN, BATH AND BODY CARE

Create a crystal-infused beauty

water by placing your cleansed and

energised crystal in a glass bottle

of purified spring water. Place this

in the sun for one full day. Transfer

the crystal-infused water to a small

glass bottle with spritzer cap and

use when cleansing your face.

CRYSTALS TO USE

Rose quartz: helps reduce redness

Amethyst: helps improve

moisture retention

Turquoise: helps to activate

water balance and is particularly

beneficial for dry skin,

eczema and psoriasis

Quartz: has a cleansing and

detoxifying effect on the skin

Opal: supports the formation

of red blood cells

Blue Chalcedony: has a

moisturising effect on the skin

that helps with regenerating

dehydrated and congested skin

SKIN CARE CONTAINING CRYSTALS

We’re spoilt for choice these days

when it comes to the range of

brands that are using crystal

energies in their beauty elixirs.

Numerous natural brands place

crystals in their labs to energise the

production process and products.

Artisan makers are also adding

crystal-infused water to their

products, or placing a little cluster of

crystals within the face mist bottle,

to further energise the product.

Yoga mat spray

BY KELLY FIELDING

Unless you’re a Bikram devotee, it’s possible that your yoga

mat has remained a sweat-free zone over the cooler months

of winter. With the coming of warming weather and more

detoxifying asana flows, you may find your yoga mat glistening

at the end of your class; a tribute to all those long side-angle

holds or repeated sun salutations. Either way, it is important to

remember to clean your yoga mat from time to time — for our

own health and the noses of our fellow yogis! A simple DIY

cleaner can be customised with your favourite essential oils

which not only keeps your mat squeaky clean, but also smelling

divine and offering uplifting properties that inspire your practice.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

1/4 cup white vinegar 1 cup of water

10 drops of lavender essential oil 10 drops of tea tree oil

DIRECTIONS:

Find an empty spray bottle and clean well. Fill your bottle

about 3/4 full with water, then pour in the vinegar almost to

the top of the bottle. Add in the essential oils and give the

bottle a good shake. Give your mat a few sprays after each use

and wipe down with a clean cloth.

*Feel free to mix up your oils. The tea tree is great for sterilising,

but other lovely oils include lemon, orange, peppermint,

frankincense, cinnamon. Try to ensure your oils are natural

and organic where possible.

Kelly is a passionate writer and yogi who combines her love

of writing with her forays into health and wellness. Kelly has

travelled the world sharing ways to live simply, mindfully and

sustainably through her work. http://www.bellaandbhakti.com