Waking up before 6am is the right way to start dinacharya, the Ayurvedic wellness-promoting daily routine. Early-morning activities include brushing the teeth and tongue, taking a light breakfast and doing some exercise.
A spot of body-stretching yoga, preferably outdoors to soak up the sunlight, is mandatory, this includes pranayama deep breathing followed by giving oneself a light massage.
Various activities are performed throughout the day until bedtime, optimally before 10pm, by followers of Ayurveda, the Indian holistic healing tradition that aims for a balance in mind, body and spirit.
These practices are promoted by cosmetic brand Aveda, whose late founder Horst Rechelbacher was a believer in self-healing traditions and the use of herbs.
After establishing the brand in 1978, the Austrian hairstylist partnered with Ayurvedic physicians in India to develop plant-based hair and skincare products as well as design Aveda rituals for health and beauty.
Now a subsidiary of Estee Lauder, Aveda has several Experience Centers in Bangkok where its rituals are shared with clients, referred to as "guests".
Here, an Aveda experience includes sipping herbal tea, getting a hair analysis and a hand massage. Until the end of February, a revitalising eye therapy is also offered to mark the introduction of Botanical Kinetics Energizing Eye Crème and Intense Hydrating Creme formulated in soft and rich textures.
The 30-minute ritual focuses on pressure point massage, hot and cold compresses in the eye area and other techniques to revitalise tired eyes. Afterwards, learning how to give yourself an at-home eye massage will allow you to add it to your dinacharya.
"Due to tension and the stress of today's modern lifestyle, the eyes are overstimulated, irritated and stressed. Taking a few moments throughout each day to activate six energising eye pressure points will bring great relief from the accumulation of tension, stress and strain," said Helga Hefner, Aveda global educator.
The new eye cream contains brightening liquorice roots, energising caffeine and moisturising organic Brazilian cupuacu butter, with the key ingredients better absorbed into the skin by the DIY massage technique.
Spread a pea-sized amount of the lightweight cream under the eye area, from the inside to the outer corner. Then press each pressure point with the middle finger, and hold a count of three before releasing the finger. Repeat this pressure twice more.
"Stimulating the six pressure points encourages circulation, releases muscular tension and energises the eye area. There will be an immediate and notable difference in the look and feel of your eyes," Hefner assured.
With eyes tightly closed, one can also take note of any tension in the body, which can be released by deep breathing. Hefner also recommends rounding off the eye therapy with alternate nostril breathing, performing a minimum of six full breaths to help focus and energise the mind.
Aveda's Ayurvedic heritage is combined with botanical technologies, the latter incorporating plant essences in hair and skin products for its scalp-to-soul treatments.
The latest Botanical Kinetics eye cream and hydrating soft creme are claimed to be 98% naturally-derived products developed based on the assumption that plant energy can be transferred to nourish the skin.
Aveda Experience Centers are located at Siam Paragon, Central Chidlom, Groove@CentralWorld and The Emporium.
Aveda Experience Center at Groove@CentralWorld.
