How to allow your body a waxing moon treat

Waxing Moon Home Skincare Treatment.

The moon: it has an incredible effect on our planet; it helps control our tides. We all know that right? We learnt it in primary school.  So what does that have to do with our health?

Here is the scientific explanation just to refresh your memory! Tides are created because the Earth and the moon are attracted to each other, just like magnets are attracted. Gravitational forces are responsible for the rise and fall of the ocean's tides all over the world. The moon tries to pull at anything on the Earth to bring it closer. However, the Earth is able to hold on to everything except the water. The gravitational pull means the oceans bulge out in the direction of the moon, therefore this, along with the fact that our world is turning, gives us our tides.

So, we know about tides but did you know that this gravitational pull has an affect on ALL water on our planet? That includes all water in lakes, ponds and within the soil as well as all the water within life itself.  That means within our bodies too! It sounds hard to believe that the moon can affect our bodies however when we remember the amazing force affecting the tides, it is not such a leap to believe that this same force exerts a powerful influence on the flow of fluid into and out of our cells. There is more information on moon cycles available here: http://www.astarte-moon.co.uk

When the moon is getting larger in our view we say that it is waxing, it is at this point that it is pulling water towards itself. In the soil the water is pulled up towards the surface, this makes it a very auspicious time for seed germination as it is activated by water absorption. This fact was confirmed in a 1939 study by Dr. Lili Kolisko of German. Plants also grow well at this time of the waxing moon. In order to encourage your lawn to grow, mow during the waxing moon cycle.

The summer waxing moon is the perfect time to take more care over your body. You can see the moon clearly as she grows at this time of year as we tend to be out and about more. Notice the size of the moon and see if you can see any changes in yourself as our moon grows in size. Your skin and body are in absorption mode at the time of the waxing moon; therefore make the most of this by giving your body what it is looking for. The time of increasing moon is the best time to feed, take care, and nourish your body. To promote hair growth, trim your hair during the waxing cycle. Your skin will respond really well to deep cleansing and rejuvenating when the moon is waxing, the skin and hair are thought to be more absorbent so anything that moisturizes will have the maximum effect during this phase. A lot of luxury spas are now offering treatments based on the phases of the moon. Invigorating massages are most effective when the moon is waxing. However you can have your own moon phase treatment in the comfort of your own home!

So, this waxing moon is the perfect time to give your soon to be beach ready body the full pampering treatment. This is my low cost, organic way to treat your body to a wonderful spa at home. Combination and dry skin will respond best to this treatment. For more oily skin you are better off concentrating on the cleansing with a little light moisturizing.

Firstly scrub your skin with a handmade scrub: Take one cup of brown sugar and mix with 4 tablespoons of pure virgin olive oil. Scrub away all that dead skin, wash off in the shower and you are ready to moisturize!

What better way to give your waxing moon skin a treat than this all natural body butter recipe I found:

Ingredients

•              ½ cup Shea Butter

•              ½ cupCocoa Butter

•              ½ cup Cocounut

•              ½ cup light oil like almond or Olive

Essential oil of your choice.

Instructions

1.            In a double boiler or glass bowl, combine all ingredients except essential oils.

2.            Bring to medium heat and stir constantly until all ingredients are melted.

3.            Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

4.            Move to fridge and let cool for another hour or until starting to harden but still somewhat soft.

5.            Use a hand mixer to whip for 10 minutes until fluffy.

6.            Return to fridge for 10-15 minutes to set.

7.            Store in a glass jar with a lid and use as you would regular lotion or body butter. If your home stays above 75 degrees, it may soften and need to be kept at the fridge, but it will stay whipped at a temperature lower than that.

 8 Add essential oils, 10-30 drops as desired. Orange and lavender make a perfect blend, oils available here: http://www.astarte-moon.co.uk/shop/

Recipe adapted from from http://wellnessmama.com

Rub the body butter into your skin whilst your skin is just slightly damp and warm, apply as much as you think your skin will absorb, remember you are treating your skin and this is a perfect time to be doing it.

Repeat this process as many times as you can over the course of the waxing moon and see what an amazing difference it makes to how your skin feels, your skin will glow and so will you!

Moon blessings Alison

 Sources:

 http://www.astarte-moon.co.uk/shop/

Fabulous book for living with the moon cycles. In Tune With The Moon 2012: The Complete Day-by-Day Planner for Growing and living in 2012