Late summer is the fifth season in classical Chinese medicine, associated with the Earth element — a time of nourishment, stability and abundance, reflected in the richness of the harvest.

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It’s a season to centre and nourish ourselves through wholesome food and grounding rituals. Earth is also associated with digestion, and in Chinese medicine the health of our skin is closely connected to our digestive wellbeing. An imbalance in the earth element may be reflected in the skin as puffiness, congestion, dullness, sluggish lymphatic flow or changes in moisture and tone.

We’ll explore nourishing ingredients and grounding practices, including a simple self-Gua Sha routine to support lymphatic flow, ease puffiness, reduce congestion and calm the mind.

Autumn is associated with the Metal element in classical Chinese medicine — a season of transition, letting go and gathering our resources. As nature sheds what it no longer needs, autumn invites us to release, simplify and prepare for the colder months.

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Metal is associated with the Lung and Large Intestine, and with our protective boundaries. In Chinese medicine, an imbalance may be reflected in dry, dull or sensitive skin, alongside difficulty letting go or feeling emotionally stuck.

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This season’s facial focuses on letting go and building defences. We’ll explore autumnal ingredients and nourishing practices to support the skin’s natural barrier, clear what is no longer needed and strengthen our sense of resilience as we move into winter.

Winter is associated with the Water element in classical Chinese medicine — a season of stillness, preservation and restoration. As nature retreats inward, we are invited to conserve our energy, slow down and nourish our deepest reserves.

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Water is associated with the Kidneys and Bladder, and with our foundational vitality. In winter, skin can become dry, depleted and sensitive as we respond to colder, harsher conditions.

This season’s facial focuses on preservation, restoration and warmth.

We’ll explore comforting, warming ingredients and deeply nourishing practices to protect and replenish the skin, while creating a little winter ritual of rest, warmth and renewal.

Inspired by eastern practices of self care using natural, everyday, affordable ingredients, we will cleanse, scrub, steam, mask, spritz and massage using a nourishing oil and gentle self-acupressure using fingers or tools such as gua sha.​

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Each season we will try ingredients and practices that support the energy of the season.  

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For the evening it’s a chance to be present, engage the senses, and nourish ourselves in a friendly and non-judgemental space. 2 hours offers us the opportunity to really slow down, take our time and restore. 

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Expect soft skin, a delight for the senses, connection, inspiration, and lots of smiles.​

In Chinese medicine the face connects to the body via the meridian system, and imbalances in the face are reflections of general health. Nourishing the face therefore benefits the rest of the self and vice versa.

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Our hard-working faces express and receive experience and emotion, house all the senses, and often hold a lot of tension. Releasing tension, encouraging circulation, and caring for the skin through gentle nourishing practices and ingredients, invites compassion, calm and a new perspective for viewing aging and appearance.​

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The mind-body connection couldn't be clearer than on our faces, and I deeply believe that by caring for our faces with loving kindness we create pathways of self love that travel far deeper than the surface of the skin to our very bones and subtle realms of the psyche.​

Anyone with a face! If you are interested in affordable and easy ways to care for your skin gently and naturally, with a deeper sense of health and longevity in mind, then this is for you.

Particularly suited to women, all ages welcome.

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If you have any food allergies or skin sensitivites, please let me know.

Things might get a little messy! So wear an old t shirt and bring a towel and hair band.

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Otherwise just bring yourself and a willingness to smear food on your faces!

All ingredients will be supplied.

I've practised acupuncture, facial acupuncture and eastern facial practices for 17+ years. For many years I organised and assisted with the teaching of post-graduate facial acupuncture and acupressure courses with world-renowned New York based trainer Virginia Doran.

I've completed additional training in Eastern facial therapies including facial cupping, gua sha, jade roller and acupressure techniques at the College of Oriental Therapy in London.

I have also completed a month long Ayurvedic health and skincare qualification in Kerala, India which included lots of lovely herbal facials.

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Over the years, I’ve facilitated many mindful and wellbeing workshops and retreats privately and for charities inluding Kids Company and Survivors Network. 

The DIY facial group started when I managed a therapy centre for young people in Brixton over 10 years ago. I ran a popular Friday evening mindful facial group for teenage girls called “that Friday feeling”.

After relocating to the south coast I took the facial session to Survivors Network in Brighton where I ran monthly mornings for women and girls who have experienced sexual violence.

Mindful and trauma informed facial care is a beautiful and gentle way to encourage the healing process and reintegration of mind and body. 

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“I’m usually so critical of my face and body. After years of low self-worth I try not to look at myself at all or I get obsessed by one tiny spot, but today I quite like my face!. And I haven't laughed like that in ages!” (Survivors Network group participant)