THE SEASON - SUMMER

Summer is the season associated with the fire element - one of the five elements in classical Chinese philosophy. Fire in Chinese medicine is less about raging firey energy and more about the vitality of sunshine, gathering around a campfire with friends, warmth and connection.

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After the upward growth and activity of spring comes a more relaxed expansive unfolding energy reflected in the myriad of flowers gently unfurling to soak up the sunshine.

In summer, our own fire energy can gently unfold like the petals of flowers, encouraging us to expand outwards, bloom, make connections, have fun with friends, get outdoors, and soak up the sun.

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Joy is the emotion associated in classical Chinese medicine with the summer, and we can harness the power of summer to invite more joy, harmony, connection and loving kindness for self and others to our days.​

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The theme of this season’s facial is therefore on keeping our cool and boosting self-compassion for the skin and beyond.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Inspired by eastern practices of self care using natural, everyday, affordable ingredients, we will cleanse, scrub, steam, mask, spritz and massage using a gentle oil and self-acupressure.

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The fire element offers us the energy of connection, sociability, love for self and others, and enjoying the fruits of our labour. Ingredients include, summer fruits and berries, cooling foods and floral waters, teas and powders. 

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For the summer-of-love edition we will include cooling ingredients such as yoghurt, cucumber and aloe, alongside nourishing herbs and flowers such as rose and hibiscus for nourishing the skin and inviting self-love. 

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For the evening it’s a chance to be present, engage the senses, find some cooling calm, and nourish ourselves in a friendly and non-judgemental space.

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

THE FACE

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.​

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

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.

WHAT TO BRING

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.

YOUR HOST - ANNE-MARIE

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. 

ORIGINS OF THE WORKSHOP

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 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)