The 7 pillars of self-care

Self-care is absolutely necessary for general well-being. True self-care is more than simply superficial activities; it is about achieving balance in all aspects of your life, from how you nourish yourself to how you breathe, move, and sleep. To make this journey easier, we've described the 7 pillars of self-care in this blog, which are practical, loving rituals that can help you live a more balanced, centred, and bright life. Each of the 7 pillars of self-care, is based on ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, time-tested practices that are just as effective and useful today as they were hundreds of years ago.

One of the 7 pillars of self-care is Abhyanga, a classic Ayurvedic self-massage practice that nourishes and conditions the entire body. Using natural, herb-infused oils suited to your specific skin and body type, this routine promotes total well-being from the outside in. Best of all, it's easy to include in your daily routine at home; even once a week may make a significant difference in how your body feels and performs.

Mental clarity.

Abhyanga not only strengthens the body but also relaxes the mind. The repetitive, deliberate motions of self-massage stimulate the neurological system, reducing tension, quieting rushing thoughts, and promoting a sense of grounding.

Nervous System Regulation

The gentle, repetitive motion of massage activates the parasympathetic nerve system, your body's "rest and digest" mode, which helps to offset the consequences of chronic stress and overstimulation.

Women's hormone balance

Regular self-massage may alleviate menstrual cycle symptoms such as mood swings, cramps, and fatigue, as well as aid in the smooth transition through hormonal alterations such as perimenopause and menopause.

Tip: Enhance your Abhyanga practice by using our Really Good Muscle and Joints Oil - specially formulated to nourish the skin, support circulation, and ease muscle and joint tension.

Dry skin brushing is a rejuvenating daily habit that gently exfoliates the skin, increases circulation, and activates the lymphatic system, your body's natural detox pathway. By sweeping away dead skin cells and boosting healthy blood flow, this easy technique promotes cleaner skin and deeper purification, assisting in the release of stagnation and awakening vitality. Dry brushing, one of the 7 pillars of self-care, energises both the body and the mind, providing a sensation of clarity and regeneration that sets the tone for the day ahead.

Boosts Circulation

Brushing the skin in long, upward strokes promotes blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the skin's surface while leaving it naturally radiant.

Exfoliates dead skin cells.

Dry brushing eliminates dry, flaky skin, cleans pores, and smoothes texture, resulting in smoother, healthier-looking skin.

Supports cell renewal.

Regular exfoliation promotes new cell growth, which helps to keep skin suppleness and a youthful, radiant appearance.

Oil pulling is the third of the 7 pillars of self-care, which has its roots in Ayurvedic tradition, is a simple yet effective activity that promotes dental health by drawing out pollutants, refreshing breath, and maintaining a clean, balanced mouth. Using Organic Sesame Oil, this morning practice not only benefits teeth and gums but also improves mental clarity, demonstrating the close relationship between oral hygiene and overall well-being. Oil pulling, a core component of the 7 pillars of self-care, sets the tone for a mindful, health-focused day.

Detoxifies the mouth

Swishing oil helps to remove bacteria and toxins from the mouth, resulting in a cleaner oral environment.

Promotes gum and tooth health.

Regular oil pulling can help minimise plaque development, soothe sore gums, and improve overall dental hygiene.

Freshens Breath Naturally

Oil pulling makes your breath smell better by reducing odor-causing germs, eliminating the need for synthetic mouthwashes.

Improves mental clarity.

A clean mouth might help you have a clearer mind—Ayurveda connects dental health to energetic and mental equilibrium.

Another one of the 7 pillars of self-care is eating seasonally is an effective approach to connect your body with nature's rhythms, promoting digestion, improving immunity, and elevating mood. Seasonal foods are naturally rich in the nutrients your body needs at different seasons of the year, providing hormone-balancing benefits that are particularly beneficial to women's health. As one of the 7 pillars of self-care, this intuitive approach of eating nurtures the body from within, inspired by the wisdom of the seasons.

Supports hormonal balance.

Seasonal foods give nutrients that naturally fit with the body's shifting hormonal needs throughout the year, which is especially advantageous to women's health.

Enhances digestion.

Fresh, seasonal produce is easier to digest and more adapted to the body's current environment, resulting in less bloating and digestive discomfort.

Boosts immunity

Foods cultivated in season include high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which assist the body resist seasonal illnesses.

Encourages mindful eating.

Seasonal eating promotes a stronger connection to food, nature, and the present moment, making meals more purposeful and nutritious.

Yoga, among the most favoured 7 pillars of self-care, is an effective self-care exercise that promotes physical and emotional health. Combining breath with movement improves flexibility, reduces tension, and promotes emotional equilibrium. Whether done daily or monthly, and especially when synchronised with natural rhythms such as the lunar cycle or World Meditation Day, yoga becomes a grounding ritual that restores balance. As a movement-based pillar of the 7 pillars of self-care, it provides a comprehensive approach to reconnecting with your body and relaxing your mind.

Increases flexibility and strength.

Regular activity stretches and tones the body, increasing mobility and resilience.

Reduces stress and anxiety.

Breath-led movement activates the parasympathetic nerve system, which relaxes the body and mind.

Promotes mental clarity.

Yoga promotes presence and awareness, which help to eliminate mental clutter and improve attention.

Enhances emotional balance.

Yoga can help to relieve emotional heaviness and regulate mood by releasing tension held in the body.

Pranayama is another key pillar among the 7 principles of self-care. The ancient technique of conscious breath regulation is a simple yet powerful method for calming the nervous system and centring the mind. By guiding the breath, we make room for calm, emotional clarity, and deep relaxation. Breathwork, one of the 7 pillars of self-care, is a powerful practice for reducing anxiety, supporting emotional balance, and restoring inner peace at any time and from any location.

Calms the nervous system.

Slow, focused breathing triggers the parasympathetic response, which assists the body in transitioning out of stress mode.

Reduces Anxiety and Stress.

Breathwork regulates cortisol levels and provides a sense of calm during times of overwhelm.

Improves mental clarity.

Deep breathing boosts oxygen flow to the brain, which improves concentration, memory, and decision-making.

Promotes better sleep.

Evening breathing exercises can relax the mind and prepare the body for a more comfortable, rejuvenating sleep.

Increases Mind-Body Awareness.

Tuning into the breath fosters present, making it easier to perceive and respond to the body's needs with compassion.

In Ayurveda, Ojas is the fundamental life force- a subtle energy that powers immunity, vitality, and inner brightness. It is the result of extensive feeding, enough relaxation, emotional equilibrium, and continuous self-care. To strengthen and safeguard Ojas, we use grounding herbs like Ashwagandha and Shatavari, nourishing oils like Carrot Oil, and practices that promote serenity and stability. Cultivating Ojas, in the 7 pillars of self-care, is about developing resilience from within, nurturing a source of strength that supports body, mind, and spirit.

BOOSTS IMMUNITY

Ojas boosts immune resilience, promoting faster recovery from disease.

Strengthens emotional stability.

A well-nourished Ojas acts as a buffer against emotional overwhelm, promoting calm, compassion, and clarity.

Improves Skin and Radiance

When Ojas is strong, the skin glows, and the body feels more rested and revitalised.

Improves vitality and energy.

With powerful Ojas, you feel more alive, grounded, and physically nourished all day.

Adopting the 7 pillars of self-care is a significant step towards living a more balanced, resilient, and enjoyable existence. These activities may be based on old traditions, but their capacity to promote mental clarity, physical energy, and emotional well-being remains timeless.

You don't need to completely revamp your routine; start small. Choose one of the 7 pillars of self-care that speaks to you today, whether it's a morning Abhyanga practice, mindful breathing, or simply eating more seasonally. Small changes can lead to long-term transformation.