With a shift in weather (if you’re in Wisconsin, many shifts), our bodies are affected in various ways, like sickness. I share with you five of my Kosa essentials to prevent and recover from illness!
Body Oil
Increase your body’s circulation, while maintaining your skin, by applying a body oil onto the skin with light to medium pressure. Work the oil in with long strokes along the limbs and circles around the joints. Body oil, along with a massage, will help to flush out anything that needs to be flushed out of the body. Not only will it feel good, your body needs an extra push, or pump, when it comes to getting things moving. Thus, pushing out toxins like sickness.
Nasya Oil
Whenever I feel any sort of symptom on its way, I immediately use nasya oil. It’s soothing for the nasal passages, and helps to protect membranes from environmental toxins. I particularly enjoy using this after a neti pot, which clears the nasal pathways, reducing congestion.
CCF Tea
What does CCF stand for? Here’s a breakdown.
C – Cumin
- Aids in indigestion
- Contains antioxidants
- Soothes inflamed mucous membranes
- Immune support
C – Coriander
- Increases digestion and absorption
- Protects skin
- Rich in nutrients
F – Fennel
- Moves lymph
- Increases cognitive function
- Aids in disgestion
There are many more benefits to each ingredient, as well as this tea overall. I amp my intake when I’m feeling under the weather, or just before getting sick as to avoid illness. It’s changed my recovery process by either avoiding sickness entirely or recovering quicker than typical.
Scalp Oil
Stress and anxiety plays a big role in illness. To bring calmness to the spirit and mind, a scalp massage is helpful! However, applying an oil to the hair with a massage elevates the treatment. Not only is it great for haircare, ingredients in the oil compliments what’s current in the mind. For instance, this scalp oil has sandalwood and rose essential oils, which is a great component to calming the mind.
Skincare
Of course, I have to mention skincare. Skincare has always been my form of self-care. It brings peace to my mind and if I’m unwell, at least my skin will look good (laughs)! Plus, nothing feels better than clean, exfoliated skin. The act alone of cleaning the skin with a cleanser is refreshing and a reminder to care for our bodies. It’s like cleansing away whatever isn’t needed or meant to be there. It puts you in the right headspace.
How I’d Use These Products
Step 1 – Skincare (first half – cleanser, toner, mask)
Step 2 – Scalp Oil (scalp massage, while first mask settles)
Step 3 – Body Oil (remove first mask, facial/body massage, leave scalp oil to settle in)
Step 4 – Shower (opens nasal passages and pores)
Step 5 – Neti Pot
Step 6 – Nasya Oil (sinus massage)
Step 7 – Skincare (second half – optional second mask, toner, serum, moisturizer)
Step 8 – CCF Tea (prepare during second mask)
Spa Offerings I Recommend
While I don’t recommend going into the spa while sick, I suggest maintaining a treatment schedule to prevent sickness. My spa offering recommendations are listed below. Don’t forget to read my visit to Kosa here!
- Facial Abhyanga Combo
- 45 min or 75 min Abhyanga (Classic or Kosa)
- Indian Head Massage (stand-alone or add on)
- Kosa Balancing Ritual
My ultimate and go-to recommendation is the Facial Abhyanga Combo with the Indian Head Massage add on. This offering has many focuses, covering the body from crown to toe. Not only is there skincare involved during the facial, the body is massaged, back to front, with additional time on the scalp.
