{"id":7747,"date":"2022-04-09T12:22:55","date_gmt":"2022-04-09T10:22:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grtraveller.gr\/politiki-evexia\/"},"modified":"2023-06-05T21:13:00","modified_gmt":"2023-06-05T19:13:00","slug":"politiki-evexia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grtraveller.gr\/en\/politiki-evexia\/","title":{"rendered":"POLITICAL WELL-BEING"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Sophie Themelis, Wellness Coach, Pilates Instructor, Free Spirit.<\/strong><\/h5>\n

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When we think of the lost paradise of the East, Bulmetis’ film “Politeiki Kouzina” is probably one of the things that immediately comes to mind. This film took us back to a time when many tragic events were happening. But the love, the arts, the music, the cooking, the smells, the spices, the fun, the social and cultural life in old Istanbul are still alive in our memory.<\/p>\n

I was lucky enough to meet Mrs Stratoula, a charming ninety-four year old lady, a descendant of a Greek family from Asia Minor who lives today in New Heraklion. He had stories to tell and memories to recall. He told me that the women who were evicted were known for their hygiene and cleanliness. So, despite the hardships her family suffered, Mrs. Stratoula remembered some habits and rituals. She remembers accompanying her mother to a “hamam” in Piraeus on regular visits. These visits were not only for bathing and rejuvenation, but also served as a ground for bonding and socializing – a balm for the soul!<\/p>\n

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He vividly remembers the “kese”, a rough cloth, which was used for rubbing the back and exfoliating dead cells – always in combination with the “tas hamam”, a copper bowl used for rinsing the body, and it was never plastic! Mrs. Stratoula also remembered the beautiful Elizabeth, her grandmother, who was famous for her beautiful flawless skin. Elizabeth used to apply a milk skin to her skin and massage her face until it was absorbed. This was a technique that Cleopatra is said to have used! And finally, Mrs.Stratoula swore by the beneficial properties of vinegar, which she used to give her hair a final rinse when she bathed to remove soap and salt residues – giving her hair softness and shine.<\/p>\n

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Self-care practices and more specifically the importance of hygiene, the use of certain oils to nourish the skin, as well as the use of herbs and spices for relaxation, awakening the senses and enhancing health and well-being, date back to ancient times and are similar to those adopted by today’s spas. Below are some inexpensive suggestions on how to create a spa and pamper yourself in the privacy of your own home. The benefits are physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, and include, among others, improving blood circulation, relaxing tense muscles, relieving migraines, relieving eye strain, reducing pain and swelling of tired legs, and improving the appearance of the skin. Self-care practices drastically reduce stress and anxiety, promote a relaxed state of mind, increase creativity and satisfy your emotional need for self-care and self-love. In other words, they help create mind-body-spirit consciousness and feelings of well-being.\"\"<\/p>\n

You can find what you will need in your kitchen, just don’t forget to light some candles to complete the experience!<\/p>\n

In general for the body: Do a full body scrub using a loofah or body brush, either on wet or dry skin. Start from your limbs and move towards your heart. Rinse and pat dry. Apply a moisturising oil blend*.<\/p>\n

Face:<\/strong> Create a cleansing and refreshing face mask by mixing 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of warm water, and 3 drops of tea tree and lavender oils. Apply the creamy paste to face and neck, rub with a loofah, leave to dry for 15 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water and finish with rosewater. Apply your face cream as usual.<\/p>\n

Hair:<\/strong> Create a moisturizing hair mask by mixing 3 tablespoons of olive, almond and coconut oil, 2-3 drops of tea tree and lavender oil. Apply the mixture to your hair, wrap it with a warm towel and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and apply a handful of shampoo as you normally do.<\/p>\n

Legs<\/strong>: Mix 2 tablespoons of coarse salt, 2-3 drops of peppermint and tea tree oils in a bowl of warm water and soak the feet for 5 minutes. Pat dry. Apply a moisturising oil blend*. This pedicure treatment will rejuvenate tired legs and increase blood circulation to the rest of your body.\"\"<\/p>\n

Hands, elbows and knees:<\/strong> Mix 1 tablespoon of each: salt, brown sugar with molasses, water or lemon juice. Scrub, exfoliate for 2 minutes. Rinse and apply a moisturizing oil blend*.<\/p>\n

Relaxation technique:<\/strong> fill linen pouches with 2 handfuls of dried herbs such as rosemary and lavender. Add 10 peppercorns and 3 drops of eucalyptus and peppermint oils. Wrap tightly. Heat the pouches in the oven. Apply to the forehead, tired shoulders and back. Move gently with circular movements. Let the heat and warm herbs flow into your skin and the beneficial ingredients penetrate deep into the muscles. Place cool slices of cucumber over your eyelids. Relax and … enjoy!<\/p>\n

*Recipe for a blend of moisturizing oils:<\/p>\n