Natasha Andrews reveals her wellness rituals

Tell us all about yourself

"I grew up in the bush in Australia, so I've always been fascinated by the powers of plants and nature from an early age. I met my first yoga mentor when I was 16, which was an important encounter for me, and I've been practicing Asthanga ever since. That was almost 2 decades ago. After several trips to India with my teachers, exciting training with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and ongoing research into Indian philosophy as well as numerous yogic practices, I wanted to share my findings with the general public."

Tell us about your vision of well-being and beauty

"When I was very young, I discovered and felt the power of nature - pesticide-free fruit and vegetables, oils, plants, water... - and its ability to sublimate body, soul and spirit. This quickly awakened a real passion in me. I used to make masks with honey and egg whites, scrub with ground coffee beans mixed with coconut oil, bathe in the tea tree lakes of Byron Bay... You could say that, without even realizing it, I've always been driven by a preventive and holistic approach to skincare. For me, taking care of your skin starts from the inside out: choosing products that are as natural as possible, spending time in contact with nature - our best ally, and what's more, it's free! - and never neglect your nervous system. Stress is the number-one toxin responsible for premature ageing.

Yoga teacher, certified integrative health expert and wellness enthusiast.... How do these disciplines complement each other?

"Integrative health is just that: yoga, wellness, nutrition... A balance between healthy, living food, restful sleep, good stress management, regular physical activity, balanced mental and emotional health, nurturing social connections and mindfulness practice. So I try to live with these things in mind. It inspires me, gives a deeper dimension to my life and brings me true joie de vivre - an essential benefit to my overall health!"

"For me, taking care of your skin starts first and foremost from the inside out: favor products that are as natural as possible, spend time in contact with nature - our best ally, and what's more, it's free! - and never neglect your nervous system."

What are the pillars of your self-care routine?

"The secret to your success lies in your morning routine ! As soon as I wake up, I practice conscious breathing (through the nose), followed by dry brushing, tongue scraping and oil pulling, then I drink a glass of warm lemon water. Every day, without exception! Throughout the day, I try to stay in constant connection with my breathing, paying particular attention to the exhalation, which is always longer than the inhalation. This helps me to step back in times of stress and fully savour moments of beauty, like morning light or a bouquet of freshly-cut peonies... Conscious breathing - or more precisely, pranayama - has truly transformed my life."

How do you keep your skincare and wellness routine affordable?

"It's my top priority. I prioritize my routine, because it allows me to be the best version of myself and take full advantage of everything life has to offer."

What drew you to ayurveda?

"It goes hand in hand with yoga, you can't escape it. The etymology of the word speaks for itself: Ayus means "life" or "longevity", and Veda means "knowledge" or "science". Ayurveda can therefore be literally translated as "science of life" or "knowledge of longevity". Inspiring, isn't it?"

"Conscious breathing - or more precisely pranayama - has truly transformed my life."

Dry brushing, oil pulling and palo santo are three ancestral rituals to be found in the Wellness x Natasha Andrews Kit. What benefits have you observed in yourself since practicing these rituals?

"dry dry brushing eliminates dead cells, stimulates the lymphatic system and makes the skin denser and more radiant!

As for oil pulling, it draws out toxins accumulated in the mouth and esophagus overnight, stimulates metabolism, strengthens the microbiota and contributes to good oral health.

Finally, palo santo is an ancestral ritual from South America, used by the Inca civilization for thousands of years. Like Ayurveda, it aims to purify energies and deepen meditation... And it works!"

What made you want to teach yoga?

"It's always been an anchor for me. I feel like a cat, having already lived several lives... In Australia, France, England, New York... And it hasn't always been easy. I've been through some very difficult times, but my practice has kept me centered - and I'm still here! I want to share this strength, to help people discover the power of these practices to give more meaning to their lives. But also to inspire a community animated by love and peace, which in turn can inspire others. It's a movement. We have an immense capacity to live with more peace, meaning and joy!"

What are the most profound benefits you derive from your practice?

"Yoga clears the path, purifying the body and mind to make room for full awareness. It brings resilience in the face of stress, a regular feminine cycle to which I'm very connected, a lightness in the body... And above all, a deep joie de vivre."

What's the best way to reconnect mind and body?

"With the breath! It must always be your guide. Breath first. Inhale, move. Exhale, move. These three elements are deeply linked: when you breathe correctly, your body releases tension. And when we move and breathe with full awareness, the mind calms down and clears itself of unnecessary thoughts."

What do you think is the ritual to incorporate into your routine to feel good about your body?

"The morning routine I was talking about earlier. It refocuses you, inspires you to take care of yourself, make better choices... and simply be your best self!"

What's the phrase or mantra you live by every day?

"When the sun is kept in your heart, all internal enemies disappear! Peace! - When the sun is kept in your heart, all internal enemies disappear! Peace settles in."

The Wellnness Kit

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Photo credit: Julien Vallon