Natasha Andrews reveals her wellness rituals

Tell us 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 since then I've been practising Asthanga for almost 2 decades. After several trips to India with my teachers, a fascinating course with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and ongoing research into Indian philosophy and 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. I quickly developed a real passion for it. I used to make masks from honey and egg whites, scrub with ground coffee beans mixed with coconut oil, and bathe in the tea tree lakes of Byron Bay... You could say that, without even realising 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.

You're a yoga teacher, a certified expert in integrative health and passionate about wellness. How do these disciplines complement each other in your vision of wellness?

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

"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.”

What are the pillars of your self-care routine?

The secret of your success lies in your morning routine! As soon as I wake up, I practise conscious breathing (through my 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 take a step back in times of stress and to fully savour moments of beauty, like the 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 accessible?

It's my number one priority. I prioritise my routine because it allows me to be the best version of myself and to 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 age-old rituals to be found in the Wellness x Natasha Andrews Kit. What benefits have you seen in yourself since you started practising these rituals?

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 œsophagus overnight, stimulates the metabolism, strengthens the microbiota and contributes to good oral health.

Finally, palo santo is an ancestral ritual from South America, used by the Inca civilisation 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 centred - and I'm still here! Not bad, is it? 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 driven by love and peace, which in turn can inspire others. It's a movement. We have an immense capacity to live with greater peace, meaning and joy!

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

Yoga clears the way, purifying the body and mind to make room for full awareness. Resilience in the face of stress, a regular feminine cycle to which I'm very connected, a lightness in my body... and above all, a profound joie de vivre.

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

With your breathing! It should 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 you move and breathe with full awareness, your 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 mentioned earlier. It refocuses you, inspires you to take care of yourself, to make better choices... and quite simply to be at your best!

What phrase or mantra do 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.

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Photo credit: Julien Vallon