Tips for more energy and balance

With our Black Forest wellness treatments, you can bring a piece of the Black Forest home with you. It is possible to have all 5 treatments one after the other or to combine individual treatments as you wish. We wish you lots of fun and relaxation.

You need:

a tennis ball (alternatively a hard fascia ball)
Application: Your wellness treatment starts with your feet. Place the tennis ball on the floor and stand with the sole of one foot on it. Apply light pressure to the ball and release it again. It is best to shift your weight onto the foot. This works the entire sole of the foot from the heel to the ball of the toe. The pressure can be very uncomfortable in some places, so stay there a little longer until the pain has subsided. Take your time and continue to breathe evenly. Before changing the foot, you should compare both sides. The side that has been worked on will certainly feel warmer and more relaxed.

Our tip: While you are working on the sole of your foot, massage your eyebrows at the same time. Take your eyebrows between your thumb and index finger and pinch them lightly together. Start at the nose and slowly work your way outwards. Repeat this 5-7 times, then continue with the foot massage

Duration: Work on each foot for approx. 5-10 minutes.

Effect: This treatment activates the flow of energy in the body. In doing so, you release adhesions in the fascia on the back of the body and pain points in the sole of the foot. Incorrect footwear, a lot of standing or walking often puts a lot of strain and tension on the sole of the foot. People often avoid the pain and develop poor posture. This in turn leads to tension and pain in the back, neck or head. The energetic foot massage may also be able to help with such problems.

You need:

1 tablespoon of fine Himalayan salt. Normal table salt has sharp edges and could damage the skin.
1-2 tablespoons of oil
For this we recommend virgin olive oil, coconut oil or another neutral body care oil
1 sprig of fresh pine needles or if you want a more exfoliating effect, you can also use dried pine needles.
1 large bowl for the feet
1 small bowl for the scrub
1 moist compress and a dry towel
Body cream, we recommend using a rich cream for dry feet
Preparation: Put the salt, oil and finely chopped pine needles in a small bowl and mix together. The scrub can also be heated in a water bath.

Application: Fill the large bowl with warm water for the foot bath. Sit on a comfortable chair and rub your feet with the scrub in a circular motion using gentle pressure for 1-2 minutes. Then soak both feet in the warm water for approx. 15-20 minutes. If you wish, you can add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water to intensify the detoxification process. Use the rest of the scrub on your hands and then remove the scrub with a damp compress. After bathing, dry your feet and rub the cream into your feet and hands. You can also massage your feet/hands gently while applying the cream. Then wrap both feet in warm socks or a blanket. Rest for a while and treat yourself to a glass of mango lassi, for example.

Effect: The fine structure of the salt grains loosens exfoliated skin flakes and opens the pores so that the body can eliminate toxins and waste products due to the different pH values. The pleasant scent of pine needles relaxes and soothes.

Tip: If you have a fragrance lamp, drip 1-2 drops of Swiss stone pine fragrance oil into the water or alternatively onto Swiss stone pine wood shavings. The ethereal scent of Swiss stone pine has a calming effect on the cardiovascular system and general mood.

Make the most of your time in the footbath or treat yourself to a relaxing head massage in everyday life.

Application: While your feet relax and detoxify in warm water, massage your scalp with both hands. Open your hands, place them side by side on top of your head and apply pressure to the scalp with your fingertips spread apart. Work all over your head in small circles. If you are now thinking that this is like going to the hairdresser, then you are doing everything right. You can work the hairline at the nape of the neck with your thumbs. You are in exactly the right place when you feel the transition from the hard part of the skull to the soft part of the muscles. Repeat the massage several times with gentle circular movements from the center to the ears.

Then massage the ears with your thumb and forefinger. First the earlobes, then upwards and back again. Then pinch the eyebrows together with your thumb and forefinger. Start at the base of the nose and slowly work your way outwards. Repeat several times. To finish, gently massage the temples with 2 fingers. Then place your hands over your eyes and face for 5 deep breaths and relax.

Duration: depending on preference 5-15 minutes

Effect: The massage stimulates blood circulation and relaxation of the head and neck muscles. Your head becomes free of stress and your thoughts clear again. The treatment is also particularly recommended for headaches or neck pain.

You will need 2 portions:

1 ripe mango (alternatively frozen mango pieces)
150g yogurt
50ml coconut milk
½ tablespoon of honey
100 ml cold water
Chopping board with knife
Blender or hand blender with measuring jug
Preparation:

Peel the mango on a chopping board, remove the stone and dice
Puree the diced mango with water, natural yoghurt and honey until there are no more pieces visible.
Then add the coconut milk and blend for a further 1-2 minutes
Effect: Mango lassi is a real power drink. The coconut milk contains important minerals such as zinc, iron, folic acid, potassium and phosphorus. Mangoes have little fruit acid and are therefore very easy to digest and moisturizing. They are high in vitamin C and E and folic acid. Mango lassi strengthens the immune system and protects cells from oxidative stress.

Our tip: After the foot bath, we recommend a warm cherry stone cushion to rest on

In the past, every house in the Black Forest had a tiled stove in the living room where you could sit comfortably and warm your back muscles on the warm tiles. Unfortunately, only a few still have this luxury. Hence our Black Forest tip for relaxing your muscles with the warmth.

Tip: Warm cherry stone bags. The stones in cherries are good at storing heat. You can easily buy them on the internet or at the chemist, for example. To warm the bags, either place them on the radiator, in the oven at 150 degrees for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes at 600 watts. Place a glass of water in the microwave to prevent the seeds from drying out. Alternatively, spelt pillows or grape seed pillows can also be used.

Effect: Heat promotes blood circulation in the muscles, the muscle tone decreases and the muscles relax. This relieves tension and pain. The heat pads are particularly suitable for neck and back complaints, but are also very helpful for gastrointestinal problems.

Duration:
How long should the cushions remain on the muscles?

Cherry stone cushions usually keep you warm for about 30 to 60 minutes. We recommend leaving them on the muscles for at least 10-15 minutes, preferably longer. Change the position of the cushions frequently. For example, first the neck area and then the feet.

Which is better - cherry stone, grape or spelt pillows?

The spelt pillow is definitely heavier than the other two and, depending on the size, the light cherry stone pillow is probably the most comfortable of the 3 pillows. We would definitely prefer the cherry stone pillow for children. A light cherry or grape seed pillow is also better for warming the feet. The spelt pillow is suitable for the neck area, as it can't slip down so easily due to its greater weight.

How often can I reuse the heating pad?

In principle, you can use it as often as you like. They have an unlimited shelf life. However, you should make sure that they are not heated too hot, otherwise the fabric could be damaged.