If there are two things that the Japanese have aced, it’s preserving traditions and ageing gracefully. Surprisingly, both are rather meaningfully connected. Ancient Japanese beauty rituals, carefully nurtured and passed down generations, are the subject of global envy and emulation. In the last decade, there has been a steady influx of ancient beauty rituals modernised with anti-ageing skincare products. Clearly, hope springs eternal as does the lure for youthful-looking skin.
If there are two things that the Japanese have aced, it’s preserving traditions and ageing gracefully. Surprisingly, both are rather meaningfully connected. Ancient Japanese beauty rituals, carefully nurtured and passed down generations, are the subject of global envy and emulation. In the last decade, there has been a steady influx of ancient beauty rituals modernised with anti-ageing skincare products. Clearly, hope springs eternal as does the lure for youthful-looking skin.
Beauty is not a state of constant perfection; it is a choice to serve the self and well-being first. When you feel good on the inside, only then will it reflect on the outside. These values of nurturing both your physical self as well as your inner self are rituals that are deeply embedded in Japanese culture. Spice explores five daily routines that Japanese women have practiced to preserve both youth and beauty.
Misogi——Healing Bathing Rituals
Originally, the custom of “Misogi”—a bathing ritual under a cold waterfall, which is considered to be a type of bathing in rivers and waterfalls, has been practiced for a long time in Japan. Also, under the influence of Shintoism and Buddhism, it has been believed that removing dirt by bathing also flushes the dirt in the mind, and the actual experience of refreshing the mind and body by bathing has taken root as a custom.
Kamioki——Hair Combing Ritual
Conventional haircare these days includes daily brushing, shampoo, conditioner and hair pack to keep the crowning glory, glorious. However, that one wonder product that’s omnipresent in every Japanese vanity is the boxwood comb, made by soaking boxwood with rich Camellia oil. These combs are used to make hair more beautiful. The comb does not easily generate static electricity and has a massage effect on the scalp. They have been valued since the Nara period (AD 710-794). The more you use boxwood combs, the more glossy your mane.
Kodo——Listening to a Scent
Kodo is an art form to appreciate the scent of natural fragrant woods produced …….