Benefits of Yoga and Meditation

It was not until I arrived in a different country that I realized every skill I learned would come to play an important role, more than I ever thought.  The culture clash, the ignorance the frustration of being indifferent carried with it the ignorance of me….not being aware of that in this world… despite that fact that all people do not have the same discipline, courtesy, all the way down to their children, driving, lack of words of thank you or excuse me, the cutting in line, including the lack of foresight; there is an escape! A situation like this compiled with the everyday hustle and bustle of what you have to do; you would have to be a SUPERWOMAN…to fathom the pressure the stress.

I found an ESCAPE…. that is the practice of deep meditation and yoga exercise. 

According to http://www.successconsciousness.com/meditation.htm, “Meditation calms down the body and the mind, reduces stress and anxiety, normalizes the blood pressure and has a healing effect on the body. It improves the power of concentration, sharpens the mind and strengthens the intuition. Its constant practice reduces the number of restless thoughts in the mind and brings inner peace, happiness and bliss.
In order to obtain results it has to be practiced every day, at least once a day, or twice a day is better. A beginner may start with only 10 minutes and gradually increase the time.

After opening a spa, I offered to do beginners exercises.  VOWALA! It works.  Believe it. Sometimes I take my students into a visualization exercise into  world of solace and inner peace after a yoga session.  The positive feedbacks and mental benefits makes me aware that every day, is just a day and if you are bombarded with tons of thoughts, a great way is to meditate just for ten minutes. Light a candle, take a few deep breaths, and calm your mind….Visualize a place of peace and quiet.  Just for a moment breathe filling every cell in your body with cleansing oxygen.  Pick a quiet place in the corner of your mind and for a moment enjoy the view.  Look around freely.  Take a few deep breaths.  Then come back to yourself inhale, as you exhale open your eyes.  Feel the difference.  Try it and tell me what you think.

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Skin Damage From Excessive Sun Exposure

Dear Beauty Reader, Many facial customers often ask me, why we get freckles, melasma or dark uneven pigments on our skin particularly the face. Basically, this is due to excessive sun exposure. When we are young, it all seems that even if you had sunburn, our cells seem to renew the skin. But as we age, you begin to see the side effects of excessive sun damage. Particularly, appearing as huge freckles mapped on the face or body. More often than not, dermatologist will recommend peeling treatments like glycolic acid, with instruction not to go under the sun. This is because glycolic peel is a chemical peel. Its effects vary from one person to another. If too much is used, this can cause serious deep skin damage after the skin has peeled. The peeling may be too deep that the skin ends up being too thin. Even after the healing period; if you go under the sun on an average day, you may still get melasma simply because the skin has become too thin. Are there any solutions to this? Yes, but its effects again vary from skin to skin. One which I have found to be most interesting is using lemon juice. Apply it to the skin with a cotton ball over the affected area. Let it stay for at least 15 minutes a day. Of course don’t try this if you have allergies to lemon. If you feel any irritations, it would be wise to immediately stop the treatment and see a doctor. The other treatment is to go to a spa that does facials and ask if they have what is called a laser tone treatment. This tool does many wonders other than killing bacteria and oxygenizing the skin. I discovered that after several treatments, the skin will begin to heal and the dark area begins to slowly fade away. Instead of glycolic peel, ask your esthetician to do the diamond peel derma-brasion instead. This procedure is what has been called as derma-brasion. It involves no chemical peel, so your skin will not be susceptible to anyt chemical reactions. The top layer of the skin is evenly peeled thru the derma-brasion machine. Again, it's important not to go in the sun, as I have been advised for at least 6 weeks. For some maybe more than that to give the skin cells time to renew itself.

Dark Circles or Rings Around the Eyes

Why do we get dark circles around the eyes? How do we get rid of them?

Dark circles around the eyes can be caused by a variety of problems that range from the following:

1.         genetic predisposition-        A genetic predisposition is a genetic affectation which influences the phenotype of an individual organism within a species or population but by definition that phenotype can also be modified by the environmental conditions.

2.         Hyperpigmentation-  In dermatology, hyperpigmentation is the darkening of an area of skin or nails caused by increased melanin.

3.         Sleep deprivation-    a lack of sleep

4.         anemia-          Anemia (/əˈniːmiə/; also spelled anaemia and anæmia; from Ancient Greek: ἀναιμία anaimia, meaning lack of blood, from ἀν- an-, "not" + αἷμα haima, "blood") is a decrease in number of red blood cells (RBCs) or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood.^[1][2] However, it can include decreased oxygen-binding ability of each hemoglobin molecule due to deformity or lack in numeriqal development us in some otheruntypes of hemoglobin deficiency.

Because hemoglobin (found inside RBCs) normally carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues, anemia leads to hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in organs. Since all human cells depend on oxygen for survival, varying degrees of anemia can have a wide range of clinical consequences.

Anemia is the most common disorder of the blood. The several kinds of anemia are produced by a variety of underlying causes. It can be classified in a variety of ways, based on the morphology of RBCs, underlying etiologic mechanisms, and discernible clinical spectra, to mention a few. The three main classes include excessive blood loss (acutely such as a hemorrhage or chronically through low-volume loss), excessive blood cell destruction (hemolysis) or deficient red blood cell production (ineffective hematopoiesis).

Of the two major approaches to diagnosis, the "kinetic" approach involves evaluating production, destruction and loss,^[3] and the "morphologic" approach groups anemia by red blood cell size. The morphologic approach uses a quickly available and low-cost lab test as its starting point (the MCV). On the other hand, focusing early on the question of production may allow the clinician to expose cases more rapidly where multiple causes of anemia coexist.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/)

How do we get rid of dark circles?

According to articles I’ve read online, the most common treatments for hyperpigmentation  are:

Treatment of hyperpigmentation may include hydroquinone, kojic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, azelaic acid, ascorbic acid, tretinoin (Retinol), topical glucocorticoids, and licorice extract. To help prevent these dark spots, sunscreen may be applied.

Things You'll Need

• Washcloth
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 2 cups warm water
• Bulb syringe

Step 1

Moisten a washcloth with cold water. Put the washcloth on the eye area. Leave in place for a minimum of 10 minutes. To keep the washcloth cold, wring it out and re-moisten it with cold water every couple of minutes. The cold constricts blood vessels to get rid of them.

Step 2

Eliminate certain substances from your diet. The Mayo Clinic says that drinking too much alcohol or caffeinated beverages can be causes of dark circles. Get rid of the circles naturally by avoiding these drinks.

Step 3

Steer clear of common allergens. Since allergies can cause dark circles under the eyes, eliminate exposure to allergens, such as dust, pollen and pet dander, according to “The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II” found on the Mother Nature website. If you have a food allergy, such as wheat or milk, avoid exposure to these substances as well.

Step 4

Protect the eyes from the sun. Since sun exposure can cause dark circles, wear sunglasses or stay out of the sun.Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/178616-how-to-get-rid-of-dark-circles-naturally/#ixzz21iyh10r2

The reason the skin under the eyes is especially susceptible to a darker look is because it is the thinnest skin on the whole body. Our circulation is arranged in such a way that veins that take away deoxygenated blood – which is darker than oxygenated blood – is always near the surface, while the arteries that carry oxygenated blood is deeper down. In effect, when the veins are more pronounced the entire thin skin around the eyelids ends up looking black and darkened.

The Suns Effects on Aging

The sun has varius harmful effect on For example, overexposure produces the following effects:
1. Sunburn
2. Change in pigments
3. Wrinkles are accelerated

Some of my guests have mapped freckles on their face in which they have had to result in laser tone treatments.  Fortunately, after 6 sessions, the freckles start to fade away.  Not all treatments affect everyones skin the same so you can expect that reduction of the darker pigments may take longer in other areas.

Its important ot know that even on cloudy days, the harmful rays of the sun which cause the mentioned skin damamges are basically peircing throught the clouds.

If you would like to take good care of your skin, alwaays use an umbrella or hat outdoors, and use proper sun screens. Do not wear suncreens that are heavy and oily because this can surel clog the pores of the skin.  Always wear a light sunscreen, and keep yourself hydrated.

Vitamins, Is it important?

Being young, and trying to maintain youth as we age take a combination of 3 simple factors.  That is taking care of the mind- our mental body, the physical body- through diet, exercise and proper rest, and our spirits- things we believe make our mind and body healthy.

Lets focus what we intake, like vitamins.  My doctor has told me that our bodies do not get enough nutrients just by the food we eat.  As we age, we need more nutrients.  Personally, I notice that when I take my multivitamins at night, I get better rest.  This may not be true for others since our body compositions are not all the same.  I have also been told that we shouldn’t be taking too much because our bodies will naturally discard the overflow of vitamins.

According to : http://www.professorshouse.com/Health-Beauty/Nutrition/Articles/Benefits-of-Taking-Vitamins/, vitamins are not toxic if taken in moderation, and they do fill the nutrition gap for people who can’t bend over a hot stove for hours on end.

Here are some important information from this site that I found to be useful for those who has had the thought whether or not to take vitamins:

Here are some vitamin factoids that are worth mulling over:

• Fact # 1: Vitamins are organic. They combine with human proteins to form enzymes. These enzymes, in turn, regulate most of our bodily functions.
• Fact # 2: Our bodies need these vitamins to function properly: A, B (8 kinds), C, D, E and K. That’s a total of 13 vitamins.
• Fact # 3: Vitamins D and K can be “manufactured” by the human body but only in limited quantities. Most of the vitamins we need will have to come from the foods we eat.
• Fact # 4: Taking a mouthful of vitamins cannot be a replacement for a healthy diet. Yes, there are benefits to taking vitamins, but don’t turn a deaf ear to potential problems.
• Fact # 5: People on a vegetarian diet probably don’t need to take vitamin supplements as long as they consume dairy, chicken and fish. People on a vegan diet however, may – emphasis on the “may” – suffer deficiencies of Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B12, D, calcium and zinc. The principle is to have ample supply of amino acids in the body.

It’s one of the best ways to take care of ourselves.  The hustle and bustle of this world , regardless of the type of work we do….whether we are in ssales, in school, or in construction… vitamins are important to our everyday lives.  Find the best places online to order quality vitamins that are affordable.  After all, health is important in being young.

Yoga and Meditation

How does Yoga and Meditation work? How does it affect us? 

At the end of my yoga practice with a few students, what always works is meditation visualization and breathing techniques. Visualization is a technique involving focusing on positive mental images in order to achieve a particular goal.

According http://helpguide.org/mental/stress_relief_meditation_yoga_relaxation.htm#visualization;

“The focus on full, cleansing breaths, deep breathing is a simple, yet powerful, relaxation technique. It’s easy to learn, can be practiced almost anywhere, and provides a quick way to get your stress levels in check. Deep breathing is the cornerstone of many other relaxation practices, too, and can be combined with other relaxing elements such as aromatherapy and music. All you really need is a few minutes and a place to stretch out.”

My students often find that after a yoga practice and visualization meditation session, the top of the frontal lobe of their head feels very relaxed, and they feel lighter.  In one session, I asked a student, what was the color of the balloon which I depicted in the imagery .  She told me it was blue.  What was neat about that session, I intended the same color, but did not mention it to her.  Whether there was a corealtion of mental telepathy here, is not founded.  Who knows?

Research from Transcendental Meditation program by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi emphasized that the meditation is effective in eliminating stress, anxiety and frustration, and in promoting growth toward a state of total peace and fulfillment in higher states of consciousness.

There are many other articles which claim that meditation and yoga, is a practice and exercise that calms the mind body and spirit of a person.  I believe it because it definitely works for me. Please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in Yoga and Meditation.

Aloe Vera

Info on the Aloe Vera Gel. Apply the aloe vera gel to your warts every morning and evening. Your wart will fall off after a week, maybe two. I tried this on a wart that I had on my foot.  It really works. Results may however, vary among  persons.

Being Young Starts From Within

When we are told, we are what we eat; it is only a matter of time before it shows in our appearance.   Eat fattening food, and sooner or later, you'll see that you can't button your pants. Eat lots of salty food, and all of a sudden, you blood pressure rises. As we age we are told to basic concepts, diet and exercise.

For diet, http://www.womenfitness.net/anti_aging_food.htm published the following as the top 10 anti-aging foods:

Avocado:
This fruit, which is usually eaten as a vegetable, is a good source of healthy monounsaturated fat that may help to reduce level of a bad type of cholesterol in body. Avocado is a good source of vitamin E and can help to maintain healthy skin and prevent skin aging (vitamin E may also help alleviate menopausal hot flushes). It is rich in potassium which helps prevent fluid retention and high blood pressure.

 Berries:

All black and blue berries such as blackberries, blueberries, blackcurrants and black grapes contain phytochemicals known as flavonoids-powerful antioxidants which help to protect the body against damage caused by free radicals and aging.

Cruciferous vegetables:

The family of Cruciferous vegetables includes cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, turnip, brussels sprouts, radish and watercress. Cruciferous vegetables assist the body in its fight against toxins and cancer. You should try to consume at least 115g/40z(of any one or a combination) of these vegetables on a daily basis. If possible, eat them row or very lightly cooked so that the important enzymes remain intact.

Garlic:

Eating a clove of garlic a day (row or cooked) helps to protect the body against cancer and heart disease. The cardio protective effects of garlic are well recorded. One 1994 study in Iowa, USA, of 41,837 women between the age of 55 and 69 suggested that women who ate a clove of garlic at least once a week were 50 percent less likely to develop colon cancer. Another study at Tasgore Medical college in India suggested that garlic reduced cholesterol levels and assisted blood thinning more effectively than aspirin, thus helping to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Ginger:

This spicy root can boost the digestive and circulatory systems, which can be useful for older people. Ginger may also help to alleviate rheumatic aches and pains.

Nuts:

Most varieties of nuts are good sources of minerals, particularly walnuts and brazi nuts. Walnuts, although high in calories, are rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and selenium. Adding nuts to your diet (sprinkle them on salads and desserts) can enhance the functioning of your digestive and immune systems, improve your skin help control prevent cancer. Nuts may also help control cholesterol levels. Never eat rancid nuts, however, as they have been linked to a high incidence of free radicals.

 

Soya:

Menopausal women might find that soya helps to maintain oestrogen levels. Soya may alleviate menopausal hot flush and protect against Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis and heart disease. Look out for fermented soya products, which are more easily digested, therefore more nutritional, and do not generally cause food intolerances. You may want to check that soya products have not been genetically modified. Soya should not be confused with soya sauce, which is full of salt and should be used sparingly, if at all.

 Whole meal pasta and rice:

Complex carbohydrates provide a consistent supply of energy throughout the day and should make up the bulk of your diet. Whole meal pasta is an excellent complex carbohydrate. It is high in fiber and contains twice the amount of iron as normal pasta. Brown rice is another recommended complex carbohydrate, which is high in fiber and B vitamins.

Watermelon:

Both the flesh and seeds of the watermelon are nutritious so try blending them together in a food processor and drinking as a juice. The flesh contain vitamin A, B and C ; the seeds contain selenium, essential fats, zinc and vitamin E, all of which help against free radical damage and aging.

 Water:

Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day in order to remain healthy. Water helps us to get rid of the toxins and unwanted waste materials from your body.
Don't rely on thirst; this sensation diminishes with age. Drink often and choose from nutritious liquids, including 100% fruit and vegetable juices, skim or low fat milk, broths, sparkling water, and teas. You can also get fluids from foods, especially those that are liquid at room temperature. Try gelatin, frozen yogurt, soups, watermelon, pickles, oranges, lettuce, tomatoes, etc. 

What about the exercise part of keeping young?

Well, according to Anti-aging nutrition news, Yoga is one of the exercises that keep you young. 

1)    Yoga Keeps the Spine Young

2)   Yoga Makes Skin More Youthful

3)    Yoga Eases Aches and Pains

4)    Yoga Keeps You Happy

5)    Yoga Keeps Your Mind Agile

Start with simple exercises so as not to shock the system when you begin a cardio exercise.  Walking is an excellent choice.  You’ll that after walking 20minutes a day 3-4 times a week for 2 weeks; you will begin to feel you can walk farther and even longer.

As you increase your flexibility in yoga, and increase your cardio exercise, eat the right anti-aging foods, take a look in the mirror after 3 months.  Is there a difference?  I’d like to know.