Archive for the ‘Articles’ Category

The Secret to Better Skin Isn't Rocket Science

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011

Growing up my skin was always a challenge for me.  I struggled with blemishes and rashes from the time I started 5th grade and through most of high school.  My face and arms seemed to always be marked with bumps, blotches, and blackheads.   Oh, how I wished for smooth, clear, unflawed skin.  I tried many over the counter remedies that promised to make my breakouts disappear, control my excessively oily T-zone, and calm my rough, patchy skin.  Many of the products I tried had no effect at all.  Some of the products, especially cream cleansers, made my condition worse.  Some would work for a week or two, but then I think my system would become immune to the active ingredients, and the skin maladies would reappear.

My quest became finding the answer to better skin.  I wanted skin I wasn’t embarrassed of.  Lucky for me, I was raised in a family that believed in natural, holistic, alternative medicine.  As I got older, probably around the age of 13, I became more aware of the qualities of ingredients one might find in their own kitchen cupboard.  Encouraged by my parents, I started concocting all sorts of interesting natural mixtures to combat the imperfections of my blemished skin.  Some things worked and some things didn’t.  I practiced making my natural concoctions and by the time I was finished with high school my skin, although not cheerleader skin smooth, was completely presentable. 

The products I concoct and market now are still natural but are a little more sophisticated than they were when I was 13.  As I mentioned before, when I was trying over the counter preparations, some would work for a short time and then my condition would reappear or worsen.  In my opinion, and let me remind you that I am not a doctor, preparations that are made with chemicals, although they may work for a couple of weeks or even a month, eventually will be rejected by the body.  Our bodies are organic (living) organisms.  It is natural for our bodies to develop defenses against synthetic substances.   Natural, herbal, and holistic remedies, because they, too, are organic and derived from living organisms, work with the body to help bring itself back into balance.  The body is less likely to develop resistance to natural preparations which is why they continue to provide positive results indefinitely.

I have been concocting my own skin benefitting creations for over 40 years now.  My secret to beautiful skin is simple, cleanse tone, nourish, and moisturize when needed.  Here are the 6 steps that have worked for me for many years.

  1. Loosen up pore clogging sebum, makeup, and dirt with high quality Natural Balance Herbal Facial Cleansing Oil.
  2. Follow by a good old fashioned lather with Natural Balance Herbal Facial Cleansing Bar and rinse with plenty of warm water, at least 20 splashes, to hydrate and pave the way for smoother skin. 
  3. Nourish and restore the skin’s PH with Natural Balance Aloe and Herbal Facial Toner. 
  4. We all need vitamins and our skin is no exception.  Apply Natural Balance Tangerine C Skin Repair Serum after cleansing and toning to help combat damage caused by the sun and brighten the complexion; it also helps fight breakouts, blemishes, and blotchy skin. 
  5. For those of us over 35, follow Tangerine C with Natural Balance Anti-Wrinkle Serum to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 
  6. Finally, use Natural Balance Meadowfoam Rose Moisturizing Serum if your skin needs a little extra moisturizer.  It is lightweight and loaded with nourishing ingredients that also help the skin to appear firmer and lifted. 

It may seem like a lot when reading it here but it takes only about 5 minutes, twice a day, to complete all 6 steps.  Your healthy skin and the way you feel about how your skin looks is worth the time.

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Radiation Burn and the Medical Community

Monday, February 15th, 2010

I recently spoke with a woman who had purchased the Ultra Skin Ease Skin Soothing Balm last year for her friend. Her friend had breast cancer and was undergoing radiation treatments. Her friend used the balm, as per the directions, and after a few weeks the doctor and a technician commented on how great her skin was holding up during treatment. The lady explained that her friend had purchased the Ultra Skin Ease for her and commented on how much it soothed her burned skin. She said her doctor then scolded her for using something that she had not gotten through him.

The patient continued to use the Ultra Skin Ease through her treatment but felt she had to lie to her medical team about it. It is unbelievable to me that the very people who were supposed to be caring for their patient, created a situation in which their charge, whom was already suffering, felt they had to lie to continue doing something that was helping them.

I found this so perplexing. First they were happy about the minimal trauma to her skin, and then were upset that whatever she was using was not purchased through them. Maybe medicine should be more about healing and less about worrying over the few dollars missed because a patient found something elsewhere that actually works. One would think her caregivers would have been be happy that she found a product that took some of the sting out of a situation that was already bad enough. All I can do is shake my head and wonder how such educated people can be so ignorant, and maybe a little greedy, at their patient’s expense.

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Yoga – Creating a Comfortable Practice

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

Yoga is becoming more and more popular here in the western hemisphere and rightfully so. When yoga is done correctly with centering, breath work, asana, and final relaxation otherwise known and Sivasana, we learn to relax and let go of stress as well as tone and stretch our muscles, loosen and make space in our joints, and create a more healthy body and mind. Through the physical practice of yoga, or asana, coupled with conscious breathing, we learn to be less reactive and more deliberate and aware of our actions. The more diligent the practitioner is about their practice the more they are able to bring the discipline and principles they learn on the yoga mat, into their daily lives.

Most first time practitioners are surprised at how difficult yoga can be when they begin the practice of yoga. First, we must learn to slow our thoughts down and be present in the moment. This in itself is a feat, which is why all yoga classes should start with a few minutes of centering before the physical part begins. Sit quietly with an erect spine or lie on the floor on your back and consciously release the thoughts and tensions of the day. Be sure your phone is turned off. Just allow yourself to be in the moment. Feel your weight touching the floor and consciously examine what it feels like to be in your body. Enjoy this.

As you become more aware of yourself relaxing, begin to notice your breathing. Feel the air fill your lungs. Notice as the rib cage expands and contracts with each inhalation and each exhalation. Consciously relax your shoulders, chest, arms, and upper back. See if you can slow your breathing and allow the breath to move down into the lower part of your torso as you breathe. Slowly and gently fill yourself with air. Feel the belly and the rest of your torso rise and fall with each breath. Be completely focused on what it feels like to breathe. If other thoughts float into your awareness, and they will, instead of trying not to think about them, just focus more on the breath. The more focused you are on the breath the less power other thoughts will have to distract you from your practice. Once you are relaxed, centered and focused, you are ready to begin the asana part of your practice. There are other breath techniques and exercises used in the practice of yoga. These are best learned in a class with an experienced teacher.

In asana, we find ourselves in all sorts of new shapes and physical configurations. Some of these shapes are difficult and may require using muscles in ways they have never been used before. As you become more familiar with the poses of yoga and the correct way to attain these shapes, asana will become easier for you. Remember to be aware of what the body is feeling in each pose. Remember to keep the breath moving in a comfortable, relaxed way through the body as you practice the poses. Remember to work at your own physical level. If you take the poses too deeply and are feeling pain, you are working too aggressively. When we work too aggressively we have the possibility of injuring the body by tearing tendons, ligaments, and muscles. This obviously is counterproductive since injury will only slow down ones progress and put them out of commission for the time it takes to heal. Pay attention to the breath as you move through the poses of yoga. If the breath becomes strained, choppy, or if you become breathless, you may be pushing the body into places it is not ready to go yet. If you are pushing your practice too hard, you will feel it in the body as well. If this happens, don’t overreact, back out of the pose a few inches, take a breath, examine what you are feeling, realign the body, and see if you can move toward the pose again. Unless you are experiencing real pain, this technique will usually get you back on track. Of course, if you are in real pain, take yourself out of the pose completely and consult an experienced yoga teacher for advice. When yoga is practiced with respect to the body, the possibility of injury is minimized and the potential for progress is increased.

The Yoga experience is unique to each individual. If you are a seasoned yoga practitioner, you already know the benefits of having a personal yoga practice. If you are a beginner, I think it is best to start your yoga journey under the tutelage of an experienced yoga teacher. There are many wonderful yoga videos on the market but most of them do not give instruction on how to get into and out of the poses safely. An experience yoga teacher will also benefit his or her students with knowledge and advise that would otherwise not be available to them. Whether you are a veteran yoga practitioner or just starting your practice, counsel from an experience instructor is always valuable.

Here are some other ideas that may help you to minimize the distractions of the body and mind so that you may enjoy a deeper, more satisfying yoga practice.

- Wear comfortable clothes that will move with you, like bike shorts or close fitting sweats and a tank top or tee shirt and no shoes or socks. Clothing that is too loose with get in your way. Clothing that is too tight will be constricting. The asanas of yoga, or yoga postures, will bring your body into many different configurations. If your shirt is too low cut, you may fall out of it in forward folds. Remember to wear appropriate undergarments with shorts, especially if you prefer loose-fitting garments.

- Do not eat heavily at least 2 hours before the beginning of class. Practicing yoga on a full stomach may create an uncomfortable situation in the body. A light snack is ok.

- Proper hydration is important when doing any strenuous physical activity. Be sure to hydrate before and after class. Muscles stretch and work better when they are appropriately hydrated.

- Empty the bladder and bowel before class starts. If you need to relieve yourself during class, take a bathroom break whenever it is needed but be sure to leave the studio as quietly as possible.

- Arrive to class on time or a little early so that you have an opportunity to get centered and let go of the thoughts and tensions of the day. If you start your practice centered it is easier to stay there throughout the class.

- It is always best to have your own essentials for yoga like yoga mats, yoga blankets, straps, and blocks. Most yoga studios have equipment for loan but many people may have used the equipment before you. There may be bacteria and possibly rashes, viruses or other skin disorders present from those who have used the equipment before you. These maladies can transfer to you. Make the commitment and buy your own essentials.

- Do let your teacher know about any recent injuries or health issues that you have that may affect your yoga practice.

- Pushing yourself to extremes in an asana (yoga pose), is counterproductive. Yoga is a non-competitive activity. You will progress further, faster, and avoid the risk of injury if you take a respectful and loving attitude toward your body.

- Don’t compare yourself to others. Being able to do a posture to its fullest depth is not what makes one a progressed yoga practitioner. Yoga is about breath, focus, and discipline. If you are breathing, focusing and working honestly and appropriately to your own capacity in the body, you are doing Yoga. The goal in yoga should be to become more fully yourself, not like somebody else.

-Grace Vitale
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