Session 1- Thursday, September 24 – 7-8:30pm – Complimentary
Introduction to DoshaCare Ayurvedic Skincare. Explore the opportunity to achieve authentic radiant skin. If you are a salon professional, involved in a Yoga Studio or alternative health practitioner, or have a high end beauty boutique, explore the business opportunity with DoshaCare. Learn the fun and simple way to teach men and woman how to create inner peace, outer health and ageless living.
Session 2 – Thursday, October 1st – 7-8:30pm
Introduction to Ayurveda and How it Relates to Your Skin with Dr. Mark Vinick
Learn about the 5000 year old tradition of medicine from India-Ayurveda and why different people have differing types of skin; dry, sensitive, and moist. Understand simple and basic diet and lifestyle choices for harmony, balance and authentic radiance.
Dr. Mark Vinick successfully treats a variety of conditions based on his extensive knowledge of both modern and ancient healing sciences, and incorporates the best of numerous healing modalities. He is Board Certified in three multidisciplinary specialties: Pain Management, Anti-aging Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine.
Session 3 – Thursday, October 8th – 7-8:30pm
Holistic Dentistry –An Integrated Health Approach with Dr. Jerry Bottomley
Your mouth and teeth are essential to overall health. Dr. Bottomley’s holistic approach to dentistry blends traditional western medicine with various forms of eastern thought, alternative healing modalities and possibilities. Learn how your belief systems, dental situation, overall health, and personal circumstances play a part in ones authentic radiant health.
Dr. Jerry Bottomley has extensive post-graduate training in cosmetic, reconstructive and implant dentistry. Dr. Bottomley’s personal philosophy is a holistic integrated approach to dental care that includes understanding of Eastern and Western medical knowledge.
Session 4 – Thursday, October 22nd – 7-8:30pm
Discover and Explore – Business as Spiritual Practice with Susie Bottomley
What if we are Spiritual Beings having a human experience? What if that spiritual nature has been banned from the board rooms of our world and the bottom line is reflecting that loss? What if every choice/decision took into account the highest good for all concerned and released our agendas to that purpose?
Susie Bottomley has a Master of Arts in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica. She is sharing her personal journey of integration; tools, books, people, events and life experiences.
Session 5 – Thursday, November 5th – 7-8:30pm
8 Fold Paths to Authentic Radiance from the Inside Out with Patty Schmucker
What we put on the surface of our skin is one small element of discovering our authentic radiance. Inspired by the traditions of Ayurveda, Patty will share a western approach to inner peace, outer health and ageless living.
Patty Schmucker is Founder of DoshaCare, Customized Ayurvedic Skin Care. She began her career as a licensed esthetician and has studied and developed Ayurvedic products and traditions for decades
$25 per Class or $60 for the Series (Session 1 is Complimentary)
All Classes Hosted at the Harmony Works Art & Soul Center
1705 South Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach, CA
For information and reservation 310-802-7880 or info@doshacare.com
Authentically Radiant Skin Achieved with a Holistic Service Approach
Visit DoshaCare at the Discovey Beauty Section of Cosmoprof North America to Learn about DoshaVibes
In the centuries-old Indian Ayurvedic philosophy, authentic beauty is achieved through lifestyle choices that nourish the body and fulfill the mind. This healing system addresses all factors that influence the quality of life, such as maintaining a consistent daily routine, engaging in meditation and regular exercise, sustaining a healthy diet, and being in harmony with nature. In the professional environment authentically radiant skin is achieved by engaging all five senses through customized Ayurvedic Facial Services provided by DoshaCare and the new DoshaVibes.
The DoshaVibes CD that was composed to complement DoshaCare Facial Services, specifically addressing each of the doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Ayurveda combines the five elements in nature (water, earth, wind, fire and space) into three distinctive categories.
-Vata, the air principal, is comprised of space and air. When we have too much Vata in our body, our skin is dry.
-Pitta, the fire principal, is comprised of fire and water. Too much Pitta in our system will result in skin that can be sensitive.
-Kapha, the earth principal, is comprised of earth and water. Too much Kapha can result in oily, congested skin conditions.
Each DoshaVibe CD meets the unique needs of each dosha, resonating with the individual’s nervous system to bring them into the deepest level of relaxation possible. For the esthetician giving the service, each music composition provides cues to move to the next segment of the treatment. This allows the esthetician to perform the most relaxing manipulation in concert with the deepest relaxation of the nervous system, giving the client a meditative and restorative service that supports authentically radiant skin. The last segments of each CD are designed to gently guide the client out of the supremely relaxed state to a balanced consciousness of rejuvenated clarity.
The Vata Service is designed for dehydrated skin that requires nourishment to bring the natural function of sebum and moisture into balance. Skin is returned to balance with a breathing ritual and head massage inspired from India’s ancient traditions incorporated with deep cleansing and hydration treatment.
The Pitta Service is designed for sensitive skin that requires nourishment to soothe the over-heated system, reducing inflammation, the biggest sources of premature aging, by incorporating gem stones and single note essential oils for the Pitta mind, body and spirit. Balance is restored by decreasing inflammation and increasing hydration.
The Kapha Service is designed for skin that is congested due to overactive sebaceous glands. Skin becomes nourished by decongesting pores, stimulating healthy circulation and strengthening the immune system. The rich tradition of Ayurveda incorporates Marma therapy (Ayurvedic version of acupressure) to balance Kapha mind, body and spirit.
Each of the three DoshaCare protocols have unique add-on features that can be performed in 55 or 75 minute format.
With DoshaCare Customized Ayurvedic Facial Services estheticians move from beauty services to wellness services providing clients the benefit of inner peace, outer radiance and ageless living. DoshaCare is seeking professionals who are looking to offer a deeper level of customizable service by believing and practicing the following core concepts:
*True health is more than the absence of illness; it is a balanced state of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
*Balance is achieved by following a lifestyle that nourishes our body and fulfills our mind.
*Quiet introspection, or meditation, can be one of the most powerful tools for relaxing the mind and igniting our internal pharmacy.
*Our business thrives upon creating an experience that indulges the five senses – sound, sight, taste, touch, and smell.
*Indulging the five senses allows us to reach a deeper level of being which is therapeutic, holistic and health supporting.
*By thoroughly educating and training our staff, we can provide a haven for health that supports inner and outer radiance.
*We don’t simply sell products; we take care of people.
If you are a beauty industry professional contact us for a meeting at Cosmoprof North America July 18th-21st in Las Vegas to become a DoshaCare Wellness center. If you are a not in the professional beauty industry and would like to experience a DoshaCare service, visit your favorite salon or spa and tell them about DoshaCare and your desire to have one of our wellness services. You can make a difference by letting your local beauty professional know that you are no longer interested in getting just a facial. Times have changes and now you can have a treatment that restores your inner, outer and ageless health.
We are pleased to announce the released of the DoshaCare Discovery Kit.
Your Dosha specific Discovery Kit assembles all the products required to honor your self with a daily and weekly ritual of skincare.Authentic radiance comes from rituals that restore and rejuvenate the mind and body.A customized DoshaCare Discovery Kit aspires to inspire you to move towards balance. Be good to the plant and to your skin with products packaged in convenient size bottles that are refillable and suitable for travel.
Kits contain Dosha specific Cleanser, Masque, Elixir, and Moisturizer in 10ml sizes. Also includes Sakala Ama Release Tonic and Sakala Environmental Shield 4 ml, Sakala Exfoliant 10ml, Sakala Eye and Neck Balm 3 gr.A free trail of Sakala Sunscreen 28+ will be sent for each kit by June 1.
As a reader of our blog you are getting an advance preview and opportunity to order.Contact us at info@doshacare.com to order your kit for $44 or for wholesale inquiries.Add your secondary dosha Elixir for only $5.
Vata/Vata Discovery Kit
This daily and weekly ritual provides cleansing, exfoliation, hydration, and nourishment to help harmonize an aggravated Vata skin condition.Your Vata/Vata Discovery kit comes complete with every item in the Vata and Sakala collection to treat your skin for 3 to 5 days.If your secondary Dosha is Pitta or Kapha you can add one of these Elixirs in the trial size to further customize your regimen.
Pitta/Pitta
This daily and weekly ritual provides cleansing and exfoliation that calms, soothes and nourishes to harmonize an aggravated Pitta skin condition. Your Pitta/Pitta Discovery kit comes complete with every item in the Pitta and Sakala collection to treat your skin type for 3 to 5 days.If your secondary Dosha is Vata or Kapha you can add one of these Elixirs in the trial size to further customize your regimen.
Kapha/Kapha
This daily and weekly ritual provides cleansing, exfoliation, stimulation, protection and nourishment to help harmonize an aggravated Kapha skin condition.Your Kapha/Kapha Discovery kit comes complete with every item in the Kapha and Sakala collection required to treat your skin for 3 to 5 days. If your secondary Dosha is Vata or Pitta you can add one of these Elixirs in the trial size to further customize your regimen.
Hey friends! Check out the new quiz on www.doshacare.com under the heading of Ayurveda and Dosha Types to find out Your Primary and Secondary Dosha and Get Your Personalized Prescription! Find out how your sleep patterns, eating habits, and the way you deal with stress affect your skin. You’ll look at skincare in a whole new way.
Ayurvedic healers highly recommend periodic internal cleansing as a way to maintain good health and prevent disorders from taking root in the physiology. Just like you regularly flush out the plumbing system in your home or change the oil in your automobile engine, periodically helping your body flush toxins out thoroughly is a good maintenance technique that will help organs and systems stay more efficient for a longer period of time. Especially after the age of 40, when your body’s own cleansing and rejuvenating capability starts slowing down, supporting it with a cleansing regime is important for ongoing health and vitality.
The Seed and Land Theory of Ayurveda
Proper digestion is crucial for health. When digestion is efficient and complete, all of the food you eat is either converted into nutrient fluids for absorption into the body, or flushed out as wastes. When the digestive process is incomplete or inefficient, partially digested food matter is left behind in the digestive system. This substance, called ama in ayurveda, becomes toxic to the physiology if allowed to stay in the body or build up over time. Ama is not only inherently toxic in itself, it also clogs the channels of the body, further disrupting the flow of digestion and leading to an escalating cycle of toxin build-up. Ama is fertile ground for infections and disorders to germinate, take root and flourish. Ama build-up is considered the first stage of imbalance in the physiology. If not addressed, disorders invariably follow.
The digestive process leaves behind toxins either when you eat foods that are not fresh, natural or suited to your constitution and digestive capability, or when you follow eating routines and practices that are not ideal. Eating processed or artificially flavored foods and foods that are grown with chemical pesticides and fertilizers can lead to toxin build-up. Drinking iced water or ice-cold beverages douses the digestive fire and causes ama to be generated. Eating heavier foods after sundown, eating a new meal before the previous one is digested, or eating when stressed or working also impact digestion. For help with choosing foods that are best for you and for ayurvedic digestion guidelines, read our “Eating for Balance” articles.
How to tell if you have ama build-up
It is best to visit an ayurvedic healer and have him or her assess your ama levels. The following are general indications that you may have an accumulation of toxins in your physiology:
1. Your tongue has a white coating in the morning when you wake up.
2. You yawn after a main meal and just want to curl up and snooze.
3. You feel tired and lethargic all day long, even though you eat well and sleep well.
4. Your appetite is poor or you crave junk foods.
5. You feel a general lack of motivation or zest for life.
6. You feel “spaced out” and your mind is cloudy.
7. You experience abdominal bloating and gas, especially after a main meal.
8. You feel heavy and congested or constipated.
9. You have a general sense of malaise, with vague aches and pains.
If you experience three or more of the above on a regular basis, your physiology would probably benefit from a cleansing regime.
Pick foods that are best for your constitution and needs for balance, as well as the strength of your digestive agni. Stick to lighter, easier-to-digest foods from the choices you do have.Our food recommendations for Vata, Pitta or Kapha balancing diets is a good starting point.Eat whole, fresh, natural foods, organic if you can get it. Buy your produce fresh, and consume it quickly.
Eat cooked foods, warm or at room temperature.
Drink lots of warm water through the day. Accompany meals with small sips of warm water as needed. A detoxifying “tea” is even better. Coriander, cumin, fennel and ajwain (carum copticum) are digestion-enhancing spices to choose from. Here are suggestions for detoxifying herbal waters for the three doshas:
Bring two quarts of pure water to a rolling boil. Add the herbs/spices listed below, turn off heat after a couple of minutes and let steep for about 15-20 minutes. Strain and pour the water into a thermos. Drink the tea through the day, especially 15 minutes after a meal. Throw out any that remains after 6.30 pm, and make a fresh batch the next morning.
If you can find fresh Tulsi (Holy Basil), add a leaf or two to the water for all doshas. Tulsi is known for its ability to cleanse the physiology of environmental toxins.
Include lots of cleansing fruits and vegetables in your diet. Barley water or rice kanjee, made by cooking a small amount of grain with a large quantity of water (1/2 cup to 10 cups) are also wonderful cleansers of the digestive system and the urinary tract. Greens, daikon radish, bitter gourd, cabbage and celery are examples of cleansing vegetables. Cooked apples and pears are a great way to get elimination going in the morning. Prunes, pineapple, papaya and pomegranate are other fruits that aid digestion and cleansing. Herbs such as cilantro, mint, fresh ginger and lemon are also helpful for cleansing and purifying the digestive system.
Cook with digestion-enhancing, detoxifying spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, clove, ajwain, fenugreek, dried ginger, Chinese cinnamon and fennel. Add the turmeric to foods as they are cooking, and sauté other spices in ghee or olive oil and pour over prepared dishes for the best therapeutic benefit. Digestion-enhancing lassi, made with some of the herbs and spices mentioned in this section, is an excellent choice for a lunchtime beverage.
Now in traditonal Ayurveda, they would tell you to avoid all junk food, caffeine, processed foods while undergoing a cleanse, but the reality is that that course of action isn’t always plausible. I try to adhere to many of these dictates, but when I feel that I’m not on my best behavior, I’ve found something that helps me out. It’s a product I found at Whole Foods called Michael Tierra’s Tri Cleanse by Planetary Herbals and it’s the only internal cleansing product that I’ve found with Triphala in it. Triphala is an ancient Ayurvedic formula consisting of Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki, and when combined are powerful warriors against toxins and disease.
Gotu Kola or Centella AsiaticaGotu kola has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years in India, China and Indonesia. Its ability to heal wounds, improve mental clarity, and treat skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis were important reasons for its extensive use in these countries. It has also been called one of the “miracle elixirs of life” because legend has it that an ancient Chinese herbalist lived for more than 200 years as a result of using the herb.
Historically, gotu kola has also been used to treat syphilis, hepatitis, stomach ulcers, mental fatigue, epilepsy, diarrhea, fever, and asthma. Today, American and European herbalists use gotu kola for disorders that cause connective tissue swelling, such as scleroderma, psoriatic arthritis (arthritis occurring in conjunction with psoriasis), anklylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine), and rheumatoid arthritis. Recent studies confirm some of the traditional uses and also suggest possible new applications for gotu kola, such as lowering high blood pressure, treating venous insufficiency (pooling of blood in the veins, usually in the legs, boosting memory and intelligence, easing anxiety, and speeding wound healing.
Aside from its many internal medical benefits, Gotu Kola has a wide array of external healing properties. Gotu kola contains triterpenoids, compounds that have been shown to aid in wound healing. For example, animal studies indicate that triterpenoids strengthen the skin, increase the concentration of antioxidants in wounds, and restore inflamed tissues by increasing blood supply. Because of these properties, gotu kola has been used externally for burns, psoriasis, prevention of scar. In modern skincare, Gotu Kola is shown to increase collagen production while lifting away toxins that cause skin blemishes, helps to boost circulation, improve the collagen foundation of the skin, and fight oxidation – thereby making it a superb ingredient for anti-aging skin care products as well as improving skin firmness and elasticity. This powerful ingredient can be found in many DoshaCare products such as the Pitta Masque, Moisturizer and Elixir, the Kapha Masque, Moisturizer and Elixir, and the Sakala Exfoliant.
Rachel first became part of our team when DoshaCare debuted at the Spa and Resort Expo last September at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC. She came on board to perform facials on customers in the Show’s Spa Sanctuary, and quickly fell in love with the product.
“I was very impressed with the efficacy of the line, even when used in an environment such as a trade show.I performed facial services in a small area with limited supplies, but even in that setting, I was able to achieve impressive results. In approximately 15 minutes, my clients’ skin was so greatly improved that they even looked better without the makeup they had walked in wearing.Their skin was fresh, plump and glowing from a brief encounter with the products.I’d like to note that I used no steamer or machines during the facials, only two gently warmed towels.I also had no sink in the room in which I was working, which made me aware that many salons could perform comprehensive facials with DoshaCare without having the luxury of a sink.
The line was simplistic enough for me to breeze through each facial in a short time without having to decipher complex formulas or combinations of products.I have worked with customized formulas and facial products before, but the amount of work needed to achieve good results with those products was far more tedious than that of the straightforward application of DoshaCare.As each client left my room, I was continually surprised at the great results acquired with so little effort.”
Rachel Henry graduated from Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics in New
York City in 1997, where she graduated with honors, including Superlative Hands. In
1999 Henry was recruited by Barbara Salamone, founder of Bioelements, and
became a national educator. During her tenure with Bioelements, Henry gained
a wealth of product knowledge, earned respect as an educator and became a
role model to young professionals. In 2000 as microdermabrasion was
exploding in the spa industry, Henry became the East Coast sales
representation for Dermaglow, a manufacturer of microdermabrasion machines.
Additionally, she became spa director at Spa Harmony at the W.R. Cameron Wellness
Center in Washington, Pennsylvania. It was in this holistic environment that Henry
developed newskills in lymphatic drainage and began custom-blending essential oils and
herbs for use in her treatments. Subsequently she accepted a position as an
esthetician at an Aveda concept salon and spa in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Henry¹s mother, Marianne Dougherty, editor in chief of American Salon
magazine, introduced her to Patty Schmucker, founder of DoshaCare, in 2008.
Henry was so impressed with the line of customized Ayruvedic skin care
products that she has accepted a position as lead educator for the company.
She looks forward to sharing her years of experience and love for her
profession with estheticians around the country.
Rachel also worked with us as our head educator and esthetician at the International Salon and Spa Expo at the Long Beach Convention Center this past weekend, Jan. 31-Feb. 2nd, where she and founder, Patty Schmucker taught a class called Beyond Beauty, Offer Wellness. During this class, Rachel demonstrated a 55 minute Ayurvedic facial complete with marma point therapy and gemstone wand massage. We are so honored to have Rachel join our team and head up our developing education program. Look for a new segment on our blog called “Ask Rachel” every Friday. Please send any questions you might have about skincare, Ayurvedic facial treatments, problematic skin conditions, etc. to jessica.c@doshacare.com and then Rachel will post her answers here every Friday.
The eco gurus at LOHAS have praised the DoshaCare line for our attention to detail and true transparency when it comes to our environmentally conscious standards. Check it out and read about other Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability.
Pan-Fried Paneer and Fresh Avocado with Pineapple-Papaya Salsa
(For Vata and Pitta balancing diets)
You will need:
1 cup 1/2″ paneer cubes
1 cup diced firm avocado (dice just before serving)
1 cup baby spinach leaves, trimmed and washed
10 almonds, soaked, blanched and slivered
2 tablespoons ghee
For the salsa, you will need:
2 tbsp chopped ripe pineapple
2 tbsp chopped ripe papaya
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1/4 tsp minced fresh ginger
1 tsp minced fresh cilantro
Rock salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Combine all the salsa ingredients in a bowl, mix well, and set aside to blend.
Heat a non-stick skillet and add the ghee.
When the ghee has melted, lay out the paneer pieces in a single layer on the skillet. After a couple of minutes, turn the pieces over carefully with the tip of a knife to the other side. Continue turning until all sides are done. When done, all the paneer pieces should have a light golden look on all sides.
Scoop the paneer out and set aside; then toast the almonds in the ghee for a couple of minutes. Scoop out from the pan and set aside.
Now add the spinach leaves to the pan and wilt slightly, a couple of minutes. Remove pan from heat.
Line a serving dish with the wilted spinach. Combine the paneer and avocado gently and lay the mixture over the spinach. Sprinkle the almonds on top.
Drizzle the salsa over the dish.
Enjoy warm.
(Serves 2 as a side-dish)
Ghee: The Golden Cooking
Oil of Ayurveda
Ghee is the cooking oil of choice in ayurveda. It is made by cooking butter to remove all the milk-solids and water, so that what’s left is a pure golden oil with a royal flavor and aroma. Once you have cooked with ghee, you’ll never go back to using oil or butter again!Ghee can be used for sautéing, stir-frying, deep-frying, baking, for popcorn, or as a spread. It’s so flavorful that you’ll need much less ghee than butter or other kinds of oil.
New Spa Products I liked at the NY Spa & Resort Expo
By Susie Ellis, SpaFinder Insider
It’s been a few weeks, but I thought I would jot down a few impressions from the expo I visited here in New York in September. It was the New York Spa & Resort Expo and Conference, which also had a Medical Aesthetics section. With so many spa shows around the world – and quite a few in the U.S. – it is always a treat when I can just hail a cab and not have to hop on a plane to take part.
Since I am one of the judges of their “New Product Showcase,” it gives me a chance to see what is brand new. Sometimes it is overwhelming because there are so many new products; however, it is also fun to see what creative things have been developed. Here are the results of this year’s showcase for those of you who want to stay up to date:
“Best of Show” DoshaCare: I liked the fact that someone was taking Ayurvedic principles and extending them further to match with the right skin care. Targeting Vata (dry skin), Pitta (normal to sensitive skin), Kapha (oily or congested skin) is an interesting way to incorporate Ayurveda for people who aren’t having an Ayurvedic treatment.
Excerpts from Nourishing Body and Soul by Deepak Chopra, David Simon and Leanne Baker.
1. Eat a wide variety of foods during the day.
Up until about 10,000 years ago, we spent most of our days hunting and gathering food. During the course of a day, we sampled dozens if not hundreds of food sources. In addition to any animal protein we could snare, we ate a diverse range of roots, leaves, fruits, nuts, berries, beans, mushrooms, and seeds…The average Western diet is much more limited in variety, and as a result we miss out on the extensive natural pharmacy that is available.
2. Listen to your body’s signals of hunger and satiety.
Your appetite is your ally. Listen to it. You probably don’t go to the gas station when your fuel tank is half full. Don’t sit down at the meal table if your stomach is half full. Consider your appetite as a fuel guage from 0 (completely empty) to 10 (stuffed).
3. Use food to fill the emptiness in your stomach, not your heart.
We learn to associate comfort with food at an early age. As adults we sometimes seek food for its soothing, rather than nutritional, properties. This often results in poor digestion, disturbed sleep and weight gain. Use food to feed your body. Develp conscious communication skills to fill your heart.
4. If the meal isn’t delicious, it isn’t nourishing you.
If you are struggling with a diet that you believe is good for you, but do not find at all appetizing, it will not ultimately be nourishing and you will not be able to stay with it for long…you do not have to sacrifice delicious meals for good health.
5. Favor foods that are natural and vital.
To the extent possible, favor fruits and vegetables that are locally grown, freshly harvested, and prepared as soon as possible after picking. Not only are they more delicious, but you are sending your body the message that it is receiving the highest quality health-promoting nutrients.
6. Use herbs and spices liberally as both flavor and health enhancers.
Become familiar with the culinary and health-promoting effects of herbs and spices and use them generously. Even the simplest quickly prepared meal can be transformed into a culinary delight through the appropriate use of seasonings.
7. Eat with awareness.
A principle of Ayurveda is: How you eat is as important as what you eat. If you gobble down your meal while driving or watching television, it will not be as nourishing or life supporting as when you eat with awareness. Savor your food through all five senses.
In Ayurvedic tradition, meditation is seen as a necessary tool to bring balance and happiness to our lives. Being raised in a tradtionally Christian home, I have in the past been skeptical if I could ever really learn and embrace meditation. Working with Patty and learning primordial sound meditation, I actually have, on occasion, been able to “slip into the gap”. But, still I struggle to explain it to some of my equally skeptical friends. But I found this video that I think does a great job of simplifying meditation as a step by step practice, just as a yoga pose or workout routine would be. If we try to think about it as part of a healthy regimen such as eating an organic balanced diet and exercising a few times a week, I think that mediation just makes sense as a way to feel better from one day to the next. If we could just take five minutes a day to close our eyes and focus inwardly, we’d all be much more relaxed people, don’t you think?
For more tips on meditation, please check out Max SImon, a member of our Advisory Board, on www.getselfcentered.com.
“Anyone who believes that anything can be suited to everyone is a great fool, because medicine is practised not on mankind in general, but on every individual in particular”. ~Henri de Mondeville
It seems at the beginning of each new season I know at least three people who get sick. For those of us who can’t afford to take time off when our bodies start to drag, here’s some wisdom from Ayurvedic practitioner Dr. Robert Svoboda on ways to make the seasonal transition a bit smoother. Check out his book Ayurveda for Women.
“Ayurveda tells us that diseases are generated at the junctions of the seasons, the moments when one season changes into another. Whenever our environment (internal or external) changes, our systems must change with it, and every time we adapt poorly we expose ourselves to the possibility of disease….One of the strongest determinants of intensity, both in the thing that affects you and the degree to which you are affected by it, will be the season in which it occurs…. Plants and animals, which have no conscious time sense, have Nature to keep them “in sync” with the seasons…. Ayurveda recognizes four main “seasonal” cycles that apply to men and women alike. Establishing a rhythm in each of these cycles is essential to continued physical health, for it helps you to flow in the direction that is most appropriate for you”.
”Vata which waxes during the summer, climaxes in the autumn…” therefore Autumn is the season in which people should be reducing Vata in their system.
It’s important to create or stick to a routine in times of imbalance. Try to wake up and go to sleep at the same times every day.
Also schedule your workouts and meals for the sames times every day, if possible. This creates a consistent rhythm that the body and mind respond well to, especially in times of change. The Vatas find it very difficult to maintain regular habits, that is, to eat and sleep at regular times. But this is the most important thing for them to do. When Vata is out of balance this may feel almost impossible, but an effort to establish a regular routine is very important for all people with a Vata body type. Rest sufficiently, and choose foods, behaviors, personal relationships, and environmental circumstances which can be instrumental in balancing vata characteristics. It is also important to regulate mental and physical impulses and to modify mental attitudes, emotional states, and behaviors in supportive ways.
Sweet, sour, and salty tastes decrease vata influences, so include these tastes if vata influences need to be diminished. Milk, wheat, rice, and some fruits and berries can provide sweet and sour tastes.
Regular exercise should be relaxed and moderate. Hatha yoga practice in a meditative mood is good, as are t’ai chi, walking, and swimming. Avoid strenuous, competitive, frantic activities.
When possible, associate with people who are calmly purposeful. Meditate every day for deep relaxation.
With these tips, hopefully we can all avoid the seasonal cold or flu and maintain balance.
For more information on these and other ways to balance your dosha, check out www.holisticonline.com/ayurveda.
I always have serious skin issues when the seasons are changing. I break out and have excess dryness all at the same time. So I try my best to stay hydrated all throughout the day, eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and Omega 3 rich fish and nuts, but even that isn’t enough. Thankfully I have access to the DoshaCare products, so I engaged the help of the Pitta Soothing Masque to balance out my skin and provide it the moisture it is craving. I’ve even been known to fall asleep with this masque on only to wake an hour later panicking that I hadn’t yet rinsed. Well, to my and your delight, this masque is so calming, soothing and gentle that it left only the smoothest, most plump complexion in its wake. How many masques do you know of that you can leave on for an hour without irritating or drying out your skin?
“Following in the wake of sustainable fashion, less-toxic makeup is now available everywhere from the drugstore (Physician’s Formula’s new Organic Wear line) to makeup megastore Sephora.) But for a serious selection of the most toxin-free cosmetics, check out online retailers Kaia House and Futurenatural.” TheDailyGreen.com contributor Starr Vartan.
For all of us who don’t want to have to sacrifice sleek beauty for our eco conscious ideals, Josie Maran’s makeup line is the perfect fit. After a decade long contract as the face of Maybelline, Josie sought to fill a void in the market in a way that was closer to her personal philosophies. Launched in 2007, the line is positioned as “luxury with a conscience”. Prices range from $12 – $48 and offers great seasonal palette collections and there famous “bear wipes”, makeup remover wipes with polar bears on the packaging, reflecting the brands environmental respsonsibility. With each purchase of these wipes, a portion will go to support of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Polar Bear SOS initiative.
So we’ve now learned that we need to calm our Vata in the fall. We’ve also learned that Vata responds well to warm foods, therefore I’m eager to try this recipe that sounds like the perfect meal for a chilly October night.
1 small head of cauliflower (about 1 pound), cored, cut into 1-inch florets
2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon truffle oil*
1 refrigerated pie crust
1 large onion, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 large eggs
1 (7- to 8-ounce) container mascarpone cheese (Italian cream cheese)*
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
Pinch of ground nutmeg
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
*Available at some supermarkets, specialty foods stores, and Italian markets nationwide.
Preparation
Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 425°F. Toss cauliflower with 1 tablespoon olive oil in large bowl. Spread on large rimmed baking sheet, spacing apart. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast 15 minutes; turn florets over. Continue roasting until tender, about 25 minutes longer. Cool cauliflower, then thinly slice. Drizzle with truffle oil; toss. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
Press pie crust onto bottom and up sides of 9-inch-diameter tart pan with removable bottom. Line pie crust with foil; fill with pie weights. Bake crust 20 minutes. Remove foil and pie weights; bake until crust is golden, about 5 minutes, pressing crust with back of fork if bubbles form. Cool crust. Maintain oven temperature.
Heat remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add onion; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until onion is deep golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 40 minutes. Cool slightly. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Store crust at room temperature. Cover and chill cauliflower and onion separately.
Brush bottom and sides of crust with mustard. Spread onion in crust. Arrange cauliflower evenly over. Set tart on rimmed baking sheet. Whisk eggs and next 4 ingredients in medium bowl. Stir in Gruyère. Pour mixture over filling in tart pan; sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake until tart is golden and center is set, about 40 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool 15 minutes before serving.
“Every woman who heals herself helps heal all the women who came before her and all the women who came after her.” – Christiane Northrup.
By healing ourselves or simply taking genuine care of oursevles, we affect the people who we love, and even those that we casually come into contact with every day. Good health and positive emotion is contagious, so lets spread it around.
By Cait Johnson, Assistant Producer of Care2 Healthy Living Channels.
Anyone with young children has probably seen first-hand the effects of Halloween candy overload on sensitive systems. Yipes! But we don’t want to be killjoys: trick-or-treating is a magical part of the Halloween experience. So here are some great ideas for alternatives to the candy bars and other sugary horrors that will fill most kids’ trick-or-treat bags this Halloween.
These easy-to-find imaginative treats won’t add to the sugar load, only to the fun!
Food Treats
These make healthier alternatives to the usual glut of sugary stuff:
Small boxes of organic raisins
Bags of trail mix or peanuts in the shell
Envelopes of instant cocoa
Organic mozzarella sticks
All-natural 100 percent juice boxes
Healthy chewing gum (natural flavors and sweeteners, no dyes)
Sun Drops (sort of like dye-free M&Ms)
Small boxes of healthy cookies or crackers
Non-Food Treats
I live in a village where she gets upwards of 150 trick-or-treaters. If you get mobbed at Halloween, you could try my method: I cleaned out her piggy bank and doled out the spare change. My little ghoulies and ghosties were thrilled.
Other fun ideas for non-edibles include rubber spiders, stickers, small packets of crayons or markers, pencils with fun-shaped erasers, miniature pumpkins, or small charms. Look in your local dollar store for fun and inexpensive goodies.
Come by our Suite at the Venetian Hotel during ISPA November 10-13 and try our DoshaCare products or make an appointment for a service. For more information contact me at jessica.c@doshacare or call 1.310.802.7884.
www.1greenproduct.com posted this blog today about the health hazards associated with volatile organic compounds or VOCs found in many household products, specifically paint, and a company that has introduced a new line of healthier alternatives to a home interior design staple. I think it’s really important that people in industries other than fashion, nutrition, and of course beauty, are making it a point to provide greener solutions to the consumer. It’s rather unnerving to think about all the household chemicals that we’re probably surrounded by all the time, many of us oblivious to the potential for health risks. I, myself, need to investigate these healthier and more eco friendly alternatives. Just a thought.
Eye, nose and throat irritation. Headaches. Loss of coordination. Nausea. Damage to the kidney, liver and central nervous system.
Doesn’t sound like much fun, but those are just some of the problems that the EPA says Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can cause.
Where do VOCs lurk? Let’s quote the EPA again:
Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored.
Generally speaking, the EPA says that levels of VOC pollutants are 2-5 times higher indoors than outdoors, which speaks volumes to all the volatile chemicals we have inadvertently introduced into our living spaces.
That’s why it’s so great to see paint manufacturers creating VOC-free formulations. Take Olympic’s line of Premium Interior Paint. These zero VOC/low odor paints come in a rainbow of 1200+ colors so you can avoid VOCs no matter what sort of wacky paint job you want to make.
Olympic Premium Interior Paints carry a Green Seal Certification. We downloaded the Green Seal standards for paints and coatings, which states that in order to get Green Seal certification paints cannot contain “any ingredients that are carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins, hazardous air pollutants or ozone-depleting compounds.” There are strict prohibitions on specific compounds (heavy metals, phthalates, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, etc.) as well as tight limits on VOCs.
(FYI, Olympic has its own Going Green page, where it notes that Green Seal meets EPA criteria for Third Party Certifiers. All of which goes to show that there is some seriously intense certifying going on around here!)
Removing all those VOCs doesn’t seem to have affected paint performance. In fact, Olympic says the Premium Interior Paints quality and durability reimain strong, while stain resistance has actually improved. The company backs up these claims with a 25-year warranty.
So you can turn your walls into a work of art with confidence that it will last for decades without off-gassing any nasty organic compounds.
This eco tidbit comes to us from sprig.com in honor of my friend and associate Heather, who just had baby, little Quincy Rose. Now, Heather is a very eco conscious mom, but this statistic floored me.
The Great Diaper Debate:
Americans throw away 570 diapers per second, 49 million diapers per day, and spend upwards of $2,000 in diapers per child. What’s more, these diapers will still be in landfills 300 years from now. Consider using, even for part of the time, reusable cloth or biodegradable diapers.
Check out Seventh Generation for safe and eco friendly baby products at www.seventhgeneration.com and www.gdiapers.com for diapers that are compostable, flushable or tossable.
I love Sprig.com. I love their dedication to green living while maintaining their stylish sensibility. They don’t take themselves too seriously, like a best girlfriend they always have just the answer we’re looking for. And they have quizzes and polls. I love nothing more than a fun quiz that helps you learn just a bit more about yourself. Here’s a recent one with a different slant on being green. Give it a whirl at http://www.sprig.com/What_Type_of_Green_Are_You.
By the way, I’m a “Viva-La-Vintage Vixen”. What are you?
Dosha Care offers a complete line of customized Ayurvedic skin care depending on your dosha which essentially beaks down to dry, normal or sensitive, or oily.
Their Hydrating Moisturizer is incredibly rich, and surprisingly packaged in a neat little bottle instead of the usual jar that usually houses creams. The scent is intoxicating and it blends right into the skin.
Also check out their Eye and Neck Balm, just the right amount of moisture for 2 delicate and often overlooked areas.
The latest issue of DaySpa magazine regales the scientic benefits of saunas.
“Europeans have soaked themselves in saunas for centuries, utilizing the heat therapy for cleansing and relaxation. While regular sauna-goers may tout the skin benefits, until recently they had no science to back those claims. But there’s finally scientific proof that regular sauna use leads to a more stable epidermall barrier function, an increase in stratum corneum hydration, and faster recovery of water loss and skin pH, according to a recent study in Dermatology. Researchers at the University of Jena in Germany say the heart and skin benefits are akin to exercising–the more frequently you do it, the greater the benefits.”
We will be launching our relationship with the Y Catalog in nextweek’s newsletter. We are so excited to work with the trusted authority in yoga lifestyle products. Here’s what Keri Lasalle, the Y Catalog’s co-founder had to say about the DoshaCare product line:
“Finally a skin care product that takes into account your doshic conditioning. [These are] products that surpass mainstream daily care products on many of the most basic levels. I am so excited to discover these extraordinarily well composed, all natural, superhuman products that cater to one’s full spectrum of needs.
Thank you, DoshaCare, for being so clever and modern, by bringing us some of the most effective, ancient science.”
- Keri Lasalle, the Y Catalog
Keep your eyes out for DoshaCare in the Y Catalog coming soon!
Ayurveda is a system of medicine that combines natural therapies with a personalized approach to the treatment. This form of health care focuses equally on the wellness of the body, mind, and spirit where an imbalance results in illness. There are three doshas, which govern the body: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The mouth is the seat of the kapha dosha, care must be taken not to vitiate it. Problems with this dosha lead to several dental problems some of which are:
Bad breath
Toothache
Bleeding gums
Yellow teeth
Tooth decay
Ayurveda suggests a wide range of herbal and dietary solutions to dental problems some of which are:
Neem
The neem tree is a traditional remedy for white healthy teeth. Neem twigs are used as toothbrushes. Neem oils contain astringent and antiseptic properties to fight bad breath, kill microorganisms accumulated on the teeth and combat dental caries.
Turmeric
Besides flavoring food, purify blood; dental remedy is probably the most common use of Turmeric in Ayurveda. Prepare a mixture of a quarter teaspoon of common salt with mustard oil and apply on the affected tooth. Its daily use prevents dental caries, foul breath, bleeding from the gums, painful gums, and toothaches. Burn some turmeric sticks; make a fine powder and use as tooth powder. Gumtone is a trusted tooth powder from Charak Pharma.
Clove
Another remedy for toothache is in the use of clove, which lessens pain. It also helps decrease infection due to its antibacterial properties. Clove oil, applied to a cavity in a decayed tooth, also reduces toothache. Use a paste of zinc oxide powder and clove oil to fill the cavity in the aching tooth, also preventing food materials from accumulating in the cavity. Peel and crush a clove of fresh garlic and mix it with peanut butter. Apply it to the aching tooth and keep it there for some time.
Vitamin C prevents decay and loosening of the teeth, dental caries, toothache, and bleeding of the gums. Take Vitamin C rich diet to fight against toothache.
Sugar from candy, cookies, soft drinks and desserts damages teeth and gums hence should be avoided.
Also, stay tuned to get our Advisory Board Member, holistic dentist Dr. Jerry Bottomley’s additional comments on the topic of dental health as relating to your specific dosha.
Mother and daughter combo Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson have several things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Their coauthored book, “Celebrate Green,” has found success for its savvy, stylish advice on how to make every holiday of the year greener. Going green, which can be expensive, may be difficult this Thanksgiving, though. You’re already shelling out a lot of money for a big meal, and many people are feeling the recession’s pinch. There’s also a great deal of family ritual and custom attached to the day. “Thanksgiving is not the best holiday to go overboard on going green,” said Colwell. “People have strong feelings about tradition.”
Colwell and Colwell-Lipson know that it’s tough to splurge on expensive Thanksgiving foods, so they’ve offered up six ways to save money and food on turkey day that are both green and subtle.
Buy only key items organic: Some people balk at the cost of organic food because they think that it’s an all-or-nothing deal. Instead of looking at your whole shopping list as organic, purchase organic items only where it counts—meaning items most likely to transmit pesticides to you. These foods from the “Dirty Dozen” list (the 12 produce items most likely to carry pesticide residue) are the ones most likely to show up in your Thanksgiving feast: apples, celery, grapes, lettuce, pears, potatoes, spinach. But if asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, corn, eggplant, peas, or onions show up in any of your recipes, it’s OK to get these conventionally grown.
Host a potluck: Spreading the work out makes it easier and cheaper for the host family without lessening the food to share. Besides, you’ll have the added benefit of oohing and aahing over each other’s dishes and learning new recipes. “It brings meaning and input from the family,” said Colwell-Lipson. “The tradition will live on through several generations.” And you’ll have the anticipation of looking forward to Aunt Mary’s famous pumpkin pie each year.
Plan ahead: Buying a locally raised, organic turkey can definitely add to the price of your meal. That’s why Colwell and Colwell-Lipson advise planning ahead for next year. “In January, look ahead at your whole year and think about the holidays,” said Colwell. “If you’re interested in a 20-pound heritage turkey, you think, ‘I can’t spend that much on a turkey.’ But if you divide that by the number of expected guests and people put away $2 a month, you have your money. Panic causes us to spend more.”
Package leftovers in reusable containers: After a big Thanksgiving celebration, there may be more leftover turkey sandwiches and pie than any family can eat for lunch the following week. Colwell-Lipson sends leftovers home with guests, but not in Ziploc baggies or Saran-wrapped paper plates. “I save up glass jars from spaghetti sauce, and any leftovers get packed up and sent home in those, so they can be enjoyed later,” she said.
Buy less food: We waste so much of what we prepare for Thanksgiving—about a quarter of our food, said Colwell. To prevent food waste, the solution may simply be to cut back on things that aren’t as necessary. “If people just consider reducing 25 percent in their amount of food, or variety of food, they would save. Do we need both sweet and mashed potatoes—could we do without one?” she said. Both of the authors advise discretion here, though: “Saying ‘we’re not feeding you as much this year’ is not going to fly,” Colwell said.
Use smaller plates: Because of the size of some dinner plates, people often take more than they can—or should—eat. If you use smaller dinner plates, people often eat just what’s in front of them, and they can always come back for more if they are still hungry. This is an especially good idea for kids, who may take two bites of stuffing before abandoning the dinner table to go play with their cousins. “With children, people give them way too much on their plates,” said Colwell. “Ask Suzy what she likes. She’ll come back for more.”
Among the many natural plants and herbs that people in India use for their medicinal properties, the Neem tree (L. Azadirachta Indica) is one of the most beneficial for natural or Ayurvedic medicine. Found over most of the forested regions of the Indian Subcontinent, as well as in other countries of similar climatic conditions, the Neem tree can thrive in climates that range from hot, or tropical (45 degrees Celsius) to altitudes of semi-temperate, higher altitude regions, with temperatures slightly above freezing. Used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for more than 2,000 years, the Neem tree’s bark, Neem leaves, Neem seeds, and roots can be made into various medicinal remedies for a wide range of ailments, ranging from anti-hemorrhoids and loss of appetite, to leprosy and other skin disorders.
For generations, Indian medical practitioners have made poultices from Neem leaves to cure skin diseases such as boils, ulcers, eczema, and ring worm. Pastes and extracts from Neem trees have also proven effective in treating various skin fungus conditions, including athlete’s foot and lesions in the mouth and vagina. More serious diseases such as chicken pox and small pox have been treated with Neem tree pastes; and even people suffering from herpes and hepatitis B viruses have obtained relief from Neem tree preparations.
Oil made from the Neem tree’s fruit and seeds is light to dark brown in color and somewhat bitter tasting; almost like a combination of peanuts and garlic. The oil contains quantities of steroids, including beta-sitosterol (used to treat men suffering from enlarged prostate glands) as well as linoleic and olei acids (Omega 6 and 9), and is found to contain the well known Omega 3 fatty acid (used to prevent arterial sclerosis). In addition to its medicinal properties, Neem oil is also used as a base for variety of organic cosmetics including soaps, shampoos, hand and body lotions and creams. It is also used as an organic bio-pesticide repellant against insects such as Japanese beetles, meal worms, and aphids.
For more information on authentic ingredients orginating from India, visit www.organicindia.com
So, I know that eating a big homecooked meal with friends and family is the modus operandi for most people on Thanksgiving, but the after effects can be quite unsettling. To help kickstart your body’s own detoxifying function, many physicians and nutritionists recommend an easy early morning fix for flushing out all the wrongs you may have done the day before.
Good Mornings with Lemon Water.
by Susan W.
Start your day out in a healthy way.
Many of us already know the benefits of drinking plenty of water and proper hydration, but with the simple addition of fresh lemon juice you may have yourself a very healing beverage.
I recommend that many of my patients begin each day…first thing in the morning…before any other food or drink (and yes, that means before your coffee..) with a glass of warm or hot lemon water. Why lemon water you may ask? The benefits are remarkable:
After a nights sleep the lemon water provides an ideal flush to the body’s systems..digestive, circulatory and elimination.
The lemon juice in particular is a great cleanser and purifier of blood, liver and kidney’s.
Lemon juice (although acidic in nature) is anionic and therefore produces an alkalizing effect on the body. This is important because the more alkaline your body is, the healthier it is. Disease states only occur when the body pH is acidic. Being alkaline also helps further the detoxification processes.
Lemon juice is a great source of Vitamin C: supports immune function. Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron and B-vitamins are also in lemon juice
Lemon juice supports digestive function and can relieve conditions such as heartburn, indigestion, flatulence diarrhea and constipation.
By simply drinking a glass or warm or hot lemon water you can shift your body in to a better state of health and in the end…prevent many future illnesses. And isn’t that what medicine should really be about: PREVENTION?
This powerhouse ingredient known for it’s healing and regenerative properties can be found in the following DoshaCare products:
Vata elixir,pitta cleanser,pitta masque, pitta moisturizer, pitta elixir, kapha cleanser, kapha masque, kapha elixir, sakala environmental shield, sakala sunscreen and the sakala eye and neck balm.
In India, the herb Tulsi also called holy basil (sometimes spelled “Tulasi”) has been widely known for its health promoting and medicinal value for thousands of years. Commonly called sacred or holy basil, it is a principal herb of Ayurveda, the ancient traditional holistic health system of India. holy basil is known as “The Incomparable One”, “The Mother Medicine of Nature”, and “The Queen of Herbs”.
The ancient rishis insured the integration of Tulsi into daily life by incorporating it in religious rituals. Hindus perform pujas (religious rituals) several times a month on auspicious occasions. The rishis included leaves of the primary three varieties of Tulsi (Rama, Krishna and Vana Tulsi) in the Charanamrita of the puja . In this way people at all levels of society routinely consumed Tulsi to their health benefit during worship in their temples and households. As a sacred plant and goddess, Tulsi is worshipped and venerated daily by traditional Hindus, and is part of all such households today. It is typically grown in an earthen pot in the family home or garden.
“Modern scientific research offers impressive evidence that Tulsi reduces stress, enhances stamina, relieves inflammation, lowers cholesterol, eliminates toxins, protects against radiation, prevents gastric ulcers, lowers fevers, improves digestion and provides a rich supply of antioxidants and other nutrients. Tulsi is especially effective in supporting the heart, blood vessels, liver and lungs and also regulates blood pressure and blood sugar.” Dr. Ralph Miller, former Director of Research for the Canadian Dept. of Health and Welfare.
How can Tulsi offer so many health benefits?
The unique chemistry of Tulsi is highly complex. Tulsi contains hundreds of beneficial compounds known as phyto-chemicals. Working together, these compounds possess strong antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, adaptogenic, and immune-enhancing properties that promote general health and support the body’s natural defense against stress and diseases. The essential oils in the leaves of Tulsi that contribute to the fragrance and refreshing flavor of Tulsi Tea, are a particularly rich source of valuable phyto-chemicals.
Yay, it’s December!!!! Unfortunately the U.S. is officially in a recession and a lot of us are looking at really cutting back this holiday season. Whether you’re getting creative and crafty to create homemade goodies or are looking for some eco friendly, but reasonably priced offerings, here are some of my favorite suggestions from friends and a few online treasures that you can feel good about giving.
This is my first installment in this series, but stay tuned in every week for more creative and unique finds on the cheap! Today’s treasures are from www.eco-artware.com and would be totally desirable gifts even if they weren’t sustainable.
These imaginative handmade stuffed critters bring a smile to every child’s face, no matter what their age. Made from clean recycled wool sweaters and stuffed with shredded recycled polyester, each of our piglets, ducklings, penguins and elephants are handmade by the Pear Tree Studio and may be gently handwashed. Because they are made from unique, reused materials, each animal is one of a kind. Whether for decorating or for the toy box, they make a great addition to the family.
$26.00
Jim Mullan and Tori Rhoades create jewelry from recycled watch parts and found objects for their company, Mullanium. Some of their pieces feature recycled metals — copper, brass and steel — plated with silver or enhanced with oxidation to provide an fascinating array of colors and finishes.
$48.00
2008 Snowflake Ornament The designs are created in a small foundry from recycled broken window panes which are then crushed, melted, colored and poured into original molds. Each ornament hangs from a white ribbon (included). This foundry donates all profits to its immediate community.
$10.00
I just love this ornament and it totally goes with my Holiday decor color scheme of red, silver and aqua. Gorgeous and Green!
I’ll be talking about homemade gifts for loved ones tomorrow, that express the personalization and love behind Christmas and not simply adding another posession to someone’s collection.
The Y Catalog is the authority in yoga lifestyle apparel, accessories and gifts. At www.theycatalog.com they’re offering fabulous gift giving ideas this holiday season but with their signature philanthropic twist. Each brand featured on the site has a seva or charity where proceeds from sales go. As for DoshaCare, $1.08 of each product purchased will go the YMCA (www.ymca.net), which serves to build stong kids, families, and communities in thousands of cities across the country and world.
At DoshaCare we are proud to be part of The Y Catalog community and to do our part in making the world a better place. Visit www.doshacare.com to see how else we try to care for our planet and the people inhabiting it. And look for our first Holistic Health Report to come out early 2009 with amazing advice on caring for our entire being from our spirituality to our physicality.
Welcome to my second installment of an affordably eco chic holiday. Today I want to focus on decor. Much debate goes on about how to define a “green” Christmas tree. I mean, it’s a tree for gosh sakes. My parents have done artificial trees for the last decade so they aren’t depleting any forests, but then there are a lot of chemicals that go into manufacturing an artificial tree. I, on the other hand, cannot exist in a world without the smell of pine accompanying my Christmas. I just got a four foot Noble fir and adore its chubby branches and beautiful pine aroma. The New York Times just ran an article called, “How Green Can a Christmas Tree be?” I didn’t even know there were such certifications applied to Christmas trees. Click on the link to read more : http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/garden/04garden.html?ref=garden
Okay, so I already loved www.etsy.com for one of a kind, homemade gifts, accessories, clothing, etc., but these eco friendly stockings are really sweet and you got to love the untraditional holiday colors.
“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.”
When they say “with care” they are, of course, referring to environment. (Duh.) Which is why these rikrak felt stockings — handmade from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles — perfectly fit the bill. Plus they’re absolutely adorable. Whether you choose a personalized monogram or just a simple, festive motif, these environmentally-responsible stockings will make a whimsical addition to your holiday.
As people of the modern era, we are conditioned to be very reactive in nature. With the enormous amount of stimuli out there, from television commercials telling us to buy now, to cell phones that have trained us to react immediately to their ring or buzz, we are an “ACT NOW” society. Why are we in such a hurry? I came across this article by another blogger, Dr. Pascal Jalabert, a renaissance man of mental health and wellbeing. http://pascaljalabert999.blogspot.com/ He’s a psychologist, psychotherapist, and naturopath, and his words really got me thinking about how I interact with other people and situations. All I have control over is my response. This idea is intrinsic to the Ayurvedic philosophy, in that creating balance in interpersonal situations is a pathway to overall balance and wellness. Read on to find out more.
“Become Less Reactive and More Responsive”
Saturday, May 26, 2007
In business and in life, we have essentially two psychological modes that we are in most of the time: reactive and responsive. The reactive mode is the one that feels stressful. In it, we feel pressured and are quick to judge. We lose perspective and take things personally. We’re annoyed, bothered and frustrated.
Needless to say, our judgment and decision-making capacity is severely impaired when we are in a reactive state of mind. We make quick decisions that we often regret. We annoy other people and tend to bring out the worst in them. When an opportunity knocks, we are usually too overwhelmed or frustrated to see it. If we do see it, we’re usually overly critical and negative.
The responsive mode, on the other hand, is our most relaxed state of mind. Being responsive suggests that we have our bearings. We see the bigger picture and take things less personally. Rather than being rigid and stubborn, we are flexible and calm. In the responsive mode, we are at our best. We bring out the best in others and solve problems gracefully. When an opportunity comes our way, our mind is open. We are receptive to abundance.
Once you are aware of these two drastically different modes of being, you will begin to notice which one you are in. You’ll also notice the predictability of your behavior and feelings when you are in each mode. You’ll observe yourself being irrational and negative in your reactive mode and calm and wise in your responsive state of mind.
Simply becoming aware of the different dynamics of your mind will open the door to tremendous changes in your life. You’ll begin to notice when you fall into a reactive state of mind. You’ll feel your own impatience. When this happens, simply say to yourself, “Whoops, there I go again” or something to this effect. Any type of simple acknowledgment will do the trick. You’ll discover, as you notice and acknowledge your own reactivity, coupled with your understanding that, in all cases, it pays to be more responsive, you’ll quickly come out of a reactive mode and fall into a more responsive state of mind.
A responsive state of mind is fertile ground for success. When your mind is clear and relaxed, you pave an open channel for abundance and joy. There is a direct and clear relationship between how much time you spend in a responsive state of mind and your own level of success. The more you are able to stay out of reactivity, the more opportunities will present themselves. Beginnings right now, use the power of responsiveness to create your own success.
Second City Style Fashion Blog – Style, Luxury, Beauty & Shopping
Up-to-the-minute fashion, beauty and style for women with seriously good taste.
December 11, 2008
Beauty Beat. Banish Dry Winter Skin with DoshaCare
Winter is almost upon us and I don’t know about you, but I have noticed my skin is has been getting noticably
dryer in recent weeks. As the seasons change and winter strolls along skin becomes loses hydration more quickly. That’s when it’s time to change up or your revisit your skincare needs. The DoshaCare Vata Collectionis formulated with natural botanicals and royal Ayurvedic herbs to treat your skin with gentle cleansing and ultimate moisturization. Use the four step system or just switch out your elixir to keep skin be hydrated to perfection all winter long!Cleanse
A gentle cleansing cream, the Vata Cleansing Crème is formulated with Olive Oil which mimics the skin’s natural oils and protects the delicate moisture balance of the skin.
Hydrate and Purge
Soothe skin while providing nourishment and hydration with the Vata Hydrating Masque. Rose Hip provides intense hydration while Wild Yam Extract improves skin elasticity and moisture-retention levels for a more youthful appearance.
Moisturize
The Vata Hydrating Moisturizer provides deep hydration to skin using natural oils and botanicals. Avocado nourishes and conditions skin while Jojoba moisturizes and treats dry skin and wrinkles.
Enhance
Whether you are a Vata, Kapha (oily) or Pitta (normal to sensitive) you may need a hydration boost in the dry winter months! The Vata Hydrating Elixir uses essential oils and nutrients to add maximum hydration to the skin. Use on clean skin or combine with any collection product for added moisturizing benefits. Protect and hydrate your skin during the cold winter months with DoshaCare products. I have been using theregimen for the past week and have noticed a huge improvement in my skin. Now I can’t wait for winter. OK, maybe I can, but my skin will probably look better than it has in years.
Second City Style Fashion Blog – Style, Luxury, Beauty & Shopping : Beauty Beat. Banis… Page 1 of 2
Around this time of year, the ravages of dry winter weather begin to take their toll on skin. Many of us, in an attempt to combat this dehydration, lather on the heavy moisturizers, which isn’t the most effective solution. Often, it’s the built up dead skin cells on the top layers of the skin that can hinder moisturizer from reaching the deeper layers. An effective exfoliating regimen can be the boost your skin needs in order to get all the benefits of a good moisturizer, and the side effect of a gorgeous glow doesn’t hurt either. DoshaCare’s founder, Patty Schmucker, has created this 3 step regimen to give you that healthy radiant glow that could rival any microdermabrasion treatment out there.
Use this Exfoliation Ritual as an effective anti-aging system that will address hyperpigmentation, boost radiance, and keep blemishes at bay.
Exfoliation Ritual
Day 1 – Apply Sakala Ama Release Tonic to dry skin, massage gently over the face, neck and décolletage.Apply your DoshaCare Cleanser over the Sakala Ama Release Tonic and massage gently.Remove with a warm terry or chamois wash cloth.Follow with elixir and moisturizer.
Day 2 – Apply your DoshaCare Cleanser and massage gently over the face, neck and décolletage.Remove with a warm terry or chamois wash cloth. Apply Sakala Exfoliant, as vigorously as your skin will tolerate over the face, neck and décolletage.Pay special attention to the sides of the nose, the cleft of the chin, cheek area where blush is applied, and around the hairline where makeup and body oils accumulate and create build up. Remove with a warm terry or chamois wash cloth.Follow with elixir and moisturizer.
Day 3 – Apply your DoshaCare Cleanser and massage gentle over the face, neck and décolletage.Remove with a warm terry or chamois wash cloth. Follow with elixir and moisturizer.
Day #4 Repeat Ritual steps 1-3
Should I do this ritual morning or night?
It can be done either as part of your morning ritual or night ritual, but not both.Choose which you will be more consistent with and incorporate this ritual at that time.
Can I just repeat Day 1 and 2 Ritual every day?
No, because over-exfoliation is the number one reason (second only to a lack of liquid intake) for the skin having a shiny, oily appearance by mid afternoon.Over-exfoliation breaks the acid mantle of the skin (a thin protective film naturally made by your body) and forces the skin to overwork to replenish this protective barrier.
My skin is very sensitive and manual exfoliation irritates my skin.
Follow this ritual and pay attention to your skin’s reaction.If redness or irritations occur, try these options.Apply Ama Release tonic on wet skin or mixed with your cleanser.If irritation still occurs, discontinue use of this product.Apply Sakala Exfoliant over your cleanser, massage very lightly, or apply just in areas were there is build up.If irrational still occurs, discontinue use of this product.
I am oily by mid-afternoon every day.
Make sure you are getting enough liquids into your body.Water is good, but any type of liquid found in foods, like soups, fruits, and vegetables also count for liquids.The more clear the liquid you consume, the better.If you are following this advice and practicing the DoshaCare Exfoliation Ritual, repeat the Day 3 Ritual for two or more consecutive days, until you see a balance restored to your skin.For example, your Ritual might be Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 3, Day3, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 3, Day3.
Do I need to clean my skin at night?
Cleaning your skin at night before you go to bed is VERY important as your skin is most active at night when other organs are resting and as a result, whatever is on your skin at night is deeply absorbed.
What if I have active acne?
For active acne conditions, apply Sakala Ama Release Tonic at night as a spot treatment to dry, clean skin.Follow with elixir and moisturizer.
Welcome to my third installment of Affordable Eco Chic Holidays. I’d like to focus on handmade and homemade gifts today. As we know, I absolutely adore www.sprig.com. They’ve got some great tips on homemade gifst using recycled products and garage sale finds. I found two really innovative ideas on the site, that I’d jump at in a second, to make for the people in my life.
“Give an old, weathered window pane a new life as a photo frame. We love this gift idea for newlyweds. Gather one wedding photo for each pane (ours had six). To create easy photo mats, cut leftover wrapping paper or cardstock to fit inside each pane. Then, center each photo on its mat and secure using a non-toxic paste. Place the frame right-side down and then lay the matted photo (also right-side down) into each pane. Use a staple gun or tiny nails to secure. For extra protection, cut a piece of brown postal paper to cover the back of the frame and tape on. Hang using a picture-hanging kit.” I just love the look of a rustic piece mixed with more modern, elegant decor, so you don’t have to be worried about matching the gift recipient’s decor.
Homemade Limoncello! This would be a great gift for the men in your life. Have you ever met a man who doesn’t love a gift of liquor?”The trick to this classic Italian liquor is letting the lemon peels steep in vodka for at least two weeks or more, so be sure to plan ahead! This recipe calls for a basic mix of sugar, organic lemons and good-quality vodka (we like Square One Organic vodka). Bottle the limoncello in a clean, recycled wine bottle and gift it with a pair of antique glasses like these”. www.sprig.com You could even include some beautiful italian biscuits or cookies. Mini break to Tuscany anyone?
$ 40.00 on www.bridgetoafrica.com. My very favorite find! This handmade copper bead bracelet is truly chic with a conscience. These copper wire and bohemian glass bead bracelets are handmade by Zulu women living on the banks of the Tugela River in South Africa. This site is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and Co-op America, with proceeds from the sales of these products benefit the artisans and their communities, with at least 50% of the product price paid to the artisans groups, and the remainder of the proceeds reinvested in community development, job creation, and training initiatives. They currently work with artisans in Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Zambia, Rwanda and Uganda to design, produce, and market high quality handmade products. And they’re products are just, hands down, beautiful. Hmmmmm….. I need to get shopping. And always remember, it’s the time we get to spend with the people we love that is truly the gift of this season.
Cupuacu, also Cupuassu or Copoasu, is a fruiting tree that grows in the rain forests of Brazil. Though it is farmed only in very few places in the Amazon river basin, the demand for cupuacu has been increasing rapidly. The increase in demand is due to the popularity of the fruit produced by these trees, and the many consumer products that can be made from it. The fruits are relatively large, about melon-sized with a husk-covered coconut-like shell. Inside the cupuacu fruit there are large seeds and creamy white pulp. It is the pulp of the cupuacu fruit that is so sought after. As a species, the cupuacu plant (Theobroma grandiflorum) is related to cacao, and the flavor is often compared to that of chocolate.
Part of the demand for cupuacu is the result of the limited supply. Though agriculturalists believe that it can be farmed in warm, tropical climates in many parts of the world, the farms are limited primarily to Brazil. Combine this with the existing local demand and the growing overseas demand, and there is just not enough cupuacu to go around. The fruit can only be harvested once a year, usually between February and April. The trees appear in size and shape very similar to their cousin cacao, growing to heights of anywhere between 15-60 feet, with broad, bright green leaves. A new cupuacu tree will normally grow between three and five years before bearing fruit.
Uses
With a taste that is often compared to already very popular foods, such as chocolate, banana, melon, or bubble gum, the cupuacu fruit is served in a wide variety of ways. When the seeds are processed using a method like that used to refine cacao seeds into chocolate, you get the base flavor for cupulate, a hot drink that is very much like hot chocolate. From the sweetened pulp of the cupuacu fruit comes a variety of desserts, including candy, jelly, ice cream, and juice. In addition to the sought-after taste, cupuacu is often harvested and sold as a health supplement.
Health Benefits
On the Today Show, Andrew Zimmern of the Travel Channel described cupuacu as “the pharmacy of the Amazon.” According to him, the populations that have been eating and cultivating cupuacu for generations look to the plant for a variety of treatments. Cupuacu is often used as a pain killer. It provides antioxidants and other benefits to the digestive system. In addition, the theobromides in cupuacu act like caffeine to provide energy and alertness. Finally, cupuacu is often sold as a lotion or cream because it has rejuvenating effects on skin. Source: www.cupuacu.com
DoshaCare is proud to say that Cupuacu is used in our Vata Hydrating Mask and the Sakala Eye and Neck Balm, two of our most luxuriously moisturizing products, due to the following properties. www.doshacare.com.
Known in the skincare world to soften skin and supports skin moisture and elasticity, Capuacu has an extremely high water absorption power (240% more than that of Lanolin).Cupuaçu butter (botanical source) can replace Lanolin (animal resource) in terms of water absorption being an excellent emollient that provides a pleasant touch and softness to the skin, facilitating the natural humidity and elasticity in damaged and dehydrated skins.If you compare Shea butter against Cupuaçu butter, you have the same performance in the skin, because it has a great quantity of stearic and oleic acid (around 40% each) like in shea butter.
Alarming reports surface from the Environmental Working Group about estrogens in some high end skincare creams. These reports are causing a stir in the skincare industry and confusing the consumer. Where does the confusion lie? Well estrogens and phyto-estrogens are two very different things. Estrogens occur naturally in our bodies but synthetic estrogens have shown in many studies over many years to have a direct link to carcinogenic actions in the body. Fox News Channel reported on the issue, with the headline “Estrogens applied to the skin shown to have a link tobreast cancer.”http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=11141248&ch=
However, phytoestrogens, which occur naturally in botanicals and have not been shown to have this same harmful link are getting confused by consumers for their notirous cousin. ”Evidence is accruing that phytoestrogens may have protective action against diverse health disorders such as prostate, breast, bowel, and other cancers, cardiovascular disease, brain function disorders, menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis“ Adlercreutz H (June 2002). “Phyto-oestrogens and cancer“. Lancet Oncol.3 (6): 364–73. PMID 12107024. http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1470204502007775. At DoshaCare we want to be as transparent as possible and educate the consumer. The organic craze, while very good for the environment and all who inhabit it, has led to much misleading information by marketers trying to capitalize on the well meaning intentions of consumers. DoshaCare products do contain botanicals, such as Wild Yam, that have phytoestrogens in them, and are very good for the skin, and in no way linked to the cancer causing estrogens.
Our friends at the Self Centered Tour have released this poignant short on meditation. Max Simon is the founder of the Self Centered Tour and a DoshaCare Advisory Board Member.
I’m curious. How many of you practice meditation either regularly or inconsistenly?
Put your best foot forward in 2009 with these 9 resolutions for 2009.
I will dust off my old Schwinn and/or join my fellow man on public transportation.
Whether by bus or bike, train or foot, change up how you get around. Doug Morgan, an attorney in Columbus, Ohio, decided to start biking to work and says he’s never looked back. By cutting back on driving even just one day a week, you significantly lower your carbon footprint and save money on your gas bill. Pedaling to work will help with one other resolution: losing those pounds that crept up over the holidays.
Henceforth, reusable bags and I will be joined at the hip. Save yourself from the deluge of plastic shopping bags that awaits you every time you open the broom closet. According to the EPA, Americans use nearly 400 billion plastic bags each year, many of which end up part of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch – a mass of plastic twice the size of Texas swirling 1,000 miles of the coast of California. Store a couple of reusable bags in your car, take a few to work, and keep one in your purse or backpack. Don’t limit these to the grocery store; use them wherever you shop. Eco chic shopping bags have skyrocketed in popularity and I now collect the cutest ones I find. I particulary love the one from Envirosax, which roll up to an impressively small size and are adorned with the chicest patterns and designs. Check them out at www.reusablebags.com.
I will only bask in the glow of fluorescent lights.
Vanquish voltage-consuming traditional lights! Replace burned out bulbs with CFLs or LEDs. These consume a fraction of the energy conventional bulbs use while shining just as bright. Less energy used equals less dollars spent on your power bill. General Electric has an online calculator that shows you just how much money you can save by making the switch.
I resolve to flip things off.
No, we’re not talking about the vulgar gesture, but about flipping switches. Untold millions of dollars are wasted lighting empty rooms and keeping appliances and electronics plugged in. A single video gamer can save one hundred dollars a year just by turning off her Wii or Playstation rather than leaving it in standby mode. If every gamer in the country remembered to do this, the U.S electricity bill could be slashed by one-billion dollars each year, eleven-billion kilowatt hours of electricity would be saved, and seven-million tons of carbon emissions eliminated.
I will buy natural cleaning products.
Get the 411 on 409. Resolve to buy a natural cleanser next time you run out. Conventional products are toxic and harmful to your body. Ammonia is a strong irritant linked to liver and kidney damage; bleach is a powerful oxidizer and can burn the skin and eyes. And don’t even get us started on oven cleaners. The good news is you don’t have to find a natural foods store to buy natural cleaners. Method and Seventh Generation brands are as available in the grocery story as their toxic cousins. If you want to try a darker shade of green, fill an old Windex spray bottle with equal parts water and household vinegar and start wiping down counters, sinks and floors. I personally can’t stand the smell of vinegar, so I’ll definitely be checking out Seventh Generation the next time I need to replenish my cleaning supplies. I’ve had one too many experiences of nausea after cleaning the shower.
I will not be tricked into buying bottled water.
Aside from being way more expensive than a gallon of gasoline – Evian costs over $20 a gallon to tap water’s seven cents a gallon—multiple studies have shown that bottled water is no cleaner or safer than what comes out of your faucet or hose. In fact, Aquafina now labels its water with the letters “PWS” for “public water supply.” Single-use plastic water bottles leach harmful chemicals into the water, especially as the bottles slowly break down in the trunk of your car. They’re also spawning grounds for bacteria and create unnecessary waste: ore than a million barrels of oil are used to manufacture more than 25 billion water bottles sold in the U.S. each year. Use an at-home water filter, and carry a reusable water bottle. My favorite sustainable water bottles are from EarthLust and are available at www.nubiusorganics.com. Here’s the one I currently carry>
I will become my own local stimulus package.
Instead of waiting for Obama to jump-start the economy, take steps to revive it on your own. Rather than driving miles away to a big-box retailer, head to merchants in your hometown. In other words: buy local. Not only is this great for your local economy (and these days it’s likely to need all the help it can get), but you may discover great, new things about where you live. Become your own stimulus package, and keep money in local hands. For farmer’s markets and local fare in your area check out www.eatlocalchallenge.com or www.chowhound.com.
I will learn about ten plant and animal species native to where I live.
Most Americans can probably named hundreds of companies and what they sell based only on their logos. But how many can name ten plant and animal species native to where they live? If you spent five minutes a week to learn about one new plant, you’d know 52 by 2010! Did you know that there are 18 species of butterfly indigenous to Southern California, including the Monarch? We are also the home of the large mouth bass. Fascinating!
I will up my green IQ and find out just how much of an impact I have on the planet.
Before you try and reduce you impact on the earth, it helps to know exactly what that impact is. Take the first step toward a greener new year by calculating your carbon footprint. Go one step further and calculate your diet’s carbon footprint.
The major philosophy behind Ayurveda is balance. Balance in life, health, relationships, career, etc. Somehow during the holidays between parties, marathon gift shopping, and four course meals, many of us get a case of Holiday Fatigue, and by January 1st, we are more than eager to regain the balance and ritual of life that we enjoy the other 11 months of the year. Here are a few ways in which I’m planning to detoxify and cleanse this month.
I consider myself a pretty healthy person, working out, hydrating and eating a variety of organic foods on a daily basis, but I too am feeling the need for a jumpstart cleansing after a champagne soaked holiday. Here, I’ve gathered a few recipes for some purifying concoctions from Healthy Healing by Linda Rector Page. You’ll notice the back to basics list of ingredients and simple methods for making them.
Rice Purifying Soup
Toast in a large pan until aromatic (about 5 minutes) the following:
2/3 cup lentils 2/3 cup split peas 2/3 cup brown rice
Add and cook over low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally:
2 cloves minced garlic
1 onion, chopped
3 cups water
3 cups vegetable broth
1 carrot, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1.2 tsp. ginger powder
The perfect dish to ignite your inner furnace and what is know in Ayurveda as agni, which is responsible for digestion, metabolism, and all over health.
After all the excitement and overindulgence associated with the holidays, it’s easy to be sucseptible to the cold or flu bug. This recipe for a detoxifying broth is said to work miracles on these encroaching feelings of sickness and general “rundownness”.
Cold Defense Cleanser
1 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons brandy
I haven’t gotten sick yet (knock on wood) in order to try this, so if anyone uses this concoction, please let me know the results. Check back tomorrow when I’ll talk about some other ways to regain balance after the holidays.
Finally start yoga. Okay, I admit it, for many years I said that I should start taking yoga. I think that finally, my maturity has caught up with me, and I’m actually centered and calm enough to invest an hour to slowing down, stretching out and focusing my energy. I’ve alwasy been more the cardio kickboxing, running 3 miles type. If it didn’t hurt and if people didn’t cringe at the thought of it, I didn’t think it was a grueling enough workout. Now that I’m headed towards 30, the idea of stretching all of my muscles and building strength without moving 80 miles a minute resonates with me much more. Not to mention the fact that yoga supposedly creates a leaner body line.
I thought I’d start out at home, so I don’t embarras myself in front of anyone until I get the hang of it. I found this hatha yoga video by www.myyogaonline.com on YouTube that looks just challenging enough and also has a sensual element to it. Fun, right?
I’ll keep you all posted on my progress. In no time I’ll be a much calmer, much more limber person. Namaste.
Amla or Amalaki has been renowned for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its slew of powerful healing properties. One of Ayurveda’s royal rasayanas (powerful tonics), the amalaki fruit and it’s byproducts are packed with antioxidants.
Here is a list of some of Amla’s internal health benefits:
Excellent source of Vitamin C
Enhances food absorption
Balances stomach acids
Fortifies the liver
Nourishes the brain and mental functioning
Supports the heart
Strengthens the lungs
Regulates elimination
Enhances fertility
Helps the urinary system
Good for the skin
Promotes healthier hair
Acts as a body coolant
Flushes out toxins
Increases vitality
Strengthens the eyes
Improves muscle tone
Acts as an antioxidant
Enhances immunity
You can find Amalaki in many nutritional supplements and tonics, as well DoshaCare products. Found in high concentrations in the Vata Elixir, Pitta Elixir and Kapha Cleansing Gel, Amla is used to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Known as the richest natural source of Vitamin C, Amla’s anti-aging powers both topically and internally are widely known. Ripe with minerals and amino acids, this ingredient also serves as an antibacterial astringent keeping skin clear and radiant. For more information on DoshaCare Products and Ayurveda visit www.doshacare.com.
This one comes from the book Breathing Space: Twelve Lessons for the Modern Woman by Katrina Repka and Alan Finger, as seen in Body and Soul Magazine, February 2009.
“To live each day as if it were your last, you would be trying to remedy all the mistakes you had made, all the regrets, all the things unsaid. If you live each day as if it were your first, you are freed from all obligations, all guilt, all regret.”
What worries me, personally, is that I feel like I can’t fully start my day or that I’m not as efficient and effective without my morning coffee. So I guess that makes me an addict. While, I have gotten into tea and hot water with lemon a lot more in the last year, it would behoove me to add some decaffeinated coffee to that repertoire. Maybe if it tastes like my regular morning coffee, than I can trick my brain into jumping to alertness after a cup or two, as it would if I were to drink my normal coffee. I already know that there are negative effects of caffeine in my personal use such as:
It is very dehyrdrating; I always have to play catch up with my water intake to rehydrate after my coffee in the morning.
It stains my teeth, therefore I have to whiten them to counter that side effect.
I get an energy letdown around 1pm that I’m sure is connected to the coffee I had at 7am, and I get the urge to go to Starbucks and refuel. Not healthy or economic.
These facts from www.myaddiction.com shed a sobering light on my and many other people’s addiction to caffeine. “Caffeine addiction is for real and to make matters more disheartening for the avid coffee drinker or cola fan, caffeine employs the same effects as alcohol, LSD, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, nicotine, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other major drugs. This makes caffeine the widest used psychoactive drug in the world.”
So what are the negative effects of caffeine? Here are just a few of the more common health problems that you may experience.
Too much caffeine can lead to cardiovascular problems.
When you consume caffeine, your blood pressure and heart rate will rise. Additionally, over time, an overuse of caffeine has been connected in some cases to heart disease.
Caffeine can lead to the increased risk of gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers. Additionally, problems with the esophagus can come about due to extended, regular consumption of caffeine.
Since caffeine stimulates stress hormones, this can lead to increased anxiety, insomnia, and tension. If you are like most people, increasing the amount of stress and anxiety in your life is not a good thing. There is enough of that to go around already!
If you become addicted to caffeine, it will be difficult to cut this out of your diet. When you finally decide to do so, you may experience symptoms associated with withdrawal. This includes irritability, headaches, and more.
Top Ten Coffee Alternatives:
Teeccino is the number one coffee alternative sold in the United States. This “herbal coffee” is meant to act as a replacement for anybody who is addicted to caffeine. With a great taste and none of the harmful side effects, Teeccino has quickly been taken to by tens of thousands of Americans. If you are looking for a coffee alternative, there is no better option.
While green tea contains some caffeine, it is nowhere near as much as coffee. This drink is full of antioxidants, and is much healthier than coffee. For many, this is a natural change that makes it easy to stop drinking so much coffee.
Much like green tea, black tea is also an effective coffee alternative. Many people love this option because of its strong flavor, as well as its great taste when mixed with milk. Additionally, black tea has half as much caffeine content as coffee.
Licorice tea contains no caffeine, and offers a sweet flavor that is sure to wake you up.
Yerba mate may not be a commonly known coffee alternative, but it offers many benefits. Not only is it caffeine free, but Yerba mate still offers a stimulating effect on the body.
Rooibos tea is very similar to black tea. The main difference is that this option is caffeine free. Just like black yea, this drink is full of antioxidants and other health benefits.
Chocolate powder may not be the best coffee alternative, but it is an option. While this powder does contain some caffeine, it is not nearly as much as a cup of coffee.
Chai consists of red, black, and green tea. While the black and green portions contain caffeine, the red does not. When compared to coffee, Chai has much less caffeine content.
Carob powder is similar to cocoa, but does not contain caffeine. Additionally, carob powder is known to have a positive effect on the digestive system.
This morning our founder, Patty Schmucker, was interviewed on Woman’s Day’s Talk Radio. Stay tuned to DoshacareBlog.com for the posted interview. During the interview, Patty was asked which essential oils and herbs people could use at home for homeopathic benefits. One botanical that she mentioned as being great for all skin types and doshas, was Ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha has been used as an herbal remedy for hundreds of years. It has many applications, and has been used by Native Americans and the people of Africa and India to treat inflammation, fevers, and to protect against infection or illness. It has also been used to boost the immune system, improve memory, and to promote overall wellness.
Ashwagandha or withania somnifera is a shrub that flourishes in India and North America. The roots of the ashwagandha plant have been employed for millennia by Ayurvedic healers. Ashwagandha has many beneficial elements, including flavonoids and members of the withanolide class. Numerous modern studies have found that ashwagandha is very effective in reducing inflammation, treating tumors, decreasing stress, increasing mental activity, invigorating the body, and as an antioxidant.
Ashwagandha can be found in all three DoshaCare elixirs, as well as the pitta masque, kapha cleanser and kapha masque. It’s affects on the skin are that of a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals from the environment, preventing oxidation of the skin which can result in fine lines, wrinkles and dehydration. And for acneic skin conditions, it provides a purifying affect in that ashwagandha has been used for years as an immunity booster against diseases. A powerhouse much like Vitamin C, but a bit more dynamic.
Our friends at www.myyogaonline.com are offering all doshacareblog readers this special limited time free trial coupon code so you can try their always growing library of yoga, Pilates, meditation, and wellness videos. Just visit the following link to try it now for two weeks free…https://myyogaonline.com/joinnow.html&code=FYFT247.
Do a lot more Volunteer Work. Our new president provided much inspiration in his inauguration speech about gettin up, dusting ourselves off, and taking action to make a better America. While volunteer work has always been something that was ingrained in us as children, as we get further into our adult lives, the process of accruing money and success often eclipses our philanthropic intentions. I vow to revisit my altruistic ideals and get more involved in 2009. Here are some great organizations that provide just that very opportunity.
Big Sunday – www.bigsunday.org - This organization boasts the largest annual citywide service event in America with hundreds of events and organizations you can volunteer with depending on your preference. Last year I chose to help clean up a rundown cat shelter in Glendale, and it was a really rewarding experience. I even almost adopted a cat that day. This year’s event will be held May 2nd and 3rd. Start checking the website for listings of different volunteer opportunities all over the county starting in April.
LA Works – www.laworks.com – This is another fabulous resource for a slew of LA based organizations, many with revolving volunteer opportunities. I’m interested in pursuing the Aviva Center, which is a center for abused and neglected teens. They only ask for two hours of your time to participate/ supervise in various athletic or artistic activities to brighten the day for these kids. Teens seem to be a segment of the population that is often forgotten and who need to be reached out to the most. I also want to check out the Food Bank of Southern California and the PetSave Foundation.
Volunteer Match – www.volunteermatch.org – An organization that matches people up with service opportunities in their area by zipcode or interest. The Voice for the Animals Foundation sparked my interest. They are always in need of volunteers to walk, interact with and socialize the animals that they’ve taken in off the streets and prepare them to be adopted.
My mom always said that when you are going through a rough time ( and let’s face it – our country has seen better days) the best way to get on the road to feeling better and moving forward is to help others. So true, so get out there and make a difference.
Come Visit the DoshaCare team, including founder, Patty Schmucker and members of our esteemed Advisory Board at the International Salon and Spa Expo at the Long Beach Convention Center January 31-February 2. In Booth #2040 We’ll be doing Customized Hand Facials, Ayurvedic Facial Services, Meditation, and Ayurvedic History and Personal Application of the 5,000 year old tradition. Patty and Max Simon (GetSelf Centered.org) will be teaching a class on how to turn beauty treatments into wellness rituals, and Patty will be sharing her branding secrets. All classes will be held next to the Convention Center at the Hyatt. Don’t miss the giveaway of up to $5,000 worth of services and products.
“Everything you need you already have. You are complete right now, you are a whole, total person, not an apprentice person on the way to someplace else. Your completeness must be understood by you and experienced in your thoughts as your own personal reality.” – Wayne Dyer
Gotu kola has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years in India, China and Indonesia. Its ability to heal wounds, improve mental clarity, and treat skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis were important reasons for its extensive use in these countries. It has also been called one of the “miracle elixirs of life” because legend has it that an ancient Chinese herbalist lived for more than 200 years as a result of using the herb.
“Give an old, weathered window pane a new life as a photo frame. We love this gift idea for newlyweds. Gather one wedding photo for each pane (ours had six). To create easy photo mats, cut leftover wrapping paper or cardstock to fit inside each pane. Then, center each photo on its mat and secure using a non-toxic paste. Place the frame right-side down and then lay the matted photo (also right-side down) into each pane. Use a staple gun or tiny nails to secure. For extra protection, cut a piece of brown postal paper to cover the back of the frame and tape on. Hang using a picture-hanging kit.” I just love the look of a rustic piece mixed with more modern, elegant decor, so you don’t have to be worried about matching the gift recipient’s decor.
Homemade Limoncello! This would be a great gift for the men in your life. Have you ever met a man who doesn’t love a gift of liquor?”The trick to this classic Italian liquor is letting the lemon peels steep in vodka for at least two weeks or more, so be sure to plan ahead! 
December28, 2008
Nine New Year’s Resolutions for a Greener and Cleaner 2009
