Yoga For The Winter Blues

As the weather shifts to chillier temps, many of us are finding ourselves with the sniffles or sore throats. Beat the symptoms of a common cold all year long with these yoga asanas, which help to balance the sympathetic (activity, or “fight or flight” response) and parasympathetic (rest and relaxation) systems. Anything that affects this balance, whether coming from the inside (like hunger, the need for oxygen, fear) or the outside (like temperature change, movement, watching a movie), requires a change from one state of balance, such as hunger, to another, such as digestion.

Because our immune systems consist of white blood cells that circulate in the blood and organs of the thymus located in the chest (above the heart and the spleen in right upper abdomen) you can help stop the common cold by a shoulder stand to draw blood to your head and throat, which brings more white blood cells to the areas where they are needed and helps relieve sinus congestion.

Shoulder Stand  (Sarvangasana)

Benefits: Brings blood to the head and throat, thereby relieving sinus congestion and stress, and strengthens the immune functions of the hormonal system.

How-to:

1.  Lie on your mat, press shoulders down and draw the shoulder blades toward the waist. 2.  Turn the upper arms out and extend them toward the legs, bring elbows close to trunk. 3.  Move the back ribs in and bend the legs with feet close to the buttocks. 4.  With palms up press elbows into the floor, exhale and lift the trunk, bending legs over the abdomen. 5.  Support the back with the hands and raise the trunk and legs higher, bringing the chest toward the chin; take the hands lower down and press the back ribs forward. Straighten the legs up until they are vertical and with the help of the hands raise the shoulder blades and extend the trunk up, lift the hips and stretch the legs.

Fish Pose (Matsyasana)

Benefits: Opens up the throat and lungs, increasing circulation while helping to break up congestion. Stimulates the thyroid gland in the base of the throat, helping to regulate metabolism. Stimulates the pineal gland in the center of the brain, releasing melatonin brings a relaxed response to the nervous system.  Increases blood flow to the thymus and the spleen helping white blood cells target infection.

How-to:

1.  Lie flat on the floor with your palms pressed against sides of your thighs. 2.  Shift your bodyweight to your elbows and raise your head and trunk. 3.  Arch your chest and lower the crown of your head to the floor, creating a “bridge” between your buttocks and head; expand your chest as much as possible. 4.  To come out of the pose, place your body weight on your elbows again and raise your head gently.

Yoga Nidra (Deep Relaxation)

Benefits: Relieves strain and tightness of the lower back.  This asana massages the abdominal organs and digestive tract, increasing circulation and pushing the contents of the bowel along, helping to relieve constipation. A powerful ancient meditation technique, it is also a scientific way to eliminate the root cause of all the negativities. This asana also allows heart to rest deeply and reduces stress, helping to strengthen the immune system. It is also helpful in balancing the hormonal system while stimulating the pineal, thymus and thyroid glands, which increases circulation into all major organs.

How-to:

1.  Lie on your back in a comfortable supine position with your arms and legs extended, about a foot-and-a-half apart, and your arms a few inches away from your body with your palms up. 2.  Close your eyes, breathing through your nose and begin relaxing. 3.  Bring your awareness to your right leg and foot. Tense the leg. Lift it off the floor a few inches. Tense a little tighter and let it drop. Roll it from side to side and just forget about it. Repeat with the left leg. 4.  Now, inhale and tense your pelvis and buttocks; squeeze the tension out. Most of us hold a lot of stress in this area, which can lead to disorders in the reproductive system as well as in the pelvis and hips. 5.  Inhale and fill your stomach with air. Hold it for a few moments, then release through your mouth – just let it gush out.

~ Spa Wellness

Natural Sunscreen Ingredients

Thanks to an increasing body of research on the UV-protective qualities of fruits, herbs and other plant-based ingredients, sunscreen manufacturers will soon tap more than minerals and chemicals for their formulations.

Beyond resveratrol and lycopene, which have been gaining momentum as plant-based sun care for several years, new research highlights propolis, strawberries, turmeric and more.

Check out the leading contenders with this roster of ingredients showing promise both for topical and ingestible applications.

Golden serpent fern

A tropical plant found in the Americas, golden serpent fern is touted for its ability to help ease skin inflammation issues such as psoriasis. New research published this month in Alternative and Complementary Therapies shows it also has sun-protective potential, acting as an antioxidant and helping to combat effects of excessive UV exposure when taken orally. In the study, 7.5 mg/kg of a golden serpent fern extract significant reduced sun damage in individuals with light complexions.

Green tea

The same research from Alternative and Complementary Therapies showed that applying green tea extract topically and taking it internally helped to maintain skin elasticity, which sun exposure can negatively affect. Plus, drinking a 2 to 3 percent green tea beverage reduced UVB skin damage.

Propolis

No longer taking a back seat to honey, beeswax and royal jelly, this resin-like material that honeybees collect from the buds of poplar and cone-bearing trees is gaining popularity in skin care and supplements. Next could be sunscreens. When applied to mice, a 16 percent concentration propolis cream provided an SPF 20, according to research.

Strawberries

We know it’s one of the healthiest antioxidant-rich foods on earth, topping the ANDI list of the most nutrient-dense fruits. But a new study published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry showed that strawberry extract—rich in antioxidants anthocyanidins and anthocyanins—also may display topical skin care benefits. According to the research, at a concentration of .5 mg/ml, strawberry extract helps to protect against UV radiation and reduce DNA damage.

Caffeine

When ingested, caffeinated beverages such as coffee may help fight UV-related skin cancer. But you don’t need to drink it to get the benefits: A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows caffeine has UV-fighting potential when applied topically as well.

According to the research, it may help guard against certain skin cancers by inhibiting ATR, a protein enzyme in the skin, leading to 72 percent fewer cases of a form of skin cancer called squamos cell carcinomas in mice. This adds to caffeine’s other topical benefits, including helping to reduce inflammation and cellulite.

Resveratrol

Found in the skins of grapes, some berries, raisins, peanuts and cocoa, this potent antioxidant has been gaining attention as a key antiaging ingredient for its ability to fight free-radical damage from the inside.

A more recent study, published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, showed that grape flavonoid antioxidants may also help prevent UVA and UVB damage when applied topically.

Lycopene

The main antioxidant in tomatoes, lycopene decreases inflammation and inhibits a tumor-promoting enzyme when applied to skin.

U.K. research also has reported that consuming tomato paste may protect against sunburn and sun-induced skin aging. About 5 tablespoons tomato paste with 10 grams olive oil daily to 10 volunteers for 12 weeks increased their UV protection by 33 percent, compared to 10 control subjects

Turmeric

This Ayurvedic spice helps to fight skin-damaging free radicals and tame inflammation. Plus, new research further supports its ability to prevent sun-related skin aging.

According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, turmeric has photo-protective qualities, plus helps increase sebum production for overall skin hydration and restoration.

Blue-green algae

In addition to impressive antioxidant and nutrient values (chlorophyll, B vitamins, beta-carotene and fatty acids), this algae also has UV-fighting potential, reports Harvard Medical School.

The reason: Blue-green algae is photosynthetic, meaning it gets energy from sunlight. Because not all sun’s rays are beneficial to blue-green algae, it filters out harmful ones, producing small molecules that shield it from solar radiation. This action is much like UV-protective ingredients used in sunscreen.

Tantalizing and Green with Envy Tamanu Oil

The tamanu nut-tree comes form the plant species Calopyllum inophyllm, which s commonly found along the shores of Southeast Asia, and grows to approximately three meters in length. Calopyllum means, “beautiful leaf” in Greek and the Polynesians tamanu is their tamanu is their “green gold” known for safely and effectively regenerating damaged skin.  Beautiful, fragrant, orange blossom like flowers bloom on the tamanu twice a year, and produce 100 kilograms of apricot sized fruit annually, translating to 5 kg of mature nut oil, which is deep green in color and carries a luxuriously pleasant aroma.

Tamanu, also known as kamani among Hawaiians, has historically been used as a topical agent for th relief of pain from sciatica,, shingles, neuraligia, rheumatism and many other skin issues, including burns, scrapes, insect bites, sores and blisters. Its use has been very popular among the Southeast Asian natives in Thailand, Vietnam and Sri Lanka. Historically, one of the most highly regarded medical studies involved a woman who was admitted to St. Louis Hospital in Paris with a large, gangrenous ulcer on her leg that was not healing properly. Amputation seemed unavoidable, yet the doctors opted instead to administer tamanu oil dressings to her leg on a regular basis in the hopes that the wound would heal. Eventually, the consistent application of the oil to the woman’s leg resulted in the limb’s complete recovery. After some time passed, all that remained of the wound was a smooth flat scar. This remarkable incident that occurred years ago kicked off years of research of tamanu oil’s therapeutic and healing effects for the skin.

Although tamanu oil has proven to be effective in addressing a broad range of skin problems – the oil is found to be quite soothing, even on sensitive skin. According to Plant Resources of Tropical Africa and Chris Kilham, an ethnobotanist who researches and studies the effects of plant-based medicines, this cold pressed oil contains anti-inflammatory properties. This is due to the presence of 4-phenyl coumarin calophylloide and a group of xanthones, which explains the reduction effect it has on rashes, sores, swelling and various skin abrasions. The antimicrobial phytochemical agents like friedelin, canophyllol, canophyllic acid and inophynone are the reason for the oil’s efficacy against various human and animal pathogens, including Staphylococcus and other undesirable infections.

According to reports from research conducted in Pakistan, friedelin, one of tamanu’s antimicrobial agents, exhibited activity against various fungal diseases found in hair, skin and nails.  The presence of antioxidants that all of us look for in a skin care regimen is abundant properties, specifically inhibiting lipid peroxidation (oxidative degradation of lipids). We must not forget that our cell membranes, including those of skin cells, are made up of lipids. The presence of these compounds allow tamanu oil the capacity to promote the formation of new tissue, thereby accelerating cicatrization, increasing skin’s elasticity and suppleness, minimizing blemishes and reducing common free radicals.

The tamanu tree is a valuable element for skin protection and an effective remedy for many skin problems and health conditions. It can be credited for the beautiful, blemish free skin of Polynesian women. The substantial research that has been conducted on the tamanu tree has continuously uncovered positive data on its beneficial properties. It is time we recognized tamanu as the precious gift of nature that it truly is.

Check out some of the products we use that contan Tamanu Oil…experience  the “green gold” of beauty.

~Source: LNE

Weekend Detox for that Special Day: 4th July Cookout Time!!!

COOKOUT TIME IS NEAR ~ out of town guests, food menu to prepare, house to clean…OMG MOMENT OVERLOAD. Don’t stress~we will help  you get over this issue and have you looking great doing it. You can improve your skin with a simple weekend detox—and it doesn’t involve fasting, purging, or a complete rearrangement of your life. There are some quick and easy methods like massages and facials that flush out waste and toxins. Follow our step-by-step routine and wake up Monday morning with a fresh, radiant complexion.

FRIDAY EVENING
Clear the clutter. Simply straightening up the junk on your coffee table or doing a load of laundry will prepare you for the inner cleansing to come.
Stock the fridge. During your weekend detox, you want to fill your body with healthy foods such as fresh fruits (cranberries, apples, and grapes) and vegetables (look for broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes)—their antioxidants help repair, and prevent, damage to your skin—and lean protein (chicken, turkey, and tofu). Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and all refined and processed foods.
Purge your products. When your skin acts up, the last thing you want to do is slather on various of concoctions and serums. The same goes for a detox. To give your skin time to rebalance, put away everything except your cleanser (Splash of Evny Herbal Wash), day lotion (OMG vs UV lotion), and night cream (OMGX3=NIGHT CREAM ).

SATURDAY MORNING
Drink warm tea.Look for blends that include nettle, ginger, or burdock, dandelion, or sarsaparilla root—herbs and flowers known to calm inflammation and improve liver and kidney function. “These teas help eliminate puffiness around the eyes and decongest your skin. If you need a caffeine hit, try green tea: It has less of the stimulant and lots of antioxidants.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Give yourself a massage. “Encourage the elimination of waste by manually moving lymph through the lymphatic system. Concentrate on massaging the neck, armpits, stomach, groin, and behind the knees—areas where there are a lot of lymph nodes.

SATURDAY EVENING
Fake a facial at home. Pour hot water into a small bowl and add a few drops of a citrus essential oil. Soak a hand towel in the water, then wring out and drape over your face. Lie down for ten minutes and let the steam open your pores, prepping your skin for the detoxifying mask that follows. Look for masks made with clay, which absorbs excess oil and pulls toxins and impurities out, while adding in necessary minerals.
 
SUNDAY MORNING
Scrub your body.Wake up your senses with a sloughing session in the shower. Exfoliate with a product that contains sunflower seed shells to remove dead, dulling skin cells, boost circulation, and pump toxins from the body (Sun-Tower Scrub).

SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Sweat it out. Light exercise—a brisk walk, jumping rope, yoga—helps eliminate toxins from your body. The deep breathing of yoga stimulates the lymphatic system. It also brings cleansing oxygen into the body with each inhale, and expels waste on each exhale. Try sun salutations, which nurture as well as detoxify, or twisting poses to activate the digestive system.

SUNDAY EVENING
Apply a mask. At the end of your detox, you’ll want to nourish and calm your complexion. Spread a few tablespoons of raw honey over your face. Next, apply cucumber slices on top of the honey then lie down. Cover your face with a warm, damp washcloth to allow the honey, a natural humectant, to seal in moisture. Honey’s anti–inflammatory properties also help reduce irritation and redness. Cucumbers, which act as diuretics, will further flush out excess fluid and relieve any remaining puffiness. Or to go OMG style try our Beta-Like-Avocado Masque which contains carrot powder, great for vitamin and mineral absorption as well as promotes cell rejuvenation.

Soon as you know it, the big day is around the corner  but OMG GUESS WHAT – you are relaxed, looking great and feeling OMGtastic. Have a awesome holiday weekend!  (Spa Magazine)

Ms. OMG

Vacation OMG Status~ Climate Control

Vacation time is full of fun, great memories and downtime. But sometimes it can be a setback. With limited amount of space in your suitcase and high calorie foods you would love to try staying on you natural lifestyle plan. OMG has a couple of pointers for you no matter if you want to ski the alps or suntan in the islands. Checkout the OMG Vacation Stability Plan.

Dry conditions: Hot weather dehydrates the epidermis causing dry patches and itchy skin. Air conditioning exacerbates the problem.

OMG MOMENTS:  DO NOT USE oil in water emulsions, alcohol based toners and harsh soaps

OMGtastic: Colloidal oatmeal scrub for exfoliation and soothing properties. Carrot seed extract beneficial in healing and nourishing impaired skin tissue.

OMG PRODUCTS: Cell Repair Oatmeal Masque; Helpful Hand Cream

Tropics: This type of vacation involves a lot of outdoors activities resulting in free radical damage and sunburn. Humidity is very common around these temperate climates so acne can be a major issue.

OMG MOMENTS: DO NOT USE makeup remover, cream-based products are too dense and may increase sebum production.

OMGtastic: Glycerin moisturizers (humectant) draws water out of the air to assist in improving skin health. Always use natural sunscreen to avoid free radical damage.

OMG Products: OMGvsUV Lotion ; Blemishing Balancing Gel

Sky High:Dry, cold climates deprive oxygen to your skin cells which can cause rosacea, broken capillaries and uneven texture.

OMG MOMENTS: DO NOT USE highly perfumed products and high temperature baths and showers;this can lead to damage and aggravated skin

OMGtastic: Heavier moisturizer or almond oil on wet skin after a shower for extra moisturizing

OMG Products: OMGx3= Nightcream; Hip to the Game Oil