Light therapy has made quite a splash (or should we say flash?) in the beauty industry.  From lasers to IPL, light therapy has been used to combat signs of aging, fade acne scars and erase pigmented spots and broken capillaries.  But with lasers and IPL having dispersing a high amount of energy and heat into the skin and body making them quite invasive, LED light has become an attractive alternative.  I have been getting a lot of questions about LED treatments, what exactly it is and what it can do for the skin.  So in celebration of the summer’s end (and time for some post-summer sun-damage repair), I thought I would post an LED 101.

LED light is that it is a low intensity light treatment which emits no heat.  This means that there is no risk of burning, swelling or blisters.  This light treatment is entirely painless and offers treatment for acne scars, signs of aging and hyper-pigmentation.  It infuses energy into the skin, increasing collagen production, promoting circulation and cellular repair.  LED light settings can also help clear up acne as certain LED light kills surface bacteria, while others calm inflammation.

The technology was originally created by NASA so that they had tools to repair injuries in a safe, non-invasive way.  LED light therapy is excellent as it assists tissue restoration and therefore makes for healthier skin!  Its funny how many vivifying skin treatments have come from technology developed by the military or for space travel – when the beauty industry get wind of something anti-aging, it runs with it!

And, you don’t only need to go to the spa or a derms office to receive LED light therapy, it comes in many different formats from at-home devices to expensive medical-grade professional equipment.  I will say that the machines which have a panel of LED light instead of the hand-held spot treatment applications are more effective.  They provide more light and offer exposure to the full face making.

But like many beauty services, treatments only offer results when done in a series.  I know, I know, groan right?  I feel ya – but similar to exercise, we cannot simply do it once and think its enough. While each ailment and skin type requires different settings, amounts of treatments and frequency, for general repair/ anti-aging, it is a good start to try a set of five treatments which can be performed approximately two weeks apart. Sometimes I have seen immediate improvements in the skin, and at other times, complexion changes have taken multiple sessions to appear.  But in both cases, the skin becomes significantly healthier and begins to repair/ correct its ailments and imbalances.

So, with no harmful side effects, many are singing – let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

Just when we thought it was getting cooler a heat wave has hit Toronto in time for the long weekend.  While I have heard many complaints about the unusually sizzling summer we have had, I personally love the heat.  Not only is it a lovely change from cold, cold Canadian winter, but gives me a chance to make some truly delicious, cooling desserts.  So, this long weekend I am whipping up some watermelon granita – its packed with water, sweetness helping to combat internal heat and dehydration.  Its also nice because I can’t have dairy, so this recipe helps me get over ice cream envy…and it requires no sweeteners!

Also, its a great way to be efficient with your fruit.  Nothing is more disappointing than bringing home what you think will be a delicious, juicy fruit snack – then when you crack it open, bite into it or peel it back, you find its a bit ick.  The other day I bought a watermelon – I knocked on it to see if it was hollow sounding, I tested its weight against the other melons, and I assessed the green-ness of its skin.  But alas, it was still over-ripe!  This recipe is a perfect solution to less than perfect fruit and I don’t only do this with watermelon.

I chopped it up and froze it.  Then I put it in the food processor and made Ben and I cups of watermelon happiness.

I was feeling so thirsty and hot last night and this really cooled me down and quenched my thirst.  Watermelon is anti-Pitta because it is both sweet and full of cooling hydration.  This pacifies the fire energy within us, and helping to soothe rashes, break outs, heat-related swelling and rosacea flare ups.  And what a yummy way to do it!

All great achievements require a great team behind them.  That is why I am enlisting your help to title my next book.
While it is still in its infancy, I am looking for any suggestions to name the book on acne I am working on, and my top three choices will win a full beauty regime personally put together by me based on a skin consultation I have with you (done either by a chat on the phone or via email).

These top three picks will then be tested and approved for the real deal!

A bit about the book:
This book will focus on getting rid of acne. I will explain how to holistically treat blemished skin through Ayurveda, holistic medicine and natural skincare. Everything from hormones to helpful herbs, pranayam exercises to doshic skin recommendations will be explained. The tone of the book is similar to my last – it is conversational, but not as fun as my blog posts – less sass, more spirit. Think: yoga teacher gone beauty guru.  Right now, my working title has been “balanced body, clear complexion” – but I don’t know if its punchy enough.

What I am looking for in a title:
- a name which grabs your attention when browsing the book seller’s shelves or amazon.
- reflects its content of natural beauty and acne

* I have noticed a lot of you have put the words “Pure + Simple” in your suggestions.  We don’t have to have the branding in there – plus there have been so many great variations submitted, we are hoping to have some suggestions without Pure + Simple in it just so we can choose three choices which contrast each other.  Thanks everyone!

Contest ends September 15th
Don’t forget to input your email addies so I can contact the winners.
Thank you in advance!

Doors to relaxation

I love my job – I also love the spa research is requires.  So, during our holiday in Chicago we decided to book a few treatments to help us unwind.  Our tactic?  Go into the nearest luxury hotel and pose as guests to the concierge for recommendations – this many sound a bit shady, but its the best way to see where in the city services are offered to the elite (or faux elite like Ben and I).

Anyhoo, after my request for a spa recommendation which was “unique and boutique-y”, we walked out of a hotel which we couldn’t afford with a suggestion to book at The Ruby Room in Wicker Park.  The concierge said that it had a wonderful spiritual element and had treatments which were based in energy work.

Well, I was like a kid in a candy shop when surfing their website and also let myself be up-sold on the phone to a cold stone eye treatment and spiritual consultation along with my deluxe facial.  I also loved how they booked me with an esthetician who was also an RMT.  This of course, was after I told them I myself was an esthetician and needed their most senior staff….Yes, I’m one of those people – but hey, you don’t ask you don’t get right?

Upon arrival we found that the spa environment itself was also quite precious – a sort of Alice in Wonderland meets Chinese tea room feel.  The experience began with scent reading in which I picked an essential oil blend based on a tarot-card like process: random picking of a scent card.  The idea is that we energetically gravitate towards when we need.  Me?  It was a “grounding blend”.  Perfect.

We started off with the cold stone eye treatment – which I found very good for decreasing my facial puffiness post flight – but also felt a bit like little ice cubes placed around my eyes causing a frost-bite like sensation.  But, I toughed it out and had de-puffed eyes as a reward.  My esthetician, Jennifer, had excellent touch.  I will say that I told her to apply more pressure and use faster movements in the middle of my facial.  I used to be really polite and nervous about being so demanding, but as an esthetician I think its an important tip for all of you out there to know that direction is good!  I personally like to know my client preferences, and the more vocal the better.  A good practitioner will never be offended because they are there to give you the most healing experience they can.  Jennifer, responded with an enthusiastic “no problem!” and it was bliss from there.  Heck, I was so drunk on spa relaxation that I even bought a skincare kit from their natural line.  I’m pretty excited to sample it, though was a bit turned off my the fact the cleanser is in bar soap format.  But I won over by the beautiful packaging and how moist my skin felt.

After my treatment I went to check out the complimentary Chinese Tea Bar while I waited for my spiritual session.  I love this concept – and found that the second floor of The Ruby Room was a loft-like spiritual oasis.  With little alcoves for private consultations, this space was both intimate and open.

I didn’t know what to expect, but found myself working with angel cards and chatting with a spiritual practitioner about how to make positive changes in my life.  Her most important word of advice to me?  “Know that you are a beautiful woman.”  In which I replied “Isn’t every woman a beautiful woman?”  She laughed and said “…also, learn to take compliments.”  I chuckled sheepishly.

So, if you are visiting Chicago and are looking for a nice spa to restore your body’s energies, I recommend The Ruby Room.  Don’t be afraid to tell them exactly what you want, then let go and allow the professionals to do what they do best – have you walk out in a spa daze.

After landing in hot, hot Chicago, I was welcomed by a prompt swelling of my face.  Between the dehydrating flight and the high city temperatures, my body (more specifically my eye bags) decided it was a perfect time to retain water.

Luckily, I always travel prepared with a few multi-function, easy-to-source, beauty ingredients just for times like these.  So, for all you out there who battle the bloat, here are a few simple things you can do to bring down puffy eyes.  But keep in mind, these little tricks are best for acute puffy eyes (puffiness brought on by lack of sleep, internal heat or dehydration), if you are looking to treat perma-eye bags, its better to start with assessing the healthiness of your kidneys (which control water-metabolism).

1. Witch Hazel Eye Pads – I always pack a witch hazel hydrosol when I travel.  Not only is the floral water a nice astringent for any of those change-in-climate break outs, but it also is a natural anti-septic for cuts – and witch hazel is good for potential infections as well as a taking the itch out of pesky insect bites.  Fortunately for me, it is also excellent for battling puffy eyes.  Simply place cotton pads soaked in witch hazel onto your eyes for 15-20 minutes and its anti-inflammatory, anti-kapha properties will work their magic.  Now, it is important to make sure you use a pure, organic source – if you pick some diluted witch hazel from the drug store up, it can either be of poor quality or mixed with alcohol which will dry out and irritate your eyes.

2. A Clay Eye Mask – Yes, I wrote the words “clay” and “eye” in the same turn of phrase.  While, you may think that a clay would dry out your eye area, if you use it occasionally and in the proper way, you won’t be making aging yourself in the slightest.  Because clay is cooling and purifying, it a great ingredient for calming the skin down.  I actually use it mixed in with other masks on irritated skin to take down redness.  Acute puffiness is often triggered by heat (whether it be internal heat from poor digestion, colds and flus, or alcohol consumption).  Clay is excellent for soothing and drawing out dampness from blemishes, and from my personal experience, it does the same with puffy eyes.  It is important not to use a clay which is made by mixing a powder with water, a more mud-like clay with have some moisture in it, and clay masks like the Pure + Simple Detoxifying Green Clay or the Jurlique Nurturing Mask (containing kaolin clay) both have other moisturizing ingredients in them to offset the purifying actions of clay.  A sample of clay mask is another thing I travel with, because whether its used as an over-night spot treatment or as an eye mask – it usually is put to good use!  If you don’t pack this ahead of time, I would be very surprised if you couldn’t find something comparable at the local health food store – or if a given drug store had a good selection of natural skincare (you don’t want to put icky petro-chemicals etc on your eyes!).  Clay is so common everywhere in the world that if you want it, you can find it.

Simply put the clay mask all over the eye area (right over the eye lid), and let it set as you would if doing a mask for the entire face.  After its rinsed off, you will find your eye nicely “de-puffed”.

3. Ice ‘em – I got this easily from the ice machine which was conveniently located on my hotel room floor (it was fate).  You can place ice cubes over the witch hazel compress, or you can do want I did and simply do a bit of eye massage with the ice cubes (as long as your aren’t bothered by holding cold, cold, cubes).  Later on into my trip in Chicago, I booked myself a cold stone eye treatment at natural spa The Ruby Room – it simply felt like ices cubes being places in a formation around my eyes.  While it felt good in a “beauty is pain” sort of way, you could save yourself the $60 and DIY it with ice cubes.  Or if you are uber prepared, you can also ask room service for a couple of spoons and leave them in the mini bar fridge overnight.  The next day you can place these on your eyes as your icing treatment, and it will be a lot less fussy because you won’t have to deal with melting ice dripping etc.  I heard somewhere that Elizabeth Taylor used to douse her face in ice water in the morning to take down puffiness.  Works for Liz, works for me.

Along with these handy tips,  its very important to guzzle down as much water as you can.  This will cool heat internally, and aid dehydration.  The other thing you will want to do is make sure you have good, regular bowel movements.  Some puffy eyes can come from constipation, and when accumulated (and dehydrating) wastes are eliminated from the body, inflammation, retention etc is also reduced.

So, don’t be afraid if you easily get affected by a new environment and are prone to edema (water-retention), these on-the-go treatments are simple and easily done almost anywhere in the world.

Being greeted in Chicago with free hugs

As I walked around downtown Chicago this weekend, something caught my attention in Millennium Park – a group of you with signs that read “free hugs”.  Now, I always assumed hugs were always free (who are kids hanging out with these days?) – but while I found what looked like a social experiment odd, I also found that many passerbys were delighted by the group and their complimentary embraces.  Strangers eagerly rushed up to them to take advantage of their free hug and walked away beaming with positive energy and huge contended grins on their faces.

The whole thing reminded me of the power of human contact.  While touching can be seen as a faux pas in most public situations, I think it is important that we do not forget about it value.  It also reminded me of a sociology class I took years ago in which we discussed research conducted in Romanian Orphanages on the effects of touch on early childhood development.  The study compared one Orphanage housing caregivers who hugged, cared for and touched the children freely with one which did not.  Researchers found that the children who were touched often were healthier and grew at a faster rate.  The study proceeded to switch the two groups, and found that the children who were initially untouched began to outgrow their counterparts, and the initial, healthier, taller sample even began to become stunted.

To me it is astonishing how this displayed the obvious impact touch has on our physical bodies.  And, according to my Google search, other studies on human touch have found that regular contact greatly affects our systems, tissues and emotional well-being.  Hugs and touch have been shown to help us deal with cravings, lowers our heart rate and blood pressure, decreases signs of ADHD, calms anxiety and strengthens our immune systems.  Even self-massage was said to suppress the urge to smoke in those trying to kick cigarette addiction.

I think many of naturally know how healing touch can be, and this is why we proactively seek this out.  According to researcher Diane Ackerman, many people continue to see their doctor even when we know they can no longer help, simply for the human contact – and that when we feel we lack touch, we appease this need with massages, facials and other spa treatments.  She even refers to RMTs, cometicians and estheticians “Professional Touchers” (should I get new business cards?).

It is for this reason that Pure + Simple incorporates body massage into its facials.  We have seen how it relieves tension in the facial and body muscles, stimulates proper circulation, and even improves product efficacy and absorption.  While some clients come into the spa and say they only want a results-oriented facial and to “cut out all the massage and concentrate on extractions and peeling”, I don’t think they realize how beautifying massage actually is.

Now, while I make sure massages and facials are part of my health regimen, I know not everyone has the time or resources for this.  So, whether it is getting your partner to rub your feet after a hard day (or in Ben’s case, a good elbow to my rock hard shoulders), or a little self-massage as your apply your moisturizer, it is important to take the time to pamper yourself with the healing power of touch.  It will not only make you feel more grounded and rejuvenated, but help your mind, body and skin fell the same way too.

And remember, above all else, hugs are always free.

photo of my new chocolate tofu cheesecake (as you can see, I already ate a slice of it)

I am taking a macroeconomics course at night and my exam is tomorrow.  Somehow, I have made it my mission to do everything but study for it.  So what better way to avoid the banal, then bake a Chocolate Tofu Cheesecake?

Well, in my desperate attempt to distract myself from what I should be doing, I took my tried and true Lemon Tofu Cheesecake recipe and subbed lemon zest and juice for organic cocoa powder.  I also doubled the vanilla extract and used chocolate spelt cookies from Sha Sha Bread co.  Also, instead of agave, I used a mixture of maple syrup and coconut sugar – for some reason I felt like the richness of cocoa needed a classic sweetener like maple syrup.

If I do say so myself, it turned out pretty lovely.  I think citrus and chocolate are the some of the most overpowering flavors – and probably the only things which can kill the taste of tofu.  So, I can enjoy this dairy-free dessert without feeling like I’m sacrificing an ounce of pleasure.

Now, all I need to do is use this tasty treat as reward to get to the books.

Sometimes I feel like even though I drink water, I’m not really quenched.  Its as if my body is not absorbing this hydration and I’m left still thirsty and dry.  This is probably due to excess heat in the body which leads to the dissipation of water.   Especially when it is as hot out as it has been this summer (my Pitta heat has been off the charts).

Something which really helps is putting some aloe vera in my Kleen Kanteen of water.  Aloe vera is a wonderful anti-inflammatory as well as a gentle laxative.  I have been recommending this to my clients with acne, rashes, eczema and sensitive skin for years.  According to Ayurvedic Physician, Dr. Lad, aloe is good for a number of things including banishing bad breath and purifying the bloodstream.  But, recently I have switched from tried and true aloe vera to liquid kelp.  I will say I started taking it reluctantly.  I only did so because my mother insisted on it after being pitched to at a trade show.  Despite my efforts to tell her that I didn’t know if I could seriously take a product called “Ocean Wonder”  – she did what she always does – pretended not to hear me and ordered two bottles.  And, as much as I hate to admit it, the saying “mother knows best” isn’t around for no reason.

Jean (yes, I called my mom by her first name), has always been a bit far out when it comes to discovering alternative remedies.  I remember as a teenager when she came home with alkaline water “from God”.  It was from a company that wouldn’t divulge where its water source, but extensively explained on its label how it has been blessed by the heavens.  I had a good laugh, but it did help me with my high acid issues.

So, why not give “Ocean Wonder” a bash?  This 100% liquid kelp is taken from kelp type Laminaria Digitata.  It is said to produce high levels of organic iodine and over 70 vitamins, minerals, amino acids and trace elements.  According to the supplier’s website – its source also is homegrown “…farmed from the shoreline of Nova Scotia, this kelp is cold water grown, so it has the best nitrogen levels.”  It proceeds to say that “Lamineria Digitata is an arterial cleansing agent, giving tone to the walls of blood vessels and reducing deposits in the arteries while restoring their elasticity. It also strengthens the circulatory system and helps to lower cholesterol. The kelp plant extracts and assimilates vital minerals from ocean water and miraculously converts then from unavailable inorganic substances to available organic minerals that our bodies can then use for overall health.”

Well, I was even more sold when I heard it helped clear up eczema.  I was also pleasantly surprised by the taste – I was expecting something which was metallic or slightly sea-esque, but its very neutral with a lovely slight tartness and much less poignant than aloe vera.  Even better, it really made me feel quenched after adding once a half ounce to my morning water.  Sometimes when I am really hot, I feel like I get swollen or that there is heat in my mouth.  But after drinking kelp laced water, my mouth felt cool and refreshed, and my face happily puff-free.

Kelp is the new aloe – though it used to be that aloe was the new chlorophyll, so we will see what my ADD tastes slurp up next.

I’m a bit of a messy person – not a dirty person, but when my Vata is high, my bedroom looks like a whirlwind of Vata energy has hit it, tossing about clothes, books and shoes. It doesn’t help that when I work, I like to have everything spread around my like a little halo of papers.

And when we are stressed out, its when we need a clean space most but have the least time to create it.  Nothing makes me feel better than a clean, uncluttered space.  Actually, according to Feng Shui, a clutter home displays a cluttered mind – so we’ll say its for my mental health that Ben and I have a cleaner come every two weeks.  For only $40 for a one bedroom, our cleaner Seleina tidies up my life.  Its obviously a luxury, but in reality is only the sacrifice of a dinner out.

Times like yesterday (Ben’s birthday) when I am running around confirming reservations, texting out friends plans and stressing over the cake…and forgetting to blog… that she throws me a life line.  After all the frustration and celebration, it was lovely coming home to a clean space.

I am writing this at the risk of sounding like a brat, but keep in mind I don’t drive a flashy car or carry around designer bags – I do spend most of my pay cheque on organic food and a variety of health practitioners.  Our bodies are our most important asset, and they are worth investing in and caring for, and this includes resting them.  Stress prevents us from good digestion, proper sleep and (very important to me) having health, vibrant skin.  And, high stress not only affects our bodies, but also our relationships.

Ben and I used to share our cleaner with our former neighbors to make her trip to our place worth her while.  Last weekend I caught up with one of them, and she admitted: “I miss Seleina – we used to fight so much less when we had her”.  More time fighting equals less time unwinding.

So, in summation -Stress-reduction Tip #1: Hire a cleaner. Its the best $40 bucks I’ve spent this month.

The long weekend is coming up – and I know many of you want to head to the cottage, kick back, fire up the BBQ and enjoy a refreshing drink.  But drinking alcohol, according to Ayurveda, can be very unbalancing.  Its dehydrating (for our skin and internal body), its heating (causing inflammation), and long term, it can tax the kidneys and liver.

So of course when clients see me looking to treat signs of aging and dry skin or acne, alcohol intake is something which comes up.  Usually this is accompanied with extreme disappointment and the occasional cry out: “but I reeeally love enjoying a good glass of wine.”  Hey – no pain, no gain.

Now, I will say that if you find a glass of wine a ritualistic way to unwind and relax – in some cases this can be good as it is therapeutic.  And, there has been research done about the anti-oxidants in wine as well as its benefits to the heart due to a increase in circulation.  Though, we can also just book ourselves a massage, eat a handful of fresh berries and go for a brisk walk.  But luckily for us – Ayurveda believes that everything on this planet can be used for medicine, and that there are no universal good or bad substances – just good and bad fits for each dosha as well as proper formats and preparations of each food.

For Pitta people – those with high heat, are prone to inflammation, high blood pressure and skin redness – during hot, summer weather, a cold beer can actually be balancing.  The cooling qualities of hops and beer’s slight bitter taste is the antithesis to this fire dosha.

For Vata people – those prone to nervous energy, dry skin, dehydration and constipation – they can indulge in a glass of crisp, dry white wine.  Drinking this before meals can help stimulate our digestion which is beneficial for this dosha which tends to have digestive irregularity.

Unfortunately Kapha people – those with internal dampness, accumulate mucous and water-retention easily as well as have more fatty tissue on their frames – should refrain from alcohol consumption.  Its fermented element increases dampness and yeast in the body, which is usually already an issue for this constitution.  That being said, there are specific Ayurvedic wines called drakshas which can benefit Kaphas in the proper amounts.  Some drakshas are made to aid digestion, while other are traditional concoctions made to heal the reproductive system.

Wine is also known to be a good vehicle for Kapha, it permeates fat well, so when herbs and medicines have been seared into a wine base, it can help the penetration of the tincture.  This, of course, is up to the discretion of a Ayurvedic Practitioner or Doctor who has seen and diagnosed said Kapha patient – and is take in small doses, not a green light to bottoms up.

So, as long as we are careful about when, how and in what amounts we drink – paying attention to our dosha, and the type of alcohol we choose can be part of a healthy lifestyle.  It even can be used to help us maintain good balance – I don’t know about you, but I’ll cheers to that.