wholistic health and beauty tips

skin types

1. mature & dry skin

vitamin and mineral supplementation

• vitamin A -  for growth and repair
• vitamin C with bioflavenoids in calcium ascorbate powder form (gentle for the stomach). Vit C aids the absorption of other nutrients and builds the bodies immunity 
• vit B complex - aids in the synthesis of fats and oils essential for proper skin function
• essential fatty acids -  help prevent the skin from drying out
• zinc - maintains the PH and health of the skin

foods to include in the diet that have a high content of the vitamins and minerals needed for maintenance of dry mature skin

• vitamin A - carrot juice, sweet potato, apricots, parsley, rockmelon, paw paw and prunes
• vitamin C - capsicum, currants, watercress, amla (Indian fruit)
• B complex - wheatgerm, brazil nuts, brown rice, almonds, wild rice, millet, kelp, brewers yeast, whole mung beans, sesame seeds, barley, pumpkin seeds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, yoghurt, cheese, root vegetables, apricot kernals
• zinc - sunflowers seeds, brown rice, sesame seeds, pumkin seeds
• essential fatty acids - evening primose oil, linseed oil, whetgerm and safflower oil, black sesame oil

home care

• use recommended cleanser avoiding bar soap (too drying)
• exfoliate once or twice per week to prevent a build up of dry dead cells on the surface of the skin, optimising maximum oil distribution of natural sebum and to enhance the absorption of facial products applied
• tip - spend the time morning and night to massage the face while applying your cleanser, facial oil, moisteriser or specific massage cream to ensure stimulation of fresh blood and nutrition to the facial tissues
• avoid over exposer to the sun and use a sun block on the face and body to avoid skin and tissue damage
• avoid using toners containing alcohol which dry the skin
• limit alcohol consumption which is dehydrating
• avoid smoking
• drink plenty of water
• avoid coffee in excess as it is dehydrating
• include 80% fresh fruit and vegetables and 20% protein and concentrated foods in the diet to ensure adequate moisture, vitamins and minerals
• avoid processed refined foods such as white flour, white sugar and over processed cereals which are constipating, drawing moisture from the bodies tissues  - choose whole grains and whole grain flours as an alternative

2. sensitive skin

vitamin and mineral supplementation

• vitamin C - aids in strengthening the capilliary walls
• vitamin B complex -  to support the affects of stress
• anitoxidants - to strengthen the capilliary walls and to fight free radicals (harmful substances in the bodies cells)

foods to include in the diet to aid in strengthening sensitve skin types

• vit C - fresh capsicum, citris fruits, rosehip tea, sprouted alfalfa, rockmelon, strawberries, amla
• bioflavenoids - citris, blackcurrants, buckwheat, the white pith  found under the skin of lemons and oranges
• B complex - whole grains, whole grain cereals, brewers yeast, molasses, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds, cheese and organic milk products

home care

• avoid very hot or very cold water temperatures on the face
• protect the face with a natural sunblock
• for further protection use a natural tinted moisteriser over your sunblock
• avoid spicy foods, smoking and excessive alcohol
• refrain from rough handling of the face eg; harsh granuals in facial scrubs
• avoid rubbing the face with tissues as most tissues are made from wood pulp and are too harsh for the facial skin
• choose whole grains and whole grain products in favour of  processed refined foods, such as white flour, white sugar and processed packaged products
• processed foods contain large quantities of preservatives and artificial colourings and potentially harmful additives, all of which may cause further irritation to the skin and aggravation to allergies
• avoid facial products that contain alcohol which is too drying and harsh for the skin  
• avoid synthetically perfumed products which may cause irritation

3. oily or acne skin types

vitamin and mineral supplementation

• vitamin A - necessary for a clear complexion and healing of the skin
• sulphur - blood purifier
• silicon - essential for healthy skin, hair and nails
• zinc - balances the ph of the skin and is anti bacterial
• vitamin E - prevents scarring
• vitamin B complex - anti stress and to reduce oiliness
• vitamin C - resists spread of infection and aid absorption of all other nutrients

foods to include in the diet that contain a high content of the vitamins and minerals needed to assist oily or acne skin types

• vitamin A - carrot joice, apricots, dried or fresh, endive, pawpaw, and lemon grass tea
• sulphur - watercress, kelp and red currants
• silicon - cabbage, celery, onions, dandelion, wholegrain cereals, horsetail tea
• zinc - sunflower seeds, brown rice, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds
• vitamin E - wheatgerm oil, brazil nuts and paw paw
• vitamin B complex - whole grains, whole grain cereals, legumes, nuts, brewers yeast, seeds, beans, yoghurt, cheese
• vitamin C - capsicum, black currants, parsley, lemons, amla

home care

• gentle exfoliation three to four times a week (no harsh granuales or vigorous rubbing)
• no soap on the face
• apply specific facial mask once or twice a week
• regular monthly deep cleanse treatments with your beauty therapist
• always use clean hands and avoid constant touching of the face to help prevent spread of infection

in excessive cases of acne try to avoid over indulgence of the following foods

• dairy foods
• chocolate, rubbarb and silverbeet (contain oxalic acid effecting the skins mineral balance)
• deep fryed foods
• oranges

references:
Lavon Dunne, J. (1990). 'Nutrition Almanac'. Third edition, McGraw-Hill. New York.
Course notes, Vitamin & Mineral Therapy, Gold Coast Training Acadamy, Burleigh Heads,1992.
Course notes, Diploma of Beauty Therapy, Gold Coast Training Acadamy, Burleigh Heads, 1993.

vetiver (vetiveria zizanoioides)

Vetiver is a rare aromatic herb sought after for its calming, protective, soothing and uplifting characteristics. Throughout history in many different cultures, vetiver has been used for its healing abilities and for ceremonial purposes. In the Middle Ages vetiver was used in perfumes with rosewood and lime. In India and Sri Lanka it is known as the oil of tranquility and was used to anoint brides to bless them before entering marriage.

Vetiver is also used for its antiseptic, sedative, stimulating and tonic properties. In Ayurveda the root and essential oil are used for heatstroke, fevers and headaches. Vetiver can be found in Java, Haiti, Japan, Indonesia and South India.

Some of the many wonderful qualities of vetiver are listed below;

• calming, protective and soothing at the same time uplifting
• insect repellant
• strengthens the red blood cells and promotes oxygen exchange throughout the body
• aids in the relief of the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism
• helps alleviate symptoms associated with muscular aches and pains, sprains and joint and muscle stiffness
• aids the reproductive system to promote fertilization of the female egg
• helps alleviate inflammation associated with acne
• aids in the healing of cuts
• is non toxic
• suitable for use on mature and sensitive skin types
• helps alleviate heatstroke, fevers and headaches

references:
http://tntn.essortment.com/whatisvetiver_rtco.htm
Lust, J. (1974) 'The Herb Book'. Bantam. New York. , J. (1974) 'The Herb Book'. Bantam. New York.

the heart chakra (anahata chakra)

A Chakra is a wheel or circle and is the name given to the seven centres of the subtle body located along the spinal column beginning at the base of the spine and finishing at the crown of the head.

When you visit Mumbai you will feast your eyes on a large mosaic of the Anahata Chakra which is attached to entrance of Mumbai Day Spa. Day spa rituals at Mumbai embody the qualities of the Anahata Chakra namely, compassion, self-respect and love.

Anahata Chakra (translation an - beaten, ahata - drum)

The Anahata Chakra's Sanskrit symbol resonates the sound of Aum, or the sonic vibration of Brahman. It symbolizes the ultimate union and fulfillment of the male and female principle.

The Anahata Chakra is situated in the centre and middle of the chest. It is governed by the element air and the Mantra Yam (Yam - air-conveyer of the sound of Aum) and the colour green. This Chakra characterizes compassion, self-respect and love, governing influences over the circulatory system, thymus and the heart.

The symbol of the Anahata Chakra is represented by an upward facing triangle (Purusha, the male, and a downward facing triangle, Prakriti, the woman) encased in a circle which is surrounded by twelve lotus petals.

Mumbai's Anahata Chakra mosaic was created by Christine Mellor from Crackpost Studio's, Tyalgum. For mosaic art creation phone Christine on 0266 793 179 or 0418 793 179.

references:
http://members.tripod.com/~parvati/chakras.html
Varenne, J. (1976) 'Yoga and the Hindu Tradition'. University of Chicago Press Ltd. Chicago, J. (1976) 'Yoga and the Hindu Tradition'. University of Chicago Press Ltd. Chicago