The Healing Art of Thai Yoga Massage
by Anne Welch, Massage Therapist
Topic : Massage

Thai yoga massage is an ancient and scared system of healing. It is a unique and powerful system of yoga therapy, which combines rhythmic massage, acu-pressure, yogic stretching, gentle twisting, energy work and meditation. Thai yoga massage stimulates and balances the flow of healing energy with the body; opening blocked areas bring the person deeper into balance, harmony, happiness and well being. This system creates a powerful release of stress and tension, and increases vitality, deepening the connection between mind, body and spirit. It also:

Increases Flexibility
Releases Pain and Soreness
Increases Lymph and Blood Flow
Supports Ones Yoga Practice
Excellent Therapy for Common Injures and Ailments

1-2 hour Thai Yoga session is recommended. Clients are fully clothed, wearing lose, comfortable, “workout” attire.

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The Long Dry Days of Winter
by Farah Husain, Licensed Esthetician/Makeup Artist
Topic: Skincare

In a climate like ours it's vitally important to vary your skin care regimen depending on the seasons. In the winter months it may be necessary to change the formulations of your cleanser and moisturizer to prevent surface dehydration. For example, if you usually use a gel cleanser during the warmer months it may be more appropriate to switch to a milk or cream formulation during the Fall/Winter. Here is a general outline of some winter skin care tips. I would also recommend that during seasonal changes you call and book a facial and/or 15 min. complimentary skin care consultation to review your present regimen and make any necessary adjustments.

1) Run your humidifier by your bed from fall through the beginning of spring. Even this simple practice will create a more humid skin-friendly environment for your face. Avoid using hot steam humidifiers if you have a sensitive or rosacea-prone skin type.

2) Remember to exfoliate! As I've told many of you, if I were a super heroe I would be called "The Exfoliater." Exfoliating removes the excess dead skin on the stratum corneum which prevents moisturizers from absorbing effectively and gives your skin a dull appearance. Only thick, nonsensitive, oily and combination skin types should use physical exfoliants (meaning exfoliants with granules) and even then in moderation. I suggest them about two or three times a week. All other skin types can use enzyme or alpha hydroxy exfoliants or moisturizers that work without scrubbing. They actually effectively dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells helping them to act they way they did when you were younger.

3) Don't use hot water to wash your face. Use lukewarm water which will be more gentle on your delicate facial skin.

4) Discuss with your esthetician whether you need to change up your product regimen. Personally, I switch from a gel to a milk cleanser and use more emolliant formulations of sunscreen and moisturizer. During the summer I use the Oxygen Botanicals lightweight sunscreen and switch to the regular formula in late September. If you usually use Antioxident Cream, B Cream, or Multifruit Acid Refiner, you may want to switch them off with the Super Hydrating Cream. An AMAZING and extremely versatile product is the Hydrating Hylauronic Gel which can be used over your lotions or even used as a mask. Hylauronic binds over 1,000 times it's weight in water to the skin and helps to seal in your moisturizer.

Remember the couple of minutes you devote to your skin pays off by taking years off your appearance. Hopefully by taking out a little time each day for self care you will also get more in touch with what your skin responds well to and how best to tend to it.

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Chinese Horoscopes: The Year of the Brown Earth Rat
by Sarah Larson, L.Ac.
Topic: Chinese Horoscope

The Year of the Rat? Our usual connotations with rats are rarely positive. Dirty, devious, disease carriers… 2008’s lucky Rat is a far cry from these characteristics. The Year of the Rat is closely associated with entrepreneurs, and should be respected for being smart, courageous, clever and cunning problem solvers.

The Rat is the first sign in the Chinese Zodiac. According to ancient legends, the Rat was the first animal to show up when the Buddha called all animals to come to him. Because of this the Rat is given a high status in the lunar calendar, representing the beginning of a new 12-year cycle.

For all of us, 2008 can be a year in which we examine and renew our career direction and could possibly expect some “astrological” help in making any changes. Cultivating our intrinsic charisma and leadership skills would be a wise goal for the year of 2008.

Happy New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

-Sarah

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