Discovering the Quality of Alpaca Wool While in Peru!

Alpacas are indigenous to the country of Peru, and in my time there, I was able to observe them in their natural environment. They are actually everywhere! They wander, free-range, all over the country. I first saw them on my hike on the Inka Trail to Machu Piccu. Alapaca wool has been used for milleniums in Peru, after the domestication of the breed for its fleece. It is softer than cashmere, warmer, stronger, and lighter than wool, is hypoallergenic, and doesn’t irritate the skin! It is dyed with natural agents such as crushed plants or insects, and then sold in the markets.

Vicuna is an animal similar to the alpaca, but superior. Because of its inability to breed in captivity, it is only found in the wild, and is incredibly expensive. Vicuna is the rarest and most expensive natural fiber in the world, and was designated only for royalty in the days of the Incans. I had the pleasure of seeing these amazing camelids while on my way up to Colco Canyon, in a national reserve outside the city of Arequipa.

Although I did not find any vicuna wool in the markets, as it is generally sold in upscale boutiques, I was overwhelmed with the amount of alpaca items for sale! Knowing very little Spanish, it was surprisingly easy to barter prices and ask questions during my shopping experience, and was able to find some great deals on what would be expensive shawls and scarves sold here in the U.S! I recommend alpaca wool to everyone. I love my alpaca items and wear them probably a little too often for fashions sake.

Natural Medicine of the Peruvian Rainforest

I recently took a three week siesta to backpack Peru. I have always been fascinated with Latin America and chose Peru as my destination for the diversity in geography. From the Andes mountains to the wineries of Ica to the deserts of Nazca, Peru has it all! While staying in an eco-lodge in Puerto Maldonado, I had the chance to tour a holistic treatment center of the rainforest. Led by a master shaman who had dedicated his life to learning the arts of holistic medicine, I was honored to tour the clinic, which was built in the rainforest off the banks of the Tambopata river and geared toward the indigenous people of the area, too poor to seek traditional medicine. Composed of several treatment huts, the facility aided a small number, maybe five people on average at any given time. Tinctures were made from various indigenous plants, straight from the forest, and generally mixed into “pisco,” a grape brandy originating in the village of Pisco, Peru. Patients were given two or three infusions daily, and stayed at the facilities as long as it took to recover, treating anything from parasites to tumors.

A few plants I found to be particularly interesting and was able to sample were the Maca root, which was described as the “Red Bull” of the rainforest, because of its ability to increase energy as well as sexual function. Another was a vine called Cat’s Claw, used for warding off infections and aiding gastrointestinal problems. Upon returning home to America, I felt inspired to further research the natural remedies of the rainforest, and actually found Cat’s Claw to be patented by a company called Optigenex Inc. Age Management Sciences, as a supplement called AC-11. When ingested or applied topically, AC-11 is said to be a powerful tool in repairing environmental damage to DNA, boosting immune function, and preventing cellular damage! I never cease to be amazed with what plants can physiologically accomplish. And just think about how many plants there are out there in the rainforest, waiting to be brought into the global eye!

Another interesting plant I came across was the Ayahuasca vine. A powerful psychotropic, it is a medical treatment administered only by a shaman in a ceremony to rid the patient of negative, stagnating energies and to aid them in becoming more self-aware. Ayahuasca clinics have popped up all over Peru, in the form of new age spiritual retreats and clinics for those with chemical dependency issues, wishing to heal in body, mind, and spirit. As a holistic practitioner, I value the treatment of the whole individual, and would love to experience an Ayahuasca ceremony myself. It is important to choose a clinic wisely though. Make sure you research accordingly and choose one that looks legitimate. It can be risky putting yourself in others’ hands. Many overcharge and then provide a diluted medicine. Also, Ayahuasca is not for the weak of heart. The vine is brewed in a recipe known in heart by the shaman, and is usually blended with dimethyltryptamine. It is supposed to give the patient a “death experience,“ and purge them of doubt and fear.

...Or Not to Apply Sunscreen? Part 2: The Dangers of Sunscreen

I initially was just going to write one article on the basics of sun protection (see previous article; "To Apply Sunscreen..? Part 1: Sunscreen Spelled Out.") However, I was shocked to find an abundance of research done on the speculative risks of using sun cream. Some studies indicate that there is a potential, positive correlation between wearing sun cream and developing cancer and premature aging, whether it be due to free radical damage or vitamin deficiencies. Some studies even indicate the body has its own, natural defense. Although it is always a good idea to protect yourself from overexposure, the abundance of information I have found on the theoretical risks of sun protection has made me think twice about what products I use and whether I should be using them on a daily basis.

There are many of studies indicating that sunscreen has free radical generating properties, While sunblock reflects the sun’s rays, sunscreen absorbs them. Because ultraviolet radiation energy can not be destroyed, it is converted into chemical energy after absorbed into the skin. The chemical energy is then released as free radicals which damage the fat, protein, and DNA of the cells, increasing the risk of cancer and aging the skin. Chemical ingredients to avoid are as follows;
dixoybenzone
oxybenzone
ethyl dihydroxy propyl PAB
glyceryl PABA,
p-aminobenzoic acid
padimate-O
octyl dimethyl PABA
cinoxate
ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate
octocrylen
octyl methoxycinnamate
ethylhexyl salicylate
homosalate
octyl salicylate
digalloyl trioleate
menthyl anthranilate
avobenzones

Sunblock deflects UV rays rather than absorbing them, making it a safer alternative to sunscreen. I personally recommend zinc oxide, as it is the only sunblock on the market today that is completely natural and with no known adverse reactions. It is recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as a Category I skin protectant, meaning that it is safe for compromised or environmentally challenged skin. It also provides broad-spectrum protection against wavelengths between 290-380 nm.

Are you aware that despite the increased usage of chemical sunscreens around the globe over the past several decades, the worldwide incidence rate of melanoma is increasing 3-7% annually? Although free-radical inducing sunscreens may be the culprit, there are other factors to take into consideration. People who use sun protection stay out in the sun longer than those who do not, according to a study published in the U.S. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. This study was initially led by Dr. Philippe Autier, a scientist at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, who suggested that people who wear sun cream are prone to a false sense of security against the suns rays. Whether there are other variables involved in the rising rates of melanoma, it is globally increasing faster than any other form of cancer!

About 1 billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient, due to the pervasive use of sun protection, according to Boston University researcher Michael Holick. There have been several studies done over the past several years linking higher levels of vitamin D to lower rates of breast, colorectal, ovarian, endometrial, and kidney cancer. According to a 2007 study conducted by the University of California San Diego, low vitamin D levels are responsible for “disrupting the communication between cells that is essential to healthy cell turnover, allowing more aggressive cancer cells to take over,” according to epidemiologist, Cedric Garland. The numbers are quite profound actually, estimating that a whopping 150,000 annual cases of cancer in the U.S. alone could be prevented with higher levels of vitamin D.
The U.S. government recommends a daily intake of 200-800 IU of vitamin D. In contrast, 15-20 minutes in the summer sun provide a whopping 10,000-20,000 IU! Furthermore, the governments recommendation is only based on bone health and does not consider its role in cancer prevention.

In conclusion, I find myself wondering if I should lay off the sunblock in my morning beauty ritual and only apply it if I expect to be out in the sun for an extended period of time. I mean, let’s face it, most of us only feel the sun on our faces when we walk to and from our car, right? Which leads me to my last bit of research: There has been a recent study at Brown University in Rhode Island, indicating that the skin actually has its own natural defense against UV rays. According to research, the skin contains light receptors which detect the sun’s radiation. These sensors signal the release of melanin, which is believed to protect the DNA in skin cells by serving as a physical barrier and scattering UV rays. Scientists now believe that sun creams block certain wavelengths of light that prompt this defense mechanism.
Here are the links to two website that I found to be of particular interest;
http://www.skinbiology.com/toxicsunscreens.html

http://www.arizonaadvancedmedicine.com/articles/skin_cancer.html

To apply, or not to apply: That is the question!

To Apply Sunscreen..? Part 1: Sunscreen Spelled Out

If you want to stay looking young, sun protection is the most important part of your morning beauty routine. Period. Ultraviolet rays are identified as carcinogenic by both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization, as they create free radicals responsible premature aging and skin cancer. There are literally hundreds of cosmetic products on the market that contain an SPF, due to the rise in concern of photo aging and skin cancer in both women and men. If you are using any of these products and believe that they offer sufficient protection against the sun, you need to think twice about what they actually protect against. More than likely, you are not getting adequate sun protection.

There are several things to consider before selecting proper sun protection. Firstly, it is important to make sure you are selecting a product that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. If a label reads SPF, it is referring specifically to UVB rays, which only protect against short wavelengths of 290-320 nm. That is why it is imperative that the label states either “broad-spectrum” or “UVA & UVB” protection.
UVA and UVB rays penetrate both the epidermis and dermis, and are both responsible for the development of basal and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as melanoma.
UVB rays tend to damage the skin’s superficial epidermal layers where most skin cancers occur and thus, are responsible for tanning and sunburn.
UVA rays, which are longer wavelengths of sunlight between 320-400 are the culprit of photoaging. Prolonged exposure destroys collagen, and elastin in the dermal layer, and causes hyper pigmentation. Unlike UVB, UVA rays are equally as strong year round, and do not correlate in strength with overcast weather. Because of this fact, they are 50 times more prevalent than UVB.
    
Another thing to consider is the strength of SPF. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, an SPF of 15 will protect from 93% of UVB rays. An SPF over 30 makes up for another 4%. Contrary to popular belief, “SPF” does not refer to the strength of protection, but the length of time the product will protect against UVB rays. It measures the length of time the product protects against sunburn compared to how long the skin takes to burn without protection. For example, an SPF of 15 protects the skin from burning 15 times longer than it would without protection. If it takes an hour in the sun for your skin to redden without, it theoretically will take 15 hours to start burning. However, this is only in theory, and it is important to reapply every three hours or so to compensate for it wearing off.

A Safe Alternative to Botox!

I’ve come across a cheap, safe, chemical and needle free alternative to Botox! They’re called “Frownies.”

Growing in popularity here in the States, Frownies are small, adhesive patches that smoothe out your wrinkles by retraining your facial muscles to relax. All you have to do is stick them over your problem-areas before bedtime, and take off in the morning. Over the course of a couple weeks, you begin to see your lines fade. I've been using them for a week now and am already seeing a difference around my eyes. They come in different shapes, depending on what are you plan to use them on, and they’re about $20 for a box of 144! I’ve never experienced Botox, but I’ve heard testimonies that it costs $400 per session, and if you already have wrinkles, you have to spend another $1,000 on wrinkle filler. That’s $3,000 per year on chemicals injected into your face! Frownies are definitely better than Botox:)

Jade Beauty Rollers

I am always looking for fresh new ways to care for my skin. Sometimes, I run across a fresh, old ways. Such a way is in a Chinese device called a “jade roller.”

It is a simple device that aids in the beauty of our skin, which carries the principles of eastern thought into the basic principles of massage we know today. Jade in itself is a healing tool, according to Chinese medical practice. In fact, it has been used for thousand of years for its healing properties. Chinese medicine is based on the concept of balancing out our inner bodies with the world outside of us. An energy, or life force called Qi,” pronounced “Chi,” flows through everything and seeks to find this balance. The more balanced we are, the healthier we are. Jade aids in this process of balancing our inner and outer worlds due to the similarity of qi energy between body and stone. When in contact with the body a static, electromagnetic field forms, benefiting our health in numerous ways, such as aiding the nervous system by stimulating circulation, and strengthening the functions of various organs. Such a balance keeps the body young, healthy, and vital.

Now how does this help our skin? Well, jade is a well known tool in Chinese beauty practice for smoothing wrinkles, softening blood vessels, and increasing circulation. It also eliminates downiness, leaving the body and mind feeling fresh and rejuvenated. The jade roller in particular dates back to the Forbidden City of Beijing during the Ming Dynasty where the emperor himself and his string of concubines used it to massage their bodies and faces.

Scientifically, massage is proven in aiding the expansion of capillaries, increasing circulation which in turn aids in the absorption of topical remedies. That is why aromatherapy is used a great deal in massage; because it is when essential oils are most readily absorbed into the bloodstream. This can be applied to skin care and the aiding of the absorption of skin care remedies into the facial tissue.

The process of using the jade roller is based on the science of alchemy, but there are a few guiding principles you should be wary of while trying it out. It is important to A. massage certain pressure points and B. work the roller from the inside, out. Both these principles are vital in releasing trapped qi energy which may be throwing you off balance with the outside world. And if you don’t quite believe in that, simply using it will definitely help your skin absorb product thoroughly. I have been using it every morning to help wake me up and in the evening as well. It makes my skin feel cool, tight, and rejuvenated. It surprised me how great it worked the first time I tried it. There just might be something to jade! I am using it under my eyes as well to see if it helps my dark circles. You can see a video on the proper way of using it here: COMING SOON

Also, here is the site where I received my jade rollers. You can also browse it and learn more about jade and the Chinese culture:

yingyujade.com

No harm in trying it!

What is Aromatherapy and Essential Oil?

I used to think aromatherapy was simply different scents having different affects on the body and mind. I learned however, there is a lot more to aromatherapy than just smelling an aroma to relax your body or boost your mood. There is actually an entire science behind it, which I learned of while exploring holistic alternatives to skin care. The roots of aromatherapy date back thousands of years from such countries as China, India, Egypt, and Persia, but the term was not coined until 1928, by a man named Rene Gattefosse. Monsieur Gattefosse was solely interested in the aromatic properties of plant essences known as essential oils, until he plunged his arm reactively into a vat of lavender oil after burning it at work. Astonished at how quickly it healed, he began to study the medicinal properties of these oils, and named it such. Today, we have an entire alternative medical practice that aids our physical and psychological well-being. Essential oil is the concentrated, liquid extraction of plants that we today know have healing affects on the mind, body, and skin.

There are two main routes into which essential oil can access the body; olfaction, in which the molecules pass through the olfactory system and into the brain, and absorption through the bloodstream. Essential oil can enter the bloodstream through the lungs by inhalation, or through the pores of the skin. Stimulating blood flow through massaging or heating the skin increases the effectiveness of absorption. It is important to not put essential oil directly onto the skin, but dilute it in a cream, lotion, or carrier oil such as jojoba oil. There are dozens upon dozens of plants that benefit the skin. Dragons Blood, for example is great for acne, and rosehip does wonders for aging skin. There is always more to learn about different oils and their uses, and I consider this practice to be an on-going learning experience. But I find it wonderful to be able to treat my skin concerns holistically, as it brings me closer to nature and gives me an alternative to products containing chemicals that may harm my skin and health.