Books: Secrets of Water

Masaru Emoto is a Japanese author known for his work on the effects of energy/ intent on water. He photographed water via microscope at the exact moment it began to froze. His results began to show that water was affected not only by the levels of environmental contaminates and pollution, but also the energy around it. His work evolved to exposing the water prior to freezing/ photographing to various types of music where songs which were of an uplifting nature either musically or via lyrics produced images that were fully formed and beautiful ice crystals and water exposed to 'Heavy Metal' produced crystals that were misshapen and chaotic in appearance.


"Gratitude"

His books, The Secret of Water and The Hidden Messages of Water, show how his results with water from worldwide sources photographed after being exposed to thoughts/ emotions/ energy directed towards it as well as when various words in a variety of languages were taped to the outside of the container.

His work was discussed in the film, What the Bleep do We Know.

Winter Skin

Winter can be a hard time for skin, even in relatively mild climates like SoCal, but especially in areas hit hard with cold weather. First, you have a significant drop in air humidity, added together with even dryer indoor air from central heating. Then the skin on your face is exposed to the whipping frigid winds. Finally, you have the internal factors like decreased water intake.

Most people drink less water in winter for two reasons:
1. we tend to desire warmer foods and fluids such as coffee or tea that contain caffeine whic is a diuretic and dehydrating
2. cooler temperatures equals less sweating which lessens the bodies 'hydrate me' cues and also minimizes the skins opportunity to spread out it's natural oils

Below are a moisturizing Body oil recipes for every skin type from a great company, Green Valley Aromatherapy. Green Valley is fabulous woman owned and operated company that focuses on organic/sustainable growing and harvesting methods and ethical business practices including use of recycles packaging materials and Fair Trade practices, especially in sourcing their products from small businesses and indigenous women.

Remember, whenever you use Essential Oils or use Aromatherapy - you want actual essential oils and not a fragrance or perfume.

Oily Skin (Cleanser or Moisturizer)

• 3 drops Juniper
• 2 drops Geranium
• 2 drops Patchouli
• 30ml Jojoba Oil
  

Combine in 30ml plastic bottle, shake well. Can be used for cleansing or after cleansing to help balance sebum levels on skin.

Normal Skin Moisturizer

• 2 drops Roman Chamomile
• 2 drops Geranium
• 3 drops Lavender
• 30ml Swet Almond Oil
  

Combine in 30ml plastic bottle, shake well. This oil can be used for moisturizing morning or night.

Dry Skin

• 2 drops Sandalwood
• 2 drops Neroli
• 2 drops Lavender
• 60ml solid Virgin Coconut Cream or Pure Shea Butter
  

Combine in a 60ml plastic jar, stir very well. This blend can be used for moisturizing morning or night

Wellness: Gua Sha

Having worked in the wellness field for the last 11 years, with extensive training in a wide range of modalities, I have some familiarity with most of techniques out there. So when I come across something new (to me) that shows actual results and has a positive effect, I get pretty stocked. Thanks, to my colleague Bryan, I have now received the benefits of the ancient Chinese Medicine technique, Gua Sha. He used a ceramic spoon, rather than the more aggressive tool of animal horn shown in the video below.

It is an 'alternative' therapy to say the least, but actually rather pleasant to receive, and the effects of it were almost immediately noticeable. Areas on my arms that have been recently bothering me, turned up with quite a stippling effect while other areas that weren't as much an issue didn't even turn pink.

I initially figured that this would only work on the superficial lymphatic and meridian systems, but found the muscle tissue loosening and the warming effect to not only feel nice, but also have the distinct sensation of my body going hard to work on healing the areas.

All in all, I found this therapy to be surprisingly effective and I would recommend it to anyone who has constriction, areas of chronic muscle tension and energy stagnation.