Showing posts with label Holistic Health. Show all posts

How Ayurveda Plays a Role in Your Health and Beauty Routine


Natural and holistic health practices are surging in popularity as we expand awareness of effective ways to heal the body. Ayurveda (meaning "science of life") is an ancient Indian natural healing practice based on three different Doshas that are categorized as a unique mix of the four elements (earth, water, fire, and air) in the body. These energies play a role in creating and maintaining physical and emotional balance to achieve a healthy lifestyle. This unique perspective can be beneficial in your skin and wellness regime when applied appropriately. Here's how you can integrate it into your routine or practice for ultimate overall health!

The Doshas

Vata: The qualities of this dosha reflect the elements of air and space. Vatas typically have a leaner build and a go-with-the-flow attitude, much like the wind. When balanced, they are creative and enthusiastic; but when out of whack, they can often have dry skin, anxiety, and digestive problems.

Pitta: This dosha reflects fire and water elements. Their energy is oriented around digestion and metabolism in the body and they generally have a fiery, upbeat, and courageous personality. In balance, Pittas are joyful, mentally sharp, and healthy, but their fire can become unruly resulting rashes, internal inflammation, and anger.

Kapha: The earth elements are present internally and physically with this dosha. They usually have a sturdier build and showcase qualities of patience, love, and grounded-ness when balanced. However, when imbalanced, Kaphas can experience oily skin, depression, and lethargy.

Not sure which one you are? Take the quiz to find out!

Diet.

Each dosha is both nourished and triggered by certain foods and diet styles. For example, since Pitta is so fiery, cooling foods such as melon, salads, and iced teas are most fueling for this type. Learning how to eat right for your dosha type will help achieve balance internally, increasing energy levels, mental clarity, and overall health.

Vatas: lean toward warm, nourishing foods like warm soups, freshly baked bread, and herbal tea.
Pittas: choose foods that are cool in nature with heavy textures like salads, cold cereal, and fruits.
Kaphas: anything spicy to help stimulate digestion is great for you such as Mexican, Indian, and Thai cuisine.

Activity.

Just as diet plays a role in your internal balance, the type of activity and exercise you choose to participate in can be crucial to your skin, body, and mental health as well. Learn your body's tendencies (easily stressed, overheated, etc.) and choose forms of physical activity that best serve you.

Vatas: gentle, fluid movements like walking, yoga or tai chi.
Pittas: moderately intensive exercise without too much heat such as swimming or hiking in cooler weather.
Kaphas: daily exercise that stimulates and energizes the body and mind like hot yoga or zumba.

In the Treatment Room.

Whether you're dry skin Vata or oily-prone Kapha, the first step is becoming aware of your skin triggers and tailoring your beauty routine to what your skin and body need so you can treat the skin accordingly.

Vatas: Typically need warming or stimulating treatments. Warm towels and Facial Oils that provide both nourishment and hydration.

Pittas: Usually prone to sensitivity and redness, Pittas need more of a calming and cooling treatment or homecare routine. Epidermal Repair products and soothing masks are great for healing inflammation and relieving irritation.

Kaphas: Can sometimes struggle with oily skin, so products that help to regulate that oil production and neutralize toxins are best. Steer clear of anything too heavy.


While Ayurveda is a great guideline and tool for discovering certain tendencies of the skin, body, and mind, everyone is unique and different and possesses balances and imbalances all their own that can be related to a variety of causes. Get to know yourself and your client and then take some time each day for self-care from the inside out!



Your Wellness Cheat Sheet: Which Supplement is Right For You?


Choosing the right supplements for your unique skin and body can be overwhelming. And while we always recommend finding an Osmosis Skincare Professional for most accurate protocols and tailored results, here is a guide to helping you navigate to the perfect supplement for you based on your skin and health concerns.

What is Your Main Skin Concern?


1. My skin is oily and acne-prone.


On the cheeks, forehead, and mouth: These regions indicate gut health issues such as candida (a yeast overgrowth in the gut), inflammation in the intestines, or acid reflux. Encourage a healthy tummy with Skin Perfection Water formulated to harmonize digestion, targeting acne at the source for permanent healing.

On the lower jaw and chin: This indicates estrogenic toxins caused by a hormone imbalance absorbed by different organs and then purged through the skin. Reach for Environmental Detox, a powerful supplement containing ingredients like DIM and activated charcoal that work to bind and remove these toxins from the body. It is particularly effective at preventing and reducing cystic acne which is very common in this zone of the face.

2. Rid me of the wrinkles!


Say no to stress: Body Talk is a holistic way designed to target stress-induced aging by neutralizing the effect of emotions on the body and detoxing emotional history to then open pathways in the mind for healing. Five pumps in the morning and evening will help contribute to a healthy mind and body - and that includes your skin!

DNA Repair: Elevate is our revolutionary DNA Repair supplement that encourages the formation of ATP (your body's natural energy source). Its ability to reduce damage to the skin from sun exposure through our patented AC-11, will increase skin's immunity and endurance while continuing to repair cells for the ultimate overall health. Plus, the increased energy will give you just the boost you need to stay active and energized!

3. My skin is prone to redness and irritation.


On the forehead, cheeks, and temples: Rosacea in these areas is typically triggered by certain foods and reflects the large intestine. Digestive Water is designed to help restore harmony to the gut providing relief on this system, in turn reducing rosacea caused by the digestive distress.

Around the nose: This section reflects the region from the stomach to the lower esophagus. Often, when there is redness around the sides of the nose, it is caused by gastritis, H. Pylori overgrowth in the stomach, or acid reflux. Complete Digestive Enzyme aids in the break down of food and absorption of nutrients to provide relief and balance to the digestive system.


4. Blackheads!


Address the mucus: Blackheads are caused by mucus build-up in the body. Pathway is our 10-day cleanse that breaks up and removes mucus from the intestines and colon, increasing nutrient absorption removing harmful toxins, and enhancing overall health! Watch blackheads disappear and notice increased energy and glowing completion.

The foundation of Osmosis stands on the skin-body connection. So, many of our supplements, though they target internal sources, directly address external concerns. See our Holistic Skin Mapping for more specifics on skin conditions and supplements that will assist in healing from the inside out!

Start within to encourage your authentic beauty. For best results, pair supplements with Osmosis Waters, topical Skincare, and healthy lifestyle choices to achieve a flawless radiance and a happier, healthier you!


Hygge Season


Winter is swiftly approaching, and as the weather cools off, Netflix and In-Bed-By-Nine sounds a lot more appealing than a night out. Transform your night in with the widely trending Danish practice, hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah"), which is a word used to describe a feeling of warmth and ultimate comfort and coziness, recognizing the moment as special and charming to promote contentment and well-being. Sign us up! We're taking a clue from some of the happiest people in the world, and listing 5 ways to snuggle up and implement this cozy, cure-all method to your winter routine.

1. Snuggle Up.

Getting snug is the essence of all things hygge. Surround yourself and your space with blankets, throw on your comfy clothes, and nestle into your favorite "spot" (everyone has one). We're loving this chunky DIY blanket trend as a calming craft activity!

2. Warm Beverage.

Soothe your insides by sipping something warm! Break out your favorite cashew milk latte or matcha tea and feel the serenity of the moment. Get creative with your drink of choice by getting some serious inspo with these Hygge-Perfect Hot Drinks!


3. A Good Book or TV Show.

There is just nothing quite like snuggling up with a good book on a cold day. This idea is hygge practice in full force! This could also be achieved with your favorite TV show! Anything that helps you escape reality and fully immerse yourself in your fantasy world for the moment.


4. Add Warmth.

Cozy most always means warm. If you have a fireplace, have it going in your space to add to your own little ambiance and provide additional warmth! Don't have a fireplace? Candles will do the trick too! Multiple candles are best, and it's a bonus if you have the kind that crackle. The soothing sound of a fire in any form within your means creates a hygge dream space.

5. Your Favorite Slow Jams.

Since hygge is all about whatever makes you feel the most comfortable and relaxed, turning on your favorite soft songs is a great way to put your mind at ease and enjoy the tunes! Music is scientifically proven to stimulate emotion; so, soothing songs with positive vibes help to enhance your hygge-night-in experience!


Shop a luxuriously hygge-licious Sleep Mask here to enhance your evening relaxation routine!





6 Ways to Balance Your Body's pH



There are many trending diets, habits, and exercises that come in waves across the internet. Some are merely fads while others hold merit; but what it all boils down to, is the attempt to keep your body as healthy as possible from the inside out. One of the best ways to do this is to optimize your body's internal functionality by maintaining its prime pH level. When you indulge in highly acidic foods and drinks, it spikes your pH level into acidic territory which creates an environment in your body that can invite long-term illness, inflammation, and can negatively affect cellular function. Our goal should be to keep our body in the alkaline state, boosting immunity, energy, internal balance, and overall wellness! So, what are the steps we should take toward alkalizing our body so we can feel our best and ward off disease? Check out this list of food, drink, and lifestyle habits that contribute to a healthy, balanced body.

1. Greens. Making dark, leafy greens a staple in your diet will dramatically impact the alkalinity in your body. Kale, spinach, collards, and broccoli are all excellent examples of cruciferous vegetables that will not only help balance your pH levels, but in doing so, can reduce your risk of various cancers. Popeye had it right all along!
PRO TIP: If you're not a veggie eater, Environmental Detox features DIM, an ingredient derived from cruciferous vegetables and delivers the same benefits!

2. Nix Processed Foods. Don't let those packaged, processed, and frozen meals fool you. Though they claim to be healthy, the preservatives and processing of these foods can be harmful to your body. When in doubt, fresh is best. A good rule-of-thumb is to try to shop on the outer parameter of your grocery store. This is where most of the fresh items are, whereas the canned goods, frozen meals, and processed treats tend to tempt us in the aisles in the middle.

3. Lots of Water. You would be amazed at how much water intake really is enough for your body! It is essential to your overall health to consume enough water, as it promotes proper cell function, balances the body's natural pH level, assists the organs for optimal functionality, and promotes healthy digestion! Hydration is key.

4. Keep it Moving! Get your body in action to help break up acidic toxins and waste and move them along through your body. If you are tilting toward the acid side of the spectrum internally, go for a quick swim, play a round of tennis, or bust out the yoga mat to promote a healthy flow and rebalance your pH levels to a healthier state.

5. Citrus. Believe it or not, even though citrus fruits are acidic in nature, once metabolized and processed into the body, they actually encourage alkalinity within! Grapefruits, lemons, pineapples, are all excellent alkaline-producing foods! Try swapping out your morning coffee for a warm cup of water with lemon to kick-start your day and balance your gut's pH first thing in the morning.


6. Wellness Supplements. The Osmosis Wellness Line contains many all-natural products and supplements that aid in the optimal function of cells in your body, ultimately balancing your pH to it's ideal state for your unique body. Complete is an all-natural digestive enzyme that helps break down food for proper digestion, as well as increases nutrient absorption of those alkaline-producing foods to help you feel more energized and healthy!



The bottom line is to strive for a healthy balance internally through what you are putting inside your body and choosing healthy lifestyle habits. Take your health into your own hands!

8 Steps to Creating a Healthy Home


Our homes should be our safe zone. Our place of re-energizing and unwinding, dancing while no one's watching, and binge-watching TV shows. It is essential to our mental clarity that we create a healthy home environment for ourselves utilizing positive energies and strategic methods from feng shui to harness balance, joy, and inspiration from your surroundings. You will be astounded at the apparent connection between life and space when your efforts are put into making this change! While there are endless amounts of feng shui tips out there (you can break down the bagua map here), we have come up with eight must-have items and tips that you can implement at any stage of your feng shui journey to help contribute to a healthy, happy, peaceful living space.

1. Candles. Who doesn't love a good candle? There are multiple benefits to placing candles around your living space. They ignite passion and warm the energy in your home, plus the pleasant scents soothe and improve your chi! The most ideal places for candles are in your bedroom, bathroom, and living room. To avoid indoor pollution and inhaling toxins, check out these non-toxic options. 


2. Eliminating Clutter. This could be one of the most important tips to improving the energy of your space and achieving peace and stability in the home. Even if you're not a "clean-freak", it's important to rid your space of unnecessary clutter to gain happiness and to be able to ease the subconscious mind for ultimate relaxation and zen.


3. Plants. It is in our human nature to be attracted to that of the earth. Connecting nature and outdoors to our human nature within is referred to as finding "Tao". Implementing plants and greenery to your home decor will invite nature's radiant energy into your space and improve your mood, mental clarity, and harmonize the area you live. Hello Tao! Check out this list of plants that help purify indoor air!
Bonus Tip! Be sure to tend to your living plants if you have them. If a plant dies, immediately discard it to keep your home a place of life!


4. Mirrors. Having mirrors in your home is an old feng shui staple, but it is important that they are strategically placed. In feng shui, mirrors are thought to magnify, energize, and can drastically alter a space. Hang a mirror in a small room to simulate expansion, but be mindful that too many mirrors can have a reverse, negative effect. Living rooms, hall ways, and dining areas are traditionally ideal homes for mirrors.


5. Fix what's broken. Broken items can interrupt positive vibrations in a space. Within reason, try not to ignore broken items such as light fixtures or burnt-out bulbs, chipped or scratched furniture (unless, of course, it is intentional style), or machinery and electronics that no longer work. Replace them or discard if they cannot be fixed.


6. Lighting is everything! When possible, let that natural sunlight shine into your home. It does wonders for the energy of the home and helps contribute to that Tao we mentioned earlier! For the night time, warm-lighted lamps and light fixtures should be placed strategically in corners of "high traffic" regions to contribute to a cozy space (if it can dim, that's a plus!). Avoid florescent lighting as much as possible as it carries negative energies and takes away from the comfort of the room.


7. Breathe in freshness. Purifying the air you breathe in your home is essential to your health and longevity. There are many options of air purifiers, but keeping it natural is key! We love Himalayan Salt Lamps, which work by attracting water molecules and absorbing their toxins or foreign particles, then releasing the purified molecule back into the air. Plus! They are a great conversation piece and contribute to earthy decor. Essential Oil Diffusers are another great option for purifying the air, and with the plethora of natural oils out there, you can customize your scent with additional elements that benefit not just your home, but your body as well!

8. Colors! Color choices in the home can be one of the most powerful tools used in feng shui. Think about how much difference it makes when you paint a room a different color or get a new bed spread. Colors play a much bigger role in our subconscious than you might think, so be sure to do your due diligence when deciding on that statement piece, a new area rug, or what color to paint the bedroom!

No matter how much or how little time you spend in your home, be sure to prioritize creating a space that contributes to your subconscious health and happiness. True beauty starts within!

Osmosis Wellness: Peaches in Season


Once a year in Colorado, a huge festival takes place that honors the seasonal bounty of Palisade Peaches. Peach season is a Colorado favorite and being that Osmosis is based in the old Rocky Mountain State, we wanted to pass along some peachy wisdom on the health benefits of, you guessed it... Peaches!


Now you know how awesome peaches are for our bodies and spirit... and taste buds. Get out there and take advantage of nature's perfect summer supplement!