2008 has been a year of great change for many of us and for Zen Soul Spa it has brought about significant change. We've grown from a sole practitioner (Regine Rousseau LMT, LAc) practice in the back room of a 2-room yoga studio to a 4-room beautiful space on Montague Street with two treatment rooms, a zen-inspired lounge and hand and foot treatment relaxation room. The space is shared with Yoga People's spacious and gorgeous yoga studio which overlooks Montague Street with a magnificent view of St. Ann's Cathedral. Our space has a growing staff of talented therapists, providing a list of therapeutic services and programs including massage, body treatments and acupuncture.
Our lovely spa director, Keyona Donaldson, will make you feel right at home with her warm hospitality and friendly care, making your stay with us a pleasurable and memorable one and our wonderful therapists' nurturing and intuitive touch will leave you feeling renewed and refreshed!
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for all our clients through providing the best in service, care and products. We offer emotional balancing and stress-relief through flower essence therapy, nutrition tips, acupuncture and massage. And pain-relief is achieved through similar avenues sometimes using a combination of acupuncture, massage, nutrition- stretching and ergonomic tips.
So let Zen Soul Spa soothe your mind, body zen soul!
Visit our new location shared with Yoga People yoga studio at 160 Montague Street, 2nd fl (walk right up) and our new website at
www.zensoulspa.com for more information.
Relax...you're in good hands.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Improve your health for $1.99!!! with Epsom Salt...
I recently checked out the"Epsom Salt Industry Council" site - a website solely dedicated to spreading the word on the many benefits Epsom salt can provide - who knew?? And as an adamant believer of the healing this "salt" can provide, I'm always suggesting a salt bath to my clients to enhance the effects and benefits of their massage and/or acupuncture sessions with me at Zen Soul Spa - Massage & Acupuncture. Here's why it works!
Magnesium Sulfate is the key to Epsom salt's healing effects and the Epsom Salt Industry Council reports that Magnesium Sulfate reduces swelling/inflammation and relieves pain making it great for sore muscles, sprains and bruises, bronchial asthma, migraines and fibromyalgia.
Soaking in Epsom salt is one of the most effective ways to supply the body with the electrolyte Magnesium (absorbed through the skin) which helps the body perform numerous functions including ensuring proper muscle, nerve and enzyme function and proper use of calcium in cells. It's an aid in helping to prevent heart disease and strokes by lowering blood pressure, protecting the elasticity of arteries, preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of sudden heart attack deaths.
Medical research also indicates that magnesium may increase the effectiveness of insulin, helping to lower the risk or severity of diabetes.
Epsom salt delivers sulfates that are needed for the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the mucin proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. Studies show that sulfates also stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and detoxifies the body's residue of medicines and environmental contaminants.
So in a nutshell regular Epsom salt baths and/or foot soaks will relieve fatigue giving you more energy, sharper clarity and focus, relieve aches and pains, reduce bruising and swelling and improve the overall quality of your LIFE! Use it alone or to enhance any of the many treatments offered at Zen Soul Spa - Massage & Acupuncture in Brooklyn Heights.
Zen Soul Remedy Bath
4lbs Epsom Salt (1 large container)
1 tubful of hot water
Soak for 15-30 minutes - 1x a week
Zen Sole Foot Soak
2 cups Epsom salt
1 gallon of warm to hot water in a big bowl/ foot tub
Soak feet until water gets cool - 3x a week
A note of caution: Do not take an epsom salt bath if you have high blood pressure or a heart or kidney condition. And remember, the information above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment.
Visit us at www.zensoulspa.com
Thursday, February 21, 2008
More Tips On How To Get A Good Night's Rest
Visit us at www.zensoulspa.com to help improve the quality of your life!
How To Relax Before Going To Bed
How To Relax Before Going To Bed
Massage like a pro!
Visit us at www.zensoulspa.com and set up your first massage lesson and learn to massage like a pro!
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How To Give A Stress Relieving Foot Massage
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How To Give A Stress Relieving Foot Massage
Monday, February 18, 2008
Learn Infant Massage Now!
How cute is this video?!
Remember when massaging your baby at home to pay attention to baby's tolerance level cues. Many babies begin to get fidgety and over-stimulated if massaged for too long and while many adults hold tension in the neck and shoulder region, babies tend to hold tension in their hips.
Numerous studies have found that massage plays a significant role in:
*promoting the proper growth and healthy development of infants
*stimulates the nerves
*increases blood flow
*strengthens the immune system
*Can relieve a host of childhood complaints from colic to constipation.
*A daily rubdown on baby’s belly helps work out gas and regulates digestion
*Massaging the chest may ease congestion
*Gently stroking an infant’s face can improve her ability to suck
*Most of all, massage is good for parent-child bonding.
The best time to massage your baby is at bathtime or bedtime – massaged babies fall asleep right away, so it’s better not to massage immediately after a feeding or when a baby is hungry.
For more parent-child bonding consider booking a "Two Peas In A Pod" Massage for you and baby at Zen Soul Spa - Massage & Acupuncture in Brooklyn or arrange for a therapist to come to you and baby in the comfort of your own home.
Go To www.zensoulspa.com for more info
How To Massage Your Baby For Health And Happiness
Remember when massaging your baby at home to pay attention to baby's tolerance level cues. Many babies begin to get fidgety and over-stimulated if massaged for too long and while many adults hold tension in the neck and shoulder region, babies tend to hold tension in their hips.
Numerous studies have found that massage plays a significant role in:
*promoting the proper growth and healthy development of infants
*stimulates the nerves
*increases blood flow
*strengthens the immune system
*Can relieve a host of childhood complaints from colic to constipation.
*A daily rubdown on baby’s belly helps work out gas and regulates digestion
*Massaging the chest may ease congestion
*Gently stroking an infant’s face can improve her ability to suck
*Most of all, massage is good for parent-child bonding.
The best time to massage your baby is at bathtime or bedtime – massaged babies fall asleep right away, so it’s better not to massage immediately after a feeding or when a baby is hungry.
For more parent-child bonding consider booking a "Two Peas In A Pod" Massage for you and baby at Zen Soul Spa - Massage & Acupuncture in Brooklyn or arrange for a therapist to come to you and baby in the comfort of your own home.
Go To www.zensoulspa.com for more info
How To Massage Your Baby For Health And Happiness
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Indian Head Massage
Check out this video on Indian Head Massage - coming soon to Zen Soul Spa - Massage & Acupuncture's menu of Brooklyn massage services.
Coming this Spring to Brooklyn Heights/Downtown Brooklyn!
Visit our website at www.zensoulspa.com
How To Do An Indian Head Massage
Coming this Spring to Brooklyn Heights/Downtown Brooklyn!
Visit our website at www.zensoulspa.com
How To Do An Indian Head Massage
Happy Valentine's Day Weekend!
I love this time of year - it brings a certain degree of warmth to the cold winter months and gives us yet another reason to celebrate. Even if you're single take this time out to love yourself with luxurious pampering and heart felt centering. Some of my favorites for couple's include Zen Soul Massage & Acupuncture's 90minute"Pamper Your Partner Massage" for only $140. More than just a massage for two, this Couples Massage combines relaxation with education. You will be trained by a licensed professional to become the expert at home!
One partner relaxes on the massage table while your personal massage therapist demonstrates basic strokes and techniques to the other partner. Together they determine your specific areas of stress, the best way to massage those areas, and pressure preference. Half way through the session, the couple switches positions, allowing both the pleasure of a four-handed massage and the benefits of massage education not to mention it's so much fun!
For those who choose to go solo in the pampering, I suggest the 90 minute"Zen Hot Stone Massage"also for only $140 - you will melt like warm butter as these deeply penetrating heated stones work to undo all your stress and muscular tension. The heat will allow your deepest layers of muscle to gently release while gliding massage strokes soothe your mind and body zen soul.
No matter your preference you can experience zen soul right here in Brooklyn Heights/Downtown Brooklyn and begin your journey into urban wellness.
Visit us at www.zensoulspa.com to begin your journey.
One partner relaxes on the massage table while your personal massage therapist demonstrates basic strokes and techniques to the other partner. Together they determine your specific areas of stress, the best way to massage those areas, and pressure preference. Half way through the session, the couple switches positions, allowing both the pleasure of a four-handed massage and the benefits of massage education not to mention it's so much fun!
For those who choose to go solo in the pampering, I suggest the 90 minute"Zen Hot Stone Massage"also for only $140 - you will melt like warm butter as these deeply penetrating heated stones work to undo all your stress and muscular tension. The heat will allow your deepest layers of muscle to gently release while gliding massage strokes soothe your mind and body zen soul.
No matter your preference you can experience zen soul right here in Brooklyn Heights/Downtown Brooklyn and begin your journey into urban wellness.
Visit us at www.zensoulspa.com to begin your journey.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Sleepless in Ny - Part II (The Solution)
I've spoken of the life changing effects acupuncture and massage can have in treating pain and stress. Also how these two healing modalities support restorative sleep, well here's how they do it along with some great ways you can help yourself to experience restorative sleep.
Therapeutic Massage and Acupuncture by a licensed practitioner support restorative sleep in the following ways:
1. It reduces stress by decreasing cortisol levels and sympathetic autonomic nervous system activities. When stress is high it is because these levels and activities are high, reducing them are of the greatest importance in healthy living.
2. It increases a sense of well being and calm through promoting the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system activity. This is the part of the nervous system that regulates rest and digestion.
3. It relieves or reduces pain and discomfort that may interrupt sleep.
Here are 10 self-help tips you can implement now to achieve your best night's sleep!
1. Get up and go to sleep at around the same time every day, including days off or at least get up at the same time regardless of when you went to bed.
2. Get at least 30 minutes of daylight exposure by being outside or in front of an open window. This exposure stimulates serotonin levels. Seratonin is a hormone closely associated with the sense of well-being. Depression has been linked to low levels of the seratonin hormone, no wonder the winter months can cause mild depression or seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.)in some.
3. Exercise moderately on a regular basis but do not exercise aerobically 4 hours before sleeping. Try yoga in the vinyasa style - this yoga involves a constant, fluid movement producing stretching, strengthening, increased flexibility and range of motion at the different joints when practiced over time - for descriptions and classes in Brooklyn Heights visit www.yoga-people.com
4. Avoid eating heavy meals before bed. If hungry, consider a light snack without sugar like a plain yogurt or some slices of turkey (turkey has high levels of tryptophan, which encourages sleep) 30 minutes before retiring.
5. Stay away from stimulants (i.e. cofee, colas,etc) 10 hours before bedtime so if you go to bed at 10pm avoid stimulants past lunchtime (12pm).
6. Avoid long naps. A power nap is short and sweet, rejuvenates your mind and body and does not spoil your good night's rest for later. A short 15-30 minute nap is usually effective in combatting midday fatigue.
7. Keep the lights dim or turn them off 1 hour before bedtime. Stretching in dim lighting is an excellent way to begin decompressing and winding down before bed.
8. Turn off the television and sleep in the dark. Play some soothing music or nature sounds instead.
9. When drowsiness occurs, immediately relax into sleep. The drowsy pattern lasts only about 15 minutes and then the body goes into a new cycle which lasts about 90 minutes. So if you miss the sleep window, continue with the calming techniques until the sense of drowsiness comes back - then go to bed.
10. And finally develop a bedtime ritual that you can follow consistently. The ritual should begin about 30 minutes before sleep. Make sure to be in dim lighting and allow 15 minutes for the ritual. You can wash and brush your teeth but avoid taking a shower this close to bed time because of its stimulating effects - a warm shower or bath is great an hour before rest. Meditating or reading something that is gentle and calming for 5-10 minutes can be very relaxing. Drinking a cup of warm milk or herbal tea is soothing as well as listening to soft music or nature sounds, breathing in the scent of a fragrant essential oil or candle can work well also. Meditate, pray, and review your day in a thankful way. Reinforce this ritual or whatever ritual you choose to support deep sleep by doing it on a consistent basis. Do it the same every night and eventually the ritual will signal your body into a sleep pattern.
Still not convinced? Try this little exercise to assess and improve your sleep patterns - identify three activities that support restorative sleep and three activities that can be improved.
My current sleep pattern is as follows:
Three current activities that support sleep are:
1.
2.
3.
Three activities that could improve sleep are:
1.
2.
3.
Visit Zen Soul Spa - Massage & Acupuncture in Brooklyn Heights for more information and to set up a phone consultation and session at
www.zensoulspa.com
Therapeutic Massage and Acupuncture by a licensed practitioner support restorative sleep in the following ways:
1. It reduces stress by decreasing cortisol levels and sympathetic autonomic nervous system activities. When stress is high it is because these levels and activities are high, reducing them are of the greatest importance in healthy living.
2. It increases a sense of well being and calm through promoting the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system activity. This is the part of the nervous system that regulates rest and digestion.
3. It relieves or reduces pain and discomfort that may interrupt sleep.
Here are 10 self-help tips you can implement now to achieve your best night's sleep!
1. Get up and go to sleep at around the same time every day, including days off or at least get up at the same time regardless of when you went to bed.
2. Get at least 30 minutes of daylight exposure by being outside or in front of an open window. This exposure stimulates serotonin levels. Seratonin is a hormone closely associated with the sense of well-being. Depression has been linked to low levels of the seratonin hormone, no wonder the winter months can cause mild depression or seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.)in some.
3. Exercise moderately on a regular basis but do not exercise aerobically 4 hours before sleeping. Try yoga in the vinyasa style - this yoga involves a constant, fluid movement producing stretching, strengthening, increased flexibility and range of motion at the different joints when practiced over time - for descriptions and classes in Brooklyn Heights visit www.yoga-people.com
4. Avoid eating heavy meals before bed. If hungry, consider a light snack without sugar like a plain yogurt or some slices of turkey (turkey has high levels of tryptophan, which encourages sleep) 30 minutes before retiring.
5. Stay away from stimulants (i.e. cofee, colas,etc) 10 hours before bedtime so if you go to bed at 10pm avoid stimulants past lunchtime (12pm).
6. Avoid long naps. A power nap is short and sweet, rejuvenates your mind and body and does not spoil your good night's rest for later. A short 15-30 minute nap is usually effective in combatting midday fatigue.
7. Keep the lights dim or turn them off 1 hour before bedtime. Stretching in dim lighting is an excellent way to begin decompressing and winding down before bed.
8. Turn off the television and sleep in the dark. Play some soothing music or nature sounds instead.
9. When drowsiness occurs, immediately relax into sleep. The drowsy pattern lasts only about 15 minutes and then the body goes into a new cycle which lasts about 90 minutes. So if you miss the sleep window, continue with the calming techniques until the sense of drowsiness comes back - then go to bed.
10. And finally develop a bedtime ritual that you can follow consistently. The ritual should begin about 30 minutes before sleep. Make sure to be in dim lighting and allow 15 minutes for the ritual. You can wash and brush your teeth but avoid taking a shower this close to bed time because of its stimulating effects - a warm shower or bath is great an hour before rest. Meditating or reading something that is gentle and calming for 5-10 minutes can be very relaxing. Drinking a cup of warm milk or herbal tea is soothing as well as listening to soft music or nature sounds, breathing in the scent of a fragrant essential oil or candle can work well also. Meditate, pray, and review your day in a thankful way. Reinforce this ritual or whatever ritual you choose to support deep sleep by doing it on a consistent basis. Do it the same every night and eventually the ritual will signal your body into a sleep pattern.
Still not convinced? Try this little exercise to assess and improve your sleep patterns - identify three activities that support restorative sleep and three activities that can be improved.
My current sleep pattern is as follows:
Three current activities that support sleep are:
1.
2.
3.
Three activities that could improve sleep are:
1.
2.
3.
Visit Zen Soul Spa - Massage & Acupuncture in Brooklyn Heights for more information and to set up a phone consultation and session at
www.zensoulspa.com
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Sleepless in NY - Part I
I treat alot of my clients for muscle pain,stress and anxiety and I tell them that the most important component to their healing is what they do for the other 23 hours that they are not in session with me. This includes diet, exercise, drinking lots of water, stretching, therapeutic bath soaks, making a conscious effort to improve posture and a commonly overlooked component is a good night's sleep to name a few. Restorative sleep is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL in your mind and body healing yet many people and I'd say especially us New Yorkers ("the city that never sleeps")do not get enough rest. A minimum of 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep is required but most people do their best on 8-9 hours. Interruptions to sleep run the gamut, whether it's tending to a newborn baby and/or children, external noises like traffic or neighbors - both unavoidable in the city (usually), pain that repeatedly wakes us, full bladder, breathing problems, cough, or that snoring bed partner alot of us have. The list of possible interruptions goes on and on.
Others may suffer from insomnia, sleep apnea, or high stress levels. In each case deep sleep is compromised but in the cases of internal imbalance, acupuncture along with massage can help to regulate your body's systems, calm the mind and nervous system while stimulating the heart to pump more efficiently working toward correcting the root imbalance(s) causing you to miss out on a good night's sleep. For those other clients suffering from external middle of the night disturbances, I've recommended ear plugs, sound machines,eye pillows/masks, I've also suggested to clients to cover or remove their televisions from their bedroom which is an essential component of the feng shui philosophy of balance.
We need adequate exposure to both daylight and darkness to effectively regulate our sleep patterns but with the use of artificial lighting we spend less and less time in the dark which disturbs sleep. Exposure to darkness supports the release of melanin, a pituitary hormone involved in the sleep pattern. During the deep stage of sleep, growth hormone is released and plays a major role in renewal, repair and restoration of the our body's cells. If sleep is interrupted the deeper stages of sleep aren't realized and the body's restorative mechanisms are compromised. It seems that sleep, especially during dreaming, also allows us to repair, restore and sort emotionally as well. Although dreaming is still a mystery, research suggests that it is essential for emotional well-being. Acupuncture and massage can serve as safe alternatives in the treatment of many of the above mentioned imbalances with no side effects. Treatments are cumulative yet many clients notice a difference immediately after treatment. They feel calmer, more relaxed and sleep deeply that very same night. Over time you should be sleeping like a baby night after good night and you will notice a major decrease in muscle pain/discomfort and/or stress and anxiety in addition to feeling your very BEST!
Feel your best! Visit Zen Soul Spa - Massage & Acupuncture for a consultation and treatment now. We're conveniently located in Brooklyn Heights.
Visit us at www.zensoulspa.com.
Others may suffer from insomnia, sleep apnea, or high stress levels. In each case deep sleep is compromised but in the cases of internal imbalance, acupuncture along with massage can help to regulate your body's systems, calm the mind and nervous system while stimulating the heart to pump more efficiently working toward correcting the root imbalance(s) causing you to miss out on a good night's sleep. For those other clients suffering from external middle of the night disturbances, I've recommended ear plugs, sound machines,eye pillows/masks, I've also suggested to clients to cover or remove their televisions from their bedroom which is an essential component of the feng shui philosophy of balance.
We need adequate exposure to both daylight and darkness to effectively regulate our sleep patterns but with the use of artificial lighting we spend less and less time in the dark which disturbs sleep. Exposure to darkness supports the release of melanin, a pituitary hormone involved in the sleep pattern. During the deep stage of sleep, growth hormone is released and plays a major role in renewal, repair and restoration of the our body's cells. If sleep is interrupted the deeper stages of sleep aren't realized and the body's restorative mechanisms are compromised. It seems that sleep, especially during dreaming, also allows us to repair, restore and sort emotionally as well. Although dreaming is still a mystery, research suggests that it is essential for emotional well-being. Acupuncture and massage can serve as safe alternatives in the treatment of many of the above mentioned imbalances with no side effects. Treatments are cumulative yet many clients notice a difference immediately after treatment. They feel calmer, more relaxed and sleep deeply that very same night. Over time you should be sleeping like a baby night after good night and you will notice a major decrease in muscle pain/discomfort and/or stress and anxiety in addition to feeling your very BEST!
Feel your best! Visit Zen Soul Spa - Massage & Acupuncture for a consultation and treatment now. We're conveniently located in Brooklyn Heights.
Visit us at www.zensoulspa.com.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Top 10 Reasons To Get Regular Massage
1. Massage feels great!
It's like going on vacation for an hour or two right here in Brooklyn! Many of my clients go into "the zone" of deep relaxation during a session in my Brooklyn massage studio and can feel refreshed and restored on every level - emotionally and physically.
2. *Relieve pain!
When delivered by a trained and licensed massage therapist, therapeutic massage and bodywork can help melt away aches and pains n regular sessions. Rather than taking pain medication which often has many side effects, a good massage not only has no side effects, but also feels really great. Consider going a more natural and healthy route and feel your pain no more with therapeutic massage right here in urban Brooklyn - home of Urban Zen Massage & Acupuncture!
3. *Reduce Stress!
Massage soothes your nerves and your tired muscles. It calms your body and helps relax your mind. Less stress means a longer quality life. Less stress means more energy. More energy frees you up to enjoy life more. Therapeutic massage energizes you. Receive a massage at Urban Zen Massage & Acupuncture and feel the difference!
4. *Recover fast from injury or illness!
Massage helps increase the body's natural ability to heal. It boosts the immune system and recovery time can often be cut in half during times of injury or some illnesses. You'll soon be on your way to good health.
5. *Be successful!
Perform better and be the best you can in your life! A more stress free existence boosts performance by allowing you to be more efficient and calm in the midst of your daily challenges. Just like the athlete, who needs to keep the body in top shape to be a winner, those of us who truly want to achieve high performance in our careers and/or personal lives need to take supremely good care of themselves. Good bodywork is a must for those who wish to achieve extraordinary results in their lives. For success in life, add that something extra champions count on! Receive therapeutic massage at Urban Zen Massage & Acupuncture in Brooklyn!
6. *Prevent future injury and illness!
Tense muscles pull on and tighten tendons and ligaments, cause rigidity, cut off circulation for proper metabolism, drain us of energy, and pull our body out of alignment. Unattended, this can eventually lead to a host of diseases. Often this state of affairs goes unnoticed for a long time, until it is too late. We may move wrong and due to our imbalances and tightness hurt ourselves in ways that could have easily been prevented with a few massages. This neglect may cause us much grief, pain, and expensive visits to the doctor. Many chronic conditions might also be avoided with regular bodywork and massage. One of the greatest benefits of massage you will never know about. It is the disease avoided and the injury that did not take place, because your body was in good shape to handle life's challenges, all with a little massage. So do not delay the massages that are as essential to a healthy life as brushing your teeth and taking your vitamins.
7. *Be all that you can be! Enjoy your life to the fullest!
The body is the vehicle through which we experience the world. If it does not function properly, we cannot enjoy our wealth, our hobbies, our relationships, our work, or anything else for that matter. A good and happy life starts with a sound and healthy body. Keep it in shape by treating it right. Massage increases self-esteem, improves your mood, decreases depression, reduces anxiety, quiets insomnia and can ease PMS symptoms.
Just like taking care of your possessions, your body is the crown jewel of all your possessions. Good exercise, nutrition, rest, and regular bodywork are essential to its upkeep. When feeling like a million dollars, life is a lot of fun. Therefore, be good to yourself and get a massage.
8. *Relax and enjoy!
Relax into that urban zen state only those who have received a great massage know about. We are not human doings. We are human beings. To slow down and simply be is an art many are forgetting. Massage is an easy way to simply be, to know how good it can feel to be human. Simply relax and feel the bliss of your own aliveness and the good feelings that can be experienced so easily. I would not know what life would be like without receiving a massage once a week and I do not want to know either. Don't miss out and treat yourself to a massage at Urban Zen Massage & Acupuncture in Brooklyn Heights.
9. It's Anti-Aging!
Massage enhances tissue elasticity and joint flexibility; improves blood and lymph circulation; and promotes healthy vibrant skin. Massage also stimulates skin gland production, leaving clear, healthy skin. Massage helps reduce superficial scar tissue, improving skin condition(s).
10. *Give yourself what you deserve and need!
Are you among those who are in a lot of pain from neglect? You may have put off therapeutic massages or simply never considered their importance. Now you have a chance to stop the deterioration of your body! You are hurting. Your body is achy, your muscles sore, your posture poor, and your life out of balance. Don't let it get worse! Start to pay attention to your body and if you do not know how, it is easy. Let a skilled professional health care practitioner pay attention to it and you will quickly feel the difference therapeutic massage will make in your life!
*partially taken from an article written by Georg W. Koester, BA, LMT
To make an appointment and find out about purchasing a series of 5 or more massages for savings visit Zen Soul Spa -Massage & Acupuncture at
www.zensoulspa.com
It's like going on vacation for an hour or two right here in Brooklyn! Many of my clients go into "the zone" of deep relaxation during a session in my Brooklyn massage studio and can feel refreshed and restored on every level - emotionally and physically.
2. *Relieve pain!
When delivered by a trained and licensed massage therapist, therapeutic massage and bodywork can help melt away aches and pains n regular sessions. Rather than taking pain medication which often has many side effects, a good massage not only has no side effects, but also feels really great. Consider going a more natural and healthy route and feel your pain no more with therapeutic massage right here in urban Brooklyn - home of Urban Zen Massage & Acupuncture!
3. *Reduce Stress!
Massage soothes your nerves and your tired muscles. It calms your body and helps relax your mind. Less stress means a longer quality life. Less stress means more energy. More energy frees you up to enjoy life more. Therapeutic massage energizes you. Receive a massage at Urban Zen Massage & Acupuncture and feel the difference!
4. *Recover fast from injury or illness!
Massage helps increase the body's natural ability to heal. It boosts the immune system and recovery time can often be cut in half during times of injury or some illnesses. You'll soon be on your way to good health.
5. *Be successful!
Perform better and be the best you can in your life! A more stress free existence boosts performance by allowing you to be more efficient and calm in the midst of your daily challenges. Just like the athlete, who needs to keep the body in top shape to be a winner, those of us who truly want to achieve high performance in our careers and/or personal lives need to take supremely good care of themselves. Good bodywork is a must for those who wish to achieve extraordinary results in their lives. For success in life, add that something extra champions count on! Receive therapeutic massage at Urban Zen Massage & Acupuncture in Brooklyn!
6. *Prevent future injury and illness!
Tense muscles pull on and tighten tendons and ligaments, cause rigidity, cut off circulation for proper metabolism, drain us of energy, and pull our body out of alignment. Unattended, this can eventually lead to a host of diseases. Often this state of affairs goes unnoticed for a long time, until it is too late. We may move wrong and due to our imbalances and tightness hurt ourselves in ways that could have easily been prevented with a few massages. This neglect may cause us much grief, pain, and expensive visits to the doctor. Many chronic conditions might also be avoided with regular bodywork and massage. One of the greatest benefits of massage you will never know about. It is the disease avoided and the injury that did not take place, because your body was in good shape to handle life's challenges, all with a little massage. So do not delay the massages that are as essential to a healthy life as brushing your teeth and taking your vitamins.
7. *Be all that you can be! Enjoy your life to the fullest!
The body is the vehicle through which we experience the world. If it does not function properly, we cannot enjoy our wealth, our hobbies, our relationships, our work, or anything else for that matter. A good and happy life starts with a sound and healthy body. Keep it in shape by treating it right. Massage increases self-esteem, improves your mood, decreases depression, reduces anxiety, quiets insomnia and can ease PMS symptoms.
Just like taking care of your possessions, your body is the crown jewel of all your possessions. Good exercise, nutrition, rest, and regular bodywork are essential to its upkeep. When feeling like a million dollars, life is a lot of fun. Therefore, be good to yourself and get a massage.
8. *Relax and enjoy!
Relax into that urban zen state only those who have received a great massage know about. We are not human doings. We are human beings. To slow down and simply be is an art many are forgetting. Massage is an easy way to simply be, to know how good it can feel to be human. Simply relax and feel the bliss of your own aliveness and the good feelings that can be experienced so easily. I would not know what life would be like without receiving a massage once a week and I do not want to know either. Don't miss out and treat yourself to a massage at Urban Zen Massage & Acupuncture in Brooklyn Heights.
9. It's Anti-Aging!
Massage enhances tissue elasticity and joint flexibility; improves blood and lymph circulation; and promotes healthy vibrant skin. Massage also stimulates skin gland production, leaving clear, healthy skin. Massage helps reduce superficial scar tissue, improving skin condition(s).
10. *Give yourself what you deserve and need!
Are you among those who are in a lot of pain from neglect? You may have put off therapeutic massages or simply never considered their importance. Now you have a chance to stop the deterioration of your body! You are hurting. Your body is achy, your muscles sore, your posture poor, and your life out of balance. Don't let it get worse! Start to pay attention to your body and if you do not know how, it is easy. Let a skilled professional health care practitioner pay attention to it and you will quickly feel the difference therapeutic massage will make in your life!
*partially taken from an article written by Georg W. Koester, BA, LMT
To make an appointment and find out about purchasing a series of 5 or more massages for savings visit Zen Soul Spa -Massage & Acupuncture at
www.zensoulspa.com
Sunday, January 6, 2008
What is Urban Zen?
The irony in the phrase "Urban Zen" is obvious, we urbanites are rarely spoken about in the same breath as zen, peace or calm so what in the world is this oxymoron all about?
At Zen Soul Spa, urban zen is a concept that fuses urban living together with modern, convenient and effective spa treatments delivered right here in our downtown Brooklyn (Brooklyn Heights) massage & acupuncture studio. At Zen Soul Spa - Massage & Acupuncture we know that you work hard in and outside of the home, whether crunching over your computers, rockin the children to sleep, or carrying those god-forsaken mega pocketbooks while your shoulders cry out in pain and discomfort - ouch! Now doesn't a weekly massage dedicated to restoring your senses, your mind, body and your soul in our conveniently located Brooklyn Heights/downtown Brooklyn massage & acupuncture studio sound like urban zen to you?
Choose the "Signature Massage" to work out those tense, stiff and knotty areas that give you grief day and/or night. Relax, soothe and release that stress and sleep better with the "Absolute Bliss" massage. And get "Pampered from your Head to your Toes" with a 50 minute massage, 25 minute reflexology and scalp massage all in one zenful massage session. Buy a series of 5 or more of any of these massages and save $5 - $10 off each session plus regular treatments all delivered by our thoughtful and caring therapists.
Now you too can join urban zen living right here at Zen Soul Spa in Brooklyn Heights/downtown location for your choice of massage or acupuncture from our menu of healing modalities.
Visit our website at http://www.zensoulspa.com to begin your journey into urban zen living.
At Zen Soul Spa, urban zen is a concept that fuses urban living together with modern, convenient and effective spa treatments delivered right here in our downtown Brooklyn (Brooklyn Heights) massage & acupuncture studio. At Zen Soul Spa - Massage & Acupuncture we know that you work hard in and outside of the home, whether crunching over your computers, rockin the children to sleep, or carrying those god-forsaken mega pocketbooks while your shoulders cry out in pain and discomfort - ouch! Now doesn't a weekly massage dedicated to restoring your senses, your mind, body and your soul in our conveniently located Brooklyn Heights/downtown Brooklyn massage & acupuncture studio sound like urban zen to you?
Choose the "Signature Massage" to work out those tense, stiff and knotty areas that give you grief day and/or night. Relax, soothe and release that stress and sleep better with the "Absolute Bliss" massage. And get "Pampered from your Head to your Toes" with a 50 minute massage, 25 minute reflexology and scalp massage all in one zenful massage session. Buy a series of 5 or more of any of these massages and save $5 - $10 off each session plus regular treatments all delivered by our thoughtful and caring therapists.
Now you too can join urban zen living right here at Zen Soul Spa in Brooklyn Heights/downtown location for your choice of massage or acupuncture from our menu of healing modalities.
Visit our website at http://www.zensoulspa.com to begin your journey into urban zen living.
10 Eco-Friendly Tips for '08
Each year around this time we promise ourselves that we will look, feel and be our best. Lose those extra pounds, stop smoking, exercise and get into shape, clear up our skin and then rejuvenate it, look and feel better than we did in our crazy 20's and the list goes on and on , doesn't it? While all this chatter goes on in my mind all too often every January, I decided to do something different this year and focus on "rejuvenating" and beautifying our Mother Earth as well. I've begun by recycling all my garbage at home, when I'm on the street or at work. I continue to avoid products with excess packaging, I've linked up with an eco-friendly company and am in the process of changing all my household cleaning products over to their environmentally - friendly products and I'm passing down these lessons to my children.
Here are 10 eco-friendly tips from care2.com we can all benefit from:
SIMPLE SOLUTION: Here are some tips that ensure clean air and water, careful use of resources, and safe, healing products.
1. USE NATURAL MASSAGE OIL -- Skip mineral oil
2. CLEAN THE AIR WITH PLANTS-- And give more oxygen to your air
3. CHOOSE BEESWAX OR VEGETABLE-OIL CANDLES -- Skip those with paraffin
4. DRINK LOTS OF FILTERED WATER -- Choose the best filter for you
5. CLEAN YOUR TUB WITHOUT POISONS -- Soft scrubber, drain cleaner
6. TURN TO NATURAL SCENTS -- Skip synthetic fragrances
7. CONSERVE WATER AND ENERGY -- Simple steps will help
8. EAT ORGANIC FOOD - Local, fresh and seasonal
9. CHOOSE NATURAL, NONTOXIC BODYCARE PRODUCTS - Healthy body and earth
10. USE EARTH FRIENDLY FEMININE PRODUCTS, PAPER GOODS AND ACCESSORIES -- Skip the plastic
TOP TEN -- MORE DETAILS
1. USE NATURAL MASSAGE OIL -- Skip mineral oil
WHY: Mineral oil is a refined petroleum product providing no nutrients to the skin. Petroleum products are non-renewable resources and many petroleum-based ingredients that have been used in consumer products are now known to be carcinogens.
HOW: Massage therapists love coconut oil for massage, because it melts on contact with the skin, leaves a protective barrier on the skin, has a slight lathering ability, and easily washes out of towels. Other oils stain, and towels become odorous after a while. Coconut oil is available in many natural food stores. Another alternative is to use vegetable or nut cooking oil. Test a few different kinds before you find one that feels great on your skin. Old, dry skin loves avocado oil, for example, whereas grapeseed oil is less oily, and safflower oil is a good all purpose solution. A variety of oils are available in health food stores, such as organic unrefined oils from Spectrum Naturals.
HIGHLIGHTS: Save resources, reduce your need for products that foster the polluting petroleum refining industry.
2. CLEAN THE AIR WITH PLANTS-- And give more oxygen to your air
WHY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks indoor air pollution as one of the top five threats to public health, and most Americans spend 90 percent of the time indoors. Living with clean indoor air is best for health.
HOW: Studies show that plants can reduce pollutants by significant amounts.
HIGHLIGHTS: Plants bring more oxygen to your home, clean the air, and are aesthetically pleasing.
3. CHOOSE BEESWAX OR VEGETABLE-OIL CANDLES -- Skip those with paraffin
WHY: Paraffin is a petroleum product, which is not a renewable resource and causes pollution in its production.
HOW: Pure beeswax and vegetable oil candles are readily available. Some brands include Beeswax Candles; Pure Light Candles; and Pure Essential Oil Candles.
MORE: Candle soot can cause indoor air pollution.
4. DRINK LOTS OF FILTERED WATER -- Choose the best filter for you
WHY: Reports of heavy metals, industrial chemicals, and pesticides seeping into drinking water, along with the offensive smell of chlorine in city water supplies, lead many to look at available home water filtration systems.
HOW: The first step in an intelligent and effective water treatment program is an analysis of your water source. Your choice of filtering system will be different if you draw water from a well or use a municipal source. As a rule of thumb, Reverse Osmosis is often considered best for well water because it filters bacteria, whereas Carbon Filters are best for municipal sources since it removes metals and pollutants, but not bacteria (which is removed by municipalities). Distillation removes everything, along with minerals needed for health, but some prefer the complete removal of contaminants that distillation provides.
HIGHLIGHTS: Good, clean, healthy water to drink; awareness that for the health of the planet, we need not to pollute rivers, lakes, and the sea.
5. CLEAN YOUR TUB WITHOUT POISONS -- Soft scrubber, drain cleaner
WHY: Toxic cleaning products not only threaten your health, but leach into the environment and threaten our wildlife and water supply.
HOW: Try products from 7th Generation or Melaleuca like their Tub & Tile™ Soap Scum and Water Spot Remover.
HIGHLIGHTS: Clean, fresh, healthier air; no contamination of the waste water stream.
6. TURN TO NATURAL SCENTS -- Skip synthetic fragrances
WHY: Many of the ingredients in synthetic perfumes are considered hazardous chemicals. Petroleum-based synthetic perfumes are not sustainable and the ingredients can be toxic to your health and the environment. Instead, try pure essential oils! People who are sensitive to synthetic perfumes typically have no problems with this natural alternative. Pure essential oils are also harvested more sustainably with very little impact on the environment.
HOW: Get to know natural brands in your local markets. Some brands of pure essential oils include Frontier's, Attar, and Mt. Harmony Oils.
HIGHLIGHTS: Better health for you and the chemically sensitive people around you; aromatherapy benefit from natural oils.
7. CONSERVE WATER AND ENERGY-- Simple steps will help
WHY: High energy use at home not only damages the environment we live in but also increases your costs. Groundwater is being used at a rate 25 percent greater than its rate of replenishment -- we need to reduce our water use to guarantee we'll have water in the future. We are sure that wildlife and plants would thank you too, if they could …
HOW: Reuse water instead of pouring it down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden, or for cleaning around your home. Turn off the water while you are lathering your hair or brushing your teeth. Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at a rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year. This adds to the cost of water and sewer utilities and adds to your water bill. Toilets can also leak. To see if yours does, put food coloring in the storage device, and wait a half hour. If the water in the bowl changes color, you have a leak. (Flush toilet after test so it doesn't stain the bowl.)
Take shorter showers or shallow baths (boohoo!) to make a big difference. In addition, install low flow showerheads. A family of four using low-flow showerheads can save about 20,000 gallons of water per year. You can save 3 to 4 gallons per minute when you turn on the tap if you install a flow restrictor in the shower.
Turn off lights when not in use, and replace light bulbs with fluorescents when you buy new bulbs. They'll last longer and save more energy. Or use candles instead (see above). Save about 3 percent of your heating costs for every degree you lower your thermostat during winter. During summer, you'll cut cooling costs 3 to 4 percent for every degree you raise your thermostat.
Lower the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees. Wrap water heater with a water heater blanket, especially if it's in an unheated area. Wrap the tank and pipes for additional savings.
Skip the hair dryer and air dry your hair; open the window instead of using a fan.
HIGHLIGHTS: Make a difference by installing more energy-efficient appliances such as fluorescent bulbs. Save costs and resources by maintaining the thermostat and setting appropriate temperatures on water heaters.
8. EAT ORGANIC FOOD - Local, fresh and seasonal
WHY: Fresh, organic, local and seasonal food supports local farms, requires less energy, is less packaged, and is nutritious and healthy.
HOW: Learn what products are in season near you. For example, understand that when you buy bananas in the summer in California in the supermarket it has most likely been shipped thousands of miles, and wasted significant energy in the process. Find a local farmers' market, or local farm stand, to supply you with fresh produce. Local farms also can supply organic dairy products.
HIGHLIGHTS: A healthy diet that supports local farms.
9. CHOOSE NATURAL AND NONTOXIC PRODUCTS -- Keep your health and the earth in mind
WHAT: Skin and hair care, hair spray and styling, antiperspirants, soap, sun protection, shaving products, cosmetics, insect repellents, hair dyes and perms, dental hygiene, etc. Use less of it to save resources.
WHY: Synthetically derived cosmetics and personal care products can cause a wide array of health problems, including allergic reactions, cancer risk, neurological impairment, hormone disruption, and sensitization. The manufacture of toxic ingredients can cause long-lasting environmental harm, as can washing these chemicals down the drain.
HOW: Get to know different brands of natural personal care products sold your local or an online natural foods store. Read labels to find all-natural ingredients, and start experimenting to find brands you like. Some brands to look for include Aubrey Organics, Logona, Kiss My Face, Tom's of Maine, Burt's Bees, Zia's, and Aveda (salons only).
HIGHLIGHTS: Safety, better for health and the environment, natural products are inherently more nourishing for the body than synthetic.
MORE: Visit Care2's "Healthy Self" channel for dozens of ideas, tips, natural formulas, and links.
10. USE EARTH FRIENDLY FEMINE PRODUCTS, PAPER GOODS AND ACCESSORIES -- Skip the plastic
WHY: One of the most important things you can do is buy paper products that aren't bleached with chlorine. Chlorine bleached paper can contain dioxin and organochlorine -- carcinogenic residues that can transfer to any food or person they come in contact with. Choose instead unbleached paper towels, tampons, napkins, facial tissue, and bathroom tissue.
HOW: Green product companies such as Seventh Generation and NatraCare Offer a number of unbleached paper products. Natural fiber towels and accessories are found at Linens & Things, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Gaiam.com, and more.
Choose a high-quality metal razor, or use an electric razor, instead of disposables.
HIGHLIGHTS: Protect your health and the environment from dangerous chemicals.
Visit my website for an eco-friendly massage at www.zensoulspa.com.
Here are 10 eco-friendly tips from care2.com we can all benefit from:
SIMPLE SOLUTION: Here are some tips that ensure clean air and water, careful use of resources, and safe, healing products.
1. USE NATURAL MASSAGE OIL -- Skip mineral oil
2. CLEAN THE AIR WITH PLANTS-- And give more oxygen to your air
3. CHOOSE BEESWAX OR VEGETABLE-OIL CANDLES -- Skip those with paraffin
4. DRINK LOTS OF FILTERED WATER -- Choose the best filter for you
5. CLEAN YOUR TUB WITHOUT POISONS -- Soft scrubber, drain cleaner
6. TURN TO NATURAL SCENTS -- Skip synthetic fragrances
7. CONSERVE WATER AND ENERGY -- Simple steps will help
8. EAT ORGANIC FOOD - Local, fresh and seasonal
9. CHOOSE NATURAL, NONTOXIC BODYCARE PRODUCTS - Healthy body and earth
10. USE EARTH FRIENDLY FEMININE PRODUCTS, PAPER GOODS AND ACCESSORIES -- Skip the plastic
TOP TEN -- MORE DETAILS
1. USE NATURAL MASSAGE OIL -- Skip mineral oil
WHY: Mineral oil is a refined petroleum product providing no nutrients to the skin. Petroleum products are non-renewable resources and many petroleum-based ingredients that have been used in consumer products are now known to be carcinogens.
HOW: Massage therapists love coconut oil for massage, because it melts on contact with the skin, leaves a protective barrier on the skin, has a slight lathering ability, and easily washes out of towels. Other oils stain, and towels become odorous after a while. Coconut oil is available in many natural food stores. Another alternative is to use vegetable or nut cooking oil. Test a few different kinds before you find one that feels great on your skin. Old, dry skin loves avocado oil, for example, whereas grapeseed oil is less oily, and safflower oil is a good all purpose solution. A variety of oils are available in health food stores, such as organic unrefined oils from Spectrum Naturals.
HIGHLIGHTS: Save resources, reduce your need for products that foster the polluting petroleum refining industry.
2. CLEAN THE AIR WITH PLANTS-- And give more oxygen to your air
WHY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks indoor air pollution as one of the top five threats to public health, and most Americans spend 90 percent of the time indoors. Living with clean indoor air is best for health.
HOW: Studies show that plants can reduce pollutants by significant amounts.
HIGHLIGHTS: Plants bring more oxygen to your home, clean the air, and are aesthetically pleasing.
3. CHOOSE BEESWAX OR VEGETABLE-OIL CANDLES -- Skip those with paraffin
WHY: Paraffin is a petroleum product, which is not a renewable resource and causes pollution in its production.
HOW: Pure beeswax and vegetable oil candles are readily available. Some brands include Beeswax Candles; Pure Light Candles; and Pure Essential Oil Candles.
MORE: Candle soot can cause indoor air pollution.
4. DRINK LOTS OF FILTERED WATER -- Choose the best filter for you
WHY: Reports of heavy metals, industrial chemicals, and pesticides seeping into drinking water, along with the offensive smell of chlorine in city water supplies, lead many to look at available home water filtration systems.
HOW: The first step in an intelligent and effective water treatment program is an analysis of your water source. Your choice of filtering system will be different if you draw water from a well or use a municipal source. As a rule of thumb, Reverse Osmosis is often considered best for well water because it filters bacteria, whereas Carbon Filters are best for municipal sources since it removes metals and pollutants, but not bacteria (which is removed by municipalities). Distillation removes everything, along with minerals needed for health, but some prefer the complete removal of contaminants that distillation provides.
HIGHLIGHTS: Good, clean, healthy water to drink; awareness that for the health of the planet, we need not to pollute rivers, lakes, and the sea.
5. CLEAN YOUR TUB WITHOUT POISONS -- Soft scrubber, drain cleaner
WHY: Toxic cleaning products not only threaten your health, but leach into the environment and threaten our wildlife and water supply.
HOW: Try products from 7th Generation or Melaleuca like their Tub & Tile™ Soap Scum and Water Spot Remover.
HIGHLIGHTS: Clean, fresh, healthier air; no contamination of the waste water stream.
6. TURN TO NATURAL SCENTS -- Skip synthetic fragrances
WHY: Many of the ingredients in synthetic perfumes are considered hazardous chemicals. Petroleum-based synthetic perfumes are not sustainable and the ingredients can be toxic to your health and the environment. Instead, try pure essential oils! People who are sensitive to synthetic perfumes typically have no problems with this natural alternative. Pure essential oils are also harvested more sustainably with very little impact on the environment.
HOW: Get to know natural brands in your local markets. Some brands of pure essential oils include Frontier's, Attar, and Mt. Harmony Oils.
HIGHLIGHTS: Better health for you and the chemically sensitive people around you; aromatherapy benefit from natural oils.
7. CONSERVE WATER AND ENERGY-- Simple steps will help
WHY: High energy use at home not only damages the environment we live in but also increases your costs. Groundwater is being used at a rate 25 percent greater than its rate of replenishment -- we need to reduce our water use to guarantee we'll have water in the future. We are sure that wildlife and plants would thank you too, if they could …
HOW: Reuse water instead of pouring it down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden, or for cleaning around your home. Turn off the water while you are lathering your hair or brushing your teeth. Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at a rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year. This adds to the cost of water and sewer utilities and adds to your water bill. Toilets can also leak. To see if yours does, put food coloring in the storage device, and wait a half hour. If the water in the bowl changes color, you have a leak. (Flush toilet after test so it doesn't stain the bowl.)
Take shorter showers or shallow baths (boohoo!) to make a big difference. In addition, install low flow showerheads. A family of four using low-flow showerheads can save about 20,000 gallons of water per year. You can save 3 to 4 gallons per minute when you turn on the tap if you install a flow restrictor in the shower.
Turn off lights when not in use, and replace light bulbs with fluorescents when you buy new bulbs. They'll last longer and save more energy. Or use candles instead (see above). Save about 3 percent of your heating costs for every degree you lower your thermostat during winter. During summer, you'll cut cooling costs 3 to 4 percent for every degree you raise your thermostat.
Lower the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees. Wrap water heater with a water heater blanket, especially if it's in an unheated area. Wrap the tank and pipes for additional savings.
Skip the hair dryer and air dry your hair; open the window instead of using a fan.
HIGHLIGHTS: Make a difference by installing more energy-efficient appliances such as fluorescent bulbs. Save costs and resources by maintaining the thermostat and setting appropriate temperatures on water heaters.
8. EAT ORGANIC FOOD - Local, fresh and seasonal
WHY: Fresh, organic, local and seasonal food supports local farms, requires less energy, is less packaged, and is nutritious and healthy.
HOW: Learn what products are in season near you. For example, understand that when you buy bananas in the summer in California in the supermarket it has most likely been shipped thousands of miles, and wasted significant energy in the process. Find a local farmers' market, or local farm stand, to supply you with fresh produce. Local farms also can supply organic dairy products.
HIGHLIGHTS: A healthy diet that supports local farms.
9. CHOOSE NATURAL AND NONTOXIC PRODUCTS -- Keep your health and the earth in mind
WHAT: Skin and hair care, hair spray and styling, antiperspirants, soap, sun protection, shaving products, cosmetics, insect repellents, hair dyes and perms, dental hygiene, etc. Use less of it to save resources.
WHY: Synthetically derived cosmetics and personal care products can cause a wide array of health problems, including allergic reactions, cancer risk, neurological impairment, hormone disruption, and sensitization. The manufacture of toxic ingredients can cause long-lasting environmental harm, as can washing these chemicals down the drain.
HOW: Get to know different brands of natural personal care products sold your local or an online natural foods store. Read labels to find all-natural ingredients, and start experimenting to find brands you like. Some brands to look for include Aubrey Organics, Logona, Kiss My Face, Tom's of Maine, Burt's Bees, Zia's, and Aveda (salons only).
HIGHLIGHTS: Safety, better for health and the environment, natural products are inherently more nourishing for the body than synthetic.
MORE: Visit Care2's "Healthy Self" channel for dozens of ideas, tips, natural formulas, and links.
10. USE EARTH FRIENDLY FEMINE PRODUCTS, PAPER GOODS AND ACCESSORIES -- Skip the plastic
WHY: One of the most important things you can do is buy paper products that aren't bleached with chlorine. Chlorine bleached paper can contain dioxin and organochlorine -- carcinogenic residues that can transfer to any food or person they come in contact with. Choose instead unbleached paper towels, tampons, napkins, facial tissue, and bathroom tissue.
HOW: Green product companies such as Seventh Generation and NatraCare Offer a number of unbleached paper products. Natural fiber towels and accessories are found at Linens & Things, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Gaiam.com, and more.
Choose a high-quality metal razor, or use an electric razor, instead of disposables.
HIGHLIGHTS: Protect your health and the environment from dangerous chemicals.
Visit my website for an eco-friendly massage at www.zensoulspa.com.
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