Sickle cell eased by massage therapy

Massage therapy continues to produce new medical results. In a study conducted by the Journal of Pediatric Psychology, doctors found children with sickle cell disease, a rare blood disorder that affects red blood cells, benefited tremendously from massage.

The study reveled that the benefits the children received through massage were reduced pain, lower or no anxiety and depression symptoms were much lower.

The children who received the massages experienced drastically less of the negative emotions and pain the children in the controlled group felt.

Massage therapy is also known to enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow, the body’s natural defense system. It can also reduce post-surgery adhesion and swelling and pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.

Have you seen other benefits from massage therapy?

Breast cancer survivors get alternative to implants

Soon breast cancer survivors will have an alternative to cosmetic surgery. A revolutionary new breast growing treatment will be available to breast cancer survivors this year.

Instead of artificial implants, a breast-shaped chamber is inserted under the chest skin. The technique, called Neopac, will first be offered only to breast cancer survivors, starting next month.

Within a decade, this process may even be an alternative to women who want to increase their bust size for cosmetic reasons.

What do you think about this new technology?

Japanese beauty, a world apart

Whew! Just got back from Japan this week and had a great time. While I enjoyed time with family and friends, I could not help but notice some of the unique beauty products around me.

While all beauty differs around the world, Japanese beauty is definitely some of the most unique.

Japanese women are known for their longer-than-average grooming time. In Japan, a woman can easily spend over 2 hours getting ready every day. Well if you used some of these top sellers in beauty, it might take that long too!

If you are bothered by the size of your nose and need to do something about it, pick up a Hana Hana Nose Stretcher. This stretcher looks pretty much like an over sized clothespin. At less than $7 at the average Japanese drug store, this "natural nose lift" is a real bargain in place of the plastic surgery version.

Another popular item in Japan is the face mask that apparently shrinks your face. In Japan, a slim face is a mark of beauty. Put on this rubber mask and it supposedly massages and melts away fat from your face.

Along with these popular items, there are about 100 different brands or versions of serums, powders, creams or tools claiming to create eye creases. Some have rave reviews but most product enhanced eye creases last about an hour.

Got any unique beauty products we need to know about? Have you tried any of the treatments mentioned above? Let us know.......

Vitamin supplements, myth or fact?

There continues to be a debate between topical vitamin skin care treatments and vitamin supplements taken by mouth. Vitamin deficiencies can make skin look lifeless.

In a recent study, patients who took nutritional supplements while also using topical applications of beauty products containing vitamins saw healthier skin, reduced sun damage and in some result it can even repair DNA.

Do vitamin supplements really improve your skin?

Well, health care experts believe that for people who follow a strict, daily diet that provides an adequate dose of vitamins and supplements, it may be unnecessary. But for those of us a little less on the daily strict diet program, supplements are a vital part of a balanced skin care routine.

Here are some vitamins and their skin healthy benefits:

• Vitamin A is a necessity for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue
• Vitamins C and E reduce the damage free radicals cause to our skin
• Vitamin B Complex is essential for the maintenance of skin, hair and nails
• Colostrum contains natural growth factors to nourish skin
• Omega 3 promotes a healthy cellular process

What other vitamins are good for your skin? If you know, let us in on it too!

Hot Chocolate, guilt free

Winter is in full swing and who doesn't enjoy a big mug full of hot cocoa? Well your skin will love it too.

To banish those winter blues, try a foot soak. Combine a small amount of almond oil and cocoa powder in a bowl or pedicure spa and soak with warm water and a splash of milk.

You can also treat yourself to a full at-home spa treatment by starting off with an exfoliating scrub. Combine Dead Sea Salts (like Scandle's Sea Salt Soak & Scrub), almond oil, chocolate cream and some vitamin E oil and scrub away. Then enjoy your foot soak.

Got any cocoa-rific treatments? Let us know.......

Primer Perfection

Foundation primer can smooth out your skin so foundation can be applied with ease to create a perfect complexion. As we attend all these wonderful holiday festivities, who wouldn't want a perfect complexion?

Well here are some pros and cons when it comes to primer, not all skin types and primers are created equal!

Pros:

• Oily skin usually fairs better with a primer. The primer creates a barrier between the oil and the skin, so your makeup doesn't absorb into your skin. It will stay fresh a lot longer.
• Dry skin also benefits from primer. The primer can cover those dry patches that your foundation can settle into.

Cons:

• Not all primers and foundations mix well together.
  
• If you already have smooth and healthy skin (lucky you!!!) you do not need a primer
• Some sensitive skin may actually be slightly irritated by a primer
• When other makeup doesn't mix well with the primer, it can ball up or peel. If that happens, chances are you'll have to wash everything off and start again.

The best thing to do is try out your primer a couple of days before any special event so you can anticipate any problems.

Got a great holiday beauty tip? Let us know...............

Zen out at your holiday party

If you have not started already, chances are this week will be full of holiday parties, dinners and small get-togethers. If you're hosting a holiday party, here is a great cocktail, sure to bring at least a little relaxation to this hectic time of year.

Dreaming of Zen Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1 oz Zen Green Tea Liqueur
• 1/2 oz Midori Melon Liqueur
• 3 oz mango juice
• white pepper
• 2 oz cream
• mint leaves for garnish
• grated nutmeg for garnish

Directions

• Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker and fill with ice
• Shake well
• Strain into a champagne flute
  
• Garnish with a mint leaf and a sprinkle of nutmeg
  

My lipstick has what???

Recently, the FDA conducted a study on the levels of lead in lipsticks. In 2007, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) conducted one as well. The new FDA study found lead levels in all 20 lipsticks they tested and the lead levels were 4 times higher than the CSC test.

Lead in your lipstick is an extreme health concern, think about how many times a day you reapply your lipstick or lip gloss. Some reports state that we consume 4 to 9 pounds of lipstick in our lifetime.

Not all lipsticks are created equal. In the CSC test, 39 percent of lipsticks were lead-free, so there is no need for lead in lipsticks.

So check you labels and make sure you buy products with complete ingredient lists. Always know what you are putting in your body and on your skin.

Got any great lead-free lipsticks we need? Let us know...............

Peppermint holiday helper

By now candy canes are appearing everywhere from grocery stores to shopping malls. This edible Christmas time staple contains a valuable ingredient when it comes to skincare and health: peppermint

Peppermint oil's health treatments include: indigestion relief, help with respiratory problems, and relief from headaches, nausea, fevers and more. And it is also a stress reliever, making it perfect for the holidays.

However, be careful with peppermint oil if you are pregnant. It can be too stimulating for expectant mothers.

To relieve those tension headaches all too common during this time of year, add one to two drops of peppermint essential oil to your conditioner. Shampoo, then massage the conditioner starting at the base of your hairline and work your way around in circular motions.

Got any great peppermint treatments? Let us know............

Prenatal Massage - not just for baby back pain anymore

Massage therapy is good for tired joints, fatigued or strained muscles and even just for relaxation purposes. A new study from the University of Miami found that pregnant women, between five and seven months, who received two massages a week had remarkable results.

The women had lower stress levels and less back pain than the women who did not receive the therapy. They also had fewer complications and signs of depression. The massage patients had 75 percent lower rate of premature birth and 80 percent lower incidence of low birth weight.

Now two massages a week can get a little pricey but you can always incorporate massage therapy you own way. Have the hubby, friend or family member give you a relaxing rub down (don't forget your Scandle).

What do you think about this new research?

Relieving the pain, the natural way to combat arthritis

The word 'arthritis' means 'inflammation of the joints'. The two most common forms of arthritis are osteo and rheumatoid.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) not only affects the joints of the fingers, hips, knees and feet, but also the muscles and other tissues of the body. RA affects 1.3 million Americans and the cause is unknown.

There are several new drugs approved by the FDA for the management of RA but there are also some natural remedies that can produce the same results:

Well-balanced diet:

• People who have or are at risk for arthritis should consume foods that aid in the production of alkaline in the blood. Eat fruit and vegetables in the form of salads and at least two cooked vegetables a day.
• In most cases a raw vegetable juice therapy three times a day for about a week, aids in pain and swelling reduction. The therapy should be conducted at intervals of every two months for maximum relief.
  
• For every one pound of weight lost, there is a four pound reduction in the load exerted on
  the knee for each step taken during daily activities.

Raw Potato Juice Therapy:

• Considered one of the most successful biological treatments
• Cut a medium-sized potato (with skin) into thin slices and place into a large glass container filled with cold water, let it set overnight
• Drink in the morning on an empty stomach

Bodywork and Massage:

• There are various therapies and massage techniques aimed at aiding in the relief of joint pain and muscle aches
• Some of the techniques do need a trained professional but some others you can learn to do on your own.
  
• A simple massage to achy joints and muscles will aid in the overall pain reduction. For some tips, see this Scandle-ous review from Coupon Dad.
  

Got any natural treatments or therapies to help relieve the pain? Let us know........

Greening your Zzz's

Millions of people have trouble getting a good night's rest. These problems can be traced back to all sorts of sleep-related disorders, but what if your bedroom just needed a little "greening" to capture those Zzz's.

All mattresses sold in the US are required to meet fire safety tests. You need to be careful what fire retardants your mattress contains. While they serve the very important purpose of reducing the risks of fire, some have actually been identified as carcinogens (boric acid and antimony).

We all know that the majority of "green" furniture can get pretty pricey, but a mattress made out of natural latex, wool, or melamine can reduce exposure to toxins. If you can't invest right now, grab a hypoallergenic cover to create a barrier between you and your bed. We all know a girl has gotta have her beauty sleep.


Got any great bedroom greening ideas? Let us know.......

Scandle®, LLC Announces Exclusive Distributorship of Scandle® Body Candle and Scandle® Spa Products in South Korea

Hi guys! Scandle Massage Candles and complimentary spa products are now distributed in South Korea. Read more about it!

Click here

Cranberries - Texas Style

With the holidays upon us, I know we are all in need of a little stress relief. Today we take a break from our usual focus on spa and natural beauty to salute the cranberry cocktail. Drink and be merry!:D


Patti's Infamous Texas Cranberry Margaritas

* 1 1/4 cups cranberry juice cocktail
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1 1/2 cups of fresh cranberries ( frozen is ok too)
* 3/4 cup tequila
* 1/2 orange liqueur
* 3 cups crushed ice

Blend all of the ingredients together and serve with a SUGARED rim

The above recipe makes about one blender. So if you are having a holiday party you might want to make a couple blenders full of this crowd pleaser!!!

Got any must-know holiday cocktail recipes? Let us know, we all need one during this time of year :)

Vanilla, worth its weight in gold

Vanilla extract is a commonly used cooking ingredient, but did you know it can also be used as an aphrodisiac and fever reducer?

The vanilla bean is the second most expensive bean in the world because of the difficult and time consuming growing and fermentation process. Sometimes over 6 months to produce the bean and as long as 2 years to age it.

Well somethings are really worth the wait! The scent of vanilla is found to physically reduce symptoms of stress and can be combined with other natural elements to create amazing spa treatments.

You can combine fresh vanilla, coconut and herbal extracts to soften skin. You can also add pure vanilla to a routine pedicure to hydrate and provide a simple, yet very effective, aromatherapy treatment.

Got any vanilla beauty treatments or products? Let us know.......