Reiki Touch Therapy: A Kinder, Gentler Approach to Healing

Reiki is a method of stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. The technique was developed in Japan and is administered by the laying on of hands. It is based on the idea that all living things have a special energy flowing through them called life energy. When your life energy is high, you'll feel strong and confident, be more relaxed and centered and less likely to get sick. When it is low, you'll often feel tired, be more easily affected by stress and less resistant to illness. 

Reiki is a Japanese word that comes from two words: Rei and ki. In the Japanese language, these words can mean different things depending on how they are used and how they are combined with other words. When they are used together for the practice of healing, the word Rei means universal spirit, Higher Power or God. The word ki refers to the life energy that flows through all living things. Therefore, Reiki means life energy that is guided by God. Some also feel this is just another way of saying Holy Spirit. 

A Reiki treatment is a way of increasing your life energy. A practitioner will transmit Reiki to the client through the hands. The hands are lightly placed on or near the body in various positions around the head, shoulders, stomach and feet. Sometimes a practitioner will also treat above the body. 

A treatment can feel like a warm glowing radiance that flows through the body. It is a very relaxing experience and some clients report the body feeling heavy as it relaxes and yet the spirit or emotions feeling light at the same time. A treatment will usually release negative feelings or thoughts leaving the client feeling more positive, light hearted and with feelings of well-being. 

Healing often takes place and people have reported recovery from minor things like headache, stomachache, bee stings etc., but also major illnesses have been affected with some people recovering from heart disease, cancer, leukemia, to name a few. While almost everyone experiences relaxation and improvements of various kinds, healing results cannot be guaranteed. It is recommended that if one has an illness or other medical or psychological condition that in addition to getting Reiki treatments, clients also consult a licensed physician or other licensed health care professional as Reiki works well in conjunction with all medical or psychological care.  

Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner, licensed Massage Therapist, and Reiki practitioner who owns La Vida Sana Wellness, located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza between the Post Office and Round Table Pizza. More information about her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.

Healthy Aging and Your Skin: Trends & Treatments for Baby Boomers

by Pamela Miller

With more than 70 million baby boomers in the United States poised to join the ranks of those aged 65 and older in coming years, this generation has embraced a new twist on aging gracefully. These individuals don't think of themselves as old, and in many respects, they are not, at least not in the same sense their parents were after they passed the 65-year mark.

A State of Mind
In addition to wanting to remain vital and active, boomers are increasingly expressing a desire to look as young as they feel. Many boomers are turning to minimally invasive procedures to avoid the downtime and drastic changes in appearance associated with plastic surgery. Almost miraculously, it's possible to look much younger than one's years, since modern health care is helping ward off life-shortening disease at a tremendous rate. The result is a growing population expected to live longer than any generation before and to look better doing it.

One of the first indicators of overall health and how gracefully someone is aging is the condition of someone's skin. Take the backs of the hands, for example. The increasingly noticeable and enlarging veins and so-called age spots are some of the first telltale signs of aging.

Vitality at Any Age
John Roseby, executive spa director at the famous Arizona-based spa, Canyon Ranch, says skin care, massage, and bodywork are part of their wellness philosophy.

"Health and vitality at any age is one of our core messages and one we believe in passionately," he says. "Regular skin care programs allow vibrant health to shine from deep within."

Anne Williams, esthetician and director of education at Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, agrees and says a spa is an excellent place to treat the entire body. "Massage improves the appearance and condition of skin, and tones muscle tissue, thanks to improved local circulation."

With age and inactivity, circulation slows and skin becomes pale and cold. "Massage has a stimulating cellular function in the hypodermis, dermis, and epidermis," says Sharon Puszko, director of DayBreak Geriatric Massage Institute. "Touch nurtures, relaxes, and heals, as well as stimulates and activates."

Ultimately, Williams says, one of the greatest benefits of any type of skin care and bodywork treatment is the ability it gives you to reconnect. "You re-experience your body. When you're in your body, you own it in a different way. You care about it in a different way."

Skin's Graceful Aging
Proper skin care can help ward off signs of aging. Here are some healthful skin care tips for caring for maturing skin.

Protect Your Skin: The most important thing you can do for your skin, Williams says, is to consistently use sunscreen. Whether skiing the Colorado Rockies, swimming the Pacific Ocean, or just walking to your car for a lunch break, sunscreen should be a part of your daily routine, as sun damage is the number one cause of prematurely aged skin. Consider buying makeup or moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher to ensure constant protection. To protect you from the full range of ultraviolet rays, look for products containing at least one of these ingredients: avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide.

Keep it Moist: Depending on where you live, you may not give much credence to moisturizer use, but experts say it is a critical piece of the puzzle for great skin. Avoid traditional grocery store finds in favor of a more targeted moisturizing product, preferably one recommended by your esthetician. If you spend money on anything, Williams says, spend it on a good moisturizer. A gentle cleanser (no bar soap on the face, ever, she says) and an alcohol-free toner will round out a simple, yet effective skin care plan. In general, it's a good idea to stick with one product line since products are usually designed to work together.

Don't Overdo It: In our zeal to clean our skin, we often overdo it. Just as you shouldn't exfoliate too often (no more than once a week), you should also avoid over scrubbing your face, even with just water and a washcloth. Your skin is fragile, treat it as such. It pays to leave the serious exfoliation to an expert esthetician and go gently on your skin at home.

Watch What You Eat: The healthier you eat, the better your skin will look. This means natural, unprocessed foods with high antioxidant and vitamin contents (in other words, fruits and vegetables). Strive to replace processed breads and cereals with whole-grain alternatives that contain fiber. Eliminate or go easy on caffeine and sugar. Many believe drinking plenty of water will keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Talk to the Experts: Williams says working with a skin care professional will help establish a good base of knowledge about how to care for your skin. Having an expert who knows you and your history will help address changes going forward. For example, if you change climates, your skin's needs will change as well. The same is true with the seasons.

The seasons of your life will bring yet more changes to your skin care needs. Talking to an expert will help guide you through those changes and give you proactive self-care steps. Growing older doesn't have to mean growing old.

Pamela Miller is a licensed cosmetologist specializing in skincare. She is the owner of Professional Aesthetic Solutions in Escondido, California.

A Peek Into Peels

Chemical peels have become increasingly popular over the past few years. Once a strictly medical procedure, peels entered the beauty industry in the 1980s as a way to rejuvenate aging skin, smooth lines, even out skin tone, fade dark spots, minimize enlarged pores, improve acne, and generally promote healthier skin.

Technically speaking, the peels offered in spas and salons across the country aren't really peels, but are a kind of resurfacing that many refer to as chemical exfoliation. Deeper peels are considered medical procedures because of how deeply they penetrate skin and are done by medical care providers. These peels use much more potent chemicals and are substantially more expensive, costing several hundred dollars.

Chemical exfoliation, a treatment you can receive from your esthetician, involves applying one or more acids to facial skin to remove the outermost layer. In general, chemical exfoliation involves the use of alpha hydroxy acids, which are naturally found in foods. The most common are glycolic acid that is derived from sugar cane, and lactic acid from sour milk. These acids have a long track record of treating dry skin and hyperpigmentation, and of reversing the effects of aging. Another frequently used substance is salicylic acid. Derived from the bark of the willow tree, it is an oil-grabber that helps unclog pores.

After a chemical exfoliation, you must take good care of your skin or risk developing dark patches. Skin will be especially sensitive to sunburn for about a week after the peel, so sunscreen is a must, even on cloudy days. Other potential side effects include flaking or scabbing.

Not everyone is a good candidate for chemical exfoliation. Dark-skinned and olive-toned individuals are at greater risk for scarring. Some medications and medical conditions, like pregnancy or autoimmune disorders, may preclude you from this treatment.

Interested in getting a facial or a peel? Convenient online booking available at ProAestheticSolutions.com.

Facial Basics: What Exactly is a Facial and Is It For You?

by Cathy Ulrich

"The one part of our body we see everyday is our face," says Zari Pirasteh, professional esthetician and reiki master from Colorado. "If we don't approve of what we see in the mirror, we eventually develop a dislike for ourselves. It's important that we take care of our skin, especially the skin on our face because it reflects our inner health and life." One sure way to achieve this is with professional facials.

Facials are often thought to be a luxury -- something to do while on vacation or for a special occasion. However, making monthly facials part of a regular self-care routine can help prevent the signs of aging, improve skin, reduce acne, and even improve general health.


What is a Facial?
While variations abound, the basic facial is a process generally involving five steps:

1. Skin Analysis: Your esthetician will evaluate your skin type, work with you to determine your skin care goals, and decide what products and techniques will help you best meet those objectives. Skin conditions change depending on your general health, seasonal influences, and stress factors. Your esthetician may be able to see signs of stress in your skin even before you're aware of them.

2. Cleansing: The cleansing step gently removes dirt and environmental toxins. Your esthetician will choose a cleansing product based on her analysis. She will also teach you how to effectively clean your skin. Improper face washing can be the cause of many facial skin problems.

3. Steam: A gentle steam bath helps soften blackheads and open skin follicles to remove impurities embedded deep within the skin. During the steam bath, your esthetician may apply an exfoliant or deeper cleansing agent to remove these embedded impurities. As part of the steam treatment, many estheticians will also perform extraction of blackheads, which clog pores and can be the cause of acne. Once these areas are unclogged, your skin can produce its own natural moisturizers more easily.

4. Massage: The muscles of the face are delicate. Many of them are attached solely to the skin of the face, so great care must be taken to avoid overstretching. A professional esthetician is trained to massage those muscles to help improve tone, relax the muscles, and increase circulation while working along muscle fibers. Facial massage can delay the appearance of wrinkles and stimulate lymphatic flow, helping the skin eliminate waste.

5. Facemask: Your esthetician will choose a facemask for your skin type and specific condition. Specialized masks may help to hydrate, tone, or replenish collagen in the deeper layers. Others may have powerful antioxidant effects to help fight pollution, sun damage, and other environmental conditions. Your esthetician will choose a mask with the ingredients designed to meet your individual needs.

By monitoring your skin condition on a regular basis, an esthetician can spot changes in your skin before bigger problems arise. And as part of the service, your skin care professional can recommend take-home products that will help maintain optimal skin health between facials. Your practitioner will also teach you how to use them. Many product lines have regimens that need to be followed carefully, so be sure to ask questions if you're not clear about your home skin care routine.


Facial Frequency
We replace our skin cells every 28 days or so. A monthly facial helps remove dead cells on the skin's outer surface, along with pollutants. When the face is rid of these dead cells, the skin has a much easier job of growing new ones. By nourishing the new cells with the appropriate moisturizers, we can maintain healthy, glowing skin. In some cases, facials are required more often for best results, or you might supplement your treatments with home treatments. Discuss the optimal frequency of your facials with your skin care professional.


Who's a Candidate?
Most estheticians recommend that women start a regular facial routine in their late 20s, although younger women can benefit, especially when acne is a problem. Teens are discovering that facials can help manage that tough acne that comes during junior high and high school. By starting early, many skin conditions such as dryness, premature wrinkles, and adult acne can be avoided or managed.

Men are learning they can benefit from a regular facial regimen, too. Men experience the same effects of aging as women, but they may be exacerbated by shaving, which damages the skin. Men may also have more of a tendency to forget sunscreen when playing sports or spending prolonged periods outside, and they're less likely to maintain a daily skin care routine. An esthetician can teach a male client the techniques to protect his skin and maintain a healthy and vital appearance.


Facials For All
For both sexes and all ages, feeling better and looking better boost self-confidence. People are living longer, healthier lives, and they're learning that skin care is an important part of a regular routine.

While diet, water consumption, stress management, exercise, sun screen, and overall wellness contribute to healthy skin, professional treatments go a long way toward stimulating, balancing, and toning your complexion.

Monthly facials can be a key component in maintaining optimal skin health. "When we have glowing, healthy skin, we're also showing the world our inner glow," Pirasteh says. "We care about ourselves, and our face proves it."

Interested in getting a facial? Convenient online booking at ProAestheticSolutions.com.

Skincare Essentials: What is Microdermabrasion?

Introducing a new form of Organic Microdermabrasion – Using Baking Soda!

by Pamela Miller, Licensed Cosmetologist specializing in skincare

What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion originated in Europe more than 20 years ago and has been performed in the United States since 1993. Microdermabrasion is the most natural way to evenly and safely exfoliate the skin without the use of chemicals. This non-invasive treatment offers safe and controlled skin abrasion so even the most sensitive skin will have a vibrant, healthy appearance as well as a smooth texture.

How does it work?
This unique procedure rejuvenates the skin by utilizing ultra-fine crystals (or diamond tips) to remove the upper layer of the epidermis. Microdermabrasion also applies mild suction to the surface of the skin creating a dramatic increase in blood flow and circulation that helps the body carry away toxins and impurities that are stored near the surface of the skin. Studies have shown that the combination of exfoliation and increased blood flow increases the production of collagen and elastin. The final result is healthier, firmer, more youthful -looking skin! Actual equipment use is typically 10 minutes or less. The entire procedure including pre- and post-treatment protocols is generally 30-40 minutes.

What are the benefits?
Microdermabrasion is not for the most severe cases therefore it is important to have realistic expectations. Over time, benefits include:
-Decreased appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age/sun spots.
-Increased production of collagen and elastin.
-Repairs sun-damaged skin.
-Stimulates the production of new skin cells.
-Improves the appearance of uneven skin tone.
-Reduces pore size
-Exfoliates dry; chapped lips
-Decreased lipstick “bleed” lines

Aluminum Oxide vs. Baking Soda
Virtually all microdermabrasion systems use aluminum oxide crystals to exfoliate the skin. Although Aluminum Oxide does an effective job, there are several disadvantages to its use. Aluminum Oxide is a known irritant that leaves most people red and irritated after a treatment. Due to the harsh nature, it is necessary to keep the treatment a safe distance from the eye and mouth area, leaving the two most important age-revealing areas of the face untreated. Exposure to baking soda is not harmful and will not irritate even the most sensitive skin. One of the biggest advantages of using baking soda is that the lips, as well as the skin directly under the eye can be treated.

Does Microdermabrasion hurt and will I have down time?
Responses vary from person to person but Microdermabrasion is commonly considered a relatively painless procedure. Immediately following the treatment, your skin will have a vibrant, healthy appearance as well as a smooth texture. The unique baking soda treatment will allow you to resume your day without down time.

Am I a good candidate?
Virtually anyone interested improving the appearance of his/her skin can benefit regardless of age, ethnicity or skin type. Although treatments vary by individual, the all-natural properties of the sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) crystals will not aggravate or irritate the most sensitive skin.

How often will I need a treatment?
Clients will see results after the first treatment however the most dramatic results will typically be seen after a series of four to six treatments scheduled once every seven to 10 days. Once the desired results are achieved, maintenance treatments are recommended once every four to six weeks. Keep in mind Microdermabrasion is not a substitute for a facial therefore it is recommended to schedule a deep cleansing facial with maintenance treatments.

**Microdermabrasion should not be construed as a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis or treatment.

Pamela Miller is a Licensed Cosmetologist specializing in skincare and is owner of Professional Aesthetic Solutions, providing skincare, microdermabrasion, and waxing services in Escondido, California.

Probiotics for Skin Health

Digestive health plays an important role in how skin appears on the surface. When digestion is not working optimally, it allows toxins to be reabsorbed in the body instead of being eliminated. The body then mounts a state of emergency as it's overwhelmed by toxins, some of them bad bacteria. These manifest directly on the surface for all the world to see, in the form of wrinkles, blotchiness, skin rashes, and acne.

This is where probiotics come into play. Probiotics contain potentially beneficial bacteria found in the digestive tract--what some call good gut bacteria. They help strengthen the digestive system but they also play an important role in skin health. Probiotics consist of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum. They have anti-inflammatory, anti-pathogenic, and antiallergenic properties and can be used prophylactically and therapeutically.

There have been many studies showing benefits of probiotics to skin health. For example, there's a correlation between an imbalance of good and bad bacteria and the onset of acne. When bringing natural bacteria back into balance with a probiotic intervention, acne improves, in some studies, as much as 50 percent of the time.

There is no recommended daily intake for probiotics, but good food sources include buttermilk, kefir, miso, tempeh, yogurt, and other fermented foods. Supplements are generally higher in potency and are used for therapeutic purposes in treating irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, colitis, and many other conditions.

While probiotics are essential for healthy skin and digestive health, there are many other appealing benefits to encourage their use, such as strengthening the immune system, replacing good bacteria after a course of antibiotics, and contributing to general health and well-being.

Because there are so many bacteria, it’s comforting to know that not all of them are bad. In fact, scientists are now discovering that most of the 2,000 strains of bacteria already identified on humans are beneficial. Our bodies are actually designed to have proper bacterial balance.

Bacteria help the immune system develop. Bacteria actually communicate with the B and T cells of the immune system. When bacteria are influenced by antibiotics, excess stress, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, or serious illness, the immune cells don’t receive their signal, resulting in a breakdown in immune activity.

If you are generally in good health, you may only want to use probiotics periodically, during times of high stress for example, or the time leading up to cold and flu season. If you are experiencing a specific ongoing health issue, such as gastrointestinal concerns like gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, you may want to think of probiotics as one of your foundation supplements.

For a free 32-page booklet on “Probiotics: Restore Your Digestive Health”, stop by my office or give me a call.


Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner and licensed Massage Therapist who owns a clinic, La Vida Sana Wellness, located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza, between the Post Office and Round Table Pizza. More information about her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.

Invest in Your Health: The Benefits of Massage

What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:

•Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
•Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
•Ease medication dependence.
•Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
•Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
•Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
•Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
•Increase joint flexibility.
•Lessen depression and anxiety.
•Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
•Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
•Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
•Reduce spasms and cramping.
•Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
•Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
•Relieve migraine pain.

A Powerful Ally
There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:

•Decreased anxiety.
•Enhanced sleep quality.
•Greater energy.
•Improved concentration.
•Increased circulation.
•Reduced fatigue.

Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.

Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:

•Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
•Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
•Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
•High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
•Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
•Preterm infants have improved weight gain.

Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs. Invest in your health in the new year with regular massage visits.

Review the clinical research studies examining the benefits of massage.

Review massage information from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health.

Devada Rammell is a Holistic Health Practitioner and licensed Massage Therapist who owns La Vida Sana Wellness, a clinic located in the Escondido Hills shopping plaza between the Post Office and Round Table Pizza. More information about her services can be found online at www.LaVidaSanaWellness.com.