The Herb Absynthe Enjoys Its Resurgence As Potent Healer and Protector

Artemisia absinthium, a key ingredient in PHYTO5’s Wood element Yogi Body Gel, (also known as absynthe, absinthe or wormwood [Asteraceae]) is a very important species in the history of medicine. All parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicinal practices for hundreds of years.

Absynthe has a colorful history* but only because of misuse, abuse and misunderstanding of the herb used to create the spirit of the same name. The herb gained notoriety because of its use in absinthe, the French liqueur that became a favorite of many nineteenth century artists like the Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. Medicinal extracts of wormwood have not been shown to cause adverse effects at usual doses. For purposes of this article, we are referring only to the herb itself and not the alcoholic concoction.

Typically utilized in extract or tea form, its extract assists to balance the organs of the Wood element which are liver and gall bladder according to traditional Chinese medicine. Wormwood’s strong bitter agents–absinthin and anabsinthin–stimulate digestive and gall bladder function.

In European medicine, wormwood is used in both allopathy and homeopathy. In traditional Asian and European medicine, it has been used as an effective agent in gastrointestinal ailments. It is beneficial in supporting healthy flora in the digestive tract.

Wormwood is effectively used in the treatment of the following conditions:

• Crohn’s disease

• IgA nephropathy**

• indigestion

• poor digestion

• irritable bowel syndrome

• heartburn

• low stomach acidity

• parasites

• helminthiasis

• anaemia

• insomnia

• bladder diseases

• difficult-to-heal wounds

• fever.

Wormwood can be used as a good and bitter tonic stimulating menstruation, and treating fever, liver disease, depression, muscle pain, memory loss and loss of libido.

But in addition to medicinal uses, Artemisia absinthium is also enjoying a successful career as a cosmetic plant. Its extract is used in skin care cosmetics because of its wound healing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Scientific research points to many additional properties of Wormwood:

• antiprotozoal(1)

• antibacterial

• antifungal

• anti-ulcer

• hepatoprotective(2)

• anti-inflammatory

• immunomodulatory(3)

• analgesic

• neuroprotective(4)

• anti-depressant

• procognitive

• neurotrophic(5)

• and cell membrane stabilizing and antioxidant activities.

Both absynthe’s flowers and leaves are used to create the extract. Artemisia absinthium grows naturally on uncultivated arid ground, on rocky slopes, and at the edge of footpaths and fields. With characteristic grayish white downy leaves and small yellow flower buds, the herb grows as a weed. The absinthe extract in Wood element Yogi Body Gel is actually grown and harvested very nearby to PHYTO5’s Swiss factory in Fleurier, Switzerland.

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Endnotes:

1. Fighting infections caused by protozoa (a single-celled microscopic animal)

2. Preventing damage to the liver

3. Cell-based immunotherapy

4. Serving to protect nerve cells against damage, degeneration, or impairment of function

5. Relating to the growth of nervous tissue

*It was once believed that the psychotropic activity and toxicity of absinthe were due to the thujone content, however modern analysis has demonstrated that only minor amounts of this compound were present, and the effects may have been due to the copper and antimony adulterants as well as the high ethanol content.

**Disease of the kidney and immune system

D.W.; Lachenmeier. “Wormwood (Artemisia Absinthium L.)--a Curious Plant with Both Neurotoxic and Neuroprotective Properties?” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20542104/. 

Szopa A;Pajor J;Klin P;Rzepiela A;Elansary HO;Al-Mana FA;Mattar MA;Ekiert H; “Artemisia Absinthium L.-Importance in the History of Medicine, the Latest Advances in Phytochemistry and Therapeutical, Cosmetological and Culinary Uses.” Plants (Basel, Switzerland), U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32825178/. 

Spring Equinox 2021–A New Solar Year and a New Astrological Age. Is It Any Wonder It Would Be So Pivotal At This Time?

The Spring or vernal equinox 2021* is Saturday, March 20. This special day, when the sun crosses the celestial equator, marks the middle point between the Winter solstice and the Summer solstice. On the Spring equinox day every spot on the entire planet experiences an equal amount of time in the light and in the darkness. From that day on in the northern hemisphere, each day thereafter we leave behind more of the dark of Winter as we receive a greater amount of the light and warmth of the sun. Now all of nature begins to be revived after its Winter hibernation.

Many believe that this equinox is most important because they see it as marking the beginning of the Age of Aquarius.** In this understanding, our civilization has been hibernating for aeons and celestial events of December 2020 solstice and March 2021 equinox revive us and herald the light of a new epoch in time, a time that could be called Earth’s  ’Summer’ period of existence.

The Spring equinox 2021 is especially pivotal in light of all the challenges the entire world has been experiencing literally since 2020’s Spring equinox. In addition, the Winter solstice of December 21, 2021 also created a powerful energetic pathway into this new year 2021. And though we technically began a new year on January 1, the apparent movement of the sun crossing the celestial equator can be seen, particularly in the Northern hemisphere, as the start of the new “solar” year full of potent energy and hallmarking a renewal.

If this equinox would be given a name it would be “New Earth Rising.” Although it appears that in the world today there is an enormous amount of negativity, chaos, confusion and destruction afoot, New Earth is to be born of these fires and their ashes. 

This equinox places polarity squarely in our faces and forces us to make serious choices that will form how we choose to experience, see and perceive our reality. Will we, unaware, minimally stay comfortable within the “third dimension” simply because it is a known factor, or will we choose to see with higher sight, awake and aware, and strive toward a higher state of consciousness? 

Once the Spring equinox opens the door to a myriad of polarity choices throughout the year, over and over again, we will have to make many choices between all sorts of pairs of opposites, such as:

                light/dark

                service to others/service to self

                love/fear

                good/evil

                truth/lies

                positive/negative.

This is an invitation to become more conscious, awake and aware. We must learn to live through these polarities embracing the universal Law of Balance – to maintain balance between our beliefs, thoughts, and emotions to achieve a greater vitality of being. In fact, it is very much a core approach to the vital energy balance that is the fundamental premise of PHYTO5:

                • vital energy flow within our bodies that enables us to mitigate or heal physical challenges

                • emotional balance and happiness–the foundation for healthy and balanced living

Both of these fundamentals for conscious living are described further in our blog,  “Wei Chi and the Beauty of Emotions.”

Thought this year, we’ll need to be patient and do our best to live in the now because to yearn to go back to normal, to wonder when this will all end, will not be healthy for us mentally or emotionally. A process of transformation is under way as we are now entering the Aquarian Age and leaving the Piscean Age behind. It may take some time, but it is ours to embrace. 

We are invited to focus on opening ourselves to excitement, wonder, bliss, joy, and happiness for this will strengthen our beings and our lives. It balances our needs with those of others; it encourages cooperation, civility and respect for others as well as for our environment. Rather than dwell on the chaos, confusion and negativity we see with our eyes, let’s focus on the new reality that is now being birthed beginning this Spring equinox.

The Spring equinox 2021 is all about allowing the light to blast open our consciousness so that we make choices that make us strong, sustainable and balanced–each of us contributing vitally to the whole and consequently uplifting Earth to the positive, cooperative, unified vision of itself we hold. It begins intensely March 20, 2021.

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Endnotes: 

* Roughly every 2,150 years, the sun’s location in front of the background stars – at the time of the March, or vernal, equinox – moves in front of a new zodiacal constellation. For example, the Age of Aquarius begins at the point when the sun is no longer in front of the constellation Pisces at the time of the March equinox. At that point – sometimes called the March equinox point, or vernal equinox point – the equinox sun will be in front of the constellation Aquarius.

**Astrologers do not agree upon exact dates for the beginning or ending of the ages,** with given dates varying by hundreds of years. For this reason, many believe we entered the Age of Aquarius years ago, others believe we are entering this age around the Spring equinox 2021 and still others believe it is several hundred years away. 

***An astrological age is a time period in astrologic theology which astrologers claim parallels major changes in the development of Earth's inhabitants, particularly relating to culture, society, and politics. There are twelve astrological ages corresponding to the twelve zodiacal signs in western astrology. Advocates believe that when one cycle of the twelve astrological ages is completed, another cycle of twelve ages begins. The length of one cycle of twelve ages is 25,860 years.

Photo by Bessi at Pixabay

Chinese New Year 2021, Friday, February 12, Is the Year of the Silver Ox. Learn How to Harness Its Energies for Accomplishing Your Goals

Chinese New Year 2021 occurs on Friday, February 12 and it is the Year of the Silver Ox. In ancient Taoist astrology every year is not only assigned an animal to represent its energy and potentiality, it corresponds to one of the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and to a color.

Ox is considered to be a yin year. Yin can be described as more receptive, inward, introspective, and mysterious.

The color of the animal will always be either a yin or a yang aspect/hue of the element’s color which is associated with the year (according to TCM). For example, Metal’s color is white, however white’s yin aspect is silver with its yang aspect remaining white. To clarify this understanding of color yin and yang in TCM, let’s take Earth as another example. Earth’s color is yellow, therefore its yang aspect is yellow and its yin aspect is gold.

Metal element years end in zero and one. Silver years end in the number one, therefore 2021 lends its color, silver, to the Ox and it is a Metal year.

Many centuries ago, humankind’s relationship with animals was necessary for survival. Animals became domesticated and the Taoist priests took note of their qualities and characteristics.

Ox is blessed by the compassionate Chinese goddess Kwan Yin because of Ox’s gentle nature. The ancient Taoists harnessed the ox for their labor but never milked the Ox since they held great respect and honor for this hard-working, robust animal.

Through the Taoists priests’ careful observation of particular animals combined with astute astrological observations they developed a system in which they assigned every one of 12 animals chosen to each year in a 12-year cycle. They also concluded that various human physical and temperamental attributes matched with particular years in this 12-year cycle.

Ox represents the beginning stages of a plant’s growth, the seed’s struggle to break out of confinement and sprout. Ox’s qualities are steadiness, determination, perseverance, discipline, hard work, valuing family and accomplishing for the common good.

Ox symbolizes the yin attributes of contemplativeness and wisdom in the Taoist tradition.

If you were born in the year of the Ox and are more specifically a Silver yin Ox, you should know that balanced silver Ox is fair and patient. You’ll want to aim to be less opiniated, to accept change, and become practiced at releasing the past. Construction emotional expression will be key for you.

The year of the Ox means it’s time for real diligence as we go about our work, service and daily lives. Ox indicates that it is through our steadfast diligence in these things this year that we will achieve success.

While world events invite, even beg for change, the year of the Ox opens the window now for the global transformation we desire. But first we must pave the way for that transformation on a microcosmic level–in our own homes and in our individual lives. This year is not a time to be lazy or to procrastinate with the simple things we know we should be doing such as creating structure in our lives with a routine we’ll actually enjoy.

Perhaps we can look back to see what we may have done in the past that worked in our lives and which somehow we lost sight of and then reincorporate those practices into our daily living.

The Year of the Silver Ox is a time to get well grounded in structure so that next year, the Year of the Tiger, we’ll be well poised for what is new and perhaps more “leading edge.”

If you feel to create new projects, Ox would indicate that you carefully think them through and plan them out well. Set your goals and don’t relent until you achieve them. The persevering energy of Ox will assist you.

When we create this well rounded structure in our lives, it leads us to realize Metal’s balanced attribute of knowing that all is well indeed.

This Year of the Silver Ox is a time to realize high morals and standards for ourselves and a time to increase our individual honesty and integrity.

Though there will always be uncertainty, tap into Ox’s energy and know that rewards always come as a result of steadfast effort. Try not to feel frustrated when things seem to take a long time to realize.

Considering the tumultuous and often confusing current events and upheaval of the world and especially the U. S., is it any wonder that this year is the year of the Silver Ox? We think not. There really is no such thing as coincidence. Take the Silver Ox’s pointers deep into your life and living and see if it can’t guide you successfully through 2021 every step of the way.

Each one of us contributes to the whole therefore may the energy of Silver Ox guide us well through 2021 and lead us out of this epoch in time into a new and brighter future.

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Endnotes:

Levitt, Susan, and Jean Tang. Taoist Astrology: a Handbook of the Authentic Chinese Tradition. Destiny Books, 1997.

Photo by Macau Photo Agency on Unsplash

Cyclical Living Is the Key to a Vitality Filled Life and Our Producing the Frequency of Love

Not all that long ago, the people of Earth lived in concert with it. They had to. There were no technological inventions to “make life better” and to keep them occupied, busy, even distracted. Instead, they were forced to look up at the sky for their entertainment and wonder. Many of our ancient ancestors noticed the cycles not just of the Earth but of the heavens and they came to understand that living in harmony with these cycles was key to their vitality and happiness.

Prior to the Piscean age (we’re entering the Age of Aquarius about now, from the Piscean) and a number of years into that epoch in time (approximately 1 A.D. to 2000 A.D.), very many people of the planet lived cyclically, mirroring the movement of the planets and stars and the changes of seasons here on Earth. They didn’t just observe these cycles with their eyes, they felt the significance of the cycles in their bellies–what some people call today the ‘other brain.’ Marking time according to planetary movement actually assisted the people back then to gain balance with the Earth and to strike a balance between logical thinking and intuitive feeling.

The ‘brain’ in the belly is not actually a brain as we know it, but it’s a center of feeling, discernment, trust and intuition. And it still exists in us today if we’ll use it. It’s what helps us cut through confusion to clarity. The belly brain combined with utilizing both right and left brain have the potential to create human beings of personal power and wisdom. Human beings of this kind have very little fear because they simply know.

During this ancient magical time of wonder where many people utilized both right and left brain hemispheres as whole-brained beings, they realized that embracing universal cycles initiated greater knowing and intuitive wisdom within themselves. They were able to identify phenomena and relate well to the outside world. Armed with this understanding, these ancient ancestors were able to move energy around in their bodies and very many lived quite long, happy and vitality-filled lives. Nature was not something outside of them. It was part of them and they were part of it.

As the Piscean age waned, so, too, did the peoples’ personal power as organized religion, governments and organizations sought control over the people for their own selfish agendas. Somewhere around 1000 A.D. to 1500 A.D., whole living was mostly destroyed by them. Those in power used fear to control the people. And even though the Age of Enlightenment came along bringing with it an acceleration of information, reason and a whole new way of looking at the world, fear was already deeply anchored in the people. It became the predominant feeling in humans, embedded into their very DNA. 

Along with the programming of fear, human beings were trained to think in a linear fashion only. They learned to use only their five senses and the use of the sixth sense, their intuition, faded away into the distant past. Most could no longer see beneath the surface to the core of truth. The only acceptable way of thinking was rational, surface and superficial. Those who ventured out of that mode of thought were tortured and killed for it.

Much like a spiral, the cyclical curves and bends and gives way to possibilities beyond our surface comprehension, cycling into infinity. Much like a straight line, the linear does not bend. It may go on to infinity but it is stiff, hard and unrelenting. It speaks that everything is black or white only and that information can only be found as points on that sterile line.

Nevertheless, women largely remained examples of cyclical living and women have never really totally lost their intuitive sense. With their bleeding time in tune with the cycles of the moon, their way of life and of bringing life into the world had to be based on cycles. This contradicted the existence of a linear meaningless world put in place at that time by the power mongers. And the cycles still live on today in women, embraced by women at least in part.

The Gregorian calendar, the calendar introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII, is not quite 450 years old. The church adjusted the calendar and marked Christian holidays at pagan events like equinoxes and solstices which reflected natural phenomena and cycles. Hijacking these natural cycles and events which punctuated them, they implanted their own icons for each event, demanding that the people could not communicate directly with their Creator. Instead they would have to rely on a saint or priest to intercede with God for them. This further paralyzed the innate intuitive, feeling, divine nature of human beings.

We come by our overriding fear of truly living very honestly because generation after generation has passed fear and linear thinking on to us through our DNA. But even DNA can be changed which could be the topic of a whole other article.

Linear thinking shuts off the knowledge of cyclical living. Linear thinking does not allow for viewing life as flowing like an endless river. It does not allow us to truly see the meaning of life in the heavens or deep within us. It severs our ability to move energy within and around our bodies and to heal ourselves on the quantum level. It inhibits and imprisons us. And this has been the planet’s controllers whole plan all along for how could they manipulate our ability to see and know the truth otherwise?

Cyclical and whole-brained living nurtures the vitality of love, self-knowing and self-empowerment. Fear could never do that. Love is our biological birthright.

Surface thinking is the act of simply and tacitly digesting information others give to us without feeling it through our belly brain for truth. On some level we know our thought process isn’t complete, but entrenched in surface thinking, we take the incomplete path most travelled—we accept being spoon-fed information without doing our due diligence and then feeling it through. And for this, we end up producing the frequency of fear, totally manufactured for another agenda. 

The key to a life of vitality and balance is producing the frequency of love and a profound sense of being at one with all of life. The ancient meaning of cyclical time has largely vanished but it still exists deep within our cells and DNA. It truly is still a part of us.

Especially in our current time of confusion, chaos, strife and fear, whole-brained thinking and the ability to discern through feeling is vital to survive and thrive. It’s the key to producing the frequency of love.

Love creates. Fear destroys. Love is tantamount to cyclical, harmonious, magical, creative living. Fear rejects all of that.

Embrace whole brained and belly brain thinking and feeling simply through your intent and you will naturally understand the cycles of life and how to live in harmony with them similar to the way our ancient ancestors once did.

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Endnotes:

This blog article is written based on the author’s observations and experiences working for PHYTO Distribution, Inc., the U. S. distributorship for PHYTO5 skincare.

Photo by Sean Parker on Unsplash

Probably the Most Underappreciated Nutrient for Skin’s Radiance and the Body’s Vitality: Silica

The trace mineral silica is widely recognized as a factor of development in young animals and children. It is absolutely essential to bone growth and development of the body. This is why children have beautiful silky hair, soft skin and perfect nails. Silica is mostly present in the deeper connective layers of the skin. It has moisturizing effects and accelerates wound healing. Since silica is used by virtually every cell and internal gland in the body, and since its stores can be depleted over time, it’s vital that we ensure we’re consuming natural silica internally through the food we eat and topically in the skincare we use.

Partake of the mystique of quantum energetic formulated plant-based skincare for your exalted natural beauty and well-being. Subscribe for a discount promo code, plus get truly unique beauty tips and offers.

Many PHYTO5 skincare products' natural unique ingredients deliver silica to the skin (Water element Yogi Body Gel, Eye Cream, Face Cream (biostimulant) and organic certified Zen Body Exfoliation with bamboo powder providing the silica)

Silica is one of the largest components of collagen. Collagen is an important factor in skin looking soft, supple and moisturized. Silica becomes even more important for skin as we age because damage from free radicals is constantly occurring in the body especially showing up externally over time in the form of lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. Silica ensures healthy outer cell layers of the skin by enhancing collagen production in the body.

Silica also promotes lustrous hair and may even prevent or mitigate thinning of the hair. It ensures that hair follicles continued to be supplied with the nutrients required for vitality and growth of hair.

We’re born with large amounts of silica and low amounts of calcium. As we age we lose silica while our bodies deposit calcium into our glands leading to calcification of our tissues and increasing loss of glandular function. Calcium requires vitamin D3 in order to be optimally absorbed by the body but it also requires silica in order to build strong bones and teeth. Silica enhances bone mineralization and can be very valuable in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. It promotes proper balance between calcium and magnesium in the body. This, in turn, assists to bring hormones into balance.

Calcium deficiency is almost always associated with silica deficiency. Several studies show that people with broken bones heal much quicker when silica levels are high even when calcium levels are low. If you’re taking a calcium supplement you should always look for silica content in the formulation to ensure your supplement is a good one.

Since silica lends strength and elasticity to collagen, joints become more flexible, heal more resiliently and become able to snap back from daily wear and tear. Silica assists to ease joint pain.

Silica also is known to strengthen the digestive, cardiovascular and central nervous systems.

The central nervous system depends on calcium and magnesium to carry its nerve impulses accurately throughout the body and since calcium requires silica for its functions, silica is vital to this system.

With the skin and our digestive system as the first lines of defense against pathogens, silica is a vital factor in our immunity. Silica also helps build strong stomach and digestive tract muscles and tissues caused by poor diet, parasites or injuries.

In the cardiovascular system, silica is found to be more prevalent in healthy hearts than diseased ones and it strengthens blood vessels.

Silica helps the body to detox from heavy metals and prevent their recirculation. It actually helps remove aluminum, mercury, cadmium and lead from the body.

It’s silica that rebuilds and regenerates our connective tissues. Silica assists our bodies to recover from strain and stress, while it promotes healing and moisturization.

Foods rich in silica are millet, bamboo, garlic, potatoes, onions, oats, bananas, spinach, soybean/tofu, rice, and seafood. Horsetail is the quintessential plant supplement containing high levels of bioavailable silica.

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Endnotes:

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Sangvanich T, et al. Novel oral detoxification of mercury, cadmium, and lead with thiol-modified nanoporous silica. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2014; 6(8): 5483-5493.

Kaufmann, Klaus. Silica, the Forgotten Nutrient: Healthy Skin, Shiny Hair, Strong Bones, Beautiful Nails : a Guide to the Vital Role of Organic Vegetal Silica in Nutrition, Health, Longevity and Medicine. Canada, Alive Books, 1993.

Wake Up More Mature Dehydrated Skin with Hydroxyproline, An Important Component of Collagen

As the most abundant protein in the body, collagen is essential to maintain the normal structure and strength of connective tissue, such as bones, skin, cartilage, and blood vessels. It helps skin cells adhere to one another and also gives the skin strength and elasticity. The amino acid precursor hydroxyproline, along with amino acid* proline, play key roles for collagen stability. For this reason, hydroxyproline is a key unique ingredient in PHYTO5’s Water element Yogi Body Gel. The Water line is one of five quantum energetic lines formulated according to the Five Element Theory of traditional Chinese medicine.

Collagen is second only to water in terms of content of the body. It contains high amounts of the amino acids arginine, glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. These particular amino acids are imperative for keeping skin supple, hair shiny, and nails, bones and joints strong.

Hydroxyproline comprises roughly 13.5% of mammalian collagen. The majority of the body’s collagen is made up of interwoven chains of glycine, proline and either arginine or hydroxyproline, depending on the type of collagen.

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Type I collagen accounts for about 90% of our body’s collagen. Type 1 collagen supports our skin, tendons, ligaments, bones, joints and muscle health.

Type II is more rare, found mainly in cartilage and eyes, and is actually manufactured by the body.

Type III collagen, the second most abundant type of collagen in the body is quite similar to Type I and it also is manufactured by the body. It helps restore skin’s elasticity and supports the lymphatic system, liver, uterus and intestines.

Collagen’s amino acids are considered “conditionally essential” meaning you can survive without them but if your body is under stress of any kind such as when you are fighting an illness, they become essential. For most people, because stress is so much a way of life for them, these conditionally essential amino acids are actually essential.

It takes a conscious effort to consume collagen rich foods in order to absorb the most appropriate amount of collagen especially as we get older. Collagen is abundant in bone broth, gelatin and the skin of chicken and fish. There are other foods that help us boost our body’s collagen production or at least mitigate its reversal including: avocado, berries, garlic, spinach, kale, chard, tomatoes, beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, red pepper, egg whites and ghee. Hydroxyproline itself is common in many gelatin products.

A vitamin C deficiency decreases the conversion of proline to hydroxyproline and this leads to reduced collagen stability.

Foods rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids have been proven to significantly support the body’s production of collagen whiling guarding the body against the somewhat inevitable loss of collagen.

In addition to rejuvenating hydroxyproline, PHYTO5’s Water element Yogi Body Gel is formulated with high tech natural compound Aquaxyl to hydrate and revitalize the skin, horsetail silica for the synthesis of collagen, aloe and apricot kernel oils to hydrate and nourish, and essential oils of juniper berry and eucalyptus.

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Endnotes

*a group of organic compounds that form the building blocks of proteins that comprise 75% of the body; they are involved in almost every body function, including growth and development, healing and repair, normal digestion, and energy production.

Hydroxyproline. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/hydroxyproline.

Li, Peng and Wu, Guoyao. Roles of Dietary Glycine, Proline, and Hydroxyproline in Collagen Synthesis and Animal Growth. Amino Acids, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28929384/.

Axe, Josh. Collagen Diet: A 28-Day Plan for Sustained Weight Loss, Glowing Skin, Great Gut Health and a Younger You. Orion Spring, 2020.

The Chinese Medicine Water Element

By observing the Chinese medicine(1) Water element and studying Water’s characteristics we can see how we get sick and feel out of balance. Nature always gives us cues. So take the following cues from the Chinese medicine Water element to live a better life.

The Five Element Theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a comprehensive template organizing all natural phenomena into five master groups or patterns in nature.

In fact each of TCM’s five elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—reflects particular natural characteristics or phenomena including:

• direction

• environmental factor

• internal organ

• sense organ

• body tissue

• emotion

• aspect of the soul

• sensation

• sound

• color

• taste

• direction and

• time of day.

Partake of the mystique of quantum energetic formulated plant-based skincare for your exalted natural beauty and well-being. Subscribe for a discount promo code, plus get truly unique beauty tips and offers.

The Chinese Medicine Water Element: Essence of Life and Balance

Water is the essence of life. Water makes it possible for each of the other four elements of TCM to function properly.

Water’s the first place to look when your body feels chronically out of balance. Imbalance in Water causes physical symptoms like:

• lower back pain

• fatigue

• shortness of breath

• vertigo

• dizziness and

• high blood pressure.

The Chinese Medicine Water Element: Kidney Support

The kidneys are associated with the Chinese medicine Water element.

The kidneys primarily store and regulate what TCM calls our Essence—the foundation of blood and chi energy.

Kidney’s energies nourish our body fluids, lubricate our joints, and provide warmth and movement in our bodies.

The kidneys directly connect with our deepest reserves, resources and will.

Energetically speaking, balanced kidneys support our ability to flow even in chaos and lack of clarity.

Emotionally speaking, the kidneys are the seat of our will. Too much fear means our kidneys are out of balance. This imbalance causes us to get stuck over-thinking and leave our bodies energetically drained.

The Chinese Medicine Water Element: Attributes According to TCM

When you embrace the Chinese medicine Water element characteristics you’ll live in harmony with its corresponding season of Winter. And anytime you live in harmony with a season and its element you live better and healthier.

• Season: Winter (November 8 to January 17)

• Skin condition: dehydration, lack of tone, wrinkles; PHYTO5’s quantum energetic Water line of skincare super-hydrates mature very dry skin, increases elasticity and balances moisture retention; and because it’s quantum energetic, it also balances emotion so you can have a sense that all is well.

• Aspect of the psyche: wise, reflective, private

• Virtues: strength, courage, wisdom

• Emotion: fear, dread, anxiety, paranoia, indecisiveness, worry, grief, regret

• Yin organ: kidney

• Yang organ: urinary bladder

• Colors: deep violet, blue and black

• Flavor: salty

• Tissues: bone and marrow

• Five sense organ: ear

• Sensation: hearing and balance

• Sound: the deep sigh or groan

• Direction: North

• Environment: cold

The Chinese Medicine Water Element: Best Foods to Eat

Part of living in harmony with any of the five seasons of TCM including Winter and Water, we should eat foods that share the qualities of that particular element.

Water’s colors are dark blue and blue-black.

The Chinese medicine Water element gives you clues about the color of foods you should increase in your diet during Winter. And you’ll find examples of black and blue-black nourishing foods for Winter and your Water balance in the comprehensive list at the end of this article.

Click here to also read our creative and comprehensive blog on blue and blue-black foods for energetic Winter.

Also ensure your food intake is very hydrating and nourishing at this time.

Good food choices for the Chinese medicine Water element balance include:

• nuts

• seeds

• legumes

• shellfish

• salt water fish

• seaweed

• dark colored berries

• root vegetables

• whole grains

• stews and soups.

During energetic Winter, eat mostly warm and cooked foods. Limit your consumption of cold and raw foods. Cook with warming spices like garlic, ginger, and cardamom.

The Chinese Medicine Water Element: Best Foods List

• adzuki bean

• amaranth

• avocado

• bamboo shoot

• beet

• black bean

• blackberry

• black currants

• black fungus

• black garlic

• black mission figs

• black lentils

• black quinoa

• black rice

• black sea salt

• black sesame seed

• black soybean

• black pepper

• black tea

• black vinegar

• black wheat flour

• blueberry

• blue corn

• broccoli

• cabbage

• cardamom

• cantaloupe

• carrot

• cashew

• celery

• chia seed

• chives

• coconut

• cucumber

• daikon radish

• eggplant

• garlic

• ginger

• grape

• green bean

• leek

• lotus root

• millet

• mulberry

• mustard greens

• oregano

• parsnip

• pea

• peanut

• pear

• pearl barley

• potato

• quinoa

• raspberry

• salt water fish

• seaweed

• sesame seed

• shallot

• shellfish

• shitake mushroom

• snow pea

• soybean

• spinach

• squash

• walnut

• watercress

• watermelon

• wild rice

• winter melon

• zucchini

…

Endnotes:

(1) Traditional Chinese medicine or TCM

Sources:

Russell, J. Lei. TCM Foods: Cooking with the Five Elements. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 2nd edition. November 19, 2015.

Photo courtesy of Valeria Boltneva at Pexels

Energetic Winter According to Traditional Chinese Medicine Is Here: Learn to Live In Harmony With It

The energetic Winter season is associated with the energetic aspect or element of Water. Water’s organs are the yin kidneys and the yang bladder. Both organs intimately associate with water circulation in the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), when kidney is strong and in balance, our bodies are able to regenerate themselves, and increase youth, vibrancy and vitality. PHYTO5’s quantum energetic Water element line of skin and hair care is expressly formulated to help bring your skin, vital energy and emotions in harmony with this season and element.

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They may sound merely like metaphors but when we look at the imagery and function of the Winter/Water season, the imagery we see has direct and important relevance in our lives and health. Just as the waters of the earth freeze over, Water energy within us has the potential to harden and solidify during this season. When we are in balance with the Water element at this time, we’ll find we tend to become passive and inwardly directed. Those who dread the Winter months or who develop “cabin fever” may want to consider that they are out of balance with Water. When we are not in balance with Water we will also tend to be fearful.

In the ancient medical text, the Neijing Suwen, the Yellow Emperor* advises the following concerning the season:

“During the Winter months all things in nature wither, hide, return home, and enter a resting period, just as lakes and rivers freeze and snow falls… Retire early and get up with the sunrise which is later in Winter. Desires and mental activity should be kept quiet and subdued. Sexual desires especially should be contained as if keeping a happy secret. Stay warm, avoid the cold, and keep the pores closed. Avoid sweating. The philosophy of the Winter season is one of conservation and storage. Without such a practice the result will be injury to the kidney energy.”

Though we each have attributes of all of the five elements within us, we do have a dominant element, called our Five Element Type. We are born with this type which presents us with both challenges and gifts throughout life. It can benefit us to understand our type.

You are a Water type if the following generally describes you:

• narrow shoulders, long spine

• large abdomen and head

• broad cheeks

• somewhat darker toned complexion

• cravings for salty foods

• you don’t do well in the cold, especially Winter

• retention of fluid

• memory problems

• challenging symptoms in menopause

• fertility issues

• low libido

• viewpoint tends to be honest, objective and sensible

• introspective

• tendency to fear (especially when out of balance with Water)

• lacking confidence

• tendency to depression in Winter

• challenges fitting in with others

• desire for spiritual and cerebral connections with others

• need for a cause to believe in or direction to follow

• pursuit of knowledge and wisdom

• idealistic visionary seeking to create a better world

• need for connection to something greater than the self and to fulfill ambitions

• a belief that life is inherently dramatic

• self-imposed isolation

• meditation is appealing

• emotional and philosophical

• ability to focus on goals

It’s important to note that the energetics of the kidneys oversee everything that we think of as aging such as: hearing loss, low back pain, knee pain, hair loss, greying hair, menopause, urinary frequency or incontinence, and feeling cold.

Whether you are Water type or a Wood, Fire, Earth, or Metal type, TCM tells us that your health and vitality hinge on whether you choose to live in harmony with energetic Winter or not. Refer back to the Yellow Emporer’s quote above for basic tips. Seek out ways to nurture your inner and outer calm. Utilize this time to more profoundly discover what lies within yourself. Hone your skills of focus and concentration. Find creative ways to surround yourself with the colors of the season–blue and black. Wear them in your clothing and decorate your home with them. Consume blue and blue black foods. Slow cook your food. Be still and quiet and conserve your energy. You’re going to need it for energetic Spring.

…

Endnotes:

*The Neijing is one of the most important classics of Taoism andthe highest authority on traditional Chinese medicine. Its authorship is attributed to the great Huang Di, the Yellow Emperor, who reigned during the third millennium BCE.

Elias, Jason, and Katherine Ketcham. Chinese Medicine for Maximum Immunity: Understanding the Five Elemental Types for Health and Well-Being. Three Rivers Press, 1998.

https://www.phyto5.us/blog-1/energetic-winter-fear-chinese-medicine-anti-aging-wellness?rq=kidney

Delipidol from Pomegranate: A 'Cosmetic Bomb' Successful in the Treatment of 'Orange Peel Skin' In Thighs

Earth element Yogi Body Gel is formulated with high tech natural compounds and natural gelling agents to be a potent anti-cellulite finishing body gel. Its unique ingredient formulation—Delipidol,® green tea, essential oils of lemon, sweet orange, eucalyptus and cypress, biosaccharides, aloe and apricot oil—combine to effectively reverse 'orange peel skin' in the thighs. Equally as important as its anti-cellulite action, all Yogi Body Gels by PHYTO5 are quantum energetic products which translates into significantly recognizable benefits for skin, vital energy and emotions.

Through the action of lipolysis, the breakdown of fats and other lipids by hydrolysis* to release fatty acids, the principal ingredient, Delipidol, significantly reduces fat nodes in the thighs after only 28 days of treatment with effects more than doubled after 56 days using Earth Yogi Body Gel twice a day.

Delipidol is a unique patented molecule  derived from punicic acid in a biotechnological process.  Punicic acid is a polyunsaturated Omega-5 fatty acid from the pomegranate. The acid is derived from the oil of the pomegranate seed (Punica granatum) and from tyrosol. Tyrosol is a natural phenolic** antioxidant present in a variety of natural sources. Two principal sources of tyrosol are olive and argan oils. Tyrosol is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protector of skin and eyes.

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How Delipidol Works
Called a ‘cosmetic bomb’ by its maker Solabia Group based in France, Delipidol works to diminish ‘orange peel skin’ reducing the appearance of ‘extra lumpy padding’ under the skin. By limiting buildup of fatty acids while stimulating carnitine palmitoyltransferase, an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of fatty acids in the core of the mitochondria,*** cellulite is reduced. With a free-radical fighting antioxidant action this fatty acid breakdown creates a potent protection against the progression of cellulite.

Combining Delipidol with green tea extract is a powerful duo since green tea itself has fat burning properties while it supports more efficient blood circulation, even weight loss.

Lemon essential oil, used in the treatment of cellulite and for attenuating wrinkles, is an anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant and astringent that relaxes nervous energy. It’s best known for its ability to cleanse toxins from the body and purify the skin. For these reasons, lemon essential oil is widely used to encourage flow of lymph**** and to stimulate vital energy.

Primarily known for its rejuvenate and detoxifying properties for skin, sweet orange essential oil is a potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-fungal oil. Sweet orange essential oil helps promote the production of collagen and skin’s natural repair process. It revitalizes, brightens and clarifies skin, especially skin that is excessively oily. It’s also known for its astringent toning properties.

Eucalyptus essential oil is purifying, cleansing and clarifying and for this reason, it can be found in many of PHYTO5’s Earth line products.

Strongly astringent, cypress essential oil is good to use against water retention and cellulite. It tones the skin and is especially beneficial for loose skin caused by weight loss. Cypress is probably the best essential oil for supporting venous and lymphatic circulation. Fluid circulation is vital to the flushing of toxins from the body so necessary for radiant, youthful skin. It increases the body’s sweat and perspiration helping to flush out toxins.

It also contains antioxidant compounds which work to eliminate toxins while inhibiting free radical scavenging.

Biosaccharides are a type of polysaccharide made by fermenting plants. They help moisturize and soothe skin by binding water to the epidermis creating a moisture-binding film on the skin with soft, smooth feeling skin the result.

Aloe acts directly on the skin’s collagen fibers, fostering and revitalizing elasticity. It contains complex polysaccharides that encourage water retention and which also offer excellent moisturizing properties.

Finally, apricot kernel oil is particularly recommended for mature, dry, sensitive skin or skin lacking tone. It contains approximately 90% polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omegas 6 and 9). Very rich in vitamins A and E, it’s nourishing, hydrating and has toning and anti-wrinkle properties.

…

Endnotes:

*the chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water

**a class of chemical compounds consisting of one or more hydroxyl groups bonded directly to an aromatic hydrocarbon group

*** an organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur

****a colorless fluid containing white blood cells, which bathes the tissues and drains through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream

Sweet Orange Essential Oil: Potent in Skincare and All Around Vitality

Sweet orange essential oil is a potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti fungal oil. It is primarily known for its rejuvenative and detoxifying properties for skin. It is also well regarded as a mentally and emotionally uplifting oil. It promotes vigor and a cheerful demeanor and promotes restful sleep in cases of insomnia. With a cleansing effect throughout the body, it aids detoxification through supporting movement of lymph.* In skincare  sweet orange essential oil helps promote the production of collagen and skin’s natural repair process. It revitalizes, brightens and clarifies skin, especially skin that is excessively oily. Sweet orange is known for its astringent toning properties.

Sweet orange essential oil offers excellent immune system support. Its cooling and refreshing properties can be used to help lessen symptoms of a feverish flu or cold. The orange’s vitamin C content is not found in the essential oil.

It calms the digestive system as it helps food to move through the digestive tract to ease indigestion and relieve trapped gas and constipation.

Skin conditions for which sweet orange essential oil is useful include:

• eczema
• dermatitis
• after sun wrinkles
• oily skin

Other conditions the oil benefits include:

• high blood pressure
• fatigue
• sleep disorders
• uncomfortable symptoms of menses and menopause
• edema
• palpitations
• mouth ulcers
• colds
• flu
• bronchitis
• dyspepsia
• constipation
• spasms
• nervous tension

Sweet orange oil is also recommended for those suffering from magnesium deficiency.

Sweet orange oil has been found to have pleasant sedative effects when used in a massage oil formulation. If used in too high a concentration by itself, sweet orange oil can be an irritant, photo-sentizing** and even somewhat narcotic/hypnotic. For this reason, it’s best to rely on expert skincare formulations containing the oil such as the following created by PHYTO5:

• Earth Selextreme Swiss mountain exfoliating salts

• Earth Yogi Body Gel

• Water element skin Toner

• Zen Body Exfoliation, organic certified

• Zen Massage Oil, organic certified

Sweet orange essential oil is produced by cold pressing the peel or whole fruit of sweet orange varieties or by steam distilling the residues from the segmenting or juicing processes. When completely exhausted by steam distillation, the minced peels from one ton of California oranges yield from 11 to 15 pounds of essential oil.

Historically, the orange has been a symbol of innocence and fertility. The tree is indigenous to eastern Africa, Arabia and Syria and it is believed the crusaders introduced the orange to Europe when they returned from their campaigns.

There are many varieties of sweet orange oil, namely, Florida, California, French Guinea, Brazilian, Italian, Spanish, Palestine, Japanese, and East Indian, all with varying processing methods for essential oil and chemical composition.

* Beginning as interstitial fluid full of waste material discarded by the cells, lymph is a somewhat yellowish liquid containing white blood cells which bathe the tissues and drain through the lymph ducts into the bloodstream. 

** Creating a chemical response to light

#####

Endnotes:

The Complete Technology Book of Essential Oils: (Aromatic Chemicals). Asia Pacific Business Press, 2008.

Rhind, Jennifer. Essential Oils: A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice. Singing Dragon, 2019.

Curtis, Susan, et al. Essential Oils: All-Natural Remedies and Recipes for Your Mind, Body, and Home. DK Publishing, 2016.

Price, Shirley, et al. Aromatherapy for Health Professionals. Elsevier, 2020.

Braun, Lesley and Cohen, Mac. Herbs and Natural Supplements: An Evidence-Based Guide. Elsevier Health Sciences. 2010.

Energetic Fall Begins August 7 According to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Why So Soon?

Every August 7 we enter the energetic season of the Metal element or energetic Fall according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The timing of the start of energetic Fall seems off since we’re still experiencing hot Summer days, at least for a few more weeks in most of Northern U.S. Hot weather continues well beyond the end of August for the South.

How do the five energetic seasons relate to the traditional four-season pattern?

Clearly the 365 days of the year cannot be divided into four traditional seasons and at the same time correspond to the energetic calendar which divides the same period into five energetic seasons.

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First, let’s remember that the traditional four seasons are defined by the apparent movement of the sun. At its apex we have maximum sun exposure with maximum amount of heat and light. At its nadir,* we have the minimum amount of heat and of light. And, of course, what the apex is to the northern hemisphere, the nadir is to the southern hemisphere. When it is Summer in the U.S., it’s Winter in Australia. And in similar fashion when the apparent movement of the sun crosses the equator, we experience the start of Spring in March and Fall in September, respectively. The reverse is true for the Southern hemisphere.

The TCM calendar is also regulated by the effect of the apparent movement of the sun by way of the cyclical movement of yin/yang: The sun at its apex corresponds to the maximum yang energy/minimum yin energy (peak of Fire season) and at its nadir, maximum yin/minimum yang energy (peak of Winter).

The Spring is the emerging of yang out of the yin of Winter and the Fall is the diminishing yang energy of Summer allowing for the emergence of the yin energy.

The big difference between the two calendars springs from the TCM consideration that seasonal energy cannot suddenly disappear to make room for the sudden emergence of the energy of the next season. The rule of nature calls for a transition from one energy to the next. This calls for four transitional periods which altogether amount to the fifth season named Earth—the four periods of the year when yin and yang energies are in balance. Each of the five seasons last approximately 72 days and the Earth season is four times 18 days between:

• Winter/Water and Spring/Wood

• Spring and Summer/Fire

• Summer and Metal/Fall

• Fall and Winter/Water. 

Think of each season resulting from a surge and a slowdown of complementary yin and yang energies involved in a constant energetic dance. Each seasonal pattern becomes the cause of the climatic changes brought about by each season. Let’s call them the effects or symptoms of each season in order to differentiate them from the energetic cause of each season. 

The initial energetic surge does not produce a visible effect right away. There is a lag in time. As the new energy pattern is at work, with one energy ascending while the other descends, there is an acceleration in force reflected by the appearance of the typical effects and characteristics of each season. We could call them symptoms such as heat/cold, dryness/humidity, wind/precipitation as opposed to the seasonal energetic cause resulting from the yin/yang yearly cycle. 

There is also a lag in time on the way out of an energetic season. What we continue to feel and experience as we enter energetic Fall on August 7 is the momentum of the energy causing a continuation of the effects or symptoms of the ending Summer season although the energy of the new Fall energetic season is already at work but has not yet materialized its own seasonal symptoms or effects.

As the yang energy of Summer and the Fire element ebbs bringing about an increase in yin energy, there is a moment when both  yin and yang are in balance, yet the effects of the Summer/yang energy has such momentum that the effects of Summer continue to be felt although the Summer energetic pattern has already vanished to transform into the Fall energy that will be showing its effects progressively during energetic Fall. 

Here is an analogy that might help.

Imagine a jogger pushing a baby carriage on a flat and smooth surface. Now imagine that the jogger suddenly stops running as he or she releases the carriage. Because of momentum the carriage will continue to roll forward for some distance although no one is pushing it. The same is true with the ending seasonal effect of each energetic season. It overlaps into the next season.

Our clients in various parts of the U.S. or internationally frequently remark:

Your explanation of the five seasons might be realistic in the northern regions but in the South we only have two seasons such as “hot and hotter” or “rain and dryness.”

Yet energetically speaking everyone experiences the same energetic pattern though with differences in intensity of the effects/symptoms. This is because all parts of the globe are under the influence of the sun and its apparent movement. No region of the world is immune.

This massive energy drives climate differences with degrees of intensity and duration mitigated by secondary causes such as mountains and oceans.  

“I and my family lived in Hawaii for several years having come from New England. We arrived there just before Christmas and my children were delighted to go to the beach every day after school year-round for the first couple of years. By the third year we started to feel the effects of Winter and would joke that the surfers without a wetsuit in February or March were either from Canada or Chicago! We were slowly adapting to the local climate and our bodies were reckoning with the effect of Winter energy even in Hawaii.”

…

* the point on the celestial sphere directly below an observer; the opposite of zenith.

Immunity Requires Proper Function and Movement of Lymph

People with poor lymphatic circulation have a weak immune system. Immunity requires proper function and movement of lymph. Lymph, which begins as interstitial* fluid full of waste material discarded by the cells, is a somewhat yellowish liquid containing white blood cells which bathe the tissues and drain through the lymph into the bloodstream. These thin-walled vessels structured like blood vessels transport fluid, soluble molecules, and immune cells to the lymph nodes tasked with draining lymph.

There are about two quarts of lymph in an average size body. This is equivalent to one third the amount of red blood. Lymph is collected by capillaries and slowly moved to a large network of several hundred lymph nodes–small glands that filter waste materials–in order to be purified. Lymph returns to venous circulation via two major ducts in the chest.

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The largest concentrations of lymph nodes are on the face and neck, underarms and groin area. The diaphragm, our largest muscle, activated during breathing, is the closest thing to a pump as it moves both water and lymph through the system. 

Breathing, body movement and gravity are mainly responsible for the movement of lymph.

According to the Five Element Theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Earth energy drives the activity and movement of lymph. Earth is the energy of purification (of waste material. Congested lymph shows up in toxic skin presenting blemishes, acne, psoriasis and enlarged pores, indicating an Earth energy imbalance. When lymph is able to flow freely, skin becomes purified, normalized and radiant.

In addition to impeding immunity impaired flow of lymph also accelerates the aging process. At the same time, the intensity of the aging process itself affects the functionality and dynamics of lymph flow. 

The consensus in the literature is that the function and capacity of the lymphatic system gets sluggish with age because of decreased lymphatic contractile pressure (the muscles that help circulate lymph lose mass and weaken) and pumping frequency (a decrease in lung capacity). Increased oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant activity associated with aging may also be factors. (Journal of Lymphoedema, 2017, Vol. 2, No. 2)

PHYTO5 skincare containing unique ingredients known to assist lymph movement include:

• the entire Earth line by PHYTO5 

• wild guaiacwood and cypress sessential oils in Ageless La Cure Nourishing Cream

• sweet orange essential oil in Ageless La Cure Extreme Hydrating Cream

• calendula extract in Ageless La Cure soothing pink Clay Mask

You can keep your lymphatic system functioning properly by:

• exercising and building and maintaining muscle strength and lean body mass; muscle contraction forces tiny one-way valves of the lymphatic system to open and close and push the fluid through the system;

• walking (or rebounding); as a weight-bearing activity each step you take lightly pounding the ground, floor or pavement, creates pump-like gravitational pulls on the lymphatic system;

• practicing yoga or stretching helps direct lymph through the deep channels of the chest;

• practicing deep breathing; the act of breathing creates a lymphatic pump in itself helping to direct lymph through the chest; deeper more mindful breathing is the most important facilitator of lymphatic function while consistent shallow breathing leads to lymphatic congestion (for help with a proper breathing exercise, check out our blog on Six Breaths a Minute to Slow Aging and Its Causes here);

• receiving a manual lymphatic massage from a licensed lymphatic massage therapist or receiving a facial** and full body drainage treatment performed by a PHYTO5 trained professional using the Biorhythmic Drainer;

  • PHYTO5's award-winning technology, the Biorhythmic Drainer, mechanically, rhythmically, and precisely reproduces the gentle movement of a manual massage focused on moving energy and fluids that are otherwise stagnant;

  • the well-known Japanese cosmetics company, Shiseido,** found in 2015 that impaired dermal lymphatic vessels are an integral cause of sagging skin** rather than collagen loss;

• staying hydrated to help prevent lymphatic stagnation; lymph gets thicker and more sludgy when you’re dehydrated but will flow well when hydrated;

• avoiding processed foods and bad fats; these can cause inflammation and lead to lymphatic system congestion;

• eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables especially green vegetables because chlorophyll not only purifies the blood, it purifies lymph;

• avoiding chemical laden skin and body care products, cleaning products and pesticides which impede the body from immediate detoxification (Ageless La Cure by PHYTO5 skincare is a pure choice);

• learning how to resiliently respond to stress; the waste products of stress-fighting hormones are acidic and acidity leads to lymph congestion;

• refraining from wearing tight fitting clothing including underwear and underwire bras because both restrict the flow of lymph;

• avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking.

…

Endnotes:

[The information in this article should not be viewed as medical advice as we are not medical professionals. We are sharing information and recommendations from and based on scientific publications and studies that are enumerated in the article’s endnotes. As always, when beginning any new program dedicated to health and which is new for you, first consult your physician.]

Large portions of this blog were originally published on our sister site at agelesslacure.com on September 19, 2019 under the title, “Look and Feel Younger Longer Tip #5: Keep the Lymph Moving,” but has been edited and updated with additional information for freshness and expansion.

* a space between structures

** In 2015, the well-known Japanese cosmetics company, Shiseido, found impaired dermal lymphatic vessels to be an integral cause of sagging skin. Before 2016, sagging skin was mainly attributed to collagen loss. Their press release states:

“Shiseido Co., Ltd., through joint research with Professor Nobuyuki Takakura of the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, has revealed for the first time that impaired function of dermal lymphatic vessels lead to accumulation of subcutaneous fat, which ultimately causes ‘sagging’ of the skin.”

Zolla, Valerio, et al. Aging-Related Anatomical and Biochemical Changes in Lymphatic Collectors Impair Lymph Transport, Fluid Homeostasis, and Pathogen Clearance. Aging Cell, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, Aug. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4531072/.

Dr. Baumann, Leslie. The Connection Between Lymph and How You Look. Miami Herald, July 21, 2014. www.miamiherald.com/living/health-fitness/skin-deep/article1976385.html.

Anti-Cellulite Ingredient Delipidol in PHYTO5’s Earth Yogi Body Gel Is Proven Effective in Contouring

Anti-cellulite ingredient Delipidol (derived from pomegranate) is a potent ingredient in PHYTO5’s Earth element Yogi Body Gel. Delipidol is proven to significantly reduce fat nodes present in the thighs (through lipolysis) after only 28 days of treatment with effects more than doubled after 56 days of twice a day application.

According to Delipidol’s maker, Groupe Solabia based in France, “Delipidol® is a unique and patented molecule obtained by a biotechnological process without solvent, from punicic acid, an omega 5 fatty acid from pomegranate seed oil (Punica granatum) and tyrosol.”

Punicic acid from pomegranate was selected for its ability to reduce lipid accumulation while serving in both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity. Punicic acid was then combined with tyrosol, which was similarly chosen for its antioxidant effects. Tyrosol, derived from the aromatic amino acid tyrosine, is an antioxidant that is naturally present in several foods such as wine and green tea. Tyrosol is most abundant in olives. The antioxidant is present in the leaves, fruit, and in the oil of the plant. It is classified as a phenolic antioxidant.

In an ex vivo study on human skin explants, Groupe Solabia found lipolytic activity in Delipidol superior to lipolytic activity in pomegranate seed oil alone.

The company also conducted an in vivo double blind study on 19 volunteers and found that twice daily application to the thighs of a cream containing 1% Delipidol resulted in a 4% decrease of fat nodes after 28 days of treatment and a 9% decrease of fat nodes after 56 days of treatment, in comparison with a placebo.

The company further concluded from this study that Delipidol's activity against free radicals contributed to the limitation of cellulite progression.

Partake of the mystique of quantum energetic formulated plant-based skincare for your exalted natural beauty and well-being. Subscribe for a discount promo code, plus get truly unique beauty tips and offers.

Groupe Solabia calls Delipidol a ‘cosmetic bomb’ that decreases ‘orange peel skin’ by reducing fat nodes. For these reasons, PHYTO5 has incorporated Delipidol into the contouring boosting product, Earth element Yogi Body Gel.

Pomegranate itself is touted as an anti-aging fruit that may also prevent hardening of the arteries. Important components of pomegranate are anthocyanins, catechins, ellagic acid, manganese and potassium.

Anthocyanins (derived from Greek meaning “flower” and “blue”) are natural plant pigments. Anthocyanins are what makes pomegranates red, blueberries blue, and blackberries black. The darker the pigment of the food, the more anthocyanins are present. Anthocyanins belong to the flavonoid class of molecules and are essentially, antioxidants, protecting against free radical cell damage which causes aging and disease. Research shows that the juice of pomegranate has two to three times the antioxidant capacity of the same amount of red wine or green tea.

Catechins are a type of organic compound known as phenols. It is abundant in tea, cocoa and berries and they have very potent antioxidant activity also.

Ellagic acid, a compound and micronutrient found in fruits and nuts, protects the body from environmental toxins.

Manganese is a trace mineral or salt important for everyday skin health as it plays a significant role in collagen production. Manganese is involved in the synthesis of vitamin B1. It acts against free radicals and has soothing, calming and protective properties. It aids in protection of the skin against oxidation and damages caused as a result of exposure to ultraviolet light by functioning as an antioxidant.

Potassium helps keep hormone levels in check leading to more beautiful unstressed, lively looking skin. It also helps reduce the risk of heart disease.

Earth element Yogi Body Gel is formulated according to the Five Element Theory of traditional Chinese medicine to balance the Earth conditions of toxicity. If your skin is well in balance taking into account what is normal for your age, you can effectively use Earth Yogi Body Gel during the periods between the other four energetic seasons. See seasonal/skin conditions key complete with seasonal dates here.

Because of the quantum nature of this essential oil rich product, it is also excellent for bringing you to balance when you get caught up in the downward spiral of excessive rumination. The synergistic essential oils in this gel will support you to move out of a feeling of stuckness, paving the way for creativity and productivity.

Earth Yogi Body Gel is also formulated with green tea, biosaccharides,* aloe, apricot oil and essential oils of lemon, sweet orange, eucalyptus and cypress.

As depicted in the picture above, organic certified Contouring Serum plus Earth Yogi Body Gel are a potent combination for contouring treatment.

* A type of polysaccharide made by fermenting plants; a moisturizing and skin soothing ingredient which works by binding water to the epidermis thereby creating a moisture-binding film on the skin creating a soft, smooth feeling

…

Endnotes:

http://www.solabia.com

Fight Back with Food: Use Nutrition to Heal What Ails You. Reader's Digest Association, 2007.

Khan, Mohd Sajjad Ahmad., et al. New Look to Phytomedicine: Advancements in Herbal Products as Novel Drug Leads. Academic Press., 2019.

PHYTO5 Is Truly, Authentically and 100% Made In Switzerland: Here's Our Story

PHYTO5 skincare, an indy skincare company–straightforward and honest–is all made in Switzerland. It’s not just Swiss-inspired. It doesn’t just contain some ingredients from Switzerland. It isn’t fractionally made in Switzerland. It’s 100% made in Switzerland. Free of gimmicky ingredients and inflated price tags, we simply give our customers what nature does–crafting nature's gifts into skincare to bring beautiful balance to your skin, vital energy and emotions.

PHYTO5's factory, Laboratoire Gibro, S. A., is located in Fleurier, in the Swiss Jura mountains near Neuchâtel, where watchmaking companies like Parmigiani, Bovet and Chopard were long ago established. This region is synonomous with exacting manufacturing standards of some of the world's best known and most coveted products.

Here, in Fleurier, the gorges of Poëta-Raisse and l'Areuse and the grottos of Môtiers are each an expression of the sheer power and purity of spring water endlessly flowing century after century carving narrow passages through the rocks. This same water is in all PHYTO5 skincare. Additionally, even before this water is added to any PHYTO5 skincare formulation, we run the water through high tech filters to “extra-purification.”

The birth town of PHYTO5, Fleurier, meaning 'one that flowers,' is truly ground zero for purity... "Swiss-Made..." and our company.

In the late 70s, we at PHYTO5 understood that we are more than the physical matter that makes up our flesh, bone and blood and that there is also a current of unseen vital energy coursing through our bodies constantly animating and vitalizing our beings.

And we realized and later proved that we could formulate skincare that synchronized with and uplifted this vital energy.

We did this by introducing high vibratory frequency to skin via high grade essential oils.

We then went beyond what other skincare formulators did with essential oils by blending them in a way that created more than uplifting energy—

it created a high vibratory synergy.

We believed then and now in the healing philosophy of the Five Element Theory of traditional Chinese medicine. Each of the five elements in this theory identifies with a season and a set of skin conditions.

We apply this theory to these synergistic blends of essential oils to target and balance the five sets of skin conditions.

We next elevated our singularly distinctive five element lines to a still higher level known as QUANTUM through a proprietary process we believe is unique in all the world. 

It's this quantum aspect of PHYTO5 that also exquisitely touches and elevates your center of emotions.

PHYTO5's organic certified Ageless La Cure line also brings you the benefits of essential oil rich formulations…

...and so does PHYTO5's 'Swiss line' of traditional phytoceutical skincare products.

The high grade essential oils used in PHYTO5 skin and hair care are our HERO INGREDIENTS. PHYTO5's hero ingredients also include high tech natural compounds, flower and plant extracts and waters, organic oils, minerals, vitamins, tree butters and more.

The PHYTO5 philosophy and concept are not duplicated anywhere in the world

PHYTO5 skin and hair care are truly singularly unique.

Energy Medicine Now Gets Serious

The Global Wellness Institute recently published its 2020 trends report, “2020 Wellness Trends, from the Global Wellness Summit” and listed one trend whose potential not only has been known by many for years, it has the power to change healing and the practice of  conventional medicine as we currently know it. In the article, Energy Medicine Gets Serious, authors Beth McGroarty, Joanne De Luca and Janine Lopiano, co-founders of Sputnik Futures write:

• When people think “energy medicine,” they think “the wellness world:” all those practices, whether acupuncture, chakra balancing, reiki, qigong or sound baths, that focus on healing the human “energy body.”

• … ancient medicines, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda and shamanic traditions, have… independently devised healing approaches squarely based on the body as an energy field. They posit that a vital energy (whether “qi” in TCM or the doshas in Ayurveda) controls the processes of our bodies and brains, and that health and healing come from manipulating the flow of energy that courses through our bodies at specific energy points and balances the body’s electromagnetic field (which extends beyond the skin).

• A real paradigm shift is underway, with more scientific researchers (whether from Harvard or NASA) rapidly discovering that the body is indeed a complex biofield of electromagnetic frequencies and light waves that serve as “control central” for our physical and mental functioning. It’s shaking up entrenched thinking in biology. Scientists are also uncovering the ways that the entire world is electrodynamic: We’re surrounded by both natural—and increasingly man-made— frequencies that constantly change human cells. We’re at an interesting moment: where the medical world and “ancient wellness” are finding some common (at least in principle) theoretical ground.

• “The future of medicine is understanding the crucial relationship between the material and ‘field’ aspects of the body, and adjusting human frequencies—and light, sound and electromagnetic interventions are crucial here—to prevent illness and boost health.” — Joanne De Luca and Janine Lopiano, co-founders of future-forecasting consultancy Sputnik Futures

• Science is now validating some crucial ancient energy medicine principles. For instance, scientists at Seoul National University have confirmed the existence of the body’s meridians, which they call the “primo-vascular system” and see as a critical part of the cardiovascular system, as well as the physical basis of the Acupuncture Meridian System (these acupoints are, of course, the key to the energetic effects of shiatsu massage, qigong, tai chi, yoga postures, etc.). 

• We’re at a pivotal, powerful moment with energy medicine. In the coming years, there will be a rush by medical and technology companies to further crack the code on how energy networks organize our bodies and brains, and they will use that knowledge to design interventions into our electromagnetic and biophotonic fields to prevent disease and boost physical and mental health. 

• Both “wheat” and “chaff” will appear in consumer markets, as energy healing is particularly susceptible to exploitation and quackery. Hard science will validate some ancient energy approaches and invalidate others. Ancient energy medicines will teach Western medicine a few things, and scientific breakthroughs will point the way to new directions in wellness. 

• The wellness world focuses more on self-awareness and emotional and spiritual healing and connectedness, but, as physicists, biologists and neuroscientists uncover the mechanics of human energy fields—how they mesh with other people’s energy fields, and how we all mesh with the energy fields of the universe—the new energy medicine may solve a pesky little mystery that’s been preoccupying humans for millennia…consciousness, itself.

PHYTO5 is uniquely positioned with its energetic skincare line based on the five elements of TCM. It provides tools for wellness-oriented spas and wellness centers which include natural topical products as well as holistic proprietary equipment for professionals. 

The method is not difficult to understand and practice either for professionals providing treatments or for consumers designing their home regimen. 

PHYTO5’s website provides a great deal of information on the energetic skincare method, products and equipment with a rich list of blog articles and free-to-download white papers. Another source of abundant information is the book authored by Jon Canas, Energetic Skincare, Naturally available for purchase by clicking here.

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Endnotes:

Photo by Antonika Chanel at Unsplash

“Energy Medicine Gets Serious.” Global Wellness Summit, www.globalwellnesssummit.com/2020-global-wellness-trends/energy-medicine-gets-serious/.

The Cloud: Godsend or Potential Setback for Humanity?

It’s remarkable how a simple word can both describe an idea as innocent and at the same time hide its inconvenient, even dangerous, implementation. The “cloud” is one such word.“ The cloud evokes an image of a gently traveling billowing mass over our heads efficiently and conveniently storing all the files and images humanity wants to save with little concern for storage limits. At face value, it seems pure, simple and practical deserving of the seal of good house/office keeping, Really?

The cloud instantly helps us to free up more space on our mobile phones so that we can take even more pictures. The cloud stores all the documents we don’t wish to or can’t store on our computers. It makes us able to electronically create art of all kinds often with files so extremely heavy it seems to pay or be wiser for us to store them on the invisible cloud.

In the BBC news interview, “Dirty streaming: The internet's big secret” of March 5, 2020, we are reminded that the cloud is a euphemism for huge data centers ever larger and more numerous and prevalent all over the planet. They are full of huge amounts of computers and cables, creating mega energetic fields interfering with the energetic field of anything alive on earth. 

“There are now hundreds of thousands of data centres around the world, storing everything from viral videos to doctors’ notes and even bank account details. Many of them run on electricity generated by burning fossil fuels.

Film and TV writer Beth Webb went in search of the internet and discovered that ‘the cloud’ is actually a vast network of energy-guzzling data centres and undersea cables.”

— Naomi Pallas, BBC Producer

It is anachronistic and ironic to realize that the cloud which is the result of increasing needs and ingenuity of the high tech industry and symbol and manifestation of our creativity and forward thinking is actually an energy glutton. It relies on the oldest source of energy in the world – coal.

We might have assumed that in most, if not all, locations, clean energy sources like solar panels would have been used. Not so. Collectively, these data centers are responsible for the release of more carbon into the air than the total release of carbon from all airlines companies around the world. Moreover, the data center carbon release is increasing at a faster rate than that of any airline.

At a time when all signs point to the causes and effects of global warming, we might think that the creative and forward thinking mindset of the high tech industry would have been more aware of the long term effect of their cloud creation on the well-being of humans, flora and fauna. But when we observe, for example, how high tech corporations like cell phone manufacturers ensure that each new model has a slightly different design of charger dictating that we can’t reuse the same charger for an upgraded phone, then we know that their focus is not preservation but consumption. It demonstrates an utter disrespect for the environment and consumptions’s implications on all forms of life. It essentially stems from ignorance of the simple rule of respect for all others as well as the planet. It demonstrates a disregard for or ignorance of the universal Law of One – that everything each of us does affects every other one on the planet.

Unless and until we come to a major collective awakening surrounding the basic and fundamental realization of mutual respect, the consumption race will end very badly for us, our children and grandchildren.

This is what’s up for us at this time in our evolution. We cannot allow, we must not allow widespread global damage to our planet’s ecosystem, in fact, to our own human bodies. And this is accomplished by our arising in consciousness as we become increasingly more aware and refuse to accept what greed-oriented entities serve up to us. We have that power to change what doesn’t truly serve us.

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Endnotes:

“Dirty Streaming: The Internet's Big Secret.” BBC News, BBC, 5 Mar. 2020, www.bbc.com/news/av/stories-51742336/dirty-streaming-the-internet-s-big-secret.

It’s Energetic Spring and Time for Cleansing Green

During this season of energetic Spring, if we choose to live in harmony with the season and nature, we will want to begin moving from the hibernating days of Winter and the indulgence of holiday celebrations into a period of internal cleansing.  Green is the color of Spring, cleansing, vitality and new life. Chlorophyll is the green pigment of plants. It’s responsible for the absorption of light from the sun.

“The latest research from Prof. F.A. Popp and Dr. H. Niggli shows that, in addition to the chemical composition of our food, light energy (biophotons) is also an important factor in food quality. The more light a food is able to store, the more nutritious it is. Naturally grown fresh vegetables, for example, and sun-ripened fruits are rich in light energy.” —Christine Morehart in Living Perfect Health: The Art of Healthy Eating and Cleansing

Partake of the mystique of quantum energetic formulated plant-based skincare for your exalted natural beauty and well-being. Subscribe for a discount promo code, plus get truly unique beauty tips and offers.

Stored sun energy in the fresh fruits and vegetables we consume finds its way into our cells in the form of minute particles of light – biophotons – the smallest physical units of light. These particles contain important bio-information, regulating and directing complex vital processes in our bodies. They elevate the organism (the body) to a higher frequency or order ultimately manifested as a feeling of vitality and well-being.

Many scientific studies show that there is hardly any illness that cannot be helped by chlorophyll. It’s a miraculous healer. It cleans cholesterol, fat and toxins from the body and destroys pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and cancer cells.

Because most of us do not chew our food thoroughly enough, the best way to derive the most benefit from green produce is to drink green smoothies where the blender action doesn’t just masticate, it predigests the greens for us. But even if drinking green smoothies is not appealing to us, simply adding more green foods to whatever diet we follow can make a profound improvement on our health.

Spinach, watercress, arugula, kale, broccoli, brussels sprouts, collard greens and parsley, wheatgrass and alfalfa and barley grasses are examples of super nutritious and light energy rich green foods. 

Chlorella, a chlorophyll-rich algae and complete protein with a 62% amino acid content, is one of the most well rounded foods on the planet. It’s rich in minerals like phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, germanium, sulfur, iron, calcium, manganese, copper, zinc, iodine, cobalt, and trace elements. Other nutrients include vitamins A, C, E, K, B complex, B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, pantothenic acid, RNA, DNA, folic acid, biotin, choline, and inositol.

Chlorella grows so quickly it quadruples every twenty-four hours. It also quadruples the friendly flora in our intestinal tract and boosts the immune system. It facilitates digestion, alkalizes the body, heals the intestinal lining, and works remove chemicals, toxins and heavy metals from the body.

Sea vegetables at approximately 50% protein can directly compete with animal protein and are much more easily assimilated by the body. Sea greens contain more minerals than any other food and are the best source of iodine required for healthy thyroid function. Kelp, kombu, arame, wakame, nori, dulse, blue green algae, spirulina are examples of super nutritious sea greens. (Wakame is one of the unique ingredients in Ageless La Cure Perfection Cream by PHYTO5, formulated to lighten dark spots on the skin.)

The chlorophyll in plants protects the leaves of the plant from frying and withering in the sun. In the same way, when we consume lots of chlorophyll we are also ingesting protection for our skin from the sun. Indigenous peoples and animals who do not suffer from sunburn prove they receive sunscreen from the leafy greens they eat.

More benefits of chlorophyll:

• builds a high red blood cell count

• helps prevent cancer

• provides iron to organs

• alkalizes the body

• counteracts the effects of toxins consumed

• Improves anemia

• cleans and deodorizes bowel tissues

• works to purify the liver

• assists in the improvement of hepatitis

• regulates menstruation

• improves milk production in lactating women

• assists to heal sores more quickly

• eliminates body odors

• resists wound bacteria

• cleans tooth and gum structure 

• eliminates bad breath

• relieves sore throat

• reduces inflammation and the pain caused by it

• soothes ulcer tissue

• improves varicose veins

• improves vision

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Endnotes:

Photo by Sara Cervera at Unsplash

Boutenko, Victoria. Green for Life: the Updated Classic on Green Smoothie Nutrition. North Atlantic, 2010.

Morehart, Christine. Living Perfect Health: The Art of Healthy Eating and Cleansing. Xlibris, 2014.

It’s Energetic Spring, Time to Focus on the Heart Chakra and Valentine’s Day

In esoteric wisdom, there are seven centers of spiritual and energetic power within the human body, each one with the energy of each of the seven different colors constituting the rainbow. These spinning wheels of light energy known as chakras are roughly located in alignment with the spine. The chakra in the area of the heart is associated most often with the color green. At PHYTO5, we formulate our skincare products according to the five element theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the element and color, respectively, associated with this time of year are Wood and green, a vital color of nature, growth, vitality, healing and opening. And coincidentally, we happen to be celebrating the love holiday we all call Valentine’s Day at this time.

The heart chakra is the point of balance of all the other chakras with three below and three above it. The three lower chakras are more ‘earth based’ (associated more with physical life and creation) while the three upper chakras are more spiritual (supporting the more mental, inspirational and spiritual aspects). The heart chakra is the bridge, the balance point that joins earth to spirit.

As of February 5 we enter the Wood season which is energetic Spring. It is a time when plant shoots begin to push through soil – a time of reawakening and rebirth caused by the unseen forces of potent energy of life and vitality.

TCM gives us many pointers for living in harmony with each of the five energetic seasons. For example, in energetic Spring, TCM directs us to cleanse our bodies after a long period of hibernation by consuming fresh green produce in various ways. Living greens bring more vitality to our bodies, our skin, our minds and even our hearts.

We want to bring green into our lives with plants and flowers, green gemstones, clothing, home decor and environment. Beginning to plan our Spring gardens, splashes of green in our home decor, and green accessories we might enjoy wearing can be a creative blessing when we put love into the planning. Our heart chakra energy becomes enhanced in the process.

Bringing green house plants into the home, for example, creates vitality producing negative ions in the air and helps neutralize negative energy in our environment. The mere act of intuitively decorating with green plants is an affirmation of where we would like green heart chakra energy to thrive in our home.

At this time when we are paying more attention to green’s healing powers, we may want to visualize our heart center’s emerald green color shining brightly and spilling out onto our entire body to do its intuitive healing work.

The aphorism, “as above, so below,” associated with sacred geometry and hermeticism and which derives from a passage in the Emerald Tablet (variously attributed to Hermes Trismegistus or Pseudo-Apollonius of Tyana) shows us that similar to us, Earth, too, has its own heart center. Especially at this time of year, allow the color of Earth’s heart center, the green matrix, to fill you to overflowing with its pure green healing and loving energy.

At this time of year when we celebrate Valentine’s Day and let our hearts grow effulgent with love and generosity for family, friends and romantic partners, remember your heart center and the lovelight that flows infinitely from it.

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Source:

Harding, Jenny. Secrets of Chakras. Chartwell Books, 2020.

How We Create Momentum for Wellness and Greater Meaning to Our Lives

Linked to health, beauty the natural way, necessarily becomes a matter of overall lifestyle. This lifestyle can become a positive driving force in our lives and as we better understand the interrelationship of all the natural elements involved in looking and feeling good, we’ll observe ourselves spontaneously and organically removing destructive habits and practices, replacing them with those that contribute to our wellness beauty. This lifestyle will naturally help us to pinpoint where we stand in the natural cycle of life as we seek to achieve our highest wellness potential.

In this natural cycle of life, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) informs us that five energetic seasonal cycles affect us in virtually every arena of our lives. For example, just as we do not wear the same type of clothing from one season to the next, TCM infers that we might benefit by using skincare products designed specifically for each energetic season. This would be skincare that counteracts the aggressions of any particular seasonal energy such as those formulated by PHYTO5. This choice of skincare is just one enjoyable part of living this more conscious lifestyle that chooses harmony with each energetic season, and right now is our opportunity to explore the Earth energetic season which runs until February 4.

Time has proven that the cycles of nature and the cycles of human life seem to be interrelated. Whatever affects the whole, affects the parts. And these parts affect other parts. This view of humans, subjected to their cosmic and earthly environment is common, in various degrees, to all energy medicines and it is central to TCM.

Traditional Chinese thinkers were fond of pondering the cyclical aspects of nature with the repetition of days, moons, seasons and years as they observed the effects of those cycles on all living organisms. Humans like animals and plants are affected

by nature’s cycles so it is not surprising that the study of nature was the first basis in their understanding of vital energy. Knowing that there can be no effect without a cause, the predictable seasonal patterns pointed to the existence of a cause.

Unlike ancient Greeks and Egyptians who attributed cause to the whims of various gods, the Chinese simply saw chi (energy)

as the mover of matter but not as a deity. They saw this energy being responsible for cyclical and predictable stages and changes.

First, they broke down energy in its basic yin and yang components. Then they evolved the more complex and subtle Law of the Five Elements, which includes the energies symbolically named Wood  Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, and the multiple aspects of their interrelationship.

TCM evolved during an era when the metaphysical beliefs of Taoism prevailed in China, and therefore it was influenced by Taoist beliefs and related cultural implications. Taoists believed that to live harmoniously man needs to be in accord with the energetic laws of nature. They saw a strong parallel between the cycles of nature (the days and the seasons) and the life cycle of man.

When we respect and revere natural cycles and rhythms in our lives we actually create momentum for wellness. This momentum is fueled by energy, the energy that is created by the very act of living in harmony with these natural cycles. By doing so, we allow ourselves to give greater and well deserved meaning to these cycles and, ultimately, our entire lives.

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Photo by Jackson David from Pexels

New Possibilities for Chinese New Year 2020: Year of the White Rat

In Chinese (Taoist) astrology, each year has its own energy. It is said that each one of us is influenced by the astrological energy at the time of our birth. Every year, the dominating energy of that year will affect each person in different ways and according to their dominating personal energy received at the time of birth. 

The Chinese astrological calendar consists of 12 signs represented by animals to illustrate the different energies of each year. The 12 animals are declined into five types, each to reflect one of the five elements. These five elements describe the cyclical movement of the natural forces of yin and yang fundamental to all energy consideration in Taoist culture. Each animal appears in five different versions to take into consideration the characteristics of the five elements. Together they form a cycle of sixty years (5 x 12) that constantly repeats itself..

Partake of the mystique of quantum energetic formulated plant-based skincare for your exalted natural beauty and well-being. Subscribe for a discount promo code, plus get truly unique holistic beauty tips and offers.

Years ending in an odd number are said to be yin and years ending in an even number are said to be yang. 2020 is a yang year. It is also the year of the White Rat. White Rat is one of five colors (or types) of rats as each corresponds to one of the five elements. The White Rat is the Metal rat. In addition to the yang energy it brings together the individual characteristics ascribed to the mythical  rat and those of the Metal element.

The Chinese calendar is the lunar calendar and their 2020 New Year starts on January 25th.  It will end on February 11, 2021.

Those born in 1960 and in 2020 are influenced by the traits of the Taoist White Rat. For people born in one of the rat years, 2020 should be a year of great opportunity. Whether your Taoist astrological sign (one of 12) is the rat, tiger, ox, snake, dragon, rabbit, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, or pig, the 2020 Year of the White Rat will make its impact on you in different ways. It may involve personal transformation, improvements in relationships, financial abundance, the elevation of physical vitality or the opposite of many of these. What is important for everyone in this Year of the White Rat is to go into it with balance and positivity, seeing all things as beneficial and savoring every moment. 

Take the best most positive qualities of White Rat people below to make it your best year ever.

Attributes of the White Rat

2020 will be a masculine/yang energy year. Masculine/yang energy is symbolized by a weapon. 

The Metal White Rat person is a goal achiever and survivor and possesses very many powerful qualities which enable his or her ability to accomplish and survive. Among these qualities are kindness, independence, strong will, intensity, determination and an ability to focus. But there is a secret side to White Rat’s genteel personality: jealousy, competitiveness and an obsession with achieving success at any cost and acquiring possessions at the very lowest cost.

White Rat can be an astute business person and investor. He or she is often a charmer with an alluring and entertaining personality. On the flip side, White Rat can, at times, be overly talkative, loud and aggressive. She may impulsively demonstrate her gruff, callous, and cold nature – attributes which come from the influence of Metal.

White rat is often challenged to have balanced relationships instead finding himself in enabling codependent relationships and deriving worth and validation in indispensability with his partners. To find relationship balance White Rat will always want to allow his partner independence and latitude to express and to choose for himself.

Because White Rat is so goal oriented, if romantic and frivolous experiences are going to cost money, they need to provide tangible results. At the same time, because White rat is so much a sensualist and connoisseur of life she will somewhat uncharacteristically spend money on fine worldly possessions and experiences although she will want them at bargain rates!

White Rat feels all experiences very deeply and though she is often challenged to vulnerably express herself, she is often able to do so.

White rat succeeds best by embracing change, letting go of her opinions, and gracefully releasing the past.

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Source:

Levitt, Susan, and Jean Tang. Taoist Astrology: a Handbook of the Authentic Chinese Tradition. Destiny Books, 1997.