The Spring Equinox. The Real New Year Is In Spring.

For many ancient cultures the real New Year is in Spring. It happens at or around the time of the Spring Equinox every March 20 or 25. But in 1582 Pope Gregory XIII changed that for followers of the Church moving the start of the New Year back to January 1. He took the very natural rhythmic lunar-based calendar and made it an unnatural calendar misaligned with the moon that affects Earth so much.

Understanding the Spring Equinox Makes Sense that the Real New Year Is In Spring.

The Spring or Vernal Equinox 2022 happens every year on March 20 or 21. 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 reviving in earnest after its Winter hibernation.

Although for huge swathes of the global population the New Year begins on the first day of January, some societies and cultures celebrate the real New Year at some point in early Spring.

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It’s logical that the real New Year is in Spring.

Spring—a season of rebirth and the planting of new crops—is a logical time to start the New Year for many people. It doesn’t make sense to celebrate the New Year in the middle of the dark, cold hostile Winter.

“March tests our faith. It can summon all the bluster of its namesake to convince huddled mortals that the power of winter, like that of any tyrant, is not soon or highly surrendered. On a night in late March the wind can blow with a force unfelt all winter. Fear not. Beneath the angry skies, fragile as parchment but as irresistible as time, crocuses push their shafts up through the damp earth.” —Michael Judge in The Dance of Time: The Origins of the Calendar.

Ancient cultures lived more in harmony with nature. It was logical to align their celebrations with lunar movements.

Somewhere around 2000 BCE, the Babylonian New Year began on March 25. Very many cultures in ancient times regarded their New Year as the traditional fixed date for the Vernal Equinox.

In ancient Persia and now present-day Iran, the new year, called nowruz meaning new day began and still begins on March 21.

For some native tribes the arrival of certain animals for the hunt or the appearance of certain shoals of fish marked the beginning of another year.

In some parts of the ancient Near East, the people celebrated the New Year in the Fall when rains ended the long drought of Summer.

For the ancient Egyptians, Sirius, the dog star, held its place unrivaled as the most important star in the sky. It formed the foundation of the Egyptians’ entire religious system. The Egyptian calendar system was based on the heliacal rising of Sirius that occurred just before the annual flooding of the Nile during Summer, signaling their start of a New Year and new life.

In the more ancient Northern hemisphere New Year celebrations were a way to rejoice in the resurrection of life. The people acted out the seasonal changes ritually—from the symbolic death of the earth in Winter to its resurrection vibrantly enacted through the sprouting and blossoming that came with Spring.

Throughout the ancient world New Year’s Day was quite logically and almost always celebrated in the Spring when the world seemed new once again. After months of long nights and short days, both day and night now lasted an equal amount of time. The people knew that on the Vernal Equinox the cosmic balance would now swing in favor of the sun.

Here’s When the New Year celebration date got changed.

Originally, the ancient Roman calendar had only ten months which we can see reflected in the names of many of our months derived from Roman numerals.

When a New Year began in March as month one of the year, they named the months very logically:

• the seventh month | September meaning seventh (septem from latin meaning seven)

• the eighth month October meaning eighth (octo from latin meaning eight)

• the ninth month they gave the name November meaning ninth (novem from latin meaning nine)

• the last and tenth month, they named December meaning tenth (decem from latin meaning ten).

Back then the calendar year was lunar-based and ten moons long, and the remaining roughly 70 days of Winter occurred without being assigned a month name. This is the time period we now call January and February.

The beginning of a New Year started the calendar afresh and signaled to farmers to trellis their vines, prune the trees, and sow spring wheat. On this auspicious first day of the New Year concurrent with the Vernal Equinox people could expect equal parts day and night. And the New Year observance always took place on the first new moon before the Spring equinox.

The Romans eventually transitioned away from a lunar to a solar calendar. It seemed to them a solar calendar better reflected the seasons. But as before, they still didn’t consider the remaining now roughly 60 Winter days part of the calendar.

Even Following a Solar Calendar, the Real New Year Was Still In Spring.

The calendar began each year with the first day of Spring falling a few days after the Ides(1) of March. This put the New Year at approximately the twentieth of March. The 60-day margin of Winter days which existed in a sort of limbo outside of the calendar is how the early Romans handled not truly knowing the actual length of a year.

In about 715 BCE, the months January and February were added to the Roman calendar.

Over time, many empowers continued to tamper with the calendar. They knocked the calendar out of synchronization with the sun.

In 46 BCE, this precipitated Julius Caesar to decree the start of the New Year the beginning of January. And so January 1 became a day of great festivities for all Roman people. But even though Julius Caesar decreed such a change, for some time Romans of city and country continued to celebrate the New Year with the onset of Spring. They felt nature was telling them more accurately than any calendar could that the Earth was about to be reborn.

But with Christianity taking hold, the Church outlawed their New Year celebrations, banning all Christians from participating in any festivities under threat of excommunication. The Church believed the celebrations were pagan and encouraged idolatry since the day’s festivities evolved from the feast of January’s namesake—the two-faced god Janus.

The Flip-flopping Church Made the Real New Year January 1 to March 25 and back again to January 1.

By 567 CE, the Christian Church’s power was massive and so, at the Council of Tours, they officially moved the start date of the New Year from January 1 back to March 25. They did this to remove potential for too many pagan celebrations. For centuries thereafter all European countries celebrated the new year on March 25.

But in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII was not to be outdone. He introduced our current and rather inaccurate Gregorian calendar. Once again, they officially moved the start of the New Year back to January 1.

Not all European countries adopted January 1 as the official opening of a New Year right away. The Catholic countries did so, but Protestant countries took their time. It’s only been a few hundred years that these northern European countries have observed New Year’s Day as January 1.

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Endnotes:

(1) Ides: (in the ancient Roman calendar) a day falling roughly in the middle of each month (the 15th day of March, May, July, and October, and the 13th of other months) from which other dates were calculated.

Strange but True: A Historical Background to Popular Beliefs and Traditions. N.p., Crux Publishing Ltd, 2014.

Judge, Michael. The Dance of Time: The Origins of the Calendar. United Kingdom, Arcade, 2012.

photo pexels-pat-whelen-6369229.jpg

How Plants Unlock Longevity: The Science Behind Plant-Based Skincare

What if the secret to a longer, healthier life and radiant skin lies in the plants we eat and apply to skin? Two cutting-edge concepts, nutrigenomics and xenohormesis, reveal how plant-based solutions can transform our bodies inside and out. At PHYTO5, we’ve woven this science into our Swiss-made skincare, proving that anti-aging skincare isn’t just about looking good — it’s about living better.

Nutrigenomics: Food as Medicine for Longevity

Nutrigenomics explores how nutrition interacts with our genes to prevent or treat disease.

It’s a game-changer for aging.

In the U.S., life expectancy hovers around 77 years — 73.6 for men, 79.4 for women — but scientists now say we can push past that. Discoveries in molecular biology show that longevity genes exist, and certain nutrients can switch them on, enhancing health and extending life.

Ronald Klatz, M.D., who coined anti-aging medicine, predicts baby boomers and beyond could reach 120–150 years.

How? By fortifying our diets with plants rich in bioactive molecules — compounds that go beyond fuel to tweak hormones, metabolism, and even cellular repair.

Hippocrates nailed it centuries ago:

Let food be your medicine.

Nutrigenomics just gives us the why and how.

Xenohormesis: Plants Pass On Their Survival Secrets

Here’s where it gets interesting.

Xenohormesis (from the Greek xenos for stranger and hormesis meaning mild stress benefits) explains how stressed plants — like those battered by drought or frost — produce compounds that boost our resilience when we consume them.

Think of it as plants sharing their evolutionary grit.

For eons, plants have adapted to harsh conditions, creating molecules that humans and animals can borrow for survival. These xenohormetic compounds don’t just nourish, they activate our cellular stress responses, potentially outdoing modern drugs for longevity.

And it’s not just about eating them. The skin, the body’s largest organ, absorbs over 60% of what you put on it. This makes plant-based skincare a direct line to these benefits.

PHYTO5: Plant-Based Skincare Meets Science

At PHYTO5, we’ve harnessed nutrigenomics and xenohormesis to craft anti-aging skincare that feeds your skin — and vitality. Our Swiss-made products use high-grade essential oils from plants that have thrived against the odds, passing their resilience to you:

• Lingonberry Seed Oil in Extreme Hydrating Cream: Sourced from Arctic berries surviving -50°C, it super-hydrates and protects skin in harsh winters.

• Edelweiss in Face Gel Mask and Perfection Cream: Grown on treacherous Alpine cliffs, it regenerates and fights hyperpigmentation with centuries of stress-hardened power.

• Ginkgo in Water Element Day and Night Creams: An ancient tree’s longevity secrets plump and firm mature skin.

These aren’t just ingredients — they’re living allies.

Like the “face” of a flower nourishing your own, as aromatherapy expert Erich Keller might say,¹ they deliver vital energy straight to your skin and bloodstream.

It’s plant-based skincare with a purpose:

longevity you can see and feel.

From Diet to Dermatology: A Growing Trend

Plants already shape medicine — 40% of Western drugs, including the top 20 U.S. prescriptions, come from them (USDA–Forest Service).

Meanwhile, over 9.7 million Americans now follow plant-based diets, up 9.4 million in 15 years (thebeet.com). Most don’t know xenohormesis, but they feel the health perks.

Why stop at food? Topical application amplifies the effect.

PHYTO5’s quantum-energy approach ensures every drop of our skincare communicates resilience to your cells, proving nutrigenomics isn’t just for your plate — it’s for your face too.

Rewrite Aging with Plants

Nutrigenomics and xenohormesis aren’t buzzwords. They’re blueprints for a longer, vibrant life.

Plants don’t just survive. They thrive under stress, and through PHYTO5’s plant-based skincare, they share that power with you.

From Lingonberry’s icy endurance to Edelweiss’s cliffside tenacity, our anti-aging skincare turns nature’s lessons into your glow.

Ready to let plants rewrite your aging story? With PHYTO5, quality longevity starts now.

…

Endnotes and Sources.

¹ Erich Keller reference here and link to other article

Hooper, Philip L et al. “Xenohormesis: health benefits from an eon of plant stress response evolution.” Cell stress & chaperones vol. 15,6 (2010): 761–70. doi:10.1007/s12192–010–0206-x

Konrad T. Howitz, David A. Sinclair, Xenohormesis: Sensing the Chemical Cues of Other Species, Cell, Volume 133, Issue 3, 2008, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2008.04.019.

(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867408005114)

Cayuela Sánchez JA, Elamrani A. Nutrigenomics of essential oils and their potential domestic use for improving health. Nat Prod Commun. 2014 Nov;9(11):1641–8. PMID: 25532301.

Dhanjal, Daljeet Singh et al. “Plant Fortification of the Diet for Anti-Ageing Effects: A Review.” Nutrients vol. 12,10 3008. 30 Sep. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12103008

Phytochemicals of Nutraceutical Importance. United Kingdom, CABI, 2014.

Swann G. The skin is the body’s largest organ. J Vis Commun Med. 2010 Dec;33(4):148–9. doi: 10.3109/17453054.2010.525439. PMID: 21087182.

Describing the Wood Type Personality According to Traditional Chinese Medici

At the time of our birth, the prevailing cosmic and telluric energies have an important effect on our personality. It can be said that at the time of birth these energies give us our own individual rhythms that seem to transcend our genetic makeup and upbringing. Traditional Chinese medicine embraces a fivefold concept known as the Five Element or Five Phase Theory that help explain these rhythms. Traditional Chinese medicine points out that we all tend to be one predominant ‘type’ from among the five elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, though no one is one hundred percent one type alone. In this article we discuss both the in-balance and out-of-balance (maladapted) Wood type personality.

Wood-in-balance types derive an enormous amount of energy and vitality through maintaining a vision of their ideal future and what they can do to make that happen. They have a tendency to create independent lifestyles and to control their own futures.

They are pioneers and visionaries. These are their archetypes.

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Adapted or in-balance Wood type personalities are open to new ideas and trends and they recognize possibilities that others might never see. They make sure they are surrounded by a free environment that will foster their vision and creativity and support their breaking through to do things in their own way.

Balanced Wood type personalities know how to get around obstacles and part of their deft maneuvering includes establishing alternate plans and contingencies. Even when failures occur they usually and flexibly simply take another route or look for another direction—a tactic so supportive of change and transformation.

Balanced Woods know what works for them. They tend to be optimistic as they hold the vision of and hope for a future they’ve already seen.

Wood type personalities are self-directed and structured, organized and deliberate—qualities they find necessary to achieve their lofty goals. List and spreadsheet making are very often integral to their organization and planning although these can sometimes go too far with Wood where the need to plan and organize becomes excessive and annoying.

Seeing life as something to be conquered, instead of cooperating, Wood competes. But what Wood is really trying to do by competing is create a sense of control. Wood’s single most important ambition is to maintain a sense of control over life.

Out-of-balance Wood type personalities need direction and accountability to an authority figure. A mentor, teacher or leader who can provide maladapted Wood with a plan is often more than helpful as it provides this Wood type with much needed structure.

Frustration, anger, impatience, controlling behavior and combative conflicts are the toxic expressed emotions of the maladapted Wood type. Because Wood types are so hooked into their goals, they often abrasively confront or argue with anyone who they perceive is an obstacle on their path.

This personality aspect translates into Wood’s physical makeup which is often well muscled, strong and coordinated since Wood types cannot be swayed as they stand for what is right and just. Taken too far, Wood can be inflexible, sticking to a plan or belief no matter the cost. Trees may appear stiff and unbendable but they’re really quite flexible when they need to be and this is Wood’s challenge.

The Wood personality type is very often critical of everything but themselves. When Wood lacks this self-awareness, they cannot be honest with themselves. Should they feel they’ve been treated unfairly, they will neither forgive nor forget. They tend to hold grudges indefinitely. On the extreme end, this behavior describes a maladapted Wood type.

Wood types are often unable to tolerate injustice whether it is done to them or done to society as a whole. The Wood archetype is the Warrior which leads out-of-balance Wood away from angry outbursts and hostility into championing just causes. This helps Wood regain a sense of control in a world he views as uncertain and hostile. Warrior Wood works to right what is wrong and to forge changes that create hope for the future.

Wood’s virtues are forgiveness and patience. They stem from the innate vision and insight of the Wood type and they neutralize the negative angry emotions Wood can so easily feel.

The Warrior/Pioneer archetype is founded on the flourishing energy of the Wood element and the birth of yang energy in energetic Spring. Like well adapted Wood, yang energy is forceful and vigorous, warming and expansive.

From the new yang energy of Spring comes balanced Wood’s ability to initiate action, take decisive steps, express balanced emotion and to allow creativity to flow with new ideas, change, hope, vitality and optimism.

The Wood type personality is challenged to move from anger to insight and from frustration to patience. In order to do so, Wood must be flexible and honest with himself or herself.

Connect to the power of the Wood element this season of energetic Spring (February 5 to April 17) to rise above the chaos, reclaim your visionary self, see solutions where problems used to be and allow transformation to improve your life.

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Endnotes:

Moss, Charles A. Power of the Five Elements: The Chinese Medicine Path to Healthy Aging and Stress Resistance. United States, North Atlantic Books, 2011.

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The Power of Mantra: Utilizing Language to Create and Decree Our Hearts’ Desir

Mantras are a form of empowering spoken word we can utilize as creational incantations. 'Mantra' literally means 'instrument of thought.' And since our thoughts are instrumental in the creation of things, it might make sense to utilize mantras in your daily life for personal upliftment and even to manifest what you desire in life. An example of a mantra is one PHYTO5 would love every person to know and believe: “I am a beautiful person.” (Or in French, it’s “Je suis une belle personne.”) And because balanced emotion creates happiness and thus natural beauty that radiates from within, this mantra is the inspiration behind PHYTO5’s mini five element Phyt’Ether serum kit (right column) for balancing emotion, skin and vital energy.

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Mantras can also be described as decrees, affirmations or incantations we make just once or repetitively. They can be formed in any language and when vocalized from the heart have creative energies embedded within them. It’s best only to recite a mantra if you feel it. Rote chanting and just going through the motions will cancel out what you wish to create.

You may be acquainted with ancient Sanskrit* and Tibetan* mantras that were composed to accomplish healing and protection. These mantras are a very important part of Hindu and Tibetan ritual and practice. They are treated as sacred and prayerful and are spoken, sung or chanted repetitively.

Here are a few examples of simpler yet very potent Sanskrit and Tibetan mantras transliterated into English:

The heart calming Buddhist mantra found at the end of the Heart Sutra**

Gate gate para gate para sam gate bodhi swaha

The Sanskrit looks like this: गते गते पार गते पार संगते बोधि स्वाहा

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Tibetan mantra for purification

Om benza satto hung

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Tibetan mantra for prosperity

Om zambala za len drah yeh soha

To learn how to pronounce these, you can easily find them in beautiful audio recordings by various artists, the Gyuto monks as one example. In addition to the words, Tibetan monks like the Gyuto monks chant mantras with deep guttural voices creating a vibration that pushes energy behind the words.

Concerning pronunciation of mantras in such sacred languages as Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese or Aramaic, the key to keep in mind if you’re American is not to use the short ‘a’ vowel sound ever. And an ‘e’ by itself or followed by an ‘h’ is pronounced like the long ‘a’ vowel sound.

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Even if you don’t speak languages such as Sanskrit or Tibetan, learning to recite the various mantras in the language can be very effective since not knowing the language assists us to bypass the analytical ego mind. With the ‘monkey mind’ out of the way that always needs to analyze and even sabotage our creative effort, pure true thought and the mantra’s frequencies are now free to assist you to create your desire.

Very many Sanskrit mantras are taken from hymns found in the Vedas*** and were viewed since the earliest of times of Vedic recorded history as ‘sacred message' or 'text,' 'charm,' 'spell,' and ‘counsel.’

Perhaps the mantra’s ability to create is best expressed by Yogi Bhajan:

"Mantra moves the elements—all five elements, plus the heavens, plus the earth."

Probably the best known mantra or chant in the world is known as the “Compassionate Buddha Mantra.” The Buddha of Compassion is known by the Chinese as Goddess Quan Yin. Its six-syllable expression is:

Oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ

This mantra translates to, "Hail to the jewel in the center of the lotus.”

The mantra is said to calm fears, soothe concerns and heal broken hearts and if you begin to chant this mantra for yourself you will discover this is true. This mantra has also been adapted into Chinese Taoism.

Learn to pronounce the sacred languages correctly if you are going to use them. Vocalizing sacred language mantras for purposes of creation is like placing a key into a lock. The words or mantras are the keys. If the key–the pronunciation–is not 'configured' correctly for the lock, the lock (manifestation desired) will not open.

Mantras are usually recited with feeling repetitively however to decree a mantra only once indicates a type of faith—a knowing that all it takes is to invoke the desire once and it is done.

Even one solitary powerful word, when invoked, can assist in your manifestations.

One word incantations can truly work:

Peace!

Still!

Vitality!

Om

The last one word mantra in the short list above, Om, is known as the primordial sound of the universe, and though generally associated with Buddhism, has been often used by Taoists as part of their chanting practice.

Whether it’s English, French, Sanskrit, Tibetan or any other language, mantras exist and can be crafted by you to accomplish any goal: abundance, protection from dangerous weather conditions, removal of obstacles, liberation and enlightenment, improved digestion, sharper mental clarity, radiant feminine or masculine consciousness, better sleep, lucid dreaming, and the list is endless.

Our words have power but we rarely stop to think about how true this statement is. We actually are constantly creating by our choice of words and emotions behind them as we speak.

"All I need is a sheet of paper and something to write with, and then I can turn the world upside down.” —Friedrich Nietzsche

For the ancient spiritual initiates, writing and magic were considered the same thing. They understood the power of the word.

"The Word was in the beginning, and that very Word was with God, and God was that Word.” — John 1:1

Even though English or many other languages are derived and have somewhat degenerated from the ancient ones, there can still be power in our native tongue. This imbued power will happen by virtue of your intention.

May your new year composed of a succession of 365 new days be charged with the power of your consciously invoked word. Hopefully, one of your new mantras will be:

I am a beautiful person. Because you are.

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Endnotes:

*one of the five sacred languages and an ancient Indo-European language of India, in which the Hindu; the five sacred languages are Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, Hebrew, and Egyptian

** a set of rules in Hindu philosophy

*** the most ancient Hindu scriptures, written in early Sanskrit and containing hymns, philosophy, and guidance on ritual for the priests of Vedic religion; believed to have been directly revealed to seers among the early Aryans in India and preserved by oral tradition scriptures and classical Indian epic poems are written and from which many northern Indian (Indic) languages are derived

Hurtak, J. J. The Book of Knowledge: The Keys of Enoch. The Academy for Future Science. 1977. Los Gatos, CA.

Image credit: byheaven/Getty Images via Canva

February 1, 2022 Is The Chinese New Year of the Black Water Tiger: Here Are Portents for the Year and Strategies for Resilient Livin

In Chinese astrology, February 1, 2022 will begin the year of not just the Tiger but the Black Water Tiger.(1) A Water Tiger year only occurs every 60 years.

China abounds in myth and legend of the Tiger. Anyone born in the year of the Tiger is believed to possess the traits of unpredictability and color, adventurousness, power and passion.

In China, the Tiger is at once a symbol of darkness/new moon and brightness/full moon.

There are five mythic Tigers in Chinese lore, each one symbolizing direction, season and element:

Blue Tiger: East, Spring and Vegetation
Red Tiger: South, Summer and Fire
White Tiger: West, Autumn and all Metals
Black Tiger: North, Winter and Water
Yellow Tiger is supreme among all five and ruler of the Earth and all energies upon it.

In Chinese astrology, the behavior of the Black Water Tiger is a forewarning for the year 2022 (as is any animal assigned to its year). Going far back to the ancient Chinese and their approach to health, vitality, ‘medicine,’ and life in general, we are able to see their uncanny knack for getting it right. Years and years of careful and astute observation annotated and proven out has coalesced to form a massive body of dependable information and data that repeats itself through the cycles of life.

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Especially in these turbulent times, we might read what follows as a sort of intriguing “fortune-telling” for the year 2022, though it is based on real-live concepts which have also been lived out 60 years ago. Considering what follows might assist us to live with a proactive stance so that we can be resilient and joyful in life instead of being caught unaware.

The Black Water Tiger is a figure of awe and respect but it is combined with a hint of dread. Tiger indicates that the beginning of the year might be especially volatile and as a result, people will tend to take bold, spontaneous action, moving towards extremes.

Like Tiger, many people will be extra bold and cantankerous, making big life changes and many of them on a whim.

Where last year, people were forced to keep their noses to the grindstone and live life on the sidelines, now the Water Tiger energy springs onto the scene.

Feeling shut in, restricted, and relegated to rule after rule, 2022 will manifest a strong desire for fun and adventure. Many people are more than ready to cut loose and try new things. They may be willing to break perceived rules for the sake of having adventurous experiences just like Tiger.

Tiger’s courage comes into play in 2022 as it will be a risk-taking year with those taking the risks doing so to express themselves fully. Everyone has been through an awful lot since 2019 especially, and while much has not been resolved Tiger indicates a growing feeling that it’s time to let our hair down. But throughout 2022 there will also be quiet periods because like any cat, a Tiger needs his naps. Approaching year’s end things will begin to calm down as 2023 approaches with the energy of the peaceful Water Rabbit approaching.

Tiger is affectionate but with hidden claws and Tiger’s territorial. It could be that in 2022, the issue of national borders will become even more important.

Tiger’s ferocious roar will be reflected in changes in governments, party leadership and parties in power. There will be much roaring at each other with loud voices signaling dominance and shouting warnings of skirmishes and battles.

It could happen that deals and partnerships formed in 2021 become fragile and snap. Tiger jabbers a lot and the sound of squabbling will drown out cooperation as governments and corporations focus more on their own agenda rather than serve the common good. The silver lining is this ferocious, clawing-at-each-other energy has the strong potential to cause people to turn to smaller independent businesses many of whom are struggling to make it.

In your personal life, you may find yourself acutely aware of the need to have boundaries with others established. Chief among those to shut out are the Simi Valley data collectors. Protecting your data, passwords, and accounts becomes enormously important in 2022.

On the same vein as boundaries and territories, there will be many who feel to pick up and move to find the space or region of the world (their personal prairie) that truly speaks to them.

Tiger’s playfulness will be seen in many a get-together and celebration. People will hunt for that which satisfies them. And appropriately, Water will find ways into their lives in more ways than a shower or bath, this Tiger being the Water Tiger and the cat that can swim.

2022 will show more emphasis on parenting and the inherent rights of parents. Fights will ensue over a parent’s right to decide the medical care of their children and not the school system. More people, especially mothers, will either fight the school system or opt to homeschool their children.

Like the Tiger wanders the prairies in search of a good hunt, college-age students may more likely take time off school to go backpacking or become entrepreneurs. Those desiring more education will tend to opt for accelerated programs that end in certificates they need for new jobs and rewarding work.

Water Tiger is talkative and 2022 will be all about communication even if it’s dysfunctional. Battles concerning free speech and political correctness will not only continue into 2022 but become louder than before.

Tiger is known for passion and courage and success will come to those who embrace those traits in 2022. Pick a direction in 2022 and move forward quickly knowing that risk-taking will be rewarded even if your project doesn’t result as you wished it would. In a Tiger year, being active and moving is better than being still. You may not begin 2022 feeling all that strong or confident but the zodiac says you will be by the end of 2022 simply because of the new things you’ve done.

Create a life you are passionate about in 2002 even if it looks unconventional. Tiger loves excitement and the unconventional is exciting.

Colors will seem to be brighter and voices louder in 2022. When periods of intense energy come to you, take advantage and be active. This is the year of the active individual player.

In the year of the Tiger, you may find yourself making money (Water flows) because you are taking more risks. Many people will have more faith in themselves during this time than at any other and this is why they will succeed.

People are more passionate in a Tiger year but can also be less romantic. There may be more shallow relationships than deep and long-term ones established so those looking for long-term relationships need to be patient. Some people will find a lover who had been in their lives one day and vanished the next returns in 2022 as though he or she had never left at all.

A Tiger year makes it easier for you to recognize your anger and begin to deal with it appropriately but expressing problems in a relationship may not fall on friendly ears.

Tiger’s energy is dynamic which can work in everyone’s favor. It inspires more activity and exercise and less sofa-sitting. There will probably be a greater focus on gaining greater health and vitality by changing routines and eating habits.

The Water Tiger year can bring you the courage and sense of adventure you need to make significant changes in your life. And you can come to the end of 2022 feeling proud of what you accomplished and with a renewed sense of confidence.

The Water Tiger patiently stalks and strategizes for its hunt, moving with an easy grace through the jungle of life. We can emulate Tiger for this ease of grace for life and this world certainly seem like a jungle.

Call upon the Black Water Tiger to renew vitality and passion in your life in 2022. Invoke Tiger for a greater awareness of pace and stamina especially as we move through energetic Winter and the Water season.

…

Endnotes:

1. The Chinese astrology cycle follows a pattern of twelve years (an animal assigned to each) for each of the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) comprising a 60-year pattern. The twelve animals of Chinese astrology are said to hide in the hearts of those born during their year. Chinese New Year always occurs at the time of the second New Moon following the Winter solstice.

…

Sources:

Stellhorn, Donna. Chinese Astrology: 2022 Year of the Water Tiger. N.p., ETC Publishing, 2021.

Theitic, Andrew. The Witches' Almanac 2022-2023 Standard Edition Issue 41: The Moon — Transforming the Inner Spirit. N.p., Witches' Almanac, 2021.

Zakroff, Laura Tempest, et al. Llewellyn's 2022 Sabbats Almanac: Samhain 2021 to Mabon 2022. United States, Llewellyn Worldwide, Limited, 2021.

Andrews, Ted. Animal Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great and Small. United States, Llewellyn Worldwide, Limited, 2010.

The Ancient Ginkgo Tree Passes On Its Knowledge of Survival and Longevity To You: Ginkgo Biloba Extract for Skin and Bo

Native to China, Ginkgo biloba is the oldest living tree species on earth. Since antiquity, the extract of its leaves has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of conditions. Ginkgo biloba extract is extremely beneficial for skin, especially skin in need of strengthening and moisturizing, and is therefore formulated in PHYTO5’s Water element Day Cream and Night Cream.

Ginkgo has a resilient ability to reduce inflammation, skin roughness and lines while increasing moisturization and smoothness of the skin.

Ginkgo biloba is very strengthening to skin because it stimulates collagen and elastin production in the skin by stimulating fibroblast cells(1).

Ginkgo biloba extract synthesizes the neurotransmitter dopamine in the skin.

“Dopamine is also involved in proper skin functioning and a healthy appearance as it supports an appropriate supply to the cells by increasing microcirculation through a noninflammatory mechanism(2) and improves recovery of the skin barrier.(3)” —Creating skin wellbeing by dopamine stimulation, Personal Care Magazine, September 2009

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As an anti-inflammatory, Gingko biloba is known to mitigate a couperose condition of the skin by exerting a protective effect on blood vessel walls.

Ginkgo is well known for its antioxidant properties as a free radical scavenger and is therefore a highly beneficial anti-aging ingredient in skincare.

As an effective blood vessel dilator, ginkgo acts as a tonic, supports overall body blood circulation, and stimulates oxygen consumption by the tissues.

Gingko’s neuroprotective properties leads to better memory and concentration, even reduced ringing in the ears of the elderly.

Though the gingko tree has existed for approximately three hundred million years, their fossils having been found all over the world, it is one species of the tree—Ginkgo biloba—that has survived the violent climate shifts on the planet at the end of the Paleozoic era.

This long living tree has no known parasites or diseases and it lives a thousand years or more even in polluted areas. It survived the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima. It was the first tree to resurface on the barren inhospitable site less than a kilometer from ground zero.

Ginkgo is somewhat of a sexual curiosity.

“While some plants possess both male and female reproductive parts simultaneously, ginkgo do not – individuals are either male or female. The stinky seeds for which the tree is famous develop only on females, appearing in the fall and dousing the ground with offspring.” —Oak Spring Garden Foundation, November 7, 2017

Traditional Chinese medicine makes use of the female tree’s seeds to fight asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Compiled about 206 B.C. to 220 A.D., the Chinese book on agriculture and medicine plants, the Shen Nung Pen T’sao Ching was first to recognize Ginkgo biloba’s positive effect on blood flow.

And the Dian Nan Ben Cao, the Materia Medica of Southern Yunnan, A. D. 1370, compiled by Lan Mao, seems to be the first to discuss the beneficial use of gingko leaves in skincare.

Since the discovery in 1932 of gingkolides, the biologically active terpenic lactones(4) present in Ginkgo biloba, gingko has been utilized in Western medicine—mainly for blood circulation support and memory stimulation—and the trees’ growth proliferated.

It’s no wonder that ginkgo is such a versatile and stalwart holistic ingredient in anti-aging skincare and remedies when you better understand the history and function of the tree. Gingko biloba passes on its eons-long records of survival and longevity information to your body and skin through its extract.

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(1) A fibroblast is a type of biological cell that synthesizes the extracellular matrix and collagen, produces the structural framework (stroma) for animal tissues, and plays a critical role in wound healing.[ Fibroblasts are the most common cells of connective tissue in animals.

(2) Shigetomi S., Fukuchi S. Recent aspect of the role of peripheral dopamine and its receptors in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Fukushima J Med Sci n° 40. 69-83, 1994.

(3) Fuziwara S., Suzuki A., Inoue K., Denda M. Dopamine D2-Like Receptor Agonists Accelerate Barrier Repair and Inhibit the Epidermal Hyperplasia Induced by Barrier Disruption. J Invest Dermatol n° 125. 783-789, 2005.

(4) Lactone: an organic compound containing an ester group —OCO— as part of a ring

T. K., Lim. Edible Medicinal And Non Medicinal Plants: Volume 3, Fruits. Netherlands, Springer Netherlands, 2012.

Tammaro A, Cavallotti C, Gaspari AA, Narcisi A, Parisella FR, Cavallotti C. Dopaminergic receptors in the human skin. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2012 Oct-Dec;26(4):789-95. PMID: 23241131

DiNardo, Joseph C., and Michalun, M. Varinia. Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary. United States, Cengage Learning, 2014.

de Taillac, Victoire, and Touhami, Ramdane. An Atlas of Natural Beauty: Botanical Ingredients for Retaining and Enhancing Beauty. United States, Simon & Schuster, 2018.

Photo by Mieke Campbell at Unsplash

Natural High Tech Compound Easyliance: On Contact Skin Tightener and Smoothe

Easyliance is a smoothing, firming and tightening agent derived from acacia senegal gum(1) and hydrolyzed rhizobian gum. The two ingredients together create a synergistic skin firming action. It offers a smoothing and visible lifting effect within five minutes. For this reason, Easyliance is often used in products dedicated to skin tightening and smoothing like the Five Secrets Cream in PHYTO5’s serum and cream kit duo for a 3-week cure .

The Ageless line of skincare by PHYTO5 reveals the five secrets to Ageless beauty and younger looking skin, one of which is the action of filling lines from within. Easyliance in Ageless Eye Serum not only works to help boost skin’s elasticity, resulting in firmer, younger looking skin, it just as importantly helps tighten skin so that fine lines and wrinkles begin to fade within minutes.(2)

Easyliance is particularly effective around the eyes and mouth since the skin in these regions is thinner, more delicate and more sensitive and therefore tends to be prone to developing crow’s feet, wrinkles and marionette lines around the mouth.

Once the Easyliance powder product is formulated into the Serum, it works by creating an elastic film that covers the surface of the skin. As the product dries, it retracts and tightens the skin so that fine lines and wrinkles seem less noticeable after several minutes, in most cases, five. Its effect leads to a visible and immediate decrease of wrinkle depth, thus causing skin to appear smoother with a fading of fine lines.

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In clinical trials composed of a panel of twelve volunteers, Easyliance was proven to significantly decrease lines around the eyes for 96% of those who participated.(4) Their skin appeared firmer and younger with a noticeable and significant smoothing of the skin after one hour.

Located in Vernier, canton of Geneva, Switzerland, Easyliance’s manfacturer is Givaudan Active Beauty, a company dedicated to innovating sustainable solutions while showing its love for nature. The Easyliance product is created by means of a nature-respecting, innovative, proprietary and patented process.

Rhizobian gum
Rhizobian gum has elastic properties which produce a quickly perceivable lifting effect when applied in the eye contour area. It also improves the smoothness of skin. This hydrolyzed biopolymer is naturally produced by a microorganism living symbiotically in sunflower roots.

Acacia senegal gum
Acacia gum is a dried exudate(3) obtained from the stems and branches of the sub-Saharan African Acacia tree. It has always been sustainably utilized by the local population in a wide range of applications and is vital to the region’s economy. Acacia gum is harvested using good practices for sustainable production alongside educational programs reinforcing respect of the environment while harvesting.

Acacia gum used in Easyliance is naturally purified, preservative-free and is the same gum sustainably harvested from the region mentioned.

Acacia gum is also known as gum arabic, a gum exuded by some kinds of acacia, used in the food industry to thicken soft drinks, frozen desserts and candies. It is also a component in glue, watercolor paints and incense.

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Endnotes:

1. Genus Acacia, family Leguminosae: numerous species, including A. senegal, which yields gum arabic

2. Among other unique ingredients, beech tree bud extract is formulated in Ageless Eye Serum—a powerful extract formulated from naturally fallen beech tree buds which occur at a precise point in the more than 200 year old life of the tree; it's anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, moisturizing, revitalizing, firming, and protecting

3. A substance secreted by a plant

4. Clinical trial information detailed above is obtained by a .pdf fact sheet provided by the manufacturer.

Tormentil Extract for Skin and Body: Astringent, Antioxidant, Antibacteri

Tormentil extract, obtained from the root of the tormentil plant (Potentilla tormentilla), is a potent procyanidin considered to be an excellent herbal astringent and for this and other reasons is often used in cosmetic creams, lotions, hair tonics and facial clays. Tormentil extract is formulated in PHYTO5’s Eye Cream.

Procyanidins are polyphenols (plant compounds) and natural antioxidants abundant in fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and grains with a variety of chemopreventive biological effects in treating a variety of degenerative diseases. Within polyphenols, procyanidins are derived from proanthocyanidins, also known as condensed tannins. Procyanidins from tormentil possess potent antioxidant properties towards lipoperoxidation(2) and anti-elastase activity(3).

In other words, 1) tormentil’s procyanidins help prevent the process in which free radicals "steal" electrons from cell membrane lipids resulting in cell damage, and 2) they inhibit elastase activity in the dermis layer to maintain skin elasticity.

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The name tormentil is derived from the Latin tormentum meaning pain because it symbolized the plant’s potential for relieving stomach aches very long ago. But the plant is also known simply as potentilla, the four- and five-petaled golden yellow flowering plant that belongs to the rose family. (The first time it blooms each year have five petals and then four petals bloom thereafter.)

The yellowish-white rootstock of the plant, the rhizome, grows powerfully (the name Potentilla itself means ‘powerful’), irregularly and horizontally with long branching stems underground and the plant sprouts stems above ground in the Spring sunshine. When the rhizome is cut, its yellowish-white color turns to intense red and the fragrance released resembles that of the rose.

In tormentil’s rhizome are more tannins than can be found in almost any other plant and these tannins are very astringent (skin tightening). For this reason, tormentil is a potent anti-hemorrhagic (stops minor bleeding) and is also very smoothing to skin. Tannin rich tormentil also helps reduce enlarged pores. It can also help speed healing of wounds, burns and frostbite.

Because of tormentil’s mild antibacterial properties, its extract is used for dental or oral care.

Tormentil extract is also widely known for its ability to treat hemorrhoids and acute and chronic-inflammatory types of diarrhea like Colitis ulcerosa.

Tormentil was used as a cholera and plague remedy in the Middle Ages and later was very well regarded by the Elizabethans. But tormentil was known even before those times for its healing abilities. Polymath Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) prescribed tormentil quite frequently for healing purposes, writing the following in her renowned tome, Physica:

“Tormentil is cold. Its coldness is good and healthy and prevails against fevers which arise from noxious food. Take tormentil and cook it in wine, with a little honey added. Strain it through a cloth, and drink it frequently at night, on an empty stomach, and you will become well.”

Modern day polymath Alexander McCowan in “Plant of the Week: Common treatment for cholera and plague used for stomach problems” writes this about tormentil in his October 2020 article published by Cyprus Mail (see citation below):

“The plant forms a protective coating over the mucous membranes and has been used by herbalists for centuries to treat diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, enteric irritations, vaginal infections, piles, laryngitis, pharyngitis, bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, slow healing wounds and scrofula (swollen lymphatic gland of the neck).”

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Endnotes:

(1)Tannins (commonly referred to as tannic acid) are water-soluble polyphenols that are present in many plant foods. Tannins possess an anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic potentials of that may be related to their antioxidative property, which is important in protecting cellular oxidative damage, including lipid peroxidation(2).

(2) Lipid peroxidaton: the process in which free radicals "steal" electrons from the lipids in cell membranes, resulting in cell damage

(3) Elastase is a proteinase enzyme that can reduce elastin by dividing specific peptide bonds. Therefore, the inhibition of elastase activity in the dermis layer can be used to maintain skin elasticity. Materials that can inhibit elastase activity can be a cosmetic ingredient in dealing with skin aging. — N. S. S. Ambarwati et al in “Anti-elastase activity of methanolic and ethyl acetate extract from Garcinia latissima Miq.” (full citation below)

Bos, M A et al. “Procyanidins from tormentil: antioxidant properties towards lipoperoxidation and anti-elastase activity.” Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin vol. 19,1 (1996): 146-8. doi:10.1248/bpb.19.146

Ambarwati, N. S. S. et al. “Anti-elastase activity of methanolic and ethyl acetate extract from Garcinia latissima Miq.” Journal of Physics: Conference Series vol. 1402, issue 5, 055079; https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/1402/5/055079/meta

McCowan, Alexander. “Plant of the Week: Common treatment for cholera and plague used for stomach problems.” Cyprus Mail. October 16, 2020. https://cyprus-mail.com/2020/10/15/plant-of-the-week-common-treatment-for-cholera-and-plague-used-for-stomach-problems/

Michalun, M.Varinia, and DiNardo, Joseph C.. Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary. United States, Cengage Learning, 2014.

D'Amelio, Sr., Frank S.. Botanicals: A Phytocosmetic Desk Reference. United States, CRC Press, 1998.

Rue, Emily A et al. “Procyanidins: a comprehensive review encompassing structure elucidation via mass spectrometry.” Phytochemistry reviews : proceedings of the Phytochemical Society of Europe vol. 17,1 (2018): 1-16. doi:10.1007/s11101-017-9507-3

Chung, K T et al. “Tannins and human health: a review.” Critical reviews in food science and nutrition vol. 38,6 (1998): 421-64. doi:10.1080/10408699891274273

Von Bingen, Hildegard. Hildegard's Healing Plants: From Her Medieval Classic Physica. United States, Beacon Press, 2002.

Hildegard. Hildegard Von Bingen's Physica: The Complete English Translation of Her Classic Work on Health and Healing. United States, Inner Traditions/Bear, 1998.

Photo of tormentil by Ivonne Wierink through canva.com

Keep Yourself Healthy, Prevent Illness and Age Gracefully: Energetic Winter Is the Perfect Time to Replenish the Function of Your Adrenal Glands–Keys to Preserving Energy Reserves In The Body

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the Water element is associated with the kidneys, bladder and adrenal glands. Considered the source of all energy or qi (chi) found within the body, the kidneys, with the assistance of the adrenal glands, store reserves of qi energy in the body to use later during times of stress and change. It is this balance of chi energy in the body that helps us to heal our bodies, prevent illness and age gracefully.

During the Winter months, we should allow our bodies to follow the cues of nature. These include rest, restoration, storage, conservation, reflection and meditation. One way to support our more mindful restoration practices at this time and to help promote a quantum healing response is to enjoy PHYTO5’s Water element quantum energetic line of skincare. Synergistic formulations comprised of high grade essential oils, plant extracts, minerals and vitamins are all designed to support many aspects of the challenges we face during traditional Chinese medicine’s energetic Winter.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys serve as the root of health all throughout our lives. They are the foundation of all yin and yang qualities in the body. Each kidney houses millions of tiny filters which diligently work to maintain proper balance of blood, salt and water in the body. The kidneys also produce waste as a by-product of this filtering process which becomes the basis for urine.

The Adrenal Glands

Of utmost importance to the function of the body are the adrenal glands which rest just on top of the kidneys and are only about the size of grapes.When the adrenals are supported, they allow for 1) balanced hormone flow throughout the body, 2) proper utilization of the hormones without over-expenditure, and 3) consequent prevention of depleting the body’s energy reserves.

In response to brain activity, the adrenal glands promote appropriate stress responses when we need them through the hormones cortisol,(1) adrenaline(2) and aldosterone.(3)

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We might be depleting our stores of energy and exhausting our adrenal glands without even realizing it. We may find ourselves overreacting to negative occurrences in life, or we may often feel in overwhelm or paralyzed in response to life. Without an effective way to consciously and holistically respond to stress we leave the body on its own, unsupported, to deal with it purely physiologically. After many years of living in a constant state of stress this creates a persistent low-level release of these stress hormones into the body system and we can become exhausted and depleted.

To prevent this many years long activity of adrenal stress-response, it’s important that we periodically allow time for our adrenal glands to rest such as during energetic Winter. This season, of course, follows the many months preceding during which our bodies have had to deploy notable amounts of cortisol and adrenaline just to manage the daily stresses of life.

Women and Adrenal Fatigue

Especially for women who are mothers in the ‘modern age,’ women find they have to burn the candle at both ends to take care of their families. Not only do many women find they must pursue careers, they have to come home and make dinner, clean the house, wash clothes, and take care of children. It is safe to say that most women come in last on the list of who to take care of. There’s little time left for her to rest and restore.

This way of life requires an enormous expenditure of energy and it taxes the adrenal glands. By the time women enter menopause, they’re wrung out. At a time when they should be able to utilize their adrenal glands to help produce that extra estrogen output needed for the remaining years of their lives, they have no extra hormones left to use. And it is this depletion of the adrenal glands that makes the transition from menses to menopause so challenging for so many women.

If you suspect you have adrenal fatigue,

“The first step in optimizing adrenal health is to get to the bottom of how your adrenal glands are currently functioning. The best way to start on this process is to evaluate your symptoms, and if they appear to be related to adrenal function, request that your doctor order tests to measure levels of key adrenal hormones.” —Kathryn Simpson in Overcoming Adrenal Fatigue: How to Restore Hormonal Balance and Feel Renewed, Energized, and Stress Free

In her book mentioned above, Simpson goes on to list some of the ways in which adrenal fatigue might physically and emotionally manifest:

• excessive fatigue, exhaustion, feeling run down, low stamina

• difficulty recovering from exercise, stress, injury or illness

• salty and sweet food cravings

• feeling more energy in the evening

• waking up tired after having slept well

• interruptions in sleep

• difficulty concentrating

• being more highly susceptible to colds, flus and infections

• extreme sensitivity to cold

• consistent low blood pressure

• more severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and highly problematic menopause

• feeling unable to cope with stress

• overwhelm

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Endnotes:

(1) a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex

(2) a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, especially in conditions of stress, increasing rates of blood circulation, breathing, and carbohydrate metabolism and preparing muscles for exertion; also called epinephrine

(3) a corticosteroid hormone which stimulates absorption of sodium by the kidneys and so regulates water and salt balance

…

Sources:

Counts, Mindi K. Everyday Chinese Medicine: Healing Remedies for Immunity, Vitality, and Optimal Health. United States, Shambhala, 2020.

Simpson, Kathryn. Overcoming Adrenal Fatigue: How to Restore Hormonal Balance and Feel Renewed, Energized, and Stress Free. United States, New Harbinger Publications, 2011.

Photo by Yan Krukov at Pexels

Super-Hydrator Aquaxyl Replenishes Skin with Necessary Moisture While Helping Skin Develop an Ability to Naturally Retain Moisture Over T

Mitigating signs of aging in the skin is an important goal to help us look and feel our best. In answer to this demand there are a plethora of products promising to help making it challenging to know what is best. You can always feel not only safest but really good about yourself when you take a holistic and natural approach to, as naturally as possible, address signs of aging. Today, there are many leading edge companies dedicated to creating natural high tech compounds that can be formulated into skin condition mitigating products especially those concerning aging. One such compound is Aquaxyl utilized in very many PHYTO5 products including Water Yogi Body Gel.

“Aquaxyl [is] another ingredient that helps cells maintain moisture and prevents the skin from becoming dehydrated and damaged. Researchers have found that Aquaxyl not only replenishes moisture but helps the body learn to naturally retain that moisture over time. Cell water loss was reduced after one month of using Aquaxyl on the skin.” —Neil Sadick et al in The New Natural: Your Ultimate Guide to Cutting-Edge Age Reversal.

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Aquaxyl is the trade name of a high tech natural super-hydrating compound composed of three plant-based sugars: xylitol, xylitolglucoside and anhydroxyxylitol. It’s developed by SEPPIC, a company out of Courbevoie, France. The compound is accepted as natural and authorized in organic certified skincare products (Bio).

Aquaxyl’s maker SEPPIC describes this carbohydrate derivate super-hydrator as optimizing skin's hydrous flow by helping to balance water circulation and control water reserves. This “anti-dehydration shield,” as they call it, reinforces the synthesis of essential lipids and proteins involved in the organization of the outermost layers of the epidermis.

Aquaxyl is proven to restructure and strengthen these skin layers known as the stratum corneum.*

Aquaxyl boosts all skin hydration elements including lipids, proteins, polysaccharides (naturally occurring dermal and epidermal hyaluronic acid), and very importantly the NMF of the skin—Natural Moisturizing Factor.

“Natural moisturizing factor (NMF) is essential for appropriate stratum corneum* hydration, barrier homeostasis, desquamation,** and plasticity.” —Marisa Robinson et al in Natural moisturizing factors (NMF) in the stratum corneum (SC)

Aquaxyl reinforces the skin’s natural barrier within 24 hours by limiting loss of water. Softer smoother skin with normal desquamation and smoothing of fine lines can be noticed within 28 days of its use.

Hydration regulator Aquaxyl also helps improve tone of the skin. It makes skin more visibly beautiful with noticeable results in eight hours according to SEPPIC. It also strengthens the beneficial action of glycerin while nullifying any of its negative effects.

Aquaxyl is the ideal moisturizing agent for hands and it’s found in PHYTO5’s Hand Cream. In a recent in vivo study on Aquaxyl’s use on hands, a positive 13.5% hydration effect was noticed after 24 hours and a negative 15.4% transepidermal water loss (TEWL) after eight days.

Xylitol, the most familiar component of the three that make up Aquaxyl, is a beneficial sugar alcohol which naturally occurs in many fruits, vegetables and even trees like birch and maple. Considered a healthy sweetener it has a prebiotic action and therefore can positively influence the gut microbiome if consumed as part of food.

But just as importantly, xylitol also offers proven skincare benefits. If you’ve ever applied moisturizer to your skin only to find it dry a couple hours later, this indicates your skin’s natural barrier isn’t functioning optimally. Xylitol helps replenish moisture in the skin and also helps to prevent it from evaporating by strengthening the skin barrier.

The other two components of Aquaxyl, anhydroxylitol and xylitylglucoside are natural, plant-derived humectants which, like xylitol, work to keep skin hydrated for longer.

Anhydroxylitol is a compound only relatively recently found to exist in the vegetal kingdom. It optimizes the skin’s natural stores of moisture by synthesizing glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)—substances such as chondroitin sulfate** which help naturally retain moisture in the skin. It supports synthesis of skin barrier ceramides*** and works to prevent loss of water through the skin.

Xylitylglucoside is made from two water-binding plant sugars, glucose and xylitol. This compound in itself also possesses a significant degree of skin moisturizing capability. It stimulates the formation of enzymes, proteins and ceramides*** necessary for a healthy skin barrier.

Aquaxyl enhances skin’s dermal water reservoirs making the skin better able to absorb more moisture and strengthen the skin barrier and its function so that water does not evaporate through the skin. It helps the body to produce its own hyaluronic acid, a key factor in skin’s hydration, elasticity, tone and firmness.

For all these reasons, PHYTO5 has chosen Aquaxyl to work in a number of its most hydrating and toning products. In addition to being formulated into Water element Yogi Body Gel and Hand Cream, super hydrator Aquaxyl can be found and enjoyed in PHYTO5’s Face Gel, Face Gel Mask, organic certified hydrating Body Milk and Ageless Extreme Hydrating Cream.

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Endnotes:

* stratum corneum: outermost layer of the epidermis

** in its negative sense, skin flakiness and scaling; in its positive sense, the absence of skin flakiness and scaling

*** an important structural component of cartilage; ceramides provide much of cartilage’s resistance to compression

Sadick, Neil, et al. The New Natural: Your Ultimate Guide to Cutting-Edge Age Reversal. United States, Harmony/Rodale, 2011.

Marshall, Samantha, et al. The New Natural: Your Ultimate Guide to Cutting-Edge Age Reversal. United States, Harmony/Rodale, 2011.

Rhode, Deborah L.. The Beauty Bias: The Injustice of Appearance in Life and Law. United Kingdom, Oxford University Press, 2010.

Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology Series: Cosmeceuticals E-Book. United Kingdom, Elsevier Health Sciences, 2008.

Robinson M, Visscher M, Laruffa A, Wickett R. Natural moisturizing factors (NMF) in the stratum corneum (SC). I. Effects of lipid extraction and soaking. J Cosmet Sci. 2010 Jan-Feb;61(1):13-22. PMID: 20211113.

Mohan, Narendra and Singh, Priyankia, Editors. Sugar and Sugar Derivatives: Changing Consumer Preferences. Germany, Springer Singapore, 2020.

Maibach, Howard I., and Lodén, Marie. Treatment of Dry Skin Syndrome: The Art and Science of Moisturizers. Germany, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2012.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels (pexels-karolina-grabowska-7321557.jpg)

Best Eating Practices and Tips for Eating During Energetic Winter According to Traditional Chinese Medicine

According to traditional Chinese medicine, in energetic Winter, the season of the Water element, our energy moves inward. Quieter more passive yin chi is highlighted and active yang chi is subdued. Even in today’s world, we should find ways to hibernate and withdraw during Winter. One way to practice this inward movement is through food. Traditional Chinese medicine is very good at prescribing the particular foods to eat that will warm, sustain and nurture us all season long. And just as important is the manner in which we prepare these Winter foods.

Winter is the perfect time to allow our blood sugar to regain homeostasis by reducing our simple carbohydrate intake (carbohydrate calories made of starchy and sugary foods). We don’t require these like we did in the Summer. Moreover, we simply don’t need sugar-rich foods.

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Winter is the season of storage. We want to look at buying more foods that store well in our homes for Winter like root vegetables, nuts and seeds. We have refrigerators and other methods for helping us to store and keep food from spoiling but this isn’t the whole reason for gathering foods that keep for longer periods of time. The reason is more so that these simply tend to be the foods we should be consuming more of during energetic Winter. 

These storage type foods don’t just keep well, they create energy that our bodies can also store well. 

In Winter, it’s beneficial to have a richer diet since cold temperatures and winds are very drying. The cold air and wind directly attack the skin and nose causing the lungs and your wei chi (immunity) to have to work harder. 

If we allow ourselves to become run down during the Winter and Water element season, our lungs can become inflamed and we can catch a cold. In traditional Chinese medicine, kidneys, the organ of the Water element, are the ‘children’ of the lungs. When the lungs become weak, so do the kidneys, and this makes us more susceptible to colds.

When coldness seeps into our bodies in Winter it causes contraction and limits our movement, and as a result, we become even colder than we were before. Internal cold manifests as poor circulation, aches and pains, asthma, colitis or asthma.

During the energetic Winter season, focus on fat, protein and complex carbohydrates which tend to be very stabilizing and nourishing. The body will draw energy from such foods for a long period of time.

Black turtle beans are the most warming legume and they are very yin-building. You can further increase black turtle beans’ warming energy by adding fresh rosemary when cooking them slowly.

Other foods that will help warm you up are pine nuts, walnuts, chestnuts, anchovies, mussels, and trout. Encourage circulation and thus, warming, with ginger, cloves, fennel, cinnamon and anise.

The following are food prep principles to observe during energetic Winter according to traditional Chinese medicine:

• Make all your food nutritious and warming. Cook everything.

• Cook slowly over long periods of time but on lower heat. Leave the food unmoved during the cooking process. This will bring a calming effect to your food when you eat it. It will also help properly combine food essences which takes a long time. Although living uncooked food can be extremely healthy to eat, sometimes the body needs the certain kind of assistance that combining food essences through slow cooking can provide.

  • If you need to concentrate for study or another task, eat warm simple two-ingredient meals.

  • To enhance your sociable nature during the holidays, eat light meals made of several ingredients.

• Incorporate salty foods into your diet.

• Ingest nothing cold. Everything you consume during this season should be warm.

• Avoid dairy foods.

• Make nutrient-dense broths and consume them daily. Tie some star anise, licorice root, cloves, fennel seeds and a mandarin peel in a muslin cloth and let it simmer in your next broth. This can pack a punch.

• Go no longer than four hours without eating. (Your sleep hours don’t count, of course.)

• Eat lots of kidney-shaped foods like beans and seeds.

• Enjoy lots of nuts at this time.

  • Just like the season, Winter foods like grains, dehydrated foods and seeds and nuts have inward-moving energy.

• Consume black and blue-black foods rich in anthocyanins like blueberries and black beans. For more info., read our comprehensive blogs on the topic, Black or Blue-Black Foods: Excellent Sources of Ultimate Black Food Nutrition During Winter Plus Bonus Cocktail Recipe and More Than A Dozen Oh So Nutritious Black Foods for Winter.

• Make the winter squash family a nurturing hearty addition to almost any meal: acorn, butternut, delicate, hubbard, kabocha and spaghetti squash.

• Bring lots of root vegetables into your Winter diet. They do well in slow cooked stews and soups. Root vegetables include beets, carrots, celery root, jicama, onions (yellow onions, green onions, leeks, shallots), parsnips, rutabagas, turnips, and sweet potatoes.

• Season food with warm pungent herbs and spices which remove inner cold in the Winter: basil, black pepper, garlic, horseradish, turmeric, cinnamon and cloves.

• Though alcohol is not generally recommended, it’s appropriate during energetic Winter to enjoy a small amount of spirits to warm your system up since they are ‘hot-warm’ in nature. They do promote circulation, stimulate the appetite and keep out the cold.

Winter is the season that plays host to holidays and celebrations for a number of cultures and traditions. Even celebrations can be more yin-like and subdued when they’re made cozy and intimate with low lights, soft music and plenty of warming, comforting foods served to the people you love.

#####

Endnotes:

Counts, Mindi K. Everyday Chinese Medicine: Healing Remedies for Immunity, Vitality, and Optimal Health. United States, Shambhala, 2020.

Wong, Lun, and Knapsey, Kath. Food for the Seasons: Eat Well and Stay Healthy the Traditional Chinese Way. Australia. Red Dog Books. 2012.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska at Pexels

The Water Type Personality According to Traditional Chinese Medicine: Understanding Your Archetype for Harmony and Balance

At the time of our birth, the prevailing cosmic and telluric energies have an important effect on our personality. It can be said that at the time of birth these energies give us our own individual rhythms that seem to transcend our genetic makeup and upbringing.. Traditional Chinese medicine embraces a fivefold concept known as the Five Element or Five Phase Theory that help explain these rhythms. Traditional Chinese medicine points out that we all tend to be one predominant ‘type’ from among the five elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, though no one is one hundred percent one type alone. In this article we discuss both the in-balance and out-of-balance (maladapted) Water type personality.

The Mystery of Water

Water, hidden and unseen, is the deepest part of our energetic system. It’s the root of aliveness and vitality in the human body. Water is essential for the maintenance of life. It carries evolutionary memory and powers the activities of the body including healing and regeneration.

Traditional Chinese medicine has assigned a color to each of the elements and Water’s color is black. Appropriately, we begin our life’s journey in the unknown—in water, floating in amniotic fluid—our eyes closed creating black darkness in a womb which, too, is absent of physical light, it, too, mirroring that black darkness. The Water element is the most yin of the five elements.

The Primary Archetype

The archetype that best describes the Water personality in balance is the wise one or philosopher. The wise one strives to bring the dark black mysteries of life into the light. She knows when to be active and when to retreat. She understands the intricacies, paradoxes and enigmas of life and is able to astutely share these insights she has developed in order to help others live more fulfilled lives.

The Water personality is all about searching for meaning. Water runs deep and so do Water type personalities.

“The Sage, the Water element archetype, represents the power of the Water energy to transform fear and doubt to wisdom and trust and to promote acceptance of the unknown and the unknowable as part of life.” —Charles A. Moss, M. D. in Power of the Five Elements: The Chinese Medicine Path to Healthy Aging and Stress Resistance

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This wise Water personality knows he has benefited from all the knowledge and experience he has garnered from generations before him. He loves applying the lessons he has learned from that history. At the same time, it takes all the wisdom Water has developed to maintain his or her equilibrium, grounding and balance in this type.

“The cafés in Paris, the hookah lounges in the Middle East, and the urban coffeehouses in America are filled with them. They love to sit with close friends, ruminating about life, waxing eloquent about all this is right and wrong with the world. They are great conversationalists, and the deeper the conversations, the better.” —Dondi Dahlin in The Five Elements: Understand Yourself and Enhance Your Relationships with the Wisdom of the World's Oldest Personality Type System

Water loves to plumb the depths of life, losing themselves as blissfully in the arts as they do grocery store aisles searching for just the right wine. Water takes life very seriously often not getting the jokes along the way.

Theirs is a slower rhythm. They take their time. They have patience. Hurry is not part of their consciousness. Calm is evident in their manner of speaking and speech, their gait, their breathing and their response to life. They find rituals, symbols and traditions alluringly poignant. You have to be well-read to keep up intellectually with an in-balance Water.

Water type personalities are very people oriented and will readily allow new people into their lives but tend not to initiate these relationships. Water loves to help other people succeed. If Water can help others succeed, then Water has succeeded.

A good listener, Water does not enjoy confrontation and will work to achieve harmony among people however he can.

Water must live a life that is fully aligned with his core values and beliefs. Deeply philosophical and profound, Water tends to see menial tasks as art. In fact, Water types are very artistic themselves. The most creative and artistic people the world has ever seen tend to have strong Water personalities. Their creations are awe-inspiring.

Water type personalities live in their minds. They prefer predictability. They need to make sense of life, but out-of-balance or maladapted Water will have difficulty reconciling a world that looks very warped to them. This causes them to feel depressed as the world looks murkier and quite different from what others perceive.

Two Types of Water

For most people Water is the most challenging of the five element personality types to understand. This is because there are two types of Water: 1) the wise philosopher archetype and 2) the new baby full of wonder, delight and playfulness.

The philosopher spends time reading, journaling, writing, studying, and contemplating life. The philosopher prefers time spent alone. He or she has a keen interest in the past and how it has influenced the present. Even when it comes to meeting a new person, the wise one type of Water wants to know everything about her new acquaintance's history so that she can better understand who is before her.

The second archetype, that of the playful new baby, is the adult who is still quite childlike, bubbly and radiant. This type of Water will follow a crowd or easily make new friends simply because she is curious and finds it fun and interesting. This Water type can be very endearing, delightful and even spontaneous.

Their primary challenge is that they have so many ideas they never follow through on many. They lack motivation to see their ideas through. They need someone to push them along.

Both archetypes of Water, the philosopher and the playful baby both have a yin energy. The influence of the strong yin energy is translated as intense inner focus. Both archetypes of the Water personality tend to be quieter than others, more introverted and more private.

Water-in-balance can be an enormously captivating personality with a zen-like air, but out-of-balance can have inhibitions, low self-esteem, a tendency to overcautiousness with a preoccupation for worry and agitation. False bravado is another of maladapted Water’s personality traits.

The maladapted Water type will tend to feel overwhelmed, agitated through crisis, resigned to what she cannot conquer, isolated and fearful.

She finds a pathway back into balance through tapping in to her innate sense of calm and wisdom where she can once again begin to confidently manage life’s crises. Regaining her balance by diving in to her core essence she will no longer feel alone but instead supported by the universe whether she has people around her or not.

Whether you are in- or out-of-balance as a Water type, embrace your wondrous archetype of wise one, philosopher and playful child. Stand in your essence of life. You are Water.

…

Endnotes:

Dahlin, Dondi. The Five Elements: Understand Yourself and Enhance Your Relationships with the Wisdom of the World's Oldest Personality Type System. United States, Penguin Publishing Group, 2016.

Moss, Charles A. Power of the Five Elements: The Chinese Medicine Path to Healthy Aging and Stress Resistance. United States, North Atlantic Books, 2011.

The Terpene: Most Fundamental Fragrance, Flavor and Healing Component of Essential Oil

One of the most important compounds present in essential oils is the terpene.* Terpenes are vibrantly fragrant molecules that occur naturally in plant life, especially in conifers, bearing pigment, scent and flavor. When applied to skin, terpenes in essential oils work to promote homeostasis (balance) not just in skin but throughout the entire body once they enter the bloodstream through the skin.

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Terpenes are bioactive compounds which influence the body’s endocannabinoid system responsible for regulating various biological functions in the body such as immune response, appetite, metabolism, memory, respiration, sleep, stress response and more.

The effect of a terpene on the body will vary based on:

• its concentration

• its characteristics

• the physical makeup of the person using it.

“The endocannabinoid system is a network of cell receptors that responds to chemicals like THC, among others. These receptors are mostly found in the brain but also show up in the immune cells, liver and lungs. This system is what helps with pain and inflammation regulation… Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals that interact with and bind to receptors in the brain, which can help regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and pain sensation… Cannabinoids are found in every person. What makes it different is the level of neurotransmitter that is present in a person's body.” — “The Endocannabinoid System for Dummies: 7 Facts.”

The term terpene was coined in 1866 by the scholar Fr. A. Kekulé. Later, German chemist Otto Wallach made a major discovery about terpenes noting a pattern of carbon to hydrogen atoms in all essential oils. Though the number of hydrogen and carbon atoms vary from terpene to terpene, the ratio is always the same: five carbon atoms to every eight hydrogen atoms. This “isoprene rule” earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1910 and he was literally dubbed the “Messiah of Terpenes.”

The isoprene rule is the basic concept of terpenes' molecular structure and their biogenesis.

The isoprene unit acts as monomer or single unit that builds up in repeating units to form groups of terpenes we find in essential oils. Their names usually but not always end in -ene.

“A terpene can fall into a number of given classes, including mono, sesqui, di, tri or tetra terpenes, all of which are found in nature. Isoprenes are bonding units, and a terpene is classified into one of these categories by how many isoprene [units] it contains. Think of isoprenes as the building blocks of terpenes.” Andrew Freedman in Terpenes for Well-Being: A Comprehensive Guide to Botanical Aromas for Emotional and Physical Self-Care

• monoterpenes consist of two isoprene units

• sesquiterpenes consist of three isoprene units

• diterpenes: four units

• triterpenes: six units

• tetraterpenes: eight units

Terpenes are known to modulate mood and heighten our sense of well-being. Stimulation of our olfactory receptors which happens when we take in the fragrance of a flower, for example, often makes an emotional impact on us. But this isn’t the whole story. The chemical composition of the terpenes interact directly with brain cells to regulate and influence their activity, in turn interacting with the entire body.

Terpenes present with woody, earthy, floral, fruity, citrusy, spicy or sweet aromas. An example of the woody note is the terpene guaiacol, a component of guaiac wood essential oil found in Ageless La Cure Nourishing Cream (above) by PHYTO5. It also provides the woody notes, for example, to support the rose fragrance in Chanel No. 19. All PHYTO5 skin and hair care is extremely abundant in terpenes given that all products are essential oil rich.

Over 20,000 unique terpenes exist in nature but only a fraction of them have been explored. In addition to working to create stasis in the human body, they play a vital role in maintaining stasis in our ecosystem. As one example, scientists believe terpenes evolved to protect plants from pests by repelling them with an unpleasant odor, killing or luring them with their scent only to trap them in their resin. Still other terpenes give off a pleasant odor that attracts beneficial insects.

Alpha-Pinene is the terpene found in essential oils like peppermint, rosemary, sage and frankincense. Alpha-Pinene gives evergreen trees their aroma. It’s anti-inflammatory and is known to help improve respiratory function.

Basil, black pepper, cinnamon, clove, patchouli, oregano, lavender and rosemary contain the peppery smelling terpene beta-Caryophyllene. It’s anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

A final example of a common terpene is linalool. It exudes a calming fresh, floral smell and offers analgesic action as it promotes relaxation and stress relief. Lavender, basil, cilantro, clary sage, neroli and bergamot all contain linalool.

Terpenes are the constituents of flavors for spicing foods or creating distinct fragrances in perfumery. They equally serve as vital components in medical therapies and are hardly given the attention they deserve in most organic and pharmaceutical chemistry textbooks.

“Many of us think of aroma as a linear concept, a characteristic made up of easy to identify elements… but what really is the source of that aroma?” —Andrew Freedman

Terpenes are the building blocks of scent and flavor and layers of them create the aromas, the flavors and the healing properties we take for granted today. When you dissect what really creates combinations of scents and flavors, you become more aware of the majesty of nature. You become more aware of the enormous potential terpenes and essential oils have for your self-care, well-being and healing.

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Endnotes:

* You may have guessed that the word terpene is derived from the word turpentine. This is because terpenes are a major component of turpentine most of which is derived from coniferous trees.

Kreider, Heather. “Terpenes In Essential Oils.” Skininc.texterity.com, 7 Oct. 2021, https://skininc.texterity.com/skininc/october_2021/MobilePagedArticle.action?articleId=1730052&ajs_uid=5912I1544689E4Z&oly_enc_id=5912I1544689E4Z#articleId1730052.

Potter, Beverly A. Terpenes: The Magic in Cannabis. United States, Ronin Publishing, 2019.

“The Endocannabinoid System for Dummies - 7 Facts.” ShredCBD by PFX Labs, https://shredcbd.com/blogs/shredcbd/the-endocannabinoid-system-for-dummies.

Breitmaier, Eberhard. Terpenes: Flavors, Fragrances, Pharmaca, Pheromones. Germany, Wiley, 2006.

Freedman, Andrew. Terpenes for Well-Being: A Comprehensive Guide to Botanical Aromas for Emotional and Physical Self-Care. N.p., Mango Media.

Our Bodies’ Cells Sing! Discover How 'Singing Cells' Are the Foundation of Your Health and Vitality

Living cells in the human body create sound as a natural aspect of their metabolic and life process. Each cell has a unique ‘song’ that changes in response to our thoughts and emotions. Our cells literally sing. ‘Singing cells’ have long been part of non-Western belief systems(1) and have recently been explored by modern Western scientists.

It has long been known that cells communicate with each other in nature: “Every living organism makes noise, but most of us aren't sensitive to it," says Bernie Krause, author of Wild Soundscapes: Discovering the Voice of the Natural World.

Every cell is in contact and continuous communication with every other cell and holds the unique imprint of YOU. The cells communicate without ceasing about the tasks they perform in order to establish harmony and balance in your body.

Every individual cell holds a unique vibrational tone which is light (intensity, color) and vibration (resonance, sound). This communication actually creates a chatter, a cacophony or a symphony depending on how we treat our bodies. Moreover, these cells are not just communicating with each other, they are communicating with and responding to you every second.

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Our cells let us know when something is out of balance:

“… diseases in organisms are often the results of disturbed or damaged communication between cells.” — Joseph Seckbach in Biocommunication: Sign-mediated Interactions Between Cells And Organisms.

The cells of humans (and animals) may not be the only forms of life that emit sound or ‘sing.’ Plant life communication has been the focus of intensive research over the last 20 years.

"Sound is overwhelming, it's everywhere. Surely life would have used it to its advantage in all forms,” says Monica Gagliano, plant physiologist and acoustics researcher at the University of Western Australia in Crawley.

Further she says, “We have identified that plants respond to sound and they make their own sounds. The obvious purpose of sound might be for communicating with others.”

Vibration creates sound. Without vibration there is no sound.

The field of plant bioacoustics tells us that plants vibrate at various frequencies and thus emit sound: Plants emit audio acoustic emissions between 10–240 Hz as well as ultrasonic acoustic emissions (UAE) within 20–300 kHz.

Get your cells singing with PHYTO5 quantum energetic skincare. Help your body’s cells work in concert with your vital energy to create exhilarating aliveness and vitality.

PHYTO5’s five element quantum energetic skincare lines are known to vibrate at very high frequency which is proven in this video, therefore it might be said that the molecules of flower and plant essential oils comprised of cells that vibrate and ‘sing’ are what ‘speak’ to the skin and body. This form of plant cell to human cell communication creates the quantum healing effect provided the host accepts and allows it.

“All coordination between cells, organs, and organisms depends on successful biocommunicative processes. There are abundant cases of communication in the biological world, both within (intraspecific) and between (interspecific) single-cell and multicellular microorganisms and higher animal forms.”  —Joseph Seckbach

Camilo Sanchez in Daoist Meridian Yoga: Activating the Twelve Pathways for Energy Balance and Healing tells us that information, which comes in a variety of forms, namely, light, electromagnetic radiation, and subtle energy, travel through the network of chi channels and they control the communication of biochemical messages between cells. These same channels of chi work like “magnetic vectors” that give direction to the flow of vital energy.

In fact, the entire premise of PHYTO5 is to balance vital energy, a precondition to overall wellness. This balanced flow of vital energy benefits the skin, in particular.

The study of cell sounds or ‘singing cells’ has been dubbed “sonocytology" by its founder, Jim Gimzewski, a UCLA chemist. He conducted the first sonocytology experiment(2) with yeast cells.

The researchers found that the frequency of the yeast cells remained roughly in the same high range, "about a C-sharp to D above middle C in terms of music," says Andrew Pelling of the UCLA Chemistry Department. They found that sprinkling alcohol on a yeast cell with the intent to kill it raises the pitch. Conversely, they found dead cells to give off a low, rumbling sound. 

To view and listen to the video documenting this experiment, click here. You will also be able to witness a series of complex geometrical forms that comprise the yeast cell in motion.

“Cells can be observed and their sounds recorded but they can also be manipulated, which results in a change of sound. A ‘singing cell’ can be turned into a ‘screaming cell’ by altering its living environment.” —Anne Niemetz in her thesis, Singing cells, art, science and the noise in between

That living environment looks one way in the laboratory but in the natural laboratory called the human being, the manipulations of the cells equate to our thoughts and emotions, and still further, even to the nutrition we give our bodies and all the externals to which we subject them.

But our body’s cells can be energized and purified by the very thing they emit: sound.

Githa Ben-David, author of The Note From Heaven: How to Sing Yourself Into a Higher State of Consciousness presents a method for liberating the natural voice using what she calls ‘regressive cell singing.’ She says this method is one of the most direct ways to get in contact with the subconscious mind. She utilizes what she calls the ‘note from heaven’ to establish this contact.

Ben-David describes the ‘note from heaven’ as the tonal expression of the divine state—the quantum field. This field is inherent in all of us and we have the ability to contact it. 

In the regressive cell singing method, the ‘note from heaven’ one sings acts like a tuning fork retuning cells to their former harmony. The cells not only sing, they dance, according to Ben-David and this causes a reorganization of cells and brings the body back to its original balanced matrix.

“We are all born in tune, with a beautiful composition in our cell.” —Githa Ben-David

We are constantly imprinting either our cohesive or chaotic thoughts and emotions upon our cellular structure.

The topic of ‘singing cells’ and how they relate to our mental, physical and emotional well-being should give us pause. It’s not just an interesting topic, it is a vital one.

Without managing our thoughts and emotions with awareness, we might negatively feed our cells in such a way that they respond to us darkly, emitting a base, droning tone without quantum spiral or cohesive ecstatic aliveness.

We should want to give our cells a positive frequency or radiation of light causing our cells to create a beautiful sounding symphony and incessant lovely chatter.

…

Endnotes:

(1) The indigenous of the Ecuadorian rainforest is one example.

(2) In 2002, Professor James Gimzewski and Andrew Pelling at the UCLA Department of Chemistry first made the discovery that yeast cells oscillate at the nanoscale. When they amplified this oscillation they found the resulting sound lies within the human audible range. They used an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) to ‘listen’ to the sounds of cells. The AFM isn’t exactly a microscope. The device ‘touches’ a cell with its small tip similar to a needle that ‘feels’ the bumps in a groove on a vinyl record. The AFM ‘feels’ oscillations taking place at the membrane of a cell. The researchers then amplify and distribute these electrical signals via speakers.

Niemetz, Anne. “Singing cells, art, science and the noise in between.” http://users.design.ucla.edu/~aniemetz/Niemetz_Thesis2004.pdf. MFA Thesis 2004, UCLA Department of Design/Media Arts.

Ben-David, Githa. The Note From Heaven: How to Sing Yourself Into a Higher State of Consciousness. Watkins Publishing. March 22, 2016.

Seckbach, Joseph et al. Biocommunication: Sign-mediated Interactions Between Cells And Organisms. World Scientific Publishing Company. November 2016.

Sanchez, Camilo. Daoist Meridian Yoga: Activating the Twelve Pathways for Energy Balance and Healing. Singing Dragon. October 21, 2015.

Krause, Bernie. Wild Soundscapes: Discovering the Voice of the Natural World. Yale University Press. May 24, 2016.

Trussell, Dianne, and BSc(Hons); 17 years in medical and biological research. “Singing Cells – Science and the Music of the Human Body.” Unimed Living, https://www.unimedliving.com/music/the-science-of-music/singing-cells-science-and-the-music-of-the-human-body-part-2.html.

Bright, Richard, et al. “The Rhythmic Sound of Living Cells.” Interalia Magazine, 14 Sept. 2015, https://www.interaliamag.org/blog/the-dark-side-of-the-cell/. 

Magazine, Smithsonian. “Signal Discovery?” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 1 Mar. 2004, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/signal-discovery-104663195/. 

Image by agsandrew from Getty Images Pro via Canva.

Lemon Essential Oil For Skincare and Emotion

Lemon essential oil, which is present in many Metal element line skincare products among many others by PHYTO5 is astringent, antibacterial and antiseptic making it perfect for skincare. Cleansing and stimulating, it is primarily and best used for 1) oily and/or acneic skin and for tired, sluggish and aging skin, and 2) the nervous system, however its benefits to our health do not stop there.

Lemon is one the most common oils and because of its abundant presence in nature, it is most often cold pressed. The more rare and expensive steam-distilled oil has an indefinite shelf-life and is the one most suitable for skincare.

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Lemon oil clarifies and brightens the skin by removing dead skin cells from the surface as it gently and deeply cleanses. It provides tone, tightening and lifting the skin. 

Lemon essential oil in skincare controls oil production in the skin and helps shrink large pores. It eases out blackheads as a result of its skin tightening ability and prevents blackhead formation by blotting excess sebum and shrinking the pores.

This versatile essential oil is known to help promote hair regrowth. Its presence in shampoos like PHYTO5’s Metal element Shampoo, Earth element Shampoo and Wood element Shampoo balances oil production dry itchiness in the scalp.

“Typhus germs may be killed in less than one hour; germs causing pneumonia in three to four hours and staphylococcus germs in five minutes. Its antiseptic properties will last for twenty days.”

— Susanne Fischer-Rizzi in Complete Aromatherapy Handbook: Essential Oils for Radiant Health

Antioxidant-rich, it can help prevent premature aging because of its citric acid and vitamin C content. It boosts collagen and helps the skin regain elasticity.

Lemon reduces scarring, makes the hair shine and balances skin’s pH.

A disinfectant and styptic, lemon can stop wounds from bleeding. It may be applied directly to insect bites to stop the itching and reduce swelling. 

Lemon is also an antibacterial and acne fighter. Its antibacterial properties give lemon its potent germ-killing ability.

Lemon essential oil is excellent in treating colds and throat infections. By adding one or two drops per quart of water in a sponge bath, lemon oil relieves itchy eczema.

Lemon oil is perfect for destroying air-borne germs in well populated places when used in aroma lamps and diffusers. 

Lemon also strengthens vascular tissue and is therefore beneficial for treating varicose veins. It strengthens the heart and proactively may prevent the onset of arteriosclerosis. It also promotes red blood cell formation.

Lemon stimulates the immune system. It cleanses the blood and activates white blood cell formation for the purpose of protecting the body during flu or any virus epidemics.

It has a tonic action on the lymphatic system supporting the movement of lymph, a colorless fluid containing white blood cells which bathes the tissues and drains through the lymphatic system into the bloodstream.

Lemon oil cleanses the body by stimulating the liver to flush out the essential oil along with toxins that have accumulated in the liver and blood. 

Lemon can be a great heartburn remedy and can help balance sickness-causing high body acidity. By taking lemon essential oil orally, it can help counteract a high acid content in body fluids by stimulating the production of neutralizing potassium carbonate in the body. (Caution: Never consume more than one or two drops of any essential oil at a time because their composition is extremely concentrated.)

In massage, lemon essential oil can be a vital muscle tonic.

Lemon also stimulates the nervous system. Lemon lifts the spirit, balances mood, helps regulate mood swings and is excellent for both physical and psychological heaviness. It can be psychologically strengthening people who feel depressed or fearful. 

In addition to improving sleep, lemon essential oil is known to increase concentration and the ability to memorize by activating the center of the hippocampus in the brain. It helps clears the mind and aids one in the decision-making process. Lemon is quite helpful in calming stormy emotional outbursts and when pursuing challenging intellectual tasks. 

Lemon essential oil is present in the following products by PHYTO5:

• Metal element Phyt’Ether serum

• Metal element Day Cream

• Metal element White Clay Mask

• Metal element Shampoo

• Wood element Phyt’Ether serum

• Wood element Day Cream

• Wood element Night Cream

• Wood element Green Clay Mask

• Wood element Shampoo

• Wood element Yogi Body Gel

• Earth element Skin Toner

• Earth element Phyt’Ether serum

• Earth element Yellow Clay Mask

• Earth element Yogi Body Gel

• Earth element Shampoo

• Fire element Skin Toner

• Water element Skin Toner

• Phyt’liss Hair Conditioner

• La crème acide [Natural pH Balancing Cream]

• L’émulsion corporelle [Body Lotion]

• Le Phyt’Acid [Phyt’Acid Face & Body Cleansing Gel]

• La crème visage [Face Cream with Vitamin E]

• L’alguessence bain [Algae-Essence Bath]

• Chi Yin Massage Oil (certified organic)

• Contouring Serum

• Hand Cream

• Ageless La Cure Nourishing Cream

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Endnotes:

Fischer-Rizzi, Susanne, and Jeanette Green. Complete Aromatherapy Handbook: Essential Oils for Radiant Health. Sterling Pub. Co., 1990.

Miller, Light, and Bryan Miller. Ayurveda and Aromatheraphy: The Earth Essential Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Modern Healing. Motilal Banarsidass Publishing, 1998.

Atkinson, Alicia. Essential Oils for Beauty, Wellness, and the Home. Skyhorse Publishing. November 3, 2015.

Photo by Sasha Pritchard via Canva.

Balanced Flow of Blood and Chi Are Essential for Beautiful, Younger Looking Skin

I recently received a series of non-invasive facelift treatments (called the Chromalift) performed by PHYTO5’s Director of Education. I’m at the point in my life where I’m actively working to counteract or reverse fine lines and some loss of elasticity in the skin. As Gina and I chatted while I was on the table, she said something that really struck me: people with red, ruddy, rather flushed looking skin—a sign of a little too much red blood circulation—don’t usually get lines and sagging later in life. This is because all that red blood marked by skin redness has been abundantly delivering nutrition to the skin cells all along. I learned in that moment how critical blood circulation is to beauty.

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.

I’m sure people with red and hot skin don’t enjoy that skin condition either. Each of us has unique challenges. But since Gina told me that, I’ve been on the lookout for women whose skin tends to redness so maybe I can observe the effects in action. And I have to say I do admire the firmness and ‘lift’ they seem to more naturally enjoy.

Beautiful skin really does start with healthy clean blood and proper circulation. Improved blood circulation can prevent the formation of fine lines. It opens the capillaries in the body and improves oxygen uptake of the skin cells.

Still, lines and wrinkles are the result of a number of conditions and not always poor blood circulation. They can be caused by exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun, weak connective tissue, acidification of the body, metabolic disease, hormonal disorders, declining oil production of the sebaceous glands, poor nutrition, heredity, environmental insults, stress, an inactive lifestyle, alcohol and tobacco.

But the five fluids of the body system (vital energy, red blood, lymph, blue blood, water) are our deepest source of nourishment and detoxification and, ultimately, defense against aging. These fluids actually bathe our cells. If we don’t pay attention to the fluid environment of the body and work to support it naturally, the quality of not only our skin, but our organs and glands will suffer.

Beautiful skin and hair require that we support our internal organs. After all, they produce and constantly circulate blood. This is how we prevent inflammation and acidity.

Wrinkles, that rather awful sign of aging, are not only lessened or maybe even prevented by improved fluid circulation, but our flow of vital energy is tantamount to it.

Says Letha Hadady, D. Ac., renowned herbalist and acupuncturist:

“Wrinkles begin from inside due to weak chi originating from poor digestion and circulation. The Chinese medical texts explain this energetically.”

Hadady goes on to explain in her book, Asian Health Secrets: The Complete Guide to Asian Herbal Medicine, that chi becomes weak in certain acupuncture meridians located on the dorsal sides of both arms and hands. These meridians naturally flow upward to lift the face. When these meridians become weak, when what is called the ‘upper Yang’ deteriorates, wrinkles develop.

While you could visit an acupuncture physician to help remedy this, Hadady says you can prevent wrinkles and stay young and beautiful with blood and chi building herbs such as these:

• elderberries

• chicory root

• burdock root

• red clover flowers

• comfrey

• coltsfoot

• rose hips

• nettle

• dandelion greens

• parsley

• watercress with a pinch of paprika

Refer to page 297 in Hadady’s book for the exact recipe to achieve beautiful skin with perhaps little incidence of lines according to the author.

“Chi is the invisible envelope that lifts your energy. You can lift your face by lifting chi. This is done with good nutrition and herbs.” —Letha Hadady

Finally, the issue of collagen depletion causing skin to get saggy and lethargic also contributes to lines and wrinkles. Collagen loss happens incrementally year by year until one day the percent of collagen loss is significant.

Hadady tells us an excellent approach to amplify collagen is by increasing our intake of herbal vitamin C.

Herbal vitamin C means you are ingesting herbs that are rich in naturally occurring vitamin C and these actually increase your chi. See the list above.

Herbal vitamin C cleanses the liver ensuring healthy calcium absorption and better blood circulation. Vitamin C rich herbs combine the vitamin with important minerals that work together to maintain healthy collagen and blood circulation. Moreover, the body is always going to accept nutrition from a whole food better than it will from an isolated nutrient.

The PHYTO5 Metal element skincare line is formulated with specific essential oils like rosemary, eucalyptus and niaouli that support better blue and red blood circulation. These cause the superficial capillaries to dilate and regulate temperature while an interchange of tissue fluids takes place increasing nutrition to the skin’s surface layers.

When you apply a skincare product you should always do it mindfully and in a way to increase the blood circulation of the face and neck. (I noticed when Gina gave me my facial treatments she used light circular motions with her fingertips to bring red blood into my face.)

Both PHYTO5 skincare plus your mindful application of the products can work synergistically to increase the local skin temperature and bring color to your skin.

Maybe do what I do. Approach your skincare from all directions:

• the skincare products you put on your face and body

• your vital energy flow

• your nutrition

• your lifestyle

When you understand what the skin and body need, you can get to work to give both the raw materials, love and kindness they deserve. And you can be a natural beauty no matter your age.

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Endnotes:

Isla, Dr Jeremiah. Gua Sha: The Healing Guide On Using Gua Sha To Improve Your Skin Beauty. N.p., Independently Published, 2021.

Howard, Jackie, et al. Principles and Techniques for the Beauty Specialist. United Kingdom, Nelson Thornes Limited, 1993.

Kopf, Robert. Wrinkles - Prevention and Treatment with Homeopathy and Schuessler Salts (homeopathic Cell Salts): A Homeopathic and Naturopathic Guide. Germany, BookRix, 2018.

Hadady, Letha. Asian Health Secrets: The Complete Guide to Asian Herbal Medicine. United States, Three Rivers Press, 1998.

Sage Essential Oil: All-Around Natural Wonder for Skin and B

Sage essential oil (Salvia officinalis) is a key ingredient in a number of PHYTO5 skincare products mainly for the broad range of benefits it uniquely offers. From working to balance skin conditions to women’s health to the nervous system, sage essential oil is an all-around and extremely versatile remedy.

In France and Russia, sage is specifically cultivated for its essential oil. Sister to rosemary, its leaves are large and fuzzy while small blue/white, pink or purple flowers grow off the thin long stem.

The buds, flowers and leaves are steam distilled to prepare the essential oil of sage. Its aroma is herbaceous, spicy, nutty and warm.

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Sage essential oil contributes well to healthy balanced skin. It has moisturizing and conditioning properties that help soothe skin dryness and irritation. Enjoy sage essential oil in Metal Skin Toner, Water Skin Toner and Wood Skin Toner. 

Sage is very cleansing for skin with excess oil, grime or sweat. It’s anti-fungal and antibacterial.

Sage essential oil is antioxidant rich and therefore fights free radicals which cause signs of premature aging. It’s antioxidant* content is the primary reason why it is formulated in anti-age skincare. Water Ceresal and Night Cream from the Water element line, geared for more mature skin showing aging, are formulated with sage essential oil.

According to a study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, rosmarinic and carnosic acids are responsible for sage’s antioxidant properties.

Used cosmetically, sage essential oil helps eliminate toxins, offers relief to minor skin abrasions, lessens the appearance of blemishes and stretch marks. It calms skin conditions such as dermatitis.

Sage essential oil is also a key ingredient in anti-spot skin treatments. It helps to eliminate scars, post-natal abdominal stretch marks and blemishes caused by boils, pox, and sores. It has the resilient ability to quickly heal wounds and incisions. 

Sage is used in all types of home remedies from antiseptic throat gargles to lessening menopausal hot flashes, sage embodies just about every health benefit you can think of.

Sage essential oil helps regulate sebum production and other fluids of the body. It helps purge toxins from the fluids.

A mild hormonal stimulant, sage is very beneficial for women’s health, menstrual pain, regulating menses and easing the process of childbirth. It can be used for mothers weaning their babies because even a small amount ingested actually dries up mother’s milk production. 

Sage aids in the digestion of very fatty foods, helps lower cholesterol and as a bitter herb is very beneficial as a tonic for the liver.

Sage can help rebuild vitality and strength after a long-term illness. Because of its astringent and antiseptic properties it’s an effective cold and flu fighter and a classic remedy for inflammation of the mouth, throat and tonsils

Sage has energetic qualities of happiness and self-confidence. It calms the nervous system and is often therefore used in cases of stress, depression and anxiety. 

…

* Antioxidants are substances like vitamins C or E that remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism. They slow down aging and prevent symptoms of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin and muscles, vision and hearing loss, nervous disorders and loss of mental capacity such as memory loss.

Keniston-Pond, Kymberly. Essential Oils 101: Your Guide to Understanding and Using Essential Oils. Adams Media. 2017.

Gladstar, Rosemary. Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use. Storey Publishing. April 2012.

Photo by Gary Barnes at Pexels.

Be a Rice Bran Beauty: How Rice Bran Oil Is Perfect for Anti-Aging Skincare Regimens

Rice bran oil, present in Metal element skincare products, is a highly valued anti-aging ingredient in Asia. Historically, Japanese women added the leftover water from washing rice to their baths to soften and smooth their skin. Both rice bran, known as Nuka or komenuka by the Japanese, and rice bran oil are commonly used in Asia to brighten and help detoxify the skin and remove blemishes. It is a very high compliment in Japan to tell a woman that she’s a “rice bran beauty” or that she has “rice bran splendor.” 

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.

Also known as rice bran extract, rice bran oil is produced from the bran of the rice kernel. The ferulic acid content in rice bran oil, an organic phytochemical compound found in plant cell walls, has potent anti-aging properties. Because of the anti-aging effect of rice bran oil, it is also an important ingredient in PHYTO5’s Ageless La Cure Five Secrets Serum and Cream Duo for a 3-Week Cure.

Nuka is a vital source of vitamins A, B2, B12 and E and naturally occurring moisturizing proteins. 

A natural enzyme exfoliant, rice bran actively removes impurities from the skin while providing skin nourishing oils. Mixed with water or in skincare formulations such as PHYTO5’s Metal element Phyt’Ether serum, Day Cream and Night Cream decongests pores, brightens skin tone, reduces hyperpigmentation and prepares skin to better absorb nutrients such as minerals for better hydration.

Unrefined brown rice bran is considered one of the most nutrient dense foods ever studied. Paul Pitchford, author of Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition, writes that rice bran is comprised of more than 70 antioxidants that protect against cellular damage and, as a result, preserve the youthfulness of skin.

Nuka has a very important anti-age polyphenol antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid (ALA). Alpha lipoic acid is also known to restore damaged liver and to convert glucose to energy.

Deeply hydrating, rice bran oil is very light and readily absorbed into the skin. Vitamins B and E combined with a high percentage of fatty acids which deeply penetrate the skin, beautifully and gently moisturize, firm, tighten and lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Rice bran is exceptionally good for treating dehydrated, flaky, delicate and mature, fragile skin. Rice bran oil has been shown to prevent every aspect of ultraviolet damage and to reverse aging at the genetic level.

Rice bran oil provides a good source of tocotrienols, an antioxidant that is even more potent than vitamin E. They have gained a great deal of recognition in the cosmetics industry because of their potent antioxidant properties.

Tocotrienols accumulate in the skin and act as a first line of defense. The antioxidant components of tocotrienols, namely, beta-carotene and lycopene (a red carotenoid pigment present in tomatoes and many berries and fruits), help protect the skin from the harmful effects of aggressive environments.

For this reason, rice bran is especially beneficial to skin during cooler months of the year.

“When you use rice bran oil, you get exactly the benefits you need to reverse skin aging, including the synthesis of vitamin D, essential for good health.” Roxy Dillon, Bio-Young: Get Younger at a Cellular and Hormonal Level

Coenzyme Q10 present in rice bran oil helps the skin maintain a more youthful glow. In addition, rice bran oil is an excellent source of squalene which helps to stimulate your body to produce collagen, the main structural protein found in skin and connective tissues which helps your skin remain firm. Squalene in rice bran oil helps keep the skin bright, soft, supple and smooth.

There are many other rice bran oil health benefits in addition to those for the skin:

Cardiovascular health

Rice bran oil is also known as a heart-friendly oil. It helps lower cholesterol because it contains the perfect amount of the antioxidant known as oryzanol. It helps decrease cholesterol absorption and increase cholesterol elimination.

Weight reduction

Free of trans fatty acids, rice bran oil is an optimum choice for cooking.

Hair growth

Ferulic acid (mentioned above) and esters present in rice bran oil have the potential to boost hair growth and health.

Immune system

The abundance of antioxidants in rice bran oil fight free radicals which would otherwise contribute to aging and sickness.

Hormones

The high presence of vitamin B in rice bran oil balances hormone production in the body.

Menopause

Gamma oryzanol (mentioned above) in rice bran is known to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms of menopause.

Liver health

Rice bran improves liver function. It assists in the prevention of fatty liver development. 

#####

Cheong, Ling-Zhi et al. Rice Bran and Rice Bran Oil: Chemistry, Processing and Utilization. Elsevier Science. January 14, 2019.

Jhin, MD, Marie. Asian Beauty Secrets: Ancient and Modern Tips from the Far East. Bush Street Press. May 2011.

Pitchford, Paul. Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books. November 2002.

Photo by Владимир Васильев at Pexels.

13 Tips for Balancing Your Chakras

In our blog post entitled, “Energy and Chakras,” we explored what chakras are and why it’s a very good idea to not just understand them but keep them in balance. In this article, we look at a number of ways to create that balance in our energetic centers that generate a healthy harmonious body, mind and spirit.

“The yogis have used the chakra system for thousands of years as an integral part of holistic healing; knowing that a person’s illness often first manifests itself in the chakras, before the body, mind, and emotions. Moreover, they knew that no one could be completely healed if the chakra system continued to be out of balance… However, by understanding how each chakra affects a particular body function and emotion it is possible to identify where a chakra is malfunctioning.”

— Teresa Hale, founder of the Hale Clinic, London

“Chakras can be aligned with relative ease, and the way in which you do it is ultimately up to you, whether you use everyday tools and situations, or create a personal ritual or ceremony to heighten the effect.”

— Margaret Ann Lemo in Chakra Awakening: Transform Your Reality Using Crystals, Color, Aromatherapy and the Power of Positive Thought

Following are a number of tips for balancing your chakric system:

• Because the chakras themselves each primarily radiate one of the seven colors of the rainbow, eat a good balance of foods the colors of the rainbow. The key is simply to align many of your food choices with the colors associated with the chakras.

  • Root chakra/red: beets, red carrots, radish, tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, red grapes, watermelon, red currant, red onion, red potatoes, red sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, chili powder, paprika

  • Sacral chakra/orange: mango, orange, tangerine, cantaloupe, papaya, apricots, mamey sapote, persimmon, carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, pumpkin, orange bell pepper, edible nasturtiums, curry, turmeric

  • Navel chakra/yellow: banana, pineapple, peach, durian, jackfruit, longan, yellow plums, passion fruit, starfruit, rudabaga, organic yellow corn, yellow squash, yukon gold potatoes, yellow bell pepper, honey, edible chrysanthemums, mustard, yellow curry

  • Heart chakra/green: honeydew melon, green beans, broccoli, kale, lettuce, chard, spinach, sprouts, microgreens, collard greens, parsley, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, celery, asparagus, brussel sprouts, avocado, green bell pepper, green curry

  • Throat chakra/turquoise: there are almost no naturally occurring teal or turquoise colored foods.

  • Third eye chakra/indigo blue: blue corn, blueberry, elderberry, black raspberry, black currant, borage

  • Crown chakra/violet: damson plum, purple potatoes, purple carrots, purple grapes, purple sweet potato, eggplant, lavender

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.

• Enjoy energetic skincare infused with essential oils such as PHYTO5’s five element skincare lines (according to traditional Chinese medicine). High grade well balanced essential oil blends create physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits that naturally bring the chakras into alignment and balance.

• Balance your chakras with high quality essential oil blends designed for this purpose. We offer a chakra oil for each of the seven chakras here.

• You may wish to explore flower essences such as Bach flower remedies.

• Practice mudras; similar to a pose in yoga, mudras are powerful energetic poses or gestures for the hands and fingers; here’s a beautiful, easy-to-follow guide from MindBodyGreen.

• Salt is well known for having the ability to cleanse negative energies. Many people sprinkle kosher salt around the perimeter of their property and Himalayan salt lamps inside the home help cleanse the air.

Take a bath or shower with PHYTO5 Selextreme Swiss mountain exfoliating salts. They’re infused with essential oils designed to help balance emotion and your skin condition. There’s a Selextreme for each of traditional Chinese medicine’s five elements. 

• Mantras and affirmations. What is a mantra? The word mantra is two words in one: man and tra. Man means mind and tra means tool, therefore a mantra is a mind tool we utilize to accomplish something. Mantras have nothing to do with prayer but are a form of incantations.

“To start, just thinking the thought, ‘I want to align my chakras,’ helps create the intention to restore balance.”

— Margaret Ann Lemo in Chakra Awakening: Transform Your Reality Using Crystals, Color, Aromatherapy and the Power of Positive Thought

• Explore Solfeggio sound healing for the chakras; check out “The Frequency of Love: Solfeggio 528 Hz–DNA Healing and Activating Higher Consciousness” by PowerThoughts Meditation Club on iTunes. (We are not an affiliate and make no money when you click on this link.)

• Learn to understand the emotional, mental, spiritual and physical domains of each chakra so you can ultimately know where balancing is required. Please read about the seven chakras on our page which features chakra balancing essential oil blends. When you click through on the grey button for each individual oil, you will be given a very good overview for that chakra.

• Herbal teas are earthy and carry source energy of the planet; they can assist us to balance our chakras.

• Discover the use of gemstones placed on your energy centers. Just as quartz emits a constant voltage that keeps a watch running with incredible accuracy, other gemstones also emit frequencies that can help to recharge our chakric energetic centers. You can study what others have to say about which stones correlate to each center and you can also approach it from your own intuitive sense. Not every stone will work the same way for every person.

• Place yourself in experiences and places you love and enjoy and which are safe for your energetic field–in other words and as an example, a beautiful park as opposed to a dark bar. Love and joy are the best remedies.

• For more on the topic of emotions and the potential they have to keep us in balance energetically, which includes our chakras, and physically, please visit our blog, Wei Chi and the Beauty of Emotions.

• “Alternate nostril breathing is one way to bring balance into your breath and harmony to your chakras, mind, body and spirit. It connects and energizes the two hemispheres of your brain. It calms your mind. It allows energy to move freely through your body, which empowers your body to use it’s natural healing abilities.” –Yogi Amrit Desai

• Experience a chakra balancing session with a reputable practitioner. PHYTO5’s Chromapuncter also helps balance chakras though they are available only to sskincare professionals.

Here are some creative exercises anyone can perform in association with each chakra:

Root chakra: Abate fear by connecting with the present moment to help balance the root chakra.

Sacral chakra: Learn more about sacred sexuality, taoist sexuality, and tantra for perhaps a more fulfilling journey into this energetic center.

Solar chakra: Create order in your life wherever you can for the solar plexus chakra. Energy goes where energy flows. Let improved energy flow move throughout your freshly organized and decluttered home. Practice yoga and approach big projects one small step at a time for the sacral chakra, your seat of creativity.

Heart chakra: Join a support or study group to create new meaningful relationships in your life for the heart chakra.

Remember, the greatest love of all is the love you have for yourself so don’t compromise yourself for another.  Practice feeling and envisioning your open heart.

Throat chakra: Journal your feelings or express them through art for the throat chakra.

Learn how to communicate directly and honestly without alienating another person.

Speak up. Don’t suppress what you feel to say.

Learn to say what you mean and mean what you say.

Third eye chakra: Practice periods of stillness for the third eye chakra. Meditation is also perfect for this chakra as is visioning, imagination, and daydreaming.

Crown chakra: Meditate or chant sacred songs for the crown chakra.

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Endnotes:

Lemo, Margaret Ann. Chakra Awakening: Transform Your Reality Using Crystals, Color, Aromatherapy and the Power of Positive Thought. Llewellyn Publications. April 8, 2011.

The Body Only Understands Emotio

The body only understands emotion. It’s a feeling-response mechanism. It doesn’t think. It feels. It feels for the information we give it in the shape of emotion and it acts on that emotion. This may be both a simple and complex concept to embrace.

We have all heard how “thoughts are things” and “thoughts create.” Yes, this is true, partially, but it is more so that the thoughts we think provoke an emotion or feeling within us and it’s the combination of the thought plus emotion that creates. It isn’t that we feel an emotion first and then produce the thought. We think the thought first and feel something as a result.

Thought alone does not create. In fact, there can be no thought in humans without a resulting emotion. Emotion is the powerful engine required in the process of creating but so often, in our ignorance, we misuse emotion and do not understand thought.

This will explain why we may think we want something and it doesn’t materialize because deep down we harbor contrary feelings. Without a feeling of joy or love or other positive emotion, that thing we want will not manifest. In fact, the opposite will manifest as it corresponds to the contrary negative emotion we truly feel.

When we allow random thoughts to take over our thinking mind—which is a subconscious programming and understandably for most of us a “normal” way of being—we are either in the past which is old and done or the future which has not yet occurred.

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.

Past memories (which aren’t truly thoughts but simply old past events dredged up) and thoughts of the unknown future all too frequently elicit destructive negative emotion within us. Feelings of anxiety, anger, sadness, regret, frustration, overwhelm and more engulf our beings before we even realize it.

“Much human suffering stems from destructive emotions, as hatred breeds violence or craving fuels addiction. One of our most basic responsibilities as caring people is to alleviate the human costs of such out-of-control emotions.” —Daniel Goleman in Destructive Emotions: How Can We Overcome Them?

Destructive emotions wreak havoc not just on our ability to create the lives we want in general but on our ability to heal our physical bodies or keep them functioning in a state of balance.

“What you feel emotionally becomes how you feel physically.” —Don Colbert in Deadly Emotions: Understand the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection

“You can do much to improve your physical health by addressing first and foremost your emotional health.” —Daniel Goleman in Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama

For example:

“A person with a scarcity mindset selects negative thoughts and adopts a victim mentality. The strong emotions they experience on a daily basis creates stress in the body with the range of emotions shifting from anxiety, fear, worry, anger and resentment. Their negative emotions, thoughts and beliefs create illnesses in the body leading to general poor health.” — Dr. Jyoshi, Dr. Piyush and Dr. Ritu Choudhary in Wings of Wisdom: Realize Your Inner Strength.

PHYTO5 provides quantum energetic skincare that can actually assist you to make a shift in emotion toward greater balance. All the high grade essential oil rich five element lines are formulated in such a proprietary way that they actually register very high on the vibrational scale. These products assist us to begin to access the deepest core of the mind-body system. As Deepak Chopra says, this is “the junction point between mind and matter, the point where consciousness actually starts to have an effect.”

We need to get into the habit of actively and consciously choosing our present moment thoughts because it is in the Now that we create our future. We cannot create our future in the past or in the future!

Consciously choosing our thoughts will help us to believe new things and thereby shift our subconscious programming to a new more desired programming, if you will.

Once we have more dominion over our thoughts and consequent emotions we begin to connect to the quantum field of all possibility where all of creation is connected as ONE.

Another way to describe this is as we develop a state of more heightened aware consciousness we spontaneously, naturally and electromagnetically, connect our now higher mind to the feeling heart. And it is the heart that pulls from the quantum field all that is a match for our emotion to bring it in to our reality.

If we want to know where we stand as we create our vitality on all levels all we have to do is look to our current state of emotionality.

If it’s negative, we have a shift we need to make and it can be as simple as shifting the quality of our emotion up even if just by one notch or by as little as three degrees, so to speak.

The shift need only be slight to make a difference and create a new positive momentum. And since we usually can’t get there without some sort of uplifting thought this will involve a slightly new thought process in the moment.

Lining up the sequence of:

1. our higher more conscious aware mind

2. in turn connecting to the ever feeling heart,

whether we allow PHYTO5 quantum energetic products to facilitate this sequence or we go about it on our own, is the key to pulling from the quantum field all that we desire. These desires include everything from perfect health to the accomplishment of an enormous project to bringing new enriching relationships into our lives—whatever we can conceive of.

There is nothing that can prevent what we desire when we consciously line up this sequence of chosen thought to feeling heart. But we must first get into the habit of choosing our thoughts rather than allowing the ego mind to run rampant with random past memories or negatively conjured imaginations of the future! Pause. Take a breath. Inhale a drop of Phyt’Ether Serum and feel more emotionally balanced and empowered to consciously direct your thought.

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Endnotes:

Jyoshi, Dr. Piyush and Choudhary, Dr. Ritu. Wings of Wisdom: Realize Your Inner Strength. Booksclinic Publishing. India. 2021.

Goleman, Daniel. Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama. Bantam Books. 2003.

Colbert, M.D., Don. Deadly Emotions: Understand the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection. Harper Collins. 2003.