For years, people have asked me about my youthful-looking skin and long hair.
Martha Childers with cats Oden and Minona
I’ll share with you the knowledge that I’ve acquired through the years in this area through a series of three blog posts, including beauty secrets revealed to me during my journeys to foreign lands.
Gorgeous hair and beautiful skin are two of our most visible assets. Healthy skin feels great. Confidence that your hair is lovely and well-arranged will free up energy to use in other areas of your life.
A mind-boggling array of techniques and care products are available, and because each person’s hair and skin are unique, it is important to find the ones that work well for you. Choose natural, plant-based products. Avoid products with potentially irritating synthetic ingredients, as well as petroleum-based products that the skin cannot absorb. Avoid products with parabens and sodium laurel sulfate.
Robert Marikawa Davis, Diplomate of Chinese Herbology and Diplomate of Acupuncture, practicing at Midwest Therapeutics, says, “In Chinese Medicine the skin and hair are connected to the lungs and kidneys. The lungs are represented through the skin and kidneys and reflect the quality of the hair. By treating the source through herbs, diet, and acupuncture, one can induce a change or balance.”
Did you ever notice that some people radiate beauty? Sat Inder Khalsa, Co-director and Teacher at 3HO Foundation of Missouri, reports, “A familiar yogic expression is, ‘Your greatest gift of life is the breath.’ Our ability to accept this gift is reflected in our skin. When we breathe effectively, pranic energy circulates more powerfully throughout the body, and our skin becomes radiant. Our electromagnetic field expands, giving us a more clear and powerful projection. When we combine movements, such as neck rolls, with the breath, blockages to the flow of energy into the head are removed, and the full benefits are realized. Other helpful practices are maintaining a healthy diet, including drinking plenty of water, avoiding sugar, and keeping a positive attitude.”
Providing more information from China, Jean Zhao, owner of Happy Feet and Hand Spa, says the Chinese recommend a good head massage daily for five to ten minutes for healthy skin and hair. (Mark Twain was famous for his thick head of hair, which he attributed to a daily five-minute head massage.) Zhao also emphasizes that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is essential for beautiful hair and skin.
Healthy Skin Feels Vibrant and Alive
To have skin like a baby’s bottom, treat it like a baby’s bottom – very gently. Nutrition and hydration are important, according to Laura Rues, naturopathic physician at Kansas City Integrative Health. She says, “The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it often is a window into a person’s internal environment. Acne, dry skin, and yellowing of the skin can be signs of other health conditions, including hormone irregularities or liver disorders.” Even dehydration affects the skin. Dr. Rues continues, “Many of us don’t get enough water throughout the day. Dehydration makes your skin look dry, dull, and wrinkled. Ensuring adequate fluid intake (half your body weight in ounces of water daily) is not only good for the health of your skin, but also your overall health.”
Beautiful skin and hair enhance our lives and well-being. Discovering and incorporating self-care habits that fit your unique needs will provide the freedom to more fully enjoy your physical being.
Stay tuned for the next post which will focus on skin care, The 4 Parts to Vibrant, Healthy Skin.
This is the first of a 3 part series on healthy hair and skin care.
Part 2: The 4 Parts of Vibrant, Healthy Skin Care
Part 3: Hair Care Tips for Softer, Smoother Hair
Healthy Habits and Goals for Beautiful Hair and Skin, January 2015, written by Martha Childers, was published in Evolving Magazine.
Hair and Skin Tips from Around the World, written by Martha Childers.
Please note, a version of this article was published in Evolving Magazine, January 2015. Portions of this article also appear in the West Plaza Neighborhood Association Newsletter.
Excellent work, Martha. Really like what you are doing.
People will certainly benefit from your expertise, counseling and caring.
All the best.
I really love this information. This is really great tips.