Ten cleansing foods for daily detox.

1. Organic, leafy green vegetables.
Raw or cooked, greens like kale, collards, spinach, bok choy, and broccoli are packed with chlorophyll, which helps eliminate toxins and protect the liver. Lightly diuretic greens, especially watercress and arugula, work with the liver to flush out toxins while their rich minerals keep you strong.

2. Daikon.
This peppery root looks like a large white carrot; it's packed with vitamins and minerals to stimulate weight loss.

3. Lemon.
A rich source of vitamin C, lemon helps convert toxins into water-soluble form so they are easily flushed from the system.

4. Garlic.
Garlic activates liver enzymes that help filter out toxins. It also stimulates circulation and contains antibacterials that help the body to cleanse efficiently.

5. Whole grains.
Unprocessed grains are excellent sources of soluble fiber, which mops up toxins and strengthens digestion so you assimilate nutrients more effectively.

6. Green Tea.
Loaded with catechins, which improve liver function, green tea is the perfect detox brew.


7. Broccoli sprouts.
While all sprouts aid the body in breaking down fats, broccoli sprouts contain the most cancer-fighting enzyme-stimulating compounds.

8. Cabbage.
A potent anti-inflammatory food, cabbage powerfully activates both types of detox enzymes in the liver.

9. Fresh fruit.
Although high in simple sugars, the fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants in whole fruits trump that downside any day.

10. Water.
When all is said and done, if you aren't properly hydrated, all your cleansing efforts will be compromised. Eat lots of water-rich plant foods and drink at least eight glasses a day for optimal health.

The Healing Powers of Oxygen Treatments

Oxygen produces an immediate well-being and energetic sensation. Main importance is that it increases skin micro-circulation and oxygenation of the tissue. High pressurized injection of mixture,oxygen and serum. The actives will penetrate to the deepest level of the dermis. Excellent with Vitamin C Serum for age spots and expression wrinkles. Oxygen is essential to proper healing of bodily tissues, whether it's the skin, or muscles. In most cases, the act of breathing combined with a healthy network of veins and arteries provide enough oxygen for the body tissues to heal. However, in certain circumstances, oxygen treatment is used to substantially increase oxygen flow within tissues to improve healing. Oxygen Treatments used for: Crush Injuries: complications of crush injuries, such as from motor vehicle accidents, falls...etc just to name a few. By increasing oxygen delivery to injured tissues, oxygen treatments reduce swelling, improve healing and help fight infection. Problem Wounds: Wounds may fail to respond to standard care because of low oxygen levels and impaired circulation. Foot ulcers in diabetics are one such problem. By increasing oxygen levels within the wound tissues, therapy promotes healing. Anemia/Blood Loss: In cases where a patient can't accept a blood transfusion for medical or religious reasons, sufficient oxygen delivery (via red blood cells) might be compromised. Oxygen treatments will increase the oxygen content of existing red blood cells. Intra-cranial Abscess: A sinus infection may form an abscess within the body. antibiotics may be ineffective and white blood cells require a minimum oxygen level to kill bacteria. Treatment provides oxygen for white blood cells and inhibits bacteria that need low oxygen levels to grow. Soft Tissue Infections: These are serious infections- in which tissue is dying- that may be complicated by conditions such as diabetes or vascular disease. While primary treatments are removing the infected tissue and administering antibiotics, oxygen may inhibit bacteria from growing and enhance the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria. Radiation Therapy Complications: Chronic complications of radiation therapy used to treat cancer may result form scarring and narrowing of the blood vessels. Oxygen treatments allow more oxygen to reach these damaged areas and help prevent issue form dying for lack of blood and oxygen flow. Skin Grafts: The success of transferred skin grafts or flaps (which might include skin, deeper tissue, muscle and bone) is largely dependent on sufficient oxygen supply to the affected area. Oxygen treatment can be used to saturate the area with oxygen before and after grafting. Burns: Oxygen Therapy is sometimes used to treat burns. Oxygen therapy reduces swelling, limits progression of the burn injury (which continues 3-4 days after the initial injury) and may diminish lung damage from inhalation of heat and smoke. Oxygen Facial~ $110. Oxygen is a life-sustaining element. With oxygen, we have more energy, metabolic function and regeneration occurs. Oxygen infused into the skin reduces the appearance of expression aging, dehydrated skin and fine lines. During this treatment, you will receive cleansing, toning, exfoliation, face, neck, arm and hand massage, concentrated molecular oxygen together with vital skin nutrients are sprayed onto skin, assuring that delivery occurs in it's purest, most energizing and vital form. * Oxygen Mask Treatment additional $50. Sage Skin Spa 945 Spring Street Suite 1 (Bates Plaza) Paso Robles, Ca 93446 805-674-1341

7 Beauty Myths that Deserve to Die.

We are all so-called experts on skin care. After all, my friend's mother swore by smearing globs and globs of Vaseline on her face each and every night. And her skin was weathered like a piece of leather, so it must be true. Come close and let me share a secret. Would you believe me if I told you that not everything you hear or read is true? (Which might lead one to argue that that statement could therefore be false, which would negate this entire post... ouch I think I just pulled a muscle in my brain.) Here are some common beauty myths and what I found out about each. Myth: Cucumber Reduces Eye Puffiness The cucumber itself does not reduce puffiness. But consider this, have you ever heard of someone being referred to as hot as a cucumber? No, it's cool as a cucumber. Cucumbers are able to stay cold for long periods of time outside of a refrigerator.  That cold is what actually reduces puffiness (it causes blood vessels around our eyes to contract, thereby reducing swelling). That being said, you could lay a dirty sock over your eyes and it could help. As long as it is cold. Myth: Preparation H Reduces Eye Puffiness Yeah okay. NO. In fact, using Preparation H around the eyes can cause dry and inflamed skin. Therefore, you'll just end up with dry, inflamed, greasy eyes. You're better off just saving it for your nether region. Myth: Your Skin Pores Open and Close A pore is not a door or window - they can not open and close. However, if something is built up in the pore (like dead skin cells) the pores can appear enlarged. Seek out an expert esthetician http://www.sageskinspa.com for deep exfoliating in order to remove that gunk stuff. Myth: Soap is Bad for Your Skin When soaps contained lye and animal fat, this was true. But newer soaps are less harsh and often have good stuff like moisturizers. Recommendation - soaps of sage, handcrafted organic olive oil based soaps in 9 varieties. http://www.sageskinspa.com Myth: Vaseline on Your Face every Night will Prevent Wrinkles Petroleum can make wrinkles less apparent by softening lines, but can't prevent aging. Myth: Cutting Your Hair and Eyelashes Once a Week will Make Them Grow Longer We'll believe just about anything, won't we? Try this one out and you'll just end up bald. Myth: Never Pluck a Gray Hair; Ten More will Grow in it's Place Answer me this: If you grow some carrots and pull them up out of the ground, will a bunch more pop up in it's place?  It's just not possible.

How to summer proof your makeup

Summer is almost here, so it's time to change your makeup application routine to avoid makeup meltdown in the torrid summer days.

Making a full face makeup last all day in hot, muggy conditions is not easy, just as for some stepping outside 'bare face' is just as difficult.

If you still want to be able to wear makeup in the hot summer, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of makeup to know how to summer-proof your makeup.

Makeup Base

During the hot season we tend to sweat much more than in other season, which can instantly spoil our makeup.
Foundation can be very difficult in heat, it might melt down or smudge - to avoid any accidents - swap the liquid foundation to a waterproof powder foundation or mineral foundations.

This will give you the coverage you'll need, but your skin will still be able to breathe.

Carefully blend it into your skin, apply foundation only to certain spots, forget covering all your face with it.
Always have blotting paper at hand. It will will help you in removing the oil excess.

Eyes

Obviously waterproof mascara!
Opt for formulas that won't dry out your lashes. It is very important to let them breathe and keep them hydrated.

Take care how you wipe it off, your lashes might be very sensitive, as waterproof makeup is more stubborn.

In terms of eye shadows, you might look on the bright side with sheer, fresh colors. Pastel shades, neutrals, gold and aqua tones are very hot this season.


Eyeshadow primers are without a doubt essential weapons in summer-proofing your makeup.

Cream eyeshadows are definitely your best choice. Less is more, that's why keep things simple, apply only one or two shades to ease the proofing job.
Minerals, minerals, and again minerals....to avoid getting the panda eyes.

Lips

Lips can be as heavily affected by the sun just as your skin. So, you better take extra care of those kissies with proper conditioning and moisturizing.

Your lipstick might easily melt if you don't apply foundation to your lips.
This will keep it from smudging and smearing all over the place.

Lip liners are vital before applying the lipstick, these enhance its long-lasting effect. Then apply the lipstick or lip gloss for a natural look.

Choose tones that are close to your natural skin color. Your lips can also look fabulous if you use lip stains. Apply these to moisturized lips, since these are long lasting and can easily dry out your lips.

Practical Aromatherapy

How to dilute and use essential oils.

Aromatherapy enters the body in several ways.  When inhales, essential oils pass directly from the lungs into the bloodstream.  When absorbed through the skin in dilutions, aromatherapy oils enter the circulatory system.  If you carefully follow the guidelines for diluting and suggested uses, you'll be amazed at the efficacy of these plant-based remedies.

Start Safely:
Essential oils must be diluted before application to the skin.  Adding them to carrier oils such as hazelnut, grape seed, almond, or olive helps prevent skin irritation.  some citrus oils are photosensitizing, so avoid sun exposure for 12 hours after their application.

*Do not take essential oils internally.
Avoid essential oil use in the first trimester of pregnancy.  Later in pregnancy floral oils are best: rose, lavender, ylang ylang, jasmine, chamomile, and neroli.  Safe exceptions to flower oils include geranium, mandarin, orange, frankincense, and spearmint.  Use in 1/2 to 1 percent dilutions.

Dilution Guidelines:
1 percent dilution = 5 to 6 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil (best for babies, the elderly, or those of weak constitution).
2 percent dilution = 10 to 12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil (for general use). Do not exceed 15 drops per ounce of carrier oil.

Methods of Application:
Here's how to prepare essential oils before use:

• Massage oil: 2 percent dilution.
• Bath oil: 2 to 10 drops per tub (don't use irritant oils: peppermint, citrus, lemongrass, spice oils).
• Foot bath: 5 to 10 drops per gallon of water or herbat tea.
• Compress: 4 drops per quart of water.
• Gargle or mouthwash: 2 drops in one cup of water.
• Inhalant: 5 to 10 drops in bowl of hot water with towel tent; or sprinkle on hankie.
  

Yoga Pose of the Week

Supine Spinal Twist - Supta Matsyendrasana Is the Yoga Pose of the Week

A little holiday indulgence plus a little seasonal cold calls for nothing too ambitious on the mat. A supine spinal twist is just perfect to gently unwind the spine and flush out the organs. This week before the new year is always a good time for a little restorative yoga before stepping up your game again in 2010.

Supine Spinal Twist - What is it?:

The supine spinal twist is essentially laying on your back and gently rotating the spine by twisting at the waist. The shoulders lay flat on the floor, while one knee is bent and brought up and crossed over the body. The other leg stays on the floor. This movement can be very therapeutic; however, it does come with a warning for people with back pain.

Sage first blog post Woo Hoo

At SAGE our natural spa treatments ensure every visit is an opportunity for transformation.  By drawing inspiration from the natural benefits of herbs and plants our array of services cultivates rest and renewal.  At SAGE we are result oriented.  Visit Sage Skin Spa for restoration, rejuvenation, relaxation and restore your mind, body and  spirit.    http://www.sageskinspa.com