The skin is a bi-valve organ - what does that mean?

*For a quick scroll the main points are in bold*

Usually when we hear “Bivalve” we think of molluscs! However in this case we are talking about our bodies largest organ, the skin.

Our skin is porous, it both secretes and absorbs, and countless studies show that what we put on our skin, ends up in our body. An example that surprises most people, is that within roughly 26 seconds of a product touching our skin, its in our bloodstream. The average number of chemicals found in a brand new babies umbilical chord are over 300!! That’s just from their mum using daily hygiene products, skincare and shampoo etc.

So what we put on our body, is just as significant as what we put on it. This is why it’s so important to pay close attention to the ingredients in our skincare.

Ingredients such as harsh, toxic chemicals, colors, and fragrances, those ingredients make their way into your body, your blood and lymphatic system. The majority of mainstream body care products contain a cocktail of carcinogenic chemicals, allergens, and irritants.

To eliminate a lot of toxic chemicals, preservatives, and fragrances that are harmful to our bodies, choose certified organic and natural skin care products.

It is important to read labels and become educated about what ingredients to avoid when selecting body care products. A good motto to go by is if you can’t pronounce it or have only seen it in a science class, don’t use it! Petroleum derivatives, preservatives, synthetic fragrances and dyes go by many names. A few examples of common ingredients to steer clear of are Cocoamidopropyl Betaine, Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Luaroyl Sarcosinate, Potassium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sulfates, Parabens, and Phenoxyethanol.

Luckily there are more and more companies eliminating harmful substances out of our bathroom cabinets, of course my 1st recommendation is the award winning Tropic Skincare, totally toxin free, cruelty free and vegan, as well as producing zero carbon footprint. The range includes cleansers, powerful serums, make up, coral friendly SPF, deodorants and more. I am an ambassador for Tropic skincare, you can browse and purchase via the link below!

Another is from talented North East entrepreneur, Becca Rose of Becca Rose beauty! Check out Esperanca the beautiful organic, vegan friendly range, using fair trade and high quality ingredients, pure ethical luxury, made with care and compassion for all people, paws, and the planet. Link below.

Massage is due to re-open - why it is essential for our health now more than ever

Good news for Spring!

Currently, massage therapy is re-opening from April 12th. Due to the changeability to dates, bookings will be taken one week before, to save having to re-book and cancel again, should the date be changed.

(Go to The Westoe Practice Online here or call 01914250101)

Therapeutic touch is incredibly beneficial for us, as most of us know & agree!

Although for a long time it was seen as an indulgence, it has been recently recognized as a legitimate treatment for pain and emotional well-being - Massage can relieve pain by way of several mechanisms, including relaxing painful muscles, tendons, and joints; relieving stress and anxiety; and helping to "close the pain gate" by stimulating competing nerve fibers and impeding pain messages to and from the brain.

With the amount of social distancing and isolation over the last 12+ months, this human need for connection has suffered greatly - and massage is the tonic. Allowing our connective tissue to relax, stress levels to reduce, and serotonin levels to rise. This precious time to rest, reconnect with yourself and listen to your body, improves physical comfort, bringing increased mental and emotional resilience, as well as boosting immunity. I could literally go on, but here are two useful links for more reasons to care for yourself.

Click here - How massage boosts immunity

Click here - Effects on Depression and Anxiety.

Ayurveda corner

Kapha season - living inline with the seasons

According to Ayurveda, winter and spring are “Kapha”seasons. The atmosphere and weather are cold, heavy, damp and slow. The damp, cold and heavy qualities can manifest as accumulated toxins, clogging the energetic channels and lowering our immunity. This is why the onset of spring can trigger many seasonal imbalances, such as allergies, colds, fatigue and digestive sensitivities.

Like attracts like, and opposites balance, with this in mind, it is helpful for us to be more conscious in our food and lifestyle choices at this time, to avoid becoming imbalanced.

Opt for warming, light and less heavy oily foods such as; warming soups, kitchari, and dishes which incorporate warming stimulating spices like cinnamon, black pepper, chili.

In opposite action to accumulation and slowness, consider taking the time for a spring clean, and enjoy some light exercise (just to raise your heart rate slightly and generate warmth, not burn out) and try not to sleep in as this just makes us slower and more drowsy!

Try to always listen to your body, and what it needs: don’t push it. Our bodies are working for us, and we must care for them with kind attention and awareness.

To close this months newsletter, I offer a few minutes of respite, especially those suffering from jaw pain or the teeth clenchers out there! Click on the link below for a lovely short tutorial on releasing tension.

Stay warm, cosy, and light, I can’t wait to see you all soon!

Love and Lavender

Amanda x

“Extremes are easy, strive for balance”