Battling Cellulite

Battling Cellulite

Spring is here and as summer approaches we reveal more skin. So at this time of the year, our skincare focus expands beyond our faces as we take closer looks at our legs and feet -- arms and hands ---and tummies more critically.

While weight loss may be a concern for some and the big focus is cellulite. Stubborn cellulite on our limbs and stomachs can frustrate even the thinnest and the most athletic of us.

We despair as the unattractive texture appears on the underside of our bicep and the backs of our legs as our skin thins with aging. The most disappointed are the slimmer and more athletic of us as cellulite shows more easily as the skin becomes thinner and loses the cushion of the fatty layer to reveal the accumulation of fat and toxins.

For those of us who want to look better and find solutions to lessening this accumulation of toxins, we also get other healthy benefits. Circulation is improved giving us more moist skin and I personally got slimmer shapelier legs. After a life of envy of those like my sister, who had long slim legs, I had finally resigned myself to more generously proportioned legs. But to my surprise my cellulite treatments gave me the slimmer legs that had eluded me in my youth.

I loved the results so much I wanted to share this great experience with clients. As I was training to do cellulite treatments, I was surprised to see that even my skinny arms had cellulite. While my cellulite was visible it was not severe enough to hurt. I found that people with stage three and four (more severe) cellulite were more sensitive to massage sometimes even to touch in those areas. So those of us with the worst cases could not tolerate the most effective cure very well.

So what are some viable options to lessen cellulite?

The best options, like anything for the long term, are the ones that included your own efforts. So Liposuction is not included. While Liposuction is an option for people who want to get rid of adipose fat but it does not lessen cellulite. Adipose fat is the fat from being overweight while cellulite is interwoven into the third layer of your skin.

Endermologie is one of my favourite treatments because its kneading massage movement is a welcomed relaxing feeling and it delivers great results. The results are not merely cosmetic but does reduce cellulite so that you get an overall health benefit of better circulation in your legs. A great place to have this done is in Markham where endermologie is popular with the Chinese Canadian women from Hong Kong and the therapists are passionate enough to keep updated about their work. At certain times of the year, you can get some very good deals. Nancy at MK Laser Clinic (www.mklaserclinic.com) was my successful introduction to endermologie. Her treatments gave me fast enough results to stick with it and to start a home program. Another great place get endermologie is Perrine Spa (905-763-3880). Annie the owner is continually updating her ability to get rid of cellulite with tips from her colleagues in Hong Kong.

The quick results from endermologie helped to encourage my effective self care.
Self-care is important for cellulite management long term. Benefits are its deep affects on your overall health and your appearance. It requires little other than dedication and it is simple to do. Starting results are slow if you do not support it with endermologie, so strong commitment needed.

An example of a simple quick home program begins daily with a brisk dry brush of your skin especially the areas with cellulite. It gets the circulation going and removes dead skin. Then jump into the shower. After towel drying massage skin with a good moisturizer. Work the areas you want to be rid of cellulite more vigorously.

Daily exercise is very, very helpful. I do yoga n the morning so I make sure lunge postures are part of my routine. Other great exercise practices include, walking, cycling, running, aerobics. Daily exercise will increase the speed and quality of the results. Choosing ones you enjoy is important so you will continue for the long term

Weekly care can include a hot steam sauna, hot baths with Epsom salts and a massage treatment. I am currently get reflexology from a very caring and knowledgeable reflexologist, Jean Louie. She comes to my home in the evenings twice a week. You can contact her at jean.reflexology@gmail.com

Dr. Wu at http://www.asian-acupuncture.com/ has been my energy tonic as I visit her regularly to balance and boost my body. Lately I have noticed a numb feeling just before my period so I have asked her to do some acupuncture and cupping on my front thighs to stimulate the circulation. This simple treatment has improved my comfort in this very trying time of my month so I am less moody and irritated the week before menstruation.

So you see keeping skin moist is not just beneficial for our faces, but will promote better circulation in our bodies. The secret to health and beauty is circulation.

What starts out merely as a cellulite treatment can slim down a disproportionate heavier body part, moistening chronically skin and relieve cold hands and feet.

Are the TV ads by makers of the pills for restless leg syndrome making you wonder about the lose - lose proposition of taking easy pharmaceuticals and the win – win of just a little effort and logical thinking?

I can see for Miles and Miles

Beautiful eyes are a sight to behold but what about sight itself? Are you resigned to the inevitability of sight deterioration as you age? Are you just going to accept reading glasses as you enter middle age? Do you believe that weakening vision, especially night vision is natural as time passes?

With each visit to my optometrist, I resolutely accepted the increasing weakening of my vision as a sign of aging. My prescription did not change but I wore my glasses more and my night vision was a scary concern as I begin to make more effort when driving in the dark.

Then one day my perception of sight, my sight, changed.

Just before the Christmas Holidays, I began correcting my vision to become glasses-free. I had met John Yee ( learn more about John’s innovative solution to near sightedness at http://www.theeyefix.com/ ) at the Whole Life Expo and after listening to his explanation of how he could correct my short sightedness without the risk of laser I decided to try his simple risk free solution to improve eye sight.

Glasses were a way of life for me. I come to loved hiding behind any one of my three pairs of prescription fashion sunglasses. I rarely wore glasses indoors but I did wear them at special occasions to replace the eye makeup I had grown allergic to. See FOR YOUR EYES ONLY to understand and relieve dry eyes.

Did you know that obeying your optometrist can worsen your eye sight? According to John my neglectful act saved my eye sight! Prescriptions are filled according to our night vision which is poorer than day vision. Therefore we all end up wearing glasses that are too strong for us during the day!! And that weakens our vision over a period of time. Since I did not wear my glasses religiously my prescription did not increase over time making John’s job of improving my vision quicker and easier.

To improve my vision all I need to do was to insert the lenses in my eyes for one minute three times a week and exercise my eyes by looking into the far distance. The lenses corrected my vision by changing the shape of my eyes.

John changed my lenses as my vision improved and with each new pair of lenses my vision improved. John generously lent me weaker glasses to compensate for weaker vision a night mainly for driving.

It’s been almost four months that I am glasses free. To maintain my vision I insert the lenses and exercise my eyes weekly now.

It is very frightening how little I knew about my vision and my eyes before correcting my vision naturally.

With my obstacle free vision, I have become more aware of how my eyes change as I go through changes in my monthly ovulation schedule and from the foods I eat and the stress I create in my life. I feel the dehydrating effects of the foods I am allergic to. My eyes would dry out and sometimes even water.

Now when I tell a client suffering from rosacea that eating Pitta foods are not good for her skin as red meat and oily foods make her capillaries dilate, I know how what dilating capillaries really mean as I feel the consequences of blurry vision.

While blurry vision is not great, I am thrilled with the discovery of the true meaning of holistic health. I welcome any experiences you have as you discover the miracle of your mind body and spirit.

I also now understand why my eyes are so allergic to make up. The drier the eyes are them more sensitive they become. Another opportunity to better help clients with sensitive or allergic eyes.

For Your Eyes Only

It is said the “EYES ARE THE WINDOW TO THE SOUL”. Most mornings like this one, I awaken with a puffy soul.

So my first act in the morning is to spray my eyes with Organic Rose Hydrosol ( for more information on this product go to http://www.pureandsimple.ca/2005/files/products/skincare.html) . This shot of moisture helps to start draining the stagnant fluids while I prepare myself to meet the world.

My daughter, who inherited this sluggish circulation around the eyes applies a cooling hydrating mask like our Calming Cucumber Mask instead. ( for more information on this product go to http://www.pureandsimple.ca/2005/files/products/skincare.html).

What’s the difference? It is really personal preferences. My Vata nature is impatient and want to move quickly onto my day while she is Pitts and moves through her day with more purposefully and demands better results.

It could be multiuse products as I also use the Organic Rose Hydrosol as my hydrator throughout the day while Kristen uses the Calming Cucumber Mask weekly to alleviate her sensitive skin’s redness and inflammation.

No matter, we both end up with less puffy eyes.

In the middle of the day, as my skin dehydrates, my eyes look more aged I freshen up my eyes with a dab of Collagen Elastin Plus( for more information on this product go to http://www.pureandsimple.ca/2005/files/products/skincare.html). This is a great trick to freshen your whole face if you want to look your best for a special night out.

Now you may be perplexed when I also complain about being plagued with dry eyes.

You may want to scream, “MAKE UP YOUR MIND – Do you have dry eyes or puffy eyes!”.

But the two are not mutually exclusive. The swelling from accumulating liquid is caused by dehydration. The dehydration in turn is caused by a lack of circulation as the delivery of moist nutrients to the cells is being impeded by under functioning capillaries. Therefore dehydration makes your eyes look and feel dry and also leaves you suffering from puffiness. It’s a generous two for.

So keep the areas around the eyes beautiful and healthy by keeping them moist. See previous blog entry, “VANITY IS GOOD FOR YOU” to read about how moist skin maintains good circulation.

For the adventurous try Netra Basti. A few years ago I treated my dry eyes to Netra Basti, an Ayurvedic Eye Treatment at the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico ( for more information about the Ayurvedic Institute and their Panchakarma program go to http://www.ayurveda.com/panchakarma/index.html ). This nourishing eye treatment is done by building a dam around the eye socket where warm ghee is poured over an open eye. For about fifteen minutes your therapist leads you through eye exercises which clean of pollution and other debris caught behind the eyes. This eye treatment relieved my chronic eye strain and rejuvenated my aging eye area. It was worth the day of looking like one who awoke from a major alcoholic binge as my eyes swelled up from greedily absorbing the ghee.

If after you have tried the serum and eye cream and even Netra Basti and you still have puffy eyes it may be due to aging organs. Chronic dehydration and water retention can reveal a weakening kidney. As we age our organs need some pampering. I take Banyan Botanicals Kidney Formula to give my kidneys a boost. If you are plagued with puffy eyes or dark circles ( also caused by circulatory problems or it could be warning you of an oveloaded liver) see a good Naturopath, Traditional Chinese Doctor or Ayurvedic Doctor to give a boost to overloaded or weakening organs. Look good; Feel good at its truest!

More about Naturopaths, Traditional Chinese Doctors ad Ayurvedic Doctors along with detoxing organs later. Please feel free to ask questions here or in person.

A Winning Experience

This journey began when our accountant Steven Chong surprised us by nominating Pure + simple for the Most Innovative Company Award 2009 to the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneur Awards committee just before Christmas. This is very telling of Steven’s exceptional talents as an accountant if you knew my unconventional approach to bookkeeping.

The vetting process was very formal and thorough as Pure + simple’s achievements and potentials were tested by the ACCE Selection committee of business owner members and outside professionals from the Ontario Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services and Pricewaterhouse Coopers.

When we became finalist, we were interviewed by Christine Lam of Pricewaterhouse Coopers and Vernon Tao of the Ontario Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services.

While Kristen and I did our best to win them over---- we, or at least I was not fazed by the opportunity. While Kristen took the day off to get her hair professionally done and had taken some time off to shop and put together a special outfit— I decided to work my shift at our Oakville shop and had not even thought of my outfit until it was time to dress.

Of course as a Mid-Ager, I have a collection of designer suits to comfortably choose from. I chose one that was evening’ish – black on black with sequins discreetly caught in mesh —conservative cut to help me look the part of an serius business woman ---and was old enough to be considered vintage to convey my philosophy of conservation and respect for the environment.

I rush to pick up a couple of my staff and to get some help in make up. I had to put on enough make up as to not look washed out for the cameras but not so heavy handed as to scare onlookers in daylight as the cocktail reception was at six.

As a habitual late arriver, we enter with some of the dignitaries who arrived in Rolls Royce’s and dropped off elegantly and expensively dress women with jewelry that sparkled even in daylight. My first hint this not just any business as usual award.

The second hint was the parade of VIP’s, including Canada’s Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty, entering the dining hall. My stomach closed as I took a bite of my smoked salmon appetizer. I could feel my heart beat faster and I blame the salt in the salmon and decide not to eat anymore. When the main course arrived I ate the sea bass which I ordered to substitute for the usual beef. An Ayurvedic aside --- I only eat beef if the weather is very damp and cold as it has a tendency to make me dull minded and sleepy otherwise. When ever I hear my voice on tape, I am shock at its high pitch so –it was no to bread, potatoes, dairy or sugar to keep my voice at its best squeaky best. And a big no to cold drinks as in times of nervous energy, it can stir up Vata and making me appear flakey and incoherent.

After dinner and a lengthy introduction of dignitary speeches about how important entrepreneurship and innovation were especially in these “recessionary time” the award announcements begin.

My petty nature gives me momentarily relief as we followed a “not too stellar” speaker as the second recipients. But it is not long before I experience the fleeting quality of confidence from the external sources as I walked across the stage and was overcome by the sea of lights from cameras that are there to objectively record my actions into oblivion.

Now I panic. I am to speak as my ADD mind is attracted to the lights and the reverberations of the microphone. Add to it my stage fright and my fear of looking foolish and I am filled with a feeling of jeopardy. I fight for my concentration, as I coach myself to talk slowly. I regret not having cue cards. So I decide to make it short by editing down the people to thank and to forget any attempts at humour.

Kristen is prepared with notes, which instead of looking robotic, she came off as a very articulate and confident. After we leave the stage I am calm but finally feel my hunger. There is no opportunity to eat as food is cleared from the tables and Kris and I are called to get photographed for the newspapers to publicize our win.

When I return I catch the lengthy speech of female winner—it was a great year for women as five of the seven winners were owned or c-owned by women. But at thirty minutes long, her acceptance speech it was longer than the audience’s attention span and reminiscent of the droning on’s of an old codger.

I met the talented designer my closet of black down coats as they announced the winner of the Most Progressive Company of 2009, Johnny Yui. I love his coats for their warmth, quality, design and because they did not make me look like the Michelin Man. I was truly honour to meet Johnny and his partner, Bessi Chow the VP of Everything. And of course it was a nice surprise she was already a client of Pure + simple’s.

Then to top off the evening Ann Hoy, director of the Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services, came to congratulate me and asked if I would find time to meet with the Minister. Even though I have no idea who the Minister is – I did finally realize the importance of this award and the importance of the ethnic community that has generously accepted Pure + simple as one of their own.

Ayurvedic Doshas

For those unfamiliar with Pure + simple I have prepared a succinct description of Ayurveda, the science or study of life.

Ayurveda is based on the Indian concept of holistic healthy living which recognizes the three types of energy referred to as Doshas. Everything seen and unseen in our world has all three characteristics but in most one or two Doshas dominate. The Doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Vata : Air, Ether Energy

Vatas are slim, small boned people with chiseled features. Their skins are delicate, thin with small pores. Their complexions darken with age due to loss of moisture. They need to take care of their skin from a young age due to their skin’s natural dry dehydrated state.
Vatas are spiritual, creative, and innovative. They make good spiritual leaders, strategists and entrepreneurs as they invite change and are risk takers.

When Vata is in imbalance the afflicted person can appear fickle, indecisive, unpredictable, and confused and confusing. Their skin will be parched appearing dry, dull and with fine and or deep lines.
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Vata governs the nervous system so when nervous disorders, like mental illnesses or physical shaking appear there is usually a Vata imbalance whether Vata is the dominant Doshas or not.


Pitta : Fire, Water Energy

Pittas are of a medium, athletic build. Their skins have a golden hue with redness caused by dilated capillaries. Pittas can reveal themselves with their red toned hair and piercing eyes.

To avoid redness, rosacea, moles and hyper pigmentation, Pittas need to keep their skin hydrated and protect their skin from inflammation from excess sun, heat or wind. Pittas are prone to acne due to the heat caused by diet, toxins or stress.

Pittas are intelligent, logical and love fairness. They make good leaders in Business, Politics and Law as they enjoy competition, power, order and status.

When Pitta is in imbalance, the person is irritable, petty, overly structured and overly competitive. Skin can appear red, acneic and congested, like it is swollen.

Pitta imbalances show in inflammatory disorders like hypertension and heat rashes and allergic disorders like intolerances, allergies and eczema

Kapha : Earth, Water
Kaphas have a large bone structure and can be fleshy, curvaceous. They have oily skin which if Kapha is in balance will have a healthy glow with even poring.

To avoid skin that appears deeply lined, orange peel texture and cystic acne, Kaphas need to make sure they keep their skins hydrated to prevent excess oil production.

Kaphas strength is physical. They have strong stamina and their bodies can maintain a youthful appearance into old age. Kahas are dependable, loyal, nurturing and work well with routine.

Kaphas make good bankers, accountants, administrators and for those who prefer physical work, tradesmen and craftsmen.

When Kapha is in imbalance, a person can appear to be overly possessive, greedy and dependent. There can be a tendency for depression.

Imbalances with Kapha can lead to cancer, hypothyroidism and diabetes.

For chart of the characteristics go to:
http://www.pureandsimple.ca/2005/files/products/ayurvedic.html

For a more complete description go to http://www.pureandsimple.ca/ for information on BEAUTY 2.0 by Kristen Ma

Battling AGING

Marketers use the term “Anti-aging” to attract the attention of aging boomers and proactive Generation Xer and Yer’s. While aging is the process of life, we spend a great deal of effort and money fighting it. When we are young, we welcome the changes as a journey of growth.

Whether it is advertising or precociousness, our battle against aging is beginning at a younger age. Clients in their twenties realize their mortality and become consumers of anti-aging.

As a natural skincare specialist, I prefer sensible, healthy, non-risky strategies for both the boomers who are looking to turn back time and for the younger Xers + Yers who want to head into their wiser years with physical, youthful beauty. Our clients at Pure + simple’s clients are independent thinkers and healthy lifestylers who are cognoscente of the importance of natural products and a balanced and long term out look but they are no less compromising about looking their best and than any other market segment. Their vision of beauty includes health, character and individuality.

Therefore the solutions are innovative and vary with the individuality of our clients. The core criteria are healthy tested treatments, effective natural products and long term results.

The variations in treatments depend on the current condition of the client’s skin, the desired result, his/her budget, his/her time/effort commitment, treatment compatibility and personal beliefs and preferences.

Those of us who want easy solutions with little effort to gain youthfulness can become willingly duped. Effective anti-aging is a lifelong combination of good lifestyle habits and good genetics. Consistent adherence to good diet, proper exercise and healthy grooming/skincare can do much to a lifetime of increasing and deepening beauty. Magical or aggressive solutions are at best boosters or support to a healthy lifestyle.

My anti-aging solutions grew out of my professional experience of client needs, the results we got, along with my own aging experience and Ayurveda. Looking and being beautiful doesn’t need to be a struggle or a battle. It can come to you naturally as you flow with the energies of the universe