​The metallic shine of Marcasite has been valued by numerous civilizations since antiquity.
The Ancient Incans, Greeks and Egyptians all valued marcasite. It was not uncommon to see Cleopatra herself adorned in Marcasite gemstones.

Marcasite is a natural gemstone and is derived from a mineral called 'pyrite'. Pyrite and Marcasite (FeS2) are iron disulfide compounds, however Marcasite jewelry is made from Pyrite (fool's gold), not, as the name suggests, from Marcasite. Pyrite is similar to Marcasite, but more stable and less brittle.

Pyrite works with the solar plexus, increasing one’s vitality. It provides a massive boost to one’s willpower and directs this energy towards overcoming bad habits, allowing one to build a strong foundation for new healthy patterns, and a constant flow of positive energy. 

Hormone and nicotine patches work because our skin absorbs a lot of what we put on it. Many of the ingredients in conventional deodorant have serious safety issues.

Triclosan, for example, may disrupt normal thyroid function and alter hormones. Aluminum, which is present in some “natural crystal” deodorants, has been classified by an oncologist as a genotoxin and hormone disruptor. Other harmful ingredients may include propylene glycol, parabens, and “fragrance,” which often includes phthalates.
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Ready to toss your store-bought deodorants goodbye?  Here’s an easy recipe!
Ingredients: 

• 3 tablespoons baking soda – if this feels like too much after trying it, decrease by a tablespoon and increase the arrowroot powder by one tablespoon
• 5 tablespoons arrowroot powder or non-GMO cornstarch
• 6 tablespoons shea butter (it’s not greasy and absorbs easily)
• 30-60 drops essential oil (tea tree, frankincense, lavender and patchouli are good options)

To Make
In a deep bowl, mix baking soda and arrowroot powder (or cornstarch together). Using your hands or a fork, work in the shea butter until it looks like very crumbly dough. Add in essential oil if using and then whip the deodorant together using a hand mixer. It will seem too dry at first and you’ll wonder if it’s really going to come together, but it will. You do need a deep bowl, though, because in the initial stage of mixing you don’t want the powder to go over the side of the bowl. Transfer to a clean glass jar – I use a 4 ounce jar.
To Use
Using your fingertips, scoop out a very small amount of deodorant – really, a little goes a long way – and rub it in your underarm area until it’s invisible. The deodorant will absorb quickly and keep you smelling fresh, but if you want extra dryness protection you can apply a layer of arrowroot powder over the deodorant using a makeup brush.
 

Does this sound like you these days?

• tired & drained? 
• poor social skills?
• deny yourself of pleasures?
• lack of passion, enthusiasm, excitement?
• lack of creativity?
• fear of change?

Then CARNELIAN is the stone for you!
 
Carnelian is our ideal stone to help enhance and/or balance our sacral chakra. It entrains us to the vibrations of physical & mental energy, creation energy!

In fact, if you’re needing energy or vitality of any sort, Carnelian really helps boost that.
It also amplifies our creativity energy; that “take-action energy”. Or if you are just physically tired, you could use a boost of Carnelian energy.

Carnelian is a somewhat translucent, yet vibrantly colored Micro-Crystalline Quartz. 
It’s a type of quartz (silicon dioxide), but it doesn’t grow in the shape of the usual 6-sided Hexagonal Quartz shape with a point, because it’s what we call “Micro Crystalline”, meaning that there are teeny-tiny crystals there, but you can only see them under a microscope.  
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It’s usually a deep succulent orange color, getting its color from iron impurities in the quartz. It’s most often a solid (slightly see-through in spots) orange, but it can also be banded. 

Anytime of the year is a good time to make sure your Essential Oil First Aid Kit is ready but especially as you’re planning summer excursions.

I use a small carrying case that holds up to eight - 2ml bottles of essential oils. You can use anything to carry your essential oils as long as it is dark and insulated (if you are traveling in super warm temperatures).

Suggested oils might include:
Lavender: Stings and bites, burns, bruises, scrapes. It has analgesic, antiseptic and more properties to help heal wounds. Not to mention the calming effect it will have to the person affected.

Tea Tree: Tea Tree is good for all types of infections. It is antifungal, antiviral and anti-bacterial. Tea Tree is good for all kinds of skin wounds and irritations from sunburn, to acne, athlete’s foot and more.

Peppermint: Peppermint is known for its anti-nausea and indigestion relief. Peppermint also helps with headaches, sinus congestion and even for painful joints!
I recently read where adding a few drops to some calamine lotion, helps relieve and heal Poison ivy lesions more quickly!  And if you are camping, Peppermint will help keep the ants away from the picnic table.

Roman Chamomile and/or German Chamomile: Excellent to help you and your children relax and fall asleep more easily after a day of excitement.
Of course, they also have anti-inflammatory properties and are helpful for burns, bee stings, nettle rashes, and other injuries. These oils are natural antihistamines and may help with various air born allergies.

Eucalyptus: Best known to help relieve congestion from coughs and colds, but did you know that it is also an excellent insect repellent…..especially Eucalyptus Lemon. Eucalyptus has great antiseptic and antiviral properties.

Rosemary: This wonderful stimulating essential oil is great to use on long road trips. Rosemary can also be used along with Peppermint for those headaches that can pop up out of nowhere.
Just a drop or two mixed with a little carrier oil and rubbed on the back of your neck and shoulders will relieve those headaches within a few minutes. Use Rosemary on painful muscles and joints too!

Lemon: Lemon is known for its antiseptic and disinfecting properties. Lemon will freshen and clean most all surfaces. It can be very effective on insect bites.

Helichrysum: Helichrysum is a go to for injuries that are painful as it has superb analgesic properties, is antibacterial and helps if used on bruises shortly after they occur. Since it has analgesic properties bumps and bruises won't be as painful.
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Four Robbers Blend (OnGuard/Four Thieves): Four Robbers Blend is used to keep our immune system strong should we encounter some ill people while exploring shopping areas or in various places where crowds gather like: fairs, museums, celebrations etc.

​This relaxing facial treatment increases circulation and nutrients to the skin, increases lymphatic flow, and reduces inflammation. Increasing blood flow and circulation to the skin helps to regain a younger appearance. It also helps with acne so is appropriate for teenagers!

Some of the benefits of Facial Cupping include:
Reduce puffiness
Lift muscles
Minimize under-eye bags
Minimize wrinkles
Plump lips
Reduce sinus & allergies
Decrease TMJ pain and swelling

How does it work?
Glass suction tubes designed for the face are used to rhythmically and gently vacuum tissues of the face, neck and upper chest. The suction created, lifts, tones, relaxes facial muscles, and plumps the lines. It moves toxins and stagnant blood out, and ushers new nutrient-enriched blood and fluids in, to detoxify your face; thereby repairing and nourishing your face. Its deep invigorating action increases elastin and collagen. It reverses gravity’s effects on your face, like hanging upside down would, giving a youthful glow. It gives your face a lymphatic drainage and increases circulation, resulting in a clearer, cleaner, more even complexion.  AND it’s completely painless and leaves no marks.
 
Facial Cupping History
Women in Asia, Russia and Europe have been utilizing facial cupping for facial rejuvenation and youth maintenance for 5000 years. It was one of the secrets of the Geisha.

Facial Protocol
Step 1: Massage of face and neck with an organic oil which includes Alpine rose stem cells, argan and pomegranate oils.
Step 2: Light Suction
Step 3: Application of an organic serum I have created which includes Rosehip Seed Oil, Frankincense, Myrrh, and Jasmine.
Step 4: Gentle massage with Jade Roller
 
Facial Cupping
This procedure utilizes glass suction tubes specially designed for your face.  They have soft, rounded edges, and will not leave any marks on your face at all. The negative pressure created by the light suction is the opposite of what we are used to in life; most therapies push into the skin, prodding, and compressing. This creates space for movement, flow, and nourishment.  As with any facial massage, or treatment, the skin may be red for a few minutes after the treatment, but it quickly returns to its original color, making the treatment accessible for lunch hour spa breaks and for the woman (or man) on the go.
 
Maximum Benefits
Recommendations for Treatment:
Your skin will look improved with one session so it’s a nice thing to do for yourself anytime. However, a series is required for optimal results. For maximum beneficial results, the following schedule of treatments is recommended:
•    First 3 weeks: a treatment twice a week (each session 60 minutes)
•    Following 6 weeks: a treatment once a week (each 60 minutes)
 

​Auralite 23 has been scientifically proven to be the world’s oldest crystal gemstone which developed over 1.5 billion years ago, as the first signs of life appeared on earth.  It is found in Canada’s “Cave of Wonders” remotely nestled north of Lake Superior within the Boreal Forest of the Canadian Shield.

Scientists have discovered 23 earth minerals and elements within this crystal.  The average Auralite crystal contains at least 17 of the following:  titanite, cacoxenite, lepidocrosite, ajoite, hematite, magnetite, pyrite, goethite, pyrolucite, gold, silver, platinum, nickel, copper, iron, limonite, sphalerite, covellite, chalcopyrite, gilalite, epidote, bornite, and rutile. 

It has a very high vibration and holds the energetic properties of all the minerals that is contains. Auralite-23 brings one into a state of deep peace and calmness.  It has a very strong energy that can enhance psychic abilities and increase the clarity of Spiritual vision.  It also supports all the chakras.

Black Tourmaline is my go to crystal for neutralizing EMF energy emitted from the TV or the computer. For that reason, it’s always in front of me, between me and my laptop. I’m transmuting that electromagnetic radiation coming off of the laptop. 
 
In addition, it’s a powerful tool for:
     Neutralizing negative energy
     Grounding
     Energetic protection
     Empaths

Neutralizing a Space
I also like it for transmuting negative energy that people might bring into a space.  I keep a fairly large Black Tourmaline next to my front door.

Black Tourmaline is ideal for helping us to connect and ground to Mother Earth.  Ancient peoples were (are) very aware of all of this and knew to monitor the cycles and to stay closely connected to the planet. Being closely in-tune allows us to regulate many bodily functions and feel GROUNDED… dissipating any excess energy to the ground.

Our body’s various vibrational frequencies can be moved out of our dominant oscillary rate very easily when we experience stress, which we are constantly doing, especially since we are not regularly connecting with Mother Earth to re-balance.  Crystal healing naturally entrains (synchronizes) our body back to its base resonant frequency.  Black Tourmaline is associated with the Root Chakra.

I highly recommend staying grounded as much as possible and, yes, we can use crystals to help us to do that:
Black tourmaline, smokey quartz, and hematite are all good grounding crystals.  Earthing is amazing ~ Get barefoot and go outside which is the ultimate in grounding. Your feet are meant to connect with Mother Earth! That’s why animals are so well grounded and in-tune. They’re always barefoot! 

Black Tourmaline has two critical physics properties:

1. It’s pyroelectric
2. It’s piezoelectric

Both which mean that, essentially, it can polarize and transduce electricity and energy. It has a MOH’s hardness of 7-7.5, which means it can safely be immersed in water or an elixir.
 
 

A new UCSF pilot study has a simple suggestion for a treatment to fend off serious age-related issues like Alzheimer's, diabetes and heart disease.

University researchers in tandem with the San Francisco Veterans Administration (VA) Health Care System now have reason to believe that inflammation of the skin may further the development of multiple chronic diseases, and one way to help fix the issue is by applying reparative moisturizer.

The study's authors write that as skin begins to lose moisture and deteriorate around age 50, it begins to experience a breakdown of the "permeability barrier." The barrier is meant to both keep water in the body and act as a shield from sinister pathogens outside our bodies.
When this barrier weakens with age because of the loss of moisture, it releases cytokines (a sort of protein released by immune system cells) to signal inflammation in age-affected areas of the skin. Typically, such cytokines are meant to help repair the barrier, but older skin takes more effort to fix, researchers write, so the skin repeatedly releases these "inflammatory signals." Eventually, the cytokines can leak into the blood, potentially causing inflammation all over the body.

Previously, researchers didn't suspect that skin could be to blame to furthering such diseases, but more recent studies have pointed to the possibility that skin inflammation may be to blame for heart disease.

"The inflammation must come from an organ big enough that very minor inflammation can affect the whole body. Skin is a good candidate for this because of its size," said study senior author Dr. Mao-Qiang Man. "Once we get old, we have dermatological symptoms like itchiness, dryness and changes in acidity. It could be that the skin has very minor inflammation, and because it's such a large organ, it elevates circulating cytokine levels."

The UCSF study was conducted with 33 adults between the ages of 58 and 95 years old. They were given a type of moisturizer researchers had noted for its ratio of three lipids known to be beneficial to skin health. The participants were directed to apply the moisturizer all over the body twice a day for a month, after which clinicians found their cytokine levels "to be nearly equivalent with people in their 30s, suggesting that rejuvenating the skin can reverse 'inflamm-aging.'"
​
Next, scientists will follow up on their initial findings with a more long-term study to test the effects of applying the moisturizer. If the findings are similar, it may confirm that applying reparative moisturizer may be an effective way of staving off chronic diseases.
 

What is the fundamental difference between Western and Eastern medical approaches? What is the philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine? The picture below simply demonstrates the basic tenets of each.

On the left side, we see the western model.  It is grounded in Cartesian philosophy, which separates mind and body.  The body is seen as a machine, broken down into distinct parts.  Western medicine requires specialists to tend to each part rather than the whole body.  If a part is broken, it is fixed or removed, and may be replaced. The focus is on treating the patient after illness has taken hold.  Western medicine is particularly helpful in managing acute injuries and emergencies.

The Eastern approach to medicine is pictured on the right.  We see the human body as a garden, an ecosystem where all parts contain and affect the whole.  Traditional Chinese Medicine is rooted in Taoism, and sees the body as a microcosm of the universal macrocosm.  Just as a garden is affected by the environment, so is our body.   In Chinese Medicine, there is a fundamental principal called "yang sheng," which means "nourishing life.  In other words, the “interior environment”  is of utmost importance and Eastern physicians were historically paid for keeping patients well rather than treating sickness.  There's a Chinese adage that is often cited:  "Don't dig a well when you're thirsty!"  The goal in Eastern medicine is to nourish the body and mind, establishing harmony so that it is resistant to disease.  It is only when the body is out of balance that disease can arise. 
 
Of course, perfect harmony is difficult to attain and maintain, so Chinese medicine also intervenes to address imbalances in the body and mind, with the understanding that each part of the body is connected and affects the whole.  Acupuncturists look at the constellation of signs and symptoms that a patient presents with to determine the pattern and root cause of their particular condition.  The approach is to treat the fire (root cause) rather than the smoke (symptoms), and bring the body back into balance. 
 
 
 

Facial cupping is an extension of full-body cupping. It's an east-meets-west, all-natural alternative to more extreme anti-aging solutions, like a facelift or lasers and chemicals.

Using special cups designed for the delicate skin of the face, facial cupping offers many similar benefits.  Facial cupping stimulates blood flow to the tissue.  By improving blood circulation to the skin, fibroblast cells are stimulated which produce natural collagen and elastin. Increasing fibroblast activity thickens the skin back to its youthful state. Facial cupping reduces wrinkles and fine lines, as well as increases the absorption of skin care products.

Just as in acupuncture the Qi must be flowing freely before optimal results can be achieved.  After I have removed any energetic blocks and the Qi is flowing freely, I use cups of different sizes strategically placed on areas of the face.  Almost immediately, you will feel your muscles start to relax and any facial tension melting away.  The treatment is finished with the application of a custom serum I have created using Rosehip Seed Oil. You'll notice plumper, fuller skin right away. Don't worry: Unlike body cupping, which can bruise, facial cupping tends to be much gentler. 
 
Although I recommend a series of 12 sessions for a more lasting effect, it’s a great thing to do before a special occasion.  It gives you that lifted and refreshed look.