Body Care

!Scroll to find out about other subjects on this page:***THE STIMULATING FACE SCRUB ***HOW ABOUT A LOW-COST MINI HEALTH SPA *** HOW ABOUT A MINI-GYM IN YOUR HOME *** READ YOUR LABELS!

THE STIMULATING FACE SCRUB … a must if you want to improve your skin

It was always an adventure for me when my grandmother came to visit from the United States.  She would unpack a variety of surprises and beauty treatments which were then compared to my mother’s finds of European origin.

No matter in which country we resided, neighbors would come and visit and over a cup of tea asked questions about new treatments from America. I realized at an early age the importance of looking one’s best (for oneself) was of great interest to ladies from all countries and continents … and I knew that I was destined to eventually follow in the same footsteps.

I think of dead skin cells like the dead leaves on the lawn which will prevent most of the watering from reaching the soil and new grass, by absorbing most of the moisture. When one rakes the dead leaves away … the new grass will be able to get all the needed moisture to regenerate. This is just like our skin - removing the dead cells and the new skin will be able to breath, absorb and maintain moisture in order to regenerate.

So as you can see, I was taught to scrub my skin … from face to toes at an early age. At that time I used a very rough washcloth and then eventually added exfoliation granules. On the other hand, since I came to live in the U.S.A. I was told that the face should be washed gently in order not to damage the skin … the exact opposite of what I was brought up with.  But what about face-lifts and other aggressive and expensive methods of facial rejuvenation? They certainly are not ‘gentle’ … and usually only last a few years, in addition to making the individual look somewhat ‘different’ from one procedure to another, depending on the results of the physician’s artistic ability.

While all this different information may seem confusing, I did make my own decision about my skin, based on my own experiences.  Since I don’t believe  in face lifts (unless absolutely necessary due medical conditions) I make sure that my skin remains clear of dead skin cells which accumulate on a daily basis and hamper the skin from breathing properly.  In addition, I make sure to use a good moisturizer … free of cruelty to animals!

Since the skin is constantly in the process of renewing itself, it is very beneficial to help it along by removing the old cells with stimulating granules.  Sloughing off dead, flaky, hardened cell build-up helps remove that drawn, tired, dry look.  Just a few treatments will make your skin look better and feel smoother.  You will also have better results if you don’t use makeup foundation - most can dry out your skin and clog the pores and not to forget … it stains your clothes.

HOW ABOUT A LOW-COST MINI HEALTH-SPA. You can create it right in your own home & spend hardly any $$$!

The more pleasant an atmosphere you can create in your personal mini health-spa, the more it will become associated in your mind as a haven of rest for the ultimate in physical relaxation and comfort … where you can make yourself look and feel good.

Make these moments a regular habit, they will help relax you … so important for your total well being.  Conversely, the result of not taking time out for your personal needs will leave you feeling dissatisfied and drained.  If you share your space with others … you will have to have co-operation  so you can enjoy your quiet time  … which of course works for others as well.

To me, a bath is one of the most enjoyable pleasures in life.  I have always taken great care in decorating my bathrooms - my spa. I usually add light-weight drapes, reaching to the ceiling to the already existing sliding doors … they help keep the air warm, which makes the whole bathing experience a more comfortable and lasting pleasure.

Throughout WWII , and long after the war, before normal order was established, my dreams were of  lounging in a steaming bath, filled to the brim with warm water, uninterrupted by fear of bombs and the sound of explosions.  Fantasizing about the pleasures of bathing, became a form of wishful thinking.

In those years, no one dared to risk being caught in the bath.  Eventually, bathing had become a thing of the past anyway, not only due to utilities being shut off, but also due to destroyed pipes and the contamination of water.

Collecting rainwater during the summer and snow during the winter, helped immensely - just to have water for washing.  The winter months added more complications … towels were not able to dry due to the freezing weather and consequently left moisture on the skin, which resulted in frostbite … a most painful condition.  There was nothing we could do to help alleviate the pain, except wrap our swollen (to the point of bursting) hands and feet in thick layers of cloth to keep the skin from being exposed to the freezing atmosphere. Shoes, gloves and mittens did not fit over the bandages.  Rings had to be cut off due to the extreme and sudden swelling of the fingers.

So, when I take a bath, I take advantage of these moments by making them into a real beauty treat, not just a way to get clean.  Soft music … candles … and all my special tools handy … the scene is set!

No matter how out-dated the bathroom might be, small changes and additions could give it a new look and transform it into your new mini-health-spa.  A few wall hooks will hold your rejuvenating tools necessary for your forth-coming program, and if you have space, add shelves, or, a small table to hold your towels, lotion, bath salts, mirror, and not to forget … a candle in an enclosed  candle holder … for safety!

HOW ABOUT A MINI-GYM IN YOUR HOME. This is another $$ saving treat, to KEEP IN SHAPE!

I have difficulty keeping my walls blank. They all seem to have a purpose … either with wonderful pictures, photos and lots of plants.  But I usually find a small area on the wall, maybe five feet wide for a well organized MINI-GYM - a constant reminder TO KEEP IN SHAPE!

If you are serious about starting an exercise routine, you might convert a small area in your hall way or where ever you can create an area to help promote your new life-style which will make it easier for you, instead of driving to a gym or, stashing or hiding your exercise tools in a closet … ‘out of sight/ out of mind’! This statement reminds me of a computer translation from English into Russian … the translation came out as “Invisible Idiot”!

Here are a few basic items to ’stock’ your home gym: A full-length MIRROR … which will also be helpful when you dress; An exercise mat or a LARGE TOWEL;  A BROOM or a posture wand (one-inch dowel); Two empty BLEACH or DETERGENT BOTTLES filled with sand or water to be used as weights; A JUMP ROPE; A ROLLING PIN for thighs and general workout; A SLANT BOARD, if the space allows; WEIGHTS … possibly in colors to make the whole scene interesting; A few ornamental HOOKS to hold your tools.

These days, ‘Pilates’ (the floor exercise) has become very popular, which in fact used to be called CALISTHENICS.  The actual floor technique was not originated by Joseph Pilates (born in 1880).  It was part of  an organized technique originated by the ‘Jahn Turnverein’ in 1811  … which to this day is still a well known athletic club throughout Germany. Calisthenics are simple gymnastic exercises, teaching the art of developing bodily strength with gracefulness.

Remember: INHALE … when you are at the greatest ease with your position  …  EXHALE … when you are making the most physical effort.

THE STAGE IS SET for your ‘performance’ and eventual rave results!  You could have a gym party with your friends … or simply for your private time  …   ending with delicious healthy treats.

READ YOUR LABELS! Make sure the ingredients will nourish & support your body.

Decades ago I found this amusing poem, the author was not mentioned  - I thought it would be most appropriate for this subject:

Listen, and take a warning from the fate of Clementine,who strangely disappeared at the precious age of nine. She filched a preparation from her mother’s dressing table.  Today there’s nothing left except a small descriptive label, which reads in part: “If properly applied, you will succeed in looking ten years younger - and results are guaranteed!”

With so many beauty aids available, it is often quite difficult to make a firm decision.  However, the ones that claim to make you look years younger … I question highly! They usually have the ability to tighten the skin for a few hours … and then what?!

Reading labels is important, not only for food items but also for skin care.  After all, the skin is the largest absorbent organ, so you should put the utmost care into the selection of what you let your skin take in whether it is soap, shampoo, cosmetics, suntan oil, or lotion.  The process of absorption through the skin is particularly important, because it completely bypasses the kidneys and liver, which normally filter out toxins.

I don’t suggest that you abandon all the fine cosmetics you have accumulated, but I am sure you might be open to try new combinations. I have to mention again, the importance of what we eat, drink and absorb, what our habits are and what we think … these will make a lasting difference on our expressions and health.  Also, spending more money does not necessarily assure you that the product is superior  …   maybe only the jar might be more appealing.

When I look for a cosmetic item, I look for absorption, a light or no fragrance, cost, free from unnecessary chemicals, and of course:  CRUELTY-FREE TO ANIMALS.

I concentrate on only a few items:  face & body scrubs that are not ‘mushy; face cream and lotion that absorb well and retain moisture;  liquid soap with a pump for hands and body;  hair conditioner and shampoo with support for dry, treated and damaged hair (even if your hair is in perfect condition …  the additional ingredients will supply the hair with special support).

Benita von Klingspor Your Nutritionist

Books for further learning: Rejuvenate | Is There Anything Left For Me To Eat? | CARING for CATS

Additional topics to come …

Digestive disorders, candida, detoxification, immune system support, low blood sugar, allergies, joint problems, weight problems, pros & cons about vitamins/minerals/herbs, etc.

Contact me today for a consultation.