Articles by Ananda Mahony on ArticleSnatch.com

Effectively Managing Rosacea

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 12:40:57 -0500

Red, inflamed skin and broken blood vessels are all signs of rosacea. A difficult to manage skin condition, rosacea is prone to flaring up during winter. Particular triggers such as cold, dry weather, heating, hot showers and drinks may all make rosacea worse. Even during the winter months, rosacea can be managed effectively: Zinc and Grape Seed support skin integrity and capillary health. While you can get zinc through your diet during times of stress, both physical and emotional the body has a greater need for nutrients. Stress burns up the body's nutrients which is why any health condition tends to be worse during stressful periods. This is even more true with skin issues as the body channels nutrients go to the essential organs first (heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, brain) and lastly the skin. Improve your circulation. Frequently rosacea sufferers have poor circulation in their hands and feed and ironically too much blood flow in their faces. The result of gentle exercise is both a reduction in stress and an increase in circulation with increased blood flow to the hands and feet but not necessarily the face. Something gentle is essential as vigorous exercise may stimulate a flare up. **End Summary** Topics: rosacea]]> centella]]> redness]]> irritated skin]]> skin conditions]]> acne]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ananda Mahony ND is a naturopath and skin care specialist. Ananda owns a natural skin care store in Paddington, QLD. http://vitaleblog.org

Poise: Qualities Of An Awakened Being

Sat, 25 Dec 2010 22:51:20 -0500

When the drama of emotions wears itself out, the calmness of serenity arises and the truth emerges. When the veils of confusion are lifted the dawn of acceptance, of forgiveness, of self-love breaks through. It's pretty radical to think and to experience the fact that there is only love, and all else in conditioning and a learned program. Radical. Yet true. In a state of waiting our work becomes learning deeper levels of patience, equanimity, observation and subtler levels of self-love, self-assurance, self-possession and confidence. None of these are come by easily and without a struggle or fight from the ego. Something must die in order for space to be made for those qualities to deepen. We must cultivate patience in the times of watching parts of our "identity" die, and we must holdfast to our composure, faith and trust during the times when this inner dying is occurring and the new confidence and strength has yet to be born. There is a universal moment of waiting that can take days, weeks or months to arrive that we must live through with grace, faith and poise. **End Summary** Topics: Poise]]> spiritual guidance]]> diamond thought]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Angela Hryniuk knows that like diamonds, people are extremely precious and filled with light. Helping people on their journeys of self-discovery through both the spiritual and material world is her forte. Angela practices from Vitalelife - www.vitalelife.com.au . Her website is www.diamondthought.com

How to get a Good Night's Sleep

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 04:50:00 -0400

Modern research shows us that poor quality sleep is a contributing factor to many chronic disease states. From Type 2 Diabetes to obesity, lack of good sleep is not just a health risk but also a form of torture. Sleep deprivation can occur on many levels such as finding it hard to get to sleep on a frequent basis to being awake for long periods during the night for days on end. Physical, emotional and mental health are all negatively effected by sleep deprivation. Poor quality sleep is a physical significant stress on the body. Often when people are asked if they are stressed the response is "no" because people perceive stress as a sign of not being able to cope with life. Stress is much more than this, for instance if you don't eat breakfast and have a late lunch this lack of fuel is a physical stress of the body. Poor quality sleep or lack of it is a major physical stress on the body that is often underestimated. **End Summary** Topics: insomnia]]> sleep deprivation]]> natural sleep methods]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Natural wellness centres in Brisbane, Australia. Yoga, pilates, personal training, physiotherapy, organic beauty, massage and a wide range of wellbeing practitioners. http://www.vitalelife.com.au

Solutions for Low Back Pain

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:27:35 -0400

For people of all ages and lifestyles, low back pain is a common and debilitating injury, affecting 80% of people at some point in their lives. Surprisingly, low back pain actually accounts for more sick leave and disability than any other medical condition. What can cause low back pain? Low back pain can arise from numerous structures in the lumbar spine including the ligaments, muscles and vertebrae. The most common causes however are damage to the intervertebral discs (the cartilaginous shock absorbers in the spine between the vertebrae) or facet joints (the joints between vertebrae on either side of the spine). Excessive bending, lifting or twisting movements as repetitive movements can cause facet joint sprains. Disc injuries usually occur with activities such as forward bending, sitting and lifting (particularly when combined with twisting). Usually injury is caused by repeated aggravating activities affecting the disc however, occasionally a simple movement such as picking a box off the floor will also cause injury. Other possible injuries include stress fractures, spondylolisthesis (slipping of one vertebra on another) or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal). Is it preventable? Low back pain can be avoided by taking good care of your back. **End Summary** Topics: physiotherapy]]> low back pain and physiotherapy]]> musculoskeletal therapy]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Vitalelife look and feel good naturally are boutique Fitness and Wellness centres located in Bulimba and Paddington, Brisbane. http://www.vitalelife.com.au You only get one body so lets look after it!"

Storm in a D-cup - a study on cosmetic surgery

Mon, 03 May 2010 04:45:02 -0400

A recent landmark study has highlighted the fact that many women undergoing cosmetic surgery have very little idea about what to expect from their procedure nor the associated risks. Unlike plastic surgery, which is performed to repair damage, cosmetic surgery is not necessary, rather it is a voluntary choice by the patient the majority of which are women. In Australia, anyone with a medical degree can perform cosmetic surgery from injections such as Botox to quite invasive procedures and currently there is no requirement to be a for the doctor performing the procedure to be a qualified surgeon. The Australian study by health sociologist Rhian Parker from The Australian National University, has written "Women, Doctors and Cosmetic Surgery: Negotiating the 'normal' body". Dr Parker interviewed 32 Australian women that had undergone a cosmetic procedure and 19 medical practitioners performing the procedures. During the study, women were asked the reasons they undergo cosmetic surgery and 3 key reasons emerged: 1. A body feature they have been bothered about for a long time e.g. small breast size or a large nose 2. Changes that are the result of physical changes over time or due to a particular event e.g. **End Summary** Topics: cosmetic surgery]]> women's body image]]> graceful aging]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> http://vitaleblog.org - your organic skin expert

Have you Heard of Lymphatic Detoxification?

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:46:12 -0500

The lymphatic system is a key pathway of detoxification and stimulating this pathway can help our bodies cope with the daily toxic burden of synthetic chemicals, pollutants and toxins we are exposed to. In fact, the lymphatic system is a complex drainage network involving fluids, vessels and organs. Its primary role is to remove cellular waste, proteins, foreign bodies, excess fluid, toxins and other microorganisms and return them to the bloodstream. Via the lymph nodes, this system helps to filter out toxins purify our bodies of waste. There are approximately 6-10 litres of lymph in the body at any one time, which is pumped around via muscular contraction and movement. The flow of lymph is only in one direction - upwards to the heart. When the body is under stress (infection, stress, lack of physical activity, dehydration, toxic overload) tissue swelling can result and protein accumulation in the lymph nodes occurs. The result is a build up of toxins, which can end up affecting the normal function of the cells. Long term this can lead to underactive metabolic function of cells. **End Summary** Topics: dry skin brushing]]> lymphatic detoxification]]> detox]]> skin brush]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Your organic skin expert http://vitaleblog.org . As a naturopath Ananda Mahony ND has been involved in the natural skin care industry for many years both developing and sourcing specialist products. She specialises in the treatment of skin disorders such as acne, eczema, rosacea and dermatitis as well as anti-aging

Work out what is causing breakouts using Facial Diagnosis

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:51:16 -0500

Your face can provide you with vital clues about what is going on inside your body. Using the facial zones, you can map out the colours and lines, each of which identifies underlying issues which may be contributing to your dark circles, breakouts or red cheeks. From Greek medicine to Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), facial analysis has been used as an indication of the health of the organs or to provide useful clues as to the systems involved in any health issue. In particular TCM has a detailed map of the face including lines, organ zones and colour indications. The TCM principles of facial anaylysis help to map the colours and lines of the face, indicating the underlying causes. Skin conditions don't usually affect the entire surface of the face. The affected areas are often confined to particular areas or zones so just by looking at your face you can find out more about the underlying cause of any skin condition. This technique can be used to improve skin tone and health in general and is not confined to skin conditions. **End Summary** Topics: skin diagnosis]]> facial mapping]]> natural skin care]]> skin care education]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> http://vitaleblog.org - your organic skin expert

Save your skin by decreasing stress

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:57:47 -0500

Eczema, acne, dermatitis and psoriasis. All of these skin conditions have one thing in common - STRESS. Stress affects our lives in many ways, both good and bad but the effects of chronic stress on our skin is not always a good thing. Research now recognizes chronic low grade stress as not just a trigger but a causative factor in persistent skin conditions. From acne to eczema research shows us that during times of acute stress, rashes and breakouts become worse, sometimes significantly so. It also points to the potential role of chronic low-grade stress as a causative factor in persistent skin conditions. Some of the side effects of stress include brittle nails, dry, thinning hair, sensitive skin reactions and increased perspiration. Where there is an existing skin condition, worsening can be seen in the following ways: Acne lesions and breakouts become more inflamed, last longer and take longer to heal. Worsening of the inflammation (redness) and dryness in eczema and rosacea Increased tendency to flushing and blushing Increased incidence of congestion and oily skin due to sebum production Increased sensitivity to irritants and infections agents These effects are primarily caused by the impact of stress on skin permeability. **End Summary** Topics: stress]]> skin]]> natural skin care]]> organic skin care]]> sensitive skin]]> dry skin]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> http://vitaleblog.org - your organic skin expert

Heal Your Acne Naturally

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:45:07 -0500

This article outlines the common causes and triggers of acne, looking at some of the conventional treatments and their side effects as well as how diet can play a role in the development and healing of this skin condition. Acne is a skin disorder common to many teenagers living in the Western World and in the last 20 years, an increasing number of adults. An inflammatory disease of the skin, the most common symptoms of acne include pimples, comedones, whiteheads blackheads, pustules, cysts and scars. The development of acne is multifactorial with a number of causes and exacerbating factors contributing to the onset and persistence of the condition. These include: * Sex Hormones - High androgen production is one of the key reasons acne tends to flare up at puberty or with the menstrual cycle. Androgens stimulate the production of sebum in the skin's oil glands. Oil glands that are blocked by dead skin cells build up sebum creating swelling. Sebum production can also be stimulated by sweat and humidity. * Bacteria - A bacteria species Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is commonly found in the pores of the skin. Under normal circumstances P. **End Summary** Topics: natural skin care]]> natural acne care]]> acne]]> blackheads]]> congestion]]> diet and acne]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ananda Mahony ND is a naturopath and skin specialist. Ananda owns a skin care store Vitale Natural. http://www.vitalenatural.com.au

If you don't mean it, don't green it

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:24:10 -0500

Natural and organic are the new buzz words in the skin care industry with more and more manufacturers jumping on the bandwagon. However, just because the name of the product contains these terms, it doesn't mean the product is either of these things, organic or natural. Implying something is green when in fact is is far from it is known as greenwahing. Green is the new buzz word and consumers are driving the sales of "green" products. Many companies want to be part of the green revolution however in some cases their practices aren't green at all. However, in other cases, it is all just a marketing ploy to get consumers on side. There is a lack of clarity around this issue within the skincare industry. In the skincare industry Greenwashing can occur in a number of different ways. 1. Using a single environmental claim suggesting that the product is greener than it actually is eg. A shampoo that claims to contain no Sodium Laurel Sulphate (SLS) but uses alternative foaming agents such as Ammonium Laurel Sulphate, which have the same risks associated with their use. 2. **End Summary** Topics: greenwashing]]> organic skin care]]> natural skin care]]> labelling]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Your organic skin expert http://vitaleblog.org

Clogged skin ' blackheads, whiteheads and congestion

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:41:11 -0500

One of the skin issues I have faced since being a teenager is congested skin. It started on my nose as blackheads and in my 30s spread to my chin. I manage it quite well now by using mineral make up, a regular exfoliant and eating a good diet but occasionally and especially in the hot, muggy Brisbane humidity, it will get worse again. And when it does I go back to basics ' skin congestion 101! Blackheads, whiteheads and blocked pores are usually caused by a combination of factors. Excess skin oil, sebum and toxins that are expelled through the skin are often an underlying issue. In addition dead skin cells, pollution, occlusive make up and dirt also play a role by filling up pores already opened by sebum and oil production. Each factor will contribute to congestion in a different but significant way: Skin Oil & Sebum: excess oil and sebum production by the skin will contribute to clogging pores and encourage the growth of skin bacteria. When combined with external factors such as dirt, blackheads easily form. Toxic Congestion: blood and lymph supply the skin with nutrition. **End Summary** Topics: congestion]]> detox]]> natural skin care]]> blackheads]]> whiteheads]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Your organic & natural skin care expert at your fingertips - http://vitaleblog.org

Natural Cosmeceutical Ingredients

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:44:08 -0400

With the profusion of anti-aging skincare on the market, choosing the best products can be confusing. How do you know what really works and what is just marketing hype. Read this article to help you identify what ingredients really are "anti-aging". Vitamin C - The slow aging benefits of vitamin C: it works within the skin to promote collagen production by stimulating the genes that make collagen and stopping the enzyme that degrades it, it is an antioxidant and so reduces free-radical production in the skin, it also provides photoprotection from ultraviolet A and B, works to lighten hyperpigmentation and may also assist with the reduction of inflammation in inflammatory skin disorders. While beneficial, vitamin C tends to be unstable in its natural form. Ensure that the product you use contains stabilised Vitamin C such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl palmitate. Even so, vitamin C in these forms must be kept away from direct sunlight and used once opened otherwise they are prone to oxidation and stop being effective. In addition, vitamin C absorbs into the skin very slowly and so higher concentrations are required for the above benefits. **End Summary** Topics: antiaging]]> anti-aging]]> skin care]]> natural skin care]]> cosmeceutical skin care]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ananda Mahony ND is a naturopath and holistic skin specialist. Her practice focuses on the treatment of skin conditions. Ananda also owns Vitale Natural Skin & Body Care, a natural & organic skin care store in Paddington. http://www.vitalenatural.com.au

Hair health and common issues with styling products

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:54:06 -0400

We wash, style and blow-dry in order to tame our often un-ruly tendrils. Yet some of the everyday hair care practices we use are actually doing more damage than good. This article takes a look at the issues we face in our efforts to achieve well groomed, shiny and healthy hair. The average human head has about 100 000 hair follicles and from each one emerges a shaft of hair. Nourished by blood vessels the follicles produce new keratin cells promoting the constant growth of new hair. The inner layer or medulla, which is protected by the outer keratin cells, contains pigment cells (for colour), fat granules and oxygen. Separate glands run alongside the follicle producing sebum, a natural hair and scalp conditioner. Straight, shiny hair is the result of sebum produced by the glands easily travelling the length of the hair shaft. By contrast, curly hair will often look and feel dry because the sebum has a more difficult time getting from the base of the hair shaft to the tip. The overall health of the hair depends on numerous factors however nutritional status is key. There are no topically applied hair products that can compensate for poor nutrition. **End Summary** Topics: natural hair care]]> styling products]]> shampoo]]> sodium laurel sulphate]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ananda Mahony ND is a naturopath and organic skincare expert. She writes regularly for magazines and for http://vitaleblog.org

Cellulite - can diet & exercise make a difference

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:35:18 -0400

Orange peel skin is a skin issue that up to 80% of women have to contend with. Most commonly seen in the bottom and thighs cellulite affects women with varying degrees of "dimpliness" and associated body image distress. It is possible to minimise the appearance of cellulite, however, the treatment requires more than just use of a miracle cream and can take time to have an effect. Cellulite occurs under the subcutaneous layer of fat, just under the skin. Between the subcutaneous layer and the dermis there is net of fiberous connective tissue, the septae, which stores fat cells in compartments. Due to decreases in microcirculation and increases in fluid retention and blood pooling the septae become less flexible and pressure builds up pushing the fat cells against the skin. With time, the septae become a fiberous honeycomb structure that traps the fat cells causing the large bumps that are the hallmark of cellulite. The area has very poor blood supply, which is why the skin where cellulite occurs often feels cold to touch and poor lymphatic flow so is not easily removed by diet and exercise. The cause of cellulite is not clear-cut. **End Summary** Topics: cellulite]]> cellulite treatment]]> natural skin care]]> body brushing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ananda Mahony ND is a naturopath and skin care specialist. Ananda owns a natural skin care store in Paddington, QLD. http://vitaleblog.org