DIY Acupressure: Alleviate Anxiety and Gain a Healthy Glowing Skin

Over 5,000 years ago in Asia, acupressure was used to release tension, increase circulation and reduce pain for a more vibrant health.  By using the right pressure points with the correct pressure, you can regain lost texture and regain a healthy and more youthful skin.  Today Acupressure is ideal for an at home self-treatment, for everyone. Acupuncture and Acupressure uses the same pressure points and meridians, instead of needles acupressure uses firm gentle finger pressure. Points (A) Heavenly Pillar- Relieves stress, insomnia, eye strain, stiff neck, swollen eyes and sore throats.  This pressure point is located at the base of the skull, where the spine is attached.  Just one inch outward from each side of spine.  Hold this place and press for 3 minutes. Points (B) Heavenly Rejuvenation- Relieves nerve tension, stiff neck helps to increase resistance to colds and flu. Points (C) Crooked Marsh- Relieves nervous stomach, anxiety, arm and elbow pain and chest discomfort. Points (D) Inner Gate-Relieves nausea, anxiety palpitations and wrist pain Points (E) Spirit Gate- Relieves emotional imbalances, fear, nervousness, anxiety and forgetfulness.  

 

DISCLAIMER: This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem and is not a substitute for professional care.  If you feel you may have a health problem, please consult with your primary care physician.

Related articles

• Chinese Face Mapping
• Asian Women’s Secret to Flawless Younger Skin
• Does your face give away your age?
• Slap your face to look young
• Datsumo Labo Japan’s Hair Removal Spa

Chinese Face Mapping

Chinese face map

Mein Shiang, reading the face.  Chinese medicine says that our imbalances show up on  our faces. Each of our organs is an open window to our face.  Our eyes are windows to our liver, our nose to our lungs, our ears to our kidneys, our lips are windows to our spleen and our tongue is a window to the heart.  When our body’s energy is in perfect flow our skin will be in perfect condition.  Acne on our face and where its located could indicate an underlying cause.  Western medicines say there is little truth to this Eastern way of thinking (please see the disclaimer below).

1 and 3 Forehead: Digestive System

The Chinese believe that our forehead is connected to our bladder and digestive system.  Acne on the forehead could mean your diet is rich in dairy, sugary foods and could indicate too much alcohol. Deep lines could indicate a blocked colon and/or gallbladder.  Too much stress and irregular sleeping habits also can cause this symptom.  Drinking green tea will help cleanse out your system.

2 Liver:  Area between your eyes

This area is believed to be connected to the liver and heart.  Acne in this area means too much alcohol, dairy and/or fatty foods in your diet and needs to be reduced.  Food allergies also show up in this area.  Exercising, getting more sleep avoiding alcohol, smoking and late night snacking will help reduce the acne in this area.

4 and 10 Ears: Kidneys and Heart

If this area is hot or red you need to cut back on caffeine and alcohol.  Deep creases in the ear lobe are signs of heart problems.  Too much cholesterol.

6 and 8 Under Eyes: Kidneys

Dark circles could mean something simple as inadequate rest and/or dehydration.  Sinus allergies and Kidney problems usually show up in this area.  Drink plenty of water and cut out all coffee, tea and soda.

5 and 9 Cheeks: Heart and Respiratory System

Break-outs here could be from your cell phone and even resting dirty hands on the face.  Cheeks are linked to the respiratory system and the heart.  Fatty foods could cause break outs here.  Smokers could get those red veins on the cheek area.  Drinking alcohol, coffee, tea and sodas causes dehydration and break-outs here.  Washing your pillow case weekly, clean your cell phone daily with an alcohol-based wipe, cutting back on sugar and eating more greens will help with future break-outs.

7 Nose and Upper Lip: Stomach and Intestines

Acne on the nose area could mean high blood pressure and constipation due to poor diet.  Decrease spicy and oily foods.  Increase good fats such as Omega 3, 6 and 9.  Deep lip lines could indicate digestion problems.  Break-outs in this area could be due to food allergies.

11 and 13 Sides of Chin: Hormones

Break-outs and pigmentation in this area are hormonal related and often occur during your menstrual cycle.

12 Chin: Stomach

May need to add more fiber to your diet and consider detoxing to help with digestion.

14 Neck and Decollete:

Acne in this area usually indicates your body fighting bacteria to avoid illness.  Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.  Lines on the neck sometimes mean thyroid problems.

I came across some very interesting articles.  You can find them below.

Whats your body telling you? Mishio Kushi Theory (face reading) 

Where your acne is and what it looks like can tell you whats causing it.

Chinese face mapping-what the skin on your face is actually telling you.

What is meant by facial mapping?

Acne Face Map

DISCLAIMER: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WITHIN THIS POST IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE OR SUBSTITUTE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, COUNSELING, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT.  ALWAYS SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE FROM YOUR PHYSICIAN.   

Squid Ink, The Miracle Dye

Squid Ink, can it be good for you?  Recent studies have found that ink from squid has potential anti-cancer properties.  New studies show the Squid Ink could prevent tumor metastasis and possible angiogenesis.  Squid Ink also is used to enhance the flavor of food and be used as color in certain dishes such as rice and pasta.

This is black pasta, or squid ink pasta. Usually it is tossed with mussels or other seafood, but I’m on a budget here, so it was zucchini, garlic, and olive oil for us. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Huffington Post reported a new trend in Japan.  For a limited time Japan’s Burger King is advertising their new Kuro Burgers.  Kuro Burger meaning Black Burger in japanese, are hamburgers with black buns that made with bamboo charcoal and ketchup made from Squid Ink.

BK Squid Ink Burger (Photo credit: Takoyaki_King)

According to LiveStrong.com, Squid Ink’s main ingredient is melanin, the same matter that gives color to skin and hair.  Squid ink is a natural component and is the perfect ingredient for dyeing your hair a dark color.  Unless you are allergic to Squid ink, it is an excellent choice since it does not contain impurities.  For me personally I have used HI-Speed Squid Ink hair dye.  It’s amazing!  There is no need to put vaseline around the hairline because it does not stain the skin.  When rinsing the product out you do not need to use shampoo because it rinses clean.  Another plus with using this product is that the color gradually fades away, therefore there is no mark when the new hair grows in.  I must say, after washing the product out, my hair is very soft and shiny.  Squid Ink, the Miracle Dye, Asia’s new Trend.

Photos by AsiaTrend

Photos by AsiaTrend

Photos by AsiaTrend

Photos by AsiaTrend

Asian Women’s Secret to Flawless Younger Skin

What is the difference between American women and Asian women? For the typical American woman, she is obsessed with body image.  Whereas, a woman from Asia is obsessed with flawless skin.  Japan is the largest skin care consumption per capita in the world.

1. “Japan has the world’s oldest population, with 22% over the age of 65 in 2007. According to Euromonitor International, ‘The country is the biggest consumer of skin care on a per capita basis. In 2007, Japan accounted for 20% of global skin care consumption with $13.1 billion in sales, while making up only 2% of the global population.'” *

In Asia, skin is the most important part of a beauty regiment.  Good skin equals good health and beauty.  Despite the popularity of some westernized types of surgery in Asia, Asian women are obsessed with keeping up their youthful appearance in the traditional way.  Asians are not as passionate about stripping the skin with chemical peels as Americans are, rather they like to plump the skin, giving a more youthful look. Many Japanese and Korean girls spend hours on just skin care routine.  So whats the secret?  The secret is Japanese facial massage.

Japanese facial massage focuses on prevention and detoxifying.  Developed to improve health and longevity,  the Japanese have perfected the facial massage over centuries.  A specific technique called Ko Bi Do is used for balancing ki for overall health improvement.

Western vs. Eastern facial massage.

Western facial massages mainly focuses on the external skin.  This typically is a gentle massage with light touches and strokes and could include treating a skin concern with topical skin regiments. Chemical peel such as glycolic peel are common.

Eastern facial massages mainly focuses on the condition of the skin internally, focusing on acupressure points to balance (ki) internal organs.  The Japanese facial massage uses deeper pressure and deep kneading to stimulate the muscles beneath the skin, increasing blood circulation.  This in turn will reduce wrinkles, repair and balance the skin, and minimize the aging process.

Typically Asian women will include some form of this massage in their daily skin care routine.  The Tanaka Massage is one of the simpler routines and can be done by yourself.

* 1. http://www.beautypackaging.com/articles/2009/01/where-china-goes-asia-follows

Keeping Asia A Breast, What Asia is doing about breast cancer awareness!

Pink Tokyo Tower (Photo credit: Zengame)

It is a fact that in Asia the statistics for women and breast cancer is quite low compared to America.  In America 1 out of 8 women will develop breast cancer in her life time.  That is 5 times higher than the women in Japan according to Doctor Murray.  Nonetheless, that number is on the rise for asian women.  The social stigma behind breast cancer in Japan, S. Korea and China is almost unbearable for many women, many would rather go untreated.  Still today there are some that believe that Asian women don’t get breast cancer.  Today, S. Korea, Japan and China are trying to educate and erase the social stigmatism about Breast Cancer.  See how these countries are raising awareness on Breast Cancer.

Japan:

Every October the Peninsula Tokyo Hotel light’s up in Pink, for Breast Cancer Awareness. ¥400 will be donated for every sale from the Pink restaurant or Spa promotional to the Japan Association of Breast Cancer Screening and Keep A Breast Japan.  Hotel staff are wearing pink ribbon pins and are handing out  early detection pamphlets to their guests.

Nagoya Castle in Nagoya, Aichi Japan has joined in the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign too by illuminating in Pink! on October 1, 2012.

Tokyo Skytree, the newest and tallest structure in Japan and the tallest tower in the world (2,080 ft) lit up in pink on October 1, 2012.  Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka and Kobe Port Towerall went pink!

S. Korea:

Women pose in front of posters of Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in Seoul, South Korea.

Amore Pacific supports KBCF (Korea Breast Cancer Foundation) by providing low-income families with preventive examination, research on breast related diseases and supporting operation charges.

GM Chevrolet shows off a pink car in Cheonggye Square, Korea, in support of Breast Cancer.

China:

Chinese Government Health Agency and hospitals target prevention and treatment in women between ages 35 – 54.  Studies have shown that Chinese women in this age group are not  likely to talk about the disease openly.

Famous artists participated in “Pink Artists” in support of Breast Cancer Prevention Campaign on Sept 29, 2012.

Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation HKBCF, is dedicated to support the local community through education, support and research.

YesStyle (YesStyle.com) is the leading online Asian Fashion Retailer from all over Asia.  YesStyle is promoting breast cancer prevention awareness through their video.  It’s easy, you too can help support breast cancer prevention awareness by watching and then sharing their breast cancer video.  YesStyle will donate monetary donations to National Breast Cancer Foundation (www.nbcf.com) for every single view and every single video share you do.  It’s that easy.  So start watching and sharing, because sharing is caring.

Related articles

• YesStyle Continues Support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Pink… (prweb.com)
• Global Illumination 2012 | Breast Cancer Awareness Month (randomthortz.com)

THINK PINK! Asian American Breast Cancer Awareness

Photo Credit: Ionasiatrend

One of the most commonly diagnosed cancers for Asian-Americans today is breast cancer.  While it is true that Asian American women are less likely to get breast cancer than any other ethnic group in America, it is on the rise.  Here are some facts: According to American Cancer Society in 2012 about 226,870 new breast cancer cases will be diagnosed in women. Thats about 125.7 per 100,000 women. Among them 39,510 will die as the result of breast cancer. Female Breast Cancer by ethic group:

	Asian American and Pacific Islander women	White (non-Hispanic) women	African American women
Incidence (new cases)	84.9 per 100,000	125.4 per 100,000	116.1 per 100,000
Mortality (deaths)	12.2 per 100,000	23.9 per 100,000	32.4 per 100,000

The new cases of breast cancer significantly increases for Asian woman living in America up to six-fold in as little as a decade according to Asian American Health Initiative. Regular, early and self screeningis the best way to lower your risk from dying from breast cancer. There are support groups for Asian Americans diagnosed

Photo Credit: David Keisling

with Breast cancer. In the Bay Area contact Asian American Cancer Support Network The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum www.apiahf.org My ACS provides free mammogram, Pap Smears, Colon Cancer screening (for NY residents 50 yrs and older), Hepatitis screening and vaccinations, and tabacco cessation programs for the Asian American Community in New York and New Jersey, to qualify for these programs please contact them directly.  NY (718) 886-8890 NJ (732) 951-6308 or www.cancer.org/MyAcs/Eastern/ProgramsandServices/asian-initiatives You can show you support by becoming a partner or a sponsor:  go to Susan G. Komen Breast cancer affects us all.

There are no ethnic barriers, no gender barriers, no sexual orientation barriers.  It is true that breast cancer is usually found in women but we must not forget, men can also get breast cancer.  In 2012 alone the American Cancer Society estimates 2,190 new cases of breast cancer among men and 410 men will die from this disease.  So yes, men, you need to self screen.  Early detection will also lower your risk from dying from breast cancer.  For more information on men’s breast cancer go to Susan G. Komen facts for life.  Thank you Gerardo A. Rodriguez, for reminding me how important it is to remind everyone about Breast Cancer in men.

EVENTS: http://www.komenhawaii.org/Komen Race for the Cure

Join us for the 2012 Komen Hawai’i Race for the Cure®!

October 21, 2012 at Kapi’olani Park The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series is the largest series of 5k run/fitness walks in the world. You can run or walk the 5k route, with a team or as an individual.  All registration fees include the offical Komen Race for the Cure  T-shirt and Race bib. This year we celebrate our 18th Annual Hawai’i Race for the Cure:  Empowered @ 18 – Together, We Make A Difference!Walk Register to walk with us in either our 5K or one mile event. Run Register to run the Race in either our 5K or one mile event. Teams Register to walk or run by starting a Race team or joining an existing team. Fundraise Take your participation in the Race to the next level. Registration fees get us to the start line, but your fundraising helps to save ives and fund research. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to start! Fundraise, make a great impact and be rewarded. Survivors Whether you register to walk or run, if you indicate that you are a breast cancer survivor during registration you will receive a pink survivor T-shirt, hat and bib along with your Race T-shirt.  Be sure to take part in our Race Day Survivor Recognition Program generously sponsored by Zeta Tau Alpha. Volunteer Volunteers are an integral part of the Komen Organization. The Race for the Cure would not be possible without the help of hundreds of committed volunteers. Join an amazing group of individuals that dedicate their time, talent and energy to our great cause.

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Komen Race for the Cure

Join us for the 2012 Komen Central Florida Race for the Cure at UCF’s Bright House Networks Stadium Race Date – Sunday, October 21, 2012, Race Starts @ 8:00AM Pre Race Pick up  Thursday, October 11^th from 6pm – 9pm @ Dick’s Sporting Good’s 4615 Millenia Plaza Way Orlando, FL 32839 **Individuals Only – if registered by October 7^th Saturday, October 13^th from 8:30am – 2:30pm @ CenturyLink Regional HQ 555 Lake Border Dr. Apopka, FL 32703 *Individuals & Teams Packets – if registered by October 7^th Saturday, October 20^th from 10am – 4pm @ UCF – Bright House Stadium 4000 Central Florida Blvd. Orlando, FL 32816 **Individuals Only Race Day Pick up Sunday, October 21^st from 6am – 8am @ UCF – Bright House Stadium 4000 Central Florida Blvd. Orlando, FL 32816 **Individuals Only Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Central Florida Affiliate and without their help on Race weekend and the commitment of the men and women on the Race Committee, the Central Florida Race for the Cure would not be the growing success it has been.  If you have any questions about the Race, please email race@komencentralflorida.org. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series, the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world, raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease. Since its inception in 1983, the Komen Race for the Cure series has grown from one local Race with 800 participants to a global series of more than 140 Races with more than 1.6 million people expected to participate in 2012 in four continents. The Komen Race for the Cure is a unique event, designed and implemented to promote positive awareness, education and early detection of breast cancer. It has proved to be an enormously effective way to reach many women and men with the message that breast cancer is not necessarily fatal if mammography and breast self-exam become routine. As well as being a race for runners, the Komen Race for the Cure is an emotionally charged event that attracts many first timers and recreational runners. The Komen Race for the Cure is an opportunity for thousands of women, men and their families, running or walking, to spread the breast cancer message within our community. Up to 75 percent of the net proceeds raised at the Race remain here in Central Florida to provide breast cancer education, screening and treatment for for uninsured or underinsured women. The remaining 25 percent goes to fund national research to discover the causes of breast cancer and, ultimately, its cures. The Komen Central Florida Race for the Cure is the Central Florida Affiliate’s largest annual fundraiser. http://www.komencentralflorida.org/komen-race-for-the-cure/ 

SAN DIEGO, CA

Race for the Cure®, 5k Join us for the 2012 Komen San Diego Race for the Cure!  This 5k walk/run is on Sunday, November 4, at 8 a.m. in Balboa Park.

About the Race: The Race for the Cure series raises significant funds and awareness for the breast cancer movement. It’s a time to celebrate survivors and their families while working toward the promise of ending breast cancer forever. The effectiveness of Komen San Diego’s mission is entirely dependent on our network of sponsors and volunteers. Money raised by Race participants helps expand access to lifesaving screening and treatment while providing funding for cutting-edge breast cancer research. For the past twenty years, Komen San Diego has provided tens of thousands of low-income women access to critical breast cancer screening and treatment. Our 360-degree approach is making a difference, with breast cancer mortality rates down and five-year survival rates up. We support survivors by removing barriers to lifesaving care while also investing in cutting-edge research. Every major advance in global breast cancer research in the last quarter century has been touched by Komen for the Cure dollars. http://www.komensandiego.org/race/  “Liked this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!”

Related articles

• Cancer-screening program reaches out to Pacific Islander women (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Breast cancer: Decorated soldier joins new battle (miamiherald.com)