'Beautiful Health' tips to REHAB your hair

“Plant the seeds of restored and healthy hair.”

We trust you'll LOVE our NEW Restore Hair Oil from Kasia! Prized with Black Cumin Seed, Rosemary & Carrot Seed Oil, creating a  synergistic combo of  rich moisturizers, proteins, vitamins, and minerals to help “Restore” the scalp and promote hair growth.

INNER HEALTH

We’ve heard it all before, but nutrition is key when it comes to healthy, shiny hair. Why? .....

Because hair not only depends on a constant supply of blood and oxygen, but also nutrients, and a deficiency in these nutrients will show up on your skin, hair and nails. Brittle, dry or dull hair that easily breaks is therefore a tell-tale sign of poor nutrition. Eating  will help maintain hair color and texture, while keeping a stable effect sugar levels will also help – high sugar consumption creates a higher demand for B group vitamins (using for energy other than rebuilding health), which can take away from, and affect your locks.

Furthermore, an imbalance between good and bad fat consumption can either lead to an overly dry and flaky scalp and dry hair or excessive oil production. Correcting the imbalance will help to normalize the health of the scalp and the relative dryness or oiliness of the hair.

Beautiful Health Suggestion:  CORE from Immuno Viva!

Lipids are a group of naturally occurring molecules that include saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates form the main constituents of cells in both plants and animals.

Core contains concentrated black raspberry and black cumin seed oils extracted through our exclusive cold press process, which requires 8 pounds of berries to make just one half teaspoon of oil. Core's powerful ingredients, rich in Omega fatty acids and antioxidants, offer nutritional support to counteract many health problems associated with modern living.

HAIR

"Are you coating your hair?" Conventional styling products synthetic plastics such as PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymer), acrylic copolymers, VA (vinyl acetate), polymer and acrylamide polymer are used as holding agents, all of which are synthetic petroleum-based plastics.  Commercial hot oil or silicone treatments can actually make the problem of frizzy or dry hair worse.

Why?  They’re the wrong kind of oil and will tend to sit on top of your hair, and may actually block the moisture your hair needs from getting in.

Beautiful Health Suggestion: Treat your lovely locks with ...

Kasia RESTORE Hair Oil 

A “light” powerhouse, made with  organic oils which are absorbed by the hair instantly, giving you a silky finish, protection, natural and brilliant shine.

Learn more about our NEW* Kasia Restore Hair Oil      HERE

SKIN

Instantly revive your skin with Immuno-Viva Renew skin serum. Made with a patent-pending blend of antioxidant seed oils, and work synergistically with Immuno-Viva Core to combat the signs of aging. Inside -  Out!

Protect, rejuvenate and moisturize skin – naturally.  Learn more      HERE!

Brit gives 5 STARS! What to expect at Kasia Organic Salon

A Euphoric Experience at Kasia....

1/19/2011

I love trying new things, especially when it comes to my hair.  I knew I wanted a sassy cut and some highlights to brighten up the tresses, but I wasn't exactly sure what to describe beyond that.  When I told this to Colette, she lit up and look like she had a great plan in mind.  Well, she definitely did.  My cut is fantastic, the color is TDF, and I feel a sense of well-being knowing that all my fabulosity came with the use of natural products and without harsh chemicals.

Kasia is a full-service salon which means your stylist is also your colorist, if applicable. I learned they also have a full-time esthetician and acupuncturist and have recently been featured in Minnesota Monthly for their detox services.

Their interior is warm and inviting, quiet yet lively, and smells wonderful from both the products used as well as the four blends of tea they offer to their waiting clients.  The blueberry pomegranate was phenomenal and served in a tea ball (my fave) in a big mug.

After my cut and color service was complete, Colette offered me a complimentary makeup touch up to finish off the whole look.  Their products are from a line in California and have a variety of colors to compliment all skin tones.  I will definitely be back to purchase the lip gloss that she picked for me - it was long-lasting without being heavy or sticky.  Colette walked me through the descriptions of all the products she used for me, both hair and makeup, and wasn't pushy about purchasing anything.  Too bad I didn't have anywhere to go that night because I looked gooooood!!

When it is time to check out, keep in mind that Kasia is paperless so you would not receive a receipt and, therefore, no place to write in a tip.  You can let your stylist know to adjust the final bill to a total that includes the gratuity of your choice.

Overall, I really enjoyed my experience at Kasia and would recommend it to anyone in a heartbeat.

Time for a new Yelp pic to show off the 'do!!

Hey Informed Beaute' - Help spread the message of Beautiful Health to the community!

We know you face choices everyday regarding where to spend your time, and at Kasia, we sincerely appreciate you spending it with us.  We never take your trust for granted, and want to earn it everyday.  We take great pleasure in the "Beautiful Health"  service alternatives, and we aim to exceed your expectations!

Please consider telling  your "community" about your positive experience with us on  your favorite review site, Yelp.com

**Bonus!  We'll keep loving you right back and redeem you 10% off your next Kasia purchase!

Why Rating is valuable? 1) Kasia is strictly a referral and word of mouth salon and 2)  New guests find us online through a "search." These searches bring Kasia to to visibility through online ratings and interaction with our guests. 3)  New guests decide to try Kasia when they see honest reviews from wonderful friends such as YOU!

99% of Pregnant Women in US Test Positive for Multiple Chemicals

99% of Pregnant Women in US Test Positive for Multiple Chemicals Including Banned Ones

ScienceDaily (Jan. 16, 2011) — The bodies of virtually all U.S. pregnant women carry multiple chemicals, including some banned since the 1970s and others used in common products such as non-stick cookware, processed foods and personal care products, according to a new study from UCSF. The study marks the first time that the number of chemicals to which pregnant women are exposed has been counted.

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Analyzing data for 163 chemicals, researchers detected polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), phenols, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and perchlorate in 99 to 100 percent of pregnant women. Among the chemicals found in the study group were PBDEs, compounds used as flame retardants now banned in many states including California, and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane ( DDT), an organochlorine pesticide banned in the United States in 1972.

Bisphenol A (BPA), which makes plastic hard and clear, and is found in epoxy resins that are used to line the inside of metal food and beverage cans, was identified in 96 percent of the women surveyed. Prenatal exposure to BPA has been linked to adverse health outcomes, affecting brain development and increasing susceptibility to cancer later in life, according to the researchers.

Findings will be published in Environmental Health Perspectives on Jan. 14.

The study was not designed to identify direct connections to adverse health outcomes.

"It was surprising and concerning to find so many chemicals in pregnant women without fully knowing the implications for pregnancy," said lead author Tracey Woodruff, PhD, MPH, director of the UCSF Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment.

"Several of these chemicals in pregnant women were at the same concentrations that have been associated with negative effects in children from other studies. In addition, exposure to multiple chemicals that can increase the risk of the same adverse health outcome can have a greater impact than exposure to just one chemical," said Woodruff, an associate professor in the UCSF Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences.

Exposure to chemicals during fetal development has been shown to increase the risk of adverse health consequences, including preterm birth and birth defects, childhood morbidity, and adult disease and mortality according to the research team. In addition, chemicals can cross the placenta and enter the fetus, and in other studies, a number of chemicals measured in maternal urine and serum have been found in amniotic fluid, cord blood and meconium, they state.

The researchers analyzed data for 268 pregnant women from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004, a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population.

"Our findings indicate several courses of action. First, additional research is needed to identify dominant sources of exposure to chemicals and how they influence our health, especially in reproduction," said Woodruff. "Second, while individuals can take actions in their everyday lives to protect themselves from toxins, significant, long-lasting change only will result from a systemic approach that includes proactive government policies."

Co-authors of the study are Ami R. Zota and Jackie M. Schwartz of the Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, UCSF Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences.

Green Tea Aids Weight Loss, Belly Fat, and more!

Here is good news for everyone as we recover from the holiday season. Not only is organic green tea an excellent anti-cancer nutrient,  but it is also beneficial for weight loss. The American Journal of College Nutrition reported in 2010 that four cups of green tea, daily for eight weeks is excellent for fat burning. Thirty-five obese subjects found that this amount significantly decreased body weight and body mass index (BMI). Green tea also improved the subjects’ cholesterol readings and reduced the oxidation of blood fats, which is a marker of aging. Last year, another study in the Journal of Nutrition found that a daily dose of 625 green tea catechins (an active ingredient) with 40 mg of caffeine enhanced weight loss and lowered blood fats (triglycerides) when combined with 25 minutes of daily exercise.

Specifically, it was fat around the belly that experienced the greatest reduction. This makes sense because high insulin is a prime contributor to belly fat, and green tea extract helps to balance insulin function and production. Insulin is produced by the pancreas to push glucose (sugar) from the blood into our cells. If cells become immune to insulin’s action, which often occurs, this results in excess insulin in the blood. In women, when insulin is elevated, it causes a further increase in male hormones. Classic symptoms of elevated insulin and male hormones include excess middle weight gain, acne, male-pattern facial hair growth (e.g. hair above the lip and on the chin), skin tags, diabetes and pre-diabetes.  (Reference: Lorna Vanderhaeghe)

Cherry Lemongrass Bloom Sencha:  Green Tea

Partner in PROMOTING Healthy Skin & Wrinkles Prevention!

The following benefits are derived from the antioxidant flavonoids and polyphenols, preventing free radicals.  Green tea finds and terminates these free radicals and helps promote healthy, smooth skin.

Health benefits attributed to Kasia Cherry Lemongrass Bloom Sencha:  Green Tea

• prevention of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
• prevention of strokes.
• preventing cancers and reduction of tumors.
• strengthening the immune system.
• help in the treatment of diabetes.
• aid in weight loss efforts.
• repairing skin damage.
• fight tooth decay.
• Fights rheumatoid arthritis.
• lower stress.
• protects the liver and kidneys.

Small Batch * Artisan * Fair Trade  *  50 cups per 4 oz tin

Kasia is committed, in partnership, to Fair-trade and Artisan practices to bring you ingredients that are designed and hand-blended in small batches by companies that are operated and owned by families carrying on time-honored traditions, ensuring freshness and one-of-a-kind quality.  Completely natural with no artificial coloring, preservatives or flavoring. Dried fruit pieces, nuts, herbal tisanes, and botanicals add amazing flavor and aroma.

Loose Leaf Tea VS Bagged Tea:

Loose leaf teas simply offer the best variety, quality, and freshness. “When you are buying a bagged tea, the tea is obscured by the bag. Many low quality teas (even ‘tea dust’) are sold in bags so that you don’t realize the quality, and are subject to going stale faster than loose leaf tea.”

Learn more about our other three other Kasia Beautiful Health Artisan  Tea's HERE!

HERBAL FORMULAS FOR Hair Loss, Graying, & Acne NOW AVAILABLE!

HERBAL FORMULAS FOR Hair Loss, Graying, & Acne

We now carry herbal formulas available at the salon for hair loss, early greying, and acne!  Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas have been successfully used by patients for thousands of years to naturally promote beauty from within.

· Colorful Phoenix Pearl Combo (Cai Feng Zhen Zhu An Chuang Wan) is helpful for many forms of acne

·       Silken Tresses (Qi Bao Mei Ren Dan) promotes hair growth, and slows early greying

·       Yin Care is an external herbal tincture that has many uses, including treating acne blemishes, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, scalp dermatitis (including dandruff), as well as several gynecological issues.

These formulas are made by the most highly respected manufacturers, who use stringent quality controls.

Because these medicines have specific effects on the whole body, they should only be taken under the guidance of a licensed practitioner.  Our acupuncturist, Elizabeth Williams, LAc, is well trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and can prescribe formulas based on your own individual symptoms and constitution after an initial herbal consultation. Elizabeth will also help evaluate any dietary or lifestyle changes you can make.

Elizabeth is available Monday, Tuesday, and Friday each week for herbal consultations and acupuncture treatment.  If you are only interested in treating hair loss, early greying, acne, or other beauty concerns, a shortened consultation is available for $25.

An initial full herbal consultation to address health concerns is $50, and takes approximately one hour.

Come in today to naturally enhance your true beauty!

Treat your cold and flu with acupuncture and herbs!

This year, treat your cold and flu with acupuncture and herbs!

Can’t afford to be sick with a cold?

Do your symptoms linger for days or weeks after the flu is “over”?

Does taking cold medicine feel just as debilitating as having the cold itself?

Acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine are effective, natural methods of boosting your immune system to prevent getting sick in the first place, as well as minimizing the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms once they do occur.

All viruses are not the same!  Elizabeth will diagnose your specific disease pattern, and tailor your treatment to best address your symptoms, whether they be clogged sinuses, head and body aches, sore throat, cough, fever, upset tummy, or fatigue.  You will receive an herbal prescription to take home to help speed recovery, and lessen the possibility of having lingering symptoms that can weaken your system long-term.

Make your appointment with Elizabeth as soon as you feel the “ick” coming on - the earlier you receive treatment, the better chance you have of avoiding getting seriously ill.  From now through the end of February, acupuncture and cupping treatments for colds or flu are just $40, plus the cost of herbs.

If you feel a cold coming on, you can try this home remedy:

•       Make a tea by boiling a few slices of ginger and sliced green onion (white part only) in water for 10 minutes, and drink while warm.

•       Be sure to cover up well after drinking (better yet, get under the covers) and allow your body to sweat out the ick.

•       If you are having diarrhea as well, add in a few tablespoons of grated daikon radish while boiling.  It will not affect the taste much at all.  If you wish, eat the veggies after boiling for greater effect.

•       Most importantly: REST!  Your body is trying to fight something off, and it needs all the energy it can to do that.

Call Kasia Organic Salon at 612.824.7611 or Elizabeth at 612.839.0365 to book your appointment and start feeling better now!

Do you really absorb up to 60% of what we apply to our skin?

I remember back to 3 years ago when the phrase "we  absorb up to 60% of what we apply to our skin” was just starting to be used among natural beauty pioneers that were health minded as well.   Through my Functional Medicine research at the time, I just knew that this had to be true. To bring this topic up is important to me, as we are finding a increasing number of women with dermis allergies and environmental health complications with the overload of product use.   So, let's back this up.

There is  research to show strong evidence that we do in fact absorb quite a bit of what is applied. Rates of skin absorption of contaminants in public drinking water were studied by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. The study found that the skin absorbed an average of 64% of the total contaminant dosage. In another study the face was found to be 2-6x more permeable than other body surfaces such as the torso, and underarms and genitalia to be even more permeable. In fact, the underarms and genitalia showed up to a 100% absorption estimate (Kasting, 2005).

The studies showed that absorption rate varies depending on the compound. Some examples include, caffeine, which is absorbed by the skin at 48% while DDT is absorbed at 10%. Alarmingly  fragrance ingredients, showed a 100% absorption rate (Robinson et al, 2000).

In any case regardless of actual percentage rates, it makes sense to know the ingredients in our skin care products so we know what we are applying and absorbing. Of course those of us at Kasia Organic Salon commit  to  the  choice of natural/organic  as it immediately cuts out artificial preservatives, fragrances and color compounds that are either suspected or confirmed to be harmful to us.

We suggest the following TOP 5 for your everyday Beautiful Health needs:

Pureoderant Kasia Natural Skin Care Jojoba Oil La Bella Donna Makeup Kasia Spicy Citrus and Weigh-less Organic Conditioner

Reference:  Vitale

What does Acupuncture treat?

By:  Elizabeth Williams, LAc, MAcOM, DiplAc I get this question often, and many people are surprised by my answer:  what doesn’t acupuncture treat?  Traditional Chinese Medicine, which includes acupuncture and herbal medicine, was the primary and comprehensive form of medicine in China for thousands of years, and was used to treat most any illness, be it physical or emotional, or affecting digestion, nerves, muscles, lungs, heart, vision, hearing... you get the idea!

Acupuncturists often see patients whose health issues have not been adequately addressed by western medicine.  Many people are very lucky to be alive and well due to modern medical technology and life-saving pharmaceuticals.  However, western medicine is not always able to treat chronic or less severe conditions that affect quality of life, other than to manage symptoms with pharmaceuticals, which often have harmful side effects.  For example, many people suffer from anxiety, which can be quite debilitating.  Anti-anxiety medications can bring some relief to these patients, but the confusion and “foggy” sensation experienced when taking these drugs mean that the patient may have just as much difficulty getting through their day when they take a pill as when they go without.  Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be very helpful in treating anxiety, because they work at the root of the problem to address what is causing the anxiety in the first place.  Herbal medicine uses natural substances that are specifically formulated to address the individual’s particular root issue, without side effects.  In addition, I highly recommend that all patients being treated for depression and anxiety also see a counselor or therapist with whom they can build a solid therapeutic relationship.

Of course, no one type of medicine works well for every patient, or type of health problem.  Some people respond better to chiropractic care, western medicine, homeopathy, etc.  Obviously, anyone needing surgery, or with broken bones or having a medical emergency should be seen by western medical doctors.

The World Health Organization (the United Nations’ health authority) has identified several conditions for which acupuncture is recommended.  Below is a small sampling of their list can be found on their website at www.who.int.

Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever) Dental pain and TMJ Depression Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods) Gastritis, peptic ulcer Facial pain Headache Hypertension Knee pain Low back pain Morning sickness Nausea and vomiting Neck pain Periarthritis of shoulder Postoperative pain Rheumatoid arthritis Sciatica Side effects of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy Sprain Stroke Tennis elbow

My own specializations include stress and emotional disorders, including depression, anxiety, headache/migraine, and insomnia.  I also treat patients with women’s issues, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), and difficulties during menopause.  Problems with digestion is another specialty of mine.  I have received extensive training in treating many conditions not listed here, and am happy to see patients with other health issues.

If you would like to discuss whether acupuncture would work for a certain condition, please call.  If I do not believe that I can best treat you, I will refer you to another practitioner, or recommend another type of therapy.

Look for more articles on acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Traditional Chinese Medicine in the near future.  If you would like to see an article on a particular topic, please contact me at innerhealthacupuncture@gmail.com.