Posted by Maria on May 3, 2010 under Ayurveda & Elemental Nature, Esthetics School, Self-Care, Skin Care, Sleep, Spa and Sleep Dictionary, Stress Management and Relaxation, Uncategorized, Wellness | 
by Maria Koropecky, Homespunspa owner
In school we’ve been learning a lot about Ayurveda and Elemental Nature so we can customize our spa treatments for our guests to match their needs.
According to ancient Indian Ayurvedic philosophy, every living thing in the entire universe is composed of five building blocks called “elements” and they are: Infinity, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. We each have all of these qualities within us to some degree, but most of us favour one or two over the rest and the unique composition of these elements and qualities within us changes from hour to hour and day to day. The goal is to find balance between all of the elements and within the elements themselves as best we can, otherwise, life gets out of hand and we are living in extremes rather than feeling centered and at our optimum.
By understanding our elemental nature and recognizing when we get out of balance, we can take steps to re-adjust our situation and feel better. You can tell you are out of balance when you don’t feel like yourself. An imbalance can show up on your skin as a rash or as acne or as dandruff, for example. Also, you might feel sluggish or nervous or cold. Or your stomach may become upset after eating certain food. All of these symptoms correlate to the elements.
What do you do when you get out of balance? Working with the principle of like increases like, the best approach is to do the opposite and counterbalance the symptom and therefore not encourage more of the same. So, if you’re feeling sluggish, eat something or do something that will give you energy. Also, if your sensitive skin is red and burning, then apply a cold compress. You wouldn’t want to make it burn more, right?
Below I’m going to introduce the 5 elements and I plan on writing about this topic more in the future because I find it fascinating. It really explains why we behave the way we do and why we as individuals prefer some things over others.
1) Infinity
The element of Infinity is represented by:
- Force: Space
- 3 Key Qualities: Cold, Light, Dry
- Sense: Sound
Foods to Favour in the diet:
- Sweet: breads, pasta, meat, fish, milk, cream
- Sour: citrus, cheese, yogurt
- Salty: sea salt, tamari, seeweeds, pickled foods
Foods to Reduce in the diet:
- Pungent: peppers, ginger, onions, garlic, curries, spices
- Bitter: kale, spinach, broccoli, coffee, chocolate
- Astringent: beans, legumes, tea, cabbage, cauliflower
Infinity’s mind: Quick, expansive and open (like outer space).
Skin: Tends to be normal to dry with small pores.
Body Frame: Petite
When in balance the personality is: Warm, outgoing, make others feel comfortable, have lots of energy.
When not in balance, the personality is: Nervous, anxious, they lack focus and lack follow-through.
2) Air
The element of Air is represented by:
- Force: Movement
- 3 Key Qualities: Cold, Light, Dry
- Sense: Touch
Foods to Favour in the diet:
- Sweet: breads, pasta, meat, fish, milk, cream
- Sour: citrus, cheese, yogurt
- Salty: sea salt, tamari, seeweeds, pickled foods
Foods to Reduce in the diet:
- Pungent: peppers, ginger, onions, garlic, curries, spices
- Bitter: kale, spinach, broccoli, coffee, chocolate
- Astringent: beans, legumes, tea, cabbage, cauliflower
Air’s mind: Rapid, creative, learn things quickly but forget just as quickly.
Skin: Tends to be dry and dehydrated with fine lines and small pores. Skin feels tight.
Body Frame: Tall and slender.
When in balance the personality is: Airs are the movers and shakers of the world. Airs are creative, energetic, good conversationalists, open to new experiences, don’t like things to stay the same and like to try new things.
When not in balance, the personality is: Difficult time making decisions, like to keep options open and not commit, tend to speak quickly and excessively, are worriers and are forgetful.
3) Fire
The element of Fire is represented by:
- Force: Transformation
- 3 Key Qualities: Hot, Light, Moist
- Sense: Sight
Foods to Favour in the diet:
- Sweet: breads, pasta, meat, fish, milk, cream
- Bitter: kale, spinach, broccoli, coffee, chocolate
- Astringent: beans, legumes, tea, cabbage, cauliflower
Foods to Reduce in the diet:
- Sour: citrus, cheese, yogurt
- Salty: sea salt, tamari, seeweeds, pickled foods
- Pungent: peppers, ginger, onions, garlic, curries, spices
Fire’s mind: Linear, determined, focused, intellectual. Have strong views, are ambitious and like to get things done.
Skin: Sensitive, sunburns easily and have tendency for sun damage, hyperpigmentation (spots and uneven skin tone) and are prone to rosacea.
Body Frame: Athletic, solid build.
When in balance the personality is: Fires are the leaders of the world. Fires are charismatic, witty, focused, independent. Fires like making decisions and are organized.
When not in balance, the personality is: Angry, irritable, aggressive, frustrated, impatient.
4) Water
The element of Water is represented by:
- Force: Connection
- 3 Key Qualities: Cold, Heavy, Wet
- Sense: Taste
Foods to Favour in the diet:
- Pungent: peppers, ginger, onions, garlic, curries, spices
- Bitter: kale, spinach, broccoli, coffee, chocolate
- Astringent: beans, legumes, tea, cabbage, cauliflower
Foods to Reduce in the diet:
- Sweet: breads, pasta, meat, fish, milk, cream
- Sour: citrus, cheese, yogurt
- Salty: sea salt, tamari, seeweeds, pickled foods
Water’s mind: Get emotionally attached, are compassionate and learn a little more slowly but memory is pretty strong. Like routine and familiarity.
Skin: Oily to Acneic. Have smooth skin but prone to breakouts on face and back. Have bigger pores.
Body Frame: Tend to be heavier and tend to retain water.
When in balance the personality is: Waters are strong, thoughtful of others, consistent, dependable, have a lot of stamina, bond for life.
When not in balance, the personality is: Emotional and needy, emotionally attached to people, places and things.
5) Earth
The element of Earth is represented by:
- Force: Matter
- 3 Key Qualities: Cold, Heavy, Wet
- Sense: Smell
Foods to Favour in your diet:
- Pungent: peppers, ginger, onions, garlic, curries, spices
- Bitter: kale, spinach, broccoli, coffee, chocolate
- Astringent: beans, legumes, tea, cabbage, cauliflower
Foods to Reduce in your diet:
- Sweet: breads, pasta, meat, fish, milk, cream
- Sour: citrus, cheese, yogurt
- Salty: sea salt, tamari, seeweeds, pickled foods
Earth’s mind: Have strong, long-term memory, are true to their beliefs, have calm and stable mind and no crazy/rapid thoughts.
Skin: Normal to oily with a thicker skin texture. Waters aren’t prone to fine lines but suffer from breakouts.
Body Frame: Are heavy, large and have broader shoulders.
When in balance the personality is: Earths are dependable, caring, calm and function best with routine and structure. They make good friends.
When not in balance, the personality is: Lethargic, depressed, slow, sluggish, tired, have a hard time adapting to change and new situations.
I hope these descriptions give you something to work with. If you have any questions, please post a comment or email me. I’m curious to know which element you resonate most with. If you want to know my elemental nature, I’m a Water/Earth with some Infinity/Air and very little Fire, though my hair did go grey early. When I get out of balance, I definitely get lethargic and sluggish and I’m a home body and like my routines. I also get nervous and anxious easily too which is more Infinity/Air. I’ve found unexpectedly that drinking a glass of pureed ginger in warm water and eating Jalapeno potato chips (not at the same time) really help me so I include those items in my diet from time to time.
Posted by Maria on December 2, 2009 under Books, Magazines, Music, Pop-Psychology, Self-Care, Sleep, Spa and Sleep Dictionary, Spirituality, Stress Management and Relaxation, Uncategorized, Wellness |
By Maria Koropecky, Homespunspa owner
Sometimes I can fall asleep at the drop of a hat and other nights it’s a bit of a struggle. Last night, even though I was tired, I was having trouble with the drifting off phase — until I had an idea.
I selected my “Christmas” playlist on my iPod, and lo and behold, it did the trick. I was asleep in no time. I liked listening to the songs because they embody hope and optimism and after not hearing them for a year, they were fresh to my ears. I’m listening to more carols now while I write this post.
You are never too old to enjoy a lullaby
Lullabies are soothing songs that are sung to send children of all ages to the land of nod. They have been around since the days of yore and before and can be found in every corner of the earth, from ancient times to modern. The tunes are simple, melodious and comforting.
It’s in the science
Studies show that listening to music that you like can help you fall asleep faster. Not only does the music lower your heart rate — which can be escalating during this hectic season — it can improve your mood and reduce your stress levels. It has been shown that once your brain registers pleasing sounds, it responds by sending out instructions to the rest of your body to calm down. As a result, your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure become more even and your muscles relax. Meanwhile, your brain waves will gradually shift to slower, more sleep-inducing rhythms. And you get a little endorphin boost in the process.
‘Tis the season for Christmas carols
Because of their tone, lyrics and melody, some Christmas carols can be considered lullabies. Have you ever noticed that Christmas carols often talk about “night,” “rest,” and “peace?” Christmas is about the birth of the baby Jesus after all.
Here are the lyrics from some of my favourite, classic Christmas carols.
Away in a Manger
First published in 1885.
Away in a manger,
No crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head
The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing,
The poor Baby wakes,
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky,
And stay by my side,
Until morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care,
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there.
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
This carol was written by American, Edmund Sears and first published in 1849.
It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold.
“Peace on the earth, goodwill to men
From heavens all gracious King!”
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heavenly music floats
O’er all the weary world.
Above its sad and lowly plains
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever o’er its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing.
O ye beneath life’s crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look now, for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing;
Oh rest beside the weary road
And hear the angels sing.
O Holy Night
A carol composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the French poem Minuit, chrétiens, or Midnight, Christians, written by Placide Cappeau.
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night , O Holy Night, O night divine
O night , O Holy Night, O night divine.
Silent Night
The original German lyrics for Stille Nacht were written by Austrian priest, Father Josef Mohr with the melody composed by Franz Haver Gruber. The English translation was published by John Freeman Young in 1859.
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child,
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born!
Christ, the Saviour is born!
Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love’s pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
I hope everybody has a wonderful month of December and Christmas season this year. And if you’re having trouble sleeping, try listening to some Christmas lullabies.
Posted by Maria on November 20, 2009 under Dating, Hands and Nails, Home spa, Homespunspa, How to throw a home spa pajama party the Homespunspa way book, Ingredients, Recipes, Self-Care, Spa and Sleep Dictionary, Stress Management and Relaxation, Uncategorized, Wellness |
By Maria Koropecky, Homespunspa owner
It’s Friday and you’re going out on the town tonight. Maybe you have a hot date. Why not give yourself a quick home spa manicure and get some housecleaning done too?
In my last post, Dishwashing — Good Clean Fun, I mentioned that I would write a post on manicures at a later date. Well, here it is.
As some of you know, I have written a book called, How To Throw a Home Spa Pajama Party the Homespunspa Way and I have a whole chapter dedicated to manicures.
I think taking care of our hands is important because they really work hard for us. They are our primary envoys and ambassadors which we send out to investigate and influence our physical world. And like diplomats, we need to treat them like V.I.P.’s with the best of the best. And like diplomats, they need to be polished and well-groomed even during the toughest of negotiations.
Steps to a home spa manicure
- Soaking
- Exfoliating
- Cleaning
- Shaping
- Massaging
- Moisturizing
- Buffing
- Painting
The housekeeping part is optional, of course, and happens at the beginning of this process because no one wants to accidentally wreck their freshly painted nails.
Step 1: Soak your nails — While washing dishes, your nails and cuticles will soften and the dirt under your nails will loosen. This part will set the stage for the rest of the manicure.
Step 2: Exfoliate your hands — If you don’t have time for this step tonight, you can skip it. Here is a recipe for a quick scrub for your hands:
Milk and Sugar Scrub
Ingredients:
- 1/4 Sugar (white or brown) — Brown and white sugar granules are abrasive and make sweet alternatives to salt in exfoliating scrubs.
- 2 TB Safflower Oil — Excellent carrier oil in massage and has conditioning properties that promote healthy skin and hair.
- 2 TB Evaporated or Fresh Milk — Moisturizes, nourishes and softens skin.
Method: In a bowl, mix together the sugar, safflower oil and milk into a creamy consistency.
Manner: Gently massage the mixture all over your hands to exfoliate dry skin and increase circulation. Rinse with warm water.
Storage/Shelf Life: Pour any left over mixture into a sterilized jar. Store in refrigerator for a couple of days. Discard if fresh milk sours.
Step 3: Clean your nails — By now, you should probably feel how soft your hands are. After you have rinsed the scrub from your hands, take a moment to clean under the nail tips with an orange stick or similar tool.
Step 4A: Shape your nails –Using nail clippers, cut your nails. For a rounded tip, cut both sides of the nail on the diagonal and trim the point off the top. Then, you can use a fine emery board to soften the edges but make sure you use long, sweeping strokes in the same direction to avoid possible splintering.
Step 4B: Shape your cuticles — Here is a quick recipe for cuticle oil:
Lemongrass and Rosemary Cuticle Oil
Ingredients
- 2 TB Olive Oil — Calms, soothes, nourishes, cleans, softens and moisturizes skin. This heavy, fragrant and stable oil can be used as a base in massage oils and moisturizing creams.
- 2 drops Rosemary Essential Oil — Lifts depression, erases fatigue and relaxes stiff muscles.
- 3 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil — Strong anti-bacterial properties and is useful for treating problem skin and acne.
Method: Add the drops of essential oils into a tiny, sterilized glass bottle. Roll the mixture around the bottle to blend. Carefully pour the olive oil up to the bottle’s shoulder. Replace the lid and roll again to compound the oils.
Manner: Dot each nail with the cuticle oil and rub in using the ball of your thumb. With an orange stick or similar tool or your thumbnail from your other hand, gently push the cuticles back to expose the lunula (whitish half-moon arc) at the base. Without using scissors, gently peel away any thin bits of extra skin. You should have a nice clean edge defining the area between your nail and your skin, the nail folds.
Storage/Shelf-Life: Label and date the mixture. Keep the bottle tightly closed and store in a cool, dark place for a year or so.
Steps 5 and 6: Massaging and Moisturizing — Make it a routine to massage your hands with moisturizer or massage oil daily. You can use the cuticle oil for this step also, if you’d like. Here are steps to a moisturizing hand massage:
- Apply moisturizing cream.
- Stroke down from your wrist to your knuckle.
- Squeeze between each finger with the thumb and index finger of the other hand.
- Massage between and along each finger with firm circular movements.
- Scissor each finger with the first and second fingers of the other hand, pulling firmly and gently from the base to the tips.
- Massage the palm of one hand with the thumb of the other, using a circular motion.
- Using firm, upward movements, stroke excess oil from the palm to the elbow. Lift the hand away at the end of each stroke.
- Massage the forearm from the wrist to below the elbow with more thumb circles.
Step 7: Buff your nails — With a nail buffing tool or chamois cloth, buff your nails until you notice a natural, healthy-looking sheen. Buffing is just applying some friction to the top of the nail and the cut edges to clean up any residue and to prepare the surface for nail polish. Buffing your nails helps boost circulation, even out ridges and seal nail tips. If you would like to add extra shine, dust your nails with some cornstarch before you begin the buffing step.
Step 8: Painting your nails — Starting with your non-writing hand and working from the pinky to the thumb, apply a clear, protein-enriched base coat of enamel to each nail on your writing hand. Have your hand lie flat on a solid surface and place the wet brush of clear base on the lunula of each nail and drag it evenly toward the tip — painting evenly from the left of the nail, then over to the right, then down the middle.
After the clear base coat has dried, (takes about 10 minites) apply a coat of polish in a colour that flatters your skin tone. Take your time and be careful not to let the polish spread across the nail folds (ridges that join your nail to your fingertip’s skin). If you happen to colour outside the lines, it’s no big deal, just clean it up with a hint of acetone-free nail polish remover.
Wait at least 10 minutes and after the first coat has completely dried, then apply a second coat of colour to each nail. After 10 more minutes, you can paint a final clear coat to add shine and have an extra layer of protection against chipping.
There it is, a home spa manicure. If you try any of these recipes, let me know how it worked out.
