TIP - FATTY ACIDS AND IODINE: TO WRITE HOME ABOUT!

You have heard a lot about the benefits of Omega-3 and -6 for brain growth and performance, and to reduce cholesterol and the risks of heart diseases and cancer. Whether you integrate Omega-3s to your meals or spread them on your body, your skin loves them because of their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to repair damaged and dry skin. Omega-6s are also great because they support anti-allergic functions and are great allies against eczema.

Next time you prepare a menu for your skin, add avocado oil and 2 or 3 drops of linseed oil (the best of the Omega-3) and rosehip or poppy seed oil (the richest in Omega-6).

For those of you with eczema, add linseed and rosehip oil to increase the value of your unguent or massage oil. Linseed and rosehip also contain iodine, which is great for the thyroid. Rashes, discoloration, acne and edema are some of the skin problems associated with thyroid malfunction.

AYURVEDIC HOME SPA GUIDE AND RECIPES

Improve your longevity by taking time to relax.

Whether you have been enjoying winter sports over the past few days or are stiff from shovelling the driveway, you may be experiencing dry hands, face, legs and hair. Or you feel you need to replenish? Or your holiday was soooo fulfilling you want to offer something luxurious to someone special? Think home spa.

Home spas are fun and much less expensive. Although they require a bit of preparation, you have total control over the textures and aromas used. Below are suggested ingredients but feel free to add or switch ingredients. For example, you could add cucumber slices over your eyes while resting.

Balance your skin's Vata element this fall

Your skin started to feel dryer and tighter again?

The cool breeze and chilly nights have now chased away the hot, humid summer that kept your skin and nails moist and gave more volume to your hair. Some of you may even have noticed that the skin on your hands, face and feet is already dryer than just a few weeks back. This is normal as fall, the Vata season, is dominated by the air element, which is light, cool, moving and drying. And if you have a Vata dosha, or air constitution in Ayurvedic terms, you are even more likely to feel the increased dryness. It won't be very long either before those with a Pitta constitution will also feel dryer. Those with a kapha or oily skin may not experience this at all, but if they do, they are more likely to experience it later when the winter starts settling.