Jennifer Aniston, Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow have all been photographed sporting the tell-tale marks of cupping therapy but what’s all the hype about?

Cupping therapy is a method of treatment often employed in Traditional Chinese Medicine. During cupping, small glass/plastic cups or bamboo jars are used to create suction and applied to the skin. Once skin contact has been established, the superficial layer of muscles is drawn into the cup to apply gentle pressure and the cups can be gently moved over the skin. Cups are often left stationary on areas of the body corresponding to acupuncture points or on areas of pain or muscle tension.

The suction created by cupping is used to relax tight muscles, increase circulation and blood flow, and calm the nervous system. It is also used to relieve back and neck pain, anxiety, migraines, abdominal cramps (especially those related to PMS) acute coughs and colds (to clear congestion), asthma, and high blood pressure. Cupping is a great tool to add to weight loss treatments as it can help to break down fat deposits and reduce the appearance of cellulite by improving lymphatic drainage and detoxification.

While cupping is not painful, the recipient commonly walks away with circular bruises on the areas where the cups were applied. Relief usually lasts for several days and chronic conditions typically require more frequent treatments to bring about lasting benefits.

I am so excited to announce a new program created specifically for brides-to-be and their wedding party to achieve that healthy glow that reflects their happiness during this exciting time in their lives – The Blushing Bride Cleanse!

The Blushing Bride Cleanse

You want everything to be perfect on your big day, including how you look and feel. If you only recently got engaged or the big day is getting closer; the Blushing Bride Cleanse will get you radiant and glowing and help you fit beautifully into the dress of your dreams.

I know what you’re thinking; “I don’t have the time, money, or energy to put my body through a detox right now”.  That’s the exact reason why I developed this simple, supplement-free cleanse that anyone can do, whether this is your very first detox or even if you are a seasoned cleanser! As a licensed naturopathic doctor, I help many of my patients achieve their health goals, and cleansing is an important step in the process.

You will be the center of attention on your wedding day and during the events leading up to it; the Blushing Bride Cleanse will help you feel energized and look fantastic during this busy and exciting time.

Included in the program:

• Three 30 minute group sessions and detox coaching with Dr. Jen Newell, ND to assess your progress throughout the cleanse and to provide support (1 session/week)
• The full 21 day Blushing Bride Cleanse program including meal plans, shopping lists and recipes.
• Information about why cleansing is beneficial, what it means to detox, what this cleanse entails and how to continue the lifestyle changes after the 21 days have passed.
• Emails every 3 days offering tips, support, and bonus recipes.
• Daily twitter coaching tips throughout the day (follow at #bridalcleanse)
• Email support throughout the full 21 days

Cost: $150 + GST ($300 value) – can be covered under your extended health care benefit plan! Bonus: if more than 5 people are part of the cleanse group everyone receives 15% off the price so encourage your bridal party to do this with you for support, encouragement and so you can all feel amazing!

To learn more about this cleanse program contact me or visit the following blogs to hear more about the experience:

StylEyes Makeup Artistry – Week 1

Glitter Geek – Week 1 Week 2

Toronto Beauty Reviews – Week 1 Week 2

Amaya Beauty – Week 1

This past week, I had the opportunity to try out the North American Hemp Co. moisturizing shampoo, conditioner and serum and was really impressed with the results. All the products are sulfate-, paraben- and DEA-free, and vegan and left my hair silky, soft and manageable.

The shampoo claims to rehydrate hair, repair split-ends and add incredible shine. It moisturizes using omega fatty acids from organic hemp seed oil, chamomile extract and thermal algae.  For being sulfate-free, this shampoo created a thick, rich lather. I typically find it very difficult to get sulfate-free shampoos to lather, so I was delighted to find that this lathered using only a small dollop of the shampoo. Additionally, the North American Hemp Co. moisturizing shampoo was very easy to work into my hair and scalp and rinsed without leaving any buildup or tangles. I was worried that this shampoo was going to smell “herbal” but was pleasantly surprised by the slightly sweet, lightly scent.

I am very picky about the conditioner I use, I prefer conditioners that impart moisture a shine but do not weigh the hair down since I love having lots of volume and movement. Additionally, I hate the feeling of any buildup left in my hair and many natural conditioners have just not lived up to my requirements.  I was really impressed by the North American Hemp Co. moisturizing conditioner. It is a thick, creamy conditioner that coated the ends of my hair evenly and rinsed easily. It felt like it did a good job sealing any split ends I have and reduced the number of tangles I usually have after my shower.  As I combed out my damp hair, I was surprised by how smooth my hair was and how easily the comb passed through it.

Finally, I tried out the 369 serum. I loved that this product has a very short ingredient list of pretty recognizable components including hemp seed oil, mineral oil and citrus oil. I applied the serum to my towel dried hair, focusing on the ends of the hair shaft and avoiding getting any near my roots. My hair was soft, shiny and silky after blow-drying and had a fantastic volume and movement all day. Unfortunately, I was not a fan of the scent of this serum; it smelled like the oil may have been a touch rancid. Luckily the aroma didn’t linger very long and the results were worth it.

I will definitely be adding these products to my regular rotation of hair care products. In particular, I think the conditioner will be a “go to” product regardless of what shampoo I am using. I am also curious to try some of their other products…if you have any recommendations please leave a comment.

I love the look of a fresh manicure and pedicure but I am not a fan of all the toxins lurking in those little bottles. I am slowly purging my nail polish supply of any colours that are not free of the “Big 3” toxins and purchasing from only those companies that make it a priority to offer formulas that are not only “3 free” but also wear well.

What are the “Big 3”?

These are 3 of the chemicals that many nail polish formulas contain: Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formadehyde and Toluene.

Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) – This is a plasticiser that is added to polish formulas to prevent chips and cracking. DBP is a reproductive and developmental toxin that has been linked to feminizing effects in infant boys and an increased risk of birth defects and should, at the very least, be avoided in pregnancy

Formaldehyde – This is used as a nail hardener but it is also a known human carcinogen (meaning exposure to it can cause cancer).

Toluene – This acts as a solvent to help suspend the colour evenly and to make the polish apply smoothly.  Unfortunately, toluene affects the central nervous system leading to headaches, dizziness, depression and fatigue. It is also a potential reproductive and developmental toxin.

What brands are “3 free”?

• OPI
• Orly
• Essie
• Zoya
• Most Sally Hansen products
• Butter London
• Cheeky Monkey

Environmental Defence Canada published a revealing assessment of the heavy metal content of some popular cosmetics used by women in Canada. They found that  all of the 49 products tested contained potentially harmful heavy metal impurities and many contained values higher than the limit set out by Health Canada. Additionally, none of these metals were listed on the product labels.

You can read the full report and see what products were tested at: http://environmentaldefence.ca/sites/default/files/report_files/HeavyMetalHazard_May16_0.pdf