The first is the Paladin Law Group® LLP. What is a Paladin? It is a heroic champion and a strong supporter or defender of a cause. Bret Stone, Ed Quevedo, and Sarah Isabel Parriott are keeping the promise of their brand in the work they are doing with DoshaCare.

Earlier this year we embarked upon a process to make DoshaCare one of the first personal care product companies to build not just a social and environmentally responsible brand, but to take it a step further and build a complete supply chain from cradle to grave that operates under a sustainable management system (SMS). Together with Paladin Law Group we are making great progress. We are so committed to this process that we are moving to put sustainablity in our brand name: Daily, Organic, Sustainable, Healthy, Ayurvedic Care.

To learn more about Paladin Law Group go to www.paladinlaw.com.
To learn more about SMS and why it is important to our future, go to http://www.sustainablelifemedia.com/research/2009_sustainability_initiatives_report.
To learn more about DoshaCare’s our work in this area, visit our blog and website in the future as we make our progress public.

For now, have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.
Visit our Facebook and Twitter accounts for a special holiday offering.
Remember that we continuously interacting with, digesting and recycling the elements of nature as we move through out the world.
Move this season with grace and gratitude.

How does meditation lead to healthier, more radiant skin?

Now that the holidays are behind us, we can all take a deep, cleansing breath and begin the New Year with a new commitment – to make meditation part of our skincare ritual.  Meditation is truly one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves.  It restores the body, cleanses the mind, feeds the spirit and, yes, even makes for healthier skin.

Meditation is simply a time for quiet reflection and relaxation, allowing your body a chance to rest and recharge.  If you commit to making meditation a regular part of your day and, by extension, your life, you will experience profound changes – inside and out.

Rest and deep relaxation is the best and most efficient mechanism for strengthening our immune system.  Remember that our immune system is a powerful natural pharmacy, supplying our bodies with vital vitamins and nutrients.  This, in turn, translates into visibly healthier skin, not to mention higher energy levels, greater mental clarity and a state of overall wellbeing.  When we talk about authentic beauty at DoshaCare, we mean taking a holistic approach to beauty — caring for ourselves on the inside as well as the outside.  Meditation is one of the most effective ways we can sustain a healthy lifestyle.

Incorporate five to thirty minutes twice a day every day for the next 30 days.  No expectations.  No judgement.  No distractions.  This can, and should, be a very simple process.  No need for fanfare or elaborate ceremony.  Just find a quiet place where you feel safe and allow yourself to relax.  Admittedly, this may be easier for some than for others.  If you’re new at this, start with shorter time intervals and work your way up.   If done consistently, even short periods of relaxation can make a profound difference.

As you begin to quiet your body and mind, stay focused on one point of reference – for example, your pattern of breathing or, perhaps, the temperature of the room, anything as long as you give it your undivided attention.  If you find random thoughts or sensations are distracting you, gently and effortlessly bring your attention back to your focal point. Again, do not judge yourself.  Over time, you will develop the capacity to reach a deeper, restful state sooner, and for a longer period of time.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to meditate.  Your mind and body will dictate what it needs.  Your experience may be different each time, depending on how you’re feeling that day or what’s happening in your life.  You might find one of several things could result:  you may fall asleep, which is a sign your body needed that period of rest; your brain may have a hard time shutting down, which is its way of downloading (you may sleep better that night because of this); or your body may easily slip into a restful, peaceful semi-conscious state.

After all the holiday shopping, bargain hunting and gift exchanging, remember that meditation is truly one of the most powerful gifts we can give ourselves.

 At DoshaCare, we have just what Santa ordered.  Keep shining through the holiday season by following these eight enlightening pathways to a healthier, happier, more radiant you:

1.            Rituals:  Rejuvenate the mind and body with a daily ritual that allows you to honor and respect who you are, and your contribution to the world. 

The simplest ritual can help you honor yourself – brushing your hair, applying lotion or taking a moment to look at your reflection in a mirror.

2.            Routine:  Develop a consistent pattern to rise and retire each day.  Ask yourself how much sleep you need each night and identify one change that might help you achieve a more consistent pattern in your daily routine.

3.            Self Massage:  Digest, transform and nourish the body by loosening and releasing the vital life energy fluids moving throughout the body.  Try using a dry brush on your skin to soften skin and stimulate blood flow.

4.            Quiet Reflection:  Daily reflection and meditation allows you to observe yourself and determine whether what you carry from the past is serving you in the present.  Take five minutes to close your eyes and sit quietly.  Focus on the air as it moves in and out of your nose.

5.            Daily Exercise:  Movement balances the mind, body and spirit.  Explore the form of exercise that best serves you.  Don’t forget to stretch and focus on breathing. 

6.            Vibrant Foods:  Our bodies need healthy, natural, dense foods to serve as the raw building materials for energy and functionality.  Choose foods that are organic, whenever possible, and that offer protection from the elements and nutrients that support the immune system.  Experiment with eating foods that represent the  6 senses of taste:  sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. 

7.            Hydration:  Drink water and eat liquid-based foods throughout the day to keep the metabolism working.  The clearer the liquid, the better.

8.            Affirmations:  Our thoughts create reality.  A conscious choice to live a happy, healthy life will trigger the immune system to release hormones that invigorate and feed every cell of the body.  Visualize the future you want, and carry it with you throughout your journey.   You can even write down your goal on a piece of paper and look at it every day over a period of 21 days to keep you motivated.

Have a happy, healthy, radiant holiday season.

What to look for in organic skin care

By now, most of us have come to embrace the organic movement — organic food, organic products, even organic clothing.  Yes, everywhere we turn, it appears we are finding new ways to commune with nature and the beauty industry is no exception.  So, here’s what you need to know about organic skin care. 

The Appetite for Organic

We know that eating organic food has tremendous benefits.  It provides the purest form of the nutrients we need, while minimizing the risks associated with preservatives, pesticides and other artificial ingredients.  Our skin is the largest living organ of our body.  Why not feed it, the way we feed our stomachs?   If we are to take a holistic approach to well-being, ultimately, what we put on our bodies is as important as what we put in our bodies. 

Is Organic Skin Care Really more Effective? 

When done right, it absolutely can be.  It’s the same principle behind taking a vitamin or eating nutrient-rich foods.  Your body is able to metabolize over 80% of the Vitamin C in an orange versus less than 40% of a Vitamin C taken in a tablet.  The more fillers, synthetic materials or artificial ingredients a product has, the less potent it is and the less of the active ingredients your body absorbs.   By and large, our bodies naturally produce most of what we need to survive and thrive.  The more natural alternatives we incorporate in our daily routine, the more benefits we derive.  

Too Much of a Good Thing? 

Be careful when evaluating products that claim to be “100% organic” or “all natural.”  The labeling requirements can be confusing.  In fact, companies can actually claim to be 100% natural even if only 94% of the ingredients are, in fact, organic.  What’s more, products that are 100% all natural may not necessarily be safer or more effective.  Ask about the product’s “stability” – or the ability of the ingredients to stay bound together over time and be sure to check the expiration date on the label.  The average shelf life of a liquid or cream product without a stable preservative is usually less than 90 days.  After that, they can become rancid and a breeding ground for germs. 

Striking the Right Balance

Based on the centuries-old Ayurvedic tradition, DoshaCare is a new line of customizable skin care that is tailored to each person’s unique Dosha (or personal constitution/skin type).  It not only incorporates the teachings of Ayurveda (learn more about Ayurveda below), but is 98% natural – yes, 98%, not 100%.  These products are as free of synthetic ingredients as possible while still preserving effectiveness, safety and aesthetic appeal. The products include 98% natural and organic ingredients, contain no phalates, parabens, artificial colors or aromas and meet Vegan and fair trade standards.

What is Ayurveda? 

Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old natural healing system originating in the ancient traditions of India.  Considered one of the leading forms of holistic medicine now available in the West, Ayurveda addresses all the factors that influence the quality of our lives, addressing the interlocking relationship between mind, body and spirit.

DoshaCare products are a Western translation of this Ayurvedic philosophy, combining the wisdom and inspiration of Eastern traditions with the best of Western science to inspire healthy lifestyle choices and promote a holistic approach to beauty and well-being.  In helping each of us re-discover our own perfection, DoshaCare users achieve authentic beauty that radiates from the inside out for inner peace, outer health and ageless living.  For more information on DoshaCare, please visit www.doshacare.com.

Education Series

Five Session – Timeless Treasures

Healthy Ayurvedic Treats Served At Each Session 

Session 1- Thursday, September 24 – 7-8:30pm  – Complimentary

Introduction to DoshaCare Ayurvedic Skincare.  Explore the opportunity to achieve authentic radiant skin.  If you are a salon professional, involved in a Yoga Studio or alternative health practitioner, or have a high end beauty boutique, explore the business opportunity with DoshaCare.  Learn the fun and simple way to teach men and woman how to create inner peace, outer health and ageless living. 

Session 2 – Thursday, October 1st – 7-8:30pm

Introduction to Ayurveda and How it Relates to Your Skin with Dr. Mark Vinick

Learn about the 5000 year old tradition of medicine from India-Ayurveda and why different people have differing types of skin; dry, sensitive, and moist. Understand simple and basic diet and lifestyle choices for harmony, balance and authentic radiance. 

 Dr. Mark Vinick successfully treats a variety of conditions based on his extensive knowledge of both modern and ancient healing sciences, and incorporates the best of numerous healing modalities. He is Board Certified in three multidisciplinary specialties: Pain Management, Anti-aging Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine.

Session 3 – Thursday, October 8th – 7-8:30pm

Holistic Dentistry –An Integrated Health Approach with Dr. Jerry Bottomley

Your mouth and teeth are essential to overall health.  Dr. Bottomley’s holistic approach to dentistry blends traditional western medicine with various forms of eastern thought, alternative healing modalities and possibilities. Learn how your belief systems, dental situation, overall health, and personal circumstances play a part in ones authentic radiant health.

Dr. Jerry Bottomley has extensive post-graduate training in cosmetic, reconstructive and implant dentistry. Dr. Bottomley’s personal philosophy is a holistic integrated approach to dental care that includes understanding of Eastern and Western medical knowledge.

Session 4 – Thursday, October 22nd – 7-8:30pm

Discover and Explore – Business as Spiritual Practice with Susie Bottomley 

What if we are Spiritual Beings having a human experience? What if that spiritual nature has been banned from the board rooms of our world and the bottom line is reflecting that loss? What if every choice/decision took into account the highest good for all concerned and released our agendas to that purpose?

Susie Bottomley has a Master of Arts in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica. She is sharing her personal journey of integration; tools, books, people, events and life experiences.

Session 5 – Thursday, November  5th – 7-8:30pm

8 Fold Paths to Authentic Radiance from the Inside Out with Patty Schmucker

What we put on the surface of our skin is one small element of discovering our authentic radiance.  Inspired by the traditions of Ayurveda, Patty will share a western approach to inner peace, outer health and ageless living. 

Patty Schmucker is Founder of DoshaCare, Customized Ayurvedic Skin Care.  She began her career as a licensed esthetician and has studied and developed Ayurvedic products and traditions for decades 

 $25 per Class or $60 for the Series (Session 1  is Complimentary)

All Classes Hosted at the Harmony Works Art & Soul Center

1705 South Catalina Avenue, Redondo Beach, CA

For information and reservation 310-802-7880 or info@doshacare.com

www.doshacare.com     www.harmony-works.com

In the centuries-old Indian Ayurvedic philosophy, authentic beauty is achieved through lifestyle choices that nourish the body and fulfill the mind. This healing system addresses all factors that influence the quality of life, such as maintaining a consistent daily routine, engaging in meditation and regular exercise, sustaining a healthy diet, and being in harmony with nature. In the professional environment authentically radiant skin is achieved by engaging all five senses through customized Ayurvedic Facial Services provided by DoshaCare and the new DoshaVibes. 

The DoshaVibes CD that was composed to complement DoshaCare Facial Services, specifically addressing each of the doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.  Ayurveda combines the five elements in nature (water, earth, wind, fire and space) into three distinctive categories.  
-Vata, the air principal, is comprised of space and air. When we have too much Vata in our body, our skin is dry.  
-Pitta, the fire principal, is comprised of fire and water. Too much Pitta in our system will result in skin that can be sensitive.
-Kapha, the earth principal, is comprised of earth and water. Too much Kapha can result in oily, congested skin conditions.

Each DoshaVibe CD meets the unique needs of each dosha, resonating with the individual’s nervous system to bring them into the deepest level of relaxation possible. For the esthetician giving the service, each music composition provides cues to move to the next segment of the treatment. This allows the esthetician to perform the most relaxing manipulation in concert with the deepest relaxation of the nervous system, giving the client a meditative and restorative service that supports authentically radiant skin. The last segments of each CD are designed to gently guide the client out of the supremely relaxed state to a balanced consciousness of rejuvenated clarity.

The Vata Service is designed for dehydrated skin that requires nourishment to bring the natural function of sebum and moisture into balance. Skin is returned to balance with a breathing ritual and head massage inspired from India’s ancient traditions incorporated with deep cleansing and hydration treatment.

The Pitta Service is designed for sensitive skin that requires nourishment to soothe the over-heated system,  reducing inflammation, the biggest sources of premature aging, by incorporating gem stones and single note essential oils for the Pitta mind, body and spirit. Balance is restored by decreasing inflammation and increasing hydration.

The Kapha Service is designed for skin that is congested due to overactive sebaceous glands. Skin becomes nourished by decongesting pores, stimulating healthy circulation and strengthening the immune system. The rich tradition of Ayurveda incorporates Marma therapy (Ayurvedic version of acupressure) to balance Kapha mind, body and spirit.

Each of the three DoshaCare protocols have unique add-on features that can be performed in 55 or 75 minute format.

With DoshaCare Customized Ayurvedic Facial Services estheticians move from beauty services to wellness services providing clients the benefit of inner peace, outer radiance and ageless living.   DoshaCare is seeking professionals who are looking to offer a deeper level of customizable service by believing and practicing the following core concepts:
*True health is more than the absence of illness; it is a balanced state of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
*Balance is achieved by following a lifestyle that nourishes our body and fulfills our mind.
*Quiet introspection, or meditation, can be one of the most powerful tools for relaxing the mind and igniting our internal pharmacy.
*Our business thrives upon creating an experience that indulges the five senses – sound, sight, taste, touch, and smell. 
*Indulging the five senses allows us to reach a deeper level of being which is therapeutic, holistic and health supporting.
*By thoroughly educating and training our staff, we can provide a haven for health that supports inner and outer radiance.
*We don’t simply sell products; we take care of people.

 
If you are a beauty industry professional contact us for a meeting at Cosmoprof North America July 18th-21st in Las Vegas to become a DoshaCare Wellness center.  If you are a not in the professional beauty industry and would like to experience a DoshaCare service, visit your favorite salon or spa and tell them about DoshaCare and your desire to have one of our wellness services.  You can make a difference by letting your local beauty professional know that you are no longer interested in getting just a facial.  Times have changes and now you can have a treatment that restores your inner, outer and ageless health.

Alarming reports surface from the Environmental Working Group about estrogens in some high end skincare creams. These reports are causing a stir in the skincare industry and confusing the consumer. Where does the confusion lie? Well estrogens and phyto-estrogens are two very different things. Estrogens occur naturally in our bodies but synthetic estrogens have shown in many studies over many years to have a direct link to carcinogenic actions in the body.  Fox News Channel reported on the issue, with the headline “Estrogens applied to the skin shown to have a link tobreast cancer.”http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=11141248&ch=

However, phytoestrogens, which occur naturally in botanicals and have not been shown to have this same harmful link are getting confused by consumers for their notirous cousin.   ”Evidence is accruing that phytoestrogens may have protective action against diverse health disorders such as prostate, breast, bowel, and other cancers, cardiovascular disease, brain function disorders, menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis“ Adlercreutz H (June 2002). “Phyto-oestrogens and cancer“. Lancet Oncol. 3 (6): 364–73. PMID 12107024. http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1470204502007775. At DoshaCare we want to be as transparent as possible and educate the consumer. The organic craze, while very good for the environment and all who inhabit it, has led to much misleading information by marketers trying to capitalize on the well meaning intentions of consumers. DoshaCare products do contain botanicals, such as Wild Yam, that have phytoestrogens in them, and are very good for the skin, and in no way linked to the cancer causing estrogens.

“Finally a skin care product that takes into account your doshic conditioning. [These are] products that surpass mainstream daily care products on many of the most basic levels. I am so excited to discover these extraordinarily well composed, all natural, superhuman products that cater to one’s full spectrum of needs.

Thank you, DoshaCare, for being so clever and modern, by bringing us some of the most effective, ancient science.”

          - Keri Lasalle, the Y Catalog

Keep your eyes out for DoshaCare in the Y Catalog coming soon!

cauliflower and caramelized onion tart

Bon Appétit |  March 2007

1 small head of cauliflower (about 1 pound), cored, cut into 1-inch florets
2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon truffle oil*

1 refrigerated pie crust

1 large onion, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 large eggs
1 (7- to 8-ounce) container mascarpone cheese (Italian cream cheese)*
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
Pinch of ground nutmeg
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

*Available at some supermarkets, specialty foods stores, and Italian markets nationwide.

For more tips on meditation, please check out Max SImon, a member of our Advisory Board, on www.getselfcentered.com.