Dr. Perricone - Forever Young - Part 2 of 8, Perricone MD

Dr. Perricone - Forever Young - Part 3 of 8, Perricone MD

Dr. Perricone - Forever Young - Part 1 of 8, Perricone MD

Ultimate Makeup Bag Essentials

The Art of Threading: Natural Hair Removal

While threading is still a relatively new hair removal technique in the Western world, it has been used in other parts of the world for centuries. Threading is believed to have originated in the Middle East and South Asia, and then spread to become popular in Far Eastern countries like China.

Though eyebrows are the most popular area for threading in the Western world, in India threading was traditionally used to remove hair from other parts of the face as well. The upper lip, lower lip, chin, sideburns, forehead, and cheeks were all subject to hair removal by threading, in addition to eyebrow threading.

The art of threading is one of the gentlest form of hair removal. Only a piece of cotton thread is used. The thread is twisted and pulled along areas of unwanted hair, lifting the hair folllicle directly from the root without the use of any chemicals or sharp metal objects. 

Benefits of Threading:

• It's 100% natural, there are no artificial waxes, chemicals, or invasive techniques used. 
• It's less painful than waxing.
• It's precision allows greater control, resulting in a better brow shape.
• It's less damaging to the skin and safe for individuals using acne medications like Accutane and Retin A.
• You can remove the tiniest of hairs, which means no more peach fuzz.

Threading has grown in popularity within the last 5 years, especially on the island of Oahu. On the neighbor islands, like Kaua'i, it is much more difficult to find a threading technician.  Lucky for you, I happen to be a Certified Threading Specialist and was mentored by the Owner/Master Threader, a beautiful Indian/Fijian woman named Pravina from the Threading Lounge in Honolulu, Hawaii. They were voted the Best Eyebrow Services by Honolulu Magazine in 2011. Please visit their lounge on Keeaumoku St. and give Pravina my aloha! Here's da link: threadinglounge.com

Glutathione: The "Mother" of all antioxidants...

Natural Wellness Center

It's so refreshing to see more alternative forms of healthcare on the rise here in Hawaii. In the past, alternative options were always looked down upon by locals because it often was thought of as being some hippie dippy place with a haole guy named "Dolphin" with stinky dreadlocks in a musky incensed room (or maybe it's his lack of deodorant?!) with crystals and indonesian pareos (sarongs) hanging everywhere in an odd bohemian slash "hawaiian" theme that just ends up looking tacky instead of cool.  Dolphin most likely looks stoned from the glassy red look in his eyes and his forgetfullness of what items he needs for whatever procedure your doing. And your gonna get a colon cleanse from him? Sorry, Brah, I don't think so.

On the island of Oahu, there is an Integrative & Naturopathic Medicine doctor's office that looks like you are walking into a normal doctors clinic, except it is so much better! It's called the Natural Wellness Center and they have locations in Manoa, Pearl City, and Kailua.

Natural Wellness Center in  Manoa, Oahu, HI

Here's some info from their website:

The Natural Wellness Center is dedicated to improving your health and that of your family by providing effective, non-toxic health care. We are a group of doctors, trained as primary care providers, who use natural therapies to bring the body, mind, and spirit into balance. In our relaxed clinical environment we offer naturopathic medical consultations for people of all ages and conditions.

With each patient we aim to:

• Identify the cause of disease
• Stimulate the body's healing mechanisms
• Provide the remedies needed for recovery
• Help patients transition into a healthier lifestyle.

"Our doctors blend the best of clinical nutrition, homeopathy, herbal medicine, and hydrotherapy with extensive training in modern medical care to bridge the gap between alternative and conventional medicine."

I love that the facility is clean and professional looking. You don't feel like your walking into some strange psychedelic vortex. The rooms are very zen-like and soothing. Exactly the way a doctor's office ought to be! I used to go to the Queen's clinic in Kapolei and every time I went there my blood pressure would shoot through the roof after finally being seen by the nurse (1.5 hrs later, no joke!) Not only was the clinic cold and instutional looking like most clinics, but my doctor rarely reviewed my file let alone remember seeing me the week before because I was only allowed to ask him one medical question at a time. My health (mind, body, & spirit) was actually deteriorating under their care due to the stress of the experience (taking off from work, waiting 2 hours to be seen by the doctor, the doctor not being prepared, etc.).  Ever since I left that clinic and the stress of dealing with them my blood pressure as improved drastically.

I also love the fact that the Natural Wellness Center provides anti-aging services:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) 
• IV Therapy
• Vitamin C
• Glutathione
• Vitamin B12 Injections

HRT - Hormone Replacement Therapy
HRT involves replacing hormones that you are lacking in usually due to the aging process. I'm a huge advocate and believer of bio-identical hormone creams. I have been taking it for about 3 years now and it has improved my well being. I have the worse PMS symptoms and it can be pretty scary to be around me during that time. One minute I'm crying over spilt milk and the next I'll give you a tongue lashing for just talking to me the wrong way. I'm here to tell you that you don't need to live like this! Check out my post on HRT.

IV Therapy
IV therapy is the infusion of liquid substances directly into the vein and is useful for patients who are nutritionally deprived.

Glutathione, the master antioxidant in our body that is depleting as we age without proper nutrients. Remember how much I love this as mentioned in my earlier post? If not, please revisit it and and learn more about it. It's cool to hear that the Natural Wellness Center is providing glutathione IV therapy. They may not be using it for anti-aging purposes, but as I mentioned before, it is commonly used in beauty clinics throughout southeast asia for it's antioxidant properties and skin lightening side effect. I'm going to add a post with a youtube video by Dr. Mark Hyman, MD, a family physician and six-time New York Times best-selling author who explains glutathione further.

Vitamin B12 Injections
Vitamin B12 shots will make you feel fantastic! I used to take Vitamin B12 sublingual tablets (melts on your tongue bypassing the stomach so it goes straight into your bloodstream) and it would give me a lift. Everyone can benefit from these vitamins for health and vitality. The Natural Wellness Center has a Groupon out right now for Vitamin B12 injections for $69.00  Hopefully in the near future medical insurance companies will accept Integrative & Naturopathic Medicine and Oriental Medicine as providers for healthcare.

Logo with kalo (taro) leaves