New Year, Old Practices

   Happy New Year (albeit a tad belated).  For or better or worse, I haven't actually made a New Year's resolution yet.  They never really pan out.  However, I think it's safe to say that there is one that everyone seems to embrace in those first few weeks of January: Be Healthier.  This generally consists of an extreme diet scheme and workouts which may or may not be effective.  Unless you're one of the rare, committed individuals, the new lifestyle fizzles by the end of February at the latest.  But it still doesn't change the fact that you want to be healthier, does it?
   I've recently discovered (by way of a childhood friend and my mother) two amazing beauty regimens that are unique, highly effective and cheap!

Beauty Regimen #1: Oil Pulling.  Sounds bizarre, right?  Well, it's incredible.  For detailed information regarding the technique and the science behind how it works and why it's effective, this is a great website to peruse.  In a nutshell, it improves gum and mouth health while whitening teeth, boosting energy and amping up the immune system.  Essentially, all you do is take 1 Tablespoon of oil (any cold pressed oil should do.  Personally, I use Safflower oil, although other recommended oils are Sunflower, Sesame and/or Coconut) and you swish it in your mouth for 20 minutes a day (take care to not spit the oil into the sink).

Don't put the oil away too fast!

Beauty Regimen #2: The Oil Cleansing Method.  Take 1 Tablespoon of Oil (I use Safflower, but they recommend Castor Oil/Olive oil) and after warming it in your hands, massage it into your entire face (yes, your face!) for 10 minutes.  Then take a hot, wet, washcloth and leave it on your face until it cools (repeat this 2nd step 3 times).  Then massage more oil into your face for another 10 minutes, then shower (if you shower in the evening.  If not, that's fine).  I know that it sounds counter intuitive to put oil onto your face, but it works wonders.  The first time I tried this, I was skeptical.  I had enormous zits along my hairline from talking on my cell phone.  Within the first 10 minutes, I felt the zits being cleaned out beneath my fingertips.  It was unreal!  Now, only a week later, my skin tone looks amazing and bright and flawless.  Best part?  A bottle of safflower oil can be purchased from any Grocery Store for cheap (mine was $4).

   I've tried both of these methods and have had nothing but positive results.  Morning breath?  Gone.  My gums look better, my mouth feels better.  My face looks spectacular, and I have every intention of making both a lifelong habit!  The best news?  You'll see results in just a few days!  Try it!  You won't be sorry!