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Happy Anniversary To Us

By on April 16, 2023 in Healthy Living, Kauai and Spa News

Happy Anniversary to us!

Established in 2003, our job at Hanalei Day Spa is to help folks feel EVEN better, and we’ve been at it for two decades. Well almost, were at 19 years today! Happy anniversary to us!

A little Hanalei Day Spa Her-story:

I moved to Kauai after running a yoga studio and full time cleansing programs in Scottsdale, I just wanted to relax and not work … Little did I know that Hanalei Day Spa would fall in my lap.

At the time, a close friend suggested that “I should open up a day spa at the Hanalei Colony Resort”. Since I just loooove to sink my teeth into a good challenge, I said “OK, and he introduced me to the resort manager.” He did, and she said that she had always wanted a spa at the resort, “Spa services would be a perfect amenity to complete our Hanalei Colony Resort.” So, Tommy Taylor built the first version of the Lomi Hale, it was beautiful! (Image above) And we started doing massage therapy in the Hale even before we took occupancy of the building. Our guests love our secluded beach side massage!

I decided that Hanalei Day Spa would be a green business.

As much as humanely possible, I take every effort and expense to avoid polluting the planet, our air our bodies and our building/environment. We use green/biodegradable products wherever we can, and we recycle. From the organic massage oil we use, to the detergents WITHOUT harsh chemicals, ZERO scents/ pollutants, to the recycled cups, our cleaning sprays and equipment – all non-toxic.

Only the best for you

I have a colleague who has managed 15 spas in the Hawaiian islands. I invited her to consult with me to see if I could up-level in any way. One of her suggestions was to “use less expensive massage oil. This organic coconut oil is way too expensive!” I say NO WAY. We eat what we put on our skin and I want our massage therapists and guests to have only the best. Sorry-not-sorry

We also started doing yoga classes in what is now Opakapaka restaurant years before it was even the Mediterranean Gourmet.

It was the BEST ocean front yoga studio! And I met my husband Doug right out front years before we would even date…but that is another story entirely.

Auntie Charlotte filled our schedule for two weeks!
As soon as we opened the doors we were busy. A lovely lady from Texas, Charlotte Hesse brought in a group of her executives here and they filled our schedule for two weeks. In those first few months, we all worked the front desk, taking turns checking folks in and out. We quickly learned that we oughta keep the doors open so we brought in a receptionist and taught her what we learned.I think it may have been Melinda…

Erin Clark, Jannan Derso, Jeff, Thomas Kelleher, Kristen, Andrew, Sarah Boyer, Miliki, Keith Sorlie, Sorry if I am forgetting a few, we had a great crew! And we evolved. We started of with a simple menu of services, and adjusted as we learned what folks actually wanted. It was a fun time of growth and expansion.

In those days, I would do a lot of massage therapy, pancha karma cleansing and rejuvenation programs, be the manager, cleaner, scheduling maven, and teach yoga classes. It was a lot, then I realized I was doing too much, so I cut back on doing some massage.  Sorry to those I disappointing by not personally providing you with massage. But I quickly learned that I needed to have that boundary for the big picture, so I can run the spa.

A handful of years ago, I decided to implement online booking system which really helps, but we still keep the paper appointment book, because after all, it IS Haena.
I remember the man who installed our phone system, his wife was my massage client, then his son worked at the resort. it certainly is a small island.

You may remember the paper intake form we had, well in 2016 we went digital, no more paper waste. Hopefully, doing our part to create less paper waste for mother earth.

In the nineteen years we have been open,  we have helped tens of thousands of people to feel better. I feel good about helping as many people as we did over these last 19 years.

So many great people, the two restaurants, a myriad of resort workers, etc. Benny, the landscaper who worked there for 20+ years.  Cissy was so helpful, the awesome receptionist at HCR, may she rest in peace, I remember she gave me resumes when I was looking for a receptionist and give me pointers on hiring. Thank you Cissy, love you!

We Prevail
We survived a flood (April 15, 2018), a plague and a two fires on the property. We were closed for the greater part of three years and made a come back. It was due to the grace of the Hanalei Colony Resort, and of course, the Powers That BE.

So, I owe my deep gratitude to all those powers. Thank you to the small Colony of business here, the many staff members who have come and gone, all on the far reaches of the earth now. Thai Land, Bali, Australia, Israel, Costa Rica, the continental US. So many amazing beings that I got to learn from and contributed to Hanalei Day Spa being the “institution” it is today.

Our dear friend/neighbor Teresa Tico, environmental attorney, came by a few months ago, She said “Darci, you are an institution.” A woman owned business and you made it for so long (two decades) here in Haena, good for you.”

It is because of so may people that we have sustained the course, still here and continue to serve, at Hanalei Day Spa. Thank you, especially to my husband, who will fix things even into the wee hours, because they need to be fixed. I and Hanalei Day Spa love you! Thank you to my sweet step daughter Chelsea for being the perfect receptionist right now. And, of course, my “chop wood, carry water” attitude. Thank you for our sweet land lady Charo. May you all be happy, healthy and prosperous for decades to come!

We are grateful for all our guests, past, present and future.
Thank you for being part of our experience.

May we have the grace and ability to serve for many years to come.

With warm aloha,

Darci Frankel

Established in 2003. We started with offering massage therapy in resort units & yoga classes, then we built our authentic Hawaiian thatched roof structure ‘Hale’/traditional Hawaiian house, and began to offer beachside massage. Our guests love our secluded beach side massage! We use green/biodegradable products wherever we can, and we recycle.

6 ways to QUICKLY reduce stress, anxiety, and pain and increase your mana.

By on July 26, 2022 in Healthy Living, Kauai and Spa News, Self Care

Stress triggers our flight and fight response

When we lose our job; have an emergency such as we have all been through, or there are large and unknown changes in our life our nervous system can interpret this as stress. Even in our daily life we are exposed to many types and amounts of stress, which then trigger our fight or flight response AKA sympathetic nervous system, including the release of stress hormones.

Did you know that almost every TV show nowadays triggers our fight or flight response with gory visuals, abrupt automobile accidents, and shocking scenes?

Did you know that our unconscious mind cannot differentiate between real and imagined stressors? In addition, frequent stressors of schedules, deadlines, relationship conflict, even a mild disagreement can cause internal strife. Being in traffic, loud and numerous layered sounds in the environment, even caffeine, and slight alterations in routines can all release stress hormones.

We have actually grown numb to the negative visual impressions we receive.

What happens is that we are exposed to so much stimulation in our daily lives that our nervous system becomes hyperactive. We don’t even notice it! Then, over time, this compounds and ages us, as a result, it takes a serious toll on our mental, emotional, and physical health… Read on to find out how to reverse this.

Studies show that stress actually shrinks the brain!

Bruce McEwen, a neuroscientist at Rockefeller University in New York says that “Stress causes neurons (brain cells) to shrink,” he goes on to say that “The wear and tear on the body from lots of stress changes the nervous system.” Moreover, “particularly worrying in the developing brain, which appears to be programmed by early stressful experience”.

What can we do?

Don’t worry, because remember, worrying shrinks your brain. There is a lot that we can do to help our bodies be at their optimum! A regular routine with daily exercise, adequate sleep, nourishing and healthy meals can all go a long way towards providing a healthy foundation, and more, read on…

Connection decreases stress.

In addition, we can easily self-regulate our nervous system.

AND we can also co-regulate with another human being (which is actually easier.) I provide suggestions for both below

In fact, I provide helpful information on being your best in all the emails I send.

The following activities significantly decrease stress:

  • hugging
  • receiving massage
  • touch
  • talking with a friend
  • holding a baby or a pet
  • singing
  • even looking at beautiful, or cute pictures
  • That’s why I put pictures of one of my favorite people

If you are by yourself

When we are feeling out of sorts, or if other people are not available to talk to, or give us a hug, the best course of action is to turn inward instead. Most people learn how to soothe themselves as infants. However, many of us forget to practice in our daily lives. Or, sometimes we are hard on ourselves or need to feel self-love when we feel anxiety or fear. These are the times to increase our self-love.

I was on a water slide with the kids recently, it was steep. As I took the plunge onto the slide, I felt afraid, and noticed my belly, probably my whole body tightened up. I didn’t even make a conscious decision to soothe myself, it just happened.

I said reassuring words to myself such as: “I am safe, this is OK, just flow with it in the same way I flow with life.” After that, I immediately relaxed and had fun! Oh, and the kids were proud of me too, in fact, they cheered when I splashed into the pool from the slide. Self-regulation is important and easy to do. Take some time to cultivate self- love with this easy practice. Try this self-soothing, cultivating self- love exercise for a few breaths.

 

6 ways to QUICKLY reduce stress, anxiety, and pain and increase your mana.

Did you know that looking at cute pictures, is calming?

We want to be proficient at preventing stress, in addition, to quickly eliminating stress before it accumulates! These practices will help you do just that!

  1. Do this “I am Calm Meditation” with me. 
  2. 8-12 Hugs a day keeps the doctor away! Giving and receiving hugs reduces stress, chances of illness, increases feel-good hormone oxytocin? As a matter of fact family therapist Virginia Satir once said, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance, and 12 hugs a day for growth.”
  3. Massage and spa treatments are a great way to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain. Can’t go to a spa? That’s fine, even giving and receiving massage with loved ones helps too! Start with something simple, like a foot or shoulder massage.
  4. Don’t let little things build up in your relationships. Periodically take time to clear the air; try this Couple’s Communication Ritual with me.
  5. Try this advanced meditation practice “Meditation”
  6. Consider a 3-5 day Reset Retreat with us. Folks usually do a Reset Retreats during a life transition, or when they lose their “center.” The retreat begins with a consultation to determine specific needs. Then, participants receive 2-3 hours of treatments daily, and guidance for self-guided practices such as meditation, a Sugar & Gluten Cleanse. After that, they get other rejuvenation and stress management practices. Begin here with this consultation to assess your needs.

As we have seen, stress comes in many forms and can be cumulative, however, there are solutions!

Another key point is that it took a little while to accumulate, yet with just a little time, you can reduce your stress hormones and significantly increase your feel-good hormones thereby supporting your overall well-being. Remember, I am here for you.

Thank you for visiting us, reading this, and taking the time and sweet attention to nourishing yourself! Please let me know how you are doing. I am looking forward to seeing you on your next in-person visit or online health consultation. With warm aloha, Darci Frankel

In the very next (and upcoming) issues:

  • I share some of my best health secrets, gained over my 27 years of practicing Ayurvedic Medicine
  • Talk about some of my favorite insider Kauai beach activities
  • Look for my BIG giveaway soon.
  • How toxins might be making you SICK, FAT and TIRED
  • Special VIP invitation to an upcoming webinar “The Secrets of Cleansing“
  • What kinds of heavy metals are HIDING in your bones, your fat or worse, your BRAIN?!
  • I also share one of my secret weapons in detecting heavy metal toxicity.

 

Darci Frankel has had a lifelong involvement in the healing arts. She is an experienced practitioner of Ayurvedic Medicine (the science of healing from India) a cleansing and rejuvenation specialist, a long-time massage therapist, and a yoga teacher. Darci began her Ayurvedic study in 1992 and then interned with America’s foremost expert of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad, at the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico. She has been practicing Ayurvedic Medicine and providing cleansing and rejuvenation programs since 1994.

Darci was invited to head up the Ayurveda Department of Complementary Medicine at Miami’s prestigious Mt. Sinai Hospital. She also served as an advisor for High-Health, Inc. Darci Frankel has been the managing owner of Hanalei Day Spa on Kauai for 16 years. Offering spa services, cleansing and rejuvenation retreats, (Pancha Karma), and a spa consultant. Some of her notable clients have included; Gloria Estefan, John Oats, Mickey Rourke, Dr. Brad Blanton, and Pierce Brosnan.

“Darci has a strong commitment to healing and transformation which she expresses through her wisdom in Ayurveda.”
~ Deepak Chopra

6 ways to QUICKLY reduce stress, anxiety, and pain and increase your mana.

By on July 26, 2022 in Cleansing, Hanalei Day Spa Services, Healthy Living

Stress triggers our flight and fight response

When we lose our job; have an emergency such as we have all been through, or there are large and unknown changes in our life our nervous system can interpret this as stress. Even in our daily life we are exposed to many types and amounts of stress, which then trigger our fight or flight response AKA sympathetic nervous system, including the release of stress hormones.

Did you know that almost every TV show nowadays triggers our fight or flight response with gory visuals, abrupt automobile accidents, and shocking scenes?

Did you know that our unconscious mind cannot differentiate between real and imagined stressors? In addition, frequent stressors of schedules, deadlines, relationship conflict, even a mild disagreement can cause internal strife. Being in traffic, loud and numerous layered sounds in the environment, even caffeine, and slight alterations in routines can all release stress hormones.
We have actually grown a little numb to the negative visual impressions we receive.
What happens is that we are exposed to so much stimulation in our daily lives that our nervous system becomes hyperactive. We don’t even notice it! Then, over time, this compounds and ages us, as a result, it takes a serious toll on our mental, emotional, and physical health… Read on to find out how to reverse this.
Studies show that stress actually shrinks the brain!
Bruce McEwen, a neuroscientist at Rockefeller University in New York says that “Stress causes neurons (brain cells) to shrink,” he goes on to say that “The wear and tear on the body from lots of stress changes the nervous system.” Moreover, “particularly worrying in the developing brain, which appears to be programmed by early stressful experience”.

What can we do?

Well, don’t worry, because remember, worrying shrinks your brain! There is a lot that we can do to help our bodies be at their optimum! A regular routine with daily exercise, adequate sleep, nourishing and healthy meals can all go a long way towards providing a healthy foundation, and more, read on…

Connection decreases stress.

In addition, we can easily self-regulate our own nervous system. AND we can also co-regulate with another human being (which is actually easier.) I provide suggestions for both below
Connection decreases stress.
   

In fact, I provide helpful information on being your best in all the emails I send.

These activities significantly decrease stress:

  • hugging
  • receiving massage
  • touch
  • talking with a friend
  • holding a baby or a pet
  • singing
  • even looking at beautiful, or cute pictures
  • That’s why I put pictures of one of my favorite people

If you are by yourself

When we are feeling out of sorts, or if other people are not available to talk to, or give us a hug, the best course of action is to turn inward instead. Most people learn how to soothe themselves as infants. In fact I observed my most recent born grandson, John self-soothing after he was literally born hours earlier. However, many of us forget to practice in our daily lives. Or, sometimes we are hard on ourselves or need to feel self-love when we feel anxiety or fear. These are the times to increase our self-love. I was on a water slide with the kids recently, it was steep. As I took the plunge onto the slide, I felt afraid, and noticed my belly, probably my whole body tightened up. I didn’t even make a conscious decision to soothe myself, it just happened. I said reassuring words to myself such as: “I am safe, this is OK, just flow with it in the same way I flow with life.” After that, I immediately relaxed and had fun! Oh, and the kids were proud of me too, in fact, they cheered when I splashed into the pool from the slide. Self-regulation is important and easy to do. Take some time to cultivate self- love with this easy practice. Try this self-soothing, cultivating self- love exercise for a few breaths.  

6 ways to QUICKLY reduce stress, anxiety, and pain and increase your mana.

Did you know that looking at cute pictures, is calming?

We want to be proficient at preventing stress, in addition, to quickly eliminating stress before it accumulates! These practices will help you do just that!

  1. Do this “I am Calm Meditation” with me. 
  2. 8-12 Hugs a day keeps the doctor away! Giving and receiving hugs reduces stress, chances of illness, increases feel-good hormone oxytocin? As a matter of fact family therapist Virginia Satir once said, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance, and 12 hugs a day for growth.”
  3. Massage and spa treatments are a great way to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain. Can’t go to a spa? That’s fine, even giving and receiving massage with loved ones helps too! Start with something simple, like a foot or shoulder massage.
  4. Don’t let little things build up in your relationships. Periodically take time to clear the air; try this Couple’s Communication Ritual with me.
  5. Try this advanced meditation practice “Meditation”
  6. Consider a 3-5 day Reset Retreat with us. Folks usually do a Reset Retreats during a life transition, or when they lose their “center.” The retreat begins with a consultation to determine specific needs. Then, participants receive 2-3 hours of treatments daily, and guidance for self-guided practices such as meditation, a Sugar & Gluten Cleanse. After that, they get other rejuvenation and stress management practices. Begin here with this consultation to assess your needs.

As we have seen, stress comes in many forms and can be cumulative, however, there are solutions!

Another key point is that it took a little while to accumulate, yet with just a little time, you can reduce your stress hormones and significantly increase your feel-good hormones thereby supporting your overall well-being. Remember, I am here for you. Thank you for visiting us, reading this, and taking the time and sweet attention to nourishing yourself! Please let me know how you are doing. I am looking forward to seeing you on your next in-person visit or online health consultation. With warm aloha, Darci Frankel In the very next (and upcoming) issues:
  • I share some of my best health secrets, gained over my 27 years of practicing Ayurvedic Medicine
  • Talk about some of my favorite insider Kauai beach activities
  • Look for my BIG giveaway soon.
  • How toxins might be making you SICK, FAT and TIRED
  • Special VIP invitation to an upcoming webinar “The Secrets of Cleansing“
  • What kinds of heavy metals are HIDING in your bones, your fat or worse, your BRAIN?!
  • I also share one of my secret weapons in detecting heavy metal toxicity.

Darci Frankel has had a lifelong involvement in the healing arts. She is an experienced practitioner of Ayurvedic Medicine (the science of healing from India) a cleansing and rejuvenation specialist, a long-time massage therapist, and a yoga teacher. Darci began her Ayurvedic study in 1992 and then interned with America’s foremost expert of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad, at the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico. She has been practicing Ayurvedic Medicine and providing cleansing and rejuvenation programs since 1994. Darci was invited to head up the Ayurveda Department of Complementary Medicine at Miami’s prestigious Mt. Sinai Hospital. She also served as an advisor for High-Health, Inc. Darci Frankel has been the managing owner of Hanalei Day Spa on Kauai for 16 years. Offering spa services, cleansing and rejuvenation retreats, (Pancha Karma), and a spa consultant. Some of her notable clients have included; Gloria Estefan, John Oats, Mickey Rourke, Dr. Brad Blanton, and Pierce Brosnan.
“Darci has a strong commitment to healing and transformation which she expresses through her wisdom in Ayurveda.”
~ Deepak Chopra

Hawaii Lifts Travel Restrictions

By on March 3, 2022 in Healthy Living

Visit Us! Hawaii Lifts Travel Restrictions

For those of you who did not want to travel during a pandemic, or did not want to go through the hassle of testing, etc., it seems as though it is coming to an end. Hawaii’s “Safe travels” program is over! No need to go through that hassle any more! Come back to your happy place, Hanalei Day Spa.
Schedule here NOW we are filling up for the spring and summer.

Here is the official press release:

###
For Immediate Release: March 1, 2022 – HAWAII’S SAFE TRAVELS PROGRAM SET TO END ON MARCH 25
HONOLULU – Governor David Ige announced today that Hawaii’s Safe Travels program for domestic travelers will come to a close on Friday, March 25, 2022.
Beginning Saturday, March 26, 2022, individuals arriving from the continental United States will not be required to create a Safe Travels account, show their COVID-19 vaccination status, or take a pre-travel test when traveling to the Hawaiian Islands.
“Safe Travels is one part of a multi-layer approach to COVID safety. The program played a key role in keeping Hawaii’s residents safe before vaccinations were widely available, and during the surges we’ve seen through this pandemic,” said John De Fries, Hawaii Tourism Authority President and CEO. “Bringing the Safe Travels program to a close reflects the progress we have made as a state, and Governor Ige’s decision is a good balance of maintaining reasonable health precautions while reopening our society and economy.”
Passengers arriving to Hawaii on direct international flights must still adhere to federal U.S. entry requirements, which include showing proof of an up-to-date vaccination document and negative pre-travel COVID-19 test result taken within one day of travel. For more information, visit www.hawaiicovid19.com/travel.
“The Safe Travels program was an immense undertaking that would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of our fellow government agencies and numerous visitor industry partners who worked tirelessly to serve our communities in this effort, from the dissemination of travel requirements globally, to testing and screening, the call center response and check-ins with quarantined individuals, and the airlines which stepped up to pre-clear their passengers at the point of departure,” De Fries said. “We would like to especially thank the hundreds of kamaaina who worked as Safe Travels screeners, patiently working with travelers to ensure their compliance with our health measures.”
Hawaii’s statewide indoor mask mandate remains in place until further notice.
On the county level, the County of Kauai, County of Maui, and County of Hawaii have repealed their COVID-19 Emergency Rules. The City and County of Honolulu’s Safe Access Oahu program will end on Sunday, March 6, 2022.
De Fries added, “The recovery of Hawaii’s travel market and economy will be a gradual process, and HTA will continue to work diligently to educate visitors about the responsibility that they share with our residents to malama (care for) our home.”
###
We at Hanalei Day Spa are looking foreword to seeing you this spring or summer.
Schedule as soon we fill up fast!

Do You Have Emotional Toxins?

By on January 22, 2022 in Healthy Living

Kicking off 2022 with Emotional and Mental Cleansing 

Aloha this is Darci Frankel coming to you from Hanalei Day Spa here on Kauai to wish you a Happy New Year!

How is your 2022 so far? Are you still excited about your goals or intentions for 2022? I would love to hear what they are if you feel like sharing them. Reply below or shout out to me on instagram so that I can cheer you on.

On the other hand, you may be unsure of your goals, or have resistance to even making them. Sometimes there may be emotional or mental block or even some trauma, especially after this past couple of years.

Even on a subtle or subconscious level because emotional content may get in the way of us reaching our goals. As a cleansing specialist, I help folks to eliminate physical toxins, you know the garden variety heavy metals, pesticides, pseudo estrogens and mold etc,. AND emotional toxins too, because the undigested emotional stuff is just as important as physical toxins.

Often, these emotions are so deeply buried you don’t realize they’re even there. But because they haven’t been properly released, these emotions can negatively affect your health.

In fact, studies show these stuck emotions can:

  • Derail DNA communication
  • Suppress immune system functions
  • cause fatigue, illness, depression, and worse.

    Yes, it’s essential to detox chemicals and heavy metals. But I also believe EVERYONE should detox toxic emotions too.

    If you are interested in learning more about this check out my:

    Guided Meditation/Gently Detoxing Our Emotions
    click HERE to listen to audio 

We begin by simply sitting quietly…click HERE to practice with me. 

If you are still unsure about your focus this year, you can book a consultation with me HERE. We can do a deep dive on your health goals. Unearth the blockages, and help you move toward your best health yet. Physically, emotionally and mentally.

Is Kauai calling you?

Come visit! There are cheap fares, quick flights and your happy place, remember to schedule your couple’s massage EARLY at Hanalei Day Spa.

My 5 Tips To Stay Healthy (and sane) this Holiday Season

By on December 21, 2021 in Healthy Living, Kauai and Spa News, Self Care

My 5 Tips To Stay Healthy (and sane) this Holiday Season

Aloha this is Darci Frankel coming to you from Hanalei Day Spa here on Kauai. I hope this finds you well and surrounded by good company this holiday season.

Holidays can be a wonderful time for many, and a challenge for others, and for some, both! It may bring up grief, conflict, loneliness, anger, or any other range of human emotions. I’ve experienced it all and have 5 tips to fall back on this holiday season as emotions arise. Remember we can choose health at every moment (even right after we have a huge dessert).

My 5 Tips for Healthy Holidays:

  • Meditate. The holidays can bring up all sorts of emotions. I encourage you to stay grounded and balanced during the holiday season. Check out my “Be Calm Meditation.” I recorded this meditation while Kauai was in the direct path of a hurricane to support (myself) people in being calm. Instead of freaking out since a hurricane was on its way, I’m mostly joking. But this meditation uses time tested technology to help anyone stay calm and cool.  Check that out HERE
  • Start your new year off well.  Consider doing my Cleanse
    This cleanse will help you to learn about the toxins that may be at the root cause of your symptoms, cleanse those toxins from your body, track your progress and prevent them from getting in your body in the first place. [Who better to help you cleanse, than your spa owner, who has been helping people cleanse (and practicing Ayurvedic Medicine) for almost 30 years.]
  • Gratitude I am sure you have heard this one numerous times. But what does this actually mean? How do we just become grateful? Start with anything – the ability to breathe, to walk, to reach out and connect with another human, the fact that we have a body, etc. Make a list of what you feel grateful for and let it really sink in. (It starts with the little things.) This way, next time you feel grumpy, or upset, you can look at your gratitude list and uplift yourself. Let me know how it goes.
  • Communication with my own body.  I check in daily with my body, and multiple times a day when situations arise that may either excite me or stress me out. It is important to listen for cues and adjust accordingly – day by day.
  • If/when you get upset, how do you communicate that? Do you squirrel it away until you explode? Are you conflict avoidant? Do you pretend everything is ok when it isnt? In this short video I help distinguish “Clean Anger Vs Toxic Anger Which Do You Do?” Because inevitably our family pushes our buttons! Enjoy the holidays without bypassing important communications. Do a self assessment with this short video HERE

What emotions do the Holidays typically bring up for you? What are your New Year’s Intentions or goals? Reply to this email and let me know. I want to help you reach the health goals of your dreams.

We would love to see you on Kauai at Hanalei Day Spa in 2022. We have a team of highly experienced massage therapists waiting to pamper you.

Can’t make it to the island? We have got you covered.
I teach self-care. Learn more HERE
The past two years have been rough, and I want your 2022 to be fantastic.
Be in touch as much or as little as you’d like.
With Aloha,
Darci Frankel

 

 

Deep Tissue VS Lomi Lomi Massage, Which should you get?

By on July 22, 2021 in Hanalei Day Spa Services, Healthy Living

Have you ever wondered which would be right for you?

Let’s dive in and take a look.
First of all it’s not that black and white, I was just trying to get your attention with the title.
And it worked. he he, but now that you are here, I want to give you some useful information.

It doesn’t have to be one or the other actually. You could have a deep Tissue Lomi Massage, or you can have a light pressure massage.
It is your choice. You want to think about what your body needs.
If you cringe at the thought of a massage or it’s painful for you, a relaxing Lomi Lomi maybe perfect for you.
However if you are like me and have, uhhh, project areas, you may need deep tissue to work out those project areas.

What is Deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage uses deeper pressure to work out muscular tension.
Using long strokes that traverse from origin to insertion,
or cross fiber friction or even trigger point therapy can be deep tissue.

5 reasons you may want a deep tissue massage

  1. You have knots
  2. If you have pain
  3. If you are stiff
  4. You may want to consider deep tissue option if you don’t stretch often.
  5. Or if you have an old injury or scar tissue, you want to keep that area open and clear.

What is Lomi Lomi massage?

Lomi Lomi is our indigenous Hawaiian massage. it uses long, fluid, flowing strokes, usually in 3’s.
I call it the Hula of massage as it is rhythmic and emulates waves in the ocean.
It leaves my body feeling very supple and connected especially when I receive my favorite, which is Deep tissue 4 hands Lomi Lomi Massage.
Watch this video about 4 hands massage, the Ultimate spa treatment
Now this isn’t for timid at all. But I am a seasoned massage therapist and receiver.
Incidentally, I had my first massage at 17 and took my first massage therapy class at the age of 13.

Whichever you choose, make sure to get massage!

Massage is good for you.
It circulates the lymphatic system, eliminates toxins such as lactic acid, stimulates feel good hormones such as dopamine and serotonin and it feels good!

Watch this video above to learn more, when you find value, please like comment, subscribe and share!
Let me know which you like to receive!

 

[Home Spa Series] Skin Exfoliation

By on April 22, 2021 in [Home Spa Series] Skin Exfoliation, Healthy Living

The leading anti-aging authorities tell us of the importance of exfoliation and lymphatic circulation. We were not taught this stuff in school but today today I’ll talk about exfoliation and give you 3 easy ways to exfoliate your skin from your own home.

It’s quite invigorating, leaves your skin feeling AMAZING and is a great solo or couple’s activity! 

Because this is my new Hanalei Day Spa Home Spa Series, that means I will be teaching you how to do spa services from the comfort of your home!

I’ll even share Hanalei Day Spa’s secret full body exfoliation formula with you! So lets dive in!

Most people do not exfoliate their skin. We all KNOW the skin is the largest organ in the body it protects us, it also digests everything we put on it for better or worse, which is a another story but we AND WE NEED TO EXFOLIATE our skin periodically!

What is it?

  • Exfoliating the skin is simply using some rough surface to rub off dead skin cells that accumulate.
  • You can use a loofah, gloves, skin brush or even a washcloth!
  • You don’t have to have dry skin to exfoliate, In fact, it is good for oily skin too any type of skin can benefit.. If you have sensitive skin, be gentle…  You will love the look and feel after you exfoliate it! In fact, it is a fav of ours to give..why…Skincare experts say some of the benefits include clearing away dry and dead skin, enhancing the skin’s radiance, clarity, and youthfulness, and reduction in fine lines and wrinkles!
  • Exfoliating the skin is gently rubbing the skin with something slightly rough such as a wet or dry washcloth, a skin brush or a loofah. This helps to remove the dead layer of skin that we actually carry around on us.

Why exfoliate your skin?

    • Periodically Gently exfoliating the skin allows for greater circulation
    • Supports healthy lymphatic circulation, the lymph moves in 3 ways…
    • Helps cell turnover
    • Stimulated production of collagen
    • Unclogs pores and prevents acne
    • They also say it reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

How does one exfoliate?

  • Our colleague and mentor Dr.Mercola suggests to First hydrate your entire system with good, clean pure or filtered water and high antioxidant green tea. I’ll share a link for the filter I recommend. Eat a diet of organic fruits, vegetables and meats (if meat is in your diet). And it is important to cleanse periodically. Skin exfoliation is part of that cleansing process. If you are doing my Serious Cleanse Kit or Cleansing Protocol, cleansing the skin is one of the first parts. .The skin is one of the 4 organs of detoxification…
  • After you exfoliate you can oil your skin. Applying oil to your skin with a good quality oil nourishes the skin, and gently lubricates the tissues it also helps to carry out impurities.
  • Wet or dry
  • Movements are from distal to proximal, furthest point on the body to the center.

2 examples

    • You can use gloves, brush or even a washcloth…I use these gloves pictured, sometimes in the shower wet and sometimes dry. Skin brushes can also be dry or wet.
    • One of my favorites and what we use at HDS salt scrub, this both exfoliates moisturizes and nourishes the skin. We even add your choice of aromatherapy to it. I-2 tbs of finely ground sea salt and 4-6 tablespoons of organic coconut oil. and gently rub it on your skin in the shower. Avoid the bottom of your feet since you will be standing up.

Precautions:

        • Gentle chest degletee
        • Broken/inflamed skin
        • Be gentle with sensitive skin

Ok, now its your turn! LMK how it feels!

Watch my video here:
http://https://youtu.be/Ag3WbvLF0_w

Resources:
Click HERE for my Water filter recommendation.

If you want to do a deeper cleanse…Serious Cleanse Protocol | Serious Cleanse

If you like this and want more

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When you find value, please comment and share, because that helps me too

Thank you for spending some time with me today

See you soon

Anti-Nutrition

By on April 12, 2021 in Cleansing, Healthy Living

Unfortunately some things we consume may actually harm us.

We think we are eating, drinking, using cleaning and body products that are good for us and sometimes they can contribute to disease.

Let’s dive in

  • How do we consume ANTI-Nutrition?
  • There are several ways that we consume toxins
  • Junk food is the most obvious, but remember we consume through eating, drinking and our skin.
  • Did you know that conventional chicken (not organic) has arsenic in it?

Learn more about Anti-Nutrition in this video:

In the early 80’s Rell Sun and her friends played in the DDT spray, little did they know…

They were exposing themselves to Anti-Nutrition.
Her friends and family did not know that this would later cause her to battle breast cancer for 15 years.
The experts didn’t release the information to the public, and sadly after a 15 year battle Hawaii lost a beloved surf lesson.

This is part 1

Now it’s up to you, try it, and let me know how it goes in the comments!
I really want to hear from you!

Thanks for joining me! When you find value, please LIKE, comment and share, Thank you, that helps me too!
Also REMEMBER buy LOCAL and ORGANIC!
Each one of our personal choices creates consumer-market-driven pressure that affects change from the bottom up.

SOLUTIONS & RESOURCES:

✓ Have a consultation with me, in a consultation we can roll up our sleeves and figure out exactly what has been causing your symptoms and eliminate those. https://seriouscleanse.com/consultation/
✓ Do A Cleanse – Who better than an experienced cleansing specialist to help you! I have four to choose from. A 7 day cleanse, 30-day Serious Cleanse Challenge, and two 5-day cleansing kits, including the Breast Cleanse for women and the Serious Cleanse Protocol for men.
https://seriouscleanse.com/30-day-challenge/

Breast Cleanse Landing Page


✓ Test your heavy Metal Toxicity HERE This super affordable test. Send 10-15 strands of your hair and they will provide results, sometimes within a week. This cutting edge bio-resonance technology provides an extensive, affordable and easy-to-understand report. Use the coupon code Darci808 to participate in the gracious 10% discount that 5Strands gives our community. https://www.5strands.com/people/metal-test.html#a_aid=Darci&a_bid=95c5065b
✓ Assess your OWN toxic burden Answer 10 questions to discover your toxic burden, which toxins you have been exposed to. https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/5bfee31bcf240600131ecce4

✓ I recommend THIS shower and drinking water filter:
Berkey Water Filters

Affiliate disclaimer: Please know that some suggestions I make also provide me a small affiliate commission at no cost to you. This helps to offset my production costs so I can continue to bring you great information such as this. I firmly believe in an upward spiral of mutual generosity. I want you to be financially successful and super healthy.

Couple’s Communication Ritual

By on February 11, 2021 in Healthy Living, Self Care

Being in a relationship, any relationship can be blissful and grounding at best.
Let’s be honest, when we hit a bump in the relationship road, it can ruin our day or more…

It is not IF we will have issues come up it is WHEN they arise and and HOW we navigate this sensitive terrain.

To celebrate love and couples everywhere, I decided to share this Couples Clearing ritual with you.

This Couples Clearing ritual can help foster deeper communication and intimacy and help you celebrate being a happy and healthy couple.

John Gottman, who could predict if a couple will stay together or divorce with an eerie accuracy says

“The secret to love is just kindness.”

Below are six questions to ask your partner.
Ask the question, then listen. Then switch.

Remember to be generous and kind.
It may feel a little formulaic, but this isn’t the time to actually respond, just take in the information and thank them then switch.

1. Is there anything that I have said or done this week that has created trust between us?
Then listen…
after your partner shares what they have to say, thank them and switch.

2. Is there anything that I have said or done this week, that has created distrust or distance between us?
after your partner shares what they have to say, thank them and switch.

3. Give (and receive) appreciations, this is where we share our appreciations for each other.
“I appreciate you for_______”
after your partner shares what they have to say, thank them and switch.

4. I’d like to be appreciated for_____
after your partner shares what they have to say, thank them and switch.

5. Is there something that you would like more of from me?
Thank them then switch.
6. Is there something that you would like less of from me?
Thank them then switch.

When you are finished, thank each other.
Let me know how the ritual was for you and your partner.

I walk you through the process in the video below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may also like:

 

 

Wildfires, your toxic exposure, 10 things you can do

By on September 22, 2020 in Healthy Living

Wildfires, your toxic exposure, 10 things you can do

This is unprecedented…. The amount of toxic matter being released into the environment, the air, water on the food, and the atmosphere is unprecedented. Even aside from the wildfires, at no other time in the history of the world have there been more substances that are toxic to the body.

There are more; types of plastics, chemicals and toxins in our air, water, and food than ever before. Drinking from a simple plastic water bottle we consume plastic, even if it says BPA free! Studies show that we consume a credit card worth of plastic each week!

Fukushima is still spilling trillions of gallons of nuclear waste into the ocean daily, chemical plants spew toxic emissions, and our cleaning and body products, all these contribute to the toxic burden of the planet and our individual bodies. Did you know that exposure to combinations of chemicals are thousands of times more harmful to the human body than being exposed to one chemical?

But don’t worry, stick with me till the end and I will help you prevent toxins and share “the cleanse to end all cleanses” to eliminate these toxins, and part of it is free right now.

Continue reading, or watch the video here:

Right now ⅓ of the US is burning. It is so sad to see people lose their homes and be poisoned by breathing in the noxious fumes.

That means that the homes and contents; the plastics, foams in beds couches, carpeting, insulation in walls, formaldehyde and flame retardants in furniture, walls, the plastics in all the appliances, all the chemicals and toxins in the contents of homes, stores and businesses, cars, components in ⅓ of the United States is burning.

This is all going into the air, and people are breathing that in. The toxic burnt particles will fall into the water and onto the food, contaminating the planet.. forever.

Because most of these toxins are what is called persistent, they persist in the environment and our bodies….for generations.

Agent Orange, a toxic complex combination of chemicals that Dow Chemical made and the United States used during the Vietnam war. Millions of Vietnamese and our veterans got exposed to Agent Orange and have caused debilitating diseases in 3 generations now.

I hate to say it out loud, but the net effect of these wildfires will cause a catastrophic increase in the incidence of disease for generations to come as well.

But there are ways to cleanse these toxins, We have tested my cleanse on people who have been exposed to Agent Orange and even radiation, and they reported feeling fewer symptoms, clearer mind and overall feeling healthier. Stay to the end and I will make a special offer…

Coming back to our topic…

This is important: Remember if you can smell it, you are breathing it in, the particulate IS THE smell, in other words, when you can smell something, such as smoke in this case, you are breathing in the particles. You are taking those particles into your body through your lungs, which then deposit there, and go directly into the bloodstream.

As another example, when you smell mold, you are breathing in the mold particles. Mold can lodge in the sinus cavities, the lungs, even get into the blood and other organs and grow!

And another, when you smell that “fresh laundry smell” from clothes or when your neighbors are doing laundry, you are breathing in all the complex chemicals in laundry detergents and fabric softeners. Incidentally, these chemicals are designed to stick on your clothes and sheets and release their scent. Well, that scent disrupts your hormone balance, endocrine system and can make you sick. People, not me because I use organic bamboo sheets and chemical-free laundry detergent, but other people wear these clothes all day, then sleep on the sheets exposing thor skin to these toxins 24 hours a day.,,,

Then get in the shower, where their skin drinks 100 times more fluoride, chlorine, drugs present in municipal drinking water such as antibiotics, antidepressants, pain pills, synthetic hormones, hormone replacement, birth control pills (think about this if you are a man) chemotherapy agents and more.

Then eat food which has genetically engineered pesticides grown into it (then sprayed on the food), and then fed growth hormones and antibiotics.  No wonder why we are sick as a nation.

As a society, we desperately need to:

  1. Learn about all these combinations of toxins
  2. Cleanse these toxins
  3. Know how to track our progress as we cleanse
  4. Prevent toxins from entering our body in the first place, because it is way easier to prevent them than it is to cleanse toxins. Don’t worry, I got you. Did you know that we consume toxins in 3 ways: 
  1. Breathing them in
  2. Our skin indiscriminately consumes everything that is put on it.
  3. And through eating

This is important too. What you need to know is that being exposed to toxins for the most part, is not like when you stub your toe. When you stub your toe, you feel the entirety of the effect of it…. immediately.

If you are exposed to the toxins currently being released as a result of the wildfires on the west coast you may feel many immediate effects, such as burning eyes and chest, brain fog and confusion or headaches, but the long term effects are yet unknown.

But, here is what we know, most of the signs of toxins in the body are the same!

I have been hearing reports that people are experiencing the very same signs that I have been teaching about in my Serious Cleanse 30-day challenge, I help people to learn about toxins, to cleanse them, track their progress and prevent toxins from getting into the body in the first place. Listen to the end and I will make a special offer to do my cleansing program and the companion cleansing kit, for my west coast friends.

Effects of toxic exposure:

What you can do to reduce your toxic exposure:

The old adage is so applicable here: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In other words, it is MUCH easier to prevent toxins from getting in your body than it is to cleanse them.

“Be the filter or buy a filter.”

We either have an external filter or our body becomes the filter. It is important to have a shower filter, drinking water filter, and air filters.

Remember the three ways that we consume toxins? 

  1. Well, when you shower in the morning and the evening, then oil your skin and nostrils will help keep the skin clean. Coating your skin with a little oil will prevent most toxins from getting in your body. By lubricating the nostrils the particles are more easily eliminated.
  2. Wear long clothing to cover most of your skin and prevent the small toxic particulate debris from landing on your skin.
  3. wear an n-99 mask when outdoors, but stay inside as much as possible when you can smell burning.
  4. Do NOT exercise, or do breathing exercises when you can smell ‘smoke’ in the air.
  5. Cover all water/food containers to prevent debris from falling in.
  6. Wash exposed produce in baking soda water. Studies show that baking soda water eliminates pesticides.
  7. During the active wildfires change your filter every few days. Wash them with a hose so you have a bunch on hand.
  8. Make air filters by taping filters to one side box fans,
  9. Make an ad hoc air purifier.  Is to wet towels dipped in baking soda water then cover the vents, another level of purification.
    Internal purification Internal purification is really needed because of all the toxic particulates released into the air that people are breathing in.
    I have many friends/clients who live in northern California that got really sick after the fires over the last few years. some with mysterious acute autoimmune diseases.

Quickly eliminate toxins from the body by:

  1. Drink tulsi tea/water infusions – Studies that show tulsi takes out pollutants in water and it does the same in our body.
  2. Activated charcoal – I would be taking 1 capsule 3 x a day. Charcoal has many microscopic surfaces that absorb toxins of all kinds. It is a go-to substance in many instances when people ingest poison. a common suggestion of “poison control”
  3. Detox baths – Detox baths with bentonite clay, activated charcoal, and fuller’s earth. These all absorb toxins.
  4. Eat clean – Right now it is important to be balanced and not go into substance alcohol, or food addiction. Do your best to avoid sugar, junk and processed foods.
  5. Neti – If you have a Neti pot use it! Neti gently cleanses the nostrils from debris. Use warm, not hot water, and add a pinch of salt to taste, then rinse nostrils every morning and night right now, then oil your nostrils. Just this one act will go a long way in supporting your immunity!
  6. Keep your lymphatic system moving!

2 things that I offer, can help:
Cleanse without the guesswork

  • the 7-Day Serious Cleanse program is free right now.
  • My Serious Cleanse Kit, the companion cleansing kit to the 7-day, helps people to eliminate all manner of toxins with 3 steps and it only takes 20-30 minutes.
    • The Cleanse tea works to cleanse the liver and kidneys, then I teach you how to cleanse the skin and lymphatic system with an easy to follow tutorial.
    • After that the serious cleanse body mask has many earth and sea ingredients such as clays, charcoal, kelps and herbs that are known to draw out toxins from the body. One kit lasts 5 days.
  • If you are interested in doing my cleansing kit, here is a link. I also have a virtual cleanse, anyone on the west coast affected by the fires, can attend my virtual cleanse free right now with the purchase of the kit.

Kauai update and the time of Corona

By on June 9, 2020 in Healthy Living

Sending our sincere Aloha from Kauai! This issue is all about the self-help that we need so much of right now. I hope you soak up all the aloha, mana, love, and nature and it soothes you.

While we on Kauai, haven’t been able to receive guests lately, I wanted to give you an update during this time of Corona. We have been flattening the curve, doing our best to Malama (take care) of the island, ourselves, and each other. Just like the rest of the world, we have all been asked to go inside.

Thankfully, since we are a contained island, Kauai has only had 20 confirmed cases of Covid to date and none for weeks now, thank heavens. Our limitations have been lifting with business and restaurants have been opening. We have been able to go to the beaches and enjoy nature which is a blessing. Visitors currently do have to be in quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

Along with staying home, I took “go inside” to a whole new level.

Along with staying home, I took “go inside” to a whole new level. After I did a thorough spring cleaning and washing my hands, wearing a mask, and keeping social-distancing, I have been doing a lot of meditation and contemplation.

Having just spent a year and a half almost in isolation from the flood in 2018, we, in our neighborhood, have been very used to staying home. With this in mind, I will share some of the skills I have learned with you. First, you probably want more Kauai information before hearing about how to contemplate your navel.

Nature is happy!

Nature is happy! Hanalei Day Spa, Kauai north shore.

On the whole, nature seems more vibrant, colorful and abundant without us stinking humans polluting the water, earth and skies. The birds seem extra happy. I hear them exuberantly announce the sunrise to all in earshot.

The fishes are multiplying, frolicking, and spreading their fins out with all the extra room they have. They seem to really be enjoying the water all to themselves!

Here on Kauai the horses, chickens, and wild boar also are enjoying more freedom.

Without a doubt, the reefs are happy and growing as well especially without toxic sunscreen to kill them.

I loved seeing the picture of the dolphins in the clean canals in Venice and the clear skies (instead of radical pollution) above China. With; lower emissions, rare animal sightings, reduced air, and water pollution, temporary cessation of deforestation by large corporations, nature is thriving right now. And I am happy about that.

It is us who really need help right now. Emotionally, financially, spiritually

It is us who really need help right now. Emotionally, financially, spiritually…Everyone I know has been through some sort of suffering due to this pandemic.

I decided to bring you this issue, all about self-help that we are so much in need of right now. To that end, I hope you soak up all the; aloha, the love, mana and it soothes you.

Sunrise helps reduce stress. Hanalei Day Spa Kauai.

Stress triggers our flight and fight response

When we lose our job; have an emergency such as we have all been through, or there are large and unknown changes in our life our nervous system can interpret this as stress.

Even in our daily life we are exposed to many types and amounts of stress, which then trigger our fight or flight response AKA sympathetic nervous system, including the release of stress hormones.

Did you know that almost every TV show nowadays triggers our fight or flight response with gory visuals, abrupt automobile accidents, and shocking scenes?

Did you know that our unconscious mind cannot differentiate between real and imagined stressors?

In addition, frequent stressors of schedules, deadlines, relationship conflict, even a mild disagreement can cause internal strife. Being in traffic, loud and numerous layered sounds in the environment, even caffeine, and slight alterations in routines can all release stress hormones.

We have actually grown numb to the negative visual impressions we receive.

What happens is that we are exposed to so much stimulation in our daily lives that our nervous system becomes hyperactive. We don’t even notice it! Then, over time, this compounds and ages us, as a result, it takes a serious toll on our mental, emotional, and physical health… Read on to find out how to reverse this.

Studies show that stress actually shrinks the brain!

Bruce McEwen, a neuroscientist at Rockefeller University in New York says that “Stress causes neurons (brain cells) to shrink,” he goes on to say that “The wear and tear on the body from lots of stress changes the nervous system.”
Moreover, “particularly worrying in the developing brain, which appears to be programmed by early stressful experience”.

What can we do?

Don’t worry, because remember, worrying shrinks your brain. There is a lot that we can do to help our bodies be at their optimum!

A regular routine with daily exercise, adequate sleep, nourishing and healthy meals can all go a long way towards providing a healthy foundation, and more, read on…

Connection decreases stress.

In addition, we can easily self-regulate our nervous system. AND we can also co-regulate with another human being (which is actually easier.)
I provide suggestions for both below

In fact, I provide helpful information on being your best in all the emails I send.

These activities significantly decrease stress:

  • hugging
  • receiving massage
  • touch
  • talking with a friend
  • holding a baby or a pet
  • singing
  • even looking at beautiful, or cute pictures
  • That’s why I put pictures of one of my favorite people

If you are by yourself

When we are feeling out of sorts, or if other people are not available to talk to, or give us a hug, the best course of action is to turn inward instead.
Most people learn how to soothe themselves as infants. However, many of us forget to practice in our daily lives. Or, sometimes we are hard on ourselves or need to feel self-love when we feel anxiety or fear. These are the times to increase our self-love.

I was on a water slide with the kids recently, it was steep. As I took the plunge onto the slide, I felt afraid, and noticed my belly, probably my whole body tightened up. I didn’t even make a conscious decision to soothe myself, it just happened.

I said reassuring words to myself such as: “I am safe, this is OK, just flow with it in the same way I flow with life.” After that, I immediately relaxed and had fun! Oh, and the kids were proud of me too, in fact, they cheered when I splashed into the pool from the slide. Self-regulation is important and easy to do. Take some time to cultivate self- love with this easy practice. Try this self-soothing, cultivating self- love exercise for a few breaths.


6 ways to QUICKLY reduce stress, anxiety, and pain and increase your mana.

Did you know that looking at cute pictures, is calming?

We want to be proficient at preventing stress, in addition, to quickly eliminating stress before it accumulates!

These practices will help you do just that!

  1. Do this “I am Calm Meditation” with me. 
  2. 8-12 Hugs a day keeps the doctor away! Giving and receiving hugs reduces stress, chances of illness, increases feel-good hormone oxytocin? As a matter of fact family therapist Virginia Satir once said, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance, and 12 hugs a day for growth.”
  3. Massage and spa treatments are a great way to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain. Can’t go to a spa? That’s fine, even giving and receiving massage with loved ones helps too! Start with something simple, like a foot or shoulder massage.
  4. Don’t let little things build up in your relationships. Periodically take time to clear the air; try this Couple’s Communication Ritual with me.
  5. Try this advanced meditation practice “Meditation”
  6. Consider a 3-5 day Reset Retreat with us. Folks usually do a Reset Retreats during a life transition, or when they lose their “center.” The retreat begins with a consultation to determine specific needs. Then, participants receive 2-3 hours of treatments daily, and guidance for self-guided practices such as meditation, a Sugar & Gluten Cleanse. After that, they get other rejuvenation and stress management practices. Begin here with this consultation to assess your needs.

As we have seen, stress comes in many forms and can be cumulative, however, there are solutions!

Another key point is that it took a little while to accumulate, yet with just a little time, you can reduce your stress hormones and significantly increase your feel-good hormones thereby supporting your overall well-being. Remember, I am here for you.

Thank you for visiting us, reading this, and taking the time and sweet attention to nourishing yourself! Please let me know how you are doing. I am looking forward to seeing you on your next in-person visit or online health consultation.
With warm aloha,
Darci Frankel

In the very next (and upcoming) issues:

  • I share some of my best health secrets, gained over my 27 years of practicing Ayurvedic Medicine
  • Talk about some of my favorite insider Kauai beach activities
  • Look for my BIG giveaway soon.
  • How toxins might be making you SICK, FAT and TIRED
  • Special VIP invitation to an upcoming webinar “The Secrets of Cleansing“
  • What kinds of heavy metals are HIDING in your bones, your fat or worse, your BRAIN?!
  • I also share one of my secret weapons in detecting heavy metal toxicity.

Darci Frankel has had a lifelong involvement in the healing arts. She is an experienced practitioner of Ayurvedic Medicine (the science of healing from India) a cleansing and rejuvenation specialist, a long-time massage therapist, and a yoga teacher.

Darci began her Ayurvedic study in 1992 and then interned with America’s foremost expert of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad, at the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico. She has been practicing Ayurvedic Medicine and providing cleansing and rejuvenation programs since 1994.

Darci was invited to head up the Ayurveda Department of Complementary Medicine at Miami’s prestigious Mt. Sinai Hospital. She also served as an advisor for High-Health, Inc.

Darci Frankel has been the managing owner of Hanalei Day Spa on Kauai for 16 years. Offering spa services, cleansing and rejuvenation retreats, (Pancha Karma), and a spa consultant.
Some of her notable clients have included; Gloria Estefan, John Oats, Mickey Rourke, Dr. Brad Blanton, and Pierce Brosnan.

“Darci has a strong commitment to healing and transformation which she expresses through her wisdom in Ayurveda.”

~ Deepak Chopra

What to do to protect yourself from the Coronavirus

By on March 7, 2020 in Healthy Living

Aloha from Kauai,

This is Darci Frankel, Serious Cleanse creator, Ayurveda practitioner, Spa Owner, etc. I’m writing to you today because I want you to stay healthy! Today I give you vital information about steps to take to insure your health during this Coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus facts

The Coronavirus originated in Wuhan China. In the 1970’s Dr. James Robb, MD FCAP first demonstrated the number of genes the virus contained and has followed the different mutations from animals to humans (e.g., SARS, MERS). Read to the bottom to see the letter that Dr Robb sent to his family about the Coronavirus.

Corona Viruses can show symptoms that look like a common cold to the global SARS outbreak in 2003. This version is called the 2019-nCoV a novel Coronavirus since it is new. The incubation time can be from 3-25 days and some people might not show symptoms at all. The experts are having a hard time reporting the exact numbers for a few reasons:

The different countries, states, and government factions cannot report fatalities and statistics fast enough.
There has been a shortage of test kits along with severe restrictions on how to use them.

Most importantly, stay calm.

I AM CALM MEDITATION
Stay calm during a calamity
https://youtu.be/GEACEt9ANqE

Studies show that fear and worrying reduce the effectiveness of the immune system. If you need something to calm you do this meditation with me. I made this video with that goal in mind when a major hurricane Lane was heading for us on Kauai August 2018.

You can click on the image and the link and do this practice with me at any time.
Stay Calm with this “I am Calm Meditation”

We are receiving a barrage of information right now, some of it is information, and I feel compelled to reach out. Many of you know that the flood on April 2018 closed down my Hanalei Day Spa for a year and a half. While that was closed, I codified some of my 27 years of experience in practicing Ayurvedic Medicine into an online course, called Serious Cleanse 30-Day Challenge.

What to do to prepare

  • Minimize exposure to sick people
  • Support your immune system with supplements and antivirals
  • This is a time to eat healthy foods and avoid junk foods and sugar
  • Have enough food and supplies, but remain calm
  • Get a N-99 mask and wear it in public! This is the one I use 
  • Wash hands for 20 seconds in super hot water and soap
  • Oil your nostrils and use a Xyla-clear spray or salt neti to keep nasal passages clear and to prevent nose-picking. We all pick our noses way more than we notice. To reduce hand to nose contact, we clean then oil our noses in the morning.


Wash your hands with non-toxic antivirals

In my research, I came across numerous ways to support our health on all levels.
Here is an excerpt from one of my lessons about Body Products in the Serious Cleanse 30-Day Challenge

An FDA STUDY showing NO evidence that antibacterial hand soap is more effective at stopping the spread of illness.
MOST antibacterial soaps contain harmful ingredients that WEAKEN the immune system
MANY store-bought hand soaps seriously impact our long-term health.

You want to kill virii and bacteria WITHOUT harming our long term health.

The bad news about Antibacterial Soap

Did you know that using conventional soaps kills the healthy bacteria on your skin, resulting in antibiotic resistance over time? It is a huge problem in medicine—the World Health Organization calls it a “threat to global health security.”

“I suspect there are a lot of consumers who assume that by using an antibacterial soap product, they are protecting themselves from illness, protecting their families,” Sandra Kweder, deputy director of the FDA’s drug center, told the AP. “But we don’t have any evidence that that is really the case over simple soap and water.”

Triclosan, one of the main ingredients in antibacterial soaps, is an endocrine disruptor that interferes with the production of thyroid hormone, among other adverse side effects…

Triclosan is fat-soluble, and scientists are quite concerned that it can bio-magnify – appear at greater levels in the tissues of animals higher up the food chain. Then the Triclosan gets concentrated in the plants and animals below them. We observed evidence of this in 2009 when surveys of bottlenose dolphins off the coast of South Carolina and Florida revealed alarming levels of Triclosan in their blood.

Manufacturers of antibacterial soaps advertise that they kill 99.9% of the bacteria on our hands including the helpful bacteria. But in an FDA report, shows us that there isn’t enough science to show that over-the-counter (OTC) antibacterial soaps are better at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water. However, beneficial bacteria live on our hands and skin (just like our intestines), and we want to protect that. Try using a soap that doesn’t disturb the healthy microbiome, such as Dr. Bronner’s or Mother Dirt soaps. We use Dr. Bronner’s Lavendar and peppermint soap, the essential oils are antiviral and antibacterial.

What to do, Clean hands!:

Try using a soap that kills Viruses, bacteria yet doesn’t disrupt your endocrine system or disturb the healthy microbiome on your skin, such as Dr. Bronner’s, Hydrogen peroxide spray hand sanitizer, and potent essential oils such as Thieves, and Frankincense.

●   Hydrogen peroxide and Lysol kills the coronavirus. Spray it on mail before it enters the home. According to the CDC, hydrogen peroxide is effective at removing microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses, and spores, making it a good choice for a quick hand sanitizer and cleaning surfaces. Use diluted 12%- 5% food-grade Hydrogen peroxide.
●  Peppermint, Lavender Dr. Bronner’s soaps with essential oils that kill virii and bacteria
●  Spray hand sanitizers at the entrances of your home. Clean your hands immediately when coming home. Leave shoes outside! At home and Hanalei Day Spa, we make ours from the potent Thieves essential oils and water. 10 drops to 4 oz of water.
●  Clean frequently touched areas with a sanitizer
● Stay at home if you are sick. Sneeze into a tissue then throw it away.
● Do all things to support your immune system
●  Eat healthy green vegetables, fermented foods such as sour kraut, immune building mushrooms Shitake, Reishi, Cordyceps, etc.,
●  Avoid known allergens, mold, alcohol, sugar as these will weaken immune function
●  Wear nitrile gloves when in public, getting gas, handling money, etc.

My best wishes for your health,






Darci Frankel

Some excerpts from:
Serious Cleanse 30-Day Challenge
Are your body products causing more harm than good?

Next is a letter that an experienced virologist wrote to his family and friends about how to protect yourself from the Coronavirus.

Dear Family and Friends, as some of you may recall, when I was a professor of pathology at the University of California San Diego, I was one of the first molecular virologists in the world to work on coronaviruses (the 1970s). I was the first to demonstrate the number of genes the virus contained. Since then, I have kept up with the coronavirus field and its multiple clinical transfers into the human population (e.g., SARS, MERS), from different animal sources.

The current projections for its expansion in the US are only probable, due to continued insufficient worldwide data, but it is most likely to be widespread by mid to late March and April.

Here is what I have done and the precautions that I take and will take. These are the same precautions I currently use during our influenza seasons, except for the mask and gloves.:

1) NO HANDSHAKING! Use a fist bump, slight bow, elbow bump, etc.

2) Use ONLY your knuckle to touch light switches. elevator buttons, etc.. Lift the gasoline dispenser with a paper towel or use a disposable glove.

3) Open doors with your closed fist or hip – do not grasp the handle with your hand, unless there is no other way to open the door. Especially important on bathroom and post office/commercial doors.

4) Use disinfectant wipes at the stores when they are available, including wiping the handle and child seat in grocery carts.

5) Wash your hands with soap for 10-20 seconds and/or use a greater than 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer whenever you return home from ANY activity that involves locations where other people have been.

6) Keep a bottle of sanitizer available at each of your home’s entrances. AND in your car for use after getting gas or touching other contaminated objects when you can’t immediately wash your hands.

7) If possible, cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and discard. Use your elbow only if you have to. The clothing on your elbow will contain an infectious virus that can be passed on for up to a week or more!

What I have stocked in preparation for the pandemic spread to the US:

1) Latex or nitrile latex disposable gloves for use when going shopping, using the gasoline pump, and all other outside activity when you come in contact with contaminated areas.

Note: This virus is spread in large droplets by coughing and sneezing. This means that the air will not infect you! BUT all the surfaces where these droplets land are infectious for about a week on average – everything that is associated with infected people will be contaminated and potentially infectious. The virus is on surfaces and you will not be infected unless your unprotected face is directly coughed or sneezed upon. This virus only has cell receptors for lung cells (it only infects your lungs). The only way for the virus to infect you is through your nose or mouth via your hands or an infected cough or sneeze onto or into your nose or mouth.

2) Stock up now with disposable surgical masks and use them to prevent you from touching your nose and/or mouth (We touch our nose/mouth 90X/day without knowing it!). This is the only way this virus can infect you – it is lung-specific. The mask will not prevent the virus in a direct sneeze from getting into your nose or mouth – it is only to keep you from touching your nose or mouth.

3) Stock up now with hand sanitizers and latex/nitrile gloves (get the appropriate sizes for your family). The hand sanitizers must be alcohol-based and greater than 60% alcohol to be effective.

4) Stock up now with zinc lozenges. These lozenges have been proven to be effective in blocking coronavirus (and most other viruses) from multiplying in your throat and nasopharynx. Use as directed several times each day when you begin to feel ANY “cold-like” symptoms beginning. It is best to lie down and let the lozenge dissolve in the back of your throat and nasopharynx. Cold-Eeze lozenges is one brand available, but there are other brands available.

I, as many others do, hope that this pandemic will be reasonably contained, BUT I personally do not think it will be.
Humans have never seen this snake-associated virus before and have no internal defense against it. Tremendous worldwide efforts are being made to understand the molecular and clinical virology of this virus. Unbelievable molecular knowledge about the genomics, structure, and virulence of this virus has already been achieved. BUT, there will be NO drugs or vaccines available this year to protect us or limit the infection within us. Only symptomatic support is available.

I hope these personal thoughts will be helpful during this potentially catastrophic pandemic. Good luck to all of us, Dad/Jim.
James Robb, MD FCAP

https://www.facebook.com/Serious-Cleanse

Do you know how to relax? We do…We are relaxation consultants!

By on January 27, 2020 in Healthy Living
Prioritize yourself, relax, rejuvenation reset retreats on Kauai
Prioritize yourself at Hanalei Day Spa

At Hanalei Day Spa, we consider ourselves to be relaxation consultants. As we help folks every day to choose the spa services to help our guest’s needs. We see people come in one way, then leave looking and feeling completely different! I love my job! Each year thousands of people come to us to help them. Help them; relax, unwind, remove the knots, and basically de-stress with our spa services while they are on vacation.

We schedule folks, then greet you with our special brand of aloha after that, we introduce you to your massage therapist.

I have to confess, what comes after that is sometimes remarkable to witness!

We just reopened and in the last month. I have had the privilege to greet many of you personally. Did you know that frequently, you look completely different AFTER your massage? Quite a metamorphosis in just 50, 80 or 110 minutes! So much so, that I keep thinking I should take before and after pictures to show you.

Do you know why you look different after a massage?

De-stress with massage
De-stress with massage

Have you ever fallen asleep during a massage? Or felt dramatically different just after a 50-minute massage? Do you know that during a massage, along with the muscles, our nervous systems relax, releasing built-up stress?

However, in our daily life, we are exposed to many different avenues and amounts of stress, which then trigger our fight or flight response AKA the sympathetic nervous system. 

Did you know that almost every TV show nowadays triggers our fight or flight response? With gory visuals, abrupt automobile accidents, and shocking scenes. Did you know that our unconscious mind cannot differentiate between real and imagined or “watched” stressors? In addition, frequent stressors of schedules, deadlines, and relationship conflict. A subtle disagreement can cause internal strife. Being in traffic, loud and numerous layered sounds in the environment. When we are in this traffic, we may ask ourselves “do you know how to relax?”

Even caffeine or slight alterations in routines can all trigger our fight or flight response.

What happens is that we are exposed to so much stimulation in our daily lives that our nervous system becomes hyperactive. We don’t even notice it! Then, over time, this stress compound and ages us. While taking a serious toll on our mental, emotional and physical health. Read on to find out how to reverse this.

Studies show that stress shrinks the brain!

Bruce McEwen, a neuroscientist at Rockefeller University in New York says that “Stress causes neurons (brain cells) to shrink or grow,”  he goes on to say that “The wear and tear on the body from lots of stress changes the nervous system.”

massage for relaxation

Moreover “particularly worrying in the developing brain, which appears to be programmed by early stressful experience”.

While on vacation, we can reset our nervous systems. See Hanalei Day Spa’s Reset Retreat below.

Keep on reading because I’ll share 5 tips to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain! Here’s some of what I have learned in my almost 3 decades as a massage therapist and practitioner of Ayurvedic Medicine. Plus 16 years as the owner of Hanalei Day Spa.

What can we do?

Well, don’t worry, because remember, stress shrinks your brain. There is a lot that we can do to help our bodies be at their optimum! A regular routine with daily exercise, adequate sleep and relaxation, nourishing and healthy meals can all go a long way towards providing a healthy foundation. In addition, we can self-regulate our nervous system with practices. We can also co-regulate with another human being. Which is actually easier, and I provide suggestions below.

In an article in Psychology Today by called “Wired to Connect”: Our Nervous System Notices Harm First by Carol A. Lambert, MSW. “It’s our nervous system that conveys signs and searches for signs of either safety or danger in our environment. At the same time, we regulate—fixing or adjusting—our nervous system, often unknowingly but necessary to our sense of wellbeing. Regulating our nervous system happens in two ways: we co-regulate with another person and we self-regulate. “

Did you know that activities such as receiving massage, talking, hugging, holding a baby or a pet help calm down stress (relaxation)? 

In their book Five-Minute Relationship Repair, Quickly Heal Upsets, Deepen Intimacy, and Use Differences to Strengthen Love. Drs. Susan Campbell and John Gray, explore how the simple act of co-regulating our nervous system with another human being, can help us with relaxation, to diffuse stress and conflict and unwind everyday stress levels to even more traumatic and challenging events. Simple activities such as; holding hands, skin on skin contact, hugging, looking into each other’s eyes, hearing a soothing tone of voice, or even intentionally breathing together help couples and individuals to quickly feel better.

Studies show that relaxation Massage Therapy markedly reduces stress, pain, and anxiety. 

Massage reduces high blood pressure, 1, 8lowers oxygen consumption, blood pressure, and cortisol/stress levels studies show.2, 3, 4Click on the numbers to read the studies.

Markedly lowers stress, depression and anxiety.1, 3, the Perceived Stress Scale 5,6, the POMS Depression Scale 4,5, and the Anxiety State Scale.4

Ultimately we want to get good at preventing stress but we also want to be adept at quickly eliminating stress before it accumulates!

5 tips to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain. 

  1. Do this I am Calm Meditation with me. 
  2. Massage and spa treatments are a great way to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain. Can’t go to a spa, that’s fine, even giving and receiving massage with loved ones helps too! Start with something simple, like shoulders or a foot rub.
  3. Don’t let little things build up in your relationships. Periodically take time to clear the air; do this Couple’s Communication Ritual with me.
  4. 8-12 Hugs a day keeps the doctor away. Did you know that giving and receiving hugs reduces stress, chances of illness, increases feel-good hormone oxytocin? Family therapist Virginia Satir once said, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”
  5. Schedule a 3-5 day Reset Retreat with us. Reset Retreats are popular during life transitions, or when we realize that we have been too stressed out and require “unplugging.” These highly personalized retreats goal is relaxation, rejuvenation, and cleansing. The retreat begins with a consultation to determine specific needs. Then participants receive 2-3 hours of treatments daily. Including guidance for self-directed practices such as meditation, a Sugar & Gluten Cleanse, and other rejuvenation and stress management practices. Reset Retreats are approximately $300-$400 per day. Begin here with this consultation to assess your needs.

In conclusion

As we have seen, stress comes in many forms. And can be cumulative, but there are solutions! It took a little while to accumulate, yet with just a little time, you can reduce your stress hormones and increase your feel-good hormones thereby supporting your overall well-being. Remember, we are here for you, we are your relaxation consultants!

In the very next issue, I share a consolidated version of some of my best information with you. Gained from my 27 years of providing health consultations, some favorite insider Kauai beach activities, there’s also the BIG giveaway soon! Thank you for visiting us, reading this and taking the time and sweet attention to relax and rejuvenate and nourish yourself! Please let me know how you are doing. I am looking forward to seeing you on your next in-person visit or online health consultation.
With warm aloha,
Darci Frankel

Hanalei Day Spa owner, Darci Frankel, is a relaxation, cleansing, and rejuvenation expert.

Darci Frankel, cleansing and rejuvenation expert
Darci Frankel, cleansing and rejuvenation expert

Darci Frankel has had a lifelong involvement in the healing arts. She is a seasoned practitioner of Ayurvedic Medicine. A long-time massage therapist and yoga teacher. She began studying yoga as a young girl with family practice sessions. Then, went on to do comparative yoga studies with a multitude of methods and teachers.

Darci Frankel began her Ayurvedic study in 1992. Then interned with America’s foremost expert of Ayurveda, Dr. Vasant Lad, at the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico. She has been practicing Ayurvedic Medicine and providing cleansing and rejuvenation programs since 1994. Darci is a national Ayurveda educator, she also served as an advisor for High-Health, Inc. In addition, Darci was invited to head up the Ayurvedic Medicine department on the Complimentary Medicine team of Miami’s prestigious Mt. Sinai Hospital.

Darci has been the managing owner of Hanalei Day Spa on Kauai for 16 years. Offering cleansing and rejuvenation retreats, Pancha Karma and using her holistic business model she helps other Day Spas up-level their culture and business.

Some of her notable clients have included; Gloria Estefan, John Oats, Mickey Rourke, Dr. Brad Blanton, and Pierce Brosnan.

Darci has a strong commitment to healing and transformation which she expresses through her wisdom in Ayurveda.

Deepak Chopra

What Are Toxins?

By on April 10, 2019 in Healthy Living

In short, toxins are something that doesn’t belong in our body or something that is in excess.

We consume toxins with every bite, every breath, every drink, and, every shower and body product we use. We are exposed to toxins through the air we breathe (air pollution such as emissions, off-gassing from furniture, the multitudes of chemicals in air fresheners, laundry detergents and perfumes, chemtrails, etc.) the food we eat and drink (think chlorine, genetically modified organisms, hundreds of pharmaceuticals in our drinking water, pesticides, etc.) and the body products we use .

Toxins affect us, and we need to take action to protect ourselves!  Everyone has some level of toxic burden nowadays, from the contamination of our water, air, and, food sources. With pesticides, chemicals, and heavy metals everywhere, we are all at risk!  

The more combinations of toxins we have accumulated, the more compounded the negative effects. We can control and cleanse most of the environmental toxins we are exposed to. We need to learn how we are getting exposed, cleanse these toxins and PREVENT them from entering our body in the first place.

In this 3 part series

  • I will introduce you to the 7 categories of toxins.
  • Help you understand your exposure and ELIMINATE IT.
  • I will offer you a quiz to determine your toxic burden
  • Provide ways to rid your body of these life zapping toxins.

WHAT ARE TOXINS?

In short, a toxin is something that doesn’t belong in our body or something that is in excess. For instance, we need a certain amount of iron to be healthy, but in excess, it can cause constipation, nausea, vomiting, problems with the liver (such as chronic cirrhosis of the liver). However, even things that are good for us in the right amount can become dangerous, and act as toxins in too large an amount. In sharing this with you, I don’t want to create fear. But I do want to educate, and empower you so that we can eliminate toxins, and prevent our bodies from further poisoning.

We imbibe these toxins in three ways, either by inhaling them, eating or drinking them or through our skin.

Suzanne Summers said it well:

“People are so busy counting calories. I think we should be busy counting chemicals,” “Where’s the tipping point? There’s the air freshener. There’s what you’re cleaning your house with. Pest sprays…all poison. The chlorine that you’re using. The fluoride in the water… And then you’re eating food that is not organic. What you’re putting on skin care that’s all chemicals… Well, guess what? That’s going to go somewhere. It drops into the bloodstream…”

Suzanne Summers

Our Grandparents DNA affects us


Recent advances in science have shown us that stress and toxins (chemicals, environmental, heavy metal toxins, etc.) we are exposed to affect ALL future generations. With stress think PTSD, Holocaust survivors, rape, divorce, surviving natural disasters and accidents, droughts, famine, even stressful pregnancies.

However, things our grandparents were exposed to, affect us. Even things like drought and famine affected their DNA, and subsequently our DNA.
This unexpected phenomenon has given rise to a new field called transgenerational epigenetics. Or the study of inherited changes that can’t be explained by traditional genetics.


Remember, a toxin is something that doesn’t belong there or, something that is in excess in the body.

For instance, when there is nicotine exposure during pregnancy, this affects subsequent generations. Virender Rehan’s study shows that nicotine exposure induces asthma in offspring, and the effects are permanently transmitted to subsequent generations providing a breakthrough in studying multigenerational effects of toxins.

Case Study: A woman who I helped, to find & eliminate her toxins, resulting in headaches, allergies & asthma went away.

Renu Chawla, an otherwise healthy, happy, young woman in her 20’s, came to me in a lot of pain. Including debilitating TMJ (jaw pain) headaches, allergies, and asthma. Renu came one of my cleansing & rejuvenation programs. She was with me for 7-days.

I still remember her happy face on the 5th day, when her headaches went away. Renu showed me how she could now open her mouth wider than she had in years. In addition, her jaw didn’t hurt anymore! I was relieved too, I don’t like seeing people in pain. During her cleansing, and rejuvenation retreat with me, I helped her to eliminate toxins, and her painful symptoms were eliminated. Then, I helped her to make lifestyle changes to prevent toxins from entering in the first place!

Introduction to the 7 categories of toxins

As far as I know, I am the first to codify 7 categories of toxins. I will not get to every single toxin. But, I have highlighted some hidden and important toxins that you need to know about. First, I list them and then we will take a deep dive into each one.

  1. Food toxins, the easiest to detect, create & eliminate & I show you how.
  2. Toxins in our food, water, air, soil & medicines
  3. Naturally occurring toxins
  4. Toxins in the form of Electromagnetic fields (EMF’s)
  5. Chemical, petrochemical & heavy metal toxins
  6. Mental and emotional toxins
  7. Pathogenic microorganisms; Bacteria, virus, fungi, yeast, and parasites.


In conclusion, we are constantly exposed to toxins through the air, water, foods, body, and cleaning products that we use.

We need to learn about which toxins we are exposed to, prevent toxins from entering our body and cleanse those toxins out!

In the next part of what are toxins, I will go deeper into the 7 categories and more!

Kauai update, good news and, the bad news.

By on April 10, 2019 in Healthy Living
Hanalei Side Checkpoint

I’ve lived on Kauai for 20 years. When I tell people where I live, they get this look of wonder. Kauai conjures up all manner of visuals of relaxing on turquoise exotic beaches, delicious foods, amazing farmer’s markets, and deep relaxation. For balance, I need to add that we have the occasional tsunami, flood, hurricane and centipedes, oh and high cost of living. There is both light/good news AND shadow/bad news in paradise.

I guess all well-adjusted adults have developed some resilience, tolerance, and acceptance, and we realize that not everything is always smooth, pretty or goes our way. As you may know, our community has endured a tragic flood, fortunately, there were no fatalities, and we are very resilient!

It has been a long loooooong haul for us who have been living on the very North shore of Kauai. Since the flood of April 2018, during the repairs, we have had to adhere to a strict schedule for our comings and goings.

Imagine for a moment that you could only leave and arrive home at certain times.

And if you were late, you missed the convoy and had to wait for the next one, maybe up to 6 hours. Imagine how you might feel if you couldn’t just get up and go see a friend, get supplies, medical help or groceries. After not being able to use the road for a month mid-April 2018, our little Haena and Wainiha community had to adhere to a set convoy schedule.

I’m sure you might have had a tinge of claustrophobia too, the day you saw locks on the gates that they closed at night at the Haena and Hanalei sides.

The Department of Transportation DOT has done a great job at the repairs, and we received a lot of support. We always had the reassurance from emergency vehicles parked on this side in case of an emergency. And medivac has available and emergency vehicles do have the key to get in.

“Look honey, we live in a gated community now!”

We got the convoy blues…

During the convoy, all folks who wanted to leave/or enter would go through the same procedure. People would fist get in line, then at the selected times, there would be a pilot truck leading us through the construction areas and another pilot truck who follows the line. Only bonafide residents have been allowed in and out of the area. With a $5,000 fine for those who violated this rule. A placard on our vehicle shows that we have jumped through the required hoops to show our residence here. Required hoops being; proof of residence, utility bill, lease agreement, car registration, etc.

  • Hanalei Side approaching check point
  • Hanalei Side Checkpoint
  • The convoy near Lumahai
  • Another day in the convoy
  • DOT hard at work!
  • Look at that slope work!
  • On my way out today Haena side…
  • Families of pigs have been enjoying the road too. Momma pig was scratching her booty on the guard rail and looking me in the eye. I think she was saying “ey open da spa, so I can come get a Lomi with you!”

Just for a moment, imagine your life within this context. Let’s say you have to get your child from school at 3 pm, so you leave on the 1:45 convoy, then you have to wait until 5:30 to get back in line to get home… Or, you need to pick up mail, but the Post Office doesn’t open till 10 and then it closes at 4.

Sundays we have had more freedom to come and go hourly. Our convoy life is coming to an end soon.

Yup, THIS has been OUR life.

Yup, THIS has been OUR life. AND we are also so very grateful that we get to live in such a beautiful area. A beautiful, exotic and vulnerable area.
Take a look at our convoy schedule here.

I am super grateful for all the hard, and dangerous work that the DOT is doing! In my visual video news update, see a clip of the convoy first hand.
Video clip of me driving the convoy

Steep Repairs, Teri Tico photo credit
The DOT workers worked rain, shine and on super slopes! thanks ya’ll! Teri Tico photo credit

What’s the good news?!


Unless the DOT has weather interruptions the road is scheduled to open May 1st. We thank the Department of Transportation for their attention to the needed repairs and we look forward to seeing you all soon.

The road will open, however, for the month of May, there will be significant delays due to continued road construction and bridge work. Please know you might experience delays of 45 minutes or more if you plan to come to the very north shore.

Some more bad news, sorry…

  • Napali trail is still closed to hikers.
  • There are no public restrooms past Hanalei.
  • Haena State park (Ke’e) including Kalalau trail, Hanalapi’ai Beach and Falls, and access to Ke’e Beach is CLOSED. There is NO PARKING
  • Haena County Beach Park, including access to Tunnel’s is CLOSED. There is NO PARKING.
  • Limahuli Gardens is CLOSED. There is NO PARKING
  • Parking on the side of Kuhio Highway in Haena is PROHIBITED. Parking fines are $200 for the first offense.
  • All public parks and facilities in Haena are CLOSED. There is NO PARKING
  • Black Pot Beach parking not allowed either. (By the pier in Hanalei.)

The state is asking if you do not have a residential permit or placard, please do NOT drive north of Hanalei.
Meanwhile, Princeville, Hanalei, and Kilauea are open for business. Please enjoy these towns until Haena and Wainiha have recovered and are ready to welcome visitors late in the summer.
Effective May 1-31. This Advisory will be updated in June.
As a result, there will still be a checkpoint just past Hanalei town.

To see more information on the Master plan for Ke’e click here.

FAQ’S

  • When will Hanalei Day Spa Open? Since there has been so much uncertainty around when the road will open, due to weather, etc. I will wait until the road is ACTUALLY open. Then do my repairs, and then Hanalei Day Spa will reopen. I will most likely be the summer. However, I do not have a date at this time. I will let you know! Make sure you are signed up for my Newsletter. Sign up here.
  • A question I get a lot is “did the FED help you financially?” the answer is no
  • Will you honor gift certificates? Yes, of course, when we open.
  • When will the Hanalei Colony Resort Open? In addition to storm repairs, HCR had a small fire last summer due to the flood damage. These repairs need to be permitted (which takes time) and then the damaged structures will be rebuilt. The maintenance, housekeeping and pool areas need to be rebuilt. Necessary repairs may take until Jan 2020, I do not know.
  • When will I be able to go to Ke’e/the end of the road? Ke’e may re-open July 1st, but don’t hold me to that.
  • What is this I hear about a shuttle? A shuttle seems a solution to some pressing problems. Our natural resources, the health of the reef and the ecosystem, some people are concerned about “over tourism” To help reduce the impact of so many cars in our small neighborhood, the HanaleiInitives.org formed a non-profit group which will run shuttles every 20-30 minutes from Princeville to the end of the road.

Spa Owner Beauty Secrets! Oil cleansing for the face

By on January 4, 2019 in Healthy Living
Oil Cleansing for the face

While Hanalei Day Spa is temporarily closed, consequently we are kicking up our skincare routine a notch, and bringing you exclusive spa treatments like oil cleansing for the face, that you can do at home!

You benefit from my years of exclusive spa ownership, where I have been practicing Ayurveda and Massage therapy for 25 years (15 years of which have been with Hanalei Day Spa).

You can probably imagine that I have so much to share!

Welcome to my new YouTube channel. Spa Owner Secrets… In it, I will share some of what I’ve learned over the years. This first video is about an ancient way of cleansing the face using Ayurvedic medicine.

This first video is about an ancient way of cleansing the face using Ayurvedic medicine. The process is called “Oil cleansing”, from the ancient tradition of deeply cleansing the skin using gentle heat, light purposeful massage, and oil.

Oil Cleansing, also called “the oil cleansing method”, quickly decreases inflammation, eliminates toxins on the skin which are fat soluble, enhances lymphatic circulation, and as a result, leaves a stunning, spa-quality glow! No one will know that you did it at home!

If you have oily skin to begin with, you may be skeptical, but this really works! (Oily skin is hungry for moisture. Today, you will feed your skin!)

Oil Cleansing Benefits

  • Deep cleans the skin
  • Leaves glowing skin
  • Decreases inflammation
  • Removes makeup residue
  • Eliminates impurities & toxins
  • Enhances lymphatic circulation
  • Helps to sustain a healthy, nourished, pH balanced skin & microbiome, or healthy bacteria on the skin.

The science behind this is that there are some substances which are water soluble, in that they dissolve or are diluted by water. Yet other substances are fat soluble or are diluted by (or mix well with oil). First of all, when we want to clean up a mess with something that is water soluble, we use water, right? Do you get where I’m going with this?… Likewise, if something is oil soluble, you need to use something oil based.

The oils on your skin, the stuff blocking your pores are oil soluble!!

Then, when we clean the skin with these good quality oils and warm the skin, this unblocks your pores!

Finally, once we get your skin breathing, restore moisture balance, and unblock your pores, as a result, your skin will be even more healthy, glowing, and gorgeous! You deserve it! And it is easier than you think.

Do your skin products kill or nourish beneficial bacteria?

Along with the intestines, the skin also has beneficial bacteria, which get killed as a result of the use of most soaps and hand sanitizers. This method helps to restore the healthy skin biome while detoxifying the skin of superficial and impurities.

You will need

  • Organic Coconut or jojoba oil, Hexane-free Caster oil. 5-10 drops each
  • 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil, (optional)
  • Washcloth & hot water

Time needed: 5 minutes.

Simple steps to Oil Cleansing for the Face

  1. Take 5 drops of coconut or jojoba oil and 5 drops of caster oil with 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil in your palm.

  2. Mix it in your palm, then apply to the face with upward movements. Massage in circular upward strokes avoiding eyes. (see video for face massage details)

  3. Use hot water on a soft, clean, washcloth, and wring out excess water Gently apply the washcloth against your face for a minute while slowly breathing, feeling the warmth as it tingles, as healthy cells awaken.

  4. Re-heat washcloth and repeat step 3, rinsing and wringing the cloth between applications.

  5. Finally, wipe off any excess oil using the washcloth and allow skin to cool (do not use soap)

You may pat dry with a towel. The skin may be a little pink as you have applied heat. Your natural color will return within minutes. Leaving a glow that will last up to several days!

Repeat at least 1-2 times per week for optimal outcome and check out my website for long-term care of oily skin [LINK TO SITE/SKINCARE SECTION].

Notes:

  • No need to cleanse first, this is the cleanse!
  • You may be skeptical, but still, try it!
  • This works on all skin types.
  • There is no need for soap.

Watch the video & follow along with me! In this video, the same facial massage techniques that professional estheticians use!
Love it? Found value?  Leave a comment on Youtube & share!

Spa Owner Secrets, Oil Cleansing for the Face!

Darci Frankel

Latest posts:

You may also like:

Listening to Our Body
Hacking travel, self-Care while traveling
10 Keys to BEING seriously healthy

Hanalei Day Spa Newsletter Archives

Happy Holidays & Tips to get rid of a cold FAST!
Clear Brain Fog & Prevent disease in 4 steps & More!
Will Hanalei Pier Beach be open soon?- DIY Home Spa!
Do this 5-minute desk workout with me! Learn about Longevity & Kauai Flood Repair News
Hurricane Lane and Self Care Checkup
Move more, live longer!
Aloha, Mana, Pono, and Ohana
Eclipse happening now, learn how to stay calm
Hau’ Oli La Aloha Hawaiian for ‘Happy Day of Love’
Aloha Nui Loa

Most popular Youtube videos

What’s in MY Emergency Kit?
TIPS to GET OVER A COLD FAST!
Move your Lymph & GET UNSTUCK in your LIFE!
Managing Stress QUICKLY!
Spa Owner Secrets, Oil Cleansing the face
Do you have emotions like a Mammal or a REPTILE?
Cultivating Emotional intelligence
Giving Good ‘no’

Listening to Our Body

By on December 18, 2018 in Healthy Living
Listening to Our Body
Listening to Our Body: The Art of Being Human

Listening to our body is a vital skill that we develop over a lifetime. We awaken to the subtle cues within us as we mature and we make better decisions about our health.

Ultimately, the decisions we make about our health significantly impact our quality of life and our longevity. Listening with an ear of love and respect will make health a fun, joyful, and important endeavor throughout life.

Understand more from listening

For instance, learning to listen to our body provides immediate benefits including: Firstly, we gain the value of knowing how to interpret the information, Secondly, we prevent illness and respond at the onset, Thirdly, we provide our own unique self-care, Fourthly, we understand our body’s signals, and finally, we practice prevention and because of it, we create ideal health.

Undoubtedly, “listening to our body” is an inward skill that most folks don’t take the time to develop before illness occurs. The immediate value of this awareness is often not seen until it is too, late.

Therefore, grab a notebook and let’s explore the value now so you can decide what’s right for you. You will likely have questions of your own. Please post them below or feel free to e-mail me directly at E-mail.

Start where you are:

Most of us range in our body awareness somewhere between fear (disease obsession) and denial (I’m fine or it won’t happen to me) and therefore, most of us are somewhere on that continuum. As a result few live in the middle ground.  Therefore, have a sense of your overall health and learn to listen to your body to prevent disease and for the best health possible. In conclusion, every human being has to interpret the information we get from listening to our body accurately because we can make good health decisions when we do.

Learn the Language of Your Body

Unfortunately, we are not taught to listen to information that our body gives us we risk our health. Because our body speaks to us with feedback for our health and well being, above all we need to hear. Some learn this early in life, others grow into this intimate dialogue. In conclusion, your language is unique to your body.

Why listen?

For example, have you ever ignored a baby that was hungry or wet? How long could you listen to it scream before you needed to respond? Our bodies are like screaming babies sometimes. Naturally, we want to soothe the discomfort. Ultimately, we give ourselves what we need. However, sometimes we ignore the cries for too long and we create imbalance.

We are constantly getting cues and clues as to what is happening inside of us, but we are often moving too fast to interpret this important language. Imagine if you were listening however and could hear exactly what your body needed. How would you feel after all, if you could self-assess and know how to heal your own pain, upset, emotion and stress? You can!

A great conversation, if you listen

Are you in conversation with your body! What is it saying?

If it is in pain it will let you know. If you are not using the bathroom regularly, it is letting you know that something is not balanced. If you have fever, your body is alerting you to an infection. If you are dizzy or lethargic, you could have low blood sugar or be dehydrated.

In conclusion, here are so many cues and ways your body is communicating if you would learn to listen. Because you are a miraculous living organism of synapses and processes, you deserve to hear and understand.

We have to learn to interpret what the body is saying.

To better understand the cues and messages your body is sending, click here to schedule a consultation with renowned spa owner, Darci Frankel and her amazing team, and begin your journey to health and wellness.

At every step of the way, the body gives us information.
As a result as soon as we start to listen, we can begin to heal, change, or grow.

For instance, in July of 1984, Jim Fixx, an avid runner and author, sadly, died of a heart attack. People were shocked. They exclaimed, “he was perfectly healthy!”

Actually, he was not!

Because Jim’s arteries for example, were (in the process of) clogging for years. In fact, three of the main arteries to his heart were seriously clogged; shockingly, one was 95% blocked, the second 85% blocked, and the third was 70% blocked, so a heart attack was not so far off. In conclusion, and with great respect to Jim and his family, there were most probably signs!

In conclusion, had he been more adept at listening to his body, treatment may have been possible. Alternately, exercise and eating well are not always a guarantee of health. Therefore, we must listen more adeptly.

Great health begins with good listening

Luckily, no one goes from perfect health to terminal disease overnight. Disease is progressive and most can be prevented when we listen to the body’s cues and unique language. Above all, we need to interpret the body’s subtle sounds and whispers. Alternatively, sometimes we need a professional to diagnose what we could not hear.

Listening for solutions

However, if Mr. Fixx slowed down and tuned in to his needs, he may have realized that his body was communicating. As a result, he may have changed his diet to decrease inflammation. For instance, he may have used meditation or yoga to decrease stress.

In addition, studies show that inflammation and ‘bad’ fats are the cause of arteriosclerosis.  

After all, you know your body. You know what it feels like to feel good, and when you just feel off in some way. Have a “go to” plan that brings you to your center.

Hearing from wholeness

Similarly, when something feels off to me, I remember what our old friend Smokey The Bear used to say: “Stop, drop and roll.” Especially, because I sense pain in my body, I literally stop, drop and roll: I stop and become aware of what is hurting or out of alignment. For instance, I drop any expectation and relax, not trying to figure out what’s wrong. In other words, I give myself what is needed, even a few minutes to roll on an exercise ball to stretch and work out any knots.

Because, once I am relaxed, for instance, I can assess and respond: Perhaps I need water or a snack. Perhaps a massage is what is needed. A nap, whatever, may be appropriate. Alternatively, some exercise or longer stretch will do the trick. In conclusion, I do what I must to hear more clearly. As a result, I take responsible, appropriate action.

Ultimately, we know what we need. We must slow down, take time to give ourselves the necessary attention. Ask for help from appropriate practitioners and naturopaths, and envision our ideal health as we journey towards it. Health is a state of mind, a state of being in the body, and a respectful alignment between the two.

Check in with yourself regularly

 Next time you have an ache or pain, take pause, and a few breaths to center yourself. Take an honest look at what is really happening inside. Give it to yourself.

For example, you can’t know everything going on inside of you at all times. However, you can learn to listen better all the time.

Therefore, my friend, Deepak Chopra would take this moment to remind us of the tens of thousands of bodily functions going on: For instance, the heart is beating, the nerve synapses are firing, the gallbladder is secreting bile, while the arteries are all pumping blood, the temperature is being regulated and listening to our body, knowing this is all happening, lets us honor the micro changes in the environment through the senses.

In other words, the awareness of the miracle of the human body and our awe of it being in good working order therefore, is a great place to begin to hear what is being communicated. What cannot be heard can be explored through routine health exams, blood tests, hormone panels, and therapeutic/natural health care. In conclusion, there are no excuses for not hearing our bodies.

3 valuable life lessons:

  • Firstly, listening to my body is important
  • Secondly, doctors aren’t G-ds
  • Finally, medicine has limits.

Recently, I listened to my body. Here is what I heard. What are you hearing?

The other day I took a dip in the ocean and I loved it! I felt amazing and I was happy the whole day. The next day, I felt unusual pressure with an uncomfortable sensation on the side of my neck. Luckily, I paused and took notice because I’d never felt that before. So, I rubbed the area a bit and felt I needed some water.

I needed something; some kind of self-care, for instance: I went for a walk while taking deep breaths as I did. Although subtle, something was still off. However, I felt vulnerable and a bit feverish, as a result, I noticed that my mind became a little agitated; jumping from topic to topic.

Eventually, as I walked and did some movements to align my neck, something clicked into place. However, a few hours later, I felt throbbing in my left ear. Finally, I remembered water getting in that ear the day before.

Intuitively, and together with this information, I deduced:

It is the start of an ear infection! “Let me nip this in the bud! “

After that, I put peroxide in my ear and some essential oils BEHIND it on the mastoid bone I was able to ward off infection. (NEVER put essential oils in the ear).  It worked! Luckily, the pain went away and I am better today because listening to the subtle cues of our bodies saves time and money, and prevents pain and illness!

In conclusion, because I listened to my inner guidance and took the time to hear what was being said, a major medical malady was averted.

Ultimately, if you listen, your organism will communicate with you.

Develop your inner intelligence in 4 steps:

  1. Clean up your doorways of perception with a daily routine: Consider using a neti pot to clear head & sinus, Meditate, and eat a clean organic/free range diet, hydrate, avoid sugar, etc.
  2. Listen to subtle cues in your physiology. Listen and respond. Your inner intelligence rewards and acknowledges you with information.
  3. Pause and listen deeply when something feels misaligned
  4. Practice moderation in all that you eat, think, and do

Grab your notebook and let’s take 3 minutes to do this listening practice.

Meditation to Practice Listening (9 min)  https://hanaleidayspa.com/meditation-1/

Let’s take it to the next level!

Self-Care Questions to ask

  1. Do I need to rest and honor my body or push myself harder?
  2. Am I getting the suggested 7-9 hours of sleep daily?
  3. Would more or less exercise make my body feel better?
  4. How is my appetite? Am I hungry, or thirsty? Am I fueling my body?
  5. Do I know and honor my limits?
  6. Am I hungry, angry, lonely, tired? (H.A.L.T) Inquire. Listen. Respond.
  7. When you hurt yourself stop immediately. Assess. Ice. Rest. Elevate. Compression. Follow up with a doctor.
  8. Stop immediately. Assess. Ice. Rest. Elevate. Compression. Follow up with a doctor.
  9. How is my mood? Allow yourself to feel the emotion.
  10. Can I focus my attention on what is in front of me? Address your distractions.
  11. Am I sore, injured, or, is what I feel signs of natural aging? We need to keep active and learn to accept aging?

In conclusion, if you liked this, you will love:
10 Keys to BEING Seriously Healthy

and

DIY Hanalei Day Spa

10 Keys to BEING seriously healthy

By on November 1, 2018 in Healthy Living

Keys to BEING Seriously Healthy part 1

Healthy lifestyleWe all want to be healthy, but we might not know what to actually do. In this 3 part series, I give you the 10 keys to being seriously healthy. I help you to gain a deep understanding of the foundations in truly BEING a healthy person. I have been practicing Ayurvedic Medicine for about 25 years, and I constantly learn, so I can bring you the best, most time-tested truths, based on volumes of research.

Join me on this journey through the 10 keys, so you can BE seriously healthy!

I’m going to go through each of the 10 keys, and explain them in detail. You can watch the videos and I will also go into more depth in a series of 3 blogs. As you hear each of the keys, you will probably intuitively know that these points are true. We’re just taking this time together to review, asses and refine where you are at with each key, and which areas you need to improve upon. Then, you will take this knowledge and turn it into wisdom by empowering yourself to make some life-altering changes.

Because ‘action’ is the thing that turns knowledge into wisdom.

Listening to our body

The first important point is to listen to our body. We sometimes get so caught up in life that we forget to listen. When we get sick, have aches and pains or an illness, it is our body’s way of communicating and asking for your participation and cooperation.  When we listen and cooperate with our body, we can learn how to restore balance and improve our health.

By honoring these messages,  we can turn an illness into a constructive time of restoration, healing, and revitalization.

Get a pen and paper ready, because, in each key, I want you to honestly rate yourself on a scale of 0-10.
If you are really being honest and true to yourself, where are you? I want you to be rigorously honest with yourself here.

Here is the video, but I flesh more out in this blog post.

Key #1 Healthy diet

Our bodies respond quickly to nourishing healthy foods. A healthy diet includes the highest quality foods. These are the best for the body and brain and include healthy un-saturated fats. We’re talking about 100% organically grown foods, grass-fed/pasture raised meats, neuroprotective fats which all protect our brain, body and nervous system. Coconut or olive oil & avocados are a great example of healthy neuroprotective un-saturated fats. Other healthy choices include wild salmon, eggs and dark leafy vegetables. Another category is the anti-aging free radical scavenger, potent antioxidant polyphenol foods, such as blueberries, turmeric, green tea.

Healthy oils

According to AARP, 93 percent of Americans are concerned with their brain health, but few understand how to protect it. Have you been deceived into thinking that canola oil is healthy? Or that coconut oil is not healthy!? If you want to have a healthy diet, you need to be able to identify healthy oils. Here are a few tips to do just that!

  • Rapeseed oil AKA Canola oil is NOT healthy oil, it is genetically modified not one, but twice! Once to lower the acid level so it doesn’t kill from heart disease, then a second time to make it roundup ready!
  • Check the ingredients in your salad dressings (even at the health food stores) and everything in supermarkets, you will find canola is in everything!
  • Studies have shown that rats fed canola oil get fat and Altzheimer’s.
  • Healthy fats for a healthy body and brain are, coconut oil, Avocado, ghee, olive oil, even duck fat are all good oils.

Farm raised Salmon facts

  • healthy oilsFarm raised salmon are given supplements made from petrochemicals, to enhance its color.
  • They are full of harmful toxic contaminants.
  • Fish farms cause environmental damage.
  • Dr. David Katz, director of Yale prevention research says that farmed salmon contains antibiotics, toxins, pollutants, and calories.
  • Farm raised salmon contains harmful, inflammatory fats that harm your health.

Drugs in our meat

The meat industry does not publicize its use of antibiotics and other drugs.  There is an increasing amount of evidence suggesting that the use of antibiotics in foods pose grave health risks in humans.  For instance, animals develop antibiotic resistance over time, which is passed to humans who eat them.  The New England Journal of Medicine found that people who developed Cipro- resistant bacteria had acquired that from eating pork contaminated with salmonella. Do you know that farm raised meats to contain antibiotics and growth hormones which creates antibiotic resistance & increase in growth tumors?

Sugar is as addictive as cocaine

Remember, there are some foods (substances and people) that look, smell and feel good in some way, but the net effect can be harmful to our health. Take sugar for example, do you know that studies show that sugar is more addictive, and causes more deaths than cocaine! Sugar has the same effect as some hard drugs. Such as heroin and cocaine, in that it strongly spikes dopamine.

When sugar is fed to lab rats, they consistently consumed larger and larger portions upon scheduled reintroduction.  When the sugar was taken away, the rats were restless, showed signs of anxiety, lowered dopamine and were unwilling to move about in their environment.

There are 10 times more sugar related deaths in the US then cocaine-related deaths. Sometimes I hear people talking about ‘rewarding’ themselves with some sugar, candy or a smoke. Is it really rewarding to create harm to your body? Is that a reward?  Do you want to eat antibiotics with your food?

I encourage you to do some research into this on your own. Given these facts, you may want to consider really being mindful and more selective about what you put in your body.

If you are rigorously honest, rate yourself on the area of healthy diet on a scale from 0-10?

Key #2 Self  Talk

We feed our bodies with healthy food, what are we feeding our minds with? Do we choose, 100% organic, healthy and kind words? Or do we just take in any junk thoughts because that’s what’s there? We have been taking a look and refining our food choices, but have you ever stopped to question the quality of your self-talk? Think about it, the words that we say to ourselves can be nourishing and contribute to our health too!

I eliminated sugar from my diet 3 years ago, but I am not hard on myself if every six months or so I have something with sugar in it. I take some supplements to counteract it and move on. The other day, I ate some Strauss strawberry ice cream. It definitely has sugar in it, and it was delicious! But the next day, I literally felt depressed, for the first couple of hours, I didn’t realize what was happening. I’m not the ‘depressed’ or melancholic type, so I quickly realized what happened. I have detoxed my body completely of refined sugar, so I can really feel it when I do take some in. So my immune system was negatively affected and I could feel it.

Remember, when our body is affected, our mind is too. They say that sugar suppresses the immune system. I said some kind things to myself acknowledging and accepting my mistake, gave myself a hug, and I moved on to do my day, which turned out to be a great day! Have you ever made a mistake with your diet, lifestyle choices? How did you treat yourself? Read more about studies on being kind to yourself here.

Pithy questions to contemplate

If you constantly say that you are getting old, or are stupid, or if you make a mistake if you can’t remember something, is that an example of healthy self-talk? Does how you think about yourself make a difference? Do you treat yourself well or poorly? What do you affirm about yourself? Do you realize that when you say something to yourself over and over, you believe it?

How our body looks and feels is a byproduct of how we treat ourselves.

Our cells eavesdrop on everything we say!

Ikea conducted anti-bullying experiments in some schools recently. They brought two plants into the school, and play a recorded loop of compliments and, words of praise and appreciation to one group, and unkind, toxic phrases to the other group. The children could hear and see the plants.

The plants that received kind words looked all green and full, they thrived! While the other group of plants were significantly smaller, shriveled and literally looked sad. It’s the same with humans, our cells hear everything we say.

Are you kind to yourself without exception?
Or, are you only kind when you are doing good?
When you make a mistake do you berate yourself?
Do you create inner toxicity?

Please rate yourself, an honest self-evaluation from 0-10 what is your self-talk like?

Key #3 Exercise

The next key is Exercise This includes all forms of movement. Exercise stimulates feel-good hormones such as serotonin, increases neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, stimulates venous and lymphatic circulation, brain-derived neurotrophic factors which are responsible for making new connections in the brain. As a culture, we HAVE to move. In our culture, we spend so much time sitting, they coined a new disease ‘sitting is the new smoking’. There are studies that show active people are depressed and have less anxiety less than inactive people. In a recent blog entry, I talked a lot about this important Key to being Seriously Healthy.

Try these ideas, and let me know what you are doing to get moving!

  1. Find more ways to incorporate activity in your day.
  2. Set a timer, at the top of each hour, get up and move.
  3. Take a call standing and have a meeting while walking.
  4. Do this minute desk workout with me!
  5. Activate/flex the muscles of your quads, hamstrings, and abs at your desk, or on your commute.
  6. Walk to lunch.
  7. Sit up straight.
  8. Rock your baby and do lunges.
  9. Go for a walk instead of watching tv after dinner.
  10. Have a simple exercise routine that you can do on a call or webinar (they won’t even know). Push-ups, lunges, triceps extensions on your chair.
  11. Halftime at a sports event or-or Intermission of the school play is a great time to take a power walk for 5-10 minutes.

Exercise creates healthy brain- body connections

Our children need to put down the devices and go out and play, barefoot!
So they make as many brain-body connections early on as they can. The same is true with us, we need to go outside and enjoy nature and soak in the sunshine!

Take frequent movement breaks, do this 5-minute desk workout with me!

Do you get enough exercise? Rate yourself from 0-10.

These are the first 3 of the 10 keys to being Seriously Healthy. Let’s make some positive changes together! Take a look at how you rated yourself and choose some areas to refine and up-level your practices. I really, really, really want to know what you are letting go of and what you are refining!

 

Clear your head, Reduce brain fog!

By on October 16, 2018 in Healthy Living, Self Care

Have you ever had brain fog when your
sinuses and nose are congested?

  Jala Neti is an ancient Ayurvedic (and yogic) self-care practice of washing the sinuses with warm salt water. This cleanses & flushes out mucus and debris from the nose and sinuses.

Neti is one of the ways that we cleanse the sense organs,
so that we may percieve the world around us with more clarity.

At first, it may seem a little different, but after you get used to it you will feel the benefits, especially if you have suffered from; colds, flu, respiratory disorders, sinus problems, stuffy nose or allergies. Doing neti will definitely improve your sinus health and your overall health too!
neti

When to Neti:

  • First thing in the morning
  • After cleaning out a moldy, musty or dusty closet.  
  • Before and after air travel.
  • Daily if you are in an area dense with pollution, or dust.
  • Daily during spring
  • Before, during and after a cold or flu.
  • After dental work

How to Neti:  

  1. fill up your neti pot with warm water and add 3/4 tsp of good quality salt
  2. put the nozzle into one nostril
  3. tilt your head forward and chin down over the sink
  4. for beginners, it helps if you gently exhale a little bit through your nose to start the flow
  5. You will breathe gently from your mouth 
  6. cleanse the next nostril
  7. gently blow out from both nostrils to clear all the salt water when you are finished.

Avoid Neti:

  • Immediately before or after a meal
  • Not during your menstrual cycle   

You may also enjoy:

  1. Cleansing Through Breathing Video
  2. An Ayurveda Consultation with me, HealthConsultant808@gmail.com

Create optimal health during the transition of seasons

By on September 27, 2018 in Healthy Living, Self Care

Everyone loves summer, with the long days, lots of outdoor time and communing with nature. As we bid farewell to the high heat of summer, we begin to mindfully transition to Autumn. We mentally and emotionally prepare ourselves for the more internal reflective state of mind that the eventual winter will bring with the change of seasons and the gentle turning of the earth.  Ayurveda teaches us how to create optimal health and take special care of our bodies during the transition of the seasons.

The cool fall air was nectar…
~Stephen Connella

This is because these transitions are delicate and unstable times, we are neither here nor there. We are no longer at the place we were, nor are we established in the new situation. This is called sandhi, the junction, the joint/the in-between place. In the same way, the joints of our body are more delicate than the long bones.  If we don’t promptly eliminate the excess that the previous season brought to us, (in this case, excess heat) this excess will cause problems, the root causes of disease…
In this way, Ayurveda teaches us to live in harmony with nature, working hand in hand.

“We have our part in the preservation of our health,
the prevention of disease, we can promote longevity
and Ayurveda shows us how!”

The high heat of the summer subjects us to an accumulation of heat in our bodies (even though we naturally tend to favor cooling foods in the summer, such as watermelon, juices, and salads.) Ayurveda texts teach us how to eliminate these excess ‘doshas’ or heat and stay out of the doctor’s office. Symptoms of excess heat can be; irritability, prickly heat rash is common, loose stools, rashes, irritability, anything with an ‘itis’ indicates inflammation, acid indigestion, and acid reflux to name a few. Which is why the end of each season is the best time eliminate the build-up from the previous season and to receive Pancha Karma if we can. Ultimately we want to promptly eliminate the ‘heat of summer’ so it doesn’t cause damage.

Create optimal health during the transition of seasons…

I will give you two lists, the first list contains a few simple, easy things you can do to eliminate some minor excess heat, the second is more of the warrior path, it’s not for everyone, but those who are really motivated, really need it or are superheroes of their own health and well being.

Simple (armchair want to be healthy) tips to eliminate excess heat, prevent that Summer heat from lodging into your system:

(Do these only for the next 2 weeks during this transition)

  1. Drink celery juice over the course of 3 days, celery juice is extremely anti-inflammation and pulls extra heat out of the liver and intestines. you can mix it with apple which is also cooling, and dilute a bit too.
  2. Add cilantro, or juice it! Cilantro is supercooling to the system!
  3. Have a few raw salads (at lunch) with organic coconut oil, nothing spicy for a few days.

Superhero, warrior, protector of your health, tips:

Do this for 5 days ASAP
Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or doing the salt water cleanse.

  1. Use the power of routine. The ayurvedic routine is an influential tool in itself – and allows you to harness the power of daily cycles of Nature. Wake up before 6 AM, eat your main meal at midday, go to bed before 10 PM – all are very important points for balancing the three fundamental mind-body principles of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
  2. Kitchery Mono diet
  3. Daily Abhyanga
  4. On day 4 do a salt water cleanse, email me for instructions.

If you need more specific help or guidance, I have a few spaces available for consultations in the next 2 weeks.

I care about your well being, let me know how this goes for you!
With warm aloha,

 

 

 

You may also enjoy:

  1. Clear your Head! Neti reduces brain fog!
  2. An Ayurveda Consultation with me, HealthConsultant808@gmail.com
  3. Cleansing Toxins Through Breathing Video

DIY Hanalei Day Spa… At your home!

By on September 26, 2018 in Healthy Living, Self Care
Here’s a way to bring the spa home with you while you exfoliate those
dead skin cells this week with DIY Day Spa at home!
This scrub leaves your skin clean, fresh and moisturized!

Supplies needed:

1/8 – 1/4 cup of salt
1/4 cup of Coconut oil

Optional a few drops of essential oil

It is nice to get a body scrub at the spa, but you can also give yourself one at home!  The purpose of an at-home body scrub is to exfoliate the outermost layers of dead skin cells, revealing softer, younger cells just below.

Doing a body scrub at home is different in that you have all your creature comforts at home, but it might not feel as luxurious (or pampered) as a spa treatment might feel. DIY definitely has it’s benefits though! It is a lot less expensive, and you can give yourself one any time! You can make your own or pick up a body scrub or even use exfoliating mitts!

Personally, I like to use more oil than salt in my body scrub.

How To Give Yourself A DIY Body Scrub At Home

  • It is always nice to soak in a nice hot tub first. Try adding lavender essential oil, ylang-ylang, or geranium-rose to make it more relaxing. Dry off.
  • I sometimes just sit in the tub. Put a little bit of the scrub in your hands then start with long or circular strokes on your lower legs.
  • Spend 5 minutes on your whole body, more than that, you might get irritated.
  • When you stand up to do your backside, make sure you dont slip.
  • With your back reach under your arm to get the mid-back, use the back of your hand to get between shoulder blades, then for the upper shoulder use the opposite hand. A side benefit is that doing this home scrub will keep you flexible too!
  • When you’re done, take a shower, you may want to use a washcloth to pull some extra oil off.

  DIY Scrub Tips

  • Weekly body scrubs are a great way to keep your skin clean and exfoliated.
  • If your skin looks irritated at any point, stop.
  • Smaller grain salt is gentler than the large salt. At Hanalei Day Spa, we finely grind our Hawaiian Sea salt with a vita mix.
  • You can also use the exfoliating mitts.
  • Soothing aromatherapy; lavender, rose, geranium
  • Avoid using on the face, it can be too harsh.

Therapeutic Body Scrub Tips, Ayurveda Kitchen Medicine

  • If you’ve had a cold or flu, you can make your scrub more healing add 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
  • 3 drops of eucalyptus, lemon, or orange oil
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon or 1 tsp coffee grounds to increase circulation
  • add 1/2 tsp charcoal to absorb toxins. (see our serious cleanse body mask for a more effective treatment)

You may also enjoy:

  1. Clear your Head! Neti reduces brain fog!
  2. An Ayurveda Consultation with me, HealthConsultant808@gmail.com
  3. Cleansing Toxins Through Breathing Video

Please take a moment to let me know how I can help you with this brief survey

You are the BEST VERSION of yourself that you can possibly can be right now

By on September 24, 2018 in Healthy Living, Self Care

In a recent newsletter, I mentioned observing our self-talk and how we talk to ourselves. Are you kind to yourself? Do you get frustrated, or angry quickly with yourself and or others? How we think of ourselves is really important.

In his work, Dr. Emoto and his team taped typed words to different glasses of water from the same source of pure distilled water. Samples of each were then flash frozen, and the crystals were photographed with a dark-field microscope.  Consistently, the water exposed to positive, loving words or images of beauty produced brilliant, complex and colorful snowflake crystals. Conversely, the water exposed to negative, dis-empowering words or sad, ugly images consistently produced fractured crystals or distorted, discolored blobs with no crystalline structure at all, much like water from stagnate or polluted sources of water.

His work powerfully and eloquently shows us how our thoughts, words, and intentions have a literal and direct effect on our physical world and our overall state of health and well-being!

Similarly, our whole being hears everything we say!

I recently met a woman in her 20’s, we were on a line and started talking. We were talking about health, spirituality and working out.  (it’s amazing the depth that we can get to while waiting for the bathroom!) I’m a little bit of an intuitive savant and I said something that touched and surprised us both. I said, “You are the BEST VERSION of yourself that you can possibly be right now, I hope you can realize that and relax into yourself and life.” She took a deep breath, teared up and thanked me.

I hope we can all realize this.
What are we striving for?
What are we running from?

You are the BEST VERSION of yourself that you possibly can be right now.
The next time you find yourself beating up on yourself or being hard on yourself, take a breath and relax into that truth for a moment.

I found these water blessing labels on a trip to Topanga canyon many years ago. We offer water in them at Hanalei Day Spa.
Each one has a special word a blessing for you. You may have noticed.
https://thespiritofwater.com/water 

 

Please take a moment to let me know how I can help you with this brief survey

Think kindly of yourself.
Warmly,

Darci Frankel

 

 

Image of Dr. Emoto water experiments, can you tell the difference between the ones that were loved?

Move more, live longer

By on September 9, 2018 in Healthy Living

Americans are so sedentary!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

image Source: Washington.edu

James Levine, MD is a leader in sitting research. he opines that “Growing evidence suggests that the health impact of sitting may overall be greater than that of smoking. This is because the human harm associated with excessive sitting is extensive. This includes obesity, metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer risk, and psychological harm.” He also says that “physiological and molecular data suggest that sedentary lifestyle can explain, in part, how modernity is associated with obesity, more than 30 chronic diseases and conditions and high healthcare costs.”

Look, a new disease. The Sitting Disease!

– Insufficient physical activity is one of the leading risk factors for death worldwide.
– Insufficient physical activity is a key risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.
– Physical activity has significant health benefits and contributes to prevent NCDs.
– Globally, 1 in 4 adults is not active enough.
– More than 80% of the world’s adolescent population is insufficiently physically active.
– Policies to address insufficient physical activity are operational in 56% of WHO Member States.
– WHO Member States have agreed to reduce insufficient physical activity by 10% by 2025.

 

Here’s what we do!

Sleeping 8 hours
Work 8 hours
Commute 1 hour
Home computer 1.5 hour
Eating 2 hours
Watching tv 1-2 hours
Active 2-3 hours

 

We’ve got options, Let’s get our asses moving!

I take frequent movement breaks to parenthesize tasks, this keeps me very productive and IN GREAT SHAPE too!
Just above, I share one of my 5 minute desk workouts with you.
Try these ideas, let me know what you are doing to get moving!

  1. Find more ways to incorporate activity in your day.
  2. Set a timer, at the top of each hour, get up and move, take a call standing, do some exercises…
  3. Take a call standing, have a meeting, while walking
  4. Do 3-5 minutes of exercise at your desk, see video above!
  5. Activate/flex the muscles of your quads, hamstrings and abs at your desk, or on your commute.
  6. Walk to lunch,
  7. Sit up straight
  8. Rock your baby and do lunges
  9. Instead of watching tv after dinner, go for a walk
  10. Have a simple exercise routine that you can do on a call or webinar (they wont even know). Push ups, lunges, triceps extensions on your chair
  11. Half time at a sport event or or Intermission of the school play is a great time to take a power walk for 5-10 minutes.

let me know what you are doing to get moving!

Learn to let go

By on August 8, 2018 in Healthy Living, Self Care
Graciously letting go,
when life requires,
is a good skill!
Sometimes we don’t get what we want, we have an agenda or we are holding on to our preference, or we think, life should be different. When we are caught up in all this mind activity, we aren’t able to be present with what is.

Consider that letting go isn’t giving up, it is simply choosing what we have!

3 signs that it is time to let go:

  1. White knuckles..resistance to life or something/someone is an indication that we are holding on.
  2. When we notice that we justify and defend our point.
  3. During times where something, someone or a circumstance is ‘going’ anyway.

CONTEMPLATION:

  • Consider that letting go isn’t giving up, it is simply choosing what we have!
  • What is a life skill that you possess and are proud of?
In this 5 minute video, I teach a yoga practice, called a pranayama, to let go. Please leave a comment as to how you felt and what are you letting go of?

Please leave a comment as to how you felt and what are you letting go of?

Helping people to be healthy, happy, efficient and vibrant!

“Darci has a strong commitment to healing and transformation which she expresses through her wisdom in Ayurveda.”
Deepak Chopra M.D., Author

Darci Frankel, Day Spa Consultant/owner of Hanalei Day Spa, shares her expertise in the area of Ayurvedic medicine, health and well being. Helping folks increase their levels of health, learn about self-care, heal from diseases and reach levels of enlightenment with meditation practices.

Email for a free 15-minute consultation to see how Darci Frankel can help you
up-level your health!

DaySpaOwner@gmail.com
I have 2 Youtube channels: DarciAyur and Hanalei Day Spa
https://www.facebook.com/darciayur

HanaleiDaySpa.com
PanchaKarma.net
SeriousCleanse.com
https://www.facebook.com/Hanalei-Day-Spa-137041923008558/
Hanalei Day Spa and The Ayurveda Center of Hawaii, on Kauai

How to make healing Bone Broth, that tastes great!

By on August 1, 2018 in Healthy Living, Self Care

Bone Broth, the superfood

 

Bone broth is a nutritional supplement, a superfood packed with potent nutrition!
The way that I make bone broth is quite unique.
I have a long background in Ayurvedic Medicine. In Ayurveda, we prepare herbalized oils, potent medicinal teas, and other medicine. For instance, one way we do this, is to cook cups of herbs in gallons of water for 3 days, strain, then add oil and cook the oil out. This infuses the oil with the potent tea. In this way (and many ways), my Ayurveda background has informed my broth preparation.

Similarly, bone broth also has a rich history in traditional Chinese medicine. It is highly regarded as a helps support the digestive system, is a great tonic, builds the blood, supports the kidneys, offers incredible minerals, which most of us are depleted with,  supports the gut, Bone broth improves skin, bone and joint health and is anti-inflammatory. It can single-highhandedly help someone heal from the leaky gut syndrome.

Above all, these are some of the reasons I love Bone broth.
We drink it in our family and recommend it to the those who need it when they come to me for Ayurveda Consultation.

INGREDIENTS:

3.5-4 gallons of water (depending on the size of your crockpot)
Bones; turkey, chicken, beef or bison
Whole Black peppercorns, fenugreek, ginger, thyme, fresh Rosemary
Apple Cider Vinegar which pulls the minerals out of the bones into the broth.
2 LG Onions, 2 Lg. tomatoes, celery, and 1 lemon

Lemongrass, fenugreek, galangal are a nice addition, especially during cold and flu season.

HOW TO MAKE:

add bones, water, veggies, and herbs, cook on low for 24-48 hours

WHO BENEFITS FROM BONE BROTH:

Athletes, New mothers, anyone who is sick; convalescing, weak, elderly, anyone needing more strength.

OVERVIEW;

Cook for 3 days, daily add veg if you’d like, add more water.
After that, let it cool.
Then strain it and throw bones away. (you can puree vegetables and use as a base of a soup)
Pour bone broth into containers, however make sure to leave ½ inch when freezing PACKAGING IT

WATCH VIDEO HERE:

More information, you might enjoy:

10 Keys to BEING seriously healthy


https://hanaleidayspa.com/blog/introduction-ayurvedic-medicine-self-care/

https://hanaleidayspa.com/blog/introduction-ayurvedic-medicine-self-care/

Are Fabric Softener & laundry detergent Toxic? (Hell Yes!)

By on February 16, 2018 in Healthy Living, Self Care

In doing research for my Serious Cleanse protocol, I came across many studies including these.
In the name of well being, I feel strongly compelled to share it with you.

Do you know that women who clean at home or work,
face increased lung function decline.
Summary:

Women who work as cleaners or regularly use cleaning sprays or other cleaning products at home appear to experience a greater decline in lung function over time than women who do not clean, according to new research.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180216084912.htm

Are Fabric Softener & laundry detergent Toxic? (Hell Yes!)

http://www.organicauthority.com/sanctuary/is-fabric-softener-toxic-hell-yes-it-is.html

7 TOXIC CHEMICALS FOUND IN “CLEAN” LAUNDRY https://www.annmariegianni.com/toxic-chemicals-in-laundry-detergents/

Summary:
Laundry detergent & fabric softener are toxic

Alternatives:

At Hanalei Day Spa and in my home, we use products which have zero negative impact on the environment and individual’s health.
We use:

  • a solution of water and vinegar for cleaning windows and the floor,
  • Try real brightening: A little baking soda added to the wash cycle will naturally brighten colors, without the clingy chemicals to irritate your skin.
  • Skip the fabric softener: A half-cup of vinegar added in the rinse cycle will produce the same results without the toxic chemicals.
  • Bon Ami, a natural, non toxic slightly abrasive cleaner,
  • Home-Biotic, a pro-biotic for home/office, which is an enzyme formula that eats mold and toxins
  • Organic body products such as; organic coconut oil for massage, natural lotions, and organic essential oils, facial formula, body mud and body mask and teas with all natural and organic ingredients.

Healthy holidays, Hanalei Day Spa style

By on December 13, 2017 in Healthy Living, Self Care

Healthy Holidays, Hanalei Day Spa Style

Health is not merely the absence of disease. When we are truly healthy, we feel a certain way.
We feel open, flexible and almost buoyant in our bodies, we feel emotionally clear, and mentally resourceful. In order to have health like this we need to take care of our physical, mental and emotional wellness, and not let things build up. Things that build up include; physical toxins, our to do list, sleep deprivation, undelivered communications, unfelt emotions, grief, resentments even unexpressed appreciations can build up and can all affect our health.

The basic pillars of health
Make sure there is; circulation, enough exercise, (not too much, not to little), same with food, and elimination. Are you sleeping and resting enough? Are you sleeping too much?

The gift of nourishing connections
In the same way we nourish ourselves, we want to nourish our relationships. Instead of giving an arbitrary gift (that someone may not want or need), try asking your loved one’s what they want. Give extra appreciation to your loved ones. Ask them if they have any requests. Take time to do a clearing ritual, to clear the air periodically.

Fun questions that nourish connection:
“Do you have something that you want from me?”
“Is there something you’d like me to not do?”
“Is there anything else I can do to make you happy?”
“What can I do for you?”
“How is our quality time? Would you like more, or less time together?”
“Would you like a certain type of touch, a back massage, a foot massage?”
“Is there something you’d like to be appreciated for?”
“Do you have any appreciations for me?”
If you like these questions, you may want to attend one of our upcoming couple’s retreats.

Self care, quality over quantity
To feel your best, avoid over eating, stop eating before you feel full, it actually causes some damage when we overeat. In addition, quality over quantity. Choose high quality organic, GMO free foods, good fats the same way we nourish ourselves, we want to nourish our relationships. Instead of giving arbitrary gifts that someone may not want or need, try asking your beloveds what they want? Give extra appreciation to your loved ones. Ask them if they have any requests, something like “Is there anything else I can do to make you happy? What can I do for you? Or, is there something you would like me to not do? Do we spend enough quality time together?  Take time to do a clearing ritual, to clear the air periodically.

Avoid mental, physical and emotional indigestion
Take note to see when you are full. Do you frequently feel overwhelmed, that would be a signal that you are mentally ‘full’, and need a break. Studies have shown that taking some time after one activity and before another activity can help mental focus and acuity. In a conversation, if you feel like you cannot track, it is ok to take a few minutes break, then revisit the conversation.

Overall, we want to take extra care during the holiday time for many reasons which include; people can tend to be more sensitive, missing their departed family members, having nostalgic memories of holidays past, interacting with family members can frequently bring up old unhealed wounds.

Happy holidays from all of us at Hanalei Day Spa on Kauai!

Hacking Travel, self care during travel

By on February 5, 2017 in Healthy Living, Self Care

not all who wander are lost-2It is possible to maintain, and even ‘up level’ our self-care while we travel!

With a little planning, you can have your vacation uplevel your self-care on your vacation and propel you towards greater wellness! Most people do not understand that the problem is that air travel is extremely dehydrating, the dry air wicks important liquid from our bodies, this is why our main goal inflight is hydration. Our body and brain do not function well when dehydrated. A lot of people I know who have traveled frequently through their lives develop more negative effects of travel the older they get. Here, I outline some simple steps, to minimize the negative impact of travel.

Prepare in advance:

  1. Hydrate well for several days before you travel. 1 gallon of pure (filtered or artesian water) daily.
  2. Give yourself an oil massage the day of or the day before you fly.
    Self-massage Instructions here
  3. Prevent travel constipation by stabilizing your bowel movement cycle. You can do this by drinking 1 cup of warm water or tea immediately upon rising to stimulate peristaltic movement.  Peristaltic movement is the wavelike movement of the intestines and colon which moves waste out. Avoid colon weakening laxatives like cascara sagrada. Do ‘pose of the child’ AKA balasana, for several minutes upon arising.
  4. The best food choices at this time are warm, cooked, easy to digest, soupy foods that are easy to digest and in simple combinations with some extra grass fed butter, coconut oil or ghee, adding the oils supports hydration. *Warm foods are grounding and calming and counteract the dryness. According to Ayurvedic Medicine, we heal using the influence of opposites. For instance, if someone has dry skin, we recommend oil massage.
  5. Bring a home cooked meal on the plane. Right before your trip, make some cooked foods, basmati rice, fish, with your favorite veggies and add 2 tbs of ghee (clarified butter) or coconut oil.
    * Use the container as you travel and for a meal when you return.

The opposite of what we need is what we are served on an airplane.
Inflight food is usually; cold, processed foods; pretzels (dry, light, rough). We need warming, grounding, unctuous, easy to digest foods.

During the flight:

  1. They allow you to bring a quart sized zip lock baggie with your liquids in it. I bring 2 ounces of coconut oil (for food) and another container of some herbal massage oil, essential oils and some tinctures that I might need during my trip, such as rescue remedy etc.
  2. Sip warm or hot water so you can stay hydrated.
  3. Self-massage, to hydrate/lubricate skin, and rejuvenation. I go to the bathroom after people have already used it. This way, I can take a few extra minutes in there without feeling the pressure of knowing that people are waiting. If it is cold, I cover the air vent, then wipe off the basin and fill it with hot water, so I can put my oil bottle in there to warm up. While that is heating, I take a few drops of essential oils in my palms and breathe deep. I like to start off with thieves, which kills airborne pathogens, or other simple essential oils such as Lavender, lemon, orange etc. Then, I use the warmed oil and give myself a modified ‘Abhyanga’. I rub some oil on my arms, chest, back, and legs. If it is a long flight, this will be completely absorbed by the time I arrive, and I will have deeply hydrated tissues!
  4. I wear compression socks and take several stretch brakes to increase circulation.

When you arrive:
* When going anywhere, I leave some spring water in a glass container, in my car for my return. There is nothing like spring water from where I live!

  1. Drink a lot of water, from a stainless steel or glass bottle, not plastic. I am sure by now you have heard about the DNA altering plastics and chemicals.
  2. Take a hot shower as soon as you can.
  3. On Kauai, we like to go to the ocean to wash off the plane and the mainland.
  4. Get a nice warm meal and add, avocado, grass-fed butter or coconut oil.
  5. If you watch the sunset and sunrise, this helps your body regulate to the current time zone. Enjoy!

Travel according to Ayurvedic Medicine:

Ayurveda is the ancient “Science of Life’ from India dating back 7,000 years.

The three goals of Ayurveda are to prevent disease, preserve health and promote longevity. From the outside, it may appear that Ayurveda is simply a diet, using herbs, massage, and body typing, however it truly is a lifestyle. Ayurveda is a health-giving, longevity creating, increasing quality of life, daily practice. Yoga and meditation are part of Ayurveda and common ‘prescriptions’.

According to the Ancient science of healing, Ayurveda, there are 3 specific energies that must be balanced in order for optimal health to prevail. When one of the three becomes depleted or excessive, the ending result is a disease. What is not common knowledge is that people who travel frequently for work or, for pleasure can easily increase the energy of movement. Then, this imbalance or excess of Vata, if not counteracted will begin to take root in the body, then continue to grow through the stages of disease. The root cause of disease is excess doshas, also Known as Vata/movement, Pitta/transformation, and Kapha/structure.

Traveling increases ‘movement’ and is called Vata in Sanskrit. The qualities of Vata are cold, dry, light and rough. When these qualities are increased in the environment or diet they affect our organism. If we want to remain calm and balanced we will counteract these with warm, oily, smooth and heavier substances.

Symptoms of high Vata:

Dry; skin, nails, hair, mouth and eyes, constipation, insomnia, forgetfulness, anxiety, nervousness, weight loss, shooting pain, traveling pain etc.

You may also like:

Listening to Our Body
Hacking travel, self-Care while traveling
10 Keys to BEING seriously healthy

Hanalei Day Spa Newsletter Archives

Happy Holidays & Tips to get rid of a cold FAST!
Clear Brain Fog & Prevent disease in 4 steps & More!
Will Hanalei Pier Beach be open soon?- DIY Home Spa!
Do this 5-minute desk workout with me! Learn about Longevity & Kauai Flood Repair News
Hurricane Lane and Self Care Checkup
Move more, live longer!
Aloha, Mana, Pono, and Ohana
Eclipse happening now, learn how to stay calm
Hau’ Oli La Aloha Hawaiian for ‘Happy Day of Love’
Aloha Nui Loa

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Keep yer cool in summer.

By on July 3, 2015 in Healthy Living, Self Care

This short video offers some quick tips how to eliminate heat in the body. Not an exhaustive list by any means, but it is a good start and I include special cooling yogic breathing techniques. If you post comments or questions, I will answer as my time allows. If it is an in depth question, you may want to enroll for an ayurveda consultation. I offer a limited number of these per month. Take care and enjoy!

Let’s stop blaming Mercury retrograde, he doesn’t like it!

By on May 15, 2015 in Healthy Living

 

Mercury2     Mercury1

Actually Mercury doesn’t care, but I got your attention. That’s right, Mercury doesn’t really care, but you should, not in a judgmental ‘should’ kind of way but in a self reflective, I am going to take responsibility for myself, kind of way.

I’m supposed to be sleeping right now, but I feel compelled to shout from the rooftops, or maybe just my lanai, “Let’s stop making mercury the scapegoat of our problems!” He doesn’t deserve that, no planet does. Mercury is so misunderstood, the minute anything goes wrong, people blame him.

The truth is, one of the best times to learn about communication is when mercury is retrograde. Let me explain, first, any retrograde planet is not literally moving backwards; it just appears to be, in relation to the earth. When a planet is in retrograde, that is the time to reflect on the specific energy of that planet, and learn the lessons, that ‘it’ wants to teach us. Ergo, contrary to popular belief, Mercury is not the scapegoat for everything that goes wrong during this time. In fact, we can make great strides in our inner world during any retrograde cycle because it is a centripetal energy.

Mercury asks us to reflect, ruminate, work and internalize the important lessons. One theme in Ayurvedic medicine (the system of healing from India) and Vedic Astrology is to align ourselves with the ‘energy’, and move in the same direction.

Here, on Kauai, surfers do the same thing, they wait for a ‘good’ wave, turn their surfboard in the direction the wave is moving, then they paddle hard. The wave picks them up and they have a great ride just in front of this big lump of water that pushes them forward! They can artfully carve in and out of the wave, or just stand there on the board enjoying the free ride (that’s what I did). I’ve surfed before and there is no other feeling like it! The potential here is a great ride, or… the waves can pummel you, it is entirely your choice.

Vedic Astrology and Ayurvedic medicine are sister sciences, which I learned together, starting some 20 something years ago. I want to clarify that I am not a Vedic astrologer, I am still very much a student, a devotee of it all, dedicated to learning and continually growing. My main focus is Ayurvedic medicine and Yoga, which, at some level, are all really interconnected and inseparable.

According to Vedic astrology, the name for planets is graha, meaning to grasp. Inversely, in yoga, we learn Apari-graha, which means non-possessiveness, to not hold onto; things, people, ideas, possessions etc.   In this case, the planets/graha literally grasp us. In a way, they posses us, and have their way with us. As these karmas ripen, they live out certain karmas through us during times when they are more lively in our chart. It is likened to an archetypical energy that we embody and live out.

To me, it is common sense to come to the conclusions that if the universe/a planet wants something from us, why not give it what it wants? Planets or ‘the universe’ or whatever your term is for creation/creator want certain behaviors from us. Such as: surrender, serious discipline, humility, consistency, did I say humility, yes, Saturn wants lots of that. Mercury wants clarity, distinction, discretion, and discernment to name a few.

There is also a bunch more data that your friendly neighborhood Jyotishi (Vedic Astrologer) will tell you about the house Mercury was occupying when you were born, your natal chart and where he is now which will give different results. I am not here to do that, I am here to say “hey, there’s this thing that people have been misunderstanding, here’s the truth, there can be a lot of positive cultivation now, so let’s take advantage of that.

In conclusion, Mercury wants clear communication, articulation, and flexible thinking. He governs: education, language, writing, logic, and understanding. He represents modes of communication, which is why people blame all sorts of communication breakdowns on him. The best use of mercury retrograde is to be involved in those activities or activities, which involve using those inner faculties just mentioned.

In my humble opinion, I think it is a perfect time to: journal, catch up on your inner work, learn, practice and teach communication skills (like I am doing here), learn a new language, teach something, articulate your messages clearly, enunciate your words, etc. Mercury is not our scapegoat. Mercury retrograde is an opportunity to learn and grow. If you’d like to learn; about yourself, to listen and communicate even better, you may want to participate in the upcoming tele-class I will be teaching during this Mercury retrograde cycle.

I’ll post the details soon or email me for more information. DarciAyur@gmail.com

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