It seems everywhere I turn people are jumping on the "natural" bandwagon. Grocery stores have organic sections and just about everyone is going "green". While this is all good for our environment and our bodies it is also important to recognize that not every product with a natural label is telling the whole truth.
 
I recently took up swimming as a hobbie. While I love the benefits of cardio, the chemicals in the pool are slowly starting to dry out my hair turning it to straw. I was just about finished with my normal shampoo/conditioner set when I ended up at a local store and saw a brand name with a reputation for being natural and bought their "natural" shampoo and conditioner set with claims to soften my hair with natural wheat and other natural ingredients. The label wasn't flashy and resembled a granola bar label and I felt safe in its outward appearance. I guess you still can't judge a book by its cover. After using the product a couple times I finally flipped it over to read the ingredients label. Low and behold my new all natural shampoo did have wheat protein and other natural ingredients in it but they were listed at the bottom underneath laurel sulfates and other not so nice chemicals. Lesson learned: always check products before buying!

Here are a couple of good cues when purchasing products for self care:

1. If you are looking for natural products read the label if you can't pronounce what's inside the bottle you probably don't want it on your skin.

2. Your skin is your body's largest ogran. What you put on your skin will ultimately go into the rest of your system. If you wouldn't eat it then don't apply it.

3. Look for products that have been around before the "all natural" became a buzz word.

4. Just because a store or brand says they are holistic doesn't mean they are. Don't let feel good gimmicks make you feel warm and fuzzy inside without finding out the facts first.

Products Whole Health Acupuncture Loves:

Young Living: they carry therapuetic grade essential oils and personal care products of the highest caliber. www.youngliving.us 

Shaklee: not only do they carry vitamins they have a wonderful selection of natural cleaning products for your home that aren't toxic.  www.shaklee.com

For more information about Whole Health Acupuncture please visit us on the web: www.wholehealthprograms.com

Whole Health Acupuncture
50 E Turner Suite 101
Elk Grove Village IL 60007
847.357.3929