Homeopathy and Hair Growth

Homeopathy is a 200 year-old system of medicine founded by a German physician, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. In theory, homeopathic remedies use natural substances to help the body heal itself. Very small doses are used and side effects are rarely reported.

 Most homeopathic remedies are tinctures, or alcohol extracts of herbs, minerals and animal sources. One brand particularly marketed for hair growth is Sprayology Hair + Nail Tonic. The company says that a few spritzes under the tongue each day “will help your hair to get healthy, stay healthy and grow faster, all from the inside out.”

One of the most controversial points of homeopathic medicine is how little of the purported healing substance is actually present in the remedy. According to many homeopaths, “less of the original substance means a deeper effect...the higher the number of dilutions, the stronger and deeper the remedy acts.”

The National Council Against Health Fraud says that homeopathy’s principals “have been refuted by the basic sciences of chemistry, physics, pharmacology, and pathology” and that “the marketing of homeopathic products and services fits the definition of quackery established by a United States House of Representatives.”

That said, homeopathy remains a popular holistic practice among those who remind us that acupuncture and vitamin supplements were once considered suspect by the western medical establishment.

Moon Maintenance Plan

By Susan Larsen


Women will go to great lengths to have beautifully healthy hair. One very powerful system to achieve just that is the Moon Maintenance Plan. Guaranteed to be a great addition to your beauty arsenal. With this simple technique, you coordinate your hair-care activity with the most auspicious moon phase and moon sign to achieve the hair goals that have eluded you in the past.


The Moon Maintenance Plan for your hair is based on principles and secrets passed down by lunar planters and astrologers. In this cosmic plan, you’ll learn when to cut hair for faster growth; when to condition hair to avoid dryness; and when to chemically process hair for the best results. Both the moon phase and moon sign have an effect on the success of our hair activities. Let’s begin by taking a look at the moon phases.


Moon Phase:


It’s no secret the moon pulls the tides but what is lesser known is the moon’s subtle effect on the growth of all living things…plants and animals. Lunar gardening and lunar agriculture, in particular, are such time-honored and proven practices that, since the 1st century A.D., gardeners and farmers, sensitive to the effects of the moon, planted their crops during favorable times to achieve maximum growth and yield. Their thinking was, if the moon could have such a magnificent effect on the ocean, then plants, composed of a good deal of water, must at least be affected to some degree.


For humans, water accounts for 60-80% of our body weight. If there is credence to the notion that the moon effects all bodies of water then it will certainly have her say in the cycles of our lives, not to mention our hair. While it’s true the hair shaft is dead material and almost entirely protein, the moon does have an effect on hair since the hair follicles are made of epithelial tissue that is comprised mainly of Hydrogen and Oxygen, the two elements that combine to form water.


One suitable explanation for the subtle effect is that during the phase when the moon increases in light (the waxing moon) fluids are drawn upwards as in growth. When the moon decreases in light (the waning moon) fluids flow to the roots. If you planted during a new moon, the growth energy available would increase the success and hardiness of a seedling. If, however, you planted after the full moon, energy for new seeds would decline. Enough about farming, what about the moon phases’ effect on hair?

When we barely see the moon in the sky, it is in the new moon phase. From here it increases in size or waxes until it reaches the crest or peak of the cycle—the full moon. If you wish to speed up the process of growing your hair, then get it cut during the new moon to full moon phase. The full moon begins to decrease in size or wanes until it ends up as a new moon or new phase once again. If you want to slow your hair’s growth, cut it from the full moon to the new moon phase. Each phase is approximately 14 days in length giving you plenty of time to cut.


Moon Sign:

Lunar planters intimately knew the moon sign best suited for an activity. We can borrow there wisdom and use it to give our hair the best chance of happiness. Water signs such as Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are the best moon signs for cutting hair for faster growth and thickness. Earth signs, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are the next best fertile signs. Virgo is the last choice of the six signs because it was best suited for the harvest. Fire and air signs, Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius are generally infertile and dry and should be avoided when cutting hair for growth and thickness. Deep condition during these times.

As the moon moves through the 12 signs in a month, we are met with 12 different energies. If you know the moon sign coming up you can take advantage of its energy by coordinating a style, cut, color to match the quality associated with those few days. For example, planning a mysterious look works better when the moon is in passionate Scorpio than it would when the moon is in conservative Capricorn. Up-dos are better scheduled when the moon is in Taurus, Libra, because these are linked to Venus, the planet of beauty and fragrance.

Observe the following moon signs below, learn them well, and undertake the activity at the appropriate time for maximum success and effect. You’ll be well on your way to having fewer bad hair days than ever before.

The Moon in Aries tends to be dry and barren. As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries dynamically pushes head first into activities so this Moon is best used for short, sporty styles that can be created quickly with no fuss or muss. If you’ve always wanted the convenience of a bob, get a cut during this moon. Since Aries is a fire sign with drying energy, chemically processing hair is not favored. Instead, moisturize and condition heavily. Cutting hair during this time will cause slow growth and dryer hair. Since Aries rules Mars and has dominion over the head and metal, be especially careful with scissors if you choose to have your haircut.

The Moon in Taurus is very productive and moist. When the Moon moves through the sign of Taurus, be assured that people are out to satisfy the senses. Soft, romantic, alluring styles are best planned for under this Moon if you want to melt your man’s heart. Wispy styles that fall delicately around your face are especially attractive now. If you want your hair to grow quickly and thickly, get your hair cut or trimmed during this moon. Chemically processing your hair is favored since there is moist growth energy. This is a fantastic moon to color your hair in earthy tones, especially ash blondes and browns. Taurus moons are best for kicking back and relaxing too. However, don’t be so inert that you forget to spend the time making your locks look sexy.

The Moon in Gemini is barren and dry. Gemini, an air sign, is far too fickle a Moon for drastic decisions to be made. One minute you’ll want radical, the next you’ll want romantic. After the deed is done, you may regret the hasty decision you made. Like Libra, wait this moon phase out. Look through magazines, have a hair consultation, chat with friends about trends but do no get your haircut. Gemini Moons are great for research so pick up a copy of your favorite hairstyling magazine. If however, you need a deep conditioning, go ahead. If you must color your hair, go “temporary” instead of “permanent.”

The Moon in Cancer is a fruitful and moist sign. It is considered the most productive of all the signs and most frequently used for planting, seeding and irrigation. As the premier water sign, Cancer is the best sign to get your hair cut for growth and thickness. Avoid radical styling moves such as severe colors or kinky perms. Cancer is a sign better suited to traditional styles that make mom and dad proud. Even if you do not need a cut but want the long, luxurious locks that knock men off their seats, consider a trim to enhance your hair’s growing ability. A soft look that frames your face will have your guy curling up in you arms. Because there is abundant moist energy available, all chemical processes will take well. This is a great time for coloring or highlighting your hair golden blonde.

The Moon in Leo is the most barren and driest of all signs since it’s naturally ruled by the burning sun. Deep conditioning treatments are a must during this time. If going out on the town, choose a sensational hair-do that grabs people’s attention since a Leo Moon loves the spotlight. A Leo moon may not be a good moon to attempt chemically processing your hair but it is excellent if you want to increase thickness. Leo people tend to have hair like the luxurious mane of a lion. Temporary colors are acceptable especially if they are in gold or copper tones. During this moon, closet entertainers come out of the woodwork making it a festive time for parties. A beautiful sweeping up-do is just the style to get noticed by that special someone. Rrrr! I hear the call of the wild.

The Moon in Virgo, although slightly moist, is the only barren earth sign. Virgo is the premiere sign of the harvest so only cut hair during this moon if you want to go from a longer style to a practical and conservative shorter style. Extremely thick hair should be thinned out. Radical changes should be avoided. Research flattering styles. Coloring is acceptable if the shade leans toward earthy tones, especially chestnut. Virgo moons bring the clean freak out in all of us so opt for shampoos that rid the hair of excessive product build-up. Virgo also rules over health so determine what vitamins, minerals and supplements weshould take for our inner-beauty regime. B-Complex and Silica are especially good for our hair’s health.

The Moon in Libra is a semi-fertile and moist sign. Lunar Planters used this sign to plant vines and flowers, appropriate since Libra rules over beauty. It’s no surprise, then, that perms, colors and styles have a better chance of success during this moon although working with a style you already have is better. Libra is about perfection so use this moon to discover what style looks best on you. Cutting is acceptable but avoid radical styling. This is a favorable time for romantic and sensuous soft styles. Libra is a very sociable moon so match your hair to the occasion with a stunning up-do. Libra can easily see the pros and cons of any situation so it’s unlikely you’ll feel like making a big decision during this moon anyway.

The Moon in Scorpio is a very fruitful and moist and almost as productive as Cancer. For Hair Maintenance, cut hair if you need it to grow quickly. With so much moist energy, chemically processing enjoys greater success. Scorpio moons are passionate and dramatic so choose sexy, provocative, daring styles now. If you’ve wanted a dramatically different color and style that what you’re currently sporting, this is the moon to do it. Dark brown or black add to your intrigue. Severe styles are even met with success if attempted under this moon. Part of Scorpio’s sexiness is their mystery so think “seduction” during the Scorpio Moon.

The Moon in Sagittarius is barren and dry and fiery. Perms, colors and any chemical processes should be avoided during this moon since the fire quality will leave hair dry and brittle. Instead, choose deep conditioning treatments. Sagittarius Moons are good for sports activities and exploring so if you want short, sassy, easy to style hair, have it cut during this moon. Cutting now will also slow growth. Sagittarius in medical astrology rules the process of detoxifying the body, so now is a good time to take a critical look at your diet. Greasy, fatty foods will reek havoc in the body and ultimately manifest as lifeless, unmanageable hair. If you have dry and brittle hair, use a deep conditioning treatment.

The Moon in Capricorn is productive, earthy and feminine, a bit drier than Taurus but still good for cutting hair if you want faster growth. Capricorn moons are laced with assertive, career-advancing energy so avoid styles that are radical and take attention away from your hard work. If, however, you want a very conservative, yet sensuous look, choose this moon for cuts and colors. Since people are more concerned about their status and career during this moon, don’t attempt styles and cuts that make a statement about your individuality. If you are planning to highlight your hair avoid brassy reds or golds. Ash blonde or brown is more preferred. If cutting your hair, don’t stray from your current style. Cut for maintenance only. You’ll make a great impression at work if you choose classic, styles. Avoid trends.

The Moon in Pisces is watery and feminine and one of the most fertile signs so expect increased growth and thickness if you cut your hair during this moon. In fact, almost any hair goal can be achieved with success. Chemically processing your hair is favorable since so much moist energy is available. A Pisces moon is meant for reflecting on your connection to other people and the cosmos so use this time for intimate, serious, and inspirational conversations with the opposite sex. There’s a passionate quality to this moon that sets the stage for romantic encounters. Don’t let this moon pass you by without trying a superbly romantic, soft style. Deep auburn and chestnut colors enhance an amorous moment.

The Moon in Aquarius is another barren and dry sign not suited for increasing growth or thickness. Definitely avoid chemically treating your hair since Aquarius is an air sign known for the unexpected. With so much drying air-like energy, processing will leave your hair dry. If however, you would like to flaunt your individuality with a trendy cut, this is a super moon to do so. Be aware, though, that your hair may not grow as quickly as you’d like when you tire of it. For a brief 2 ½ days, people want to revolutionize the world by trying new and exciting things so if you’re itching to be unique, add a temporary blue streak to your hair or crimp your hair.

To sum up the Moon Maintenance Plan:
Coordinating your hair activity with the appropriate moon phase and sign will have you working with the cycles instead of against. Since certain activities are better suited to certain times, take advantage of the energy that will make the task flow easier.

If you choose to grow your hair long, cut hair during the first phase of the moon when the light is increasing. To further enhance the growth of your hair, cut it when the moon is in Cancer, Taurus, Scorpio, Capricorn, or Pisces. To increase thickness, cut during these times but also during the Leo moon. If you hate cutting your hair every 4-6 weeks then choose the second phase of the moon when it is decreasing in light. Cutting when the moon is in a fire or air sign like Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius, also prevents excessive growth.

Creating elegant, romantic, and decorative styles work better when the moon is in Taurus, Libra, or Pisces—signs that are naturally ruled by the goddess of love and beauty, Venus.

Moon Madness

For thousands of years, people have looked to the planets and stars for guidance. Queen
Elizabeth I consulted an astrologer when determining the best date for her coronation, while average folk planned their everyday activities around astral projections. These included farming, starting a business, and even cutting hair to promote growth.

“Cutting by the phases of the moon” is an astrological practice that continues to this day. Hair care experts like Anthony Morrocco and Dr. George Michael believe in the moon's effect on hair growth and promote the information to their clients.

In his book, George Michael's Secrets For Beautiful Hair (Doubleday, 1981), Dr. Michael wrote:

“The moon has a magnetic influence on hair just as it does on the tides. During the first quarter of the moon, a person on earth has an extremely opposite electrical pull to the moon itself.. Electric static goes through the body, through the hair, and becomes immersed into the atmosphere. The hair actually serves as a conductor of electricity, and breakage and splitting are minimized.”

New Age publishers Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. puts out a Moon Sign Book each year with instructions on using the moon's phases. In their 2006 edition, Llewellyn states, “Time and experience have proved that anything started when the Moon is weak by sign and aspect is unlikely to prosper.” This includes hair growth, according to Llewellyn:

"For faster growth, cut hair when the Moon is increasing in Cancer or Pisces. To make hair grow thicker, cut when the Moon is full in the signs of Taurus, Cancer, or Leo.”

Llewellyn also says the moon affects the outcome of chemical processes:
“Permanents, straightening, and hair coloring will take well if the Moon is in Taurus or Leo and trine or sextile Venus. Avoid hair treatments if Mars is marked as square or in opposition, especially if heat is to be used. . .”

Is there any truth to the theory that the moon affects our body systems including hair growth? Scientists and scholars are divided.

A psychiatrist named Dr. Arnold L. Lieber published a book in 1978 called The Lunar Effect: Biological Tides and Human Emotions. (The book was revised in 1996 and is titled How The Moon Affects You.) Lieber's book centers around what he calls his “biological tides theory,” which states that the moon is responsible for causing tides in all bodies of water. Since the human body is 80% water, the moon's pull affects us as well.

Another learned individual, Marilyn vos Savant, agrees that the moon affects the human body just as it controls the ocean tides. Savant is considered to have the highest I.Q. on record and writes a magazine column, Ask Marilyn, in which she wrote,
“There are tides everywhere on Earth, including not just oceans and lakes but also the ground we stand on and the atmosphere we breathe. If you stood long enough, there would even be tides in your tummy.” (Parade Magazine, Jan. 8, 1995).

But many in the scientific community consider these theories to be “bad physics.” In his paper, Myths About Gravity and Tides, physicist Mikolaj Sawicki states,
“. . .tidal effects on small bodies of water the size of a reader's tummy. . .is negligible and therefore impossible to observe.” Sawicki even provides physics calculations to prove his point.

On his Web site, Skepdic.com, Sacramento City College Professor Robert Todd Carroll states, “The fact that the human body is mostly water largely contributes to the notion that the moon should have a powerful effect on the human body. . . It is claimed by many that the earth and the human body both are 80% water. This is false. Eighty percent of the surface of the earth is water. Furthermore, the moon only affects unbounded bodies of water, while the water in the human body is bounded.”

Psychology professor James Rotton of Florida International University, cites a scientific article about the moon's effects to disprove the “biological tides” theory:
“In a cogent review that appeared in the Spring 1979 Skeptical Inquirer, astronomer George O. Abell pointed out that the moon's gravitational pull was less than the weight of a mosquito. Two of my colleagues, Roger Culver and Roger Ianna, subsequently showed that the moon's 'pull' was less than that of a wall of a building six inches away.”

Rotton was part of a research team including professors Ivan Kelly and Roger Culver who published a paper about the moon in 1996. They examined more than 100 studies on lunar effects and concluded that there was no correlation between moon phases and psychiatric or physiologic changes in the human body.

Unfortunately, no one has published a study specifically on the moon's possible effect on hair growth. If you believe the studies that say the moon does not affect our physiology, then you probably don't believe that it helps or hinders hair growth. However, if you believe that further study is needed to prove or disprove the theory, you may well decide to follow the phases of the moon in your quest for healthy hair.

For the best dates to care for your hair according to the moon's phases, visit www.morroccomethod.com

Waterfall of Silk: Hair Feng Shui

Feng Shui (pronounced fung' shway') literally translates as "Wind and Water" in Chinese. According to Dictionary.com, it's "The Chinese art or practice of positioning objects, especially graves, buildings, and furniture, based on a belief in patterns of yin and yang and the flow of chi that have positive and negative effects."

According to Chen, Feng Shui was developed by Taoist priests who observed the natural world, its life cycles and how balance promotes harmony. Over the years, the teaching evolved to address all aspects of life, including health, and beauty.

Chen says that the ancient Chinese believed that the external appearance is "merely a reflection of the internal condition." For that reason, Beauty Feng Shui incorporates meditation, acupressure, yoga and proper nutrition to establish balance and external beauty.
For optimal meditation, Chen includes Chinese characters for you to visualize while sitting quietly and concentrating on your chi, or "life energy." For hair, she includes the characters that mean "Waterfall of Silk," an elegant reference to shiny, healthy hair.

Chen also includes accupressure exercises that she recommends performing as frequently as possible for gorgeous hair.

First, Chen says to rub your hands together until they're hot. Then, while exhaling, she says to tap your fingers on three key points: the forehead at your hairline, the very top of your head, and behind your ears. She suggests repeating the hand rubbing, exhaling, tapping, and inhaling four times on each of these three acupressure points.

At least one celebrity hairstylist has incorporated Feng Shui techniques into his repertoire. Billy Yamaguchi is considered one of the first in the West to employ the ancient Chinese practices when creating customized hairstyles for his clients.

At least one celebrity hairstylist has incorporated Feng Shui techniques into his repertoire. Billy Yamaguchi is considered one of the first in the West to employ the ancient Chinese practices when creating customized hairstyles for his clients.

Beauty Feng Shui: Chinese Techniques for Unveiling Your Inner Beauty goes beyond hair to include Chinese beauty secrets for the whole body. I highly recommend picking up the book to learn more about this fascinating practice.

 

The Longhairlovers Interview: Holistic Hair Guru Anthony Morrocco

Famed hairdresser Anthony Morrocco believes that healthy long hair is more than a physical pursuit; it's a spiritual one.

"Long hair is powerful for women. When a woman cuts her long hair, she chops off her goddess energy. Hair doesn't belong to the material world," he continues, "It belongs to the ethereal world, which is why doctors and dermatologists have a tough time with it."

If you're new to the world of holistic hair care, don't let Anthony Morrocco's New Age-speak frighten you. This man knows what he's talking about. Trained under the famous Kenneth of New York in the 1960?s -- a man Morrocco calls "the foremost authority on cutting hair" -- Anthony Morrocco's client list has included Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Lauren Bacall, Faye Dunaway, Liza Minnelli and Mia Farrow.

Morrocco joined Kenneth's in 1964 and apprenticed with the master for a full month before ever touching a client. During this time, he learned Kenneth's "blunt snip" cutting technique that left his clients with healthy hair and classic -- never trendy -- styles.

Morrocco became interested in holistic hair care from another Kenneth's employee, a Hungarian woman named Rita.

"Rita was a botanist who made individualized hair care preparations for Kenneth's customers," Morrocco says. "She never shared her formulas with anyone until I made her a deal -- teach me about natural hair care and I'll introduce you to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis." This was an offer Rita couldn't refuse.
After learning about harvesting plants and mixing natural products, Morrocco left Kenneth's in 1968 and spent 2 1/2 years in Europe. He traveled to small town barber shops throughout the English, Italian and French countrysides and learned all about folk hair care techniques and treatments. Another important lesson had to do with lunar cycles.

"There's a famous village in Scotland named Findhorn that's mostly rock, yet the farmers grow the most beautiful fruits and vegetables," Morrocco says. "That's because they work with the ancient moon cycles to plant and harvest when the time is right. They work with love as their chief feature in sewing and harvesting their crops."

His interest piqued in moon cycles, Morrocco headed to Brazil to study lunar charting with a shaman, or holy man. There he learned about a special astrology for cutting hair.
"If I had told people in the village that I was getting a hair cut, they would have looked at me like I was crazy if it wasn't the right date for a hair cut," Morrocco says.

In addition to cutting hair by the moon cycles, the Brazilian villagers also picked and bottled plants and herbs for hair care preparations using the lunar calendar.

Today, Morrocco bottles his own line of holistic hair care products that are "blended and bottled using the ancient farmers' moon cycle." The ingredients include natural soapbark from Chilean evergreen trees, organic liquefied crystals from India and Tibet, and southwestern white healing clays. Many of his clients include homeopathic medical doctors and detox clinics with patients looking to completely eliminate chemicals from their lives.

If you're interested in exploring holistic hair care, Morrocco says the approach is multi-faceted and includes:

*Using natural products and correct brushing techniques
*Eating an organic diet ("eat live food to produce live cells," Morrocco says)
*Exercising for scalp and blood stimulation
*Using eastern astrology
*and balancing your emotional and spiritual life.

Morrocco says these holistic "spokes in the wheel" work together to create long, luxurious hair. The next important factor is finding the right stylist to help you on your quest.
First, he says, when you see a woman with gorgeous long hair, compliment her and find out who does her hair. Next, schedule a consultation with the stylist and trust your instincts.

"Don't give hairdressers too much power," Morrocco warns. "You want a very concerned person working on your hair," not someone who rushes you around or who wants to cut your hair their way without concern for your wishes.

"And there should never be a charge for a consultation," Morrocco says. Make sure you tell him or her that you want to grow thick, long hair and ask about trimming methods to help you achieve your goal.

Morrocco says that most women who think they can't grow long hair really have a problem with breakage, not growth.

"60 to 90% of hair breakage occurs from the bottom," he says. With the right type of trimming and care, this breakage can be prevented, which will allow hair to finally achieve a desired length.

For more information on Anthony, visit www.morroccomethod.com