Category: philosophy

Entrepreneurs Being More

Published on by Nikken

Individuals who know Nikken are often familiar with Humans Being More (HBM), a foundational aspect of the company that focuses on self-development and ultimately, the betterment of the local and global communities. Many people attend Humans Being More workshops many times throughout their careers. Now Nikken is taking the philosophy even further with Entrepreneurs Being More (EBM).

Entrepreneurs Being More is focused on igniting business success rather than personal development, but the two are still related. Personal growth and business growth are both journeys taken over the long term, and intersect.

The main tenets of EBM are the power of collaboration, teamwork, leveraging strengths, fostering a culture of innovation and focusing on productivity. The cornerstone of business success is communication, and EBM provides tools to master this essential skill.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or starting to conduct your business, there’s always something new to learn in order to communicate better. Business success may hinge on your sales pitch and how adept you are in  artful persuasion. Do you come across with confidence? Are you clear and succinct? EBM addresses all of these crucial elements of business-building and more.

EBM sessions are interactive and held in a supportive environment, so participants can thrive and grow. You will sharpen your ability to articulate your ideas and to connect with others: keys to business success.

Where EBM intersects with HBM is in creating the best version of yourself. Business success is not only about profits, it is also about impacting others positively, and helping them to succeed as you yourself succeed. By developing the people skills associated with HBM and learning how to build meaningful relationships, you then can lead your business with integrity and compassion.

Chancellor of Nikken University and Director of Sales & Training Jeff Isom will be conducting EBM workshops. For details, contact Nikken Customer Service or your personal Nikken Consultant.

Do You Know About Plastic Microfibers?

Published on by Nikken

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are smaller than 5 mc. They come from household items such as synthetic clothing, furniture and packaging. Every year, about 16% of the plastic produced in the world consists of textile fibers. In recent decades, production has grown by 6% and now equates to 60 million tons per year. Synthetic clothing is responsible for endless amounts of microfibers, which can even be found in drinking water.1

Microplastics washed off from synthetic clothes contribute up to 35% of the plastic particles polluting our oceans. When we do laundry, an average of nine million microfibers end up in wastewater treatment plants that cannot filter them.2 These unfiltered microfibers add to the plastic waste in the oceans.

Microplastics have been filling the oceans for years, but they also can be found indoors, especially within the dust on floors. Research shows that individuals may ingest microplastics at the rate of 11 particles per hour, and this occurs more through household dust and textiles than through consuming seafood, such as mussels. Researchers have found that the microplastics in wild mussels were low compared to those found in household dust.3

Until recently, research was focused on microfiber pollution through laundry washing. A recent study, however, shows how simply wearing synthetic clothes can pollute the environment. As many microplastic fibers are released into the air whenever we wear synthetic clothing as when we do laundry.4

To help reduce the amount of microplastics indoors:

• Choose products with less plastic packaging.

• Wear natural fabrics, such as cotton and wool, instead of synthetics, which are derived from petroleum-based chemicals.

• Wash synthetic clothing on a gentle cycle to decrease shedding.

• Use a HEPA air filtration system because it is effective at capturing microparticles.

From now through February 29, 2024, take advantage of 20% off select replacement filters! Be sure to check your KenkoAir Purifier® and keep its HEPA filter up-to-date. PiMag Waterfall® filter cartridges, PiMag® Sport Bottle filters and PiMag® Shower Systems filters are available at 20% off. Even Air Wellness Pro and Aqua Pour replacement filters are included in this special offer!

1, 2, 3, 4 https://www.plasticsoupfoundation.org/en/2018/03/how-damaging-is-breathing-in-microplastics/#:~:text=Plastic%20microfibers%20are%20not%20just,of%2011%20particles%20per%20hour.

Minimize Your Risk of Ingesting Micro- and Nano-Plastics

Published on by Nikken

Bottled water. There probably isn’t anyone you know who doesn’t drink it sometimes. It’s just so convenient, it’s hard not to take advantage of it. Almost all of it is in plastic bottles and has been a major contributor to landfill and ocean waste. Just this month, bottled water is prominent in the news for yet another bad reason: microplastics and nanoplastics within in specific brands. The researchers are not disclosing the actual brands, but they’re letting the public know what the issues are.

A liter of bottled water contains nearly a quarter of a million pieces of nanoplastic on average, according to new research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.1Nanoplastics measure less than a micron, so picture a speck of household dust and think of a tiny part of that speck. The new research showed that nanoplastic particles in bottled water measured between 10 to 100 times higher than previously estimated.

Researchers contend that nanoplastics and microplastics, which are about the size of a grain of rice, end up in food and beverages during the manufacturing process as well as through plastic tubing used in machinery and leaching from packaging such as plastic bottles. How exactly they affect our overall health is being studied. So far, it is known that these nano- and micro-plastics can cross the blood-brain barrier, enter the placenta and even show up in urine.2

Dr. Konstantinos Lazaridis, a gastroenterologist who studies the role of environmental factors in liver disease at Mayo Clinic says, “It’s possible that tiny plastic pieces simply pass through most people’s bodies without causing much harm, or it might be that these environmental particles only have an impact in people who already have genetic predispositions to disease.”3

Nevertheless, it seems that avoiding bottled water may be most prudent. Douglas Walker, an analytical chemist at Emory University says, “Additives and chemicals found within plastic, like BPA, have been linked to increased blood pressure and type 2 diabetes; PFAs may affect fertility; and phthalates may interfere with hormones.4

So, what is the best way to limit your exposure to nanoplastics and microplastics? Drink filtered tap water whenever possible. Filters that have a pore size of one micron or less can help reduce microplastics in your water; smaller micron pores will be better at filtering out smaller particles. Dr. Walker warns not to use filters that are made of plastic and to use ceramic or carbon filters instead.5

From now through February 29, 2024, take advantage of 20% off select PiMag replacement filters! And while you’re filtering your tap water through the PiMag Waterfall® and PiMag® Sport Bottle, why not check your KenkoAir Purifier® and keep its filter up-to-date as well?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/11/well/live/bottled-water-nanoplastics.html

Do you Fix Weaknesses or Focus on Strengths?

Published on by Nikken

When you are a business owner, you have the advantage of being your own boss. You also have the pressure of making the right decisions, strategizing for business growth and often times, leading a team. It’s easy to be doing everything all the time, which means nothing gets well done.

One of the best things about network marketing is that you constantly work with a team. There are upline (those who sponsor newcomers) and downline (those you sponsor). Having a team means you inherently have a variety of perspectives and skillsets based on the backgrounds of your members. Why this is so important is because most of us tend to try to fix our weaknesses instead of capitalizing on our personal strengths. With a team, members can focus on personal strengths and complement each other—one’s weakness may well be another’s strength.

Fixing weaknesses used to be taught as opportunities for development. Research now shows that this approach is not most conducive to business-building success. Instead, contemporary research shows that focusing on personal strengths is self-empowering and therefore more likely to produce desired results. Author and motivational speaker Marcus Buckingham explains, “A strength is an activity that makes you feel strong. It is an activity where the doing of it invigorates you. Before you do it, you find yourself instinctively looking forward to it. While you are doing it you don’t struggle to concentrate, but instead you become so immersed that time speeds up and you lose yourself in the present moment. And after you are finished doing it, you feel authentic, connected to the best parts of who you really are.”1

Whether you are starting a business in 2024 or expanding, assess your approach and see if you are capitalizing on your personal strengths. Consider choosing potential partners based on their complementary strengths to cover your weaknesses, and help your team members do the same.

1 https://www.tmbc.com/

Nikken and Biomimicry

Published on by Nikken

In a constantly evolving world, Nikken found inspiration in nature’s timeless solutions. Our founder developed the very first Nikken product based on his intuitive adaptation of the age-old knowledge of magnets as a source of energy and electrical currents. Japanese baths and walkways are embedded with pebbles that simulate the texture and effect of natural magnets. Pressure points throughout the soles of our feet are stimulated when walking on the pebbly and magnetic surfaces. Made now with patented DynaFlux® technology, Kenko mSteps® and Kenko mStrides® are embedded with naturally powerful ferrite magnets. This is biomimicry.

Biomimicry is the art of learning from and emulating nature’s brilliance to solve our problems and to create sustainable solutions. Nature is our guide, as we combine the best designs from its storehouse with creative technology to make products that are holistic and nature-inspired.

In a natural environment, spring water is filtered, purified and filled with minerals that are essential for maintaining optimal functions in our body. Mimicking these natural compositions generates an exceptional source of the ideal water that every cell in our body needs for smart hydration. The PiMag® water systems exemplify biomimicry, from its magnetic filtration to its alkalinity and the mineral stones in the Waterfall.

Biomimicry is akin to observing how certain natural elements or forces influence organisms and then applying similar principles to restore balance and support in our increasingly stressful world. For example, by using magnetic and massage stimulation, we seek to influence the body’s natural responses to external stimuli.

Air abundant in negative ions can be experienced as a “fresh air” feeling such as the revitalizing air near waterfalls and forests. Negative ionization technologies enhance air filtration to bring pure air into our homes. The KenkoAir Purifier® is biomimicry at a high level!

Ceramic reflective fibers work like the sun’s spectrum, bringing this comforting technology to our homes.  Using energy from our bodies, these fibers gently reflect a soothing warmth, creating support for the body’s natural processes and promoting a sense of well-being for less stress, restful sleep and vital energy. Ceramic reflective technology is biomimicry found in KenkoTherm wraps, Kenko Sleep Systems, and Kenko jewelry.

At Nikken, we strive to create balance in the 5 Pillars of Wellness by bringing nature into every home. Through biomimicry, we can live on planet Earth and thrive —just as nature intended! This is Nikken—Inspired by Nature.

Make 2024 a Year of Fresh Air and Clean Water

Published on by Nikken

Nikken has been at the forefront of water and air filtration for years. Our water and air filtration units are inspired by nature. PiMag filters mimic the natural filtration processes found in waterfalls as they flow over streams and rocks. The KenkoAir Purifier uses negative ion technology that replicates the fresh air quality found in natural surroundings such as forests and lakes. Using Nikken filtration systems not only keeps your indoor air and water supply fresh and clean, they help bring nature into your Wellness Home.

Not only do Nikken air and water filtration units perform above expectations, they have unusually long lifespans, which decreases your carbon footprint. However, to maintain their potential longevity, the filter replacements should be regularly changed according to specific schedules.

  • The PiMag® Sport Bottle uses state-of-the-art filtration technology that exceeds standards for reducing particulates, chlorine, chloramine, taste and odor, cysts, lead, bacteria, VOCs, MTBE and more.

The recommendation for changing the filter is approximately three months of average use or up to an estimated 250 refills per filter. Choose item #13503 for the Replacement Filter Pack.

  • The PiMag Waterfall® is the eco-friendly Sport Bottle’s counterpart for the home and office. It also exceeds standards as mentioned above.

The recommendation for changing the filter is 3-6 months or 238 gallons or 900 liters, whichever comes first. Choose item 13845. Mineral stones should be changed annually. Choose item #13846.

  • The PiMag MicroJet® Shower System has been tested and effectively helps reduce chlorine exposure. While most chlorine-reduction systems in shower filters merely trap chlorine or add other chemicals to counteract it, the PiMag MicroJet uses a reduction/oxidation process to neutralize chlorine ions. The MicroJet injects air into the shower stream to increase the electronegative potential of the water for more effective filtration. Micro-bubbles are released through the nozzle to provide an exceptional cleansing action.

The recommendation for changing the filter for the hand-held model is every 6,600 gallons or 22, 700 liters or three months, whichever comes first. Choose Item #14661.

The recommendation for changing the filter for the wall mount model is every 12,000 gallons or 45,400 liters or six months, whichever comes first. Choose Item #13831.

  • The KenkoAir Purifier® exceeds the measured efficiency of capturing up to 99.95% of 0.3 micron particles in the air. It’s more efficient than standard store models and unlike typical air filters, this advanced system helps generate negative-ions similar to those found in natural environments.

The recommendation for changing the filters is every six months. Be sure to clean the reusable prefilter when the other filters are replaced. Choose Item #1445.

As we ring in 2024, take advantage of the replacement filter offer of 20% off, now through February 29!

New Year Message from CEO Luis Kasuga

Published on by Nikken

Dear Nikken Global Wellness Community,

2023 has been a journey of triumphs and challenges. Despite everything, we stayed together. These experiences added wisdom and knowledge to strengthen our legacy. The direction is clear: the happiness of human beings and their environment is in our hands. We have the tools to reshape our communities, mend bridges, and nurture gardens of hope. Let us join hands, spark our collective imaginations, and create a future where happiness blooms for all.

Your journey becomes ours. As you chart your course, we’ll be your compass, your map, your cheering squad. We’ll offer tools, guidance, and a community of kindred spirits, all united in the pursuit of dreams that benefit yourselves and the world around you.

Here are some things you can do to make the most of the holiday season:

Spend time with loved ones. Make time for the people who are most important to you.

Give back to your community. There are many ways to volunteer your time or donate to a worthy cause.

Practice gratitude. Take some time to reflect on all the things you are grateful for.

Focus on your well-being. Make sure to take care of yourself physically and mentally.

Together, let’s make 2024 a year where dreams rise like a symphony, harmonizing individual purpose with the well-being of all. Your happiness is our mission, and your journey is our shared adventure.

Imagine waking up each morning, exhilarated by a vision so potent it fuels your every step. Ask yourself: what ignites that spark within you? What whispers possibilities for a life both fulfilling and purposeful? Then, delve deeper. Consider not just your own fulfillment but the ripples your dreams would send outward. Are they ripples of inspiration, joy and harmony with the world? If so, then dive in with conviction, knowing we’ll be there, hand in hand, as you navigate the currents.

So, dear Nikkenites, don’t wait. Ask those crucial questions, ignite your vision, and step into the new year with unwavering resolve. We’ll be here every step of the way, ready to witness your triumph and celebrate your every victory.

Best wishes for these holidays. May your faith and beliefs guide you to many moments of joy, peace, and the deepest connections with your loved ones. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

Your friend,

Luis Kasuga

President & CEO

Time is of the Essence

Published on by Nikken

Since the pandemic of 2020, so many people from around the world have opted to quit the 9-5 grind. Those who are able to work remotely have stayed on the job more than those required to work on site. Being your own boss has never been more appealing, and one of the popular options is to become an online retailer, which fits neatly into the network marketing niche. But what draws someone into trying out business ownership that involves dedication to direct selling, online sales and recruitment?

Time is the biggest commodity a business owner has and time is also what the 9-5 employee doesn’t have. No one understands the importance of freedom of time more than the person who doesn’t have it. Once time becomes available, managing it well is crucial for business success. In fact, managing time properly may well be the key to creating business profits for any business owner.

Successful business owners prioritize their tasks and have clear cut goals with deadlines. A daily, weekly and monthly checklist helps to keep you on track, but being overly driven to check off those items can be detrimental to managing time well. In other words, managing time requires flexibility as well as discipline, not just dogged determination. It’s helpful to prioritize tasks by importance and amount of time required to accomplish them. In general, if you can complete the most urgent items first, you will have a less stressful mindset. However, as situations arise when operating a business, be open to recognizing important actions that require immediate attention.

Rule of thumb? If something important comes up and only takes a few minutes to do, by all means get it out of the way rather than allowing it to sit on the checklist. Remember, the to-do list is not set in stone but be disciplined enough to get it done, even if there are a few detours along the way!

Mushrooms Can Be Functional Foods

Published on by Nikken

Mushrooms seem to be everywhere these days! The most common button mushrooms have always been abundant, but to procure specialty mushrooms, you used to have to go to the Asian markets.   Now, you can find a pretty wide assortment in supermarkets, grocery stores and farmer’s markets. The demand is great, so suppliers are happy to increase varieties and quantities.

The New York Times named the mushroom “the ingredient of the year” in 2022. If mushrooms started to take off a few years ago, a number of factors have kept them in the spotlight. The growing interest in foraging and wild foods, in which mushrooms feature prominently and the 2020’s lockdowns played a key role in prompting people to experiment with new ingredients in their home cooking. And, the growth in medical psilocybin research increased public interest in mushrooms.1

At the same time mushrooms have taken center stage, so has public interest in bolstering immunity—again, coinciding with the 2020’s lockdowns. Mushrooms have been consumed regularly in Asian cuisines for thousands of years and not just for their umami flavors but for their medicinal value. The ancients somehow knew what contemporary researchers have confirmed—certain mushrooms (designated medicinal) have been shown to help keep the immune system in balance. When there’s something to fight, the immune system is stimulated to act, known as “upregulation”; however, keeping it in balance requires it to “downregulate” when it becomes overactive.2

Cordyceps mycelium has long been recognized as an important medicinal mushroom in China. Its pharmaceutical properties were recorded in the book “Ben-Cao-Bei-Yao,” edited by Wang Ang in 1694. It is one of the mushrooms that researchers are devoting time to— Cordyceps shows promise in the areas of boosting exercise performance by helping to improve the way the body uses oxygen, supporting blood sugar levels within a healthy range, and helping fight physical irritations. It even shows promise in promoting heart health.3

Agaricus blazei is another medicinal mushroom that is receiving a lot of attention from researchers. Originally from Brazil and highly prized for its multiple benefits, including supporting the immune system and working as an antioxidant,4 the mushroom has been studied as a novel functional food in Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan.

Interested in adding mushrooms to your diet? There are lots of cookbooks that include mushrooms and if you’d like a supplement, Nikken has been offering Kenzen Immunity long before fungi became a hot topic!

1 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/02/mushroom-food-trend#:~:text=Mushrooms%20frequently%20top%20food%20trends,doubled%20in%20the%20same%20timeframe.

2 https://www.the-well.com/editorial/how-mushrooms-boost-immunity

3 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cordyceps-benefits

4 https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1165/agaricus-mushroom

Giving and Receiving Requires Balance

Published on by Nikken

Many of us were taught from an early age to be of service—parents teach children to help with tasks around the home, to walk the dog, babysit the younger ones, and so on. There might be an allowance earned, and in those cases, the child learns to receive a token for services rendered.

Each individual reacts differently to the many forms of giving and receiving. Young children have to be taught to give as receiving comes naturally to them when they are at the stage of being dependent for just about everything. As they grow older, the tables turn and they typically are reinforced with the importance of giving in the forms of helping, serving or gifting.

Giving is upheld as positive behavior, part of altruism and generosity; however, authentic giving does not expect anything in return. It comes from a place of abundance and joy, of having more than enough to share. Receiving takes a back seat and this may result in the learned behavior of too much giving. When there is a feeling of debt, the imbalance of not receiving enough occurs. That is why it is equally important to learn to receive with grace, gratitude and true acceptance—that is, to receive without guilt and the feeling of having to repay the giver.

One way to rectify an imbalance between giving and receiving is the concept of paying it forward. You can’t always reciprocate equally with someone who is able to give you more than you have, but there is bound to be a time when you can be the giver to someone who has less. You are simply contributing to the cycle of kindness and the spirit of sharing.

There is another aspect of gracious receiving that is often overlooked. Not being able to receive robs the giver of the pleasure you yourself receive when you are the one doing the giving! And, it makes the giver feel misunderstood and unappreciated. Gracious receiving is a way of allowing others to show how much they care and to experience your own self-worth.

Just as “it takes two to tango,” it takes two to give and receive. Creating a balance between the two requires conscious intention, but it’s well worth effort. If you don’t feel joyful when giving, it’s a sign you’re depleted and imbalanced. You can consciously give yourself self-care to replenish your own tank and do some receiving, which can take the form of asking and accepting help!

Think of giving and receiving in this way: it can be as simple as words of encouragement, such as “I know you can do it.” “I believe in you.” “Let me give you a hand with that.” The recipient graciously accepts with “thank you!” We can make balanced giving and receiving a part of our total wellness lifestyle!

‘Tis the season of gifting, and if you want to present the ones you care about with gifts inspired by nature, Nikken invites you to take a look at the 2023 Gift Guide. The special offers extend through the end of the year.