Category: product

Show Mom Your Love

Published on by Nikken

Mother-child relationships can be complicated but virtually all moms appreciate being shown some loving care. According to Philippa Perry, psychotherapist and author of The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read, the mother-child relationship “always matters and can always be improved.”1 She gives a few tips on how to make the relationship better:

•          Accept mom for who she is. You can’t change her; in fact, you can’t really change anyone else but yourself. When you change yourself, the other person will change also. Being kind to and accepting of your mother may well improve your relationship.

•          Find out about your mom’s childhood, how she was brought up, and what was impressed upon her. That will help you understand where she’s coming from when she seems judgmental, bossy or just plain annoying. Remember that what appears to be the control freak in her also comes from caring and concern.

•          Look in the mirror. What annoys you most about mom may be a deep part of yourself. When you recognize that your mom in yourself, even the parts of her you don’t enjoy too much, you will be more compassionate and empathetic towards her, and she will feel it.

•          Have real conversations with your mom. Don’t assume she is living a ho-hum life. Find out what she is thinking in the here and now—what is she thinking about, what are her fears, what are her hopes, how is she truly doing. The answers may open up a treasure trove.

•          Spend alone time with her. There is no gift greater than the gift of time, especially when spent sharing a mutual interest or joy. Too often, adult “children” appear to spend time with their parents when they become ill. Make it a habit to spend time with them when they are healthy and able to enjoy your company.

•          Find out what she is interested in at her current stage of life and plan to join her in pursuing them. It can be as basic as doing crossword puzzles or as elaborate as traveling to different countries. There may be things mom wants to do but can’t do alone and your companionship would be immeasurably valuable.

•          Say thank you in as many ways as you can. Be grateful for your mother. Don’t wait for Mother’s Day, although you might want to celebrate her in a big way on the special day!

For the whole month of May, Nikken is honoring mothers with gifts inspired by the wisdom of Mother Earth! Help mom de-stress with the KenkoGround® and Kenko Precision Set at 40% off! True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care as well as Kenko Jewelry are 20% off. Show the mothers in your life how much you appreciate and love them!

1 https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/mar/21/mother-dearest-20-ways-to-love-your-mum

Mothers are Super Heroes

Published on by Nikken

A mother in different stages of motherhood is a caregiver who cooks and feeds, washes and bathes, does financial planning and budgeting, chauffeurs and gives driving lessons, nurses sick bodies and teen angst, plays the role of plumber and electrician, researches preschools and childcare, helps with homework, mends ouchies and broken hearts, manages multiple schedules, delegates chores, teaches morals and values, gives advice and much more. This juggling act performed by at-home moms as well as moms with outside professions, can take a toll on the physical and mental well-being of “super” mom.

It’s no wonder moms suffer from burnout. The feeling of mental, emotional and physical exhaustion—especially losing that sense of self from having to play so many roles—is sometimes called “depleted mother syndrome.” Dads can also experience burnout, but it is more common among moms. Even though contemporary dads have really stepped up to the plate , in general, moms still shoulder a disproportionate amount of parenting responsibilities.1

While women are socialized to be nurturing, caring, and extremely giving to others, they are often not taught that they ought to be on the list of people receiving care as well.2 To help keep stress from becoming overwhelming, moms need to cut themselves some slack:

•          Get rid of “mom guilt.” Society imposes expectations on moms that are often unrealistic. Moms need to practice TLC on themselves, to strive for okay, not perfection. The kids will also benefit from this approach.

•          Recognize that “it takes a village to raise a child.” Realize that needing help is the norm. Moms need to ask their partner, relatives, friends and anyone else who can be supportive.

•          Take time out for self-care. This is hard for many people, but especially mothers who are conditioned to give time to everyone in the family but herself. Even if it’s only time to take a soak in the tub, an hour at the gym or Pilates class, an afternoon nap, every bit of self-time is helpful in fighting stress.

•          Moms spend a lot of time planning for their children’s future. These days, deciding between the right preschool and homeschooling can be tantamount to applying to an Ivy League college or becoming an entrepreneur. Given these pressures, it’s important for moms to live in the present and enjoy the small daily occurrences that make motherhood a blessing and joy.

•          Accept and embrace your individual style of mothering. Each mom has to decide what works best with her child(ren). Just because breastfeeding works for some moms doesn’t mean it’s for all moms. Just as there are countless books on sleep-training, there are just as many on the benefits of co-sleeping.

For the whole month of May, Nikken is honoring mothers with gifts inspired by the wisdom of Mother Earth! Grounding products such as KenkoGround® and Kenko Precision Set—ideal for helping lessen stress—are 40% off! And, True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care as well as Kenko Jewelry are 20% off. Show the mothers in your life how much you appreciate all the sacrifices they made and continue to make!

1 https://www.caron.org/addiction-101/substance-abuse/mom-burnout-substance-abuse-what-you-need-to-know#:~:text=Mom%20burnout%20sometimes%20called%20depleted,resources%20for%20coping%20with%20it.

2 https://rcchicago.org/motherhood-stress/

Ease Your Stress at Work

Published on by Nikken

The so-called “9 to 5” grind can get you down, whether you’re a worker bee or a manager. Some stressors for employees include low salaries, workloads that are too heavy, lack of growth or advancement opportunities, limited or no managerial support and the feeling of having no control. On the other hand, being a boss can be overwhelming with endless meetings, hard-to-make decisions, budgetary concerns, disgruntled workers and decreased earnings.

So, what’s a body to do when there’s too much stress at work? Be self-aware. Listen to what your body is telling you as it reacts to stress. Once you identify the stressors, be proactive so those stressors do not chronically bother you. Here are some possible stress-busters:

•          Write it down. Make this recording of your experience as detailed as possible. Who or what was the source of the stress? How did you feel? Where were you? How did you react? Was the issue resolved to your satisfaction? If it occurs again, would you behave differently? Writing it down helps clarify what actually happened. It also helps you have closure and to put it in the past so you can move forward.

•          If the tension is caused by a person, talk it out when calmer and even if you don’t achieve the ideal response, you will feel better having given it your best effort.

•          Exercise regularly. The reason health experts are constantly encouraging exercise, exercise, exercise, is because it works. Exercise helps you relax, sleep better and have a calmer mindset.

•          Get grounded. Many therapists recommend the 5-4-3-2-1 technique because it engages all five senses. List things around you, working backward from 5. You could start by listing five things you see, then four things you hear, three you can smell, two you can touch or feel, then one you can taste.1 Connect to nature on a regular basis.

•          Breathe! Be mindful of your breath and inhale slowly, hold, then exhale slowly. Try this right in the middle of a stressful situation, and you might be happily surprised at how quickly it works to calm you down.

•          Don’t take work stress home with you. Give yourself boundaries and permission to relax and recover from daily work stress.

From now until May 31, you can get the KenkoGround® earthing mat and the Kenko Precision Set at 40% off. They may help you bust your stress!

1 https://www.tcimedicine.com/post/managing-stress-with-grounding-techniques

Is Your Pet Stressed Out?

Published on by Nikken

A little patience reaps grand rewards when it comes to rescuing and adopting pets, especially the ones who have suffered some kind of trauma. Those are the ones that tend to exhibit the most stress symptoms. In our case, our spontaneously adopted German Shepherd chewed up 22 pairs of shoes over a three-month period before she finally calmed down and recognized she was really home. So other than ruining shoes, what are some of the signs of pet stress to look out for, specifically in dogs and cats?

Dilated pupils, tense muscles, hypervigilance (“on the alert”; “watching for danger”), raised hackles, tight lips, excessive panting, flattened or “helicopter” ears, lowered tail that may be wagging in a short arc, displacement activities (pacing, sniffing, scratching, yawning) hyperactivity or stillness, vocalizing (barking, howling, growling, whimpering, whining), drooling, lunging or biting, excessive grooming, uncontrolled urination or bowel movements…these are all signs of pet stress.1 Many of these stress symptoms are found in humans as well, and the truth is, animal experts have found that our pets pick up on their humans’ stress signals and manifest that same stress!

One of the most common causes of pet stress is separation anxiety. Similar to babies who cling to their parents, dogs and cats experience anxiety when their sources of comfort and security, leave. Separation anxiety leads to destruction of property —from biting, chewing, ripping, tearing, scratching—to entire couches “eaten” and vanquished! To help calm down a pet who doesn’t want to be alone, condition your furry friend to think of a particular place in your home as a safe space—this can be a crate (although many pets do not like such a small enclosure) or a room. Fill the safe space with a water bowl, toys, blankets, pet bed and especially something with your smell on it.

There are also seasonal triggers, such as thunder and lightning or fireworks. These seasonal triggers are especially worrisome because pets who are frightened often try to run away, and not all are found. If you have a pet who is afraid of thunder, lightning, fireworks or any kind of loud noise, consider putting on a pet thunder vest, try to be home with them and keep your premises escape-proof.

Have you thought of what keeps you calm when you’re stressed out? The same things work on pets. If you practice self-massage, massage your pet. If you wear a PowerBand bracelet or necklace, so can your pet. This may be hard to do on tiny dogs, but my two chow-labs each wore a Kenko PowerBand necklace rather than collars for most of their lives.

When a pet is introduced into a new location, such as when you move from one home to another, or if your pet experiences the loss of a human or another fur-mate, these changes can cause stress in a way that may profoundly affect your pet’s health. Serious conditions may present themselves in the form of gastrointestinal diseases, skin ailments, respiratory and cardiac disorders, all of which can lead to a shortened lifespan. In such cases, get your pet to a veterinarian as soon as you can.

In general, maintaining a consistent routine for your pet may help ease potential anxiety and its ensuing negative behaviors and health challenges. Pets love routine for eating, playing, exercising and sleeping. Just like with humans, regular exercise helps keep depression and stress at bay and restful sleep energizes them, so give the Kenko PetPad a try—you may well see a difference in your pet’s demeanor!

When and if your pets exhibit signs of stress and behave badly, don’t scold or punish them. Try to distract them and most of all, hug them close and make them feel secure and loved. We wish you a wonderful National Pet Day!

1 https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=12886&catId=57087&id=7054740&ind=16&objTypeID=17&print=1

Spring is in the Air

Published on by Nikken

Warmer weather has arrived and for many people, spring is a time to venture back outdoors and become more active. Depending on where you live, the scenery changes, generally to be greener, with many species of flowers budding or blooming. You can hear different birds calling in their own special ways as they flock to suburban neighborhoods and rural areas.

Air temperature affects air movement and therefore, air pollution.  Some types of pollution are worse in the summer heat, while others are worse in cold winter weather. Air pressure, temperature and humidity all affect air quality. The same atmospheric conditions create weather patterns. For example, low pressure systems create wet and windy weather that can transport air pollutants to other areas, producing a sense of clear skies. On the other hand, high pressure systems tend to produce stagnant air that is “dead” or doesn’t move. In these instances, the pollutants from car exhausts and factory fumes hover and create unpleasant air quality.1

As we move out of cold weather, many of us begin some frenzied activities known as “spring cleaning.” Ironically, this well-intentioned cleaning that is aimed at letting the fresh air in and the stale out, has its own set of issues. Cleaning supplies that are purchased from retail stores generally are full of chemicals known as Volatile Organic Compounds. So, as we clean and inhale these chemicals, we’re also polluting our indoor air. Returning to old-fashioned ways of cleaning with water, vinegar and baking soda can help, as well as wearing a mask while cleaning, and airing out after cleaning.

If you have pets, spring is also a time of intense shedding, adding to the dust- and mite-filled air. Combined with the pollen released from the new spring growths, allergic reactions may well be triggered. During the spring season, concentrations of particulate matter tend to be higher, another source of allergies. And, on warm sunny days, the concentrations of ozone are also higher when the air is stagnant. A HEPA air filtration system is practically a must-have, especially if you are prone to any respiratory challenges. Spring air can be the most polluted of the year.2

Nature gives us the beauty and renewal of spring but also challenges us with its companions of pollen, dust and fluctuating air quality. If you don’t already have a KenkoAir Purifier®, this is the perfect time for it to make a difference in your household.

And through March 31, check out 20% off all sleep products and receiving free shipping on them!

1 https://scied.ucar.edu/search?search_api_fulltext=spring+air+quality

2 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/apr/09/spring-is-not-the-only-thing-in-the-air

Show Your Love with the Gift of Health and Hydration

Published on by Nikken

There are so many ways to show your love and it should be a year-round effort. Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many parts of the world as a special day to show your love to your beloved, and the standard gifts are chocolates, flowers and jewelry. If you step out of that box, what about a gift that benefits the health of those you love?

Hydration is something people often take for granted, until they suffer the consequences of not having enough water in their systems. There are many reasons to stay hydrated, including to help digest food and absorb the nutrients, to lubricate our joints for smooth movement, to help remove waste from the body and even to help regulate body temperature.1 Proper hydration also helps ensure the teeth, gums and entire mouth stay healthy—water helps you make saliva, which helps keep food away from your teeth, as well as aiding in chewing, tasting and swallowing.

Did you know that water helps to produce hormones and neurotransmitters? Water also helps protect your internal organs and tissues and deliver oxygen throughout the body, while supporting the growth and reproduction of cells. In other words, water helps the body’s natural cycle of renewal.

What happens if you don’t stay hydrated? You will definitely not feel like your usual self, as your body doesn’t function well when dehydrated. You may feel dizzy, brain fog, fatigue, dry mouth, and even faint. Dehydration also puts you at risk of kidney stones, constipation, urinary tract infections and recurring headaches.

Depending on your activity levels, gender, age and diet, how much water you need to drink for health, varies. Since approximately 20% of the water we need comes from food, people who don’t eat plenty of fruits and vegetables need to drink more water. Rule of thumb: men need about 10 cups a day, women need about 8 and children need between 4 to 8 cups.2 The more active you are, the more water you need, especially if you exercise a lot and sweat. You need to replenish the water your body secretes.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day (February 14), why not give your loved ones a PiMag Waterfall® or PiMag® Sport Bottle so they not only can keep hydrated at home and on-the-move but also benefit from filtered alkaline water, almost like drinking spring water from nature? You will also be helping them use fewer plastic bottles and decrease their carbon footprint. And, through the end of this month, filter replacements are 20% off!  Happy Valentine’s Day from Nikken!

1,2  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/drinking-water-and-your-health#not-enough

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

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!