Category: product

Natural vs. Synthetic: You Decide

Published on by Nikken

In our daily lives, we interact with an extensive array of materials, each with its unique characteristics and applications. Whether it’s the clothes we wear, the buildings we live in, or the devices we use, the materials around us can be broadly categorized into two primary groups: natural vs synthetic.1

Examples of natural materials, which are derived from the environment, include wood, stone, silk, leather and cotton. These materials are found in nature and not man-made.

Synthetic materials are derived largely from human intelligence and creativity, mainly after the industrial revolution through the wide use of increasingly sophisticated technology. Plastics, composites, and artificial polymers are just a few examples of these engineered marvels.2

Are natural materials better than synthetic ones?

Here are some of the advantages of natural materials:

•           They are generally considered more environmentally-friendly than their synthetic counterparts, because they tend to be renewable and biodegradable, which reduces their footprint.

•           They are often more compatible with the human body. For example, natural fibers in clothing, organic materials in devices, and natural ingredients in skin care are less likely to cause allergic reactions—this is known as being biocompatible.

•           They vary in quality, texture and appearance due to natural variances found in nature. This makes them somewhat unique and exclusive, adding aesthetic value.

Here are some of the advantages of synthetic materials:

•           They are created in laboratories and factories, which are environments that are more easily controlled than nature.

•           They can be manufactured to be consistent and uniform in size, shape, appearance, etc. This consistency helps meet the precise requirements of different industries. Examples include plastics, nylon, polyester and many polymers.

•           They may be more durable than natural materials. With man-made specifications in mind, they can be manufactured to be more long-lasting and easier to mass-produce, rendering them more cost-effective than sourcing natural alternatives.

Both natural and synthetic materials have their own pros and cons. Your choice depends on the specific usage and your requirements for cost, durability, functionality, sustainability and eco-friendliness.

Nikken is inspired by nature, and our researchers and product developers try to incorporate as many sustainable, natural and organic materials as possible. We also embrace science and formulate using state-of-the-art technologies and facilities.

1, 2 https://europlas.com.vn/en-US/blog-1/natural-vs-synthetic-materials-what-are-the-differences

How Will You Honor Dad This Father’s Day?

Published on by Nikken

Father’s Day is observed by 111 plus countries worldwide. The date varies by country. For example, in many European countries, it is celebrated on March 19 as Saint Joseph’s Day. Sikhs celebrate Father’s Day on the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh on December 29.

In the United States, Father’s Day was spearheaded by Sonora Smart Dodd, one of six children raised by her widower father. In 1909, she tried to establish an equivalent to Mother’s Day for male parents in remembrance of hers. She went to local churches, the YMCA, shops and even government officials in the city of Spokane, to gain support for her idea. Her perseverance led to the first statewide Father’s Day on June 19, 1910 in the state of Washington.

It wasn’t until 1972 that Father’s Day became a nationwide holiday in the United States when Richard Nixon signed a proclamation to make it a federal celebration. This occurred 58 years after Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official. In Canada, Father’s Day has been celebrated since the early 20th century, but it has not been made a public holiday. Father’s Day is on the third Sunday of June in North America and many African nations, such as Nigeria, Morocco, Kenya and South Africa.

Regardless of when and where Father’s Day takes place, the aim is to pay tribute to the paternal figures in people’s lives. Traditionally, families gather around to honor dad, or visit wherever their angel fathers are laid to rest. Children in school are helped with handmade cards and gifts.

How will you honor the dads in your life this June 16?

•          When was the last time you told your dad you love him? Depending on how you were brought up, saying out loud “I love you” to your father could be rare, but it is likely to be appreciated more than you think.

•          Time is the most precious gift. Whether it’s time spent alone with your dad or time with him and family, each occasion grows more special over the years.

•          Is your dad a social fellow? Honoring him in front of his peers is sure to make him feel appreciated—at a party, a friend’s home, with his grandchildren and other occasions.

•          Be a role model for your own children and show them how you care for their grandfather. Before long, you will reap the benefits of these well-learned roles.

•          Take a walk together. Go for a swim. Play a game of chess. The focus is on doing something dad likes.

•          Tell dad something about your own life that is important to you. A heart-to-heart talk can be a precious gift.

And, of course, if you want to get a meaningful gift for dad, Nikken is your one-stop shopping center. Does Dad need to be more grounded with KenkoGround®? Does he need some KenkoTherm® support wraps? How about Kenzen® nutritionals or PiMag® water to keep him properly hydrated?

Happy Father’s Day to our Nikken Dads!

Source: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/fathers-day

Warm Weather Skin Care

Published on by Nikken

As you move into spring and soon, summer weather, you might notice some subtle or blatant changes to your skin. For people in general, cold weather requires more intense moisturization while low temperatures requires a bit less. Warm weather opens up the pores and produces more oil, so you may benefit from some adjustments to your skin care regimen.

The three main actions to keep in mind for warmer weather are exfoliate, cleanse and hydrate.

•            Exfoliation helps to get rid of the dead skin cells that otherwise accumulate on the skin and dull your complexion.

•          Cleansing should be with a gentle cleanser, not one that is abrasive or stringent.

•          Hydrate with a light, non-greasy moisturizer. Even if you tend towards oily skin, not using a moisturizer because the weather is warm or hot, can dry out your skin, especially since you will tend to perspire more during spring and summer.

One particular type of skin care product that is beneficial to virtually every skin type in the warmer months is the hydrating serum. Serums tend to have a lighter texture than actual moisturizers and work especially well when used in tandem. You’ll receive the benefits of improved water levels in the skin, which help to increase the appearance of radiance. And, serums can provide this assistance without giving you an oily, greasy feeling. Most dermatologist will recommend using serums and moisturizers formulated with hyaluronic acid, because it is an ingredient that binds and locks in moisture to prevent dehydration in the skin.

Another recommended ingredient is glycerin, as it is known as an emollient that can soften skin and draw moisture to the dermal surface, which has the effect of filling in wrinkles.

If you have sensitive skin that becomes more irritated with the warm weather, try to stay with skin care that is fragrance-free or naturally-fragranced. Artificial fragrances are chemically-sourced, and the fewer chemicals your sensitive has to contend with, the calmer it will be.

Although the body naturally produces more collagen in the warmer months, one precaution to take is to decrease your risk of sun damage. Wearing sunscreen is helpful but exposure to sunlight tends to lower your collagen levels. If you are under natural sunlight a lot during spring and summer, taking a collagen supplement may help you maintain your collagen levels.

These are the last couple of days to benefit from our 20% off sale on True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care. Not only do we have a a gentle cleanser with Velvet Cleansing Cream, but we also have a Radiance Face Scrub to help get rid of dead skin cells without a harsh exfoliant. And, Youth Activ Face Serum, Revitalizing Face Serum and Moisturizing Face Cream all contain glycerin and hyaluronic acid, so your skin can stay hydrated and full.

If you feel a dip in your collagen levels or simply want to maintain consistency in your year-round regimen, our nature-inspired Pink Collagen Complex is a deliciously simple way to supplement your way to a younger-feeling, younger-looking you!

What Does “Feel Good” Mean to You?

Published on by Nikken

Feeling good is defined differently by each individual, but there are basic aspects that serve as common denominators for almost everyone. Most obviously is the physical aspect. When you suffer from any kind of muscular, skeletal, joint or nerve discomfort, it is difficult to feel good. Yet, the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking who was wheelchair bound and unable to speak without a computer as helper, defied that concept. He famously said, “Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious and however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.”1

Aside from the physical, there are emotional, mental, or psychic aspects that are more nebulous and harder to define. Researchers at the University of California-Berkeley contend that feeling good stems from a person’s emotional state, which would certainly confirm how someone in Stephen Hawking’s physical state could be so positive and relay his “feel good” attitude. The researchers have explored preferred types of emotional states, with the two primary ones being LAP (low arousal positive) and HAP (high arousal positive). Those who prefer LAP tend to define feeling good with being relaxed, calm and peaceful, while those who prefer HAP, like enthusiasm, excitement and elation.

Jeanne Tsai’s research at Berkeley has revealed that East Asians tend to favor LAP states while European Americans tend to prefer HAP states. This shows that preferred emotional states are likely shaped by culture.2 Another study conducted by Tsai and a colleague found that American women’s magazines showed more excited smiles while Chinese magazines showed calmer smiles. One of their explanations is that East Asian cultures emphasize social harmony, the needs of others and fitting into the overall group, contrasting with American culture’s emphasis on individual rights and achievement. HAP serves the American culture while LAP better serves East Asians.3

What “feel good” means for you may be completely different from what it means to someone else, because everything is relative to each person’s situation. Mental health and physical health are intertwined and need to be somewhat in balance to reach that “feel good” condition. You may require a shift in perspective to feel good. For example, as people age, their physical capabilities change, as do their mental states—sometimes the body can do less but the mind is more acute and contains a lot more useful information—so activity levels and pleasurable pursuits evolve to a new comfort level. What feels good at 20 is bound to be different at 60. Regardless age, the more control you have over your thoughts, feelings and body, the more likely you are to feel good.

There are proven ways to boost serotonin and dopamine levels (those happy hormones) and it goes back to what grandma always said: eat your veggies, do your work, and go outside and run around! At Nikken, that means supplement your diet where it’s lacking in nutrients, do an honest day’s work and get in touch with nature!

We define “feel good” this whole month of May with gifts inspired by nature—get the KenkoGround® and the Kenko Precision Set at 40% off, and pamper yourself with True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care and Kenko Jewelry at 20% off!

1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tDEkyqoQsQ

2, 3 https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_does_good_feel_like_to_you

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

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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