Biomimicry and the Wellness Home

“Home is a shelter from storms - all sorts of storms. ”

— William J. Bennet

Examples of Biomimicry in the Nikken Wellness Home

Last week’s Impetus discussed the process of biomimicry where we derive inspiration from nature then imitate nature for designs or processes with the goal of solving human problems. This has been the underlying process that Nikken has utilized for over 46 years, even before the term biomimicry was coined. Examples of biomimicry are prevalent in our product line and the Nikken Wellness Home.

Nikken’s first product (introduced in 1975) was the Nikken Magsteps. These shoe insoles use magnetic energy (replicating the earth’s magnetic field) and massage nodules that stimulate reflexology points on the soles of the feet to provide more energy and balance. Nikken’s founder, Isamu Masuda observed that the prevalent use of magnetic products as self-care products in Japan was greatly beneficial and that the massaging effect of nodules on the insoles could replicate the sensation of moving your feet over small pebbles often found in streams and in Japanese baths. Magsteps were a tremendous success and Nikken held many Japanese sales records as a start-up company with just this one product.

This set the stage and direction for many other active wellness products and the creation of the Nikken Wellness Home. The Wellness Home has been described as a greenhouse for humans. It addresses areas of healthy air, healthy water, healthy sleep, whole food nutrition, and the vital energies of nature that we all require from the earth, the sun, and the wind.

One of Nikken’s most popular products is the Nikken PiMag Waterfall and is often the first building block of the Wellness Home. The underlying principles of design and functionality of the Waterfall are to produce water the way nature intended. Healthy, free of contaminants, structured for maximum absorbability, and containing minerals for slightly alkaline water. In addition, and congruent with the principles of biomimicry Nikken PiMag water products are made with recyclable and biodegradable materials, including a polymer that does not leach chemicals into the water or the environment as most plastics do.

Another good example of biomimicry is the Nikken KenkoAir Purifier, inspired by the air quality in pristine areas such as in the forest, beach, or near waterfalls. One characteristic these areas share is that the air contains many more negative ions than the air present in cities and populated areas, where the ions in the air are positively charged.  Shinrin-yoku is the term used and coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries that translates as forest bathing. To accomplish this example of biomimicry Nikken uses a negative ion generator that does not produce ozone as many other air systems do. When entertaining visitors to our home, one of the first things they say is that there is something different and very relaxing in your home. I point out that they are experiencing forest bathing in our home. For more information, you can visit Air Matters.

The Nikken KenkoAir purifier uses environmentally friendly technology with recyclable materials and a re-usable prefilter for a reduced carbon footprint. The purifier is Energy Star qualified and 35% more efficient than standard models saving a minimum of 215 kilowatt-hours per year.

My last example of biomimicry in the Nikken Wellness Home is the Nikken Sleep System. The sleep system uses the natural technologies of the earth, the sun, and the wind. Advanced magnetic technology, bio-ceramic reflective materials to help regulate temperature and negative ions for relaxation provide a cocoon of comfort for a restful, rejuvenating sleep. Made from sustainable resources it provides another good example of how Nikken uses science and technology to replicate nature. For more information on the Nikken Sleep System visit Sleep Matters.

There are many other examples of biomimicry in the Nikken Wellness Home and I am sure there will be more active wellness products to complement the Wellness Home Program in the future. 

For all the challenges we face, nature has a solution and biomimicry is and will play an important role in providing solutions. Never have we been so divorced from nature.  According to a study sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American spends 93% of his or her time indoors. Given the current pandemic, we are all spending more time at home. The Nikken Wellness Home is a solution to providing the healthiest environment possible for you and your family, as I said, it is like a greenhouse for humans. For more information on these subjects, Heather and I suggest that you visit Selfcarehub.com.  As members of the world’s most influential Global Wellness Community, it is our mission to help you Be Healthy by Choice.

Please join us on February 16th at 6 pm Pacific for our next Healthy by Choice Master Class, “Better Together” in the Self Care Awakening Virtual Classroom. You will need to use the password Nikken1 to join the class.

Quality Sleep and the Wellness Home

"Sleep’s the only medicine that gives ease.” Sophocles

Quality Sleep is a foundational component of the Nikken Wellness Home. 

Coincidentally as I write this blog the National Sleep Foundation in celebrating its annual Sleep Awareness Week, March 11 to 17,2018. This year's theme “Begin with Sleep” highlights the importance of good sleep health for individuals to best achieve their personal, family, and professional goals. Today, March 16th, is World Sleep Day. Its goal is to celebrate the benefits of good and healthy sleep and to draw society's attention to the burden of poor sleep. 

We have previously blogged about sleep and its importance to our health. Sleep is the single activity that we spend the most time doing in our lifetimes. We spend one-third of our lives asleep and for good reason. William C. Dement, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University, is one of the world's leading authorities on sleep. He is sometimes referred to as the father of sleep medicine. To quote Dr. Dement, “Healthy sleep has been empirically proven to be the most single important determinant on predicting longevity, more important than diet, exercise and heredity.” Matthew Walker, a professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley agrees, "I used to suggest that sleep is the third pillar of good health, along with diet and exercise, but I don't agree with that anymore. Sleep is the single most effective thing you can do to reset your brain and body for health." 

We need sleep to be heathy, happy and productive. Without it we suffer consequences both physically and mentally. Sleep is the most important determinant to being healthy by choice, so, choose to get enough quality sleep. Sleep Matters. 

Sleep is not only about how many hours we sleep, but more importantly about quality of sleep that we are receiving. A significant component of sleep quality is dependent on our sleep environment. For that reason, the foundation of the Nikken Wellness Home and our personal choice, is the Nikken Kenko Sleep System. It uses natural materials and simple principles to create Adaptive Sleep Technology. This includes, self-regulating temperature control, advanced magnetic technology and passive massage to provide a natural, relaxing sleep environment to for a deep restful, rejuvenating sleep. 

Naturest® Mattress Topper

The system includes three main components, the Nikken Naturest® Mattress Topper with a KenkoDream™ Comforter and the Kenko Naturest® Custom Pillow. Each component contains advanced technology and materials to improve sleep quality. The Nikken Naturest® Mattress Topper features a design that has no springs. Its construction forms itself to body contours. This prevents the formation of pressure points (feeling to heavy in one spot that often precipitates tossing and turning) that can interrupt sleep and prevents us from attaining optimal rest. The natural latex foundation is firm yet comfortable, and resists sagging. This support system combines advanced scientific technology and natural materials in a design that promotes healthy and refreshing sleep. An impressive merger of two very different design principles, Naturest features advanced sleep innovations, including a revolutionary new design in magnetic technology, seen nowhere else — and traditional materials that are not only environmentally responsible but help you sleep soundly and wake feeling refreshed and energized. After trying the Kenko Naturest Mattress Topper, you’ll never want to sleep without it. 

Kenko Dream Comforter

A perfect balance of comfort for all climates, the Kenko Dream® Comforter combines revolutionary technology and the finest materials allow better rest. Ceramic-reflecting fibers help regulate temperatures to keep you warm or cool and is designed for all-season use. Chitocotton, another innovation, contains chitosan to help fibers retain a clean, fresh scent. A magnetic layer completes the cocoon effect with ceramic-reflective fibers that help to release heat and maintain a comfortable temperature. The breathable cover provides ventilation and releases excess heat for comfort and is finished in an elegant, satiny weave that dresses up your bed.

Kenko Naturest® Custom Pillow

Inside the Kenko Naturest® Custom Pillow is a special filler of rolled natural latex. It’s designed so that you remove or replace filler to achieve the desired degree of firmness —your personal perfect fit. The latex is especially resilient, so it resists being compressed flat, unlike a down or foam pillow. A head and neck insert helps provide correct spinal alignment. The pillow cover is a natural, breathable cotton blend. Deep within the Custom Pillow is patented DynaFlux® Magnetic Technology, a series of magnets arranged to surround you in a cocoon of magnetism. 

 

Nikken Kenko Sleep products are made in the USA. 

Regular sleep on a Kenko Sleep System can contribute to improved learning ability and decision-making abilities, improved memory, alertness and increased mental acuity. Quality sleep supports physical health including improved immune system function, better ability to resist premature aging, increased ability to resist stress, and better-regulated hormone production that can help prevent weight gain or obesity. 

Sleep Matters and is a vital component of every Wellness Home. Get at least 7.5 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night with the Nikken Kenko Sleep System and BE HEALTHY BY CHOICE, NOT BY CHANCE. 

Building a Wellness Home

Building a “Wellness Home”

“There is no comfort anywhere for anyone who dreads to go home.” Laura Ingalls Wilder 

This has been a very exciting year! We are rebuilding the Self Care Hub. We are expanding our team. We released our first publication the “Self Care Awakening” magazine and we are finalizing our first book.

Moreover, we are moving into a new Wellness Home townhouse. Moving into a new home is the impetus for this blog post. Every home should be a Wellness Home. We came up with this idea during our move, recognizing and appreciating how much we rely on our Nikken Active Wellness products and technologies for our every day self care program. Nothing is more important in our home than these technologies to create a safe, healthy environment for ourselves and our family. 

What is a Wellness Home?

So what exactly is a “Wellness Home”? Basically, a Wellness Home is the healthiest and safest place for you and your family. It utilizes Nikken Active Wellness products and technologies that addresses the specific areas of concern in the Self Care Awakening. A Wellness Home provide solutions for- deep, rejuvenating Sleep, proper Hydration, reducing Environmental Toxicity (Body Burden) and achieving and maintaining a healthy Weight. 

Before we even slept in our new Wellness Home we brought in a few of the essentials. 

Water: First thing we setup was our countertop Nikken PiMag Waterfall. Filtered water is essential anywhere but especially in a home where the water hasn’t been circulating for a while. You also want to increase your daily water intake when participating in strenuous physical activity such as moving.  The Keurig came in with the Waterfall because a girl must have her tea and it works in tandem with our Waterfall. Always filter the water you use for beverages or cooking.

We installed our Nikken PiMag shower system next. It is very important to filter your shower water.

Sleep: Our Nikken Sleep System went in next. The right amount and quality of sleep are especially important for your body when battling the mental and physical stresses of something like a move.

Air: When you move into to a place that has been closed for several months, especially, after new carpet installation, the quality of air you are breathing can be very toxic. We plugged in our KenkoAir Purifiers to remove any off gassing of toxic chemicals and provide fresh, forest like air.

We are moved in and our future blogs will help you build your Wellness Home. 

There’s no place like Wellness Home.

Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance,

Gary and Heather

Start building your Wellness Home

Water

Visit our H2O shop

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Sleep

Visit our Kenko Sleep Shop

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Air

KenkoAir Purifier (While Supplies Last)

FEATURES & BENEFITS
• The KenkoAir Purifier operates without producing ozone. Ozone is classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a toxic gas, yet other air filtration systems produce it as a byproduct. The State of California has banned the sale of ozone-producing air systems, and other states are expected to follow.
• The Nikken KenkoAir Purifier incorporates multiple-stage filtration including an ultra low penetration air filter. The KenkoAir Purifier exceeds that, with measured efficiency up to 99.9995%. No other home air filtration system matches this level of performance.
• This advanced design uses minimal energy. The KenkoAir is Energy Star qualified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The Energy Star is given only to an appliance that is at least 35% more efficient than a standard model, and saves its owner a minimum of 215 kilowatt-hours per year.
• The KenkoAir Purifier costs no more than typical home air systems that do not include ULPA filtration technology and Energy Star qualification. Only Nikken offers all these advantages at a competitive price.

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The Body Burden

Environmental Toxins and Pollution in People

I think we all agree that the world is a toxic place. There are over 85,000 chemicals in the marketplace and we come in contact with them in one way or another every day. 

There is no such thing as a pristine environment. Toxins are in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. They are in the homes we live in and the offices we work. They are present in our children’s schools. They are prevalent in our personal care and cleaning products.

Decades of research and countless studies have contributed to our understanding that we carry a burden of toxic chemicals in our body’s, our Body Burden.

It has been over 35 years since the September 22, 1980 Time Magazine cover story entitled “The Poisoning of America” was published. So, this is not a new problem and it is something we have all been aware of for a long time. The question I like to ask is; has this problem gotten better or worse? It’s gotten worse, exponentially worse.

It has been said every 5 years there are 10,000 new chemicals in the market place that weren’t here 5 years ago. That equates to over 5 new chemicals per day!

Dr. Stewart Lonky and biochemist Rik Deitsch point out in their book, Invisible Killers, that the body burden of toxins today is significantly higher than it was 20 years ago, 40 years ago, 60 years ago.  There appears to be a tipping point in your body above which the accumulation of toxins begins to interpret into disease. We don’t die from infectious disease anymore, but more childhood diseases, lymphomas, brain tumors and more adults with cancer. All of these diseases appear to be related to these toxic exposures. They go on to state that to turn your back on this is to turn your back on the obvious.

Our Body Burden, the “Pollution in People”

The term body burden was first coined in the early 2000’s. It is defined as, the total amount of a chemical present in a human's or animal's body, typically a radioactive element or other toxic substance. This can include anything from dangerous metals like lead or mercury, to pesticides and herbicides, unsafe food additives, BPA’s from plastics just to name a few.

As stated by Dr. Sanjay Gupta on a recent CNN documentary entitled Toxic America, “A growing number of studies are finding hundreds of toxic chemicals in mothers' and subsequently their babies' bodies when they are born…” 

In 2005 the Environmental Working Group published a benchmark study that looked at the number of toxic chemicals in the umbilical cord blood of newborns. Of 287 chemicals, detected in umbilical cord blood, 180 cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 208 cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal tests. The dangers of pre- or post-natal exposure to this complex mixture of carcinogens, developmental toxins and neurotoxins has never been studied. The authors go on to say, had we tested for a broader array of chemicals, we would almost certainly have detected far more than 287. Testing umbilical cord blood for industrial chemicals is technically challenging. Chemical manufacturers are not required to divulge to the public or government health officials methods to detect their chemicals in humans. 

In 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a comprehensive study that suggests more than 33% of diseases affecting children under the age of five are caused by environmental exposures, and that by preventing these exposures, as many as four million children’s lives a year worldwide could be saved.

Our environment has changed very rapidly. We do not live in the same environment that we did a 100 years, 50 years or even 10 years ago. Biologically we change very slowly.

We monitor the pollution in our air, our water, and even our fish. It's time to start looking at the pollution in our bodies and take steps to minimize our exposure and absorption of toxic substances.

 

Although we as individuals may not have a big say in the chemicals in our environment, we do have some control over those which we may ingest, breathe or absorb. The Self Care Awakening, being healthy by choice, looks at ways we can help reduce our individual body burden of toxic chemicals to lead a healthier life. Becoming aware of the problem is the first step the second is to take action for healthier choices.

Our Favorites!

Hydrate:

Drink healthy water at least half of your body weight in ounces daily. We suggest keeping a glass bottle (one that you know how many ounces it contains) with you at your desk or whatever activity you are engaged in and then sip on that water throughout the day. Refill as necessary. We love PiWater a filtered, alkaline water that tastes amazing and has a quick absorption rate. More on proper hydration.

Reduce Sugar:

Easiest thing to do is read labels and avoid processed foods. When you reduce sugar you are most likely eliminating other things your body doesn't need. Frequent your local farmers market/produce stands you get the benefit of healthy food and support your local community, win - win. More on sugar.

Sleep:

The most productive part of any 24 hour cycle is when you sleep. Get 8 hours of sleep everyday, Ladies 8 hours and 20 - 25 min.. More about healthy sleep and how to get it. 

 

Author: Gary Lindner, PhD

Sweet Dreams are Made of...

Sleep is an essential physiological process (this means the body NEEDS sleep, not wants but needs), but in our fast paced, highly productive lives, we often sacrifice sleep for other activities.

This is due in part to our perception of sleep as a non-productive endeavor, when from a physiological and health standpoint it our most productive time of our day.

Work that must be completed, a project that just has to be finished, studying for that mid-term, getting up an hour early to exercise or miss that rush hour traffic on the way to work. We have many reasons not to get enough sleep. Many of us think that 6 or 7 hours a night is sufficient for a good night’s sleep. According to the National Institutes of Health, the average adult sleeps less than seven hours per night. In today’s fast-paced society, six or seven hours of sleep may sound pretty good, but in reality, it is a recipe for chronic sleep deprivation.

We often rationalize not getting the proper amount of sleep. Here are a few myths about sleep:

Myth 1: Getting just one hour less sleep per night won’t affect your daytime functioning.

Myth 2: Your body adjusts quickly to different sleep schedules.

Myth 3: Extra sleep at night can cure you of problems with excessive daytime fatigue.

Myth 4: You can make up for lost sleep during the week by sleeping more on the weekends. 

Poor sleep can cause a number of health issues including obesity in adults and children, diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance, cardiovascular disease and hypertension, anxiety symptoms, depressed mood, poor immune function and alcohol or drug abuse.

William C. Dement, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University, is the world's leading authority on sleep.For this pioneering work in a previously uncharted field, he is sometimes referred to as the father of sleep medicine. Dr. Dement states, “Healthy sleep has been empirically proven to be the single most important determinant in predicting longevity, more important than diet, exercise and heredity.”

The National Sleep Foundation recommends 8 to 10 hours for teenagers 14 to 17 years old and 7 to 9 hours for adults. I personally recommend 8 hours of sleep for most people.  Women need more sleep according to Dr. Jim Horne, one of Britain's leading experts in sleep science. In an article published in the Daily Mail, Horne explained that on average women need twenty more minutes of sleep than men. The researcher pointed out that women tend to multi-task and use more of their brain than men leading to a greater need for sleep. Essentially, the more you use your brain during the day, the more it needs to rest while asleep.

You may be sleep deprived if…

•       Need an alarm clock to wake up on time

•       Rely on the snooze button

•       Have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning

•       Feel sluggish in the afternoon

•       Get sleepy in meetings, lectures or warm rooms

•       Get drowsy after heavy meals or when driving

•       Need to nap to get through the day

•       Fall asleep while watching TV or relaxing

•       Feel the need to sleep in on weekends

•       Fall asleep within five minutes of going to bed

Improve Your Sleep Today: Make Sleep a Priority

Schedule sleep like any other daily activity, put it on your "to-do list" and cross it off every night. But don’t make it the thing you do only after everything else is done – stop doing other things so you get the sleep you need.

Start by assessing your own individual needs and habits. See how you respond to different amounts of sleep. I suggest keeping a sleep journal for a few weeks. Pay attention to your mood, energy and productivity after a poor night's sleep versus a good one. Ask yourself, "How often do I get a good night's sleep?" The National Sleep Foundation has a downloadable Sleep Diary at https://sleepfoundation.org/sites/default/files/SleepDiaryv6.pdf that is easy to use and can be quite helpful. There are also many sleep apps that can be downloaded to your phone.

Tips for a better night’s sleep:

·       Stick to a sleep schedule, even on weekends.

·       Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual.

·       Exercise daily.

·       Evaluate your bedroom to ensure ideal temperature, sound and light.

·       Beware of hidden sleep stealers, like alcohol and caffeine.

·       Turn off electronics before bed.

·       Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.

Get 8 hours a night of good quality sleep. It’s one way to be

Healthy by Choice. Sweet Dreams.

Our Bedtime Favorites!

Kenko Dream® Light Comforter

FEATURES AND BENEFITS
• Temperature regulation keeps you warm or cool: designed for all-season use
• Breathable outer cover provides ventilation and releases excess heat for comfort
• Chitocotton fibers containing chitosan are woven in to help fibers retain a clean, fresh scent
• When used with a Kenko Naturest® Mattress Topper, the Kenko Dream® Comforter completes the cocoon of magnetism to surround the sleeper in a magnetic field

Kenko Naturest® Mattress Topper

DYNAFLUX — POWER AT REST
• DynaFlux Magnetic Technology produces a series of magnetic fields that cover a full 360 degrees in three dimensions
• The internally opposed magnetic surfaces shift in angle as a response to body movements, to enhance the field depth
• No other technology using permanent magnets can deliver this scope of magnetic coverage • Enfolds and surrounds anything in its proximity, even complex shapes

NATURAL MATERIALS FOR BETTER SLEEP
• The foundation of the Kenko Naturest Mattress Topper is natural latex — not man-made polyurethane foam
• Latex is hypoallergenic, and resistant to microbial growth and dust mites • Latex holds its shape and firmness better than polyurethane foam, for more durable support
• Latex also wicks away moisture, for greater comfort
• The cover is woven in all-natural fibers, free from chemical pesticides, insecticides or fertilizers
• Natural fibers promote ventilation for regulation of temperature
• Fiber and latex are fully renewable resources
• 100% cotton sleeve surrounds the latex pad to add a layer of quality, protection and durability
• Meets federal flammability standards for mattress pads without flame-retardant chemicals

PASSIVE MASSAGE FOR GREATER COMFORT
Shaped nodules are produced with a proprietary method that gives them the ideal degree of firmness. The effect is a relaxing massage while you sleep, that gently stimulates and can help lessen tossing and turning.

Author: Gary Lindner, PhD

Break the Sugar Addiction

Do you know how much sugar you consume daily? Do you want to know? The fact is you NEED to know. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) over 70% of Americans are overweight or obese. This can lead to severe health issues and/or chronic diseases. The CDC predictes 1/3 of the American population will have diabetes by the year 2050. 

Public enemy No. 1 is sugar. To learn more watch the short video "Weight Matters: The 1st Few Pounds."

What can you do? The first and easiest step is to read labels. We mean all labels. We have seen sugar added to "organic" asparagus in the produce section. 

Second log what you eat and the sugar content for an entire week. At the end of the week add up the sugar then divide by 7 and this will give you your average daily sugar consumption. Then evaluate and eliminate or substitute foods with less added sugars. Third continue to read labels. 

Kenzen Vital Balance

Our favorite way to  break the sugar addiction is a healthy Kenzen Vital Balance (KVB) shake. KVB is sweetened with organic moringa and monk fruit. Have a shake twice a day if you wish to loose weight or have a shake when you are craving something sweet. 

We always recommend you do your research so you can be healthy by choice and not by chance. 

The Major Impetus

Self Care Awakening is about a few very simple concepts. It is about Being Healthy by Choice and not by Chance. The reality is, if we leave our health to chance, chances are that we are not going to be healthy.

The major impetus for the Self Care Awakening is to bring this and other aspects of good health to light.

First, that chronic disease is not a normal part of life. How many times have we heard someone say, “That’s just part of getting older”, as if the headaches, joint/back problems, weight gain, blood sugar problems, memory problems (and the list can go on and on) are just a “normal part” of life.

Here is a paraphrase of a recent advertisement from what use to be our corner drug store and is now called your local wellness center. The advertisement says, “there are 26 million Americans with diabetes, and 74 million are at risk, don’t worry, we can treat and manage your diabetes so you can lead a normal productive life”. I almost fell out of my chair when I first heard this commercial. Then I got mad. It is a brainwashing, inferring that chronic disease is a normal part of life. It is not. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease control (CDC) estimate that as high as 80% of our world’s biggest killers can be prevented. I concur and am of the belief that just a few simple self care principles can lead to a vibrant heathy life.