All About Our Eczema Ointments

[This post was originally written on request for The Eczema Company who now carries our EczeHerbal™ Ointments in Canada]

Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine is the most comprehensive and well-organized system of herbal medicine known to humankind.  It has developed from thousands of years of observing and recording the medicinal use of thousands of natural substances to improve human health.  This ancient system of herbal medicine continues to evolve in our modern world.  All of the products made by Zi Zai Dermatology are formulated according to the theories and practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

OUR HERB AND INGREDIENT SOURCES

We hand craft all of our products ourselves in very small batches so that we maintain the highest level of quality.  We do not outsource any part of the manufacturing process and every product is made from scratch with only the finest ingredients.

The official Traditional Chinese Herbal Pharmacopoeia lists the medicinal properties of many natural substances including plants, animals and minerals.  Zi Zai Dermatology chooses to use only plant and mineral substances in the making of our products.  We never use any herb derived from species of flora or fauna that is considered endangered.  We never use any substance that has been shown to be poisonous or harmful to human health.  We purchase our raw herbs from two different U.S. companies: NuHerbs and Mayway.  Each of these companies source the raw herbs from their indigenous regions and they examine all herbs to ensure correct species identification.  Furthermore, each of these companies does in-house and third-party laboratory testing of herbs to check for bacteria, pesticides and heavy metals.  Herbs are processed in GMP-certified facilities.  For more information about quality control at these companies, visit nuherbs.com/quality/labtested and  mayway.com/manufacturing/.

The carrier oils and other ingredients used to craft Zi Zai Dermatology products are sourced from three different U.S. companies that have strict quality guidelines.  Whenever possible we purchase only raw materials that are Fair Trade Certified and/or USDA Certified Organic.  The pure honey and unfiltered beeswax we use comes directly from a responsible beekeeper here in Fort Collins, Colorado.

SAFETY OF OUR HERBAL OINTMENTS

Zi Zai Dermatology’s EczeHerbal™ line of herbal ointments are safe for topical use on adults, children, babies and even pets.  It is important to us at Zi Zai that our ointments are non-toxic if ingested because it is impossible to keep young kids and infants from putting their hands in their mouths; and  unless you place an Elizabethan collar on your pet, they will end up licking some ointment off.  So rest assured, if our EczeHerbal™ ointments end up on the inside of your child or pet, there is no need to worry.  The ointments are made from food grade organic extra virgin olive oil, Chinese herbs that are safe for internal consumption, and beeswax (which is non-toxic). We do not add any artificial dyes or fragrances to any of our products. And because all of the ingredients used in our products have been safely used by humans (and even animals) for many many years, there is no need for us to safety test our products on animals.

WHY WE OFFER 3 DIFFERENT ECZEMA OINTMENTS

I am a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  When a patient comes to me for treatment of eczema, I must first diagnose the individual based upon the principals of TCM theory.  Proper differentiation is the key to effective treatment. Once I have differentiated their condition according to TCM, then I can formulate their treatment plan, including an internal herbal formula as well as any topical treatments that may be helpful.  Since every patient is a unique individual and eczema can manifest in several different ways (even at different times in the same person), every internal herbal formula I prepare is unique and custom-designed for that patient.  Of course, making a custom topical ointment for every eczema patient is not very practical.  But one single ointment for every eczema patient isn’t very effective either.  So I decided to take the top 3 most common TCM Differential Patterns for eczema and I formulated an ointment for each of them.  Again, proper differentiation is the key to effective treatment, and that is why Zi Zai offers more than one ointment for eczema.  Use the one that matches your skin best.

Before I can describe our 3 eczema ointments, I need to give you a very simplified summary of the terms we use when describing the possible patterns of energetic imbalance in TCM dermatology.  When we say a skin condition has “Heat”, that typically translates to redness and inflammation. Sometimes Heat can be quite severe and it will get deeper into the body, so we say this is “Heat in the Blood”.  When we use the term “Damp” or “Dampness”, it usually refers to skin conditions that have weepy lesions, fluid-filled blisters, or things that ooze. In contrast to Dampness, we can also have “Dryness” which develops when the moistening and cooling factor of the body (“Yin”) is insufficient or becomes damaged. When a skin rash itches, we describe that condition as having “Wind” (because it moves around and tickles the surface).  And finally, the TCM term “Toxins” or “Fire Toxins” can mean several things but typically refers to abscesses, ulcerations or skin lesions that contain pus or are infected with bacteria or virus.

EczeHerbal™ 1 Ointment: This ointment is specially formulated according to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pattern known as Damp Heat (with Fire Toxins and Wind). It is designed for acute eczema that appears abruptly or is growing in size or number of lesions. This manifestation of eczema typically has more exudate (oozing) than you might see in more stable phases of eczema. Lesions can be swollen, red and itchy and crust may form. This phase of eczema is typically seen in infants and children. From the perspective of TCM, the herbs in this ointment Clear Heat, Dry Damp, Eliminate Wind and Resolve Toxins.  EczeHerbal™ 1 is more appropriate for cases where Dampness predominates over Heat.*

EczeHerbal™ 2 Ointment: This eczema ointment is specially formulated according to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pattern known as Heat in the Blood (with Fire Toxins and Wind).  All variations of eczema will have some degree of redness and itching.  But this ointment is most appropriate for cases where redness, dryness (flaking) and itching are more predominant than oozing.  This phase of eczema is typically seen in infants and children or during acute exacerbation of the condition in adults. From the perspective of TCM, the herbs in this ointment Clear Heat, Cool Blood, Dry Damp, Eliminate Wind and Resolve Toxins.  To compare, if your eczema has much oozing or blisters, then EczeHerbal™ 1 formula would be a better choice for you.*

EczeHerbal™ 3 Ointment: This ointment is specially formulated according to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pattern known as Blood Dryness (with the presence of some Fire Toxins and Wind). It is specifically designed for chronic eczema where dryness and scaling are more predominant than either Heat or Dampness (compared to the other EczeHerbal™ formulas). Lesions are usually paler red or pink. Thickening of the skin may also be present where scratching has occurred. This phase of eczema is typically seen in teenagers and adults. From the perspective of TCM, the herbs in this ointment Enrich Yin and Nourish Blood (to moisten the skin), Dry Damp, Eliminate Wind and Resolve Toxins.  If your eczema oozes or is weeping, do not choose this formula; instead choose EczeHerbal™ 1 formula.  If your eczema does not ooze but is very red, and there is no thickening of the skin, then EczeHerbal™ 2 would be the best option for you.*

CHINESE HERBS FOR ECZEMA

Each of the above formulas contains 6 to 7 individual herbs that are excellent for use in eczema, both internally and topically.  In TCM, when we compose a formula, we choose herbs that address our underlying TCM diagnosis for the condition being treated, as well as herbs that directly alleviate symptoms.  Typically, I believe simpler is better when it comes to formulating topical products and so for each of the above formulas, I chose to use herbs that have multiple uses.  For example, Ku Shen (Radix Sophorae Flavascentis) not only Clears Heat (reduces inflammation) and Dries Damp (dries exudate), but it is known for its ability to reduce itching.  Studies have shown that Ku Shen has antimicrobial action against the Toxin Staphylococcus aureus (the bacteria commonly found to be overly proliferate in eczema lesions).  What a perfect herb for eczema! But Ku Shen alone is not enough to address all of the energetically imbalances involved in eczema, so we support its function by combining it with additional herbs to address the Toxins (Zi Hua Di Ding/viola and Bai Xian Pi/dictamnus) and herbs to further Dry Dampness (Huang Bai/phellodendron root and Huang Qin/scutellaria root).  While each herb in each of the formulas is useful in its own way, the synergistic combination of all the herbs in the formula working together are more energetically effective than any one herb alone.

ABOUT ZI ZAI DERMATOLOGY

My name is Diana Hermann and I am the founder of and product formulator for Zi Zai Dermatology.  I am a licensed acupuncturist and am nationally certified in Oriental Medicine.  I received my Master of Oriental Medicine degree in 1999 from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine and shortly thereafter I completed an internship with the Director of the Dermatology Department of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, P.R. of China.  After I had been in private practice for several years, I began to specialize in the treatment of dermatological problems.  I was dissatisfied with the lack of safe and effective topical herbal products available in the U.S. for skin conditions, so in 2009 I founded Zi Zai Dermatology. I continue to maintain my private practice which allows me to increase my  experience in the treatment of skin conditions and additionally it serves as a clinical testing ground for Zi Zai’s products before they get to the public market.

Zi Zai Dermatology is a micro company that cares about your quality of life.  We are based in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA and we hand craft small batches of exceptional herbal skin care products.  At Zi Zai, we have put thousands of years of experience into the formulations of these fine herbal products.  We hope you enjoy using them as much as we have enjoyed crafting them for you.  Seek Health…Find Beauty.

To learn more about TCM and the treatment of eczema visit Zi Zai’s blog: http://zizaidermatology.wordpress.com/?s=eczema

For more about Diana’s education and credentials visit: http://zizaidermatology.wordpress.com/professional-profile/

For further information about Diana’s private practice visit: www.AcupunctureoftheRockies.com

*FDA DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products and statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your doctor or other health care professional.

A Collection of Dermatology Photos

One of my favorite dermatology textbooks is Clinical Dermatology by Thomas B. Habif.  It includes excellent photographic examples of dermatological conditions and their various presentations.  The images are compiled from three main sources: Alan N. Binnick, MD, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine (Dermatology), Dartmouth Medical School, and Lawrence B. Meyerson, Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and the author himself. Each contributor has over 30 years experience as a dermatologist and a medical photographer. Their combined collection of over 23,000 images can be found at www.dermnet.com.

Some dermatological conditions are so clinically obvious they can be diagnosed instantly.  But many skin conditions can be frustratingly difficult to differentiate and access to these photographs can be quite helpful to the clinician.  For anyone inexperienced in the diagnosis of dermatological diseases, I caution you to avoid self-diagnosis.  Do your own research, educate yourself, but leave the diagnosing to the pros to avoid misdiagnosis.  Also, when you have just enough knowledge to be dangerous, there is a tendency to develop hypochondriasis – the syndrome that many med students develop when they study illnesses for the first time.  It is easy to convince yourself you have every horrible disease you come across because symptoms can be vague or appear similar from one condition to the next.  So when viewing the photos on www.dermnet.com keep in mind it is just an educational tool and is not meant to be a substitute for the diagnostic skills of trained dermatologists and clinicians.  Enjoy!

Additional Eczema Blogs

I have been so busy making skin care products and taking care of my patients that I have had very little time to write more blog posts.  So until I make the time to supply you with more useful skin care info from the TCM perspective, here is a list of other blogs that you may find helpful.  These particular blogs deal with the topic of eczema: tips to manage it, support from others who suffer with it, products that may be useful, and more.  While I cannot personally vouch for the credibility of every bit of info shared on blogs that aren’t mine, I did review these and I found some useful stuff in each of them.  Hope you find something of value in them, too.  I’ll add to the list as I come across more blogs that I like.  Enjoy!

(In no particular order:)

http://eczemaexcellence.wordpress.com/

http://eczemacontagious.net/

http://www.nationaleczema.org/blog

http://myeczematales.wordpress.com

http://skinurghs.blogspot.com/

http://www.myskinbetter.com/

http://itchylittleworld.com/

That Rash Around Your Mouth Might Be Perioral Dermatitis

Our most widely-read post on this blog is about a rash I had around my mouth and how I discovered what triggered it and how I finally healed it.  That particular rash was the result of an allergic reaction to propolis. But not all rashes near the mouth or on the face are caused by allergic contact dermatitis.  Sometimes they are the result of a condition called perioral dermatitis.  Differentiation of mouth/face rashes is important because the treatments for allergic contact dermatitis, acne, rosacea, or eczema can make perioral dermatitis worse.

Appearance of Perioral Dermatitis:

The most common presentation of perioral dermatitis is at the corner of the nose or along the nasolabial folds.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc.

Perioral dermatitis is a non-contagious skin condition that occurs mostly in women (typically ages 16 to 45) and sometimes in children.  The etiology and pathogenesis  is unknown according to western biomedicine.  The rash of perioral dermatitis is rather distinct though it can often be misdiagnosed as eczema (atopic dermatitis), acne, allergic contact dermatitis, or even rosacea.  Eruptions typically begin around the mouth (perioral region) in the nasolabial folds (smile lines) and can spread to the sides of the nose (perinasal region), the chin, the cheeks, or even the lateral aspect of the lower eyelid (periorbital region).  Sometimes the rash only appears at the eyelids (despite the name “perioral” dermatitis).  Tiny papules (small bumps) and small vesicles (bumps filled with a small amount of clear fluid) will appear on an erythematous (red) base.  Sometimes there is also dry scaling.  The skin may feel tight and dry with occasional mild itching or burning.  Most of the time the rash will be symmetrical – appearing on both sides of the face.

Differentiation:

This case of perioral dermatitis resembles acne.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc.

Acne: When perioral dermatitis affects the chin and the skin next to the nose, it often looks like acne at first appearance.  But you can tell that it is not acne by noticing there are no comedones (blackheads or whiteheads).

Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Allergic reactions around the mouth or lips, like from lip balms or lipstick, will also typically affect the vermilion border (the edge between your lips and the regular skin of your face).  In the case of perioral dermatitis, this vermilion border is spared and there will be a thin clear zone along the edge of the lips with no redness or papules.

This infant’s rash was initially misdiagnosed as eczema and treated with topical steroids which made the rash worse.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): It can be challenging to differentiate perioral dermatitis from eczema/AD at first glance.  Eczema will often appear elsewhere on the face or the body and not be confined to the region around the mouth or eyes.  Eczema/AD can be asymmetrical, while perioral dermatitis is typically symmetrical.  Blood tests for IgE levels can be helpful to determine if it is eczema/AD. Often topical steroids will be prescribed to treat the eczema but this can cause a severe aggravation of the eruptions if it truly is perioral dermatitis.

Rosacea: At the initial stages of rosacea, flushing occurs and erythema can occur without papules or pustules (though these appear at later stages).  Rosacea can also affect the forehead and nose (unlike perioral dermatitis) and is usually more wide-spread on the cheeks.  Telangiectasia (dilated purple capillaries) appears in rosacea but not in perioral dermatitis.  Rosacea is not seen in young children.

Why Does Perioral Dermatitis Occur?

Despite the name, “perioral” dermatitis can occur exclusively at lateral aspect of the eyes.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc.

While the exact cause of this condition is unknown (according to biological science), it is often triggered by the use of potent (fluorinated) topical steroids on the face or elsewhere on the body. Perioral dermatitis eruptions appear on the delicate areas of the face where drying substances (like benzoyl peroxide found in acne medications) make the skin too dry. It is believed that in individuals with constitutionally dry skin, the overuse of moisturizers causes the surface of the skin (the horny layer) to be constantly artificially hydrated, thus affecting this layer’s ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria.  This is thought to play a role in the development of perioral dermatitis.  Case studies show that the use of moisturizers plus cosmetic foundation on a daily basis contributes to an increased risk of developing perioral dermatitis.  Persons with oily skin who do not properly cleanse with water and soap (or other cleanser) are also susceptible.  Daily use of heavy sunscreens also tend to trigger this type of rash.

In the last few months I have had 8 new patients contact me regarding perioral dermatitis.  All but one of them were women who worked in healthcare (nurses, acupuncturists, and optometrists).  They all claim to have had no contact with steroid creams and they appear to wear minimal amounts of makeup (if any).  Perhaps there is a common chemical or cleanser they are coming into contact with that is triggering this?  Not an allergy but maybe a chemical irritant?  In each of these cases, the rash improves on days when the patient is not at work or when they are on vacation and it reappears or gets noticeably worse when they return to work.  I am so curious to discover the correlation here (if one exists).

How To Treat Perioral Dermatitis:

In most cases, perioral dermatitis responds quite well to treatment, though there are times where is recurs or becomes stubborn (like in the health care workers mentioned above).  Oral (internal) antibiotics are the treatment of choice in western dermatology.  Internal herbs are the treatment of choice in Traditional Chinese Dermatology.  Whether or not internal treatments are sought, the following must be considered:

1. Stop the use of all steroid creams (on the face as well as elsewhere on the body).  If you have been using a steroid cream, your rash may get worse when you first withdraw the substance but be patient…this will clear up in most cases.
2. Discontinue the application of all moisturizers on the face.  Even after the rash resolves, you should not apply moisturizers on the areas where the rash was or it may recur.
3. Discontinue (or at least limit) the use of sunscreens on the face.  (But then be sure to stay out of the sun or wear a hat with a large brim).  If you must be out in the sun, choose a sunscreen that is a liquid or gel (not a lotion/cream which is oil-based).
4. Do not use moisturizer under your cosmetic foundation.  And limit your use of cosmetics in general.
5. Wash face with just warm water until the eruptions resolve, then use a gentle cleanser or soap to keep your face clean.
6. Avoid using drying alcohol-based facial toners or cleansers.
7. Avoid using drying acne medications such as those that contain benzoyl peroxide.
8. Do not touch your face.  Seriously, don’t keep checking the feel of the rash to see if it is improving.  And try to stay of aware if you are inadvertently touching your face throughout the day (rubbing your chin in thought, scratching little itches, etc.).
9. Make sure your pillow case is clean.
10. Avoid spicy and/or greasy food.  From the TCM perspective these foods aggravate the energetic imbalances that lead to facial rashes of many varieties.
11. From a western medicine perspective:
    My colleague, a nurse practitioner specializing in dermatology, suggests doxycycline 50 mg BID to clear it initially.  Follow with 50 mg daily  for 2 more weeks to assure it stays gone.  This will not prevent it from recurring, but it should clear up the current episode.

Do you have or think you have perioral dermatitis?  Share your experience with us by commenting below.  I would really love to hear from health care providers to see if there is any link to those work environments and and the development of this condition.

Herbal Facial Serum Now Available

Zi Zai Dermatology has just added a new product to our lineup of exceptional herbal facial care: RosaceaHerbal™ Facial Serum.  Our RosaceaHerbal™ Facial Serum is formulated to replenish moisture and nutrients to the easily-irritated skin found in people who suffer from Rosacea. Chinese herbs are infused into precious cold-pressed, organic oils that are superior for use on sensitive skin. These delicate oils have been found to have potent antioxidant properties and are found in some of the best anti-aging facial serums.

According to research*, rosehip seed oil is high in Vitamin C which is an excellent antioxidant, known to reduce the damage done to skin by certain environmental factors such as UV radiation. Vitamin C is also known to have an important role in collagen synthesis.  Rosehip seed oil also contains Vitamin A, which seems to  help delay the effects of skin aging, assists with cell regeneration, and promotes an increase in collagen and elastin levels.  This can result in firmer, smoother, and more youthful skin with greater elasticity.  Rosehip seed oil also contains a high amount of essential fatty acids and Vitamin E, which further promotes healthy skin.  In particular, it is rich in linoleic and linolenic acids, which are important skin nutrients.

Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Seed Oil and Vaccinium Corymbosum (Blueberry) Seed Oil are also high in Vitamin C and have many of the same benefits of rosehip seed oil.  In addition, these dark berry seed oils also contains lutein, which a recent study found increases skin hydration, elasticity and lipid levels.

Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil is extraordinarily high in Omega-3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, as well as Vitamin A.  This makes red raspberry seed oil a wonderful antioxidant.  Antioxidants prevent and repair damage to your body’s tissue by slowing or preventing the effect of free radicals, which cause oxidation — a process that causes damage from oxygen that can lead to cell dysfunction.

Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil has well-known skin benefits. Pomegranate seed oil is commonly used in cosmetic products to revitalize dull or mature skin, assist with wrinkles, and to soothe minor skin irritations. Pomegranate seed oil reportedly adds moisture, has natural phyto-estrogenic properties, anti-oxidants, is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, improves skin elasticity, and protects the skin. It contains a high amount of conjugated fatty acids which have anti-inflammatory properties (the specific fatty acid in pomegranate seed oil is punicic acid). At least one study has found pomegranate seed oil to promote cell regeneration and strengthen the epidermis.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the herbs in our RosaceaHerbal™ Facial Serum function to Clear Heat, Drain Fire, Resolve Toxins and Move Blood.  Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower) and Ye Ju Hua (wild chrysanthemum flower) belong to the TCM herbal category of herbs that Clear Heat and Resolve Toxins.   They are excellent to reduce inflammation and clear accumulated toxins from the skin.  Sheng Di Huang (rehmannia root) Clears Heat and Cools Blood and Zhi Mu (anemarrhena root) Clears Heat and Drains Fire.  Both of these herbs are also known to Enrich Yin and Moisten Dryness. This means they are used to reduce redness and inflammation as well as to nourish the skin to keep it supple.  Hong Hua (safflower) is in the category of herbs that Move Blood, which means it improves Blood circulation which is very important for those complexions that suffer from rosacea.

Do you suffer from sensitive, easily-irritated skin or a red complexion?  Nourish the delicate skin of your face with our RosaceaHerbal™ Facial Serum.  Learn more about rosacea or visit our online store for additional herbal rosacea skin care products.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products and statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your doctor or other health care professional.

Save Tigers Now

Zi Zai Dermatology donates every month to the World Wildlife Fund’s campaign to Save Tigers Now.  While tigers are also losing their homes to deforestation, the sad truth is that most tigers are poached in the name of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or folk remedies.  Historically, tiger bone (He Gu) had been used in TCM to treat arthritis and to strengthen bones.  In folk medicine, tiger penis was desired as an aphrodisiac (this is not considered a use according to TCM).  In China (and other Asian communities), it is still considered posh to adorn one’s home with tiger skins or to drink wine made from tiger bone or to use tiger parts as medicine.  At Zi Zai Dermatology, it is our strong belief that no tigers (or any endangered animals) should ever be used for medicinal purposes (or other purposes!) in this day and age.  No responsible modern herbalist would ever prescribe medicines containing tiger parts.  Tigers are officially listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).  Yet the poaching continues.  This is absolutely unacceptable!

Just yesterday, India and the UK condemned China for tiger farming and called for a ban on such farms.  Shamefully, China responded in defense of the practice, claiming that there is no evidence that farming tigers (for use as tourist attractions) increases poaching.  This is a step in the wrong direction, China!  Those of us practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine today have a responsibility to educate our patients, consumers, governments and the world at large that tigers must not be killed in the name of medicine – wild or farmed.   We must save this gorgeous and majestic species.  We all must demonstrate that we do not accept the use of tiger parts in medicine, as a folk remedy, or for any other commercial reasons.  Until ALL of us denounce the use of tiger parts for commercial use and condemn those humans who continue to kill tigers and who benefit financially from the trade of their parts, poaching will continue. As long as there is a market (even a black market) for tiger parts, the killing will continue.

The World Wildlife Fund is working hard to save our wild tigers and to put an end to the senseless poaching of these beautiful and rare creatures.  Please consider supporting their good efforts by donating today.  Click the following link to learn more about this issue and about the WWF campaign to Save Tigers Now.

Fire Near The Fort

Zi Zai Dermatology is based in Fort Collins, Colorado and we love the area where we live and work.  Right now our region is experiencing one of the worst wildfires in Colorado history.  Friends and family who live in the once-beautiful canyons just west of town have lost their homes and their land (but thankfully not their lives).

Smoke from the High Park Fire as seen from my house in west Fort Collins 06/10/12

The winds have temporarily shifted away from Fort Collins, so my family can breathe a bit easier for the moment (the smoke was thick last night) but we are concerned for those who were evacuated from their homes; the displaced pet animals, livestock and wildlife; and especially the fire fighters and emergency teams fighting to keep us all safe.  I can hear the helicopters, Balckhawks and slurry bombers flying back and forth overhead.   They are risking their lives every moment and we are grateful for them and also worried about their safety.  The weather here is obscenely dry and still windy and the fire continues to burn with zero containment.  There is no moisture in the weather forecast for the week.  Latest word is that they expect the fire to burn all summer!  If you can spare just a moment in your day, please send some good Qi to all those affected by this scary fire.  Prayers, love, positive thoughts – all are welcome.  Maybe even a rain dance if you know how to do one!

Learn more about what’s happening with the High Park Fire here:  The Denver Post

View  a slideshow of remarkable/frightening/oddly beautiful photos of the fire here: High Park Fire Slideshow