After almost 20 years working as a physical therapist and pilates practitioner, I am very clear that teaching body mechanics and therapeutic exercise alone does have its limitations. I see a lot of patients who are plagued by stress that directly correlates to their pain level. Without managing the stress, by shifting their energy or nervous system state, their healing process is stunted.
Meditation
I've been meditating on and off for nearly 20 years now. I began in graduate school as a desperate step to manage the “academic stress." My mother sent a meditation cushion to me in Boston. From there, I read nothing on techniques, instead I just sat on the cushion and breathed for 15 minutes daily, prior to doing anything else. After 2 weeks, I noticed I looked forward to sitting on the cushion (instead of dreading it). I noticed a sense of peace, that wasn’t always long lasting but was clearly present. I was able to better focus on my studies in a calm state. Years later I continue to meditate, but for a much different reason, with various techniques, both alone and in group settings.
They call meditation a “practice” because it is difficult and requires consistent practice to see or feel the effects. At times it results in a great deal of reward, and other times more frustration. However, what is becoming more clear, are the benefits of a steady meditation practice. Amongst some basic benefits are reduction of stress, anxiety, depression, pain, and an increase in awareness, self concept and general well being.
So many of us understand the benefits of meditation, but are not sure how to meditate. I've come up with a short list of some basic types of meditation which you can try in order to find a particular technique that resonates with you. Your technique will likely change or evolve as your practice deepens.
They call meditation a “practice” because it is difficult and requires consistent practice to see or feel the effects. At times it results in a great deal of reward, and other times more frustration. However, what is becoming more clear, are the benefits of a steady meditation practice. Amongst some basic benefits are reduction of stress, anxiety, depression, pain, and an increase in awareness, self concept and general well being.
So many of us understand the benefits of meditation, but are not sure how to meditate. I've come up with a short list of some basic types of meditation which you can try in order to find a particular technique that resonates with you. Your technique will likely change or evolve as your practice deepens.
TYPES OF MEDITATION
1. Loving Kindness Meditation
Also known as Metta meditation. The goal is to cultivate love and kindness toward everything, even an individual's “enemy" or source of stress, as well as toward oneself.
Also known as Metta meditation. The goal is to cultivate love and kindness toward everything, even an individual's “enemy" or source of stress, as well as toward oneself.
2. Body Scan or Progressive Relaxation
The goal is to scan the body for areas of tension, and allow it to release. This technique can help with both relaxation, and decreasing chronic pain in the body.
The goal is to scan the body for areas of tension, and allow it to release. This technique can help with both relaxation, and decreasing chronic pain in the body.
3. Mindfulness Meditation
Goal is to become aware and present with your existing surroundings. This technique can help with focus, emotional reactivity, & general negative emotions
4. Breath Awareness Meditation
Goal is focus on mindful breathing, and shifting from focus on thoughts.
5. Kundalini Yoga Meditation
Physically active meditation that blends movement with deep breathing and mantras. This technique can improve physical strength and reduce pain.
6. Transcendent Meditation
Goal of this technique is to transcend or rise about the persons current state of being. Focus is on a mantra or repeated word to series of words.
Energy Medicine
What is Energy Medicine? And how does it work?
The concept of energy as medicine is to heal the body by restoring energies that have become weak, disturbed or out of balance addressing both physical and emotional ailments. Moving or shifting “stuck” energy can aid in everything from low back pain and chronic headaches, to anxiety, fear or depression. Energy is moved using deep breath while applying deep pressure or taping techniques along energetic meridians, 9-12 of which are recognized, based on the source.
After almost 20 years working as a physical therapist and pilates practitioner, I am very clear that teaching body mechanics and therapeutic exercise alone does have its limitations. I see a lot of patients who are plagued by stress that directly correlates to their pain level. Without managing the stress, by shifting their energy or nervous system state, their healing process is stunted.
Below is the Daily Energy Routine from Donna Eden It only takes only 4-5 minutes, as well as some wonderful additional stress management techniques. You can also watch a video
The concept of energy as medicine is to heal the body by restoring energies that have become weak, disturbed or out of balance addressing both physical and emotional ailments. Moving or shifting “stuck” energy can aid in everything from low back pain and chronic headaches, to anxiety, fear or depression. Energy is moved using deep breath while applying deep pressure or taping techniques along energetic meridians, 9-12 of which are recognized, based on the source.
After almost 20 years working as a physical therapist and pilates practitioner, I am very clear that teaching body mechanics and therapeutic exercise alone does have its limitations. I see a lot of patients who are plagued by stress that directly correlates to their pain level. Without managing the stress, by shifting their energy or nervous system state, their healing process is stunted.
Below is the Daily Energy Routine from Donna Eden It only takes only 4-5 minutes, as well as some wonderful additional stress management techniques. You can also watch a video
DAILY ENERGY ROUTINE
Build positive energy in your energy field &
move stuck energy to live with greater vitality, health, and happiness.
1. The 4 thumps 15-20 seconds each
-tap cheekbones (stomach meridian)
-below collarbone /notch at top of breastbone (Kidney meridian)
-middle of breastbone (thymus )
-one rib below breasts (spleen meridian)
-tap cheekbones (stomach meridian)
-below collarbone /notch at top of breastbone (Kidney meridian)
-middle of breastbone (thymus )
-one rib below breasts (spleen meridian)
2. The crossover shoulder pull
Put one hand on opposite shoulder, pull down firmly &
drag hand diagonally across to the opposite hip
3. The Wayne Cook Posture
Cross right wrist over left, clasp fingers, turn your hands under/up & rest them on your chest, inhale & exhale slowly
Unwrap arms/hands, “Steeple” fingertips at third eye (between brows), & pull across forward
3. The Wayne Cook Posture
Cross right wrist over left, clasp fingers, turn your hands under/up & rest them on your chest, inhale & exhale slowly
Unwrap arms/hands, “Steeple” fingertips at third eye (between brows), & pull across forward
4. The Crown Pull
Place your thumbs at temples, & fingers at forehead then pull fingers apart toward hairline
Repeat at hairline, center & back of head
Finish with hands pulling down/forward on shoulders & breathing
Place your thumbs at temples, & fingers at forehead then pull fingers apart toward hairline
Repeat at hairline, center & back of head
Finish with hands pulling down/forward on shoulders & breathing
5. The Zip Up
Move your hands from your pubic bone up toward your lower lip with deep breath
Move your hands from your pubic bone up toward your lower lip with deep breath
6. The Hook Up
Place middle finger of one hand in belly button, & other on third eye
Press inward & upward for 15-30 seconds.
Place middle finger of one hand in belly button, & other on third eye
Press inward & upward for 15-30 seconds.
I am happy to meet with any Pilates Sante clients to apply some energy healing hands-on techniques or instruction in exercises. Please feel free to write with questions or comments.
Thank you for trusting us to help you in your healing journey.