Sunday, April 6, 2008
How Does Shiatsu Work? A Bio-medical Explanation
1. Shiatsu relaxes tense muscles... by using pressure to cause "reporting stations"(Golgi Tendon Organs) in and around joints to relay messages to the brain telling the muscles to relax.
2. Shiatsu reduces pain and promotes peace... by stimulating secretion of endorphins (natural painkillers) which reduce pain, regulate the body's stress response, and determine our moods. Also, touch distracts from pain because there are more nerve pathways communicating touch to the brain than pain.
3. Shiatsu improves internal organ function... by Nerve Reflex Actions. Internal organs are linked to the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and muscles via the nervous system (nerves) and by means of nerve reflex actions disturbances in the function of internal organs can be felt on the surface of the body.
The reverse is also true: by stimulating points close to the spinal column that correspond to a particular spinal nerve, a reflex action is set up and the functioning of the organ fed by that nerve is enhanced!
4. Shiatsu promotes healthy function of your circulation, hormones, and internal organs by... synchronizing and balancing the functions of both divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System. These are vital functions that we have no conscious control over. The comforting, supportive touch given in Shiatsu promotes the funtions of the parasympathetic nervous system, resulting in overall relaxation, calmness and a feeling of tranquility.
5. Shiatsu promotes detoxification and pain-relief by... working on trigger points (ashi points) to clear away toxins like lactic acid and also stimulates the lymph system to drain toxins from the cells, all of which help improve circulation and bring fresh oxygenated blood to the tissues.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Preparations for Receiving Shiatsu
DO
* Wear loose or flexible, longsleeved, clothing such as a sweatsuit that will keep you arm, as the metabolic rate usually slows, leading to feeling cooler. (A blanket will be provided).
* Allow enough time so that you are not arriving in a hurry or rushing away afterward.
* Have a snack or light meal an hour before the session so you are neither full nor hungry.
* Rest afterward; make the rest of the day as relaxing as possible.
* Drink plenty of spring or filtered water to flush out any toxins released.
* If being treated at home, ensure that the room is warm, quiet and free from disturbances.
DON'T
* Drink alcohol on the day of treatment or receive Shiatsu with a serious hang-over.
* Eat large or heavy meals.
* Exercise during the half-hour after the session or more than normal later that day.
* Take an excessively hot bath (heat temporarily "scatters" energy and will interupt the effects of the shiatsu session).
* Wear strong perfume, aftershave or other cosmetics.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your shiatsu therapist.
What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a healing art originating in Japan that uses the power of touch and pressure to promote your natural abilities for self-healing.
Shiatsu is deeply relaxing and yet invigorating, leaving you with a feeling of tranquility and a sense of being in touch with every part of your body.
In a Shiatsu session the practitioner uses pressure with their thumbs, fingers, palms, and sometimes elbows and feet to induce deep relaxation and a feeling of well-being. It is sometimes dynamic and sometimes a more static form of therapy, involving pressure on and stretching of the limbs and torso, kneading and releasing tight muscles and supporting areas of weakness. One important aspect is that the receiver remains clothed during the treatment. Also, the slow and sustained holding pressure actively encourages conscious relaxation.
Shiatsu was developed from traditional oriental massage and, in common with acupuncture, it works upon the body's energetic system using a network of meridians or energy pathways that relate to the functioning of the internal organs as well as one's emotional, psychological and spiritual harmony.
Energy, know as Ki in Japanese (or Qi/Chi in Chinese), flows throughout the body like a system of rivers and canals. Things may happen to upset the smooth flow of Ki, causing blockages or weaknesses and stagnant pools in others. These may lead to physical symptoms, to emotional disturbances, or simply to feeling that "things are just not quite right."
Shiatsu is concerned with prevention. Many physical imbalances and symptoms start as more subtle energetic or psycho-emotional imbalances and if detected early enough they can be prevented. Our goal is to help educate you to be more aware of these signals and initial changes in your body-mind so that you can prevent dis-ease.
Zen Shiatsu is a form of healing that addresses the receiver now, in this moment of need. The person is helped rather than merely the condition.
Generally, no two Shiatsu sessions are alike. The order or work, the choice of meridians to be stimulated, the degree of pressure, and the areas on which to concentrate always change with the receiver's condition.
Self-Care and lifestyle suggestions relating to your condition will also be given at the end of each session.
Shiatsu is deeply relaxing and yet invigorating, leaving you with a feeling of tranquility and a sense of being in touch with every part of your body.
In a Shiatsu session the practitioner uses pressure with their thumbs, fingers, palms, and sometimes elbows and feet to induce deep relaxation and a feeling of well-being. It is sometimes dynamic and sometimes a more static form of therapy, involving pressure on and stretching of the limbs and torso, kneading and releasing tight muscles and supporting areas of weakness. One important aspect is that the receiver remains clothed during the treatment. Also, the slow and sustained holding pressure actively encourages conscious relaxation.
Shiatsu was developed from traditional oriental massage and, in common with acupuncture, it works upon the body's energetic system using a network of meridians or energy pathways that relate to the functioning of the internal organs as well as one's emotional, psychological and spiritual harmony.
Energy, know as Ki in Japanese (or Qi/Chi in Chinese), flows throughout the body like a system of rivers and canals. Things may happen to upset the smooth flow of Ki, causing blockages or weaknesses and stagnant pools in others. These may lead to physical symptoms, to emotional disturbances, or simply to feeling that "things are just not quite right."
Shiatsu is concerned with prevention. Many physical imbalances and symptoms start as more subtle energetic or psycho-emotional imbalances and if detected early enough they can be prevented. Our goal is to help educate you to be more aware of these signals and initial changes in your body-mind so that you can prevent dis-ease.
Zen Shiatsu is a form of healing that addresses the receiver now, in this moment of need. The person is helped rather than merely the condition.
Generally, no two Shiatsu sessions are alike. The order or work, the choice of meridians to be stimulated, the degree of pressure, and the areas on which to concentrate always change with the receiver's condition.
Self-Care and lifestyle suggestions relating to your condition will also be given at the end of each session.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Products
Crystal Body Deodorant
(Click on the above name to go to their web page.)
My wife introduced me to this product and we are both amazed at how effective it is! It's fragrance free, comes in an easy spray on bottle and lasts all day long.
Body odor is actually a byproduct of the perspiration coming into contact with the bacteria on your skin. Eliminate one or the other and you have eliminated body odor. However, it is not healthy to try to stop your body from perspiring (ie. antipersperant). Your body regulates its temperature through perspiration and eliminates a small fraction of toxins that you come in contact with on a daily basis. Eliminating the bacteria from this equation is obviously the healthier choice. And that's what this product does.
Crystal Body Deodorant is made of 100% natural mineral salts, which are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben free, non-sticky, non-staining, dries instantly and leaves no white residue. It can be used by both men and women.
If you have sensitive skin or allergies, or simply want a healthy alternative to mainstream, chemical-laden deodorants, this deodorant is for you!
Also, Crystal Body Deodorant is NOT tested on animals, is safe for the environment and Recommended by Cancer Treatment Centers Nationwide
(Click on the above name to go to their web page.)
My wife introduced me to this product and we are both amazed at how effective it is! It's fragrance free, comes in an easy spray on bottle and lasts all day long.
Body odor is actually a byproduct of the perspiration coming into contact with the bacteria on your skin. Eliminate one or the other and you have eliminated body odor. However, it is not healthy to try to stop your body from perspiring (ie. antipersperant). Your body regulates its temperature through perspiration and eliminates a small fraction of toxins that you come in contact with on a daily basis. Eliminating the bacteria from this equation is obviously the healthier choice. And that's what this product does.
Crystal Body Deodorant is made of 100% natural mineral salts, which are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben free, non-sticky, non-staining, dries instantly and leaves no white residue. It can be used by both men and women.
If you have sensitive skin or allergies, or simply want a healthy alternative to mainstream, chemical-laden deodorants, this deodorant is for you!
Also, Crystal Body Deodorant is NOT tested on animals, is safe for the environment and Recommended by Cancer Treatment Centers Nationwide
Monday, March 3, 2008
Inspirational Quotes
"The foundation and essence of wellness is Joy."
"The Beginning of Health is Sleep." -- Irish Proverb
"I close my eyes and see clearly.
I stop trying to listen and hear truth.
I am silent and my heart sings.
I seek no contact and find union.
I am still and move forward.
I am gentle and need no strength.
I am humble and remain whole."
- Anonymous Taoist Poet
"Love all God's creation, the whole and every grain of sand in it. Love every leaf, every ray of God's light. Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery of things. Once you perceive it, you will begin to comprehend it better every day." -- Dostoevski
"Concepts create idols, only wonder is capable of grasping anything." -- St. Gregory of Nyssa
"There are no ordinary moments" -- Dan Millman
"Should" would if it could...
But it can't. Let's be honest: the thought "should" never accomplished anything. It's a word inherently loaded with negative energy that not only fails to inspire but, worse, it reinforces passivity and guilt. "Should" is a passive-aggressive word. It pretends to care, to intend change. When I say "I should..." it appears as though I'm lifting up values on high but it's really just a weight to the anchor of immobility, a false hope, a pseudo-cheer. We need to wake up to the fact that "should" is always and only an excuse. This realization isn't meant to be depressing. It's meant to help me wake up and see things as they really are. "Should" is standing still and talking about walking rather than simply moving a foot! We should stop using the word ;)
"The Beginning of Health is Sleep." -- Irish Proverb
"I close my eyes and see clearly.
I stop trying to listen and hear truth.
I am silent and my heart sings.
I seek no contact and find union.
I am still and move forward.
I am gentle and need no strength.
I am humble and remain whole."
- Anonymous Taoist Poet
"Love all God's creation, the whole and every grain of sand in it. Love every leaf, every ray of God's light. Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery of things. Once you perceive it, you will begin to comprehend it better every day." -- Dostoevski
"Concepts create idols, only wonder is capable of grasping anything." -- St. Gregory of Nyssa
"There are no ordinary moments" -- Dan Millman
"Should" would if it could...
But it can't. Let's be honest: the thought "should" never accomplished anything. It's a word inherently loaded with negative energy that not only fails to inspire but, worse, it reinforces passivity and guilt. "Should" is a passive-aggressive word. It pretends to care, to intend change. When I say "I should..." it appears as though I'm lifting up values on high but it's really just a weight to the anchor of immobility, a false hope, a pseudo-cheer. We need to wake up to the fact that "should" is always and only an excuse. This realization isn't meant to be depressing. It's meant to help me wake up and see things as they really are. "Should" is standing still and talking about walking rather than simply moving a foot! We should stop using the word ;)
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Integral Transformative Practice
We all know how important exercise is. And many of us are familiar with the idea of cross-training. Well how about spiritual cross-training?! I want to introduce you to a model/lifestyle that will help bring about the greatest and most effective changes in your life. ITP is based on the premise that our being is composed of the Physical, Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual aspects that are all interdependent and "the more dimensions of our being that are simultaneously exercised, the more likely transformation will occur."
The whole point of a modular approach is that you can select from among dozens of legitimate and time-tested practices in each module. A module is simply any aspect of human experience that can be trained. Pick one practice from each module and exercise them concurrently. We are like a guitar with 4 strings, and when all four strings are played simultaneously it produces a beautiful chord.
Also, consider how to exercise body, mind, soul(emotion), and spirit in self, in society and in nature.
1. Body (Physical/Subtle or Causal Practices):
Sample Practices:
Diet (as in lifestyle, longterm dietary choices, not fad-diets).
Weightlifting
Aerobics
Swimming
Walking/Jogging/Running
Hatha Yoga
T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Qi Gong
50% of transformation actually occur at this simple level!!
2. Mind (Framework, View):
Using your mind at whatever level you're at, to the best of your ability. Each level of consciousness gives you the capacity to learn, but it doesn't guarantee that you will do so. Therefore you most excercise willpower, choice, and responsibility.
Sample Practices:
Reading & Study
Belief System
Integral (AQAL) Framework
Mental Training
Taking Multiple Perspectives
Any Worldview or Meaning System that Works for You
Study Spiral Dynamics so as to understand why each meme/level of consiousness is important and what crucial roles they play. By doing this you will engage 2nd Tier thinking in yourself. Links to the founders of Spiral Dynamic are Spiraldynamics.net (Dr.Don Beck) and Spiraldynamics.org (Claire Graves). Also, or alternatively, study the integral approach (integral philosophy, integral Christianity, integral Buddhism, etc.)
Read and Study Integral Books such as:
The Life We Are Given (inspiring and practical book, the authors offer comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for joining body, mind, heart and soul)
What Really Matters
In Over Our Heads
One Taste: Daily Reflections on Integral Spirituality
A Brief History of Everything
A Theory of Everything
Integral Spirituality
Also, if you're really serious about physical fitness and want a very intense approach, check out Steve Ilg's Wholistic Fitness, and his book Total Body Transformation. He integrates 5 fitness disciplines (Strength Training, Cardio, Yoga, Meditation, and Nutrition) with 4 lifestyle principles (breath/posture, mindfulness, appropriate action, and practice) in a unique, inspring and powerful way.
3. Spirit (Meditation/Prayer):
Pursue spirituality of direct experience, rather than anything that merely fosters beliefs, myths, or clinging to lifeless dogmas. "Spiritual," of course, can mean many things; here it particularly refers to meditative or contemplative states training.
Meditation, Contemplation, Contemplative Prayer.
Empirical research has consistently demonstrated that meditation can induce vertical transformation in adults--a shift upward of 2 to 3 levels of consciousness. Whereas this has NOT being demonstrated by bodywork, psychotherapy, shamanic voyaging, holotropic breathwork.
See, you are seeking a higher, permanent stage of spiritual development, not just a temparary state right? In order for altered states to become permanent traits, development must occur so that spiritual realization becomes permanent and enduring rather than fleeting.
However there is value in temporary meditative/contemplative states because they have proven to help accelerate one's development. But don't "settle" for occasional states. Which means, time and effort and training are required. It's worth it!
Sample Practices:
Centering Prayer
Zen
Big Mind Meditation
Kabbalah
Compassionate Exchange
TM
Integral Inquiry
The 1-2-3 of God
4. Shadow (Therapia):
This means getting in touch with the vital-emotional aspects of your being--getting more in touch with spontaneous feelings, vitality, and emotional experiences; developing emotional intelligence and dealing with our "shadow" side and our "blind spots" we'd rather ignore or not delve into. Working with one's shadow, or the repressed unconscious, is an absolutely essential component of any transformative life practice.
Sample Practices:
Gestalt Therapy
Cognitive Therapy
3-2-1 Process (helping convert shadow fm 3rd person symptoms to 2nd person presence to 1st person consciousness)
Dreamwork,
Interpersonal
Psychoanalysis
Art & Music Therapy
Bioenergetics
Reiki
Shiatsu
In Addition to the 4 Core Modules (Body, Mind, Spirit, Shadow), there are also 5 Auxiliary modules to consider: Ethics, Sex, Work, Emotions, and Relationships.
5. Ethics
Sample Practices:
Codes of Conduct
Professional Ethics
Social & Environmental Activism
Self-Discipline
Integral Ethics
Sportsmanship
Vows & Oaths
6. Sex (as a bridge to awakening)
Sample Practices:
Tantra
Integral Sexual Yoga
Kama Sutra
Kundalini Yoga
Sexual Transformative Practice
7. Work in the World
Sample Practices:
Right Livelihood
Professional Training
Money Management
Work as modes of ILP
Karma Yoga
Community Service & Volunteering
Work as Transformation
8. Transmuting Negative Emotions
Sample Practices:
Transforming Emotions
Emotional Intelligence Training
Bhakti Yoga/ Devotional Practices
Emotional Mindfulness Practice
Tonglen (Compassionate Exchange Meditation)
Creative Expression & Art
9. Relationships
Focuses on using one's most significant relationships not only as a means of transformation, but as an expression of integral awareness, with practices spanning parenting, couples, and marriage.
Sample Practices:
Integral Relationships
Integral Parenting
Communication Skills
Couples Therapy
Relational Spiritual Practice
Right Association (Sangha)
Conscious Marriage
The whole point of a modular approach is that you can select from among dozens of legitimate and time-tested practices in each module. A module is simply any aspect of human experience that can be trained. Pick one practice from each module and exercise them concurrently. We are like a guitar with 4 strings, and when all four strings are played simultaneously it produces a beautiful chord.
Also, consider how to exercise body, mind, soul(emotion), and spirit in self, in society and in nature.
1. Body (Physical/Subtle or Causal Practices):
Sample Practices:
Diet (as in lifestyle, longterm dietary choices, not fad-diets).
Weightlifting
Aerobics
Swimming
Walking/Jogging/Running
Hatha Yoga
T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Qi Gong
50% of transformation actually occur at this simple level!!
2. Mind (Framework, View):
Using your mind at whatever level you're at, to the best of your ability. Each level of consciousness gives you the capacity to learn, but it doesn't guarantee that you will do so. Therefore you most excercise willpower, choice, and responsibility.
Sample Practices:
Reading & Study
Belief System
Integral (AQAL) Framework
Mental Training
Taking Multiple Perspectives
Any Worldview or Meaning System that Works for You
Study Spiral Dynamics so as to understand why each meme/level of consiousness is important and what crucial roles they play. By doing this you will engage 2nd Tier thinking in yourself. Links to the founders of Spiral Dynamic are Spiraldynamics.net (Dr.Don Beck) and Spiraldynamics.org (Claire Graves). Also, or alternatively, study the integral approach (integral philosophy, integral Christianity, integral Buddhism, etc.)
Read and Study Integral Books such as:
The Life We Are Given (inspiring and practical book, the authors offer comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for joining body, mind, heart and soul)
What Really Matters
In Over Our Heads
One Taste: Daily Reflections on Integral Spirituality
A Brief History of Everything
A Theory of Everything
Integral Spirituality
Also, if you're really serious about physical fitness and want a very intense approach, check out Steve Ilg's Wholistic Fitness, and his book Total Body Transformation. He integrates 5 fitness disciplines (Strength Training, Cardio, Yoga, Meditation, and Nutrition) with 4 lifestyle principles (breath/posture, mindfulness, appropriate action, and practice) in a unique, inspring and powerful way.
3. Spirit (Meditation/Prayer):
Pursue spirituality of direct experience, rather than anything that merely fosters beliefs, myths, or clinging to lifeless dogmas. "Spiritual," of course, can mean many things; here it particularly refers to meditative or contemplative states training.
Meditation, Contemplation, Contemplative Prayer.
Empirical research has consistently demonstrated that meditation can induce vertical transformation in adults--a shift upward of 2 to 3 levels of consciousness. Whereas this has NOT being demonstrated by bodywork, psychotherapy, shamanic voyaging, holotropic breathwork.
See, you are seeking a higher, permanent stage of spiritual development, not just a temparary state right? In order for altered states to become permanent traits, development must occur so that spiritual realization becomes permanent and enduring rather than fleeting.
However there is value in temporary meditative/contemplative states because they have proven to help accelerate one's development. But don't "settle" for occasional states. Which means, time and effort and training are required. It's worth it!Sample Practices:
Centering Prayer
Zen
Big Mind Meditation
Kabbalah
Compassionate Exchange
TM
Integral Inquiry
The 1-2-3 of God
4. Shadow (Therapia):
This means getting in touch with the vital-emotional aspects of your being--getting more in touch with spontaneous feelings, vitality, and emotional experiences; developing emotional intelligence and dealing with our "shadow" side and our "blind spots" we'd rather ignore or not delve into. Working with one's shadow, or the repressed unconscious, is an absolutely essential component of any transformative life practice.
Sample Practices:
Gestalt Therapy
Cognitive Therapy
3-2-1 Process (helping convert shadow fm 3rd person symptoms to 2nd person presence to 1st person consciousness)
Dreamwork,
Interpersonal
Psychoanalysis
Art & Music Therapy
Bioenergetics
Reiki
Shiatsu
In Addition to the 4 Core Modules (Body, Mind, Spirit, Shadow), there are also 5 Auxiliary modules to consider: Ethics, Sex, Work, Emotions, and Relationships.
5. Ethics
Sample Practices:
Codes of Conduct
Professional Ethics
Social & Environmental Activism
Self-Discipline
Integral Ethics
Sportsmanship
Vows & Oaths
6. Sex (as a bridge to awakening)
Sample Practices:
Tantra
Integral Sexual Yoga
Kama Sutra
Kundalini Yoga
Sexual Transformative Practice
7. Work in the World
Sample Practices:
Right Livelihood
Professional Training
Money Management
Work as modes of ILP
Karma Yoga
Community Service & Volunteering
Work as Transformation
8. Transmuting Negative Emotions
Sample Practices:
Transforming Emotions
Emotional Intelligence Training
Bhakti Yoga/ Devotional Practices
Emotional Mindfulness Practice
Tonglen (Compassionate Exchange Meditation)
Creative Expression & Art
9. Relationships
Focuses on using one's most significant relationships not only as a means of transformation, but as an expression of integral awareness, with practices spanning parenting, couples, and marriage.
Sample Practices:
Integral Relationships
Integral Parenting
Communication Skills
Couples Therapy
Relational Spiritual Practice
Right Association (Sangha)
Conscious Marriage
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Resources: Websites
Dr.Andrew Weil
Yoga Journal
Kripalu
Apartment Therapy
Stephen R. Covey/ 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Franklin-Covey
Soundstrue
Yoga Journal
Kripalu
Apartment Therapy
Stephen R. Covey/ 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Franklin-Covey
Soundstrue
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
