Healthy Connections » stress

Stress and Rebalancing from an Ayurvedic Perspective

Karie Wik — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 17:54:32 +0000

Part I How Stress Happens
If you have ever heard the expression, ‘good things (or bad things) come in threes’ it might be of interest that the ancient vedic philosophy, out of which arose the study of Ayurveda also places much emphasis on groupings of three. If you have only learned the basics of Ayurveda you most likely think first about the three doshas. Another important group of three are the three universal qualities, or gunas: rajas, sattva, and tamas represented by activity, balance, and inertia respectively.

Another way to describe each quality is:
Rajas is passion, stimulating, intense
Sattva is healthy, simple, balanced
Tamas is still, dull, calm

Although Sattva is the ideal quality, the trick is in balancing the necessary amounts of rajas and tamas to create the perfect mix. And while we discuss the three primary doshas in regards to a person’s body, mind and spirit, the three gunas are primarily discussed for their influence on the quality of the mind.

This leads us to the subject of stress – why, according to Ayurveda it arises and how to rebalance and combat stress.

The cycle can begin with an imbalance in the mind; too much rajas (stimulation) or too much tamas (inertia.) The body notices an imbalance and subcategories of each dosha work to rebalance the body. In essence, pitta over burns, vata over dries, and/or kapha over lubricates all in an effort to protect the body.

Over time, physiologically this ‘over’ producing by the subdoshas creates an environment ripe for toxins to collect in the internal system, and signals the release of cortisol, or the “stress hormone” secreted by the adrenal glands in order to bring the body back to healthy functioning. Chronic stress in the body/mind can lead to persistently high levels of cortisol, known at times to suppress the immune system, cause sleep disturbances and increase blood pressure and heart rate, as well as an inability to deactivate the sympathetic nervous system (or fight or flight response.)

Part II How to Return to a Healthy Balance

Once stress, or chronic stress is present in the body it may be helpful to first soothe the symptoms and later address the root cause. Excellent and supportive ways to do this are therapeutic touch, meditation, breathing exercises, and a nourishing daily routine.

For the purpose of this article, we will focus on the benefits of therapeutic touch. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies have found massage helpful in relieving stress, managing anxiety, pain, and depression, controlling blood pressure and increasing immunity.

Massage can help to reset the nervous system by stimulating the sensory organs and allowing the brain to ‘turn itself off’ temporarily. Flowing strokes that cover larger area of the body can promote circulation in the cardiovascular, lymph and limbic systems, flushing toxins out of the tissues where they might be stuck, and rushing nutrient rich fluids to those tissues and organs.

Ideally, your therapist, as s/he lays hands on you is, centered and connected to the ground with all its supportive, rejuvenating energy. As you receive massage it is also possible to passively receive all the benefits of being grounded, centered and serene through this conduit. Your body/mind consequently has an internal snapshot of what it feels like to be balanced and well. While the effects are never permanent the experience will leave a strong impression nonetheless.

As we head into the holiday season, a most stress-filled time for many of us, remember to prioritize self-care as this is the best and only way you can give loving care to others.

For additional reading on stress and ayurvedic theory, links to two excellent article below:

http://www.yogajournal.com/health/1517
http://www.jiva.org/ayurveda/ayurveda/article-104.asp

kariew, Ayurvedic http://www.ayubwc.com/newsletter/index.php?entry=entry101111-103034

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Exercise and counseling against stress and depression.

Marina Lando — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:10:57 +0000

Heather Brewer, who has Master Degrees in Social Work and Exercise Physiology, noticed a strong link between negative emotions, lack of exercise and heart disease during her work at the rehabilitation center for people with heart and lungs problems.

The further research convinced her that she is right.

Exercise and counseling seams so natural to combine. Even mild exercises metabolize stress hormones of cortisol and adrenaline.

Heather meets her clients at the park for a walk and talk. She noticed that her clients gain new prospective easier with this approach.

Exercise increases serotonin (the hormone of serenity and happiness) naturally. The 16 weeks long study of 4 groups of mildly depressed patients (one group took an antidepressant, one group took placebo, one group exercised at home alone and the 4th group exercised in supervised group setting.) showed no significant difference between the group taking the antidepressant and either of the exercise groups. Exercise was just as effective as the anti-depressant. Not to overlook one small, “insignificant” fact: exercises have no side effects.

“People are under a lot of stress nowadays. But it is not the bad economy, or personal problems that make our life miserable, it’s our responses. Everybody has power and control. I teach people how to change behavior patterns and keep the body resilient to stress by regular exercise and healthy choices”

“Blaming, complaining and worry – is passive and make one powerless. Self-awareness, self responsibility, and conscious choices are power and put you in control.”

Heather Brewer, a licensed clinical social worker, runs her own practice for 3.5 years from her office close to the Wake Forest Historic downtown.

Heather Brewer can answer questions at:

(919) 349-8246

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Triangle Feldenkrais, offers amazing recovery through movement.

Marina Lando — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:11:09 +0000

: Robert Boyd, owner of Triangle Feldenkrais

Feldenkrais and everything becomes possible. You move again with no pain. Felden… what? Too good to be true?

To understand and accept the Feldenkrais Method®, formulated in the 40s by Moshé Feldenkrais, you have to detach yourself from the western mindset. From seeing your body as a poor handicap in constant need of pills and surgeries to realizing that the body is the most powerful healing tool we’ve ever been given and sometimes it just needs a little push.

In short the Feldenkrais Method reprograms the brain. It sounds too simple and too complicated at the same time. And very confusing.

Robert Boyd, owner of Triangle Feldenkrais, works with those in need of rehabilitation after injuries and athletes who want to improve their performance:

“My journey started with the car accident which resulted in short term memory loss. It was frightening. I was afraid to lose my job. Doctors did not have a lot of options for me. And then I discovered the Feldenkrais Method. Regular sessions restored me to my usual self. I was so impressed that I decided to learn it and help people regain their health,” said Robert.

“Feldenkrais Method starts with the physical body. Movement helps the brain build new connections reprogramming itself. New connections improve movement and help the body to restore,” – he explains.

Feldenkrais Method helps musicians, dancers, athletes, children with special needs and anybody who wants to improve quality of life and learn to:

Ease chronic discomfort
Improve posture and flexibility
Prevent injuries
Reduce stress
Improve concentration

To become a Feldenkrais Practitioner one must take a professional training program generally lasting three-to-four-years, leading to professional certification. It is now offered by thousands of practitioners, doctors and physical therapists all over the world.

The founder of the method Moshé Feldenkrais once said: “What we are after is not just more flexible bodies, but more flexible minds.”

Robert Boyd offers 1 hour Feldenkrais sessions at his Raleigh office just across from Whole Foods. Some of his clients may experience significant changes in a matter of fifteen minutes. The charge is $75 for an hour session and about $15 for a group class.

For more information contact:

Robert Boyd

919-306-4681

http://www.trianglefeldenkrais.com

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Raleigh International Festival as a cure for depression from self-inflicted house arrest.

Marina Lando — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:42:34 +0000

Let’s face it: people are social animals. For centuries we lived in tightly knit communities, knew everybody in the village and spent days gossiping, celebrating, suffering and rebuilding together. Spending time alone in a prison cell – was always a punishment.

We can not survive alone emotionally. Computers and TV shows will never be a sufficient substitution for a human contact, a touch, a smile, a whisper, an experience.

As the number of deaths from the misuse of prescription drugs are soaring and the number of antidepressant prescriptions uncontrollably climbs up (and the age of antidepressant users goes down) we should ask ourselves: What did we do to deserve it?

And the answer is: we stay at home alone, we imposed a house arrest, and we just go out for working and shopping. Less and less people attend community events, more and more hours are spent in front of a TV or a computer or a video game. We grew fat and unhappy and alone. Depressing isn’t it? No, it is not a time for a pill or an ice cream. It is a time to break free.

Annual International Festival of Raleigh is a perfect opportunity to break the habit and take some time from your busy “in front of TV” schedule to get out into the crowd.

Consider it a healthy exercise, a therapy.

Dancing and singing was originally used to build bonds among tribe members before a hunt or a war or a big celebration. So join in the dance, feel how wonderful it is to be a part of something bigger. Have fun, talk to a complete stranger, smile, sample endless national foods, shop for wonders from other countries, ask questions, and free yourself of a bad mood from self-inflicted house arrest.

The festival will take place October 2 – 4.

For more information visit Annual International Festival of Raleigh on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=86801601332&ref=ts

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HeartMath: Power of Dialogue, Inc helps to reduce stress and re-learn the happiness.

Marina Lando — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:16:04 +0000

Marilyn Shannon

Do you know that you can be brain dead, but you can not be heart dead? Does your breathing make you sick? Do you know that improper breathing can trigger panic?

Do you know the secret formula of life?

Event + response = outcome

Our response is dictated by our stress level. Our stress level affects our breathing that becomes fast and shallow. Our breathing affects all our organs and first of all the heart rate. Increased heart rate destroys the harmony that exists in our body and induces excessive production of stress hormone cortisone. Too much cortisone is not healthy and is hard to get out of the system. Cortisone also stops the production of DHEA, a vitally important hormone building block, dramatically decreasing our memory, immune system response and muscles flexibility

For seven years, Marilyn Shannon, a life coach and a mediator and the founder of Power of Dialogue, used HeartMath breathing technique to training clients of all ages to change the response, shift attitude, and create different emotional landscape and as a result changing the outcome.

HeartMath breathing technique helps with:

ADD
Stress management
Eating disorders
Concentration and creativity
Addictions
Test preparation
Insomnia
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Intuition
Positive emotions development

“HeartMath breathing technique helps developing ability to live the moment, to be present in the moment.”, – said Marilyn. –“It gives us opportunity to be clear, to receive the information faster, and to react appropriately.”

The sensor attached to the ear or finger measures the HRV, heart rate variability that is closely related to our emotions, and sends a reading to sophisticated software that presents heart’s beats on the computer screen.

“When you develop the balance, you can do anything. “, – Marilyn uses numerous therapeutic computer games assisting her clients with the proper breathing techniques so they can achieve their goals from concentration and stress management, to addictions and depression.

Many American hospitals use HeartMath. Our local emergency room staff at Duke Hospital, one of the top American hospitals, uses HeartMath to lower doctor’s and nurses’ stress level.

HeartMath breathing techniques is easy to learn and easy to apply even by children as young as three years of age.

Marilyn Shannon can be reached at:
(919) 362-7133
http://www.powerofdialogue.com/

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Acupuncture Center of Cary provides gentle Japanese style acupuncture since 1996

Marina Lando — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:48:12 +0000

Bonnie Shwery, MA, L.Ac, became interested in acupuncture after receiving treatment in the early seventies. She started her studies in England, with its long established tradition of using alternative medicine, and acupuncture particularly. She graduated from England’s prominent acupuncture college, the College of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, in 1988. She also holds a diploma of Chinese Herbal Medicine from the London College of Chinese Herbal Medicine.

After returning home to the United States she had the opportunity to learn Japanese acupuncture with well-known acupuncturist Kiiko Matsumoto, who studied with many top acupuncture masters in Japan.

In 1995 Bonnie moved back to North Carolina, where she was born, and established Acupuncture Center of Cary with her husband Dr. Richard Shwery, OMD, L.Ac. (who has thirty years of experience).

The World Health Organization has established that acupuncture is effective against almost forty diseases, including those of gynecology, gastroenterology, urology and neurology.

“Japanese style acupuncture is somewhat different from the traditional Chinese methods. The acupuncture points are the same, though the location of some points is slightly different, and a few extra points are used,” said Bonnie Shwery, MA, L.Ac. “The main philosophy is to determine the organ that is not functioning properly, and to improve the whole system to bring the affected organ into balance. Japanese needles are also thinner and the insertion technique is gentler and more comfortable.”

“Diagnosing is also different,” she continued. “In the Japanese system we use abdominal palpation to determine the tender points that show patterns of disharmony in the body. And then we use needles to bring the body back into harmony”.

Bonnie, who has been practicing acupuncture for twenty-one years, has helped a lot of people with chronic conditions regain their health and feel better. After the initial course of weekly treatments, some of her patients continue to come, but less frequently, such as every two months or on an as-needed basis for seasonal problems, or as a ‘tune-up.’ Expect your first visit to last up to two hours and the following visits for about an hour.

Many people come to get relief from pain and inflammation, including back pain and arthritis. Acupuncture can help regulate most body processes, such as:

* blood pressure (hypertension and hypotension),
* digestion,
* gynecological problems,
* fertility and morning sickness,
* anxiety.

It reduces sinus congestion, lessens allergic reactions and reduces stress and insomnia to name a few more. Some diseases, like blood sugar problems, can be treated in the very early stages at the acupuncturist’s office before it develops into a full-blown medical condition.

With the combined experience of more than fifty years the husband-wife team at Acupuncture Center of Cary offers alternative ways of treatment and prevention to the growing Triangle community.

They can be reached at:
Acupuncture Center of Cary
http://www.acupuncturecenterofcary.com
875 Walnut Street, Suite 320
Cary, NC, 27511
Telephone (919) 461-0730

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