Mind/body effects are part of almost every health-related issue. Our attitudes, derived from our families, our life experiences and their interpretations, determine how we respond to the challenges and opportunities life offers us. We all know people who seem to make the best of even the most difficult situations, as we all know people who can make a tragedy out of a windfall opportunity.
Our temperaments also effect how we respond to stress, in turn the way we respond to stress has significant effects on our vulnerability to illness, our ability to heal from illness, and our ability to cope with the effects of illness. However, we are also capable of learning and changing our responses to issues that affect our health and well-being.
In the last 20 years, we have learned a great deal about the interconnectedness of the mind and body, and much of the research indicates that we can learn to use our minds to support the health and well-being of our bodies.
Mind/body medicine covers a great deal of ground, from our preformed attitudes and beliefs about health, illness, and healing, to the way we interact with health professionals and support people, to skills such as relaxation and imagery that can have specific effects on our physiologic states. Many approaches to working with the mind/body have been shown useful since the late 1960s, with many derived from ancient meditative and healing traditions from the orient.
Imagery, which is simply thinking in sensory terms, has a long and varied history in the healing traditions of mankind. Imagery is a central and omnipresent component of all healing experiences when we consider the vital roles played by placebos, suggestion, and positive expectant faith. Many people are aware of the use of guided imagery to help people relax ( by imagining themselves in a relaxing place), to relieve pain or other symptoms ( by imagining in some way a healing or soothing action in the affected area), or to set goals, mentally rehearse, and provide motivation for action.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Disclaimer
Medical data is for informational purposes only. You should always consult your family physician, health care provider, or Healing professional.
This site does not provide medical or any other health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This site offers information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, your health-care professional or other personal medical attention. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment.
Do not delay seeking treatment, or disregard medical advice, based on information on this site. Medical information changes rapidly, and while this site makes efforts to post updates, it may not contain the most recent research or information.
This site does not provide medical or any other health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This site offers information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, your health-care professional or other personal medical attention. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment.
Do not delay seeking treatment, or disregard medical advice, based on information on this site. Medical information changes rapidly, and while this site makes efforts to post updates, it may not contain the most recent research or information.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure is an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force energy to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses gentle but firm pressure.
Energy Work: The most potent form of energy work uses acupressure points. Energy (know as Chi or Qi) flows most freely when you touch, press, or hold the points in bodywork. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) these healing points are the gateways to the body's life energy force. This universal energy source is also the basis of the Martial Arts and Healing Arts. The flow of this vital healing energy governs blood circulation and the function and balance of the human body. Studying the location and how to touch these acupuncture points is key to transformational energy work and massage therapy.
Advantages of using acupressure include relieving pain, balancing the body and maintaining good health. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness.
Several kinds of acupressure are taught at the Institute all using the same ancient trigger points. Varying rhythms, pressures, and techniques create different styles of acupressure. Shiatsu, for instance, the most well-known style of acupressure, can be quite vigorous, with firm pressure applied to each point for only three to five seconds, while the Jin Shin style of acupressure gently holds each point for a minute or more. We teach a variety of bodywork styles along with massage on tables and floor mats. Our graduates are encouraged to integrate hands-on techniques for enhancing and individualizing their sessions.
Energy Work: The most potent form of energy work uses acupressure points. Energy (know as Chi or Qi) flows most freely when you touch, press, or hold the points in bodywork. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) these healing points are the gateways to the body's life energy force. This universal energy source is also the basis of the Martial Arts and Healing Arts. The flow of this vital healing energy governs blood circulation and the function and balance of the human body. Studying the location and how to touch these acupuncture points is key to transformational energy work and massage therapy.
Advantages of using acupressure include relieving pain, balancing the body and maintaining good health. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness.
Several kinds of acupressure are taught at the Institute all using the same ancient trigger points. Varying rhythms, pressures, and techniques create different styles of acupressure. Shiatsu, for instance, the most well-known style of acupressure, can be quite vigorous, with firm pressure applied to each point for only three to five seconds, while the Jin Shin style of acupressure gently holds each point for a minute or more. We teach a variety of bodywork styles along with massage on tables and floor mats. Our graduates are encouraged to integrate hands-on techniques for enhancing and individualizing their sessions.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Tip of the day - Don't Delay It Can Be Deadly
Most people having a heart attack wait too long to seek medical help, and that can be a fatal mistake. People often take a wait-and-see approach, delaying because they:
* Do not recognize the symptoms of a heart attack — shortness of breath, chest pain, or discomfort in the upper back, neck, jaw or arms — and think that what they are feeling is due to something else.
* Are afraid or unwilling to admit that their symptoms could be serious.
* Are embarrassed about "causing a scene," or going to the hospital and finding out it is a false alarm.
* Do not understand the importance of getting to the hospital right away.
As a result, most heart attack victims wait two or more hours after their symptoms begin before they seek medical help. This delay can result in death or permanent heart damage — damage that can greatly reduce their ability to do everyday activities.
If you think you're having a heart attack, do not wait to call for medical help. Minutes do make a difference!
* Do not recognize the symptoms of a heart attack — shortness of breath, chest pain, or discomfort in the upper back, neck, jaw or arms — and think that what they are feeling is due to something else.
* Are afraid or unwilling to admit that their symptoms could be serious.
* Are embarrassed about "causing a scene," or going to the hospital and finding out it is a false alarm.
* Do not understand the importance of getting to the hospital right away.
As a result, most heart attack victims wait two or more hours after their symptoms begin before they seek medical help. This delay can result in death or permanent heart damage — damage that can greatly reduce their ability to do everyday activities.
If you think you're having a heart attack, do not wait to call for medical help. Minutes do make a difference!
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Fun Brain Excercises
Brain Exercises
Just like your body, your mind needs exercise to remain healthy.
One way to keep your brain nimble is to practice a technique called neurobics, which uses your senses to help create new connections in areas of the brain that process sensory input. Done regularly, these simple practices can help keep your mind sharp and ready to tackle new challenges.
A neurobic exercise is one that involves the use of one or more or your senses in a novel way, engages your attention, and adds an unexpected element to a routine activity. Here are some examples:
* Use your non-dominant hand as you go through your morning rituals such as combing or styling your hair, getting dressed, brushing your teeth, and making your breakfast.
* Close your eyes as you shower and use your sense of touch to locate your soap and wash yourself.
* Turn the pictures on your desk or shelves upside down.
* Experience new sights and sounds by going to a new ethnic or farmer's market or bakery.
* When you travel abroad, immerse yourself completely in unfamiliar surroundings. For example, go to a small town where no one speaks your language, try new foods, and stay in a local bed-and-breakfast.
Just like your body, your mind needs exercise to remain healthy.
One way to keep your brain nimble is to practice a technique called neurobics, which uses your senses to help create new connections in areas of the brain that process sensory input. Done regularly, these simple practices can help keep your mind sharp and ready to tackle new challenges.
A neurobic exercise is one that involves the use of one or more or your senses in a novel way, engages your attention, and adds an unexpected element to a routine activity. Here are some examples:
* Use your non-dominant hand as you go through your morning rituals such as combing or styling your hair, getting dressed, brushing your teeth, and making your breakfast.
* Close your eyes as you shower and use your sense of touch to locate your soap and wash yourself.
* Turn the pictures on your desk or shelves upside down.
* Experience new sights and sounds by going to a new ethnic or farmer's market or bakery.
* When you travel abroad, immerse yourself completely in unfamiliar surroundings. For example, go to a small town where no one speaks your language, try new foods, and stay in a local bed-and-breakfast.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Recipe - Smashed Spiced Sweet Potatoes
Active time: 20 minutes | Total: 1 1/4 hours| To Make Ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Chile powder, cumin and ginger combined with a touch of maple syrup create a spicy-sweet flavor addition to a traditional Thanksgiving player.
4 pounds sweet potatoes (4-5 large)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin seeds, toasted and ground (see Tip)
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Preheat oven to 350°F. Pierce each sweet potato in several places with a fork. Place directly on the oven rack and roast until soft, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Transfer to a cutting board; let stand until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes. Slip off the skins and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch slices; transfer to a large bowl. Add butter. Smash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or fork until fluffy but some lumps remain. Add maple syrup, chili powder, ground cumin, ginger, salt and pepper; stir to combine.
Makes 12 servings, 1/2 cup each.
Per serving: 113 calories; 2 g fat (1 g sat, 1 g mono); 5 mg cholesterol; 22 g carbohydrate; 2 g protein; 3 g fiber; 243 mg sodium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin A (360% daily value), Vitamin C (30% dv).
Tip: Toast cumin seeds in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool. Grind in a spice mill or blender into a fine powder
Chile powder, cumin and ginger combined with a touch of maple syrup create a spicy-sweet flavor addition to a traditional Thanksgiving player.
4 pounds sweet potatoes (4-5 large)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin seeds, toasted and ground (see Tip)
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Preheat oven to 350°F. Pierce each sweet potato in several places with a fork. Place directly on the oven rack and roast until soft, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Transfer to a cutting board; let stand until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes. Slip off the skins and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch slices; transfer to a large bowl. Add butter. Smash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or fork until fluffy but some lumps remain. Add maple syrup, chili powder, ground cumin, ginger, salt and pepper; stir to combine.
Makes 12 servings, 1/2 cup each.
Per serving: 113 calories; 2 g fat (1 g sat, 1 g mono); 5 mg cholesterol; 22 g carbohydrate; 2 g protein; 3 g fiber; 243 mg sodium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin A (360% daily value), Vitamin C (30% dv).
Tip: Toast cumin seeds in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool. Grind in a spice mill or blender into a fine powder
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Recipe - Braised Tofu
I love the braised tofu served at Chinese restaurants,
but at home I like to make it healthier (without the deep
frying). In my version, I use a lot of vegetables to make it
more filling for a lot less calories. This dish is good
both over rice or stand alone. Prep Time: approx. 10
Minutes. Cook Time: approx. 20 Minutes. Ready in: approx. 30
Minutes. Makes 4 servings.
Printed from Allrecipes, Submitted by Melissa
1 (14 ounce) package firm tofu
cooking spray
3 teaspoons sesame oil, divided
1 (8 ounce) can water
chestnuts, drained
3 ounces fresh shiitake
mushrooms, stems removed
1 1/2 cups snow peas, trimmed
1/2 teaspoon oyster flavored sauce
1 cup water
Directions
1 Slice tofu block into 3 long slabs lengthwise. Wrap
each slab in paper towels, and press to squeeze out excess water.
2 Coat a large skillet with cooking spray, and then add 2
teaspoons sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu slabs
to the skillet. Fry for about 5 minutes on each side, or
until delicately browned.
3 Remove tofu from skillet, and slice into cubes. Add the
remaining teaspoon sesame oil to the skillet, and stir fry the
water chestnuts, mushrooms and snow peas. Mix together water
and oyster sauce, and add to the skillet along with the
tofu. Cover, and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes.
Note:
Vegetarians may use mushroom based oyster flavored sauce to
make this recipe!
but at home I like to make it healthier (without the deep
frying). In my version, I use a lot of vegetables to make it
more filling for a lot less calories. This dish is good
both over rice or stand alone. Prep Time: approx. 10
Minutes. Cook Time: approx. 20 Minutes. Ready in: approx. 30
Minutes. Makes 4 servings.
Printed from Allrecipes, Submitted by Melissa
1 (14 ounce) package firm tofu
cooking spray
3 teaspoons sesame oil, divided
1 (8 ounce) can water
chestnuts, drained
3 ounces fresh shiitake
mushrooms, stems removed
1 1/2 cups snow peas, trimmed
1/2 teaspoon oyster flavored sauce
1 cup water
Directions
1 Slice tofu block into 3 long slabs lengthwise. Wrap
each slab in paper towels, and press to squeeze out excess water.
2 Coat a large skillet with cooking spray, and then add 2
teaspoons sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu slabs
to the skillet. Fry for about 5 minutes on each side, or
until delicately browned.
3 Remove tofu from skillet, and slice into cubes. Add the
remaining teaspoon sesame oil to the skillet, and stir fry the
water chestnuts, mushrooms and snow peas. Mix together water
and oyster sauce, and add to the skillet along with the
tofu. Cover, and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes.
Note:
Vegetarians may use mushroom based oyster flavored sauce to
make this recipe!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
