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Guided Imagery: A wonderful Tool for Healing
By Sandy McDermott, LCPC
Guided imagery uses the power of your mind to create images and sensations that promote psychological and physical well-being.
Through visualization, you are led in meditation, accompanied by calming music. With practice, many people can do it on their own at
any time or place.
This wonderful tool helps physically, emotionally and spiritually. Research shows benefits include reduction of stress and anxiety,
less depression, minimized aches and pains, more restful sleep and an overall boost in the entire immune system.
Hospital programs practicing integrative approaches use it to help patients prior to surgery to create more positive outcomes with less
pain and faster recovery time. Cancer patients are able to better manage the side effects of chemotherapy and other drugs.
Psychotherapists use it to access unconscious beliefs, release anger, find solutions to problems, and create tranquil states that often
lead to deeper spiritual connection.
For your own healing, the easiest was to use guided imagery is to obtain a CD to listen to at your leisure. You can also find scripts in
books or create your own with a psychotherapist. Practicing imagery on a regular basis yields remarkable results and can be a
profound healing and empowering experience.
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What is Shiatsu?
By Grace Hughes, LMT
Japanese Shiatsu-Anma massage combines ancient Chinese energy work with modern Japanese Shiatsu therapy. Deep pressure
is applied to acupressure points along major energy meridians in the body, unblocking channels to relieve physical pain and tension.
The massage is preformed over loose, comfortable clothing as the muscles in the legs,arms and neck are gently manipulated to achieve
deep stretches.
Shiatsu helps the whole being, from the physical to the spiritual. Benefits of Shiatsu include deep muscle and tissue relaxation,
stress reduction, release of toxins, increased blood circulation and improved flexibility, all balancing the chi (energy) which often leads to deeper
mental and spiritual awareness.
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Some like it Hot. . .
by Jasmin Morelli, LMT
The origins of hot stone therapy can be traced back to ancient cultures, including the Native Americans. But it wasn't until
1993, when Mary Hannigan of Tucson, Arizona, trademarked her technique called LaStone that it regained its popularity.
Round smooth stones are heated to about 120 to 140 degrees and placed on key points of the body and used to massage
specific areas. Basalt, a black volcanic rock, is commonly used because it is rich in iron and retains heat well. Oil is applied lib-
erally to ensure a flawless glide. Heat penetrates, relaxing tense muscles, allowing the therapist to go even deeper with minimal
pressure. This releases toxins, eases pain and relieves stress, in-ducing unparalleled relaxation. Energy channels are unblocked,
rejuvenating the body, mind and spirit.
As your body goes into its restorative mode this Summer, give it a special treat. If you always have cold hands and feet or tend to
feel chilly a the slightest dip in the temperature, hot stone therapy might be for you.
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What is Naprapathy?
By Ann Bova, D.N.
Founded in 1907 by Dr. Oakley Smith, Naprapathy (na-prah-path-ee) is a branch of medicine that focuses on the evaluation
and treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions involving the connective tissues throughout the body. Some examples of these
tissues are ligaments, tendons, nerves, fascia, cartilage and disks. When they are combined due to injury, overuse, or imbalance,
it often results in reduced function and pain.
Naprapathic treatment involves gentle manipulation of connective tissue to restore balance to joints and spinal segments where
contractures, compression, and/or nerve impingements may be present.
Commonly treated conditions include back, neck and shoulder pain, tingling & numbness, hip & joint pain, sciatica, headache,
TMJ, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, and many other musculoskeletal conditions.
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