Jen Hilgert ~ Holistic Therapy

Half Marathon Training Update

2012-01-30T22:29:00.000-08:00

Today I completed my first 8 mile run. This was the farthest I’ve ever run, ever! Last week I ran my first 5 mile run and preceding that I completed two 3 mile runs. Up to that I haven’t done all that much running. I ran almost 3 miles in November and outside of that I’ve only completed runs less than 2 miles.

I was supposed to be training all December and January as part of my winter fitness challenge but I got behind because of the holidays. I returned from Christmas feeling pretty out of shape. I figured that because I hadn’t been doing my 3 mile practice runs that I was supposed to be doing most of January that I had probably missed my opportunity to be ready for my half marathon by the end of March.

Then a few weeks ago I was out with my friend Cameron (also my kick-ass personal trainer) who told someone that I was going to do that half marathon. “Oh really?” I thought. I realized that if she was going to be telling people I was doing a half marathon that I was going to have to start training again. I in no way felt ready or thought that I would have enough time to prepare though.

I had imagined that when I did the marathon that I would run the entire 13 miles without walking. So on my first two runs I felt a little bummed because I wanted to stop and a couple of times walked part of the distance. But on my 5 mile run I started to feel more at ease with running and it actually felt easier than the 3 mile runs. I still had to walk a little because I had a really bad side cramp but it was very brief. Overall the run felt great and I was still completely on track with my original training program. I had also come to accept that I would do this half marathon even if I had to walk some of it. I wasn’t going to let my desire for perfection keep me from accomplishing my goal.

Moving forward, I was excited all weekend that I would be running my very first 8 mile run today and even bragging about it. But when today came I realized that I felt afraid and it didn’t sound like fun. I actually postponed it by several hours and then considered not doing it until tomorrow. I knew that wouldn’t work though because I had so much to do tomorrow that I would not do it then either. I wondered why I was even doing it when the idea of running 8 miles seemed really impossible and painful. Nevertheless, I texted Cameron and told her I was going to do it (she’s been my awesome virtual running buddy). But even then I delayed for another half hour. I just didn’t want to go. But because I told Cameron that I was going to, I knew I had to. It’s also the reason I didn’t bail out last week because of the rain. She would have no sympathy for me because she knows more than anyone that I can do it (thank you Cameron).

Finally I ventured out, I set my music set to Bjork, something slow to keep my pace. I started running and it didn’t feel so bad after all. Then I started to realize that I was approaching the midway point to my last run, but this time without walking and that felt great, but I had further to go today. I was increasing my mileage by 3 miles. As I started to near 4 miles I started thinking about how great it would be if I could just make it to half way without walking. Then I arrived at the half way point and thought about how great it would be if I could run the whole way.

I started visualizing myself running the last stretch by Ohlone Park, and then arriving at my house. I could post it on Facebook that I ran the whole way and wouldn’t it be great to tell Cameron that I did it without walking. Yes! That was what I was going to do.

I felt myself wanting to give up many times on the way back. I thought “well, I’ve run this far, it’s really no big deal if I need to take a break.” But instead of walking I just slowed down, way down. I also heard a great song just before I arrived at the park. Bjork sang Army of Me…

“Stand up
you’ve got to manage
I won’t sympathize anymore

And if you complain once more
you’ll meet an army of me

You’re alright
there’s nothing wrong
self-sufficience please!
and get to work

And if you complain once more
you’ll meet an army of me

You’re on your own now
we won’t save you
your rescue-squad
is too exhausted

And if you complain once more
you’ll meet an army of me”

It was perfect because I knew that complaining at this point would be just the thing that would talk me into walking, and a part of me wanted that so badly. I just kept visualizing myself running the rest of the way. I arrived at home with sore bloody toes but very happy for accomplishing my goal.

I run 10 miles next weekend which feels a little crazy. I heard a voice saying that somehow I had set the too bar high and “thanks a lot Jen!” But that’s ok because there’s also another voice reminding me that I keep meeting the challenge and that I can do just about anything I set my mind to. Checking in with Cameron has been key, as well as listening to a slower paced music set. I’ll let you know what the voices say in a few weeks about all this. But for now I am more than satisfied. I have felt excited and energetic all evening and I am very happy to have exceeded my expectations.

Vegan Ginger Cookies

2012-01-25T16:47:00.000-08:00

Last year at Christmas I made one of my favorite Ginger Cookie recipes with a flax seed egg substitute, so I could share with my friend Cameron who is vegan. She totally approved. I am making them again for her birthday and thought I would share this with you since they turned out so well. Let me know what you think. I have included the non-vegan alternatives as well.

Ingredients:
4 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups earth balance (or butter)
2 cups sugar
Flax seed egg substitute as seen below (or 2 eggs)
1/2 cup molasses
3/4 cup raw sugar

Flax Seed Egg Substitute:
Place 2 heaping tablespoons of whole organic flax seed in coffee grinder or blender and blend until it becomes a fine meal.

Add 1/2 cup cold water, blend 2 to 3 minutes until thickened and has the consistency of eggs. I use an immersion blender.

Directions:
In a medium bowl stir together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl beat earth balance (or butter) with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Add the 2 cups of sugar. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in flax seed mixture (or eggs) and molasses until combined. Beat in as much of the flour mixture as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour mixture.

Big Cookies:
Shape dough into 2-inch balls. Roll balls in the raw sugar. Place 2 1/2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 11 to 13 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned and tops are puffed (do not overbake). Cool on cookie sheet for 2 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool. Makes 24 cookies.

Little Cookies:

Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll in raw sugar. Place 1 1/2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 9 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly browned and tops are puffed up (do not overbake). Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool. Makes 120 cookies.

Create More In Your Life With Spoon Bending

2012-01-23T18:21:00.000-08:00

Spoon bending is a fun thing I just learned that anyone can do. The idea is that you are sending energy into the spoon while visualizing it being twisted up and bent. It's true that you can simply bend most spoons with your hands (or very hard ice cream) but have you ever tried twisting it up into a tight curl? It's been seen through magic acts and movies that you can bend a spoon just with your mind. I can't say that I am able to do that or if it is or isn't possible. But the spoon bending i'm referring to (although, yes done with your hands) is made possible because of the focused energy you send into the spoon.

I really enjoyed this exercise because it is useful in understanding how our energy vibrations manifest all the things we experience and acquire. And to learn how to do that in a mindful way creates so much possibility for manifesting very specific things that we want. So for example, my friend Cameron who joined me for an evening of spoon bending said that her spoon bent exactly the way that she envisioned it. And for me, I had attempted spoon bending on and off the week prior with no luck at all. I know that some part of me doubted that it was possible (and I think secretly I didn't want to bend up my good spoons). All of that negative energy manifested no spoon bending for me.

Earlier that day I went to buy some spoons but kept thinking I needed to get some forks too. I kept imagining that I would like to actually bend a fork. I don't know why but it's what I imagined. I also imagined that Cameron would have no problems bending spoons, still with lingering doubts about myself being able to.

On our first attempt Cameron bent her spoon and I did not bend my fork. But when I saw her bend her spoon I felt all the energy of possibility flow through me. There was no way I could doubt it now. And so then on the next try I bent my fork and it did look just like I imagined. In fact even watching Cameron bend her spoon was exactly how I imagined. It was like watching a movie I had already seen and created in my own mind.

I have practiced this several times since to better understand the idea of spoon twisting manifestation. First it is absolutely necessary to have a clear mind and oneness with the spoon. If you're distracted or anxious then there will be resistance. The spoon feels that and so your request to have it bend isn't received, or perhaps the energy it is receiving isn't positive or feels good. This is all based on the idea that the spoon is of the same energy as you and me so it too has a choice if it wants to bend or not. Just like if someone is mad at you and wants you to do something you might feel more resistance and may choose to decline their request. So free flowing, clear, positive energy is really important. Also it is more unlikely that you will be able to visualize the desired outcome if your mind and body are distracted. You have to visualize the spoon bending and feel it as if it has already bent to your mental picture. You are essentially creating the future vibrational manifestation of that spoon already bent, so it already exists and is just waiting for the one in your hand to join it. And for some reason it does seem important to get the spoons permission. You can kind of feel out what ones will bend and which ones won't. Somewhere I read that you have to intimidate the spoon and yell at it to bend, but I know that doesn't work so well for me so I like to be very nice to the spoon because we're in it together. It's like practicing non-violent communication with your spoon. Being compassionate for the spoon and what you're asking of it will more likely give you the outcome you want.

Another thing is that you can't force the spoon to bend. It's tricky because it does seem to work best when just as you are trying to bend the spoon you intentionally distract yourself. But the moment you focus too hard on bending you can feel the spoon become hard again and it's stops you right there. A physical manifestation of going against the flow. That's true of when you want to manifest something in your life, the more you force it the harder it gets and sometimes you don't end up getting it at all. It's an act of surrender and trust to know that you created a vision and to let the flow of energy manifest that vision for you. It's incredibly hard but a great lesson in how we are the powerful creators of all that we experience.

It was also powerful to have group energy. It felt different when Cameron and I sat in meditation together than when I attempted to do this alone. Suddenly the possibility to manifest became amplified and the excitement we had for each others success was overflowing. We were both ecstatic when she bent that first spoon. I know that this is true also for bigger life manifestations. The energy you surround yourself by and combine yours with is powerful and can have a huge impact on how successful you are at manifesting your visions. It can be beautiful and make you feel like anything is possible. When being with someone bubbles up excitement and feelings of possibility that's a good person to have in your life.

I'm having a lot of fun with this and I hope that you try it out for yourself.

H.O.P.E

2012-01-22T15:03:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I got in touch with this idea of HOPE. It was presented to me that when you're engaged with feelings of hope that you're in alignment with your dreams and visions, therefore it will be more likely for them to manifest. I thought this was an interesting idea because although that is true on some level (hope being a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen), I noticed that sometimes hope is followed by a but. The but is then followed by a negative thought that is totally defeating (something like "but that seems pretty unlikely"). Which then means the chances of creating a certain outcome decreases. Even though it started off with something that looked like hope, energetically it is more like a dead fish.

So I thought about the kind of energy that had to exist with this idea of having hope in order to increase my chances of manifesting visions and turning dreams into reality. And for me it looks like this:

H - Happy (Happy where I'm at right now. Yep! All is good in Jen's world. I accept that everything in this
moment is just as it is supposed to be and I am extremely grateful for all that I have)
O - Optimistic (Having a positive attitude creates infinite possibilities, which is important when it comes to
manifesting dreams. There has to be possibility for dreams to actually come true, else forget about it)
P - Patient (Surrender, stop forcing and resisting. The Universe knows what I want and is working out
all the details right now. Whew, what a relief! That makes things so much easier :)
E - Excited (Be super excited in anticipation of the reality I am creating, as if it has already happened and is
just waiting for me to show up, because I will)

Being in this state of HOPE is when creation happens, and it feels amazing. With this there is a knowing that anything is possible, and it makes life right now joyful and beautiful as you journey towards the reality of your visions and dreams. Next time you find yourself feeling as though your dreams are out of reach, try shifting yourself into this state of HOPE and notice how your feelings about your visions and dreams shift as well. Let me know how it works.

Surrender to Relaxation

2012-01-05T20:24:00.000-08:00

I notice that it's often very challenging to surrender to relaxation, even when we are giving ourselves permission to do it. Our bodies are so used to going at their usual pace and staying in control of our day to day existence. Our muscles have memory and most of us have muscles that are tight, tense, and rigid. So that's what the muscles remember as normal. And our nervous system tends to be operating in overdrive, with our minds rambling on continuously even as we are going to sleep. Which is why it is so hard to let go and relax even when we make the time to do so.

I have found that one of the reasons why I love CranoiSacral Therapy so much is that most people find the work so relaxing that they can't help but surrender into a deeply relaxed state. Because it focuses on balancing the rhythm of the nervous system, most people find that they drift off into a blissful peace and sometimes sleep. When this happens muscles release and relax as well. It's essentially like a system reboot for the body, just like you would do for your computer when it crashes or is being unstable.

Most people find that they are able to sleep better after, their mood uplifted, more relaxed and amazed at how powerful the results are from the lightest of touch.

If you'd like to know more about CranioSacral Therapy check out my services page or contact me (Jen) at (408)605-8280

Vegetable Potato Curry Soup

2011-12-15T10:01:00.000-08:00

Recently I got to spend the weekend with a lovely group of really good friends and I got to help create an amazing lunch as my way of showing my love for them. Soup is such a great meal this time of year, as it warms the belly and comforts the heart.

I doubled the recipe and it made enough for about 14 people. This is a great recipe for those of you who love cooking and don't mind if it isn't a fast prep meal. But it's totally worth it.

Vegetable Potato Curry Soup

Ingredients:
4 Tbsp Coconut Oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon turmeric
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon yellow mustard seed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Medium sweet potato cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 box vegetable broth
2 cups roughly chopped cauliflower florets (about 1/2 a head)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt (more to taste)
1 Serrano Chili chopped
1 ear of corn off the cob
2 small yellow summer squash, roughly chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:
1) In a large pot (6-quart), melt coconut oil over medium high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, carrot and cumin seeds. Cook, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft and the bell pepper is lightly browned. Add the turmeric, mustard seed, and curry powder and cook for a minute more. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

2) Add the potatoes, the broth, cauliflower, and salt. Increase the heat to high to bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-high or medium, enough to maintain a simmer. Let simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.

3) Add the Serrano chili, corn and summer squash, cook for 10 minutes more, until the vegetables are cooked through. Use an immersion blender (or a regular blender) to purée about half of the soup. Adjust seasonings.

4) Garnish with chopped cilantro, serve with bread or naan.

Jen's Winter Fitness Challenge

2011-12-05T17:17:00.000-08:00

I was thinking about how I wanted to maintain good health this winter and how that is often a challenge. So I've decided to run a half marathon at the end of March. I liked the idea of having a goal to reach instead of just saying that I'm going to run more. I've never been into running but I've really improved my strength over the last year doing workouts with Cameron, and I am excited to see if I can make it happen.

You can support me in my training by asking how I'm doing (that way I don't slack off :)

2 for 1 CranioSacral Sessions

2011-12-05T12:21:00.000-08:00

Purchase two CranioSacral Therapy sessions for the price of one until 12/31/11.

Use them both or share with a friend.

Check out my service menu for rates.

Holiday Gift Certificates Are Here!

2011-12-05T11:12:00.000-08:00

Is there someone you know in need of relaxation or who is having trouble sleeping? Maybe you know someone who takes great care of themselves and enjoys a variety of holistic therapies.

How about gifting them a CranioSacral session to let them know you care about their health and well-being this winter?

CranioSacral Therapy is a great way to unwind, release tension and reset the natural rhythms of the body (especially for this time of year).

Check out my service menu for rates.

To Purchase a Gift Certificate with cash or check, contact Jen Hilgert at:
(408) 605-8280.

To purchase by credit card through PayPal, select the link below.

Holiday Body Restoration Package

2011-10-25T18:19:00.001-07:00

Want to be more fit, improve your strength, run your first 5k or marathon, sleep better, relax more, receive healing, and live a more active and healthier lifestyle?

This holiday package will get you in shape, release tension and stress, and restore balance.

The package includes 8 total sessions:

Four 60-Minute sessions of CranioSacral Therapy with Jen Hilgert

Four 60-Minute sessions of one-on-one Personal Training with ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Cameron Burkholder

$415

Offer expires 12/24/11

To Purchase package with cash or check, contact Jen Hilgert at:
(408) 605-8280.

To purchase by credit card through PayPal, select the link below.

Rascal Needs a Family

2011-10-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

I ran across an ad on Craigslist for a small dog that needed a foster home. When I saw his picture I could tell that this little guy was super sad. I didn't know what his story was but he sure looked like he had one.

I decided right then that I wanted to give him some love (look at that face).

Rascal... well, isn't a rascal at all. He's about 5 years old and quite a sweet guy. It's thought that he'd been living on the streets of Oakland for most of his life. He's had a couple other foster homes but then ended up in a shelter two months ago. Due to lack of space they were going to put him down. I am happy that I got him out just in time.

Rascal is actually great with people, kids and other animals. Unfortunately it seems like he hasn't been treated so kindly in the past. He's very scared and shy at first. He warms up quickly but he is constantly on alert, has trouble with fast movement, and is rather submissive.

He mostly just lays in his bed and hangs out. But he's very curious when I leave the room. He seems to want to make sure I'm not going away too far. That seems understandable since he hasn't had anyone stay in his life for very long.

I can tell that Rascal is a great dog. He needs a home with someone who can be a good leader and be able to teach Rascal how to lead himself. I know that he will settle in well somewhere when he finally feels safe and can stay permanently.

Rascal not only needs a place to live, he needs a family. He will really thrive when he can find peace and consistency (and maybe a back yard). He needs to know he's welcome and belongs.

If you would like to meet Rascal you can reach me at (408) 605 - 8280.

Care Packages For Your Body, Heart, & Mind

2011-10-11T18:41:00.000-07:00

It's wonderful when we get to experience that occasional holistic therapy session, whether it's energy work, massage or acupuncture. But these days our bodies, hearts and minds endure so much that most of us could use some extra TLC.

In times that I have had a regular holistic bodywork regimen, I've noticed myself settling into a more balanced and centered state, but I've also found that it's often a challenge affording the cost of continuous sessions. Yet the more often we do it, the more we benefit, as it becomes not just a way of addressing issues, but as a way of sustaining healthy balance.

With that in mind, I am now offering the following packages:

Whole-Body Restoration Package: $170 (Save $50)
120-Minute Introductory Session
90-Minute Follow-up Session

Your first session includes a whole body Shiatsu session seamlessly combined with a complete CranioSacral Therapy Session. In this session, energy pathways are cleared, natural rhythms are restored and the whole body is re-balanced.

The second session is a continuation of the work done in the first session, still using a combination of Shiatsu and CranioSacral Therapy with a focus on areas of the body that need extra attention due to tension, injury or residual blocked energy.

For best results it is recommended that these two sessions occur within 3 weeks of each other.

Body Wellness Packages:
3 60-Minute Sessions $200 (Save $40)
5 60-Minute Sessions $335 (Save $65)

3 90-Minute Sessions $250 (Save $50)
5 90-Minute Sessions $425 (Save $75)

More Information

The Power of Love

2011-09-10T17:05:00.000-07:00

"The power of love to change bodies is legendary, built into folklore, common sense, and everyday experience. Love moves the flesh, it pushes matter around.... Throughout history, 'tender loving care' has uniformly been recognized as a valuable element in healing."
~ Larry Dossey

Dehydration Turns Your Muscles to Jerky - ewww!

2011-07-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

I woke up pleased and amused this morning after I had literally given "the importance of staying hydrated" speech in my sleep. I had a dream that I was working very hard at massaging someone's neck who had a severe case of ear-to-shoulder syndrome. Afterwards I turned to them and said "You know, you really need to drink more water - Dehydration turns your muscles to jerky." I have used this analogy before because it's paints a picture of how dehydration affects muscle function, and because it's kind of disgusting people tend to listen.

I haven't eaten a piece of jerky in a very long time but what I do remember is that it's hard and chewy and it steals up all the moisture in your mouth in order to get broken down for swallowing because it doesn't have any - It makes sense, jerky is created in dehydration machines. It feels rubbery and you can see that all of the muscle fibers are stringy and rigid. Well, thank goodness our muscles won't actually end up like that just because we're dehydrated (that's a whole other scenario) but we can certainly experience a less extreme version of the process.

Our muscles need the water for lubrication because many muscles overlap each other, and because individual muscles are made up of tiny fibers that have to glide past each other during contraction and relaxation movements (even in my dream I experienced the "i'm such a nerd" moment when I went on to explain the sliding filament theory using my arms and hands, but was happy to explain). If your muscles are dehydrated they can adhere to each other and the fibers that make up the muscles can't glide as easily. All of this is can lead to tight, short muscles that feel hard and inhibit normal range of motion.

It's amazing how the muscles work and how it's so important that we take care of them. Understanding the process helps me to know what's happening to my body and how I can take care of it. I really don't like the idea of my muscles turning into a yucky piece of dried up flesh, and lots of water is an easy way that I can prevent that.

Here is a nerdy version of the way muscles work:

And here is version for those who aren't nerds:

CranioSacral Therapy for Whole-Body Health

2011-07-02T13:52:00.001-07:00

“CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance.” The Upledger Institute

Using extremely soft touch (no greater than 5 grams – approximately the weight of a nickel) restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system are released. The central nervous system is the most important system in the body and is heavily influenced by the craniosacral system which is made up of the brain and spinal cord as well as the membranes and fluid that surrounds, protects and nourishes the brain and spinal cord.

Every day our bodies are trying to compensate for all the stress and strain it endures. These compensations are changes that often result in the body’s tissues to tighten and distort the craniosacral system. These distortions can then cause tension to form around the brain and spinal cord resulting in restrictions. This can greatly impact healthy performance of the central nervous system, and possibly every other system it interacts with.

Restrictions surrounding the central nervous system can be detected and evaluated by gently feeling different areas of the body to determine the ease of motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid as it pulses around the brain and spinal cord. Soft-touch techniques are then used to release those restrictions.

CST helps to normalize the environment around the brain and spinal cord and enhances the body’s ability to self-correct. It has been known to alleviate a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction and because CST improves function of the central nervous system, it is more often being used as a preventive health measure for its ability to boost resistance to illness and disease.

"What's a CST session like?"

A Journey to the Desert

2011-03-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

It’s been raining out and I’ve been missing the sun and warmth. I’ve been daydreaming about being in warm places, looking forward to summer and being in the desert at burning man. I found this mix called “Left in the Desert” on one of my favorite podcasts, the Low Light Mixes. I hopped in a warm bath and made this my soundscape for an hour and took myself on a journey. Check it out and tons of other super chill and interesting music sets by Dave Michuda. Listen to the track right from the blog or subscribe to their podcast on iTunes.

Maintain Your Health With Shiatsu

2009-10-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

Shiatsu is one of my favorite types of massage to give and receive. The reason I like it so much is because it has a very holistic approach as it addresses the whole body (muscles, joints and systems) at the same time. I like to think of it not just as a massage but as a body balancing therapy, an important idea when considering maintaining good health. When one system of the body is out of balance it can have a domino effect on other systems. Keeping the body's systems in balance regularly can significantly improve overall health and well being.

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of hands-on pressure therapy, derived from the art of ancient acupuncture and amma (traditional Japanese massage). Although Shiatsu didn’t become accepted until the 1900’s as a legitimate therapeutic technique, it had been practiced informally since 2500 BCE. The word shiatsu means finger (shi) pressure (atsu). With its roots based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shiatsu restores energy, equilibrium and health to the body by applying pressure to specific points called Tsubo Points, located along the body’s meridians. Meridians correlate with major organs and body functions and are thought to be the pathways through which life energy (chi or qi) flows, which can become blocked and unbalanced, leading to pain and illness.

Shiatsu is typically practiced on a mat, chair or low table, with a session lasting from 60 - 90 minutes. It is performed with the client fully clothed, preferably through loose, comfortable clothing. Shiatsu involves rhythmic stretching, point pressure, vibration, percussion and softening of the muscles. The thumbs, fingers, knuckles, palms and even elbows, knees and feet are used to apply pressure along the meridians. The pressure comes from the therapist shifting their body weight versus using muscle strength, resulting in a more direct and controlled execution of the movements.

By stimulating the meridians through Shiatsu, one can maintain healthy and balanced chi by releasing blocks in energy, which allows nourishing energy to flow through the body. Shiatsu boosts the immune system and improves breathing, posture, circulation, digestive function, and elimination of waste products. It also helps relieve headache, fatigue, insomnia, nervous tension, sore and stiff muscles, joint pain, and disorders such as constipation and high blood pressure. Shiatsu is also very calming and relaxing.

Shiatsu is a wonderful compliment to any health regimen.

Finding Now

2009-07-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Many of us spend much of our time walking through life scattered and unaware, our inner dialogues distracting us from being in the present moment. Forgetfulness, loss of direction, and procrastination are a few indications that we are not grounded. If we are not able to experience the benefits of living in the reality of now we are probably living in our thoughts, emotions, judgments or imagination. Our bodies may likely be a tense and rigid reflection of this, creating a buffer that blocks us from being supported by the energy and support of the Earth.

To be grounded means being connected to the Earth, bringing our awareness back into our bodies, living in the moment in stillness, where all thoughts and feelings flow easily and harmoniously. Being grounded allows for our own energy to flow with ease while allowing the energy of the universe to flow more freely through us. When we exist in this state, accomplishing our life’s tasks becomes much easier and with more clarity because we are going with the energies of the moment instead of against them, similar to a fish swimming with the current of the stream.

Becoming grounded is simple and only takes a few minutes. It is important to practice grounding every day, especially at the beginning of the day. Try different techniques to see what works best. Practice them as often as needed, any time you need to feel more relaxed, focused and balanced.

Aromatherapy for Grounding

I enjoy using Elizabeth Van Buren’s Refreshing Blend when I need a moment of grounding throughout the day. It can be purchased as a roller-ball applicator that you can easily keep in a bag or purse. It contains the essential oils: Lemon, Lime, Spearmint, Bay Laurel, Fir Needle, Patchouli, and Juniper in a Jojoba oil base. It’s great for combining with deep breathing and with its earthy aroma it is a wonderful grounding tool.

Root Chakra Grounding Exercise

-While sitting or standing with both feet on the ground, close your eyes and take in three deep, cleansing breaths - in through the nose and out through the nose.

-On the next exhale, bring your awareness into your feet. Imagine that you are a tree with roots growing from the bottom of your feet that are pushing deep into the ground beneath you.

-With the next inhale, imagine the roots growing deeper and deeper, expanding and connecting your entire physical body to the Earth.

-On the next exhale, imagine your connection to the Earth growing even stronger.

-With your next inhale, imagine all the cells of your body opening up; your roots are being nourished by the water and soil that surrounds them.

-On the next exhale let go and release any fears, worries or judgments that you may be feeling. Release anything that feels toxic or limiting. Draw these feelings downwards and through the feet, giving it all the Earth to filter and purify for you.

-With your attention on your feet, continue breathing in the nourishment and energy of the earth through the soles of the feet and through the body, and breathing out to let go of any toxins, sending anything you do not need into the Earth.

-Keeping your awareness resting on your feet, on the next inhale, imagine drawing up and breathing in the red life force energy from the core of the Earth to energize your root Chakra located at the base of the spine.

-On the exhale, expand this energy throughout the entire body. Let this energy radiate, revitalizing and grounding you with each breath until you feel complete.

-Now that you are connected to the Earth you may receive all the gifts she has to offer…. strength, support, balance and presence.

Although it is not necessary, try this exercise while standing or sitting under a tree, connecting to and feeling all of Earth’s beauty around you.

Healing From Within

2009-07-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to learn an amazing energy therapy that releases blocked energy, restores and balances energy flow, and allows the body to do what it’s designed to do… Heal!

Integrated Energy Therapy uses a channeled, healing energy to open the flow of vital life force energy within the human body and its energy field. The body’s energy field is made up of energy pathways called meridians which allow the energy to flow and nourish the organs. Experiences such as emotional crisis, disease, trauma, stress, and suppressed feelings can be stored in the body on a cellular level which can create restrictions of energy flow. Energy pathways obstructed by blocked or stagnant energy makes it difficult for the body to heal, which can result in physical and mental illness.

IET works by using gentle placement of the hands to release and clear suppressed feelings from nine cellular memory areas that store the emotions guilt, distrust, heartache, anger, fear, etc. If the emotion heartache is released, an imprint of love fills that cellular memory area, clearing the blocked energy while filling the void with the opposing and empowering emotion. Once the flow of energy is restored and balanced, the body’s natural healing abilities are supported, which can lead to feeling lighter, more connected, emotionally cleansed, a greater sense of balance, and overall improved health.

An IET session lasts approximately an hour and can be deeply relaxing and meditative. You remain fully clothed and are made comfortable with pillows and blankets. It is not necessary to remember the feelings you have been suppressing in order to release them.

Being self-empowered and self-healing allows you to move through life with ease and makes room for peace, love, and harmony.

I would like to thank Debora Cohen for being a wonderful instructor and mentor.

Allergy Relief with Nasal Irrigation

2009-05-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for relief from your nasal allergy symptoms you might want to consider trying a neti pot before you run to the drugstore to buy more sinus medicine. A neti pot is used for nasal irrigation, an Ayurvedic technique that has gained much popularity over the last few years but has been around for many centuries. It looks like a small tea pot, usually made out of ceramic and is designed to gently flush and moisten the nasal cavity with a warm saline solution.

It can be used to promote and maintain sinus health by thinning mucus and keeping nasal passageways clear of allergens, bacteria and environmental pollutants. It helps to reduce headaches, sinus pressure, congestion and infection, which reduces the need for antibiotics and allergy medications. It is also very effective in relieving nasal cold symptoms.

To use a neti pot, fill it with warm water and add approximately ½ - 1 teaspoon of sea salt, Kosher salt, or a saline solution packet made especially for neti pots (like SinuCleanse®). It is very important to make sure that you use water that isn’t too hot, but warm enough to dissolve the salts. Also make sure that any salts or saline solutions used do not contain anti-caking agents or iodine. Once the salts dissolve, tilt your head to the side about 45 degrees, lean over the sink and insert the end of the neti pot into the top nostril. The salt water will begin to flow through the nasal passages and out of the other nostril. A little fluid might find it’s way into the throat which can be spit out. Gently blow your nose to release any fluid remaining. Repeat the process on the other side.

When I first used my neti pot, I admit it was an unusual feeling. I had to make adjustments. Using too little or too much salt can cause burning. But in time it’s become a part of my daily routine and it actually feels really good. I have found that using my neti pot every day during allergy season has drastically lessened my allergy symptoms. I’m treating the cause of my symptoms, not just treating the symptoms as I was when using allergy medications alone. When I’m free of symptoms I only need to use my neti pot a few times a week to maintain good sinus health.

You can find neti pots at Whole Foods and other health food stores, drug stores and online, ranging from $10-$25.