4 Hypnosis Myths Debunked

December 31, 2009

By: Meredith DeSopo, www.lakenormanhypnosis.com

Hypnosis is a focused state of mind where one is open to receiving suggestions. In this state, the conscious mind is aware, but not alert. However, hypnosis has been plagued by misconceptions and erroneous fears over the years, which will be addressed with accurate facts.

Misconception: When in hypnosis, you are under control of the hypnotist.
Reality: Hypnosis actually allows you to be more in control because a suggestion that is out of context, or outside your values and morals will automatically be rejected by both the subconscious and conscious minds. It is very unusual not to remember what was said to you while under hypnosis, and you will not reveal any deep, dark secrets…unless you want to, that is! You are always in control of your own mind, as well as what you say and do under hypnosis.

You will not be asleep or unconscious while under hypnosis. Hypnosis reinforces the positive beliefs, attitudes and resources you already possess within you to heal and accomplish your goals.

Misconception: Only weak-minded people can be hypnotized.
Reality: Some people do have a much easier time letting go, but everyone who truly has a desire to, is of normal intelligence and is willing to follow instructions within a context of self-improvement, can be hypnotized. Research shows that a person’s ability to be hypnotized correlates directly to their intelligence, concentration and focus. Successful subjects often show signs of high creativity, are cooperative, and usually have less fear and suspicion of the process.

Misconception: I am afraid of getting stuck in hypnosis
Reality: It is not possible for someone to get stuck in hypnosis, any more than you could become permanently stuck in a waking daydream. If left alone in a hypnotic state, you would either fall asleep or naturally wake up at some point. There hasn’t ever been a case of a person “not coming out” of hypnosis. In fact, you are in a trance many times a day; each time you shift your focus and become absorbed in a fascinating book, engrossed in a movie, or even driving on the highway.

Misconception: Hypnosis is not effective for changing your health or your life.
Reality: A research study done by the American Health Magazine on treatments for mental health issues reported the following results:

• Hypnosis=93% recovery after 6 sessions
• Behavior Therapy=73% recovery after 22 sessions
• Psychoanalysis = 38% recovery after 600 sessions

Additional examples of successful hypnosis results published in medical journals:

• Hypnosis during surgical radiology reduced patients’ anxiety and pain, as well as shortening time required for surgery and reducing complications (Lancet, 2000).
• A Study of 16 cancer patients who usually showed symptoms of vomiting and nausea before chemotherapy showed that hypnosis prevented nausea in all 16 patients (Oncology, 2000).
• The American Lung Association sponsored a single session of Group Hypnosis. Of nearly 3,000 participants in one session, 22% reported not smoking for a month after the session. (The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 2000).
• Hypnosis is shown by research to be as effective as Ritalin in treating Attention Deficit Disorder in children. (American Psychological Association, 1999).

Contact me to find out how hypnosis can help you utilize the power of your mind to achieve your goals!
Mention this blog for a 10% discount off your next individual hypnosis session with me.
Meredith@LakeNormanHypnosis.com • 704-425-5500

5 Steps to Better Posture

December 16, 2009

Written by: Marty Kestin

Poor posture at your work station

Poor posture does not just look bad, it can be very detrimental to your health.

• What do disc herniations, pain, arthritis, long term muscle strain and pinched nerves have in common? …Poor Posture.
  (Mayo Health Clinic Letter V.18, #3, 3/00)

All of these maladies are reversible and preventable if caught in time.

• What causes poor posture? One biggie is the work station, how we use it and the fact we “freeze” our bodies in it all day.

Step 1: Improve your ergonomics (also known as fit yourself into your workstation). Try sitting upright with your arms and legs at right angles. Raise or lower the keyboard, monitor and seat height to achieve these ‘right angles.” Keep your lower back curve relaxed so it is neither too arched, flat or back up against the chair. This promotes proper back muscle usage, which prevents disc pressure and makes your back stronger. Try this posture for 5 minutes per hour the first week and slowly build over time. You will create a new and healthier way of sitting at your work station.

Step 2: Micro breaking (2-5 minute breaks, every 30-45 minutes) entails walking, stretching or any movement at your work station that does not involve “work.” I.E. – Do some shoulder stretches, seated chair twists, stretch arms, wrists and fingers, or walk around the office – all with deep breathing. Also close your eyes for a minute or two to rest them. They don’t like staring at a pc screen!

Step 3: Get the book, Pain Free at your PC by Pete Egoscue. www.egoscue.com Mr. Egoscue is a world renowned non – medical pain elimination expert. His book illuminates the chronic pain and pc connection and offers easy to implement solutions. I am an Advanced Practitioner in the Egoscue Method of Health Through Motion. Call me to schedule an appointment to receive a more personal and hands on treatment of effective postural solutions to your chronic discomfort: 704.335.8115

Step 4: Get sufficient movement every day outside of work. Modern living denies these two ingredients to good posture. Take Yoga or Pilates classes and have a home practice. Find a good personal trainer at your gym who can show you how to lift weights in a manner that promotes good posture. Nourish your body with healthy movement and it will support you for years to come.

Step 5: have a healthy and positive attitude in making these changes to your workstation, habits at the workstation and your exercise outside of work. Consciously choosing this attitude will make the shift easier, faster, and more enjoyable.

Practice these steps daily and I guarantee you will have better posture; perform better at work and play: and prevent or reverse some of those nasty orthopaedic conditions mentioned above. Call or email me to learn more about improving your posture today and look for my new year’s specials. 704.335.8115 – mkestin@ensomabodyworks.com

May your days be merry and bright!

December 14, 2009

We lovingly remind you to take good care of YOU during the busy holiday season.
Remember how good you feel all day and how well you sleep when you take time for yoga!

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

The week of Christmas, we have 20 classes to choose from and the week after Christmas, we have 22 classes. Visit www.mindbodyonline.com to view the modified holiday schedule.

BETWEEN CHRISTMAS AND the NEW YEAR

On the 26^th, join Kelley for a celebratory yoga class called “Spread your Wings” from 10:30a-12p. Bring your family and friends and make the day really special!

And don’t forget our Kid’s Yoga and Drumming Workshop on Dec 30^th (3:30-5:30) – run errands or sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while your kids have an incredibly wonderful time with Patti. Then join Kelley for the adults class during the last hour of the kid’s workshop (4:30-5:30). What a nice afternoon for you and your children!

FREE YOGA JANUARY 2

Mark your calendars for a big Bindu day on January 2^nd. A FREE DAY OF YOGA, PILATES and more. Let’s celebrate the New Year together! Help us spread the word by bringing your friends – this is a great opportunity to try HOT YOGA, GENTLE STRETCHING, VINYASA YOGA, and BEGINNERS YOGA. (Schedule will be available next week)

LAST MINUTE GREAT GIFT

If you need a last minute gift idea, please consider a Bindu GIFT CERTIFICATE.

Just call the front desk 704-237-3635 and we’ll take care of the rest! Here’s one lovely idea for a gift….for $36, purchase the “Getting Started in Yoga” Series with Sari Weston coming up on 3 consecutive Sunday evenings in January (6-7:30p – Jan 10, 17, 24)

Why Tai Chi and QiGong are terrible names

December 10, 2009

Written By: Amy Becton

I’ve been practicing the ancient Chinese arts of Tai Chi and QiGong for nearly 20 years and I think it’s time to divulge a little secret…
…I think Tai Chi and QiGong are terrible names!

We live in a country that speaks mostly English and these Chinese titles haven’t been usefully translated. Maybe it has something to do with the vague literal exchange – “The Ultimate Energy Fist” and “Energy Work.” At best, these words leave the listener wondering what these beautiful movements are all about.

Although I don’t currently have better replacement names for you to embrace, I can tell you plainly what practicing these graceful arts can do for your health.

Tai Chi and QiGong will Calm You Down!

We’re not just talking about old Chinese guys moving in the park with the slow and gentle grace of seasoned ballet dancers. These practices will tame the worst of your emotional weather and will, most definitely, shut your brain up!

Calming humans down provides an essential environment for health maintenance and for accessing the tools to designing a more meaningful life.

Below are some of the big benefits:

• Release tension from the body
  Relaxing the body lowers cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, balances the immune system, restores nervous system function and relieves chronic pain.

• Increase flexibility
  Flexibility improves body posture, joint movement, balance and coordination.

• Improve mental focus
  Turning off your thoughts will not only improve your ability to get a good night sleep, it also helps you learn with ease and think more clearly. (Besides, you want your brain working for you…not the other way around.)

• Increase self-awareness
  Slowing down provides a “space” so you can listen to that which goes on inside you. In other words, it gives your body and heart the means to communicate with you. Building connection and a good rapport with your self opens up a range of fulfilling possibilities.

Imagine how smoothly your life would flow if you had a fully functioning body, a highly cooperative mind and a sense of your deepest needs.

You’d have the ability to direct yourself along a path paved with what you deeply value. This is what you find in the body and at the heart of Tai Chi and QiGong.

You know, there is a name for this artful way living that most of us do understand …
…Peace.

_____________________________________________
Mark your calendar for the following:

Free Tai Chi class on Wed. Jan. 6 from 6:15-7:15pm
Class Description: Learn easy ways to bring relaxation and exercise into the New Year. This introduction to Tai Chi will give you some powerful tools to generate your own well-being and balance. You’ll leave class feeling calm, awake, happy and self confident.

Free QiGong class on Sat. Jan. 9 from 10:30-11:30am
Class description: Discover your body’s natural ability to heal through these powerful ancient techniques. QiGong exercises have been used for thousands of years to effectively relieve stress, restore health and increase energy. These simple movements combined with breathing and visualization gently restore natural balance.

Benefits of Stress Management with Dr. Will Lane

December 9, 2009

Dr. Will Lane, co-founder of Touchstone Health Associates, will deliver a workshop called “Don’t Let Stress Be Your Grinch This Holiday Season” on Dec. 13 at The Bindu (RSVP here) from 11-12:30. Green tea and fruit will be served. The Bindu’s Kelley Gardner spoke with Dr. Lane about stress management, his workshop, and his new practice.

KG: What are the objectives of stress management?
WL: A lot of people know stress is bad for their health, but they often feel frustrated that there’s no way for them to free themselves from always feeling “under pressure.” My goal is to empower people by educating them about the major physiological players of stress in the body and how they affect one’s health. I also teach people practical strategies for handling stressful situations so the holidays and the upcoming year can be healthier and more enjoyable.

KG: Who can benefit from stress management?
WL: Almost everybody. We all seem to carry stress to some degree. Parents and grandparents, in particular, feel like they’re always “on the go.” They can clearly benefit from stress management techniques. The strategies are meant to be quick, cost-effective techniques that can be worked into a busy day’s schedule.

KG: Do you incorporate stress management into your medical practice?
WL: Yes, absolutely! The founding belief behind integrative medicine is that we all have the ability to heal ourselves and be well. For this to occur, we need to address our health in a holistic manner and take into account nutrition, exercise, stress, and our spirituality. Learning how to address and care for our Mind, Body, and Spirit is the only way we will fix our individual and country’s health care crisis.

KG: Tell me about your new clinic in Cornelius.
WL: Our new clinic is called Touchstone Health Associates. It will be located off Statesville Road, near 131 Main restaurant. Touchstone is an integrative medicine clinic for children and adults and will combine the best of traditional primary care with evidence-based alternative therapies that help facilitate healing.

My partners – Dr. Sheila Kilbane, Dr. Chris Magryta, Dr. Kathi Russo – and I are all fellowship trained in integrative medicine through the program established by Dr. Andrew Weil at the University of Arizona. We open January 4, 2010 and plan to start scheduling patients in late December 2009. Call us at 704-655-3300 for scheduling and visit www.touchstonecare.com for more information.

5 Reasons You Might Need Reiki

December 3, 2009

Written By: Meredith DeSopo

Reiki is an ancient energy balancing method that supports the whole person – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually through the use of gentle touch. Reiki accesses Universal Life Source energy, the energy found in all living things, also called “Ki,” “Chi,” “Qi” or “Prana.” This same energy has been used by many cultures in a variety of ways; such as in Tai Chi, Acupuncture, Qi-gong and Yoga.

There are many reasons to give Reiki a try. Here are the top five reasons clients come to me for Reiki:

1. Physical Pain. A primary reason people use Reiki energy treatments is to eliminate or greatly reduce physical pain. Reiki has helped those suffering from migraines, headaches, back pain, broken bones, TMJ, sports injuries, surgery incision pain, dental procedure pain and many other types of physical pain. Reiki uses Universal Life Source energy to remove blocks in a person’s energetic body. When a person’s energy is flowing more freely, their pain is eliminated or greatly reduced.
2. Emotional Suffering. Reiki is also very effective for reducing or eliminating emotional pain. Common reasons people seek out Reiki treatments are stress, anxiety, depression and other emotionally troubling issues. Reiki helps get to the source of a person’s emotional issues, then helps heal and balance them with energy. Many people report feeling like a weight has been lifted from them after a Reiki treatment.
3. Trouble sleeping. The vast majority of my clients report getting the best night’s sleep after enjoying a Reiki treatment. I relate this to turning on a garden hose at full blast and letting the force of the water push out any dirt or residue from inside the hose. A surge of Reiki energy in a person washes out any lingering, unwanted energetic blocks in them, leaving them feeling refreshed and unburdened and able to fall asleep easily.
4. Feeling lost or scattered. Sometimes people use Reiki because they just feel like something is “off”. Reiki has a wonderful grounding and centering effect. Often times when people report feeling scattered, it’s because they’re worried about the future or ruminating about the past, rather than living in the present. Reiki is very beneficial in bringing that Universal Life Source energy all the way through their bodies, resulting in a more grounded, centered and connected feeling in the present moment.
5. Feeling drained, tired or lethargic. Reiki is an energy balancing technique, so anything in excess in the body (such as pain) is diminished. Anything that is lacking, like energy and vigor, can be increased. When a person feels drained and tired all the time, energy blocks are generally present. Once they are eliminated and the vital life source energy runs freely through them, they feel more energized and vivacious.

These are just some of the reasons people give Reiki a try. If you still have questions or are wondering if Reiki is right for you, contact me via phone (704) 425-5500, email Meredith@Reiki4Life.net , or stop by the Bindu to learn how Reiki can help you!

Mention this blog post and receive 20% off my regular Reiki session fee at your next appointment.

Yoga Relieves Stress During the Holidays

December 1, 2009

This week’s Time magazine has an article on progress in medicine in 2009. There was one specific finding that speaks directly to the health aspect of Yoga.

The study was about longevity and examined personality traits of several hundred offspring of people who lived to be at least 100. Longevity, it seems, is tied to being more outgoing, active and less neurotic than other folks. Welcome to Anusara Yoga!!!

When John Friend founded ANUSARA YOGA in 1997, he grounded this style of physical (“hatha”) practice in a life-affirming philosophy (Tantrism) that looks first for the good in others and ourselves, creates community and asks us to step fully in to life.

As an Anusara instructor, I see many great friendships fostered through our yoga classes and watch students become stronger and steadier inside – and less reactive – in this busy world. It makes me smile.

We laugh about what our yoga will look like when we are 90 and still getting together several times a week to practice…can you imagine?!

Truthfully, I can’t think of any reason NOT to do yoga! My teacher always says that you should come out of every yoga class feeling better physically and emotionally, clearer mentally, and spiritually connected!

In the hectic holiday season, take care of yourself by taking Yoga. You may just live longer, happier and be less neurotic!! Can’t beat that!

The Bindu is offering a special on class passes through December 10^th:

Buy any class pass and receive a 15% discount from the regular price! Buy for yourself and get a gift card for someone special to you (It’s okay if they are neurotic – we’ll fix ‘em!)