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In the quest for healing, many people are learning the meaning behind the idea of mind-body connection. Much of what has been discovered stems from ancient methodologies, medicine, and healing practices that the western world is opening up to gradually. These ancient teachings have been lost in our fast-paced society that tends to clamor for the new, shiny thing, but the practices echo what we already know; the knowledge lives in our own intuition.

The philosophy behind mind-body connection is actually very simple and it means that these two seemingly separate things are actually the same; they are interconnected, and one influences the other’s health and fortitude. What we do with our mind affects our body and vice versa. Our mind is present throughout our body. 

All of our thoughts can manifest internally and externally, meaning that our mind has a direct link and effect on our health, both mentally and physically. Does this mean if you have a negative thought,...

What does it mean to be truly grateful and how does the practice of expressing gratitude help our health? Gratitude is perhaps a bit different for each person, depending on their personality and communication style, however, the main idea is to be expressive of thankfulness for what you have, the people in your life, and also your mind and body. 

When we can speak words of gratitude each day, whether out loud, through gifts or actions, or by writing our thoughts, we begin to ignite a powerful tool that infiltrates the world around us and our own health. 

Resonating in positivity and gratitude calms the mind and this decreases stress. When we can do this, we remove potential threats to the body, as stress increases hormone levels, including cortisol, which can then lead to health issues; this includes weight gain. 

As noted by Harvard Health (health.harvard.edu), “In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater...

Life is complex and hectic at times where we can get overwhelmed with excessive “thinking” leaving us “revved up” and lost in our “head space”. This state can leave us disconnected from ourselves and our surroundings. This is usually a sign that our nervous system is disrupted and if not addressed can lead to more complex issues. 

Why do I need to practice grounding?

It is estimated that the mind thinks between 60,000 to 80,000 thoughts per day.  Excessive thinking, especially negative or fear provoking thoughts, can trigger our sympathetic nervous system eliciting a stress response in our body.  This stress response is also known as “fight or flight”, which can leave us in survival mode for an extended period of time.  

If this becomes a habitual pattern, it can tax our adrenal glands, secreting too little or too much stress hormone, cortisol.  Over time this can cause several stress related...

Thoughts of fear and worry elicit emotions, often unexpressed, which in turn creates a physiological response in the body.  Research has proven that fear and related emotions can produce a chemical (TGF) that causes the fascia to thicken, increasing inflammation and compromising our immune system.  Fascia is the soft tissue that weaves throughout our entire body surrounding and supporting every single cell and structure in your body. The thickening of the fascia becomes solidified, like a “straight jacket” on the body and becomes a source of pain, dysfunction, and limitation, which may cause additional fear, further thickening the fascia, creating more restrictions/contraction in an attempt to protect against the unidentified threat.    

Authentic myofascial release stimulates a profound phenomenon.  It begins with “pressure electricity”. It is understood that the fascia is a crystalline structure, and when pressure is...

Gratitude takes root in our heart and our senses.

Practicing gratitude can keep our hearts open to the tenderness in our daily experiences. Choose to focus your time and attention on what you appreciate. Appreciation softens us and soothes our minds by connecting us with the ordinary things that we may otherwise take for granted.  

Whether it’s choosing to write a few sentences in a journal, or simply taking a moment to silently acknowledge all that you have, giving thanks can transform your life.  Research shows that gratitude is one of the keys to happiness, well-being and life satisfaction.  Read on for 3 ways to practice gratitude.

1. Say “thank you”.  

Say “thank you” and mean it.  Saying thank you can be a gift, and one that feels good, too.  Offering appreciation to one another is powerful.  Be grateful for the kind words people say about you and believe them. 

The next time you...

Good sleep is just as important as diet and exercise. When you sleep, your body and mind regenerate from the stress of the day. And the need for sleep never goes away – especially if you’re pushing yourself creatively, professionally, or athletically.  It is recommended, adults get an average of 7-8 hours of sleep per night.  

Read on to learn some of the side effects of not getting enough sleep, benefits of good sleep, and tips to experience better sleep.

Side Effects of Sleep Deprivation:

1. Long term mood disorders
2. Sickness
3. Diabetes
4. Infertility 
5. Weight gain
6. Low libido 
7. Heart disease

Benefits of Good Sleep:

1. Increases concentration and productivity 
2. Boots immune function
3. Maximizes athletic performance 
4. Improves memory
5. Reduces inflammation 
6. Reduces stress
7. Increases energy and alertness
8. Healthy weight management 
9. Muscle, tissue and skin repair
10. Heart rate decreases and digestive system rests

Tips for Better Sleep:

1. Create a...

Summer is filled with outdoor fun, vacations, and the tendency to cram in as much activity as possible before school starts up again.

If you find yourself getting carried away in the hustle and bustle of the summer season, try one of my favorite and most effective whole-body self-treatments - Self Unwinding.  It’s my way of “unwinding” my mind and body, especially after a week of fun-filled activities and preparing for a busy week ahead.  

Enjoy this video of Self Myofascial Unwinding led by John F. Barnes, my mentor and Father of Myofascial Release.  Give it a try and share your experience, or share your favorite way of “unwinding” after a busy holiday/vacation.

If you are looking for some help in learning to "unwind," make an appointment to see me today.