THE NATURE OF TOUCH

Touch is one of the healing virtues that we explored in Dance Alchemy classes this month and it was certainly well received.  This is a sensation that we can experience in so many different ways and such a simple gesture that is easily overlooked.  In a society where people tread on eggshells to be politically correct, where more attention is paid to the mental and intellectual at the expense of organic natural desires and responses and where inappropriate touch is bandied about the media, it is no wonder that we are “losing touch” with such a valuable aspect of life.

Touch is a very natural instinct for us as humans.  Many Kinesiology techniques are based around instinctual reflexes of touch.  For example when in deep thought, there is a tendency to hold the chin and this is a Kinesiology correction for clearing stress in mental and emotional pathways.  You will often see people put a hand on the forehead when they are stressed and this is also a correction a Kinesiologist will use for emotional stress release.   You may even like to try this for yourself next time you are in stress or overwhelm.  It will help to support the blood flow to the front of the brain where the ‘executive’ brain functions occur which allow us to problem solve, organise and think clearly.  Specific types of touch are used in a Kinesiology balance to activate various body reflexes and acupressure points which support appropriate energy flow, muscle balance and neural signalling. 

In some cases, people’s response to touch is highly stressful and can activate past memories of trauma or survival fight/flight type responses in the body.  This type of response may not always feel as obvious as a high adrenaline “get me out of here” type of feeling.  It can be as subtle as suppression of digestive functions, or grinding of the teeth.  Another stress in relation to touch stems from caesarian or very fast births.  The process of the dragging down sensation on the skin as the baby comes through the birth canal is very important for activating a number of skin receptors and digestive and endocrine functions.  This can set people up for long term problems in these areas, such as chronic constipation, painful and irregular menstruation and extreme menopausal symptoms.  It can also impact a persons relationship with touch and have them either craving or abhorring touch.  If these experiences are relevant for you, take heart, they can be balanced with the appropriate interventions.  I was once this person myself, an emergency caesarian baby and extremely challenged adolescent and adult.  Trust me, our bodies are incredible at compensating for these types of neurological and biochemical imbalances, yet at quite a cost to our energy levels and wellbeing.

Touch with our hands is a powerful form of communication that can say everything from “I love you” to “I hate you”.  When it is used positively it can be a gesture of support, care, nurturing and indeed healing.  Since even before biblical times, the healing power of touch in various forms has been documented.  

Healing benefits of massage in the modern day has been researched and demonstrates benefits.  

These include;

Increased sense of wellbeing through stimulation of endorphins and other healing body chemicals

Decrease in symptoms of muscle pain and inflammation

Enhanced immune function

Reduced anxiety

Improved sleep

Improved Lymphatic drainage for eliminating toxins from the body.

Stimulates oxytocin, a neurotransmitter that helps us to feel loving bonds and supports the synchronisation of neural signalling which means that your brain works better.

And my favourite - relaxation and stress relief.  

I find both giving and receiving massage a wonderful way to switch off my mind and bring my awareness to this magical organism, the human body.  Much of our stress these days revolves around our mental perceptions of not being able to control or manage circumstances, so a tangible way to shift out of this state is a valuable activity.  Even if it is just 1 hour for someone to relax, switch off the mind and receive touch, much healing can occur in the body in this state of being in this time. 

Healing happens when we hear and honour these amazing body’s in their strengths and limitations and the needs they communicate.  Nothing does this quite like touch.  When I massage that area of the body that is tight and tense, there is a feedback system in the body that recognises the truth of what is there.  When the body gets feedback about its state of being, it is able to bring it back into a state of homeostasis, which means a state of balance.  This is naturally the way the body works when it is not impeded - it is always aiming for a state of homeostasis.

Touch has also been noted as a healing and supportive activity in the way of “pet therapy”.  Many institutions such as in aged care and hospitals are engaging pets such as dogs to support relaxation and wellbeing.   Simply patting and exchanging touch communication with a pet can be the perfect anecdote for loneliness or stress.

On another vein of thought,  touch that we can receive from sunlight, water and elements of nature are also healing.  The touch of sunlight on our skin is essential for vitamin D levels in the body, notably vitamin D3, which is important for many functions of the body.  Insufficient exposure to sunlight can lead to seasonal affective disorder which is associated with depressive type symptoms.  I have seen a few clients this year with low vitamin D3 and resulting problems with immune function, calcium and thyroid function imbalance, and muscle and joint pain.  Our contact with nature such as swimming in the ocean or the latest documented health fad - “forest bathing” i.e. walking in nature, has also been found to  benefit energy levels, mental health and physical wellbeing.  A study in  2008 published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine explored the role of melanin in the body and posed the theory that it could convert the sun’s rays in to energy.  Could our body’s act like solar panels and be able to use the touch of sun rays for energy?  Ooh!  Something to play with and explore for ourselves.  What I know in my body is that the feeling of soaking up the sun’s rays is so pleasurable, it must be good for me.

In celebration of the gift of touch, Soul Nurturing are offering some Mother’s day specials.  

In these days leading up to Mother’s day we will be providing gift certificates for the very important Mums of the world.  We have 2 options: 

1.5 hour deluxe massage and complimentary gift, all for the price of a 1 hour massage ($90)

or

1 hour Kinesiology consult and complimentary gift for just $90

Phone Simone 0427 320 302 or Michael 0417 534 647

We are looking forward to sharing the gift of touch.  And in the meantime, enjoy plenty of hugs, get smoochy with your pooch, bathe yourself in sunshine and nature’s waters and relish in moisturising your beautiful skin.

REFERENCES

Andrew Vickers, Catherine Zollman, Jane Tracy Reinish; 2001 Sep; Massage therapies, West J Med v.175(3); 175(3): 202–204.  Taken from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1071543/

Sayer Ji; March 2018; 5 Amazing Properties of Sunlight You've Never Heard About, GreenMedInfo, Taken from http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/5-amazing-properties-sunlight-youve-never-heard-about

HIS AND HERS SELF HEALING

A NEW DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE: TAKING THE JOURNEY OF SELF HEALING TOGETHER

How often do we set aside time to consider and reflect on our own Self Healing? 

Our lives are often filled with tasks and chores that occupy the mind and ignore the heart. We may even be influenced by the voices or words of others who suggest we should do this or that, or should see, or live, be like so and so.  

On the other hand perhaps we can truly deeply ask ourselves what it is we desire and can call upon support to enrich our lives. Sometimes when life is challenging and I have been ignoring my heart I can picture my soul, myself, lying within me, dormant, my most trusted ally, my dearest friend, waiting for me to acknowledge and ask quietly the questions that need to be asked. My soul will then guide me and deliver the answers that fit most perfectly for my  journey. My heart will open, shine, feel and be light. 

My gateway to finding this place of Self Healing comes simply from connecting with nature and being open to the great mystery that is this life.  By either lying or sitting on the Earth, or simply imagining I am on the Earth and surrendering, letting go, and merging with the Earth, Sky, Stars and all things, all realms.  I can then  be open and ready to receive Self Healing. Seeing my skin as the boundary of my physical body only, and simply that. My soul has no boundaries. It can travel and play. It can learn, be shown things, perhaps through dreams or in stillness and meditation.  I can receive healing, insight and purpose enabling me to move forward on my path.

So for me it’s nature, which encompasses all things, that supports me in my Self Healing practices.  

Michael Miller

And now for her say…

Although titled His and Hers Self Healing, this is not an intention to perpetuate the separation of men and women, or to give them different bathroom sinks to do their thing. In fact it is quite the opposite.  When we can see ourselves as individuals, black, white, male, female, heterosexual, homosexual etc. and still stay united while accepting the differences, there is healing.  

Our society has a long history of separation issues which play out as unwanted and unacceptable behaviour.  And this is all ok when we take responsibility for ourselves, our emotions and our acts of forgiveness.  I am the first to admit that there has been many moments when I wished I had expressed myself differently or behaved differently.   Alongside this has been an opportunity for me to ask, “what would love do now?” and reconcile the opposition and conflict.  To love, accept and forgive myself has not always been so easy, which is has inspired my love and dedication to studying neurology and healing modalities such as Kinesiology, KaHuna massage and conscious dance movement practices.  

For all intents and purposes, I want to be that person who is kind and loving towards herself and others and I have certainly been given many opportunities to practice it.  I occasionally need to remind myself of this when I am triggered by someone’s behaviour or my own foibles.  As tempting as it is to take it personally and react, I know in my heart and soul that there is a greater picture and an opportunity for healing gifted in this challenge. Ideally it plays out like this…Emotions arise, and then so does my self awareness, recognising my feelings and how I might normally act on this.  Then loving wisdom is invited in to guide me to respond in a way that I feel is appropriate.   It sounds very simple, and neurologically, this is the exact process that occurs when we are present with exactly what is, rather than being stuck in past hurts or reactions.  

As you can imagine this is easier said than done.  When there is a considerable amount of charge or emotional energy or pain on an issue, some of our brain pathways are shut down, disabling us to modulate our emotions and behaviours in the way that we normally would.  Primal survival mechanisms can be very strongly wired into the way we do certain things which cause us to revert to attacking, submissive, freeze or flight behaviours.  When we are in this mode we can have very limited access to our conscious rational brain which is able to put things into perspective and problem solve a resolution.  I know that when I am stuck in any of these behaviours, self healing is easier and more effective with some support, and that is when I will call my Kinesiologist for a session to help me through the blind spot or out of the hole.

Personally my journey in self healing has taken a focus on listening deeply to the callings of the body, heart and soul in order to give myself exactly what I need.  Unmet needs can manifest in all kinds of subversive behaviours which are in no way empowering to anyone.  Through conscious dance movement practices and creative expression, I have been able to drop out of states of mental overdrive or disconnection and be able to come home to my body and rest in awareness.   When I connect with the tension or tiredness in my body I am able to give it a voice and hear what I truly need.  We all have our own unique ways of coming to this place.  There are so many ways of using life’s opportunity to self heal and receive and express the fullness of our being.  May you find the way that brings you the most joy and rewards.

Simone Miller

3 Relationship Conversations We All Need To Have

Relationships - the fabric of our life

Relationships… can be a loaded term, so jam packed with stories and emotions, so liable to explode in any moment… And they do.  Quite often in the form of angry attacks projecting our perceptions onto others, or tears of pain and hurt emotions.  Yet sometimes they can have an energy of imploding where we swear that no-one will ever hurt us again and in  order to ensure this, we shut down from others or our own feelings and put on that mask that says I am F.I.N.E while the issue festers in our body as a headache, menstrual pain, back ache, nausea or any number of other feelings of dis-ease.  And YES, relationships can also create positive explosions such as that of love making and chemical responses in the body that give us that warm and fuzzy or inspired feeling.  They can light up our heart, connect us with our passionate expressions or call us home to be fully present in the moment and in our body.

So how do we foster these soul nurturing relationship that carry us through life and feed us with loving connection, living the fullness of our being?  Conversation and communication.   

Effective communication has 3 phases, 1. message sent, 2. message received, 3. Feedback to sender that message is received.  This simple formula is invaluable when it comes to having those important conversations that we all need to have.  I see its value everyday in my clinic practice.  I see the body relax as it gets feedback that its tension has been acknowledged and addressed.  I see movement enhanced throughout the body when it receives feedback about where it is stuck.  Body’s are amazing at self healing.  They give us these messages through pain or discomfort and then they mobilise the appropriate body chemistry, blood flow, energy and neural signalling to the area of imbalance when we appropriately acknowledgement the message it has sent. The key is in knowing what that “appropriate” acknowledgement is… that is the bit that can get a bit tricky and blurry, as most of us aren’t practiced at listening to our body.  We are more practiced at listening to the mind, and the societal and familial ways of being which generally go something like this…“toughen up and get on with life” or “too busy/not enough time to deal with this”.  So many other things can take precedent in our life over and above our body’s wisdom and communication.  Over the 20 odd years I have been consulting with people, the key issues that are shared by most people is A. not feeling heard, B. not feeling appreciated or C. not feeling loved.  So if we are not giving ourselves these things by ignoring our body’s communication, how can we expect others to do it?  When I started taking responsibility for these 3 things in my life, my relationship with myself and others improved immensely.

Relationships are the fabric of our life.  Despite what we may think, we are never isolated. We all exist on this web of life and are always in relationship with something, be it our head, heart, body or spirit, our family, friends, nature and even the inanimate objects.  By the way, one of my greatest relationships is that I have with food and bed.  Eating and sleeping brings me so much health and joy when I have a good relationship with them.  In fact, when we have a good relationship with all aspects of our life, it can make the difference between a hollow life and a fulfilled life.  I know this ‘hollow’ space well, in fact it has always been a potent change point in my life, so there is no judgement from me about being in this space.  So let’s get to these 3 conversations I have for you.

Conversation with the body

Conversation with the heart

Conversation with significant others

What conversations are we having you ask?  Simply this, “What matters most?” and “What do you need?”

Allow me to explain with a personal example. I find personal stories useful when it comes to painting a picture and hearing the relevance.

There was a time in my life that I was in a lot of physical pain.  My menstrual cycle was painful, I would get headaches and numerous physical pains and it was difficult for me to feel at ease in myself.  Despite my vigilence in giving my body healthy food, exercise, plenty of rest and a purpose to be focused on, there was still this sense of discomfort, dis-ease and “unhappiness”.  I was extremely unsettled in myself and in truth, the relationship I was in at that time was not what I really wanted, yet I was so fixated on my end result of “getting married”.  In short, I didn’t want this 5 years of my life to be a waste of time and have to start all over again to get what I wanted - a husband!  I was in my mid 30’s and sure as hell did not want to be “on the shelf” this late in life.  So I began a morning practice for myself and sat in meditation and in relationship with myself each morning for many days, months and beyond a year.  

There was this sense of perturbation within me.  It felt like I was boiling water, ready to turn to steam at any moment.   In my daily practice I would sit with some questions “what did I need to heal” and “what did I need to remain on my hearts path?”.  Bit by bit I regained a sense of clarity and strength and eventually the transformation occurred.  I got the opportunity to do a nursing re-entry course, it happened to be in Western Australia.  I was living in Brisbane at the time and every other state had closed the door on me for the nursing re-entry course.  I happened to have a “friend” in Perth who I could stay with while I did my training.  So I said goodbye to my family and friends in the east and walked away from my Kinesiology and KaHuna massage practice that I had spent 10 years building and embarked on this new journey which in my head looked like the most outrageous move that I could make and looked so wrong, yet felt so right.  I am usually a very cautious, calculated, and organised person, so this move was out of character for me.  Yet I had developed this very strong relationship with my heart and my body and they were both telling me that it was ok.  

My new life immediately gave me a sense of feeling at home and this friend of mine has become my husband.  We have had many beautiful moments in life, living a fulfilling relationship because we both have these conversations with ourselves and each other.  We are frequently attuning ourselves to “what really matters” and “what we need”.  This kind of relationship is like having a mirror right in front of your face where you can’t not notice those tired eyes, or that tension in the jaw etc. etc.  And that is a healing gift.  When emotions or conflict arises we can be a witness to the other and truly hear and hold a space of love for healing to occur.  Disharmony and conflict in relationships are perfect opportunities to call our spirit back from previous unhelpful patterns, stories or pain, so that we resolve the past and become whole again.  So next time these moments of disharmony or conflict arise, be it within yourself or with a relationship you have, dare to be fully present and aware and listen deeply to yourself and your needs.  That is where we find the gold and walk the path of self mastery.  The answers and the resolution doesn’t always come immediately, but at least in the meantime you are developing a loving relationship with yourself.

If this article has brought anything up for you or you wanted to discuss anything with me, I would love to connect with you and see if we can find some gold together.

THE POWER IN ACKNOWLEDGING AND HONOURING YOUR PASSIONS

Passion... its beauty, its gift, its nourishment, its healing, its inspiration

Picture this, you are connecting again with that long time friend that you absolutely adore being with.  She is so present with you that you know that every word you have said has been heard and received.  She makes you feel cared for and supported without lifting a finger.  She smiles at you in acknowledgement.  She communicates with you with compassion, setting aside any judgements or criticisms that could jeopardise the relationship.  You relax in her presence because you know that you are safe to simply be yourself and to express all parts of yourself and all aspects of your life with her, and you know you will still be loved, despite it all.  Your energy and your confidence rises each time you are with her because of the effortlessness of the relationship and the whole-hearted acceptance between you both.  Her strength inspires you.  Her wisdom empowers you.  You are nourished in the way that she witnesses you with your stories, your pains, your passions and your challenges.  She illuminates the things you need to hear, simply by listening.  

She is so loving that she can help to heal those pains, stories and challenges. She can be this person for your because she is so much at peace, confident and honouring of herself.  She is so present in the moment that she can hear the truth and reflect it back to you.  And Guess What?  She lives inside you and she can be that person for you too.  

So how do we bring her home to our hearts, to have her wholeness and her love here with us?  How do we secure her to harness that wisdom, peace, strength and love that she has to offer?  

We unveil her.

She holds so much power and vibrance, she could get you through anything.  She has always been there, yet there has been so many events in time… trauma, pain, suffering, conditioning, distractions, negativity… and she has become masked in her veils of suppression.

Then in steps the healing arts.  There are many healing arts aimed at supporting you to release the obstacles to healing.   In fact I am of the belief that life is frequently throwing us life buoys that allow us to heal.  They can be moments of deepened connection where you feel the type of love that cracks you open and has you in tears.  They can be the moments that you are triggered and find yourself shaking.  They can be intimate conversations that highlight parts of you that you need to call back to you, or they can be acts of grace that re-ignite your energy.  Yet sometimes you need support in the process as it is very easy to get stuck and not give yourself the time or space needed to complete the process and see and integrate the gift in it.  My soul recognised this over 20 years ago when at the age of 17 my body had a crisis event.  I can happily say that the silver lining to my pain and challenges at this time was that I found my passion.  

In that crisis, struggling to live in the city away from my family and integrating from boarding school life to university life, my physical body gave me many loud cries for help.  After seeing a number of doctors and finding that the medication I was prescribed was not helping, I found Kinesiology.  This has become my passion ever since.  Kinesiology is the perfect tool for listening to the wisdom of the body and soul.  These 2 aspects of ourselves house our truth and wisdom.  By acknowledging and honouring this wisdom, the veils are revealed and can be cleared.  Inner limitations and obstacles such as loss of spirit, fear, doubt, shame, punishment, criticism, lethargy and pain can all be cleared when the body is ready, and inner wisdom is honoured. 

Inner resources can be accessed that give us the kind of knowledge that is not negotiable and the kind of strength that is not ordinary.  The inner resource that I wanted to highlight this month is PASSION.  When we honour our passions, they give us a sense of purpose and significance, they light us up, they feed us, they give us life and vibrance.  When we have that ability to hear and appreciate ourselves and our passions, we don’t expend unnecessary energy trying to prove it to the world or act out behaviours that are demanding and needy of attention.  Intimacy with self is a spell which resolves so many things in our life.  And this my friends is where the magic happens.  

If you have any further thoughts or queries in relation to this topic, or if you are interested in Kinesiology at all, I am passionate about these types of conversations so feel free to get in touch. Passionate Blessings, Simone 0427 320 302, info@soulnurturing.com.au

Do You Remember Who You Are?

As 2017 draws to an end and 2018 approaches it is the perfect time for reflecting on our own true nature, our Heartsong and the things that are important to us.  Ancient cultures had some beautiful embodying practices of this nature.  Ceremony and ritual was an important part of life and provided the platform for reverence for all of life and the space to connect with the things that matter, such as community, loved ones, and the gifts we receive in this life.  Transitions in life were honoured and celebrated, which fortified individuals as they grew and developed.  There was a big focus on the Essence/Heartsong of an individual, which allowed people to know who they are and be able to make choices from a place of truth.  In some cultures, the women of the tribe would divine the song of the child before it was born.  This song would be sung to the mother throughout its development in utero and at its birth.  When the child or adult would lose its way or its heart in life, the song would be sung again, to remind this person of who they are. 

There are many things that have changed in our society now days, and many of them we can be grateful for as they have made life easier in many ways.  We certainly have been gifted with a plethora of interesting activities and very much choice in our lives.  Yet I have come to reflect on how much our choices are influenced through our primary years of development as children.  Despite having so much choice in life, it is easy to lose sight of who we are, what truly matters to us and what our desires are.  From very young we are told what we are not allowed to desire, no loud behavior, don’t marry anyone like your father, no selfish behavior, don’t eat this food – its bad for you, you can’t do that, you must sit still, etc.  Then there are the subtle messages fed to us about what we ought to be desiring… intelligence, beauty, fitness, the perfect figure… marry someone with money… get the job that is glamorous or financially rewarding…work hard to earn the big dollars to buy the house, car, boat, latest fashion, beauty treatments and fancy holidays… settle down and create the perfect nuclear family, etc.  And before you know it, you are stuck on the express train to a place that you don’t really want to go, wondering if the destination is going to be as good as people make out, and if this long tedious trip is really going to be worth it.

It is never too late to reconnect with our true nature and it is always rewarding to do so.  Our Heartsong and desires are always there, they simply require time and space to be heard.  Or else this powerful force will come out in insidious ways that do not serve us or anyone around us.  Passive aggression, emotional manipulation, acid tongues, addictions, anxiety attacks, and the wet blanket of depression are just a few examples of our essence and our desires being misdirected.  In fact, many of our behaviours have become unconscious in a bid to survive and be loved in the environment we grew up in.  So, there is no judgement or blaming and shaming for what has evolved.  We have all needed to adapt to an ever-changing and challenging world and we don’t even realise how much we are compensating for our loss of clarity and empowerment in relation to who we are.  As a Kinesiology practitioner I hear many stories about what people don’t like in their life and when I ask them what they want instead, it is often met with silence, blank stares, ums and ahs.  To remember who we are, and what really matters to us, is the perfect start to developing clarity, empowerment, joy and fulfillment in our waking lives.

Ever since I was a child, I was absolutely fascinated by the human body.  I loved reading detective novels and exploring the mysteries of dysfunctions and of life itself.  Even from a very young age, I had this fascination.  If I had a headache, I wanted to know why.  So, when it was time for me to learn about the birds and the bees, in her wisdom, my mum gave me a brilliant book about the body, rather than having that awkward conversation.  I will never forget the feeling I got when reading that book and discovering this amazing microcosm of the body.  It was a magical creative space in which to escape.  That sense of illumination was so very exciting for me… much like the time when I first got my glasses to correct short sightedness.  At the age of about 7 or 8, I was so excited to realize that you could actually see leaves on a tree and that those signs on the road actually had words and numbers!!  I absolutely loved learning about the functions and dysfunctions of the body all through my school years and in my university degree as a registered nurse.  So, it is no mistake that Kinesiology is the profession that I have dedicated my life to.  I get to explore people’s paradigms and body’s.  It is an opportunity to drop into this magical creative space of the body and soul which illuminates to us the things that matter.  It gifts us with information about the obstacles and challenges to living life with vibrance and in a healthy and fully functional manner.

When you are sitting with creating your intentions for 2018, or deciding which road to take or what would be truly fulfilling in your life, reflect back to your childhood.  We are all gifted with a Heartsong. It has been with us since before birth and it is very strongly expressed in our younger years. As time has evolved there have been things that have become discordant with our song or that have entrained our expressions in ways that are not in harmony with it.  It doesn’t always mean to say that we need to eliminate those things that are not in harmony, it can sometimes simply mean seeing them for what they are and then giving some more energy and acknowledgement to what is essential in our life.

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words”

If you are curious to explore more of your Heartsong and your desires, I have found many platforms for deepening connections with this throughout my 39 years of exploring life in this way. 

To start 2018, I am offering movement classes which will support you to embody your Heartsong and your intentions for the year.  It will be a beautiful space for you to enhance your joy for movement and for life.  Link below:

https://www.facebook.com/events/568241946901176/

I will also be involved in supporting the Dancing Eros Immersion in Perth in January.  I have personally found this to be a brilliant experience for hearing and honouring the essential part of our being and am more than happy to chat with you about it.  It is not for everyone but for some people it is just the medicine they are seeking.  Link below:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1292913317479605/

Alternatively, for a free initial phone consultation on exploring your Heartsong, block out an hour of your time and share it with me to get the magic started for 2018.

Heartfelt Harmonies to you all.

YOUR BODY'S MANY CRIES FOR WATER

Hydrate and Heal your Body

We can very easily underestimate just how much water our body needs and how much it loses at this time of year.  The body loses water not only through sweating, but also through breathing and through our metabolic and digestive processes.  In summer we tend to be more active and metabolism is increased and more heat is generated, using more water from the body.  It has been estimated that we lose over 1 Litre of water per day and this is increased when we perspire, or in dry environments such as air conditioning.  If you love your alcohol and caffeinated teas - green and black, coffee or energy drinks, this is also going to increase the amount of water your body loses.

So why is hydration so important?
Our brain and nervous system is reliant on adequate hydration for proper function.  Additionally electrolytes and some nutritional building blocks are stored in the body's fluids.  When hydration and electroytes are out of balance the following symptoms can be experienced.
headaches
nausea
brain fog
fatigue
irritability
back pain
muscle cramps
general weakness  
PLUS, let's just think about how much extra stress a lack of water and a lack of function is placing on you.  Life is stressful enough as it is, without adding to the mix.  This kind of stress is easily resolved and eliminated simply with awareness and self care.  So if you would love to have more energy, enjoy your body's movements and feel switched on for any challenge that may come your way, here are some useful tips.

It is advised that you drink at least 1.5 L to 2 L of pure water per day.  Your urine ought to be a light yellow colour.  If it is a dark yellow you are already showing signs of dehydration.  Some people find that they can drink water and still feel dehydrated or be urinating pale coloured fluid frequently.  This is a sign that your body is not managing its fluids so well and your electrolytes may be out of balance.  In a Kinesiology session we work with reflex points that help organ functions and biochemical processes.  Techniques are used to release stress and increase the body's energy to maintain a balanced healthy function.  We can also assess what nutrition is lacking to support your body to get the building blocks it needs for bringing hydration status back into balance.  

Watch out for these signs that your body is not appropriately managing fluid and hydration:
#You are drinking plenty of water yet still feeling thirsty
#You are feeling bloated as a result of drinking water
#You feel the water is going straight through to be eliminated as very pale coloured urine
 
Here are some home support tips for this:

#Drink frequently through the day, avoiding sugary drinks such as soft drinks and cordials. #Reduce or eliminate alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
#Drink your water with the addition of himalayan or sea salt and apple juice.  This can help to replenish electrolytes and support the movement of water into the cells of the body. 
#Coconut water sipped frequently through the day is another option to help the body to rebuild its electrolyte balance.
#Hydrolyte tablets or ORS sachets available at chemists or supermarkets are also good to prevent dehydration.  These are what you use in cases of vomiting, diarrhoea or gastro illnesses so as with any medicine, don't overdo it.
#Increase hydrating foods into your diet... in particular melons, cucumber, tomatoes, oranges, lettuce

As you have probably already heard, by the time you are thirsty, the body has already got the signal that it is dehydrated, so starting that habit of having a water bottle as your best buddy, by your side always, and drink regularly.  If you are drinking alcohol, get in the habit of having a drink of water between each alcoholic drink.  Listening to your body's limits and its many cries for water is self love and self care at its best in Summer.

Happy festive season everyone.

TAKE YOURSELF ON A HONEYMOON

I remember our honeymoon so well.  It was such a perfect opportunity to relax and recover from the hectic moments leading up to the wedding.  Despite my intention to have a small and simple wedding, there was so much involved, not just in organising the wedding, which happened alongside having to manage a business.  Managing the social aspects of dealing with so many people and their queries, requests, advice, complaints and cancellations on top of dealing with my own emotions, was all quite taxing.  If it wasn’t for that honeymoon and the retreat space that we had to fall more deeply in love with each other and ourselves, we would have had some very shaky foundations to go back out into the world with.  And that would have been rather ugly!

Mental health is such a vital foundation for dealing with everyday events as well as for functioning in relationships.  People whose mental health is depleted can tend to isolate themselves from others as a survival strategy to avoid any further stress.  Yet this can spiral mental health problems into feeling even more unsupported and alone in the process.  It is much easier to recover mentally when we can identify mental health imbalances early.  Just as we had the “Are you Ok” movement to encourage people to check in with loved ones about their mental health, we can also apply this movement to ourselves so that we can support both ourselves and others in coming out of dark times with a greater sense of awareness and empowerment.  Hence my passion to share these support tips with you. 

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT TIPS
❖ Honor yourself, your passions and your unique expression in this world.

❖ Take some quality time out for rest and replenishing so you don’t end up in burn-out or break-down  

❖ Be sure to treat yourself to doing the things you love on a daily basis.  

❖ Listen to your feelings and emotions to be guided to resolve underlying issues that need to be dealt with.  The longer they go unresolved, the more they will persist, undermining your sense of mental wellbeing.

❖ Make sure you are getting enough quality sleep.  An average of 8 hours a day is usually enough.  However everybody is different with their needs and sometimes in our life we need more sleep than others.  Sleep is essential for your body to replenish neurotransmitters for sense of wellbeing.

❖ Ensure you have a diet that addresses your foundational nutritional needs for a happy healthy brain and body. Taken from the book ‘Eat Complete’ by Drew Ramsey MD,  

1. Omega 3 fats – building blocks for cellular membranes, hormones, neurotransmitters... every aspect of body function really.

Food sources: fish, shellfish, grass fed beef, linseed, chia seeds, kale

2. Zinc - key factor in many of the bodies cellular functions and essential for immunity, healing and brain development

Food sources: oysters, grass fed beef, turkey, sesame and pumpkin seeds

3. Vit B12 – very important, your brain degenerates without it.  

Food sources: mussels, trout, salmon

4. Magnesium – a key nutrient for the majority of cellular functions in the body – think healing, growth, repair, energy production, releasing waste and more  

Food sources: almonds, spinach, cashews, black beans, parsnips, eggs, seeds

5. Vit B9 – folate – required for neural protection and to make many neurotransmitters – chemicals responsible for clear thinking, regulating mood

Food sources: chicken, lentils, chickpeas, black-eye peas, brussel sprouts, asparagus, spinach

6. Prebiotics and probiotics – health of the nervous system and immune system is highly dependent on the health of the gut

Food sources: high fibre food such as navy beans, lentils, raspberries,  fermented foods such as saukraut, miso, sourdough bread, kim chi, tempeh, tofu

7. Complete proteins – essential for healing, growth and repair - building blocks for thousands of body parts – cell receptors, muscles, enzymes, neurotransmitters etc.

Food sources: grass fed beef, chicken, turkey, salmon, lamb,  Vego combinations: a)corn combined with beans eg. Corn chips and beans;  b)nuts/lentils/legumes combined with grains, eg. dahl & rice, hommos on bread c)seeds combined with legumes – eg sesame and tofu 

So what about the honeymoon?  Take yourself out from the everyday and cultivate those loving feelings for yourself and the things that matter.  You may find yourself a happy place in nature, walking your favourite route, treating yourself at a coffee shop, or hanging out with someone very special to you.  Whatever feels like delicious time out and a loving space, take yourself there.  We also have on offer a vision quest nature retreat which is a dedication to having time out to have a mental and emotional purge and rest in the stillness of connection with your heart and soul.  phone Michael  on 0417 534 647 or email us for more info... info@soulnurturing.com.au

YOUR VISION QUEST

Picture this and imagine what a vision quest could mean to you…

You have found your place. You have set out your Medicine Wheel and layed out your belongings. It’s here where you will be still and reflect on your life for three days and nights. It’s a commitment, and promise you have entered into with your deeper self, on your path of seeking a fuller, purposeful life.  

You begin to scan your surroundings. You notice the larger things. The trees, scrubs, earth, fallen bark and twigs. Perhaps some insects will have shown themselves. Is that a birds nest you spot, close by in a tree? And what bird is that singing? 

Many things will be revealed over the next three days. You have let go of all those things that fill your normal days. No mobile phones, televisions, computers to distract you. No chores, dishes to wash, floors to vacuum, meals to cook.

Life will be simple for the next three days.  This may introduce challenges. 

“What am I to do” you may ask? Will you begin to become restless and pace around, thinking, looking for things you think you should be doing? And hunger may reveal itself early to you. How will you cope with only water to feed you? 

You remind yourself of your commitment. You are determined to make the most of your Vision Quest experience. So with time you begin to settle. You find yourself dropping deeper into yourself. You have a strong ally. That inner voice, that understands your deepest secrets and the reason why you are where you are at this very moment. 

And as you let go of the world outside your Medicine Wheel you begin to notice your connection to the simple things we can often take for granted. You feel theearth beneath you. You may wish to deepen this connection, and remove your shoes.  The wind may call you to breath deeply and fill your whole self with the fragrances of the bush. You may be drawn to touch your surroundings, feel the texture of the leaves, bark, stones, and earth itself.  Your hearing may sharpen, along with your eyesight as you connect further to the land, and to yourself. 

And slowly, as you do so, you begin to surrender to the process of healing and insight.

You may marvel at the night sky. The stars, and the dark spaces.  The sunrise, and sunset. The ever-changing colours of your landscape.

And all along the way, your connection to all things that matter, deepens. 

You have entered into your own Meditation, Vipassana, Pilgrimage. The perfect setting for your questions to be asked, and the answers revealed. As you surrender further your connection grows. Perhaps your ancestors speak to you, or the ancestors of the land, for there is tens of thousands of years lineage surrounding you. 

There are times when you think of food but your resolve and spirit is strong. A small, short sacrifice for the greater good. 

There may be insights you will always remember. Perhaps you write down, or draw the gifts you receive. Whatever comes to you, comes for a reason. It’s a message for you that maybe there are things you need to resolve. And as you do so the path ahead will be clearer. You can see the course of action needed, for you have been guided by your heart.  Each day you are visited in the mid morning. Your wellbeing is so important to us. We will check on your physical and spiritual condition, and provide support as needed. But we won’t stay long, and we will keep our conversations brief. 

The days pass. Your connection deepens. The creatures around you have noticed you and come to recognise you are no threat, rather one of them. They go about their daily business and perhaps this provides some light entertainment for you.  Or maybe they teach you something about yourself. And different creatures come out to play at night. Do you notice the silent bat darting by, or the equally silent owl as it hunts. 

Eventually your Vision Quest draws to a close. You have completed something special and deserve a pat on the back. Not many people in our society have the courage to take on such a challenge but you have, and will be more grounded as a result. You may even find yourself reluctant to leave your Medicine Wheel. Just a few more days you may say. You have conquered the dependance for food and found focus in deeper things. You can see yourself extending your VQ experience to five days, maybe even beyond five days, in the future.

As you return to your home you will remember your simple Medicine Wheel in the bush and all you received within. You can picture it clearly, for you know it well, and it you. And the spirits of your place can visit you anywhere, and you them, in your dreams and meditations. The creatures will notice your absence but perhaps you will be drawn back for a visit sometime

To your special place in nature. 

MICHAEL’S VISION QUEST REFLECTIONS.

There are so many stories that may be revealed to us during a Vision Quest, and some will of course remain very personal and held within. And what conditions will mother nature provide for us? Will she be gentle and soft or is a storm called for to clear away anger and frustration?

The following are just a brief reference to my three personal Vision Quest experiences. Many of the insights that I treasure from my VQ’s will always remain personal but I’m happy to share an overview of my experiences.

The first was in 2009 on a friend’s property in central Queensland. It was a very large property and I chose a site high on an ancient rock ledge, overlooking a gorge, to set up my sacred place. My spiritual awakening had only just begun and I was looking for further guidance on my path. Given the location it wasn’t surprising that the spirits from that place came out to see what this strange chap was doing sitting for so long in one place. It was as if they were on one side of the gorge watching me sitting on the other. They crossed the gorge on my second night and filled the space with their presence. I felt at ease and welcomed as a visitor to their special place. The experience also reminded me of the joy in speaking my prayers out aloud for all to hear. After two nights I gathered my things and prepared to return to my friends house when a pack of dingos moved through the bottom of the gorge. I can still remember their howls echoing in the landscape. I am a Dingo, it’s my totem.

My second VQ was out in the desert about 100 kilometres south of Alice Springs. We are guided to divine our VQ site. We should allow ourselves to be ‘shown’ a special place rather than choose it from our heads. We should listen to our hearts, our inner voice. Well for my second VQ I ignored the latter and chose a place from my head. As soon as I finished setting up my medicine wheel I realised my mistake, but it was too late. Once we set up our wheel and step in, that’s it for the duration of our VQ.

So it was a challenging 6 days and a hard lesson, and almost punishment for not following my heart. Least to say I certainly took this message with me as I returned to my home. That VQ reminds me of where I have to operate from always, in order to be on the right path.

My last VQ was over three nights in the same location near Alice Springs . Fortunately, this time, I allowed myself to listen deeply and was therefore guided to a beautiful tree and surrounds.
The tree was home to a city of ants. I soon made peace with the ants so we could co exist in harmony. I would spend my days watching them rushing around on what looked like our city freeways. Back and forth they went, day in, day out. I was getting close to making a decision as to whether to leave my job or not back home. Well those ants helped me make the decision that felt right and I thanked them for their guidance.

So Vision Quests are unique to each individual. And that’s part of their beauty. When we sit in nature and remind ourselves that we are totally connected with all things, the answers to our questions may be revealed.

Both Simone and I have also had the privilege, in the past, of supporting others in their VQ journeys. We did this as part of our Shamanic Practice studies. We consider it an honour to support you and look forward to hearing your VQ story, if you wish to share it, before
we all return to our lives beyond the retreat.

How to Identify and Avoid Winter Ailments

Chinese Medicine offers us tried and tested ancient wisdom when it comes to health.  The Chinese have known for thousands of years how best to care for, and nourish our physical and energetic body.  One of the earliest surviving texts “The Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine” was written in times well Before Christ. Teachings from Chinese medicine are based on the principle that we are part of nature and to honour the natural cycles of nature as well as our own assists us to stay in good health.  Illness prevention is a primary aspect of Chinese Medicine which is what I am all about, especially having spent many years working in hospitals.  I have seen the extremes of physical and mental problems that occur when the body’s cries for help are ignored for way too long. I have a very strong purpose to give people the skills to care for themselves, avoid the hardships of hospitalisation and take the pressure off our struggling medical system.

So what is important to know to care for yourself in winter?

Being a cold season, excessive cold in the body can create illness, beyond just the common cold.  The energy of the kidneys and the bladder are particularly susceptible to the cold, which is why people tend to want to go to the toilet so often in cold weather.  There are also some not so obvious physical signs that the body is out of balance and needs some support.  Cold causes contraction in the body and restricts flow, causing these types of symptoms:

Tight muscles, cramping, arthritis, aches and pains

Poor circulation, cold hands and feet

Asthma, tight chest and shallow breathing

Colitis - inflammation and discomfort in the intestines

Difficult and painful menstrual flow 

The fluids of the body, bone marrow and the reproductive system is governed by Kidney energy.  

Inadequate kidney energy or imbalanced kidney energy can result in these types of symptoms

Fluid retention, swollen ankles and bloating

Dehydration evidenced by dry lips, throat and mouth, low energy, dryness in intestines

Low libido, insufficient lubrication

Knee pain, low back pain, weak legs

Fatigue

In Chinese Medicine, kidney energy is a most precious aspect for health and wellbeing as it is considered to hold our life-fire, essential essence and reserves of energy.  In our Australian society, we are not so accustomed at taking care of our kidney energy and tend to abuse it by burning the candle at both ends, take on high stress lives and have poor sleep hygiene (eg. exposure to screens before bed, and lack of wind down time and bed time rituals).  Emotional states of anxiety are related to kidney and bladder problems, which makes this issue a high priority to get on top of.  Also contributing to imbalances in kidney energy is not allowing insufficient recovery time in periods of illness or after high activity periods.  We tend ignore our body's needs (eg. not keeping the body warm enough) or tend to battle on with any stress or obstacle and use our mind to overcome any sense of physical or emotional weakness.  Eg. Soldier on, avoiding any judgements about being soft or precious (inflicted by self or others).  In fact many of us have become exceptional at over-riding our body’s wisdom with our strong minds and wills, and that is how first, I ended up consulting a Kinesiology practitioner. The strength of my mind suppressed my emotions and my body’s calls for help, so much so, that it almost destroyed me at merely 17 years of age.  So of course, I want to reciprocate that gift and give everyone the opportunity to have a healthy, joyful and fulfilling life.

So here are my…

Secrets to Keeping Your Inner Fire Burning in Winter so that you can experience the fullness of your life force and remain healthy and resilient.

#1  Stay warm and protect yourself from the outside cold - especially in the Kidney area - mid to low back.  Cover up when you go out into the cold.  In Chinese Medicine scarves are not a fashion accessory, they are medicine.  Wear them around your neck, your waist, your ears, whatever youneed to do to stay warm do it!  

#2 Stay warm on the inside.  Avoiding too many cold drinks and foods will help you to stay warm from the inside out.   Choose warm herbal teas, soups, stews, roasts, coffee, hot chocolate, red wine for example.  That doesn’t sound too painful does it?  Winter is the perfect time to enjoy warming times, foods and drinks with friends and family.  Lots of pleasure on offer here in winter.  This will feed your essential spirit as well as your physical body’s energy.  Specific foods that support Kidney energy and body warmth are:

beef and lamb

chicken, salmon, sardines, mussels

barley, millet, wheat germ

mung beans, kidney beans

walnuts, chestnuts, pine nuts, sesame

beetroot, fennel, spinach, parsley

onion, leek, chives, shallots

potato and sweet potato

spices such as fennel seeds, ginger, cloves, black pepper, nutmeg, cardamon, cinnamon

#3  Take time to withdraw a little from the usual hectic pace of life and nurture yourself with some good quality time and self care practices.  This may be meditation, or simply periods of deep breathing if that is easier to achieve.  This is excellent for helping to connect with the calming and restorative power of the breath and shifting the body out of fight, flight, action ACTION, anxiety states of being and into a more receptive space for rebuilding your body’s energy levels.  If movement is more supportive for you to calm anxiety and stress, put the music on and nurture your body with any activity that makes you feel good... walking, dancing, stretching etc.

#4  Get plenty of sleep.  If you are frequently anxious or worrying about work, family, decisions, finances, relationships, then already you are losing valuable kidney energy.  If these things are also affecting your sleep and you are highly strung, it is highly likely that even when you are sleeping, you are not dropping into a deep sleep and waking up feeling tired.  This is a complex issue that I see frequently in my Kinesiology clinic and I suggest you phone me to talk about strategies to improve this situation as good sleep is essential to every aspect of your health.

A multi-pronged approach is best practice for maintaining good health.  Every person is so individual in relation to their body’s needs and imbalances.  So if you want to be really effective with managing your health routine this winter, I recommend we catch up for a Kinesiology consultation.  The muscle monitoring used in Kinesiology gives us feedback about exactly what it is that your body needs for health.

Or if you would like to discuss any of the issues in this article, Phone Simone on 0427 320 302 for a complimentary phone consultation.

Or email your name and phone number to info@soulnurturing.com.au and I can ring you for that personal heath appraisal.

 Reference: Wong, L. & Knapsey K. (2002) Food for the Seasons, Eat well and stay healthy the traditional Chinese way, Black Dog books, Fitzroy Australia

Kinesiology FAQ's

Kinesiology in Fremantle

IF KINESIOLOGY SEEMS SOMETHING MYSTERIOUS OR YOU WANT TO UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT IT AND GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR CONSULTATIONS, THIS INFO IS FOR YOU

How Has Kinesiology Been Developed as a Healing Modality?

Kinesiology was first developed in the 1960s by a Chiropractor, Dr George Goodheart.  He discovered that he could use muscle testing to verify the effectiveness of his spinal corrections.  He researched methods whereby muscles could be corrected through lymphatic, neurovascular and spinal reflexes in the body.  There have been many developments in Kinesiology since.  Other healing modalities have been incorporated into Kinesiology techniques, such as Chiropractic principles, Chinese acupressure and meridians, plant medicines, chakra systems along with the latest research in neurology and neuroplasticity.  Kinesiology is now a cutting edge complementary therapy and its effectiveness has been validated in a number of studies, which is how Kinesiology has come to be registered with Health funds for rebates.

What Happens in a Kinesiology Session?

Quite simply, Kinesiology uses muscle monitoring to get information about how your body is functioning and what is out of balance.   Initially we discuss what challenges you are experiencing as well as goals that you may have for the session.  You will then have the opportunity to lie on the massage table (fully clothed) with shoes off, while we do the bodywork of muscle monitoring and correction techniques such as massaging and holding reflex points on the body.  You will be shown how a muscle test works and how it can give feedback about your physical, mental, emotional and energetic health.  During the session it is important for you to listen to your body and allow any emotions, memories or physical sensations to arise, so that they can be acknowledged and released.  Your personal choice and dignity will be very much respected and it is important for you to express if there is anything that is painful or that does not sit right with you.

Following a session you may experience any number of things. Sometimes people have immediate pain relief, feel lighter and feel more energized.  Sometimes people feel tired or emotional while the body is still releasing and processing the changes it is making for self healing.  Don’t underestimate just how much energy is required for healing the body.  It is important to honour your body’s need for rest and recovery if you are feeling tired following a session.  If you have any concerns or an increase in pain levels at the end of a session or following a session, please get in touch with me to discuss strategies for resolving any problems.

How does it work?

Kinesiology reveals the stressors and patterns that are affecting your health and wellbeing in relation to all aspects of yourself.  With this we can discern exactly what is out of balance for you and support your body with its natural ability for self healing.  When we release stress from the body it supports it to function at its optimum – that includes immune system function, brain function, digestive function, hormonal balance, emotional modulation and many other functions of the body.  When the muscles are in balance your body posture improves and there is less risk of straining or injuring yourself. 

The key to the effectiveness of Kinesiology is the way it can access unconscious and subconscious sabotages that affect your ability to have a fully functional body.   It offers a process of peeling off layers of stress and conditioning that has adversely affected our function over many years.  Kinesiology supports you to release negative patterns and postures and create new neurological pathways and behavioural patterns.  By aligning the body’s conscious and subconscious with the expression of the soul, it supports you to function at your fullest potential and become a lot clearer to achieve your goals.  Ill health and pain is created in the body over time through compensatory and defence patterns.  As we peel off each layer of stress a new layer of stress may be revealed, which means you may become aware of a new pain or emotion which had previously been suppressed.  This gives the opportunity to address the underlying issue and release it.  The less energy we put into compensating for all these compensatory and defence patterns, the more energy we have to do the things we love and to self heal.

Your first Kinesiology session is orientated to establishing healthy neurological functions and releasing survival patterns for you to become more present and centered in yourself.  This will also give you a greater capacity for integrating positive changes.  Follow up sessions allow us to fine tune things and address how we can support you to maintain your balance and body’s energy and health in relation to circumstances that trigger your physical or emotional problems.  

How Much Time is Required for Kinesiology Consultations?

In my 18 years of practicing Kinesiology I have found that it is most effective for me to see you for at least 3 consultations approximately 1 to 2 weeks apart initially.  This gives the best opportunity to create neurological stability and then get to the core of issues that are affecting your health and wellbeing.  Each session tends to be between approximately 1.5 hours.  Following this you can decide if there are still aspects of your health or mental or emotional patterns that you would like to receive support with.  Commonly people will choose to have further sessions on a regular basis, for example monthly, to continue to address any issues or stress that might arise.  I have developed an excellent structure of consultations and follow up support so that people get outstanding results and positive changes, as I know just how incredible this tool of Kinesiology can be when it is used effectively.

I see many children with behavioural and learning challenges and these sessions can be between 40 minutes and 1.5 hours depending on the age of the child and the complexity of the problem.  Behavioural issues are generally related to learning problems.... more on that in another blog!  The number of sessions advised for a child will vary greatly, depending on each case.  There are a great number of neurological pathways involved in learning, and to thoroughly assess and balance the brain for learning is best done over at least 4 sessions.  There can be improvements along the way, yet it is such a gift to give a child the opportunity to completely access their brain functions as it makes life a lot easier for them and for everyone else around them.

What Do I Need to Know to Support Myself After a Consultation?

A Kinesiology consultation works with the nervous system and the muscles which requires good hydration for functioning.  It is therefore important to drink plenty of water following your session.  This will also help the body's detoxification process if toxicity was addressed in your session.  You may feel you need more rest or sleep than what you have been accustomed to.  This is normal and an important thing to give yourself for integrating the neurological changes taking place. 

Life can continue to present challenges where you have the opportunity to practice new ways of responding from a place of choice and awareness.  The more awareness you can exercise, the more you will get from the sessions, and the more you will benefit from making choices that support you.  Often after a consultation people find that they are confronted head on with their issues of stress.  If this happens pay particular attention to what you need in this moment.  Just as our body gives us indications for our physical needs eg. thirsty when you need to drink, hungry when you need to eat, our melt downs and emotions are also important to acknowledge as they demonstrate our mental, emotional and spiritual needs.  So be kind to yourself in these moments and give yourself the time and space to be heard.  We all know how good it feels to be heard and acknowledged and we can do this for ourselves.  Be aware that others may want to pull you back into old patterns or what your old self would do.  Remember to tune into what feels right for you when you notice yourself falling into the old ways that no longer serve you.

Every moment you have the opportunity to redefine yourself and to choose how you respond and how you care for yourself with a fresh perspective.  In every moment you get to choose how much stress you want to put on yourself.  Stress is a huge contributor to pain, inflammation, immune system problems and mental health problems, so it is really worth mastering how you deal with stress.  Be gentle with yourself while your body, mind and spirit are making their adjustments and learning new ways of being. 

Ultimately, through Kinesiology you will learn to connect with your body’s potential for self healing.  Through becoming attuned to your body’s wisdom for healing and recognizing when you need support to move through your blind spots, we can work together to master your self-healing abilities.

If you have any further questions or feedback about Kinesiology, I would love to hear from you.

Thanks, xo Simone Miller,  

info@soulnurturing.com.au

0427 320 302

Improving movement

Thanks goes to Natalie Ermer Jensen for this blog for Nia Australia, last updated 19/06/2017

In Nia we recognise something sacred about using imagination when we move. Research tells us there is good reason why. Do share these scientific findings with movement buddies.

Science now shows that fitness training through practices like Nia Technique, which integrates our playful nature with functional movement, is reportedly the most effective way to improve strength and conditioning, and in the last 5 years has been a tool used by elite coaches to enhance performance of professional athletes - Nia's creators knew this over 30 years ago!

Recent research has shown that mental imagery improves motor tasks (Slimani and Cheour, 2016), and can bring greater strength, flexibility and overall conditioning. ‘Mental imagery’ is defined as “using all the senses to recreate or create an experience in the mind”, or activating the imagination when we move (Cumming and Williams, 2014). And some research is showing that using imagination can even improve recovery rates following injury (Clark et al., 2014).

Good news! Exercise is more effective with a playful, curious, adventurous mind!

This means that what Debbie Rosas and Carlos Aya Rosas developed over thirty years ago, is being confirmed by leading sports psychologists, and neurophysiologists worldwide and the research continues.

Mind you, Martial Arts masters have used mental imagery since possibly the 12th century (TaiChi) in sequences like ‘White Crane Spreads Wings’. Has your teacher ever shared the pearl, “Imagine your arms as wings – in your body’s way – stretch your wings wide from the centre of your spine out to your fingertips”? I remember being told about my wings by California Nia teachers, Jodie Chapman and Chrissy Modjahedpour, and I have loved and used the image since. This mental imagery transforms a lovely arm extension into Joyful flight that is dynamic and alive, can be customised in your own way, and it is so much fun!

Magic happens when we connect movement with imagination, or get into our playful mind-space. Embodied movement occurs when we are less self-conscious and more self-aware. Notice the difference when you move from the shoulders through your full range of motion, and then switch how your mind engages with the movement, this time imagining large broad, powerful wings expanding and filling the room, giving your spirit freedom to soar, sensing dynamic ease! The muscles engage more through your torso, legs and arms as your imagination senses the space surrounding your agile form. Sport psychology and neurophysiology aims to get athletes out of their head, and more in their bodies, improving quality of movement and engaging an instinctive body-mind connection. Athletes master their structure, but now it is recognised that over thinking can interrupt a person's ability to move with greatest ease, so their imagination is key. In Nia we say, ‘it’s not how it looks, but how it FEELS that makes a difference.’ When we invite imagery to inspire our movement, our conditioning improves naturally. We choose our wings. A bird does not push itself to fly big and broad - instead beginning with small, fluttering moments of short flight start them on their journey. Natural time.

Susan Rees, a UK Nia teacher, shares a mobility movement improvement story. “In one of my classes where the majority of students are over 70 who previously couldn’t let go in free dance suddenly found they could let go and dash around the room interweaving and changing planes – the secret – pretending to be Dolphins in ‘Awake’!” Becoming something powerful, graceful and agile improved the way they moved because their imaginations allowed them to let go of thinking about a technique, so they engaged muscles differently. Joints moved more freely exploring their ‘ocean’.

And bringing gifts of imagery into our everyday activities gives us the ability to ‘Dance Through Life’. Why stop being a dolphin, and why tuck away your wings the moment you step off the dance floor? You can dash in your 'ocean', or expand your 'wings' any time in your day. When you remember, bring it with you everywhere you go. Now your body/mind experience is enhanced. You do begin to move differently. You will change the way you step into class too. There is perceptible movement improvement. Science recognises you are the sacred athlete.

REFERENCES:
Clark B.C., Mahato N.K., Nakazawa M., Law T.D., Thomas J.S. (2014) The power of the mind: the cortex as a critical determinant of muscle strength/weakness. Journal of Neurophysiology 15, 3219-3226.

Cumming J., Williams S.E. (2014) Imagery. In: Encyclopedia of sport and exercise psychology. Ed: Eklund R.C., Tenenbuam G., editors. Los Angeles: Sage; 369-373.

Slimani M., Cheour F. (2016) Effects of cognitive training strategies on muscular force and psychological skills in healthy striking combat sports practitioner. Sport Sciences for Health 1-9.

DO WHAT YOU HAVE ALWAYS DONE, GET WHAT YOU HAVE ALWAYS GOT…AND THEN ENTER THE CHILD

Do you ever feel heavy or stuck in your life?  Do you notice yourself doing the same old things, the same old way and getting no-where with it?  As a Kinesiology practitioner over the past 18 years, I have learnt in myself and witnessed many others accessing the gift of childlike states of being, and transforming themselves and their lives.  Allow me to explain… 

THE GIFT OF CHILDLIKE STATES OF BEING

Playfulness has been a thread of guidance through much of my life.

After having done a number of personal development workshops I have come to learn and put into practice, some strategies for life’s challenges, and many of them revolve around childlike states of being such as playfulness.  In a leadership workshop of Christopher Howard’s, we learnt many things about ourselves through games.  I discovered that when I stepped out of my usual serious and striving patterns and chose to be playful and curious about trying new things, I felt a lot more empowered and rewarded in what I did.  The sense of fun and laughter that I can bring into my everyday life is a wonderful tool for me for taking the pressure off myself and enjoying life’s ebbs and flows. 

As a Nia Technique Instructor, we learn the importance of floor play, which adds a unique value to this fitness practice.  Parents and grandparents, uncles and aunties, I think you will know what I am talking about when I mention the fitness involved in playing on the floor with those very adorable toddlers we know.  You are possibly recalling those stiff, aching muscles right now.  We access a whole bunch of muscles that we wouldn’t normally use when we move around on the floor.  It is a brilliant activity for the core muscles and the pelvic floor, which your bladder and other pelvic floor muscles will thank you for.  Now I know pilates and yoga are also great floor play activities, and Nia Technique takes this to a whole different level through the use of the healing arts such as the work of Moshe Feldenkreis and Alexander Technique.  In short, through making contact with the floor in different ways we are able to deepen our connection with our body and with our environment and begin to broaden our range of movements and our scope of being in life.  Yet even when we drop all the adult structures and rationales about how good playing on the floor is for you, by tuning into your senses and your sense of play, your body itself will feel just how good it is.  Passionate point made, now turn on your favourite tunes and move around on the floor like the creative, open minded, fun loving being you can be.  These are all beautiful qualities that we can access in ourselves when we attune to a child-like state of being.

Another aspect to playfulness is light-heartedness.  And by now you are probably either thinking, ‘this woman is mad, I’m out of this game, and getting on with my life as it was’, or you have lightened up and are having a chuckle at what that might look like as you are dancing on the floor.  And by the way, if you did want to join a Nia class and find out just how much fun you can have with moving your body, visit www.niaaustralia.com.au to find an instructor in your area.  Reclaiming light-heartedness in life can be a way to finding greater ease in adult life when everything starts to feel a little bit too serious and lack lustre.  There is an essential oil which captures this beautifully.  It is orange oil.  So if you are struggling with the seriousness of adult life, orange oil in a burner or dabbed onto your body with your moisturiser can be a refreshing inspiration to transcend this kind of heaviness so you can be inspired to find a more playful and enjoyable way of doing things.

A child-like spirit in life can help to develop a sense of curiosity in order to transcend the criticisms and judgements that creep into our consciousness.  This also gives a sense of fun and adventure that helps us through life’s challenges.  When challenges come to us from left field, rather than being bogged down in it, we can ask with curiosity and wonderment, “what next?”.  This can ignite an ‘on switch’ for the curiosity that creates the space for the answers and solutions to reply. 

Children use play to make sense of their world and to express themselves.  It is also a well researched activity for supporting sick children to heal and recover.  The play therapist was an important part of the hospital structure when I was first nursing as a paediatric nurse.  It begs the question, why is play not also important for adults?  Adults too are exposed to many new experiences in life and learning new ways of expressing themselves amidst these experiences.  In my Kinesiology clinic I have witnessed many adults who have experienced trauma or negativity around self expression and it can be more damaging to our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing than what we think.  Consequently, self expression then becomes limited, or so tightly modulated that it becomes incredibly exhausting.  Your fatigue or weariness in life is quite possibly a lot more than just not having enough sleep.  This is why I love my work as a Kinesiologist.  It is a place where I can invite others into my world of curiosity as we listen to the body and the spirit reveal to us what is not working and what will support you in the healing journey. 

There are so, so many traits of the child that I admire that can be useful at different times in life.  They are not afraid to ask, and ask, and ask, and ask for what they want!  They are amused and laugh at the simplest little things in life.  They are so damn honest, nothing is hidden.  They passionately feel one moment and are over it in the next.  And to complete my case about just how beneficial it is to adopt a child like state of being I want to share with you this little story…

After emailing a friend and hearing about her very sweet little 5 year old’s birthday being spent with gastroenteritis, I pondered how any mum could bear the heartache of seeing their child suffer.  This was the response I got…. “Ha, it is easy! After she recovered from her nastiness, and then I came down with it, she lay beside me in bed and stroked my arm and brought me dolls to make me feel better. My heart wasn’t just intact, it was bursting.”  Thank you for this perspective Caroline.

If you want to know more about Kinesiology or Nia Technique, feel free to call me on 0427 320 302.

Shamanic Awakenings

In the rising of the sun, we have the opportunity for new beginnings each day

Many people have transformational experiences in life which can set them on a new path and open them up to a whole new way of seeing their life.  There are many stories of people having spiritual awakenings, or episodes of turmoil which change their life forever.  Another term that captures this is "The Heroes Journey".  To explain this in short, life can put us through incredibly challenging experiences and we can meet with our deepest and darkest emotions.  This may be a time when we feel that we can't take much more loss, trauma or pain in life and it gives us the opportunity to recreate ourselves.  When we use this time to transform, and seek support and guidance, we develop tremendous fortitude, purpose and strength.  

If you can relate to anything we have to share in this blog, Michael would love to hear from you.  Or if you know of anyone who is challenged with a transformational experience in life,  don't let them suffer in silence.  It is very important to receive the support of community and mentors in times of challenge.

MICHAEL’S STORY

It’s been nearly ten years now since my ‘spiritual awakening’. It took place in a very remote part of the Australian outback. I had been travelling through the country with a small group for nearly two weeks and each night I would sleep on a simple swag under the stars.

My beliefs till this point had been gathered through a very clinical, scientific lens. Science had the answers to most things I thought, and this included a rational, logical, interpretation of spirituality, religions and some of those bigger questions we ask ourselves throughout life.

Well on a most special, magical night, my world was turned upside down. Unbeknown to us we had camped within an ancient Aboriginal site. Simply, on this night, the spirits of this land came to me, moved through me, blessed me, and changed my life. It was terrifying at times as this process took many hours but when a voice finally spoke to me and said, “ It’s over, all is well, all is safe Michael” I was filled with an overwhelming sense of love and absolute ecstasy. A knowing I had received a most beautiful gift.

Since that night my life has been a journey of learning about myself and growth. Naturally there have been many challenges along the way but when I take the time to be still and I cast my thoughts back to that night, I recharge and remember how blessed I have been.

My spiritual practice has always been drawn to what could be described as a traditional, ancient way of being. It goes back to tribal ways, when communities were served by healers, Ngangkeres, teachers, storytellers. Those who’s role it was to look after the spiritual and physical wellbeing of the community, through council with the spiritual realms. To me it is the most pure, natural way of being in spiritual service to myself and to others. It is a reflection of nature itself. With humility and dignity, and as a conduit to a greater source.

So early in my journey I began to study traditional healing and ceremonies. I enrolled in a Shamanic practice course. I quickly found that this type of healing and study worked for me. I learnt to call upon the inner voice and intuition. It wasn’t about the books so much, rather it’s about listening deeply and being open to messages and support from spirit when performing journey work , ceremonies and healing.

I now wish to share my love of healing with others by offering my services to clients whom are open to listening and healing both the body and soul. After all, the two are one. This can bring about a true awareness of ourselves, our individual power, and in time, our ability to heal ourselves.

I have continued my studies since those early days, and have recently added Shamanic breathwork to my practice. I know my studies will continue forever. I know I will listen and take with me what feels right. I am also committed to drawing on and sharing the spirituality of this land and it’s wonderful traditional custodians. I do this with the greatest respect. To me the indigenous people of Australia have the most unique connection to all worlds. They have abundant knowledge and understanding of these worlds. An understanding that has been handed down through so many generations, for tens of thousands of years. They are the oldest living culture in the world and their knowledge must continue rather that be lost with time.

I also found myself drawn to books on traditional healing and the ways of healers. It truly is the great mystery that fascinates me. It is so liberating to look past the craziness of this world and to feel a connection to something greater. This feeling gives me strength.

I have a deep passion for ceremony. We currently hold regular Sweat ceremonies in Harvey WA and I now look forward to creating a venue in Fremantle where people can come and have a platform for community and regular ceremonial practice.

Both Simone and I wish to share our passion for spirituality, ceremonies and healing with others. Through our business ‘Soul Nurturing’ we wish to build community and offer our unique style of healing and nurturing.

We look forward to meeting you and sharing the journey.

Blessings, Michael.

To Exercise or Not to Exercise… This is the Question...

I know, I know, exercise can seem like hard work and at the very bottom of the priority list at times.  And if it is really that good for you, then why does it feel so painful to get yourself to that exercise class or out for a walk or a swim?  It seems to be the first thing that drops off the radar when something is going on in our life.  Plus, the mind is absolutely brilliant at coming up with excuses not to exercise…  “I’m too tired, I‘m not motivated enough, I’m depressed, I’m too busy, I need to help someone, It’s not a good time, the moon is too full”…

Yet if you knew just how beneficial and healing movement was for your body (yes I am talking about exercise- the type that you do with mindfulness), then you would see there is no question about it and there is no point in even letting your arguable mind get in the way.  It is very easy to let yourself down on your “exercise date” if you listen to that monkey mind and if you continue with patterns such as procrastination, putting others first or not taking responsibility for your own needs.  It is very easy to forget just how good you feel after a good dose of activity if you have skipped it often enough.  So to get you back on the bandwagon, here are our top 5 reasons to get yourself a dose of movement medicine.

1.    Exercise produces health enhancing hormones such as endorphins which give a sense of elation.  YES, exercise should feel good!  The “feel good factor” is what you should be going for in your exercise choices.  You will also notice that you feel so much more energized with these amazing body chemicals flooding your system.  I am not a subscriber to “no pain, no gain”.  If it doesn’t feel good, then you are not going to want to do it again and again and again.   Therefore, creating one more hurdle to getting to your “exercise date”.  And on top of this, if it feels painful, it is probably NOT good for you.  Our body is our greatest teacher and has its own wisdom.  When we listen to it, we hear exactly how to take care of our body and what is not helpful.  Nia fitness classes advocate that movement should give you a sense of joy, and if not, your body is telling you something very important.  The more we can experience joy in our movements, the more our neural patterning is going to be wired to this sensation.  By this, I am talking about neuroplasticity…  What we practice again and again, becomes a natural state of being in the way we operate.  There is enough stress in life as it is, without adding exercising to the stress list so make sure your choice of exercise brings you joy. 

2.    Exercise helps to reduce stress in the body.  The body has a natural instinct to produce adrenaline when we are under stress as it gives us the drive to fight or flight, or freeze (which is usually accompanied by a hypervigilent mind and stressful opposing forces of excessive mental activity coupled with a diminished drive to act).  Our primary survival response in a stressful situation is to run or fight, and we need to express this with our body or it becomes pent up and out of balance with cortisol, preventing us from having restorative sleep and causing tense muscles.  So if you can vent this drive through exercise, you will be helping your body immensely to maintain a healthy state of being (and probably helping those around you as well, sparing them from your reactions of attack(fight) or negligence(flight).

3.    Exercise assists with maintaining a healthy body weight.  The obvious reason is that it helps you to burn fat and calories.  However there are some other sneaky mechanisms worth mentioning about exercising for weight loss.  You can actually reduce your appetite by getting active!  When your hunger or cravings have not be curbed after you have eaten, try going for a walk or getting busy with the house cleaning.  While you are burning up those calories, your body is also reducing insulin circulating in the blood which was triggered by that carbohydrate meal that you just had, (which we are not suggesting you eradicate.)  Another fringe benefit is that exercise increases your muscle mass and metabolism, which in turn helps you to burn more calories at rest.   When your body moves, it promotes lymphatic movement and drainage which is your body’s way of eliminating waste.  The sense of toxicity from accumulated waste in your system is a very sluggish feeling which is an extra battle to keep yourself motivated to exercise and lose weight.  Additionally, toxicity in the body needs to be stored in a safe place, and that safe place is fat cells, and this type of fat cells we are better off without.

 4.    Exercise models your body to be more fully functional in the world.  For example strengthening exercise promotes bone density, thereby preventing osteoporosis and breaks and fractures.  Balancing exercises develops your body’s ability to maintain stability when you encounter unstabilising forces such as stepping on an uneven surface or being knocked from the side.  Therefore you have less risk of falling and injuring yourself.  This is generally why elderly people have so many falls.  They become less mobile and are not exercising their ability to balance.  Activities that promote flexibility in the body assist to keep our muscles and fascia of the body supple, which supports neurological signaling for movement.  This also prevents sprains and tears.  When our muscles are hypertonic (in a more contracted state) we have a greater chance of over-extending them and tearing the muscle tissue or it can create excess friction around tendons, joints and ligaments.  By keeping our bodies agile and moving through a variety of movement activities we are giving it the best chance to keep joints lubricated and muscles strong and fully functional.

5.    Exercise stimulates healthy circulation and heart health.  With Heart Disease being the number 1 cause of death, and with the decrease in activity as a result of the technology age, it does beg the question, “Are we all getting enough exercise?”

If you are interested in shifting out of lethargy and enhancing your health, fitness and weight loss, call Simone on 0427 320 302 for a complimentary phone consultation and learn about how she can help you to achieve your goals with a lot more ease and joy. 

Simone is a Nia Technique fitness instructor and Specialised Kinesiology Practitioner and has over 16 years of experience empowering people to master their body and their life and achieve an optimum state of wellbeing

Energetic Structure of Man and the Universe: An Introduction by Dr. Charles T. Krebs

“Charles T. Krebbs, PhD is former Associate Professor, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and former Chief
Analytical Chemist and Head of the EPA Water Quality Laboratory has published scientific papers & three
books, A Revolutionary Way of Thinking, Nutrition for the Brain and the field defining textbook Energetic
Kinesiology. The Principles and Practice. Charles worked with Clinical Psychologists, Speech Pathologists,
Neurologists and other health professionals to develop AcuNeuroSync, a system to address trauma,
hormonal, and immune conditions, and the Learning Enhancement Acupressure Program (LEAP), an
effective program for correction of learning problems. He currently is Adjunct Researcher at Harvard Medical
School and runs a clinical Practice at The Lydian Center for Innovative Healthcare in Cambridge, MA.”

— Thank you Charles for the huge body of knowledge that you have contributed to the Kinesiology industry and for this incredible article. Charles will be Speaking in Adelaide October 17-20. Contact us for more information about this event.

The basis of all Energy Medicine is that we live in a Vibrational Universe largely constructed by interacting waveforms, and out of the interaction of these waveforms emerges our Physical World. Physical Reality therefore is an emergent property of interaction of waveforms at all levels. How this happens scientists are still trying to understand, but there are some well-developed models in both Physics and Metaphysics that may be combined to gain a basic understanding of the “True” Nature of our reality. Understanding our Energetic Structure begins with the current Physics model of our Universe, the particles that comprise it and how they interact to form Physical Reality, and then we need to delve deeply into a Metaphysical model that extends beyond (meta – merely means beyond in Latin) this Physical model to incorporate the more ‘energetic’ components of our world into a coherent model providing a role for Consciousness and Intention and how these waveforms can affect our Physical world.

Life is a paradox to current Physics because it is an apparent violation of the Second Law of Thermodynamics or Entropy. This law stated in a basic simplistic form is that energy always runs downhill, from ordered to disorder and all physical things should degrade, decompose or degenerate over time; that is – all physical structures should become more disorganised over time yet living organisms become more ordered and then maintain that order against the ravages of Entropy in some living plants for millennia. Normally physics addresses this paradox by saying – “Yes, life is negative entropy but it is only a temporary perturbation as when any living organism dies it immediately follows the law of Entropy and decays and rots away to its initial constituents that indeed do become randomly dispersed over time. And secondly, this ordered state is only maintained by the constant input of energy to work against Entropy – therefore no paradox!”

However, this begs the questions – “How does merely putting energy in create order? Where does the information to provide this order come from?” The model of Physics developed by Dr. William Tiller incorporates both the current Physics and Metaphysics, and provides mechanisms by which these two domains interact. His model also addresses the phenomenon of how Consciousness can interact with our Physical world, and how amazing processes such as Healing can occur and, indeed, should occur according to this model. Tiller’s model lays the basis for Energy Medicine in all its various forms. Energy Medicine is based upon enhancing, manipulating or stimulating “energy flows” within the Energetic Body of humans to re-establish harmonious interactions, both energetically and physiologically. To understand how this might happen one needs a basic understanding of the structure and function of the primary energetic systems of the human body: the Chakra-Nadi System, the Acupuncture Meridian System and the Tibetan Figure Eight Energy System. Because these great energy systems constantly interact to influence each other as well as the physical body and physiology, the various types of Energy Medicine, although employing apparently different techniques, may all be effective.

A tenet of all Energy Medicine, from Homeopathy to Acupuncture to Ayruvedic Medicine to Crystal Healing, is that changes in these energy flows become manifest in more normalised physiological function. Whether it be the ‘pranic’ flows of the Chakra System, the ‘Ch’i flows of the Acupuncture System, or the ‘vibrational patterns’ of homeopathic nosodes, all energy medicines provide a mechanism of bringing informational energy into the physical body, and it is this informational energy that then sustains and maintains the physical body and its diverse physiological functions. From the perspective of Energy Medicine, it is the transduction of these subtle flows of informational energy into physiology that permits Life to exist and Healing to occur. We now have Models to provide a framework for a deeper understanding of these transductional processes.  Chaos Theory: While Ilio Prigionone won the Nobel Prize in 1977 for his description of Chaos theory and this theory of self-organisation provides powerful descriptions of many physiological systems, Chaos theory has proved of less interest to physicists primarily because it is descriptive, but not very predictive. The basis of Chaos theory is that in very complex interacting systems, random input will overtime lead to a critical point or Phase Transition that spontaneously creates a self-organised system. Once self-organised, this system robustly resists further perturbation, thus maintaining its ordered state against further disruptive input, unless or until the input is strong enough to drive the system into a chaotic state once more, creating another Phase Transition leading to a different self-organised system that again resists perturbation. However, which of many different self-organised systems might result from each Phase Transition is not predictable because small inputs at critical times may totally change the predicted outcome.

The brilliant French mathematician, Henri Poincarné in 1899, developed the mathematical equations underlying Chaos theory but because of the complexity of his equations he could not prove them at the time. It was only with the advent of the computers with the capacity to run these equations over and over again – something it would have taken Poincarné years to do by hand calculation – that Chaos theory was fully developed. One of the major mathematical tools of Chaos theory is Fractal Geometry, which has proven to provide powerful descriptions of physical and physiological processes when applied to the branching of blood vessels of the circulatory system or the branching of the bronchioles of the lungs as well as other systems in the human body. However, Chaos theory can also provide a powerful description of how the body maintains homeostasis, and what happens when stress disrupts normal homeostatic states. At first, because these systems are self-organised, when a stressor exerts pressure to perturb the system, the system responds by ‘resisting’ this perturbation and maintaining the system within normal homeostatic limits. To do so however, requires energy to maintain this compensated homeostasis, and the new homeostasis established is now a compensated state further from optimum homeostasis. If the stressor is strong enough, or goes on long enough, then the system is pushed beyond its homeostatic limits – it goes ‘critical’ or into a Phase Transition and becomes chaotic. This chaotic disorganised state is called ‘Distress’ in physiology, and if on-going is termed Illness or Disease.  

The 3 Stages of Stress: The great Physiologist, Dr. Hans Selye won the Nobel Prize in 1954 for his description of how animals respond to stress – the General Adaptation Syndrome. He described how there are Three Stages of Stress and the physiology associated with each state. While it was still more than two decades before Chaos theory would be discovered, each of Selyes’ Stages of Stress matches with the dynamics of Chaos theory as applied to physiology and physiological reactions to Stress. Below is a description of Selyes Stages of Stress and the Chaos theory state associated with each.

Stage 1 Stress he called the Stage of Alarm – a function has been pushed beyond its normal self-correcting limit and has now become chaotic. The result of Stage 1 Stress he termed – ‘Distress’ as the uncompensated ‘disorder’ now overtly created physiological dysfunction.  

Stage 2 Stress resulted from the body re-establishing physiological function within normal limits by going through a Phase Transition to a new but compensated Homeostasis within homeostatic limits, but further from optimum homeostasis. The movement away from optimum homeostasis resulted from the compensatory energetic input required to ‘resist’ the on-going stressor. Further disruptive inputs (stressors) required use even more energy to ‘resist’ these additional perturbations. This is why he termed Stage 2 Stress the Stage of Resistance. Stage 3 Stress resulted when the organism could no longer maintain the energetic compensations created during Stage 2 Stress, and once again the function became chaotic and disrupted physiological function.

Because the animal had exhausted its energy reserves to maintain compensation, Selyes termed Stage 3 Stress, the Stage of Exhaustion, and the end of this Stage was Death. With death, the energy systems maintaining a coherent informational flow to maintain the body as an ordered and functional being ceased, and at this point the physical body does indeed follow the Second Law of Thermodynamics and decay or decompose returning to its disordered state once more. By combining an understanding of the Energy Systems that carry organisational information into the Physical body with Chaos Theory, a model of Healing is developed that explains what healing is and why, like Life itself, it reverses Entropy and is negative entropy in action.

For Kinesiologists, the states of muscle imbalance relate to the Stages of Stress, and what this tells us about health and sickness both physiologically and energetically is important to understanding the relationship between our thoughts, emotions and muscles and how they are impacted by shortterm and long-term stressors. These physiological states are represented in the different primary Energetic Systems of the body. Kinesiology may be used as a biofeedback tool to both detect and re-balance these disturbed energetic systems. Energy Alignment: When our Physical body and our Energetic bodies become ‘mis-aligned’, this misalignment disturbs the coherent and harmonious interactions between our information carrying Energetic bodies and our Physical body. This disruption of informational energy that maintains the structure and function of our Physical body may then lead to both altered psycho-emotional perceptions and physiological disturbances. We may use kinesiological techniques to Realign the Energetic and Physical bodies. This re-alignment can have significant consequences for our psycho-emotional and physical well-being. So while our physical bodies can and do interact physically, our energetic bodies also interact in a number of ways. There are Intra-personal interactions, those interactions between one part or system of our energetic body with another; Inter-personal interactions between one person’s energetic bodies and another person’s energetic bodies; and Alien energy-personal interactions between energetic structures in a person’s environment and their energetic bodies.

Because energetic disturbances are transduced to physiological function, these energetic interactions do not only affect our feeling and thinking, but may also directly affect our physiological function. Kinesiological techniques may be utilised to detect and correct these energetic interactions. It is also relevant and important to consider the meaning of Psychic Protection. What are you protecting yourself against? What is an effective approach to ‘protect’ yourself energetically, and when should you use it? 

Health Benefits of a Sweat Lodge Ceremony

Sweat practices have been used by cultures throughout the world for health benefits.  Some examples include the American Indian sweat lodge ceremony, the Finnish sauna, the Russian bania, the Islamic hammam, and the Japanese mushi-buro.  From the earliest known Mayan sweat house in 900BC to the modern day Bikram Yoga and day Spa Saunas, sweating is a practice that has benefited humankind in a number of ways.

Primarily, the physiological benefits of “sauna bathing” are: increase in blood flow to skin, muscles and organs, decrease in diastolic blood pressure, increase in cardiac output, enhancement of lung function – increased lung capacity and ventilation.  In fact, some research has found that sweating has helped to prevent and treat some lung, heart and skin problems.  However, it is contraindicated for people who have unstable angina, aortic stenosis, chronic heart failure or arrhythmias of the heart.  Additionally people have experienced improvements in chronic pain conditions and sleep problems as sweating is very beneficial for muscle relaxation, calming the nervous system and promoting deep sleep.

 Improvements in mental and emotional wellbeing have also been noted in the research.  The practice of sweating in a group, with a community has proven to support mental satisfaction, energy and relaxation.  Emotional wellbeing outcomes have included improved mood and reduction in anxiety and frustration.  When the sweating practices is combined with traditional spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation, another depth of benefit is added to the experience for people.

A study done with sweat therapy groups found that groups participating in sweat ceremony had greater improvements in fatigue and revitalization that groups that participated in therapy without sweating.  The sweating participants also perceived to gain more benefit than the non-sweating participants.  The research article from Google scholar, referenced below, gives a further comprehensive literature review and description of benefits of sweating, which we have touched on in this blog.  Personally, as someone who has had lymph nodes removed, I have found the sweatlodge ceremony helps to reduce lymphodema even more effectively than all the movement practices that I do.  I feel a lot more relaxed and energised in myself for some time after a sweat lodge, and it is very nice not to have the discomfort of the lymphodema.

At Soul Nurturing we believe strongly in the benefits of creating time and space to connect with a restorative stillness and our inner wisdom.  A sweatlodge ceremony is the perfect space for this.  It is also an opportunity to practice gratitude for the simple things in life that we so often take for granted.  Just to name a few we are so fortunate to have fresh water to drink, mother nature and our beautiful earth that provides all we need for survival, sunshine that warms our body, stimulates healthy cellular function and provides us with light.  A sweatlodge ceremony is the place to sit in gratitude and remember these simple gifts we have in life.

For all our readers, we have a special offer to deepen your connection with your inner wisdom and are inviting you to book a 1 hour Kinesiology or Massage consultation with us for just $80 when you mention this blog.  We have some unique tools for supporting you to master your health through connecting with your body’s wisdom.  Phone Simone for Kinesiology 0427 320 302, or Michael for Massage 0417 534 647

References:

THE EFFECTS OF SWEAT THERAPY ON GROUP THERAPEUTIC FACTORS AND FEELING STATES By STEPHEN A. COLMANT Bachelor of Arts Stockton State College Pomona, New Jersey 1990

Master of Arts New Mexico State University Las Cruces, New Mexico 1994

Submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate College of the Oklahoma State University In partial fulfillment of The requirements for The Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY December, 2005

Misbehaving Mind? Put Yourself in Time Out

MY FIRST SWEAT LODGE CEREMONY
By Simone:
It took me a while to get to my first sweat lodge ceremony as I had experienced a string of illnesses following major surgeries, which had me too unwell to participate. When finally my body was ready for the experience, I was blessed with many weekly experiences of sweat lodge ceremonies which boosted my immune system and emotional strength, and supported my body in maintaining its warmth. Excess cold in the body is a common after effect of surgery, which can cause other physical, mental and emotional illnesses.

The sweat lodge ceremonies that I embarked upon about 8 years ago, broke the cycle of perpetual illness, loss of spirit and vitality for me.  Each ceremony revealed new insights and resources for inner healing. This fostered my ability to step back onto my path in healing and traditional medicine, which I had given up in the wake of recovering from cancer. The ceremony also strengthened my relationship with nature and my spirituality and helped me to realise the many avenues of support available to heal myself. It was the perfect opportunity for me to practice being in stillness and peace, to sit honestly with myself and my feelings, rather than to fall into my unhealthy patterns of keeping busy to avoid the pain and hurt being harboured in my body.

Sweat lodge is an opportunity for anyone to renew relationship with self, spirituality, nature and healing. It reveals many resources for support, that are easily forgotten. Our Soul Nurturing business has been built on our passion for providing support and nurturing necessary for maintaining mindful hearts and spirited bodies, qualities that can easily be lost in the distractions of our modern society.  Our Sweat lodge ceremony is one of our heartfelt services that foster this.

By Michael:
I had no idea what to expect before experiencing my first sweat. I had made contact with a friend and we arranged to catch up. “I’m running a sweat this evening,why don't you join me and we can chat beforehand. Just bring a towel and make sure you are well hydrated during the day” he said.  "No worries",I replied, "I’ll see you this evening".

So I arrived early and we had a chat . Before me was a low dome covered in tarps and to the side some rocks being heated above a burner. People had begun arriving and it was now time to enter the lodge.  The heated rocks had been placed in the centre of the lodge and we began entering through a small door positioned in the East. We shuffled around until we finally settled in to prepare for ceremony. The door was closed and I found myself enveloped in darkness. The warmth from the rocks created a focal point, ,much like sitting around a campfire and being transported back to another time.

The ceremony began. Our facilitator guided us around a medicine wheel, to each of the cardinal points, East, North, West, South where we received gifts that could support us in life.
We then journeyed within a story, mythology, to learn a different way of seeing the world. We
chanted and had the opportunity to offer prayer, something I hadn't done since a child.  The heat was regulated by the facilitator placing water on the rocks as in a sauna. This process
created a dynamic that fitted the ceremony perfectly. The sweat poured from my body. It was as if receiving a spiritual and physical cleansing at the same time.

There is much more to a sweat ceremony. It speaks to each person differently. Its about your path and journey through life and it will offer you a chance to be regularly in ceremony and community.
I was “hooked” after receiving my first sweat. I looked forward to each ceremony to receuve and explore new insights into my soul's journey.
That was nearly eight years ago now, and since then I have trained and become a facilitator
myself. I consider it an honour to guide people through a Sweat ceremony.

If you wish to experience a Sweat Lodge Ceremony, phone Michael to book your place and be
supported in preparing for the Ceremony. Phone 0417 534 647 or email info@soulnurturing.com.au

Mental Health - Everyone's Business

Mental Health is an issue that every being will confront at some point in life.  People take mental health days off work and this is an accepted practice in many workplaces.  Compassionate leave and stress leave is another example of mental health issues being acknowledged.  Life throws many challenges, emotional, mental and physical which have a significant effect on how we feel within our mind and our body.  And then there are people who live with a mental health disorder, diagnosed in one form or another.  Mental health disorders is an area which is not dealt with so well in our system as it is today.  There tends to be a revolving door syndrome for people with mental health conditions frequently landing back in hospitals or being extradited from their community.  The stigma attached to mental health disorders puts a further wedge between integrating all people into society and community.  Conditions of anxiety and depression are also becoming more prevalent adding to the discord in community.  And maybe it is community and connection that has the solutions.

We have a friend whom unfortunately has suffered the effects of a mental health disorder for a large part of his life. Recently we noticed his mental health slipping and we as his community had a choice. Do we allow him to retreat to his room with his medication and face his demons alone?  Or do we unite and offer support and love to our friend?
A decision was made. We would support our friend by gathering up his community and offering a ceremony of healing and encouragement. Each of us attending had the opportunity to offer words and simple gifts from nature to our friend.
To see his tears of joy and smiling face on the completion of the ceremony was truly wonderful.
As Lewis Mehl Madrona (Psychiatrist and Cherokee healer) suggests, if a member of our community is ill and suffering, the whole community suffers and is responsible for the health of the individual. "Only the community as a whole can bring about the partnerships between modern resources and traditional healing that will capitalize on the best practices of both systems."  For eons the value of Ceremony has played out in traditional society.  Perhaps now is the time to return to these traditional ways.
So in times of struggle, let’s come together and support each other. It sounds so simple and it is so simple. The value of family, community and belonging are fundamental to our being.  Each of us can take responsibility for asking “Are you Ok” and each of us can take responsibility to reach out and ask for help when we know we need it. 

Our Soul Nurturing services provide the space for you to listen to the needs of your soul and consequently take the actions you need to take to remain strongly connected to serving yourself and your community.  Phone us today to explore the ways in which you can build healthier connections in your mind, your body and your community.

Simone 0427 320 302

Michael 0417 534 647

Mothers Day Reflections

As Mothers day approaches, it offers us the perfect time to reflect on the special and unique relationship we share with our mothers.

We often think of this shared journey as measured in time. Time measured  by the moment of our birth. Our age in years, months and days.  But perhaps we could consider a new view on this relationship. We could for start, acknowledge the time spent in our mother’s womb. In those nine months the fetus shares the ebb and flow of emotions and thoughts of the mum.  These experiences will often arise in a Kinesiology or breathwork session and can be an illuminating piece of the puzzle of life that has strongly patterned our behaviours.  The sharing of the mother’s life in those early moments is so strong – emotionally as well as physically sharing blood and nutrients that shape our physical bodies and our vitality.  The features and experiences we share with our mothers can be proudly carried in our lives to define our family and our place of belonging.

Well, can we now take a step further back …. We all have a soul, a soul that is on a journey.  As some spiritual practices suggest, can we consider that we have lived before? With each life we have had things to learn and experience in order to better ourselves and continually grow towards enlightenment. So with this in mind can we imagine the spirits that guide us, love us, and watch over us, confide with us on a soul level to choose the mother who will carry our soul into this life to also be an integral and loving gift to share our soul’s journey and lessons in life? We talk of finding our soul mate in relationships, and perhaps if we are fortunate, this may occur. But surely we have found our soul mate in our mothers.  

We live in a busy and often hectic world. And this sometimes hinders us from finding the time to reflect on what, and particularly who, is important to us in our lives. Mother’s day is that special day set aside to reflect and celebrate the love and life shared with our mothers. To acknowledge their unconditional love and support. To acknowledge the example they teach us on how to create and nurture a loving and supportive family.

 There are many of us whose mothers have passed away, but this does not mean we cannot acknowledge our mothers, perhaps by prayer, words spoken aloud or in quiet reflection.  Some may light a candle or hold a photo of mum near. Some may visit the resting place of their mothers to lay flowers. Whichever way you celebrate mother’s day may it be filled with love, togetherness and the fondest of memories.        

At Soul Nurturing we are honouring mothers with our Mother’s Day 2 for 1 special.  When you buy a massage gift voucher for mum you will receive a second 1 hour massage for free – for you or your mum to use.  This offer is only valid up until Mother’s Day so don’t miss this delightful opportunity for pampering your Mum. 

Email info@soulnurturing.com.au or Phone Michael 0417 534 647 or Simone 0427 320 302 to purchase your Mother’s Day voucher.