RxRelax

RxRelax

Are you a healthcare professional considering the possibilities of using yoga and meditation as a blockbuster drug for your health or at your workplace? If so, this certification course is for you! 

This one-of-a-kind certification gives you a scientific method for delivering tested therapeutic yoga experiences for those with chronic physical and mental health conditions.  It places you on the cutting edge of integrative care and therapeutic yoga applications.

You will:

• re-boot your own body and mind using mindfulness, movement and more.
• bring tools and renewed hope to patients who are differently abled or struggle with conventional exercise.
• learn clinically relevant techniques to better manage stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, fatigue, cancer and more...
• be able to share tested practices to make therapeutic lifestyle changes easier.
• foster strategic excellence with an integrative approach to healthcare.

This program includes the best practices from the largest, most-established therapeutic yoga program of its kind that is operating successfully in a range of hospital and healthcare settings. 

Panic attacks and anxiety is how I coped with life's day to day challenges. Happily, I can say I do not have panic attacks anymore! Insomnia has also been very problematic. Typically I use to sleep 3 or 4 hours at night if I was lucky. I [now] average 6-8 hours of sleep each night.    - Nancy Mellor

This 100-hour training is delivered over the course of five fun, educational and positive energy filled modules. This is followed by a 10-hour practicum. Modules are offered on weekends, once per month.

 

Enrollment is now open for the next session at Elliot Hospital in Manchester, NH:

 

April 18-19, 2015

May 16-17, 2015

June 27-28, 2015

July 11-12, 2015

August 8-9, 2015

 

Faculty:

The well-known team includes medical doctors, nurses, pharmacist, physical therapist and social worker with many dedicated years of healthcare and yoga experience. Learn about the experienced faculty here.  

 

Aromatherapy Workshop

November 22, 2013

2pm - 6pm

North Weymouth

In this workshop you will learn how to use essential oils for ailments and you will make a sugar scrub and learn how to make other products - just in time for the holidays!  Cost will be $25.00



For more information contact Maureen Spencer, RN at findinginnerpeace@aol.com
781 864-2130

In a typical yoga class, students watch an instructor to learn how to properly hold a position. But for people who are blind or can't see well, it can be frustrating to participate in these types of exercises.

---

Now, a team of University of Washington computer scientists has created a software program that watches a user's movements and gives spoken feedback on what to change to accurately complete a yoga pose.

"Eyes-Free Yoga", uses Microsoft Kinect software to track body movements and offer auditory feedback in real time for six yoga poses, including Warrior I and II, Tree and Chair poses.

Journal Reference:

1. Kyle Rector, Cynthia L. Bennett, Julie A. Kientz. Eyes - Free Yoga : An Exergame Using Depth Cameras for Blind & Low Vision Exercise. DUB Group | University of Washington, October 2013

Fall 2013 Reiki Training Dates with Maureen Spencer, RN

September 14, 2013                 Reiki Level I               10am-5pm      $100.00

September 15, 2013                 Reiki Master/Teacher  10am05pm     $350.00

October 12, 2013                     Reiki Level II               10am-5pm     $200.00

October 26, 2013                     Reiki Master (III)         10am-5pm     $300.00

November 9, 2013                   Reiki Level I                10am-5pm     $100.00

November 10, 2013                 Reiki Master/Teacher  10am-5pm     $350.00

November 16, 2013                 Reiki Level II               10am-5pm     $200.00

December 7, 2013                   Reiki Master (III)          10am-5pm     $300.00

To register, visit www.reikicertification.com

Aug. 7, 2013 — Listening to music activates large networks in the brain, but different kinds of music are processed differently. A team of researchers from Finland, Denmark and the UK has developed a new method for studying music processing in the brain during a realistic listening situation. Using a combination of brain imaging and computer modeling, they found areas in the auditory, motor, and limbic regions to be activated during free listening to music. They were furthermore able to pinpoint differences in the processing between vocal and instrumental music.
The new method helps us to understand better the complex brain dynamics of brain networks and the processing of lyrics in music. The study was published in the journal NeuroImage.
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the research team, led by Dr. Vinoo Alluri from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, recorded the brain responses of individuals while they were listening to music from different genres, including pieces by Antonio Vivaldi, Miles Davis, Booker T. & the M.G.'s, The Shadows, Astor Piazzolla, and The Beatles. Following this, they analyzed the musical content of the pieces using sophisticated computer algorithms to extract musical features related to timbre, rhythm and tonality. Using a novel cross-validation method, they subsequently located activated brain areas that were common across the different musical stimuli.
The study revealed that activations in several areas in the brain belonging to the auditory, limbic, and motor regions were activated by all musical pieces. Notable, areas in the medial orbitofrontal region and the anterior cingulate cortex, which are relevant for self-referential appraisal and aesthetic judgments, were found to be activated during the listening. A further interesting finding was that vocal and instrumental music were processed differently. In particular, the presence of lyrics was found to shift the processing of musical features towards the right auditory cortex, which suggests a left-hemispheric dominance in the processing of the lyrics. This result is in line with previous research, but now for the first time observed during continuous listening to music.
"The new method provides a powerful means to predict brain responses to music, speech, and soundscapes across a variety of contexts," says Dr. Vinoo Alluri.
Journal Reference:

1. Vinoo Alluri, Petri Toiviainen, Torben E. Lund, Mikkel Wallentin, Peter Vuust, Asoke K. Nandi, Tapani Ristaniemi, Elvira Brattico. From Vivaldi to Beatles and back: Predicting lateralized brain responses to music. NeuroImage, 2013; 83: 627 DOI:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130807094348.htm

Reiki Master/Teacher Kit

Are you a Reiki Master/Teacher and would like to receive a manual kit with Reiki Level I, II and III training materials, a DVD of the hand positions and an instructional CD with forms, Three (3) PowerPoint presentations on the History of Reiki, Chakra System and Symbols?  This a great adjunct to teaching Reiki to others. I have trained thousands in Reiki Energy Healing - including many nurses and physicians in Boston hospitals.  Order your kit at  www.reikitrainingkit.com

Yoga School Kit

Ever want to set up a Yoga Alliance approved Registered Yoga School (RYS) but don't know where to start writing a school curriculum?   Well - I have a great kit with a YA approved curriculum manual that you may use and get immediate approval as a RYS.  Check out www.yogaschoolkit.comwww.yogaschoolkit.com

Cancer Cells and Glucose

So - maybe these researchers should also suggest to the general public that they should reduce their consumption of sugar (glucose) if cancer consumes more of it? Maybe less Coolatas, speciality coffees with 700 calories, soft drinks, energy drinks, alcohol?http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130707162759.htm#.Udq4f6tF57I.facebook

Prenatal Yoga Teacher Certification - Nov 5-6, 2011

Yoga practice during pregnancy may enhance the pregnancy experience and contribute to a shorter, more physiologic labor and a decreased likelihood of operative intervention, including cesarean section and operative vaginal delivery (forceps and vacuum). Because of the physiologic changes during pregnancy and the alteration of the normal anatomy, care must be exercised when teaching yoga to pregnant patients. In this course we will review basic physiologic and anatomical changes in pregnancy that mandate an alternative approach to the usual yoga practice. Participants will learn which postures to avoid in each of the three trimesters and will become aware of the usual postures which need to be modified because of the changes that occur as pregnancy progresses. Postures that enhance the opportunity of normal vaginal delivery will be emphasized and a routine yoga practice for pregnant patients will be emphasized. Teachers of yoga will become more comfortable with instructing pregnant patients to enjoy yoga during this wonderful time of their lives.

12 contact hours for nurses and yoga teachers

Saturday and Sunday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Location: The Yoga Studio of Millis, 840 Main Street, Millis, MA 02054
Time: Saturday and Sunday 10:00am - 5:00pm 
Fee: $225.00 includes training curriculum, certificate and contact hours. Lunch is on your own - bring lunch or visit a local restaurant.

Parental Stress Affects Childrens Genes Early in Life

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830144630.htm

Another good reason to learn yoga or do it, including the great breathing and meditation practices that go with it!  And you can learn how to teach yoga to children in our Childrens Yoga Teacher Certification (and reduce your own stress as well). Check out our next yoga teacher certification courses at www.certificationinyoga.com

Fall Yoga Teacher Certification Courses

Affiliate Locations:
The Yoga Studio of Millis, 840 Main Street, Millis, MA

http://www.theyogastudiomillis.com/

Sanctuary of Plymouth, 47 Main Street, Plymouth, MA

http://www.findsanctuary.com/

Shanti Shala Yoga Studio, 55 Pleasant Street, Plympton, MA

http://www.experience-peace.com/

A New Day Yoga Studio, 2374 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI

http://www.anewdayyoga.com/


Fitness 4 Your Soul, (classes held at the Heaven on Earth Center, 270 Washington Street, Pembroke, MA)

http://www.fitness4yoursoul.com/

The Baba Siri Chand Yoga and Retreat Center (Yoga at the Ashram), 368 Village Street, Millis, MA

http://www.yogaattheashram.org/

Revelation Yoga Studio, 314 E.Main Street, Norton, MA

http://www.revelationyoga.com/

Downward Dog Yoga Studio,1025 Main St. Rt 18, South Weymouth, MA

http://downwarddogstudios.com/


For more information, contact Maureen Spencer, RN, M.Ed. at 781 864-2130 or by email: maureen@findinginnerpeace.com



Upon graduation - you are a Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT) and qualified to become a Registered Yoga Teacher (R.Y.T.) with the National Yoga Alliance. This is an approved yoga school with the National Yoga Alliance.

Free Acupuncture Clinic for Veterans and Family - May 21st

Free Acupuncture Clinic for Veterans & Families
Saturday, May 21st


Charlestown Yoga Studio
191 Main Street
Charlestown, MA
www.charlestownyoga.com


Join Practitioners from the New England School of Acupuncture
2:30pm - 4:30pm

Do you experience?
· Pain and stress can diminish our enjoyment of life.
· Do you frequently experience joint and muscle pain?
· Are you having trouble sleeping?
· Do you have headaches?
· Are you talking less and feeling alone or disconnected?
· Do you feel irritable or anxious?

How Acupuncture will help:
A simple 5 point ear acupuncture treatment is effective in decreasing pain, soothing the nervous system, helping people sleep easier and feel calmer. Experience relief at this FREE community-style acupuncture clinic for Veterans.
Contact info@tabagain.org to register

Fix it with massage

Ten neck massages over 10 weeks. Sound good? People with chronic neck pain reported a 55 percent improvement after this regimen, according to a 2009 study in the Clinical Journal of Pain. They even scored 39 percent better on the worst-sounding test ever, the Neck Disability Index. (It assesses the pain's impact.)
"Musculotendinous" massages target muscle-tendon junctions, and a 2010 study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that even a 30-second round improved hip-flexor range of motion. Try it: Find where muscle meets tendon just behind and above your knee, and rub the spot in small circles with your thumb.
You don't need a full-body rubdown to feel good. In a 2010 study from Sweden, one 80-minute hand-and-foot massage significantly lowered people's heart rates, cortisol levels, and insulin levels-all of which help lower stress.
Take your pick: Swedish, shiatsu, and other massage types may ease depression, a 2010 meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found. How? Massages reduce stress hormone levels, heart rate, and blood pressure, and boost mood and relaxation by triggering the release of oxytocin and serotonin.
A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that after people with normal blood pressure had deep-tissue massage for 45 to 60 minutes, their BPs fell-specifically, by an average of 10.4 millimeters of mercury (mm/Hg) systolic, and 5.3 mm/Hg diastolic.

Feathers Wellness Studio - South Weymouth

 UPCOMING EVENTS:
3/2 Alignment workshop with Meagan Flaherty. 6:30-8:30pm. $20. This workshop will take the time to help you get into the best alignment for your yoga practice. Foundations in Iyengar concepts, Core asanas and deep body alignment. You will feel so much strength in your poses once you become aware of proper alignment. Please contact us with special poses of interest to ensure your needs are met.

3/5 Yoga for the winter blues with Lynn Mcgonagle. 1-3pm.$20. Are you feeling like you've had enough of the snow? cold? lack of sunshine? Do you know it is a real disorder known as SAD or seasonal affective disorder? Take the time to recharge and rejuvinate by this class focusing on poses to lift your mood.

3/9 Pranayama workshop (yogic breath) with Meagan Flaherty. 6:30-8:30pm. $20. Ever wonder why the breath is so important? The breath when done correctly detoxifies the body, balances your energy and centers you. Poses, breathing exercises and lecture.

3/12 Yoga alignment workshop with Lynn Mcgonagle. 1-3pm.$20.This workshop will take the time to help you get into the best alignment for your yoga practice. Foundations in Iyengar concepts, Core asanas and deep body alignment. You will feel so much strength in your poses once you become aware of proper alignment. Please contact us with special poses of interest to ensure your needs are met.

3/16 Restorative yoga with Meagan. 6:00-9:00pm. $30. the dessert of the yoga world! Open to all levels of experience. This extremely gentle workshop is for everyone who wants to experience the deep healing qualities of yoga combined with healing energy. The poses are soothing, well supported and offer the opportunity to linger quietly for a few moments. Most of the postures are supported by blankets, blocks or bolsters and are held for several minutes at a time. This allows the body to relax and release toxins that are stored in the body which can eventually lead to illness. Meagan a Reiki Master will offer energy healing, hands on adjustments and gentle massage throughout the workshop during each of the poses.

3/20 Reiki level ll with Christine Naoum-Heffernan RN, MS, CPNP, owner 8am-4pm $200. 7.16 contact hours for nurses .Purpose: This course was developed for individuals interested in advancing their Reiki training to level two. Prerequisite: Level One training, please bring your certificate Objectives: 1) ) The participant will be able to articulate modification needed to create an environment conducive to experiencing Reiki in the hospital setting 2) The participant will recognize guided meditation as a tool for stress management 3) The participant will cite examples that demonstrate their application of Reiki One Training in the hospital and community setting. 4) The participant will identify any barriers to their practice of Reiki 5) The participant will be able to effectively document clearly and concisely in a patient's chart 6) The participant will identify the Reiki Symbols and recognize their indications for use, Cho-Ku-Rei, Sei-He-Ki and Hon-sha-ze-sho-nen 7) The participant will discuss the differences between the Reiki level one attunement with the level two attunement 8) The participant will give and receive a Reiki session 9) The participants identify methods of mentoring available 10) The participant will recall levels of Reiki training and options to advance training.  Disclosure: Christine Naoum-Heffernan is the owner of Feathers Wellness Studio. Given her vested interest she agrees to present the information in a nonbiased manner. She has no commercial support or sponsorship. There is no conflict of interest for the remainder of the planning committee  To receive contact hours: you will attend this program in its entirety  you will do a return demonstration of Reiki symbols, a seated Reiki session and a distance Reiki session you will complete a class evaluation  This continuing nursing education activity was approved by the Ohio Nurses Association (OBN-001-91), an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.  7.16 contact hours  Approval valid through July 2, 2012. Assigned ONA 14,494.

3/23 Home yoga practice with Meagan. 6:30--8:30pm. $20. During this workshop we will discuss and present a safe at home yoga practice, ways to break it down into 15 minute segments for time effeciency, AM routine, PM routine, pranayama (yogic breathing) for anywhere.

3/26 Yin Yoga with Lynn. 1-3pm. $20. Yin Yoga is a softer yogic practice which targets the connective tissues, such as the ligaments, bones, and even the joints of the body that normally are not exercised very much in a more active style of asana practice. We will get into poses using props and support and will remain in these poses for several minutes. All level students welcome.

3/30 Chakras and Yoga with Meagan. 6:30-8:30pm. $20. In this workshop you will learn the basic facts about each chakra, color, location, function, characteristics to tell when the chakra is out of balance, yoga poses to open each chakra and meditation on the chakras.

Feathers Wellness Studio
12 Union St
Weymouth, Massachusetts 02190
http://www.featherswellnessstudio.com/

Reiki Sound Session with Christine. 781-413-5352
Acupuncture with Shanie
Massage with Elizabeth

Yoga classes $12 drop in
Mon: 6:45am Yoga with Meagan
Mon 8:30pm Zumba with Lauretta
Tues 7pm Yoga with Lynn
Wed 6:30pm Pilates with Elyse
Thurs 9:45am Yoga with Meagan
Fri 9:30am Yoga with Gauri
Sat 9am yoga with Lynn

Christine Naoum-Heffernan RN, MS, CPNP, RMT, Sound Energy Practitioner, Owner
christine@FeathersWellnessStudio.com
studio 339-499-1057
cell 781-413-5352

Join the Yoga Reiki Sound Network in 2011

Join the Yoga Reiki Sound Network in 2011

Fee: $10.00

Includes: free listing on website, free posting of workshops and courses, discounts at workshops and classes, monthly yoga and energy medicine workshops for members and the creation of a strong community of practitioners!

To join visit:  http://www.workshopsinyoga.com/

Patanjali Yoga Sutras 2.6 Center of the Universe - by Joseph Le Page

I received this sutra interpretation by Joe LePage and thought I would share.  Great commentary.  I completed advanced yoga teacher certification with Integrative Yoga Therapy and highly recommend it if you are looking for a yoga therapy training with a medical framework.  Joe was a psychotherapist and brings a great background to his training.  www.integrativeyogatherapy.com

Patanjali Yoga Sutras 2.6 Center of the Universe

Interpretive Translation by Joseph Le Page

Asmita, egoism, is a distorted sense of individuality that mistakes the instruments of seeing, the body, mind and senses, to be the inner seer or true Self.

Commentary by Joseph Le Page – Center of the Universe

If you think you’re the center of the universe, take a closer look...

You float on life’s surface in a small boat called “me”,
unaware of the ocean that lies underneath,

And the world around you, the “reality” you see
is only a reflection of your colored beliefs

And your entire life story, written line by line
is not even a comma in the annals of time

And you daydream a fantasy of the life you desire
based on the dream-world of those you admire

And your whole world revolves around profit and loss,
while the price paid in stress is the actual cost,

And your precious planet, fountain of life
is littered with the leftovers of shopping and buying,

And the boat you call hope that carries your dreams
is adrift without the compass of life’s larger meaning,

And the fortress you build to keep life in control
is made of from the same stones that imprison your soul,

And you say you’re self made, that you did it all,
when you don’t even know what will be your next thought.

But when you finally wake and take the colored glasses off,
to see you’re not the center of life in the way you thought,

To discover that the sum of your desires will never equal peace, and your dislikes are only a reflection of your own negativity,

And you open your heart, your true inner being
to discover your life’s purpose and deeper meaning,

To discern that death is just life’s natural next step,
and return home to the Self that you never really left...

You find that you are the center of the universe.

Humming Can Ease Sinus Problems

Well - this seems to be proof that practicing primordial sounds - and OM - that vibrate the sinuses works!!!

Humming can ease sinus problems

Dealing with a cold is bad enough, but when it leads to a sinus infection, the misery can double. Some researchers have proposed a surprising remedy: channeling your inner Sinatra.
Sinus infections - which afflict more than 37 million Americans every year - generally occur when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed, trapping air and pus and other secretions, and leading to pain, headaches and congestion. Because the inflammation is often caused by upper-respiratory infections, people with asthma and allergies are more vulnerable than others to chronic sinusitis.
Keeping the sinuses healthy and infection-free requires ventilation - keeping air flowing smoothly between the sinus and nasal cavities. And what better way to keep air moving through the sinuses and nasal cavity than by humming a tune?
In a study in The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, researchers examined this by comparing airflow in people when they hummed and when they quietly exhaled. Specifically, they looked to see if humming led to greater levels of exhaled nitric oxide, a gas produced in the sinuses. Ultimately, nitric oxides during humming rose 15-fold.
Another study a year later in The European Respiratory Journal found a similar effect: humming resulted in a large increase in nasal nitric oxide, "caused by a rapid gas exchange in the paranasal sinuses."
Since reduced airflow plays a major role in sinus infections, the researchers suggested that daily periods of humming might help people lower their risk of chronic problems. But further study is needed, they said.

NEW - Falmouth Location for Yoga Teacher Certification

Michelle Fleming will be offering a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Certification at the Blooming Lotus Yoga Studio in January 2011.  For more information or to register contact Michelle at sanctuary_info@
Blooming Lotus Yoga Studio
(located at Center for Vital Living)
704 Main Street
Falmouth, MA 02540
(508) 457-0440
http://www.falmouthyogastudio.com/home.html

BLYS Yoga at the Center For Vital LivingBlooming Lotus Yoga Studio or BLYS is a beautiful, light-filled space located at the Center for Vital Living. BLYS offers over 20 yoga classes per week to suit students of all ages and levels. Workshops as well as special class series are frequently offered. Group or individual meditation instruction is also available.

Gentle Yoga for Pain Relief

Class will resume on Thursday, Jan 6, 2011.

Gentle Yoga for Pain Relief At the end of the day allow your mind and body to relax… to be in the present moment…

Grace Furnari, RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) has been a practitioner of Hatha Yoga since 2002. Her journey into Yoga started over 10 years ago when she was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. The fatigue and pain was so debilitating it affected her work and everyday life. A fibromyalgia specialist suggested she try yoga to ease her symptoms. So she started practicing yoga on a weekly basis. Within a few months, Grace saw her symptoms start to diminish. She decided she wanted to share her experience with others through teaching and became a certified yoga instructor in August of 2009.
This class will explore simple stretching and pranayama (breathing techniques) that can help with mental clarity and relaxation, as well as asanas (yoga postures) to help calm joint pain and release muscle tightness and tension. Grace concludes each class with a few minutes of calming meditation and relaxation. All levels welcome.
Thursdays at 7:30-8:45 p.m. Sign up for any 6 classes and pay $60.00.
Drop–ins welcome, $12.00  Class size is limited, to reserve a space contact:

Grace Furnari (781) 267-6109 or sss1030@aol.com.
Located at: The Healing Moon Wellness Center
One Walpole Street, ~ Norwood, MA
(Located Across from Conrad’s Restaurant)
781-769-1121
www.TheHealingMoon.com

Grace Furnari, RYT
781-267-6109 (c)
sss1030@aol.com
www.meetup.com/Yoga-with-Grace/

Do our bodies' bacteria play matchmaker?

I found this research fascinating and wondered if this could be why some yoga teachers while in training have relationship difficulties or breakups.  As you transform and move towards a healthier lifestyle and diet - if your partner does not follow along it could lead to the demise of the connection because of the bacteria colonizing the body from the types of food you eat!  Amazing - as you know - as an infection control nurse I love bugs!!  lol

ScienceDaily (2010-12-03) -- Could the bacteria that we carry in our bodies decide who we marry? According to a new study, the answer lies in the gut of a small fruit fly. Scientists recently demonstrated that the symbiotic bacteria inside a fruit fly greatly influence its choice of mates.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101202124211.htm

Conducting their experiments on the rapidly-reproducing fruit fly, the scientists were able to test this new theory. The first experiment repeated a study carried out two decades ago by a Yale University researcher, in which a fly population was divided in half and fed different diets -- malt sugar versus starch. A year later, when the flies were re-integrated as one group, those who had been fed starch preferred starch-fed mates, while the sugar-fed flies preferred mates of a similar nutritional background. The repeat experiment carried out by the Tel Aviv University researchers shows that this dietary influence takes effect within just a generation or two rather than over an entire year.

In their second experiment, the Tel Aviv University team repeated the first, but with the addition of an antibiotic, which killed the bacteria and eliminated the specific mate preference. The mating process became random, with no dietary influence.
In subsequent experiments, the researchers successfully isolated the bacterial species responsible for reproductive isolation in flies with diet-related mating preferences, and found the bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum to be present in greater numbers in starch-fed fruit flies than in sugar-fed flies. When L. plantarum was reintroduced into the antibiotic-treated flies, the preferential mating behavior resumed -- proving that this bacterial species is at least partly responsible for the mating preference.