It’s Spring Time!

It is spring, the air is clean and crisp, the flowers are in bloom and the winds of change are blowing. Welcome to our spring newsletter. In this issue we discuss the effects of stress and how learning to relax can enhance our wellbeing. In addition, there is an article on the importance of skincare as well as our regular tips on relaxation and meditation. Our featured massage modality is on Lomi Lomi, a traditional Hawaiian style of massage. Please peruse at your leisure.

Thank you for visiting and please pass it along.

Volume: 3 | Spring 2007

Stress (continued from page 1)

When we allow ourselves to relax, our muscles start to release their contractions, our heart rate slows, blood pressure reduces and our immune response is heightened.  During relaxation, our breathing changes from short and shallow to deep and slow.  This increases the amount of oxygen we intake and absorb into our body.  By making relaxation a regular activity, the body and mind become less disturbed by stress and can easily return to a balance state.

Massage is one way to induce relaxation with additional benefits. Increased circulation enhances oxygen exchange in the tissues. In addition, lymphatic flow is also increased thereby improving immune response and toxin removal. Massage encourages the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers which helps soothe those aches and pains. Just the action of touch helps the body and mind.

In our society today, less and less of the population is touched in a safe and nurturing manner. The Touch Institute at the University of Miami has shown that premature babies that received massage had a 47% increase in weight gain and shortened hospital stays compared to those who did not receive massage.

Massage provides us the opportunity to become aware of areas in the body that

may need attention.  Many of us tend to

focus on areas that are screaming, such as the neck and shoulders; but notice that there is tension in the lower back as well when the therapist starts working in that  area.  On a subtle level, thoughts and emotions may come up when one area of the body is touched bringing issues to light to be processed and dealt with.  Massage allows us the time and safe sanctuary to let our body heal itself and bring about peace that will lead you back to your true essence.

Our lives are full of excitement, adventure and change. In order to live effectively without the detrimental affects of stress we need some other ways to keep our mind, body and soul balanced. Take the time to nurture yourself. It is the preventative nature of these activities that will help you live a balanced, healthy and meaningful life.

Alternate Nostril Breathing

Lomi Lomi Massage

This relaxation technique is known to be very balancing for the right and left hemispheres of the brain. In addition, it is a great way to bring focus and clarity at stressful times.

Sit in a comfortable seated position. Use either hand and fold in the index and middle finger into palm. Your pinky, ring finger and thumb are extended. You will use the thumb to close off one nostril and the pinky and ring fingers to close off the other nostril.

Take 2 full breaths, breathing only with your nose.
Start with closing the left nostril and inhaling through the right.

Close the right nostril and exhale through the left.
Inhale through the left, close the left and exhale through the right.

Repeat this cycle. Start with 3 - 4 cycles, lengthening the exhale slightly longer than the inhale. You may count to four on the inhale and count to 5 or 6 on the exhale. The important thing to remember is not to force it or cause any discomfort, this should be an easy breathing technique.

If you are having any nasal or sinus congestion do not attempt as this is best done with clear nasal passages.

The Lomi Lomi massage is a special technique used by the Hawaiians throughout their history. It varies in style by each family but has been used as a healing modality for health ailments, spiritual quests and loving touch. Lomi Lomi massage combines prayer (pule), breathwork (ha) and energy (mana) to release stagnation and get the energy flowing throughout the body.

This massage style utilizes music to provide a rhythmic flow. The practitioner uses this rhythm to massage the body with deep, long fluid strokes. The forearm is used to provide an intensely relaxing massage.

One particular style of Lomi called Sacred Lomi was practiced by the Kahunas, or spiritual healers of each tribe or village. They used this style of bodywork to help the individual find their purpose, higher self or vision quest. They based their healing practice on seven Hawaiian sacred principles:

• IKE - The world is what you think it is

• KALA – There are no limits

• MAKIA – Energy flows where attention goes

• MANAWA – Now is the moment of power

• ALOHA – Unconditional love, respect and honor

• MANA – All power comes from within

• PONO – These truths make you effective

The healing touch of Lomi Lomi is not just about relaxing the muscles as much as it is reconnecting your body, mind and spirit.

Aloha