Mind-Body Connection

The mind & body mirror one another and are seamlessly connected and in constant synergy. Negative thoughts and emotions trigger the release of cortisol, the "stress hormone," which, over time, can wreak havoc on the body. The same holds true for positive thoughts and elevated emotions, which can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, the "happy hormone," and dopamine, the "feel-good hormone." Hugging triggers the release of Oxytocin, also known as the "love hormone." In the same way negative thoughts & feelings release chemicals that can hurt the body, positive thoughts & feelings release all the happy/loving/feel-good chemicals that can benefit the body. The body also has the same impact on the mind - if we experience chronic pain, illness, or a physical disability, it can cause depression or feelings of hopelessness. When we feel healthy and energized in our bodies, our minds will be in harmony. The mind-body connection is a simple truth of our human design.

The impact of stress, anxiety & trauma can create a disconnect of the mind & body, which can profoundly impact wellbeing. Mind-body practices & Somatics facilitate a reconnection, bringing us back to our being or core self. There are many ways to experience the mind-body connection intentionally, including meditation, mindfulness, yoga, breath work, somatic exercises, and movement. I utilize these methods consistently in my practice, as they address aspects of healing that are not attainable if the mind & body are not in harmony.

Meditation

Meditation is a practice with endless benefits for mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. I would even argue that developing a consistent meditation practice is the most beneficial action toward well-being that a person can take. An impressive body of research supports this. In many studies, meditation has been shown to work just as well and, in some cases, even better than antidepressant medication. Neuroimaging studies have shown that regular practice can contribute to changes in our brain structure and increase the gray matter in the brain, which allows us to process information optimally and governs memory, emotions, and movement. It is a powerful practice that originated in ancient Eastern cultures, which improves awareness, calms the nervous system, and may create a connection to spiritual understanding.

There are many forms of meditation, each technique varying in its effect. However, all approaches involve focusing the mind, often using an anchor, to redirect thoughts. I offer several methods for meditation depending on a client's goals and needs, including quantum meditation, mindfulness meditation (MBSR), guided visualization, concentration meditation, and movement meditation. I incorporate meditation techniques in all areas, from psychotherapy to energy medicine and sound healing to yoga practices. It is the unifying element that guides my practice.

YIN & Therapeutic Yoga

I have been practicing yoga for over 20 years and have knowledge and experience in several different yoga styles. I focused on Hatha Yoga and yoga philosophy for many years, eventually moving into Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Restorative Yoga. I completed teacher certification for Vinyasa Yoga in 2019 and Yin Yoga in 2021 and have specialized training in teaching yoga to kids and teens in schools.

I have developed a passion for teaching Yin Yoga in particular, and I find this practice can be easily integrated into a holistic approach to healing and utilized as an effective somatic approach for trauma work due to the deep connective tissue release that it offers.

Yin Yoga is a contemporary approach that began in the 1970s through the personal practice of Taoist Yoga teacher and martial artist Paulie Zink. Zink’s student, Paul Grilley, further developed the practice by adding more in-depth aspects of anatomy and Chinese medicine. Sarah Powers, a student of Grilley’s, fine-tuned the practice into what it is today, including a large importance on breath control & pranayama and a more in-depth understanding of the body's meridian system. Yin is a unique practice in that it has its foundation in ancient yogic practices and postures but also incorporates elements of Taoist Yoga and Chinese medicine; it has taken critical aspects of three different systems and combined them into one powerful holistic system.

The Yin system includes seated postures (most closely related to ancient yogic postures preparing the body for meditation) that are held longer (2-10 minutes) to allow the body to open up gradually to get to deeper connective tissue. Yin is not meant to be a standalone practice but a complementary practice to more active “yang” styles of yoga (Hatha, Vinyasa, ashtanga, etc...) or more yang exercise in general.

Benefits of Yin Yoga

Yin trains and conditions the practitioner (in body and mind) to sit longer, hold poses mindfully and allow the body to open gradually. This helps hone the ability to stay present with the body and mind and addresses joint and inflammation support. It is a slow, passive practice that, when cued correctly, anchors you in breath & sensation, which keeps you in your body the entire time you are practicing. Yin focuses on the body's deep connective tissue (fascia, ligaments, tendons), progressively releasing muscle engagement, stored energy, and tending to fascia health. Energy in the form of thoughts, emotions, behaviors, experiences, and traumas all get stored in the body if not energetically released in the moment. The practice of Yin helps to release those energy pockets that are deep in our tissues... “the issues in the tissues.”

Myofascial Yin

Myofascial release employs various tools, such as balls, foam rollers, and hands, to gently manipulate muscles and fascia. This gentle compression helps hydrate tissues, break up micro-adhesions, improve flexibility, and speed up recovery, leading to a profound sense of release. Similarly, in yin yoga, we relax the muscles and delve into deeper layers of fascia, which are rich in collagen and contribute to elasticity and resilience. By holding poses passively for extended periods, we hydrate the joints and deep fascia while stimulating meridians and enhancing the healthy flow of Qi. Together, these practices offer many benefits that elevate our mental, physical, emotional, and energetic well-being.

Pranayama / Breathwork

Pranayama refers to techniques focused on controlling the breath. It is rooted in ancient yogic practices encompassing the foundational science of yoga. It is the fourth limb of yoga's eightfold path, focusing on the breath as a life force vital to well-being. Depending on the desired outcome, there are many ways to approach breathwork. Techniques vary in method, complexity, and duration.

The term pranayama blends two words/concepts in Sanskrit, prana, meaning life force or energy source, and ayama, meaning restrain or control. When the two words merge, it creates one meaning: breath control. The practices can enhance focus and clarity, promote relaxation, and increase energy levels. Ancient yogic teachings emphasize pranayama's ability to create coherence in the mind, body, spirit, and energy and general alignment within the body's energy pathways. While there are numerous techniques, they all share three essential elements: Puraka (inhalation), Kumbhaka (retention), and Rechaka (exhalation).

I teach clients various breath exercises and specific pranayama techniques, depending on their interests and needs. I then determine which techniques may be most beneficial for supporting their integrative healing plan.