Mellow Mudra

A mudra is an energy exercise using your arms and hands to unblock energy channels in your body. They have been used in many cultures for centuries and you may have experienced the use of a mudra in a yoga or meditation class.

Today, I will focus on the Mellow Mudra, an easy exercise to reduce stress and shift into your parasympathetic nervous system of rest, relax, digest. To better activate your vagus nerve, add humming or singing while you hold the pose.

1.  Bring your thumb over your index finger;

2.  Place the 3 fingers remaining on your forehead;

3.  Breathe deeply and add humming or singing. 

 

A wonderful book that will help you learn more about mudras is: Healing Mudras, Yoga for Your Hands by Sabrina Mesko. 

 

A Medicine Woman's Prayer

Ancient cultures have used the art of healing the body, mind, spirit using Medicine Women/Shamans/Healers for generations. Through prayer, herbs and rituals, the Medicine Women were able to offer healing and well-being to the individuals in the tribe.

 

Over time, people have become more and more open to a more holistic method of healing, as well. When I began my holistic study in the 1980s, many believed I crazy was to leave traditional medicine for something mostly unknown or considered alternative or 'Woo woo." I am so glad that I followed the path that has allowed me to support thousands of people.

I always incorporate my nursing code of ethics with each client I work with. I am grateful for the experiences I had with nursing school, traditional medicine and working in a hospital setting. And, for 35 years I have relied on holistic methods to support friends and clients and I love the message below that speaks to my belief as I support those who seek me out.

Post-Concussion Syndrome

In the past year I have had numerous friends and family members suffer a concussion. This always needs to be taken seriously and you don't have to actually hit your head to have a concussion! I speak from experience having suffered a traumatic brain injury when I was 18. Back then, the diagnosis and treatment was barbaric and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

 

Luckily, there are more diagnostic tools and treatment options today for concussions and post-concussion syndrome, in both the traditional medicine and holistic world. I have been fortunate to take several workshops and master classes with a Functional Neurologist who has presented information that is so valuable. 

 

If you have had a concussion recently or in the past, I highly recommend the book, Brain Save! by Dr. Titus Chiu. It is easy to read with step-by-step recovery techniques, supplements, exercises for rebuilding your brain and much more. 

Visit Dr. Chiu's website: www.brainsave.com  He has many articles worth reading along with healing resources. I am grateful to have found him and all of the valuable information that he offers.

Humming For Stress Relief

I'm still writing during holiday time. For many, this is both an exiting and stressful time of year. There are lots of expectations from both yourself and others. This could put you into an overwhelm mode and add to an already burdened nervous system.

A very simple technique to reduce stress or anxiety, activate your vagus nerve putting your Parasympathetic Nervous system into rest, digest and relaxation is HUMMING!

 

Everyone can hum. And, it has so many benefits.

• Increases oxygen in the cells which can benefit health and wellness;
• May lower blood pressure and heart rate;
• Enhances lymphatic circulation thereby clearing toxins from the body;
• Increases levels of melatonin a hormone that contributes to restful sleep;
• Reduces levels of stress related hormones;
  
• Releases endorphins that work as natural pain relievers and makes you feel good;
• Helps release trapped emotions from your Hyoid (throat) muscles;
  
• And, allows for better digestion.