TAPPING TO REDUCE PAIN

This is a new buzz in the holistic field (even though it’s been around for a long time).  It’s worth trying.  You can do it yourself.

What does MTT mean?

MTT is an abbreviation for "Meridian Tapping Techniques." Notice that the official name has an "S" at the end, it is plural. This means that there are a variety of "techniques" and innovations that use meridian points as a basic standard. For a more in depth explanation, please download our free manual HERE. MTT derives from a variety of techniques that involve tapping on acupressure points along the meridians.

You can use two fingers to touch and tap on these points yourself, or someone can tap on the points for you. Most, but not all, Meridian Tapping Techniques also involve saying certain phrases that help you focus on the issue that you are working on and tapping for. A MTT Professional can help you learn the correct tapping points as well as guide you through a tapping sequence (or 'round' as they are commonly called) and assist you in saying phrases that will be of most benefit.

How does it work and what does it do?

MTT is based on the assumption that negative emotions disrupt the flow in the body's energy system. When energy patterns are disrupted due to physical, mental or emotional trauma, it is believed that the path of energy between neurons can be disrupted. Practitioners that utilize Meridian Tapping Techniques have found that when people release negative emotions, it may help the energy flow again. Many people often experience other positive results as well including:

• Reduce or eliminate chronic pain (including back pain)
• Reduce or eliminate migraines
• Reduce or eliminate Fibromyalgia
• Reduce or eliminate stress
• Reduce or eliminate insomnia
• Reduce or eliminate anxiety and panic attacks
• Reduce or eliminate fears and phobias (claustrophobia, agoraphobia, social phobia, fear of heights, fear of flying, fear of public speaking, fear of the dark)
• Increase the rate of healing injuries
• Increase flexibility and range of motion
• Improve weight loss
• Improve concentration and focus
• Improve eye sight
• Improve overall health and well-being
• And more…

For more information go to www.meridiantappingtechniques.com – there’s LOTS of free information.

EXERCISE IS FREE MEDICINE

"Exercise is like free medicine," says Robert Leahy, PhD, director of the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy and author of Beat the Blues Before They Beat You. "Medication may work more rapidly to lessen the symptoms of depression or stressed feelings, but the effects of regular exercise are longer lasting."

 "More than anything, what we've realized is that the biochemical changes that occur to make us resilient to stress are cumulative," she says. "The more consistent you are with your workouts, the more you are rewarded with stress-fighting power." (Fitness, 10/10)

Laughter Works!

Documented research has proved that laughter has enormous benefits on one’s physical, mental and emotional health. It is more than just a physical response. It is a great workout that boosts the immune system, increases circulation and the threshold for pain. Scientific studies show that laughter has positive effects on the heart, blood vessels, stress hormones, mental health and family relationships. These health benefits of laughter all contribute to smoother overall functioning, which in turn speeds injury healing and helps manage chronic pain. "He who laughs, lasts!"

10 Commandments for Reducing Stress

1. Thou shalt not be perfect or try to be.

2. Thou shalt not try to be all things to all people.

3. Thou shalt leave things undone that ought to be done.

4. Thou shalt not spread thyself too thin.

5. Thou shalt learn to say "NO."

6. Thou shalt schedule time for thyself, and for thy supporting network.

7. Thou shalt switch off and do nothing regularly.

8. Thou shalt be boring, untidy, inelegant and unattractive at times.

9. Thou shalt not even feel guilty.

10. Thou shalt not be thine own worst enemy, but thine own best friend.

(Dr. Sarah Myhill, MD, UK-based, published January, 2009)

Heart Awareness Month

It's Heart Awareness Month so what have you been doing to keep your heart healthy?? Proper nutrition, exercise, reducing stress, and limiting alcohol consumption are all necessary to help your heart work properly.  It's never too late to start an exercise and 'eating right' diet. Do it with a friend to keep you on track. Check magazines for ideas on recipes and exercises. Try something new. Whatever it is, DO IT! 

Here's to a healthy heart and body!

Stress Awareness Day, April 16

We throw around the word "stress" so often in just everyday speak (you're stressing me out!), that we often trivialize the real impact it has on our lives. In fact, 66% of Americans say they are likely to seek help for stress as it is so problematic, with over a third of us claiming that we are living with "extreme" stress. Why such stress? 75% of Americans claim that work and money are causing it. Stress can lead to heart attacks / heart disease, cancer, immune system problems, accidents, depression, suicide, lung issues and more. Stress levels have been increasing steadily, with now more than 3 of 5 doctor visits – globally – being directly related to stress problems.

So what can you do?? First, recognize that you're under stress. Second, identify the stressors in your life. Third, make a plan to deal with the stressors (notice I didn't say eliminate since that can be almost impossible). Fourth, incorporate exercise and good nutrition into your daily lifestyle. You all know how great the water feels once you get to the pool. Make a commitment to come regularly. Supplement your water exercise with walking (your dogs will thank you!), elliptical machine workouts, or whatever sport you love (tennis is mine!). Have fun and make social connections. The more you give of yourself, the more you get back. Your body will thank you and you'll feel great as your endorphins are released.

You are in control of your life and body. Take control now and reduce your stress.

New Year's Resolutions

It's the New Year and everyone is making resolutions. So what's yours?? Are you going to eat more nutrionally, exercise regularly, not yell as much, stress less, enjoy reading a book, spend more time with friends, or just stay the same??? Reflecting on the past year is as important as making resolutions. Try to keep your resolutions simple and achievable. Here's a few of my resolutions to help you get started: read a book each month, keep organizing and cleaning out the old stuff, take my vitamins and supplements regularly, praise and not criticize my kids and husband, and stay connected to friends and family.

So get going now! If exercise is on your list, try the water for a great workout and less stress on your body. Need more help, post a blog.

Happy New Year!

60 Second STRESS BUSTERS

What you can you do about stress?
Reduce stress in 60 seconds or less:
Deep Breathing:
Sit still and take three deep, slow breaths. Try to empty your mind of any thoughts. Concentrate on the breath entering and exiting your nostrils. Feel the air going in and out. Breath deeply and count your breaths backward, starting at 15.
Time Out
When you find yourself in a stressful situation, count to ten before you react. The slower you count, the better this works.
Mental Vacation
Close your eyes. Mentally place yourself in an environment that gives you peace and pleasure. Visualize your fantasy place and what you would do there.
Body Scanning
Yikes. As if your mental stress weren't enough, your body is tensing up and making it worse. Close your eyes and do a mental scan of your body, head to toe. Notice where your body is reacting to stress, then move that area to increase blood flow. If your neck is wired, for example, do head circles. If your shoulders are tight, do shoulder shrugs.
Muscle Releases
Choose a major muscle or an area of tension. Tighten and relax it for 60 seconds.
• Thigh: Extend your leg and contract and release the quadriceps muscles.
• Abdominals: Sit up straight and inhale, lifting the rib cage. Exhale into a very slight crunch, contracting the abs.
• Chest and back: Wrap your arms around yourself as if you were giving yourself a well- deserved hug. Walk your fingers toward your shoulder blades. Pull your shoulder blades as you curl forward, tightening the chest and stretching the back. Then reverse by rolling your shoulders back, squeezing your elbows together behind you.
• Face: Open your face wide--wide eyes, wide jaw--then scrunch it tight. Caution: Only the least inhibited should do this one in public in a well-lit place!
If you've got more than a minute to spare--you're stuck on a plane or bus, for example--you can keep on tightening and releasing different muscle groups. Five minutes will make you feel like a new person.

4 PILLARS OF GREAT HEALTH

SUPPLEMENTATION, DIET, EXERCISE, AND MENTAL HEALTH =

4 PILLARS OF GREAT HEALTH

Incorporate vitamins and supplements into your daily health regiment.

Fortify your body daily with natural foods (make it colorful) and beverages in your diet.

Physically challenge your body beyond your required daily activities with regular exercise.

Mental health is how you feel about yourself, your relationships, your surroundings, your spirituality, your stress management, and your self-fulfillment.

Why Water Exercise?

Joints hurting? Muscles sore? Back stiff? All these ailments and more are soothed in warm water exercise. You'll regain range of movement, increase your blood circulation, relieve stress on joints and muscles, and improve your coordination and balance. In addition, you'll build strength with the resistance of the water keeping your bones strong and healthy as well as the muscles around your joints.

Sound good? You can achieve all this and more in the warm, buoyant water. 'No pain, but gain' is the new mantra.

TOP 10 REASONS TO GET SPLASHING:

1. improve overall health and fitness

2. increase energy

3. improve sleep

4. control weight

5. strengthen your heart

6. improve your self-esteem

7. reduce bone density loss

8. reduce pain

9. improve flexibility

10. have fun and laugh

Remember, 'NO PAIN, BUT GAIN'.