What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that emphasizes the importance of a balanced and healthy diet. According to Ayurveda, one of the most important health factors is good digestion. With proper digestion, we have an abundance of energy and vitality, both physically and mentally. If digestion is poor, toxins can take residence in our digestive tract. Over time these toxins accumulate causing discomfort in the mind and body. Symptoms of toxins in the body include constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, skin issues, allergies, brain fog, weak immune system, and much more
Ayurvedic diet is based on an individual's constitution, known as the Dosha type or mind-body type. The three types of Dosha are Vata (Air + Ether), Pitta (Fire + Water), and Kapha (Earth + Water). Each Dosha has its own unique set of characteristics and dietary needs. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend following a diet that is suitable for your specific Dosha. This means eating in a way that is mindful and aware of your body's needs
Ayurvedic consultations coming soon! In the meantime, you can find plenty of resources online regarding your Dosha type. Not sure of your Dosha type? There are free online tests that can help determine your type.
How Does Sound Promote Healing?
Sound healing therapy, commonly referred to as a sound bath, has become increasingly popular in recent years. But what exactly is a sound bath? Is it just a new fad that will fade away soon, or is it here to stay? Moreover, how does sound promote healing? The science of sound healing is all about frequencies and vibrations.
Sound healing has been practiced in many cultures around the world for thousands of years. Greek physicians used flutes, lyres, and zithers to heal their patients in a variety of ways. By harnessing the power of vibration, they were able to help with digestion, treat mental disturbances, and induce sleep. Fast forward a few thousand years to the 21st century and people are now forming groups to facilitate sound baths. It is unlikely that our ancient ancestors gathered in a group to lay on yoga mats and listen to crystal bowl music, but they did understand the healing properties of sound. With the use of instruments, mantras, and the human voice, we can set the intention to move from a place of imbalance and dis-ease to a place of healing and wholeness.
As humans, we are hardwired to react to perceived threats with a "fight or flight" response. This is an automatic reaction that is often experienced as stressful or frightening. The perception of threat activates the sympathetic nervous system and triggers an acute stress response that prepares the body to fight or flee. However, living in a constant state of fight or flight can take a toll on our physical and mental health.
During a sound bath, sound wave frequencies cause shifts in our brainwaves allowing for deep relaxation and healing to occur. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system- the rest and digest state. When our parasympathetic nervous system is activated our bodies are able to relax and healing can occur naturally. Meditation is a great way to activate our parasympathetic nervous system. However, for some people that have an overactive mind, it can be tough to sit in stillness for long periods of time. Attending a sound bath can be a great way to quiet our mind because the tones and frequencies created from sound give our minds something to hold on to and help quiet our Vritti, or mental chatter. When our mind and body can fully relax, we are more receptive to the healing frequencies which allow the energy in our body to move freely.
Throughout our lives, and especially as children, we aren't always able to express our emotions properly and over time these emotions become trapped in the body. Even in our day-to-day routine, our body is put under mental, physical, and emotional stress, activating our sympathetic nervous system and keeping us in a fight-or-flight state. These trapped emotions and stress cause the energy in our body to become blocked which over time causes disease, or dis-ease, in our body's systems. The vibration of sound helps activate our parasympathetic nervous system and allows these trapped emotions to become free, giving us the opportunity to acknowledge and release each emotion, restoring harmony and balance to our energetic systems.
You may have discovered videos on YouTube that offer sound baths using crystal or Himalayan bowls. These videos are best experienced with earbuds, however, nothing compares to attending a sound bath in person. Attending in person allows you to feel the vibrations of the bowls and gives you the opportunity to feel a difference in your body after the session. Give yourself permission to relax and activate your parasympathetic nervous system. Allow your body to do what it does best; heal itself by removing any blockages and allowing energy to flow freely.
Why is Self-Care Important?
Most people think of self care as taking daily walks, reading, playing music, or any other activity that makes you happy. While these activities help calm our senses externally, they do not regulate our system at an internal level. Stress is an internal experience. You feel it inside your body, and it impacts each of us a little bit differently
Sleeping problems, scattered thoughts, and difficulty breathing are just a few symptoms of stress that some people experience.
So what's the answer?
Regulating your nervous system is the scientific answer. Whether you're walking, thinking, feeling, or even breathing, your nervous system controls everything you do. Any self-care you practice must care for your entire nervous system – your body, mind, and spirit. Meditation, mindful breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation are some of the activities that scientists recommend for helping you to achieve this goal.
By making self-care a routine part of your life, you can reduce stress and avoid burnout, which is a feeling of emotional, mental, or even physical exhaustion that can result from prolonged stress. Tuning into yourself and enhancing your emotional self-awareness through regular self-care is a healthy way to create balance in your life.
Soulscape Holistic Wellness offers services that can help you gain confidence in creating your own self-care routine that is tailored to your needs and lifestyle. Providing guidance and support as you cultivate healthy habits.
Reiki in the Workplace
The implementation of wellness programs in the workplace can provide immediate and effective relief from stress for executives and staff. Research has found that such initiatives can save businesses money, while simultaneously improving employee satisfaction, loyalty, attendance, and morale, reducing staff turnover, and optimal psychological and physical health.
As the modern workplace continues to evolve, it's important for employers to understand the various approaches they can take to implement a successful and productive work environment. Reiki is one such approach that is quickly gaining traction in the corporate world. Reiki is a form of energy healing that encourages physical and emotional relaxation, which can lead to increased energy, focus, and productivity in the workplace. By bringing Reiki into the workplace, employers have the potential to foster a sense of relaxation and well-being in their employees.
Corporations around the world are becoming aware of the increasing prevalence of stress-related illnesses and the effects it has on their employees. Stress is rampant in the western world. More than two-thirds of physician appointments are due to stress-related ailments. Stress costs industries billions of dollars per year in increased health insurance outlays, burnout, absenteeism, reduced productivity, costly mistakes in the office and on the shop floor, poor morale, high employee turnover, as well as family, alcohol, and drug-related problems. Stress is a state of tension that is created when a person responds to the demands and pressures that come from work, family, and other external sources, as well as those that are internally generated from self-imposed demands, obligations, and self-criticism. Stress is both additive and cumulative. It adds up over time until a state of crisis is reached and symptoms appear. These symptoms may manifest themselves psychologically as well as physically.
Incorporating Reiki into the workplace can provide lasting benefits that support employee wellness and corporate health. Reiki has been found to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and alleviate physical and emotional symptoms. In the corporate setting, Reiki can be used to improve the overall well-being of employees, reduce absenteeism, and enhance productivity. By offering Reiki sessions to employees, businesses can create a healthier, more balanced, and less stressful environment.
Benefits to Employers:
-Decreases the risk of burnout
-Increases attendance
-Improves productivity and mental clarity
-Relieves stress and tension in the workplace
-Show commitment to their employees and
well-being
Benefits to Employees:
-Improves concentration
-Relieves stress and tension
-Relieves physical and mental fatigue
-Increases energy and improves outlook
-Creates calm and peaceful feelings
Demonstrate your commitment to your employees’ well-being by offering Reiki therapy sessions by trained Reiki Practitioners. Our team is prepared to assist your business in enhancing productivity. We travel to your office or business event to provide relaxation services to your team. Participants stay fully clothed and treatments can be performed individually or in a group setting. Get in touch today to find out more.
What Style of Yoga is Right for Me?
Yoga is one of the most rapidly-growing industries in the country, and there are plenty of reasons why! From the health benefits to the sense of community, yoga has something to offer everyone. However, If you're anything like me, you have tried yoga once or twice and decided it wasn't for you. It's either too slow, too fast, too weird, or too hard! It wasn't until I learned the difference between each style of yoga that I was able to find a style I enjoyed and incorporate a yoga practice into my daily self-care routine. With over 6 styles of yoga, there's sure to be a style that fits every-body. Whether you're looking to relax and de-stress or get an intense workout, there's a yoga style for everyone. Below is a brief description of the four most common styles of yoga: Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative, and Kundalini. Each one has its benefits and techniques and will help guide you in choosing the best style for your body.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga is one of the most popular styles of yoga, with a long history dating back to at least 5,000 years ago. Many popular styles of yoga such as Vinyasa and Restorative originated from Hatha. A Hatha yoga sequence is slow-paced with a focus on proper alignment and breathwork. Each pose is held for a series of breaths, typically 3-5 breaths for each pose, giving you the time to breathe and feel into your body and make any adjustments needed for proper alignment. Hatha yoga is perfect for beginners due to its slow and steady nature. Allowing an opportunity to develop proper alignment and linking breath with movement.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa yoga is a more active form of yoga, involving flowing movements that link with each breath. There is usually no break in between poses, and you will flow dynamically from one pose to the next. A Vinyasa flow can move at a slow pace or a much faster pace but always involves linking breath with movement. Most Vinyasa sequences will frame poses upon each other building up to a peak pose and then winding down to a more relaxing flow to prep for Savasana. Vinyasa yoga is great for athletes, helping to build strength and flexibility. A fast-paced flow can also provide a cardio workout. Depending on the pace of a Vinyasa yoga flow it may not be suitable for beginners.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is a relaxing and therapeutic form of yoga. It involves gentle stretching and poses that are held for a longer period of time. Holding each pose for an extended period allows the mind to focus on the breath, promoting mindfulness and relieving tension from the body. Sequences usually involve props of some sort including, straps, blocks, and bolsters, giving the body permission to come into the most comfortable and supportive position. Restorative yoga is known to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can help slow the heart rate, regulate blood pressure, and relax the body. This makes restorative yoga an excellent choice for those suffering from anxiety, insomnia, headaches, or other stress-related conditions.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga is a more mystical form of yoga, involving breath and movement but also includes, chanting, meditation, and singing. Kundalini is an ancient practice and it is believed to be a form of energy that is stored at the base of the spine. Through the practice of Kundalini, this energy is said to be able to travel up the spine and through the seven chakras, eventually exiting through the crown of the head. Kundalini increases your self-awareness by silencing your mind and unblocking your chakras so that your vital energy can flow freely. Challenging breath exercises, known as Kriyas, paired with challenging poses are practiced for long periods to move energy around in the body. This style of yoga is good for anyone who is looking to deepen their spiritual practice, as it emphasizes chanting and meditation. However, it is recommended to practice with an experienced teacher as Kundalini can cause negative side effects.
The bottom line is to choose a yoga practice that feels good to you. Ask yourself what your body needs at the moment. Do you need to learn proper alignment and how to link breath with movement as in Hatha yoga? Is your body looking for a cardio workout like Vinyasa yoga offers? Or maybe you need a restorative practice to completely surrender and allow your mind and body to remove any tension that may be present. Are you looking to strengthen your connection to Source? Then a Kundalini practice is a great option. Whatever your mind, body, or spirit needs at the moment there is a yoga style for every-body. Practicing yoga at home is a good way to build confidence before practicing in a studio with other people..and yes studio's without gigantic mirrors on the walls do exist! Just remember your yoga practice is YOUR yoga practice. Listening to your body and doing what's best for you in the now moment is one of the many lessons yoga teaches us about ourselves.
