insight newsletter volume 1 issue 1.pdf

7/25/2019 INSIGHT Newsletter Volume 1 Issue 1.pdf

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In This Issue

The Power of Mantras

Healing Digestive issueswith Yoga Pages 2-3

Acupuncture for Balanceand Healing Pages 5-6

Backyard Remedies Page 7

Spirit Speaks Page 8

The Power of MantrasBy Anne Discepolo, Owner/operator of Natural Balance Massage and Wellness

January 2 16

The science of mantras is based on the ancient spiritual teachingsof many religions which state that the creative force of the universebegins with sound or vibration.

For example in the gospel of John it is stated "In the beginningwas the Word." Word is a sound and a vibration. Many easternreligions take this concept further believing that everything in crea-tion has a certain vibration. The things that we find beautiful or up-lifting such as a lovely rose or crystal have a "higher" vibration thanother things such as a plastic bottle.

Humans also have a resonance or vibration. This is partially whywe feel uplifted by some people and drained or depressed by oth-ers. Humans tend to be very influenced by vibrations present inpeople, places and objects. The original purpose of using a mantrawas simply to raise your vibrational level.

Specific mantras can be used for specific purposes, such asimproving health or abundance, or overcoming obstacles, but oftenmantra practice is just done to deepen our connection to the Divine.With this deepened connection we begin to vibrate at higher level andthen can easily create positive change in our physical world.

In yogic philosophy "seed mantras" are recommended for beginners.These mantras have the purpose of deepening your meditation and

aligning you with the highest vibration-

that of the divine-

and howeveryou define that is up to your individual cultural and religious beliefs.Commonly the mantra "OM" or "So Hum" are used as seed mantrasfor beginners.

Mantras can be repeated softly out loud, but preferably they arerepeated silently in your mind as you listen to the internal sound atthe same time. In many traditions the mantras are repeated 108times, (repetitions are counted on a string of prayer beads or a"mala") These are available at most places where yoga suppliesare sold or check out the selection at Blue Lotus Temple in Wood-stock.

You can also repeat mantras for a certain amount of time, such as

ten or twenty minutes daily. In time the mind will begin to associatethe mantra with the relaxed pleasant feeling thatcomes from this type of meditation. It is then thatyou can repeat the mantra to yourself during timesof distress or difficult situations to quickly obtainthat relaxed clarity that you experienced during yourmeditation. What a powerful tool!

So when you find yourself sinking into lower vibra-tional emotions such as anger, frustration, sadness,or jealousy, you can use the mantra to pull yourselfquickly out and begin to raise your vibration to reflect the love andcompassion that we associate with the Divine vibration.

GETTING

STARTED

To begin, sit comfortablywith a straight spine,eyes closed, and silently

repeat OM on the exhale,and SO with every inhale.

When your mind wan-ders, simply, gently, bringyour attention back to themantra, maintaining a re-laxed but alert state ofawareness.

After these simple man-tras are mastered onemay move on to longerand more complex man-tras, but it is not alwaysnecessary.

NATURAL BALANCE Massage and Wellness Get inspired, Informed and Connected Vol.1 Issue 1

Cont. on Page 4


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Digestive issues? Just Breathe!

By Diane L. Perretto

It seems every time I turn on the T.V. theres an ad with someone hold-ing their distended belly and complaining about constipation and depres-sion! Now there are new drugs to combat the side effect of anti-depressants which caused constipation in the first place!

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 1 in 4 women be-tween the ages of 40 and 50 are taking an anti-depressant. In the past 2decades the use of anti-depressants increased by 400%, as noted bythe same study. This is in part due to the pharmaceutical companies sell-ing drugs to consumers in television ads, as well as the willing participantswho want a quick fix.

Sluggish BowelsSluggish Brain

It is no coincidence that depression and constipation go hand in hand. Theblood which flows in and around our intestines is the same blood flowingthrough our brain...ewww!

So, if our bowels are sluggish, the blood becomes impure and this tends todull our consciousness. We have four organs responsible for elimination ofwaste; the bowels, kidneys, lungs and skin.

One very effective process of elimination is through the practice of pranaya-ma, breath control. There is an immediate effect of invigorating the bodywith freshly oxygenated blood and soon to follow, relief from constipation

and other digestive issues.

According to Goswami Kriyananda, author of The Spiritual Science of KriyaYoga,

When elimination becomes extremely inadequate, the accumula-tion of fecal matter is drawn into the bloodstream, rendering thevitality of the red corpuscles somewhat inactive. Because of thisoxidation for the blood system is not as thorough. This produces amental devitalization called lethargy, or moodiness.

So, what is the answer? Start BREATHING! According to a regular contributorat www.artof living.org,

Breathing brings life force into thebody and cleans the body of toxic

materials formed due to wrong dietunhealthy lifestyle & accumulated

stresses. It improves agni (fire), creates body balance and longevity rej

venating the whole system.

The average person inhales and ex-hales 18 times per minute. When welengthen the breath, it activates our paasympathetic nervous system whichcalms our heart rate, lowers blood pressure and gives us a happy, relaxed feeing; like after a good belly laugh!

The sympathetic nervous system,known as fight or flight system, is activated much too often due to our mis-management of stress.

This depletes our adrenal glands whichare responsible for the excretion of 50+hormones, most of them essential forlife. Depleted adrenals are a leading

cause for anxiety and depression, aswell as constipation and other digestiveailments.

Slow, rhythmic breathing also increasethe capacity for good mental focus, a bfactor in our emotional well being andintellectual prowess.

See next page for how to practice Ujjayibreathing

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A NATURAL BALANCE Quarterly Get Inspired, Informed and Connected Vol.1 Issue 1


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Ujjayi in Sanskrit is to be Victorious.

It is through our breath that we bring PRANA, the Universal life force, into our bodyWhile prana is Ever-Present and in all be-ings, Ujjayi breath is a method of directing

it and building internal heat.

This internal heat is created by the re-stricted air flow, causing friction as the air

moves through the lungs and over thethroat. This internal heat warms the coreof the body, aiding digestion and metabo-lism. It literally gives your internal or-

gans a massage, helping to extract toxinsthrough the breath.

Ujjayi breath also helps us to assimilate

what we have learned! The same innerfire or agni which is kept lit by the Ujjayibreath also helps us to digest emotionsand the information we take in daily, as-

similating what we have learned to aid uson our journey.

To try ujjayi breath, gently press theback of your tongue up against the back o

your throat so very little air can passthrough. Now gently seal your lips as you

slowly inhale and exhale through yournose, creating a kind of snoring sound,

This is sometimes referred to as theoceanic breath.

Listening and feeling your own s teadyrhythmic breath will help you focus and

maintain poses longer. If you lose focus inclass, just return to the breath and youll

find your zone once more!

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When practicing yoga, your breath always leads the movement. Ifour breath becomes strained or faster, it is a sign that you are goingeeper than your body is ready to go and you should back off in theosture and in the pace of moving into the posture.

s important to breathe slow; the longer the inhale and exhale, theeeper into the lungs you are reaching and the more fire you aregniting for the digestive energy of the body. The more elimination ofoxins through the breath, the less sluggish the body and mind willeel.

THE SPIRIT OF YOGAn the true Spirit of Yoga, I like to remind students that from asana tosana, the form you create is the person you will make. Do you feel

Strong? Flexible? Balanced? Open? Focused? Calm? Recep-ve? Or are you approaching the pose feeling aggressive, dogmatic,tagnant, unbalanced, self judging?

While the breath both invigorates us and tells us if we need to backff, observing the ease or difficulty in which we find ourselves in thesana can reveal to us our inner state.

Perhaps we can see that the condition of constipation is the physicalxpression of being stagnant and self judging in ones practice and

herefore in ones outer life. Could it be that depression is expresseds feeling off balanced and lethargic in the asana, telling us that weeed more balance in our diet, activities, or thinking?

You can literally bethe change you feel in the pose. Reflect, re-ose, and let your body talk to you. What did you learn this time

which you may do differently next time to gain a different effect?

What felt good and why? During the final pose of savasana, absorbn all levels, physical, emotional and spiritual, what your body hasearned.

By exploring the inner world of Yoga, you are taking action in youruter world. By learning to listen within and follow the rhythmic soundf your own oceanic breath, you are fine-tuning your ability to know

what you need to heal yourself, constipation and depression includ-d!


Diane L. Perretto , CYT 200

Read more about the Spirit of Yoga at:

https://www.facebook.com/fromthemat/


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(The Power of Mantas Cont.)

by Anne Discepolo

AFFIRMATION OR MANTRA?Often what we think of as a mantra is better defined as an affir-

mation. If we were to tell ourselves silently andrepeatedly a phrase such as "I am a calm andhappy person" throughout our day, that wouldbe an "affirmation" instead of a mantra.

Sometimes we do this when we are feeling quitethe opposite! It helps to temporarily change ourstate of mind.

Affirmations are a powerful tool to program ourminds but they work differently than a traditionalmantra. Using a mantra requires that it be repeated daily for acertain amount as a meditation practice.

The same mantra should be used daily for a period of at least thir-ty days.

Traditional mantras are sounds or words that are spiritually rele-vant, often in the ancient Sanskrit language. Some practitionerswill use the same mantra for their entire lives.

In my experience as a yoga and meditation teacher I have seenmantras create amazing changes quickly inmany aspects of a person's life. An excellentbook on traditional mantras is "Healing Mantras"by Thomas Ashley-Farrand.

Some yogic traditions will have a guru assign aspecific mantra to the student to accelerate his

or her spiritual growth.

For religious considerations, it is helpful to know some traditionalmantras are based on Hindu beliefs.

However a person of any religion can use mantras. For Christiansit is commonly recommended to use the Prayer of Saint Francis,in whole or part, as a mantra.

Also any part of scripture that you find uplifting can be used as amantra. For a phrase to become truly a mantra it must be repeat-ed daily for a set amount of ]time or repetitions as a form of medi-tation.

So although similar to prayer, mantras are different. Differentprayers may be spoken at random times, particularly at times ofneed, whereas a mantra is used as a type of spiritual practice thatis done daily regardless of life's circumstances.

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Turn Inward

Do you need some insight on

finding a mantra? Or to get an

answer regarding an important

issue in your life?

Just ASK!

Then, make it a priority to lis-

ten...to everything and everyone

around you. You might turn on

the radio and a song will have a

word or phrase that inspires you!

Keep your eyes open all day,

looking for visual signs that might

bring to mind just what you need.

Use today to begin a new way of

life; asking, listening, and then

acting upon the prompts you re-

ceive.

NATURAL BALANCE Quarterly Get Inspired, Informed and Connected Vol.1 Issue 1

Contact Anne at:

847-721-4364

for more information

on

affordable advertising.


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Does TCM and acupuncture really work?

Yes. In the past 3,000 years more people have been suc-cessfully treated with acupuncture and Chinese herbs thanwith all other health methods combined.

A panel of the National Institute of Health (NIH) of USA en-dorsed acupuncture for some conditions in 1997. "There issufficient evidence of acupunctures value to expand

its use into conventional medicine." The World HealthOrganization recognizes acupuncture and Traditional Chi-nese Medicines ability to treat over 40 common disorders.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes; in the hands of a comprehensively trained acupunctur-ist, your safety is assured. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin, sterile, stainless, steel, and generally cause no bleed-ing. They are far different from the hypodermic needlesused for injection. One of the greatest advantages of acu-puncture is the absence of harmful side effects.

Acupuncture: Balancing Energy at Abiding Spirit Center

Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine which helps to restore and maintaones good health by activating the natural, self-healing abilities of the body. Whether you

experiencing pain, suffering from allergies, feeling the strain of stress, not sleeping well, or ly under the weather; this is a safe, potent health care system that delivers convincing, effecresults.

Acupuncture is the placement of fine, sterile needles at certain points on the body. The needles themselves can be cpared to the thickness of a guitar string, or a thick strand of hair. We are often asked whether or not the needles hurtresponse varies from person to person -some people feel a small prick, others feel nothing at all as the needles areplaced.

Acupuncture operates on the premise that everything is made of energy. We call this intelligent energy, Qi, also knoas life energy which flows throughout the body. This vital energy, supports, shapes, and protects the body from paiillness and disease.

What disrupts qi? Physical trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, emotional trauma, seasonal changes all othese can affect the flow and balance of qi. When energy gets blocked, the supply of qi is restricted, which can manifinto various signs and symptoms. Over time, the body as a whole becomes weakened and its ability to self-heal is copromised. Eventually it becomes susceptible to pain, disease and ill health.

Through the use of acupuncture and other modalities of traditional Chinese medicine, we can balance the bodys enereturning one to a state of good health.

How long does it take to see results?

It depends on a patients condition. Normally for ac

conditions, it takes 1-3 treatments to achieve signicant, lasting benefits. It usually takes 5 to 6 visits olonger to see lasting results for chronic conditions.

Will my insurance cover acupuncture?

More and more, insurance companies are recognizacupuncture as an effective healing modality, and surance coverage in the acupuncture field is increaing. You may want to check with your policy.

Will acupuncture work with the medications I am on?

Acupuncture usually works together with medicatiorather than conflict with them. It can even lower theneed for certain medications. Sometimes, ChineseHerbal Medicine can have interactions with somedrugs. A well-trained practitioner will be aware of tinteractions and prescribe accordingly.

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Acupuncture cont. next page


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ACUPUNCTURE CONTINUED:

What are the potential side effects and risks of acupuncture?

Acupuncture can sometimes cause patients to feel light-

headed after the treatments, especially on an empty stom-ach. This is rare and usually subsides in less than five minutes. Sometimes, symptoms can get slightly worse be-fore getting better. This is actually seen as a positive reaction. Symptoms may be exacerbated the night of thetreatment, with great relief the following day. Other than this, the only other side effect would be a small risk ofbruising from the insertion of the needle, which only happens once in a while.

Can I combine acupuncture and western medicine?Usually there are no negative consequences to receiving acupuncture or TCM herbal treatment, while being treat-ed with western internal medicine, osteopathic, chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy or massage.

A lot of patients undergo herbal treatment alongside conventional medication. With acupuncture and TCM treat-ment, Western medication can usually be reduced slowly as the patient's health improves, in consultation with both

the patient's conventional doctor and TCM practitioner.

More about the ABIDING SPIRIT CENTER

Michelle Tate and Lisa Tomoleoni are co-owners of the Abiding Spirit Center, a wellness facility located inCrystal Lake. The Abiding Spirit Center provides resources that focus on empowering the individual, improvinghealth and strengthening relationships through the use of natural, traditional and creative avenues which utilizemind, body, spirit connections. The Abiding Spirit Center houses Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, one of thelongest established Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture clinics in the county.

Tate and Tomoleoni are both licensed and NCCAOM board certified acupuncturists and hold the highest qualifica-tion available to acupuncturists in the USA.

The Abiding Spirit Center is located at 1540 Carlemont Drive, Crystal Lake.Please see our website www.abidingspiritcenter.orgfor further information or call

(815) 444-6019.

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http://www.abidingspiritcenter.org/http://www.abidingspiritcenter.org/http://www.abidingspiritcenter.org/


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Backyard Remedies ~ Herbs for HealingHarvard resident Tina Nebergall is a mother, grandmother, massage therapist, birthworker, gardener, and

naturalist. Tinas lifelong interest in plants and plant medicine developed into a knowledge and passion for c

ating natural remedies to help herself and others.

Tina stresses the need to take responsibility for our own wellbeing and in this article, she shares what she

knows firsthand about using the plant Motherwort as a natural way to manage anxiety and panic attacks.

I often hear people talking about their struggles to cope with anxiety and panic attacks. Tools such as m

sage, yoga, meditation and exercise can be very helpful. But another natural remedy that I find quite effective is a

herb called Motherwort. This plant has a long history of use among midwives and women to promote menses, and

also to lessen the after pains of birth. It is also very useful to relieve tension and anxiety from P.M.S, postpartum

adjustment and throughout menopause. It is a cardio tonic and can be helpful for heart palpitations due to low blo

pressure in the short term.

Motherwort is a herb that is common in our area as well as throughout the northern states. The Latin name i

Leonurus Cardiaca, literally translated: lion heart. The part used is the Aerial meaning from the ground up.

is a member of the mint family (Labiate). Motherwort contains the following chemical constituents: Alkaloids

Bitter Glycosides, Tannins, Resins, Rutin and Vitamin A. Motherwort can be used as an astringent, antispas

modic, carminative (relieves gas), digestive bitter, relaxant, nervine (reduces nervous tension), and emmena

gogue(promotes menses).

A tincture of a plant is an infusion using an alcohol to extract the plant's medi-

cine. With Motherwort I prefer to use a tincture because it is a very bitter plant, and m

be unpleasant to drink as a tea. A tincture is also quickly available and stored in a sm

container so you can always carry it with you to use as needed.It works quickly beca

a tincture is taken orally and absorbed through the mucous membranes.

You can buy tincture of Motherwort online or at a health food store with an herbal apothecary or you can locate an

herbalist who can teach you how to make your own plant medicine with proper plant identification and guidance.

I recommend taking the dose on the tincture label directions and adjusting as necessary.

Cautions and contraindications for Motherwort are avoiding use during preg-

nancy (although, it is useful during birth and postpartum) and because it

helps to bring on menses, do not use during heavy menses.

Also, please do not make your plant medicine without being absolutely sure

of proper identification of a plant.

Please note that the information in Tina's articles is not medical advice and is meant

only to help inform and empower you to seek out other ways to take care of your-

self and take more personal responsibility for your own wellness.

Those who have benefit-

ted from use of the Bach

Flower "Rescue Remedy"

will find just as much

stress relief by using a

tincture of Motherwort.


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Hearts leap at the sight of gracefulness ~

the ballerina, the yogi, the runner.

Bodies quiver as a memory awakesOf a time before our fall from Grace.

Now in heavy form we move ~ ever searching,Reaching up and out from all of our Being!

Until by Grace,One day we bow to the One

In whose embraceWe dance Eternal.

NATURAL BALANCE Newsletter Get Inspired, Informed and Connected Vol.1 Issue 1

INSI HT

By Diane L. Perretto

Conveniently located at 36 N. Ayers St. 2nd Floor, Harvard

Healing Massage and Therapy for pain relief and relaxation

Experienced in Deep Tissue/Swedish/Hot Stone/Sports Massage

Yoga and Meditation Classes

Cranial Sacral Therapy

Anne Discepolo, LMPhone: 815-701-46

www.nbwellnessmassage.coEmail: [email protected]

Anne is a Shamanic Healer. Experienced in work-ing on the spiritual plane, she is able to offer greatinsight into your current and past issues in need ofhealing or understanding. Contact Anne to set up a

Shamanic Journey to uncover your true Self.Anne also teaches classes on Shamanism.

All energy is in a constant flux between Yin a

Yang. Yin nor Yang exist independently of

each other. When we balance this energy in o

body, our choices in life become more balanc

and we feel more balanced.

Yin Yoga works on the deeper tissues of the

body ~ the ligaments and tendons, while a pre

dominately Yang practice works on outer tis-

sues; bones and muscles. A Yin practice helps

with flexibility, while also helping teach inner

focus and self acceptance; something hard to

in a world dominated by Yangactive energ

Have fun while learning the importance of baancing your active life of yang with a little yin

with Diane on Saturday. Feb. 6th from 1-3:3

Bring a blanket and a notepad! Held at Natu

Balance studio, 36 N. Ayers, Harvard

Fee: $25.00 To sign up email:

[email protected]

UPCOMING YIN YOGA WORKSHOP
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

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