Monthly Archives: April 2022

Rosen Method Bodywork.

Introduction:

Rosen Method Bodywork is a unique form of somatic approach which addresses physical stress. Its unique form of sensitive touch and verbal communication helps people to become aware of what they are holding – physically and emotionally – in their body. When the body is allowed to reveal its truth in a non-judgmental way, it can relax and let go of stress and pain. Rosen Method helps individuals to soften the barriers in their life so that they can live more fully, and the natural feelings of “embodied being” can become a source of joy.

The Origins

Marion Rosen (formerly Rosenfeld) was born in 1914 in Germany and was of Jewish origin, (although she was unaware of this until the persecution of the Jews began). Trained by Lucy Heyer in massage and breath-work, Marion worked on clients who also received psychotherapy from Lucy’s husband Carl Gustav Heyer.  Heyer was a Jungian psychoanalyst and a former student and colleague of C.G. Jung. Marion soon noticed that the treatment time for patients was greatly reduced by this combination of bodywork and psychotherapeutic intervention.

How does Rosen Method help?

Some of the benefits of Rosen include:

• Release of physical tension and pain;
• Reduction of stress and chronically suppressed emotion – leading to improved immune functioning and other health benefits;
• Personal growth: reconnection to inner resources and opening to one’s full potential;
• Greater self-care and nurturing;
• Positive life change through increased self-confidence and strengthened sense of purpose;
• Improved interpersonal relationships;
• Spiritual connection and opening.

Who is Rosen Method for?

Rosen sessions are for anyone interested in exploring how the body and the psyche work together – whether for health and well-being, personal and professional development, or for professional training. The aim is to help people to experience their full physical and emotional potential through increased awareness and relaxation.

Conclusion:

Rosen Method bodywork begins with the individual and her personal growth. It introduces clients and practitioners to a new way of being and a new way of communicating with people. Reaching new depths of being leads to action and has a ripple effect in the world. Rosen Method work is more than an opportunity for individual transformation. It can transform relationships at home, at work, and in the community.

Sweet potatoes are good for health.

Introduction:

Sweet potatoes are more than just a popular staple food serving as a sweet appetizer, side dish or filling snack on their own. This starchy root vegetable has plenty to offer when it comes to achieving optimal health. Sweet potato is a common food source for many indigenous populations in Africa, Central and South Americas, the Caribbean and Hawaii.

It’s an excellent source of natural compounds, including beta-carotene and anthocyanins. The high concentration of these compounds in the root crop, paired with its stable colors, make sweet potato a healthful alternative to synthetic coloring agents in food. Let’s take a closer look at five ways that sweet potatoes benefit overall wellness.

Rich Nutrition Profile:

1 cup of sweet potatoes contains:

  • Water — 103 grams (g)
  • Energy — 114 kilocalories (kcal)
  • Protein — 2.09 g
  • Carbohydrate — 26.9 g
  • Calcium — 39.9 milligrams (mg)
  • Iron — 0.811 mg
  • Potassium — 448 mg
  • Phosphorus — 62.5 mg
  • Sodium — 73.2 mg

The orange and purple varieties of sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, chlorogenic acid and vitamin C.

Enhanced Memory and Cognitive Health

A 2013 study found that a purple sweet potato extract rich in caffeoylquinic acids led to a neuroprotective effect on the brain of animal models, potentially helping improve spatial learning and memory.

Purple sweet potato color comes from a class of naturally occurring anthocyanins that have strong antioxidant and neuroprotective activity in animal subjects; it showed great promise in improving cognitive function. In further animal studies, purple sweet potatoes were shown to protect the brain by reducing inflammation.

Immune Support

Sweet potatoes with orange flesh are among the best natural sources of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body.

Vitamin A is critical to a healthy immune system. “It is not surprising that vitamin A deficiency is associated with impaired intestinal immune responses and increased mortality associated with gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.

Purple sweet potatoes are also of particular interest in immune support, with polysaccharides including water-soluble polysaccharide, dilute alkali-soluble polysaccharide and concentrated alkali-soluble polysaccharide (CASP) which have immune-enhancing effects.

Anticancer Potential

Anthocyanins, a group of antioxidants found in sweet potatoes, have been widely evaluated for their anticancer properties, particularly against colorectal, colon, bladder, breast and gastric cancers.  Even sweet potato peel, usually discarded as waste, contains constituents that may help prevent various types of cancer from developing

Diabetes Control and Prevention

Anthocyanins can also serve as a functional food for prevention and control of diabetes. Antioxidants in general have been found to reduce oxidative stress due to hyperglycemia, and anthocyanins from purple sweet potatoes positively affected liver and renal activity as well as blood pressure in diabetic animal models.

This class of antioxidants, found in purple sweet potato, also had beneficial effects on diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction in animal subjects.  

Conclusion:

The humble sweet potato is full of nutrients, can prevent diabetes, fight cancer and promote positive health.

NATURAL MOOD BOOSTERS.

Good moods

Introduction:

Finding natural mood boosters to manage stress and anxiety is an answer to reclaiming our health and wellbeing. In the quest for a better way to manage mental and physical wholeness, there’s a trend toward embracing natural means to happiness.

Some natural mood boosters:  

1. Ashwaganda Root 

Ashwaganda, also known as Indian Winter Cherry, is an evergreen shrub that grows in Africa and Asia. As a medicinal herb, it’s classified as an adaptogen.  Adaptogens may help the body to manage stress by lowering cortisol levels. As stress leaves, a person’s mood improves! Ashwanganda root is also said to boost the functioning of the brain, lower blood sugar and ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

2. Kratom Capsules

The mood-boosting effects of kratom capsules are said to come from the active component Indole alkaloids. They bind with serotonin and dopamine receptors allowing the body’s natural mood elevators to fulfill their function. Those who’ve tried kratom capsules have reported them to be highly euphoric and mind-relaxing, without any dizziness. 

3. Essential Oils

Breathing in essential oils has a mood-boosting effect as the scent molecules have an effect on the limbic system of the brain. Emotions, behavior, and memory are governed by that part of the brain. Essential oils can be applied to the skin or used in a diffuser. Book yourself in for a divine aromatherapy massage and get the boost from both the oils and the massage. Bliss! The best mood-elevating essential oils to try are roman chamomile, clary sage, ylang ylang, and citrus oil. 

4. Lavender Oil

While lavender is also an essential oil, it gets special mention as its mood-lifting properties are exceptional without side effects. Not only does it seem to reduce anxiety and depression, but can also improve sleep. Lack of sleep leaves most of us grumpy, while a good night’s sleep is like hitting a giant reset button. Try a few drops on your pillow, or place a diffuser next to your bed at night.

5. Exercise and Yoga

Exercise is a major mood booster due to the release of endorphins through movement of the body. Endorphins are known as the body’s ‘happy hormones’. They counteract feelings of stress and release a feeling of well-being. Exercise also boosts blood circulation which increases the oxygen levels to the cells and creates a healthy glow. Yoga adds the added dimension of mindfulness and deep breathing that works on calming and centering the mind.     

Conclusion:

Finding natural mood boosters that work for you can improve the quality of your life. Sometimes a simple change is all one needs to make your mind and body feel good. 

Rebirthing therapy

Introduction:

Rebirthing is an alternative therapy technique used to treat reactive attachment disorder.  . This therapy uses a specific kind of breathing meant to help you release emotions.

Proponents of rebirthing claim that by participating in a “rebirth” as a child or adult, you can resolve negative experiences from birth and infancy that may be preventing you from forming healthy relationships. Some even claim to have memories of their birth during rebirthing.   Rebirthing therapy is controversial because there is little evidence of its merit. In some cases, it has proven to be dangerous.

Rebirthing technique:

 The breath work technique used in rebirthing is called conscious energy breathing (CEB).  With your instructor’s supervision, you’ll practice “circular breathing” — quick, shallow breaths without any breaks between an inhale and an exhale. You’ll do this for one to two hours, taking breaks if you need to. During this time, participants are told to expect a release of emotions or a triggering of difficult memories from childhood.  The goal of this type of breathing is to inhale energy as well as oxygen. Practitioners of rebirthing claim that by breathing in energy, you’re healing your body.

What is rebirthing used for?

Rebirthing is also used to treat:

  • self-destructive tendencies and patterns
  • Post traumatic stress disorder   
  • Depression and anxiety 
  • Chronic pain
  • mental distraction and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
  • behavioral issues in children
  • low self-esteem
  • addiction to drugs and alcohol
 Does rebirthing work?

There is no research in the medical literature to support the use of rebirthing for mental health symptoms. It is not recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics or the American Psychiatric Association.  Some adults who have tried rebirthing claim that it has changed their lives.

Benefits include:

Breath-based meditation does have some recorded health benefits. Research has shown that a consistent breath-based meditation practice can improve:

  • mindfulness
  • focus
  • stamina
  • stress level
  • Respiratory health.

Conclusion:

Rebirthing is an alternative therapy meant to heal trauma stemming from birth and early childhood.  When considering this technique for yourself or your child, be sure to weigh the evidence against the risk.

It must be remembered that this therapy isn’t something most licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors would recommend.  If your child is showing signs of PTSD or failure to attach to you, there are other recommended treatment options. Talk to a healthcare provider to find out what may be best for you.

If you want to try rebirthing, find a practitioner with a good track record and some medical credentials. Some people who practice alternative medicine have nursing certificates, CPR training, or other qualifications.  Make sure your rebirthing practitioner can recognize an emergency and provide emergency care if necessary.  Speak with your doctor about symptoms that concern you, including chronic mental health symptoms.