ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE BY: SALANDANAN, JEMILY V.

MIND AND BODY THERAPY  Focuses on the connection between mental and physical health.  It is a dynamic therapy which combines the benefits of hypnotherapy with a specially designed synchronised therapeutic massage.

 The mind-body connection means that you can learn to use your thoughts to positively influence some of your body’s physical responses, thereby decreasing stress. If you recall a time when you were happy, grateful or calm, your body and mind tend to relax.

A variety of calming and empowering mind- body exercises have been proven to help people : * Decrease anxiety * Decrease pain * Enhance sleep * Decrease the use of medication for post- surgical pain * Decrease side effects of medical procedures * Reduce recovery time and shorten hospital stays *Strengthen the immune system and enhance the ability to heal * Increase sense of control and well-being

Try this exercise that incorporates a few different relaxation techniques:  Begin by interrupting your normal daily thoughts. Think about what is going on around you. Then switch your thoughts to yourself and your breathing. Take a few deep breaths, exhaling slowly.  Mentally scan your body. Notice areas that feel tense or cramped, such as your neck or shoulders. Loosen up these areas. Let go of as much tension as you can.  Slowly rotate your head to the left in a smooth, circular motion, leaning your left ear to your left shoulder. Rotate your head to the right in a smooth, circular motion, leaning your right ear to your right shoulder. (Stop any movements that cause pain.)

Roll your shoulders forward and backward several times. Let all of your muscles completely relax. Recall and focus on a pleasant memory. Take another deep breath and exhale slowly. You should feel more relaxed.

Mind Relaxation  Close your eyes. Breathe normally through your nose. As you exhale, silently say to yourself the word “one,” or any other short word such as “peaceful,” or a phrase such as “I feel quiet” or “I’m safe.” Continue for 10 minutes. If your mind wanders, gently remind yourself to think about your breathing and your chosen word or phrase. Let your breathing become slow and steady.

EXAMPLE:  YOGA Is a traditional system of physical exercise and meditation in Hinduism. Life energy is absorbed into the body through the breath and can treat illness such as back pain, stress and depression.  TAI CHI Originally developed in China. It is described as meditation in motion because it promotes serenity through gentle movement connecting the mind and body.  QIGONG Practice aligning breath, movement and awareness for exercise and meditation. Breathing energy coordinating with slow stylized repition of fluid movement and a calm minded state.