Happy New Year - The year of the Green Wooden Sheep

The Sheep (Goat) is a Yin energy, a symbol of Peace, Harmonious co-existence and Tranquility.

What is of value in this year is intimacy, family and close friendships. We can be more caring, kind and sensitive with each other. Develop a gentle heart, open to love and acceptance on all levels. Another theme of Sheep year is to express your creative side. Now is the time for art, creativity and cultivation of beauty. If you ever wanted to explore your creative side, this is your year. Do not give up, be pessimistic or become discouraged because Sheep can only move forward! This animal is unable to move backwards or sideways. The upcoming 2015 year of the Sheep is the inspiring period. It will try to leave behind any unstable affair and connections with the aim to carve a new more honest pattern of relations.

Happy new year! The year of the Yang Wood Horse

Representing Yang, the spirited Horse charges into the new year with optimism and enthusiasm.
 The Yang Wood Horse requires us to temper our thoughts and actions to ensure they come with the Clarity of intention. Be vigilant and the fire energy will emerge with growth and success.

Relieve Pain Naturally

If pain is keeping you from living your life to the fullest, acupuncture can help. Pain is a symptom. It is our
body’s way of “getting our attention” so we can take corrective action. This is true of emotional and physical pain, whether chronic or acute.

Corrective action can range from reflexes (flinching, limping, crying), to semi-conscious decisions (adjust your posture, rub a sore muscle, change sleep pattern), to conscious decisions (stop what you are doing, take medication, ask for help).

Different medications have side effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the largest class of medications used for pain and headache and can cause idiosyncratic liver toxicity.[1] NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, can cause serious upper gastrointestinal disorders.[2] Acupuncture is a very safe method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve function that rarely causes serious side effects. Many people feel a brief stinging sensation, like a pinprick, during insertion of the needles. It is also common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment.

Acupuncture can be helpful for all types of pain, regardless of what is causing the pain or where the pain is located. Some studies have shown the pain relief it provides can last for months.

Medication can reduce pain and provide some relief but this only masks (or hides) the problem, it does not cure it and, as we saw in the ibuprofen example, can create new problems. Acupuncture treats pain without causing more problems. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain before and after acupuncture treatment for pain shows dramatic decreases in activity in the pain centers of the brain - up to 70%.

Acupuncture treats the root (cause), while pain medication only treats the branch (symptom/manifestation)

The pain reducing effects of acupuncture can last months because acupuncture hastens the healing process by increasing circulation and attracting white blood cells to an injured area. It relieves the bruising, stiffness; puffiness and tenderness from the injury and can help in forming new bones in case of fractures. Acupuncture shortens the healing time of surgeries[3] and sports injuries, putting you back on track faster.[4]

Acupuncture helps correct the underlying cause for the pain. For PMS, acupuncture balances the hormones; for headaches, acupuncture releases stress and increases blood circulation to the head. Other chronic pain-causing conditions, like arthritis or stomach ulcers, involve chronic inflammation and can benefit form acupuncture as well. When the body function is restored to normal or “wellness” - there is no pain.

Wellness is an active commitment to live a balanced and fulfilled life. Acupuncture and TCM are powerful tools, by themselves or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with western medicine. At Point I coach both children and adults on how to create their own Place of Wellness. Most people focus on their immediate pain, failing to see the underlying issues. My main goal is to guide you through clear and simple steps that will improve your physical, mental and spiritual well being.

----------

[1] “Preventive Care In Chronic Liver Disease”; JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE; November 1999, 14(11): 699–704; Thomas R Riley, MD and Jill P Smith, MD;
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1496761/
doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.1999.11188.x.
PMCID: PMC1496761

[2] “Toxicity Of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. An Overview Of The Epidemiological Evidence”; DRUGS; 1993; 46 Suppl 1:243-8, Carson JL, Willett LR.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7506183
PMID: 7506183 (PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE)

[3] “Case Study – Wisdom Teeth Extraction”; APLACEOFWELLNESS.BLOGSPOT.COM; July 28, 2008; Meyuhas, S.

[4] "Depression", "Low Back Pain Remedy", "Swollen Glands"; APLACEOFWELLNESS.BLOGSPOT.COM; Meyuhas, S.

Happy New Year - The Year of the Black Snake

 2013 is the year of the black Snake begins on February 10^th. This 2013 year of Snake is meant for steady progress and attention to detail. Focus and discipline will be necessary for you to achieve what you set out to create.  It is the enigmatic, intuitive, introspective, refined and collected of the Animals Signs. The snake is a symbol of wisdom. It is asept at spotting new opportuniteis and posesses the skills need to act quickly on them when they arise and it is deceptively powerful when faced with a challenge.

Happy Chinese New Year - The Year of the Water Dragon

Of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, the dragon is the most special and is sometimes called a karmic sign. Bigger than life is very much a dragon thing and in this context we can expect grand things to happen this year. There may be flames and failures, but there will also be spectacular achievements. For those born in the Year of the Dragon, this year is the time to pursue and act on the impossible dream, change the world or at least your life. And for the other signs, it is the best chance to make your dreams come true. The dragon sign is associated with spring and the dragon water sign is likely to become a flowing river rather than a stagnant lake, which means that you need to begin 2012 off to a fast start as things are expected to happen early in the year.

New Year's Resolve Fading? How Acupuncture can help you reach your goals (part 1 of 5)

With each new year, we once again reflect on what changes can improve our lives. By the end of January, many of us have already "slipped" or even given up our resolutions as "too difficult" or postponed them to "next year."

If your intention is to improve your health, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help you "stick" to those resolutions.

Over the next five Thursdays, I will give you an example of how acupuncture can help you keep your New Year's resolutions and achieve your goals.

Resolution 1: Reach Target Weight and Stay There

Losing weight is the #1 most common New Year's resolution. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you reach your goal level of fitness and maintain it by promoting better digestion, smoothing emotions, reducing appetite, improving metabolism, and eliminating food cravings.

From an Oriental medicine perspective, the acupuncture points, foods, and herbs that assist with weight loss directly influence the Qi of the Spleen and Liver systems to treat the root imbalances that are causing the weight gain.

From a Western perspective, acupuncture and Oriental medicine have been shown to have an effect on the function of the nervous system, endocrine system, digestive system, food cravings, and metabolism. All of which can help to energize the body, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce anxiety.

Each treatment is catered to the needs of the individual patient. Acupuncture points on the body are chosen for overall wellness to increase circulation of the blood and Qi (stimulating the metabolism) and calming the nervous system.

Acupuncture and TCM are powerful tools for healthy weight loss, by themselves or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with other weight management programs.

At Point-A Place Of Wellness, we offer herbal consultations as well as acupuncture treatment and have had great success with weight loss patients.

Quick Start for the Slow Season

Winter is time to rest, to meditate deeply, and refine the spiritual essence. This is the season to sit with a cup of hot tea and write down our inner thoughts, desires, and life goals. Winter is also when we store physical energy in the form of a little added weight. This is not an excuse to overindulge, just a natural change with the season.

Even though the slow processes predominate, animals hibernate and the land is mostly dormant, we must stay active enough to keep the spine and joints flexible. Wellness is an active commitment to live a balanced and fulfilled life. Here is a way to reinvigorate your body and jumpstart your immune system in 30 seconds.

• When you get up in the morning, touch your toes and roll up vertebrae by vertebrae to open your spine.
• Rotate your ankles and hands to loosen them up.
• To open your hips, rotate your legs and hips. (Think “Elvis” and you’re moving in the right direction!)
• Remember to BREATHE!

Now you’re energized and ready to start the day.

Create Wellness Qigong Workshop is Thurs. Sept. 24 @ 7p

Tomorrow (Thursday, 9/24/09) at 7 pm, Point-A Place of Wellness will host guest instructor, Antoinette Rohner for an informative and relaxing workshop and invites you to join us.

Antoinette is a Qigong Master, teaching since 1999. In her classes she blends different forms of Qigong such as Element/Organ Meridian Qigong, Golden Marrow Qigong (for the joints), Chi-Lel Qigong and Zhineng Qigong to improve mental and physical well being of all practitioners.

Qigong [chee ghung] is a 5000 year old Chinese tradition using specific, easy, slow flowing movements and poses, both sitting or standing, and visualizations to stimulate blood circulation, fortify immunity, quicken healing, release stress. Completely non-impact, Qigong can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age or physical fitness.

Wellness is an active commitment to live a balanced and fulfilled life. To help you get the most out of the workshop session, wear loose, comfortable clothing.

This workshop is $10.

Please share the gift of wellness with others; INVITE A FRIEND.

Combat Colds and Flu with Chinese Herbs

WHAT ARE COLD AND FLU?
The common cold is an acute viral infection that generally causes inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. It is the most common infectious disease in humans and accounts for more time lost from work or school than any other disease. Flu is an acute and contagious infection of the respiratory tract caused by various strains of the influenza virus. Cold and Flu symptoms include runny nose, cough, chills, headache, fever, and severe aching in the muscles and joints. Although flu affects all age groups, schoolchildren have the highest incidence. Although colds and flu are generally of brief duration, they can lead to complications in the very young, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases or compromised immune systems.

ARE YOU TREATING SYMPTOMS OR THE CAUSE?
Because both cold and flu are viral infections, conventional medicine has no cure for them. Antibiotics do NOT cure colds or flu. Aspirin, decongestants and other medications are prescribed to make patients more comfortable and vaccinations are manufactured to prevent some strains of flu.

“In years when the vaccine strains are not well matched to circulating strains, vaccine effectiveness is generally lower.” If your immune system is already compromised, vaccine effectiveness is generally lower. If you have an influenza-like-illness, vaccine effectiveness is generally lower.[1]

Whether you use any of the above remedies or not, bed rest and increased fluid intake are necessary for your body to recover.

Use of herbal formulas to prevent and treat colds and flu is the most successful aspect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Chinese herbs boost immune response to eliminate viruses faster. Some herbs inhibit viral reproduction and/or relieve symptoms, making a serious infection less debilitating and less disruptive to your lifestyle.

At my clinic, Point-A Place Of Wellness, I see demand for cold and flu formulas, especially among school teachers and parents of young children because of constant exposure to viruses and risk of infection. My patients are pleased by the effectiveness of Chinese herbal formulas and referring their friends.

NOT ONE-SIZE FITS ALL
In TCM, patterns are differentiated according to the imbalances of the body and the causes and stages of the disease. The same virus can manifest differently depending on the patient’s general health. Herbal formulas are recommended by practitioners based on not only the illness type but patient type. This article lists some basic formulas to keep on hand for a well-stocked medicine cabinet but if your symptoms change or increase in severity, contact your local Chinese medicine practitioner.

Wind-Cold Pattern symptoms include: aversion to cold; mild fever; absence of sweat; chest congestion; sneezing; runny nose (clear mucus); itching throat or cough (clear mucus); thin, white tongue coating; and a tight pulse.

• Dispel Invasion is for cold or flu manifested as Wind-Cold Pattern. It can also benefit air-conditioning induced cold symptoms.
  
• Blue Green Lung Clearing Formula also known as Xiao Qing Long Tang is for when the mucus is more excessive and there is tightness in the chest. It can relieve asthma, pneumonia and allergy symptoms.

Wind-Heat Pattern symptoms include: fever; headache; sweating; runny nose (yellow mucus); dry mouth; thirst; sore throat; productive cough (thick yellowish phlegm); thin, yellow tongue coating; and a floating and rapid pulse. Swine flu is a Wind-Heat condition.

• Initial Defense is the most popular herbal formula to treat the Wind-Heat pattern. It combines two traditional formulas: Yin Qiao San and Sang Ju Yin.
  
• Gan Mao Ling and Zhong Gan Ling are similar in function to Initial Defense but are indicated for more severe conditions such as sudden high fever, swollen lymph nodes, and aching limbs.
  

According to Beijing health authorities, TCM has been more effective (and less expensive) than the antiviral drug Tamiflu in curing human infections of swine flu.

“Wang Yuguang , Deputy Dean of the Centre of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine at Beijing's Ditan Hospital, which specializes in the treatment of infectious diseases, said swine flu patients treated with traditional Chinese medicine improved faster and tended to stay in hospital for a shorter time than patients using Tamiflu… Traditional medicine considers such factors as the level of virus infection, the condition of the body, age, season and climate. Treatment can be adjusted in the dose and types of herbs. Such personalised treatment seldom caused drug resistance, as Tamiflu could, Dr Wang said.”[2]

PREVENTION IS THE KEY
While there are many ways to reduce risk of infection[3] like washing your hands and getting plenty of rest and taking nutritional supplements like Vitamin D[4], here are three additional formulas that can be used as preventatives or treatment if you are concerned about high susceptibility to influenza because of past experience or other risk factors.

Immunity refers to the harmonic interaction of the body's processes, substances, and structural components to create strength, stamina, and adaptability. To bolster immunity is ultimately to strengthen your body as a whole.

• If you are prone to “head colds” or congestion, Head Clear formula supports immune function to efficiently eliminate congestion from the head, sinus, eyes and ears. Chronic congestion can escalate infection of the respiratory system.
  
• If you have a compromised immune system because of chemo, radiation, or an autoimmune disorder (Lupus, MS, HIV), Resilience has different Fungi which contain polysaccharides that exert an activating, corrective influence upon both cellular (macrophages and T-cells) and humoral (antibodies) aspects of the immune system.
  
• Another formula for compromised immune systems, Jade Windscreen, functions much the way Resilience does except it is formulated with herbs instead of mushrooms.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs restore and maintain optimal health. If you have any imbalance in the body, the various systems will not function properly. Chinese herbs are used to correct the imbalance and restore energy, promote digestion, heal injuries, and enhance general wellness. Consult your local Chinese medicine practitioner to determine the best formulas for your lifestyle.

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Resources:

1. http://www.cdc.gov/FLU/PROFESSIONALS/VACCINATION/effectivenessqa.htm. “Flu Vaccine Effectiveness: Questions and Answers for Health Professionals” Centers for Disease Control
2. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-05/03/content_11302597.htm “Beijing Ditan Hospital on service to treat influenza A/H1NI” China View (Xinhua News Agency)
3. http://aplaceofwellness.blogspot.com/2009/04/flu-prevention-treatment-swine-or.html
4. http://www.achs.edu/news/news-detail.aspx?nid=189 “American College of Healthcare Sciences “News and Events” Scott Stuart, ACHS Faculty

Some Book Recommendations

My patients sometimes ask for more information to study at home. Here are some books I recommend.

The Coconut Oil Miracle (4th ed.) by Bruce Fife, C.N., N.D.
“If you were to travel the world looking for a people who enjoy a degree of health far above that found in most nations, a..."


Dao of Chinese Medicine: Understanding an Ancient Healing Art by Donald Edward Kendall
"The history of Chinese medicine, from its early beginnings five thousand years ago to the present, reveals a truly fascinating story..."

Molecules Of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine by Candace B. Pert
"SCIENTISTS, by nature, are not creatures who commonly seek out or enjoy the public spotlight..."


Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life 2nd Ed Create Your Life, Your Relationships and Your World in Harmony with Your Values by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D.
“Most of us are hungry for skills to improve the quality of our relationships, to deepen our sense of personal empowerment or to simply communicate more effectively...”

The Tibetan Book Of Living And Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche
“In this major and comprehensive work, Buddhist meditation master and international speaker Sogyal Rinpoche brings together the ancient wisdom of Tibet with modern research on death and dying and the nature of the universe...”


Mind Matters: Psychological Medicine in Holistic Practice by J.R. Millenson
"A textbook of mind-body medicine written for students and practitioners of alternative medicine. It brings together in one coherent volume practical techniques in psychological medicine-what Plato called "healing with words"-for those wishing to work more deeply with the emotional and mental aspects of illness. ...balances a scientific approach towards health psychology with humanistic conceptions of medicine as an art. It presents a rigorous exposition of the theory and practice of health psychology from the standpoint of natural medicine, ..."

Qi Gong Workshop - Thank You

Thank you so much to those of you who attended my Qi Gong workshop with guest instructor Julieta Ortiz. Creating Wellness is an active commitment to live a healthy and fulfilled life.

I enjoyed Juliana Ortiz's class. Not only did she explain the background for how you move, she made it easy by giving visualizations and demonstrating the moves. There was a big difference in my body and my mood coming to the class and leaving it. The tension left my body and I felt happier. The great thing is that every one can practice Qi Gong and get the benefit.

I invite you to join us for the next Qi Gong class with Julieta on June 17, 2009.

Qi Gong Workshop - Wednesday May 6 at 7pm

Point-A Place of Wellness invites you to join us for an informative and relaxing workshop on Wednesday, May 6 at 7 pm with guest instructor, Julieta Ortiz.

Julieta has been practicing and teaching Qi Gong for more than 8 years after studying several disciplines including gymnastics, ballet, dance, Yoga and Tai Chi.

Julieta finds in Qi Gong “the essence of human movement.”

Qi Gong helps enhance energy, balance and coordination. It improves blood circulation and releases tension. Completely non-impact, Qi Gong can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age or physical fitness.

Wellness is an active commitment to live a balanced and fulfilled life. To help you get the most out of the workshop session, wear loose, comfortable clothing.

This workshop is $10.
Please share the gift of wellness with others;
INVITE A FRIEND.

Some Feedback from the Meditation Workshop

Each person has unique goals or expectations when starting a meditation practice.
While I generally try to encourage participants to let go of their preconceptions and just experience the sensations of their body and the moment, sometimes we focus on techniques that boost the immune system or break self-destructive habits.

Here are some comments from our most recent workshop...

From a patient who was nervous about a job interview:

I had a more focused and comfortable 2nd interview today, Diane

This meditation session was Jessica's first time. She is recovering from back injury:

Thank you so much for the meditation last night... I really wanted to see what it was all about. I had a difficult time getting (and staying) comfortable because of my long-term injuries. ...You're quite caring and skilled, and I loved being there nonetheless! I did get some peace from it.

From a young father:

Thanks for guiding the meditation. I really enjoyed being aware of any physical sensations and being with that. I hope to make the next one. Kevin

And from a sustainable ("Green) design consultant:

Thanks Sigal…I really enjoyed it. I’ve put it in my calendar for next month. Best, Alegre

Thank you to everyone who participated in this month's Meditation Workshop. Meditation is a practice. To support your practice, join us April 1 for our next group session.

CREATE WELLNESS: Qi Gong Meditation

We held our monthly meditation last night. Thank you to all that attended.

The focus of the meditation this time was to “open the spine”. By opening the spine we are influencing the nervous, endocrine and immune systems.

When opening the spine, I would like to emphasize the importance of the neck area. There are many lymph nodes located here to engulf pathogens that invade the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the area of the upper back and neck correlates to respiratory function which influences immunity. By stimulating the energy flow in this area; you allow more lymph drainage and give your immune system a boost.

One of the techniques we used was Qi Gong [pronounced: chee kung]. Qi Gong means “Breath Cultivation” and refers to exercises that increase energy, health and longevity. Qi Gong is a self-healing art that combines movement and meditation. Regular practice of Qi Gong can prevent and treat illness, has been proven to reduce stress and improve immunity , and can integrate mind/body/spirit.

We started with opening the low back and traveled up the spine towards the neck area. I taught the meditation participants Qi Gong exercises for the neck and shoulder areas and then we explored the meridians along the arms.

The Lung meridian travels from the chest down the inside of your arm to the tip of the thumb. Energy traveling this meridian then moves back up the arm along the Large Intestine meridian on the backside of the arm, over the shoulder, up the side of the neck, and then crosses the face under the nose to just under the cheekbone. Stimulating the points on these meridians stimulates the immune system.

We incorporated face massage to open (drain) the sinuses and used eye exercises to, well, because I like it (they reduce tension in the eyes) and then incorporated Mindfulness Meditation observing our thoughts (mental images and self-talk) and sensations (physical and emotional). After “scanning” the body and mind this way, we transitioned to opening the spine some more with Chakra meditation.

This was a really good meditation. We were able to create a free flow of energy. I am happy I was able to incorporate different techniques from various teachers into a single practice. It proved to be uplifting and energizing for all of us.

Meditation is a great practice for this season. Enjoy your holidays.
_____________________

1
See: Candace Pert “Molecules of Emotion”

2
“Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to prevent relapse in recurrent depression.”
Kuyken, Willem; Byford, Sarah; Taylor, Rod S.; Watkins, Ed; Holden, Emily;
White, Kat; Barrett, Barbara; Byng, Richard; Evans, Alison; Mullan, Eugene;
Teasdale, John D. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Vol 76(6),
Dec 2008, 966-978.

3
“Assessment Of Immunological Parameters Following A Qigong Training Program.”
Manzaneque, JM; Vera, FM; Maldonado, EF; Carranque, G; Cubero, VM; Morell, M;
Blanca, MJ. Department of Psychobiology and Methodology, Faculty of Psychology,
University of Malaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071 Malaga, Spain.
Medical Science Monitor. 2004 Jun;10(6):CR264-70. Epub 2004 Jun 1.

4
See: Shinzen Young “Basic Mindfulness”

Create Wellness Workshop 7p Tonight!

Create Wellness: Qi Gong and Meditation Open Sit
Wednesday, December 3 @ 7:00 pm
5301 Laurel Canyon, Suite 247, Valley Village, CA 91607

Just a reminder that tonight is Point-A Place of Wellness's monthly meditation and we will incorporate Qi Gong practice in tonight's session.

Wellness is an active commitment to live a balanced and fulfilled life.
The "Creating Wellness" system is designed to help you achieve and maintain balance between goals and needs at work, school, or home.

To help you get the most out of the workshop, wear loose, comfortable clothing.

This event is free by reservation only. DONATIONS are greatly appreciated. Please share the gift of wellness with others; INVITE A FRIEND.

Attract Money Into Your Life With Feng Shui

This week, as part of my “Create Wellness Workshop" series, I hosted Anette Halfon's lecture, "Attract Money Into Your Life With Feng Shui.”

Anette’s lecture was informative, as well as fun. She has a charming personality and presents the principles of Feng Shui in a way that makes it simple to incorporate elements into your daily life.

I found it full of helpful tips about how to enhance luck, prosperity and career by adding different elements to the rooms.

I can’t wait for her to come back again.

Creating Wellness – Meditation Part 2

One very important benefit of meditation is the ability to track the components of your sensory experience as they arise moment-by-moment and develop a gentle attitude toward them. By “components of sensory experience” I mean sensory experiences such as physical-type sensations in your body, emotional-type sensations in your body, mental images, and internal conversations.

When you develop a “gentle attitude” toward your sensory experiences, you eliminate suffering.

Let me give you an example:
Let’s say you are running a long race and at some point a deep part of you is ready to give up. Your original intention was to finish, maybe even win, and objectively speaking, your body is still at least some what capable of running, but subjectively, you want to quit. In this case, what were the specific sensory components responsible for the perception “I give up”? Well, for one thing, there are physical sensations in your body that will go away if you stop.

How many distinct “flavors” of physical-type sensations would there be? For this example, let’s say there are three.

1. Sharp muscle pain due to lactic acid build-up
   (This sensation is centered in your legs);
2. Being winded when your body needs more oxygen
   (This sensation is in your chest);
3. 3. Weakness, exhaustion, discomfort due to tiredness
   (This sensation is uniformly distributed over your whole body).

What other sensory components are involved?What happened in your brain: you can hear your internal talk, verbal thinking, “Enough already. I can’t do that any more, it will get only worse and worse and I am not even half way.., I shouldn’t have started so fast...” You might have a visual image, thinking of you resting and drinking lemonade, stretching your legs.

Furthermore, the physical discomfort and the mental talk may each trigger emotional-type sensations in your body that are also uncomfortable. You might feel some fear or impatience, “poor me,” self-pity. There might be some flavor of pleasant feeling when you imagine your self resting and drinking lemonade.

So, in this example, the sensory components that create the perception “I have to quit now” are at least nine in number. If you are practicing meditation you will be able to separate each sensory component. You will be able to note:

1-3. the 3 different sensations in the body;
4-6. the 3 distinct emotional discomforts in your body;
7. the subtle emotional pleasure in your body;
8. your Visual thoughts;
9. and your Auditory thoughts.

These sensory components can accumulate on top of each other to a level that becomes unbearable and cause you to quit the race.

With practice, meditation gives you the skill to experience each sensation separately without fixation or suppression like little waves that you can ride out instead of a giant Tsunami that crushes you.

This is the “gentle attitude” you develop toward your sensory experience.

The practice of meditation trains you to track the components of your sensory experience as they arise moment-by-moment and not allow them to overwhelm you. You develop the skill to go “through” the experience and stay true to your intention, not be pulled “into” the sensations, lose your focus or act on the new sensations.

The physical discomforts in your body, the emotional discomforts in your body and the images and conversations in your brain are less disturbing. They bother you less the more skilled you become; you will suffer less going through them.

Can you imagine the benefit of that skill? How many times did you “lose it” and do something you regret later because you were angry or fearful? How often do you shout at your kids or get emotional with a colleague? Think how much more fulfilled you will feel if you stick to your intentions and are able to complete any thing you choose without being pulled away from it. By practicing meditation, you will deeply understand your inner world and by extension your outer world.

The more aware you are, the more you can let go of old negative behaviors and acquire new, positive behaviors. At any given moment, the force that drives us to do negative behaviors and prevents us from using (or engaging) positive behaviors can only come up as: Physical discomfort, Emotional discomfort, Physical pleasure, Emotional pleasure, Mental images and Internal talk that distract us from the task at hand. By becoming aware of those sensory components you are able to go though the experience with more ease. You can observe things as they are, without adding your own interpretation – good or bad.

The more you practice and master this meditation skill, the more you can dramatically reduce or completely eliminate suffering due to physical or emotional discomfort, even when the discomfort itself cannot be eliminated.

Creating Wellness – Meditation Part 1

Every one knows that exercise is good for our body. By exercising regularly with a program over time, you can achieve strength and flexibility. What can you do to achieve strength and flexibility of the mind? What “exercise” helps you achieve clarity, focus, purpose, and understand deeply who you really are? What do you need to practice to increase your ability to be conscious about yourself and your actions?

The answer for that is meditation.

While your body needs movement to function well; your mind needs stillness and relaxation to stay focused and in the moment.

• What is getting between you and a better job?
• What is getting between you and better relationships?
• What is getting between you and a better life?

To answer these questions, examine your behavior patterns. Can you break them down into Beliefs, Judgments, and/or Emotions? Feelings and Sensations are the building blocks of Beliefs, Judgments, and Emotions. Can you describe these as they manifest in your body? Start in the building blocks: focus on the feeling and where the sensations arise in the body or you can focus on the images in your mind or the conversations in your brain about what ever is going on. All of this is subjective.

• Can you separate your identity from your body and mind?
• Can you break free into a deeper, broader sense of identity?

Turning your intention inward to your thoughts and emotions and monitoring them as sensory events is a way of detecting when you are on “autopilot” -- your brain is actively pulling you into memory, planning/fantasy or judgment and away from the here and now.

As we interact with our environment, we develop strategies for processing information and overcoming challenges. If we are not mindful, these strategies become our conscious and subconscious response to everything. We become fixed in our routine, even when it is no longer the best strategy; this stress is how frustration develops.

Mindfulness practice trains your nervous system to know itself better and interfere with itself less. You would have the freedom to ignore your brain pulling and stay true to your original intention.

Why do we need to know when our brain is pulling us away from “the moment” and into memory, planning/fantasy, or judgment? A common trait of people who are seen as and see themselves as “happy, lucky, fit, or successful” is their ability to live in “the moment.” We all have internal monologues that can boost our performance or sabotage our best laid plans.

Next week I will give an example how meditation supports a mindfulness practice to create wellness in your life.

Dana Meditation is back! Save the Date!

At Point-A Place of Wellness, wellness is an active commitment to live a balanced and fulfilled life. In my "Creating Wellness" series of workshops and presentations, I guide you through my Three Step Wellness System to improve your physical, mental, and spiritual well being.

The "Creating Wellness" series is designed to help you achieve and maintain balance between your goals and needs at work, school, or home. The workshops are held at our office and start at 7:00 pm.

Our October 23, 2008 workshop focuses on using meditation to create and maintain wellness in your life.

To help you get the most out of this workshop, wear loose, comfortable clothing.

This event is FREE. Please share the gift of wellness with others; INVITE A FRIEND.

Click to RSVP:
http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/FAXRVNBBQHMSKSMMGQCE/meditation2
(If the link does not work, copy and paste it into your browser.)

"Dana" is a word from the Pali language spoken in Asia at the time of the Buddha. It means "generosity freely offered." The teachers rely on the generous support of others to continue their teaching.

Live in the Now

Coming back from vacation to school or work takes adjustment. A new schedule and new things on your desk can pull you in all directions.

Stay focused.

You can stay in focus by having an intention. For example: “What are your goals for this fall?”

Finding your intention is possible by clearing your mind periodically and not allowing yourself to go on “autopilot.” Get out of your own way.

When you work with intention, you have the presence of mind to know “I can handle this project because I already do such-and-such” or “This would be better handled by so-and-so,” and are focused enough to communicate this clearly to your employer, or spouse, or friends, or children.

Clearing your mind through meditation has huge benefits and only takes a few minutes a day to develop a healthy practice. “Meditation may help squash anxiety. The practice brings about dramatic effects in as little as a 10-minute session.”[i] Researchers have found that people who meditate “were calmer and happier than before” they started regular meditation.[ii]

Here are some simple steps to guide your meditation.

• Find a place where you won’t be interrupted and can sit comfortably.
  Set a clock where you can see it and tell yourself how long your meditation will last. (When you first start meditating, you will be aware of time and possibly need to check the clock periodically. As you develop your practice, you will need to check the clock less and less.)

• Close your eyes and breathe 3 deep breaths then resume normal breathing.

• Focus your attention on your right arm, then your left leg, now your right hip and your left arm, then your right leg and left hip.

• Allow yourself to be the observer of your thoughts; don’t engage in them. Let the thoughts come and go freely.

• Don’t judge yourself for the thoughts you have; just acknowledge them and let your attention return to your body sensations or your breathing.

Meditation is a technique that improves with practice. The more you do it, the easier it becomes to put your mind at ease and enjoy its benefits.

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[i] “The Science of Meditation” By: Cary Barbor. Psychology Today Magazine, May/Jun 2001

[ii] “The Benefits of Meditation” By: Colin Allen. Psychology Today, April 24, 2003