June 2008 Newsletter
Important Dates to Remember!
Saturday, June 14th to Sunday, June 15th – We will be at WESTFEST!!
Sunday, June 15th – Father’s Day
Tuesday, June 17th – Introductory Workshop
Saturday, June 21st – First Day of Summer
Gateway to Healing Introductory Workshop
What? A complimentary introductory workshop which offers information about Network Spinal Analysis (N.S.A.) and how it can be beneficial to you.
Format: The workshop will consist of a half hour talk about N.S.A. followed by a half hour demonstration of the work.
Who? Everyone who is interested in learning more about N.S.A. and how it helps to release tension is encouraged to come. Bring a friend to this informative talk.
When? Tuesday, June 17 from 7:15 – 8:15pm
To reserve your spot, please call Andrea at 613-725-0988
Join us on Saturday, June 14th and Sunday, June 15th at Westfest located on Richmond Rd. Drop by our booth near Roosevelt Ave. to enter our draw for your chance to win one of 4 packages for our Centre. Also, Erin Whyte, our RMT will be offering short massages for a small Donation to Harmony House.
CranioSacral Therapy and Frequently Asked Questions
Rosemary Brown-Tucker, RMT
What does it actually feel like?
Most people find craniosacral sessions pleasant and relaxing. People often comment “it feels as if they’re batteries are re-charged”. Feelings of tingling or numbing sensations or momentary pain related to past events are quite common. As this settles the net result is one of feeling better. Often sensing a reorganizing inside or as if a weight has been lifted from one’s shoulders.
What does a treatment involve?
The patient lies (or alternatively sits) fully-clothed on a comfortable treatment table. The therapist makes contact by placing their hands lightly on the client's body and tuning into the craniosacral rhythm. Gentle contact allows one to relax and feel at ease.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions required depends entirely on the state of health of the individual. Acute injury and disease states can benefit from 2 - 6 sessions; with chronic, debilitating disease it may require a longer treatment schedule to manage symptoms and develop greater well-being. Infants/children may require only 2 – 3 sessions. Initially sessions are 1-2 weeks apart with a reduction in frequency for longer term care.
Will treatments help if I have no particular symptoms?
Yes, many people find that craniosacral therapy helps them feel better, have more energy and deal better with everyday stress. Regular treatments may help prevent more complicated health conditions from developing in the future.
How safe is Craniosacral Therapy?
CranioSacral therapy is a gentle, non-directive, non-invasive approach and therefore is an extremely safe therapy. It is essentially the art of listening and enabling the body to heal itself.
Is it head massage?
No. Because of the name of the therapy, it may be misunderstood that it concerns only the head and spine. CST is not a form of head massage although contact is made with the head in most sessions.
What are the effects of CranioSacral therapy?
Craniosacral therapy improves one’s quality of life/health in general as well as helping with specific physical or emotionally based problems. It is an effective therapy for accidents, falls and strains as well as diseases. Psychological and traumatic conditions may also be helped. CranioSacral therapy may assist to reduce stress and improve the functioning of the immune system.
Hot or Cold? Which to use and when.
Erin Whyte R.M.T.
I am often asked when you should use heat and when you should use cold on areas that have been injured or are sore. The following should help you ascertain which modality is best at any one time.
Cold: Use when injury first occurs and up to the first 48-72 hours afterwards. It helps to counter the effects of inflammation which produce heat, swelling, redness and pain and it helps set the stage for tissue repair and healing. Ice packs, crushed ice in a bag, or frozen Magic Bags are all good ways to apply cold therapy. Never apply ice directly to the skin. Wrap it in a dry or wet tea towel (a wet one will still protect the skin but will conduct the cold more rapidly). Try to secure the pack firmly around the area so that it contacts as much surface as possible. Apply for 10 to 15 minutes. What you should feel is that at first it is cold (obviously!), then the sensation might be a bit of burning, turning into an ache (grit your teeth!), eventually becoming rather numb. Precautions or non-use should be taken if you have impaired skin sensation, circulatory impairments (Raynaud’s, diabetes), hyperthyroidism or severe high blood pressure.
Heat: Use if an area feels tense, tight, stiff or in spasm. Heat can be very relaxing, help to soothe the nervous system and increases local circulation which brings fresh blood and nutrients to the area. All of which can relieve sore, achy muscles. Heat packs, Magic Bags, thermaphores and baths are all ways to apply heat to a specific area or full body in the case of a bath. This application should be administered for 10-20 minutes.
Precautions or non-use should be taken if you have impaired skin sensation, open wounds, cardiovascular conditions, multiple sclerosis, are pregnant or have chronic inflammation.
A Vision of Wellness
Dr. Michael Tucker, D.C.
The first level of care in NSA is about connections with our body and release of stored tension and energy. This is usually to get less of something. Perhaps less tension, less pain, or less arthritis.
In the second and third level of care we move towards more wellness, not merely the absence of pain or disease. The following is a vision of physical, emotional and mental wellness:
Structural Wellness
We move freely with strength.
We feel safe, grounded and solid in our bodies.
We are aware that as we switch patterns our bodies are involved in the process.
We have a sense there is bio-energy, chi, innate intelligence, vital force or aliveness.
We take frequent awareness journeys into our bodies not just when we have pain.
We wake up the parts of our body gently like we might awaken a precious child.
We occasionally give thanks for the many miracles our aliveness gives us.
Emotional and Behavioral Wellness
We feel what we feel without self judgment or self criticism.
Our emotions come and go like waves and stay long enough to change our actions.
We do not cling to our pleasurable emotions.
We have an on going process to transform our pain and our wounds by dropping the story and holding and accepting the energy.
We are free from addictions that shift our emotions.
When people look at us, they see the emotion we radiate.
Mental Wellness
We sense, feel and see our values, purpose and gifts, and these are ever expanding.
We are able to have compassion without pity and compassion without overwhelm.
We feel safe enough to let go of narcissism and self absorption.
Others sense that we have depth and an ability to listen to them without being distracted.
We learn from earth school since we trust life.
We are not giving our power to others.