“A foolish doctor tells his patient how he will cure him with many words.
A good doctor speaks internally with his patient.
A wise doctor works in silence, listening to the wisdom above all.”

Restorative Link Yogassage

Restorative Link Yogassage Yin-Form Positional Release Training
dates tba call or email for info 860 395 0282


Restorative Link Yogassage therapy combines passive and active positional release techniques with breath work and various hand skills. It integrates Taoist, Meridian and Acupuncture theories with the Ayurvedic massage theories of India and Orthopedic Manual Massage techniques of the West.

INTRO

Restorative Link Yogassage is not another new or “Brand” Name of massage. It is part of a larger concept of massage that has its origins in the perennial philosophies of the East: namely Taoism and Ayurveda. The fundamental tenet of Taoism is that all things can be described, understood, and experienced by their mutually complementary and opposite attributes.

The “DIUNE” theory of Taoism is comprised of “Yin” and “Yang”: which may be used to describe all things we are capable of experiencing, whether they are forces in nature, our thoughts, relationships, careers, or our bodies.

A simple example of Taoist thought would say, “There is always a front and back to a coffee cup, but the only way to experience both sides at the same time is to be at its center. The exposed part of the cup is Yang. The concealed part is Yin. Both are necessary to form the cup.”

Or, consider the fact that inhaling and exhaling are opposite movements. Inhaling is “Yang”. Exhaling is “Yin”, but together you are alive. A Taoist analysis of massage therapy emphasizes the crucial differences between what I refer to as “Yin” and “Yang” tissues of the body.

Similarly, the Ayurvedic analysis of massage therapy distinguishes the structural tissues of the body by their energetic tendencies. Muscles and blood, for example, are, in the Taoist, view considered “Yang”.

From the Ayurvedic standpoint, muscles and blood are considered “Pitta”. Both traditions recognize attributes common to muscles and blood such as: heat, movement, dynamic excursion, strength, and impact- producing upon exertion.

By contrast, connective tissues and joints are “Yin”, in the Taoist way, or “kapha”, and/or “vata” (respectively) to Ayurvedic practitioner.

Natural Fibromyalgia Treatment Gets Better, Faster Results

There are many, including doctors, who have questioned whether fibromyalgia is a valid illness -- but don't tell that to the few million who suffer from otherwise inexplicable pain. To them, the introduction of a drug, pregabalin (Lyrica), that treats the symptoms of fibromyalgia represented both validation and hope for some help. Lyrica was first approved as an anti-seizure medication and then used off-label for fibromyalgia... in 2007 it became the first FDA-approved drug for treatment of this condition.

However, the side effects of Lyrica can be so severe that even people who are suffering should give long and careful thought before they take it. Possible side effects include muscle weakness, dizziness, sleep disorders, blurred vision, loss of balance or coordination, easy bruising and bleeding. Weight gain is yet another potential side effect, which is problematic since excess weight is common among people with fibromyalgia.

GOOD NEWS FOR FIBROMYALGIA SUFFERERS

The good news is that since fibromyalgia symptoms are similar to arthritis, there are many natural and less risky treatment options that can ease the pain and reduce symptoms. Regular Daily Health News contributor, naturopathic physician Mark Stengler, ND, says that he has found that natural therapies work so well and with so few side effects that there's every reason to turn to these first. He points out that Lyrica may not be effective for everyone -- in one clinical trial Lyrica effectively helped reduce pain in only one in four patients, making the gamble on the merits of taking the drug even more precarious.

Dr. Stengler says that the fascinating thing about fibromyalgia is that there is no single root cause.

Rather, it can result from any of a number of very different causes or catalysts, including injury such as whiplash, food allergies, hormone imbalances (low thyroid, for example), digestive problems, metal toxicity, neurotransmitter imbalances and more.

What's common to all of these conditions, he says, is that they leave the cells unable to produce sufficient energy, causing pain signals to be released indiscriminately. Most fibromyalgia patients Dr. Stengler sees complain about insomnia, fatigue, muscle pain, tender points (spots tender to the touch), depression and digestive problems. Patients are more often women then men, typically between the ages of 40 and 60, which indicates that hormones may have something to do with the problem.

Indeed, Dr. Stengler says he often starts the testing process by evaluating hormone balances, including cortisol and DHEA, as well as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and thyroid hormones. For patients who have a history of eating fish that may contain mercury (this includes deep water fish such as tuna, swordfish and shark) or who have several mercury fillings, he tests for metal toxicity since this can cause an increase in perceived pain.

He may also measure how well digestion and nutrient absorption are functioning, since these factors too can amplify symptoms. Other possible tests Dr. Stengler may order are to investigate levels of neurotransmitters (through urine testing) and vitamin D serum levels, which can affect pain receptors. These tests all provide valuable information on how to treat a particular individual's symptoms.

NATURAL TREATMENTS WORK BETTER AND FASTER
Once he has determined that a patient has fibromyalgia, Dr. Stengler prescribes a number of substances aimed at keeping the disease from getting worse, and hopefully even reversing it. They are:

Calcium and magnesium, to relax tight muscles and calm nerves
Vitamin D, which reduces inflammation
5-HTP and SAMe increase serotonin, leading to reduction in pain signals
MSM as a natural anti-inflammatory
Sugar D-ribose to improve energy production within cells
Neprinol, which was specifically formulated to stop and reverse fibromyalgia and may be effective for some.

Dr. Stengler also gives patients specific homeopathic substances to reduce muscle pain, including Rhus Tox (for stiffness and muscle ache that gets worse in cold weather), Cimicifuga racemosa (for muscle pain that feels like bruising, especially helpful when fibromyalgia affects the neck to mid-back) and Bryonia alba (for muscle and joint pain that is worse with motion).

Patients are also tested for food sensitivities and instructed to avoid foods that can aggravate symptoms. All patients with fibromyalgia are prescribed an anti-inflammatory diet with lots of cold water fish (ones that don't contain significant mercury, including salmon and sardines) along with loads of vegetables, and moderate amounts of fruit, nuts and lean red meat. Dr. Stengler has patients add anti-inflammatory spices -- turmeric, garlic, onions and ginger, for example -- to their diet as well, and for those with poor digestion he prescribes digestive enzymes.

For pain and stress management he occasionally recommends chiropractic and/or acupuncture treatments, and he advises patients to develop good stress-control habits... deep breathing, exercise, and, when appropriate to the patient, prayer.

Many patients tell him they notice improvement within two to four weeks, says Dr. Stengler. Nearly all find that within eight to 10 weeks they have obvious or significant improvement in their fibromyalgia, with the pain receding considerably or sometimes even completely. Patients go on to lead normal lives, some continuing to stay on the supplement regimen, while others are able to reduce it quite a lot.
Fibromyalgia responds so well to natural treatment that Dr. Stengler believes it's the best first-line approach for everyone who suspects they may have it. Even for those who opt to take drugs, it's a good idea to ask your doctor if you can take natural substances to complement your treatment. Seek a doctor (such as a naturopathic doctor) who treats holistically, to monitor and serve as a guide on your journey back to a pain-free life.
Source(s): Mark A. Stengler, ND, a naturopathic physician and leading authority on the practice of alternative and integrated medicine. He is director of the La Jolla Whole Health Clinic, La Jolla, California, and associate clinical professor at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine, Portland, Oregon.

oatmeal moisturizing facial scrub recipe!

Like a lot of you, I want to take care of my skin. A lot of soaps dry my skin out, leaving my face feeling tight. But, good news! I discovered a great facial scrub recipe. It's easy to make and chances are you have the ingredients to make your own face scrub inside your kitchen cabinet! In my healing arts practice I use oatmeal and aloe to create the perfect facial scrub and mask. Oatmeal is hypoallergenic and chock-full of the amino-acids that help to keep your skin moisturized.

To create the perfect oatmeal face scrub you’ll need—

2 tablespoons of ground oats
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons Aloe vera
1 teaspoon lemon juice (or 2 teaspoons if your skin is extra oily)

Place the ground oats, aloe vera and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir the ingredients together until the oatmeal scrub has an even and smooth consistency. Massage the scrub into damp skin with gentle circular motions. Allow the scrub to set in to the skin for about 10 minutes before rinsing.

This facial scrub is a great way to keep your face looking young and healthy. In fact, each ingredient has healing properties. Oatmeal is perfect for people with sensitive skin because it is a natural anti-inflammatory and very gentle. The brown sugar helps to remove dead skin cells, while the lemon juice unclogs your pores and eliminates acne. Aloe vera is particularly famous for its soothing effects, but is also a natural cleanser and moisturizer.

When these ingredients are combined together, you’ll get a wonderful facial scrub that exfoliates, cleanses, and soothes dry or itchy skin. You’ll feel great inside and out!

And in case you're wondering where to get aloe vera you can pick up a bottle of the pure gel online thru us at solavedi or, if you've got a green thumb grow an Aloe vera plant at home! Just snip off an inch of one of the long green arms and squeeze the juice out.

Natural Insect Repellant, and Toner Recipes!!!

Lemon Eucalyptus
This botanical cousin of common eucalyptus has a distinct lemony, grassy aroma that's very reminiscent of citronella. In fact, both oils share the same naturally occurring chemical constituent -- citronellol -- that insects such as mosquitoes find extremely off-putting. Lemon eucalyptus is distilled from the leaves and stems of the tropical tree of the same name. The aroma is a natural and effective addition to summertime sprays for camping, picnicking and evenings on the patio.

Skin Protecting Oil Recipe
1 tablespoon jojoba oil
1 tablespoon almond or apricot kernel oil
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
10 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
17 drops lavender essential oil

Mix ingredients. Apply and smooth over exposed skin.

Uplifting “Lemon Bouquet” Patio Spray
4 ounces bottled or distilled water
6 drops lemone eucalyptus oil
3 drops lemon essential oil
3 drops lemongrass essential oil
3 drops citronella essential oil
3 drops patchouli essential oil

Small spray bottle or atomizer
Place ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake vigorously before misting the air during outdoor activities.

SUMMER COOLING
It's easy to overdo it with the heightened activity and higher temperatures of the summer months. Create time and space to enjoy the coolness and serenity of aromatherapy with essential oils.
For a cooling mist, add lavender essential oil , peppermint or grapefruit essential oil to a mister and store in the refrigerator. Shake and mist on exposed skin for instant refreshment!

Ayurvedic Support for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic disorder characterized by chronic achy muscular pain. Though it was recognized in ancient Ayurvedic texts written thousands of years ago, it has only recently been classified as a syndrome in the Western medical world. It is estimated that 5 to 6 million people suffer from fibromyalgia (FMS) in the United States. The real number of cases may be much higher due to misdiagnoses. FMS can manifest similarly and share a number of the same symptoms as chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Hepatitis C, Lyme disease, hypothyroidism, chronic myofascial pain, chemical sensitivities and food allergies. It is important to consult a health care practitioner to help with accurate diagnosis.This condition can be accompanied by:

• chronic headaches
• fatigue
• strange skin sensations (extreme itching, sensitivity, numbness, tingling, crawling)
• insomnia
• irritable bowel syndrome (diarrhea often alternating with constipation)
• temporo-mandibular joint syndrome (TMJ)
• depression
  It is also common for people with FMS to have painful premenstrual syndrome, anxiety, palpitations, and dizziness. Many of these are typically viewed in Ayurveda as an indication of a vata imbalance. Pitta dosha is also involved, classic symptoms being chronic headaches with sensitivity to light, skin sensitivities and depression. Ayurvedic management of FMS is aimed to bring balance to these two doshas and eliminate toxins in the body.FMS can occur as either a primary or secondary condition which can further complicate proper diagnosis. While it is commonly found as a secondary disorder to auto-immune diseases such as hypo-thyroidism, it has also been found to exhibit as a secondary disorder to conditions such as sleep apnea. It is common for a person to exhibit signs of both fibromyalgia and depression making it difficult to determine which one precedes the other.
  
  Though the exact relationship between FMS and depression is still unclear, there are many causes of depression that may contribute or also be causal factors in the condition of FMS. These include genetic factors (people with a family or personal history of clinical depression have a higher risk for FMS) and low levels of neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin. Not everyone with FMS has the side effect of depression, but those who do should seek treatment and support in order to better manage FMS with a positive mental state.
  
  The primary diagnostic tool to identify FMS is soreness and sensitivity of 11 out of 18 specific trigger points found in areas of the lower back, neck, shoulders, back of head at the occipital bones, upper chest, thighs and hips. The soreness is considered chronic once consistently noted for a duration of three months. These points can be tested by applying moderate pressure with the thumb. The following link maps the triggers points for FMS:
  http://www.gp-training.net/rheum/fibromy.htm
  There is no specific cause nor effective cure for FMS. The symptoms tend to come on gradually and increase in intensity. These can be made worse by a number of factors, including stress, trauma, lack of exercise, lack of sleep, infections, anxiety, and depression. Common painkillers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen are not usually effective in relieving the pain of FMS. Ayurveda offers natural recommendations that bring attention to diet and lifestyle and improve daily life.
  
  Ayurvedic herbs and medicated oil treatments can also be of great benefit in pacifying many of the symptoms caused by high vata and pitta dosha. Because FMS is a chronic condition, consistent therapy is necessary in order to experience improvement.
  
  Diet
  
  An Ayurvedic diet is a healthy one, rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Be sure to include the freshest ingredients possible, choosing nutritious, organically grown foods that will renew energy and build immunity. Generally, a nourishing whole food diet low in additives, stimulants + nerve toxins such as sugar and caffeine is recommended. Here are some other general considerations:
  
• Limit alcohol, caffeine, and sugar consumption. These substances promote fatigue and depression, can increase pain and disturb sleep.
  
• Sip hot ginger tea throughout the day to aid digestion and help cleanse the body of toxins.
  
  Lifestyle
  
  One most of the most important recommendations for people with FMS is to be sure to set aside enough time for sleep. Most people with FMS have an associated sleep disorder resulting in a reduction of periods of REM sleep which is the restful state necessary to recharge the body. Instead of reaching the state of deep sleep, a person has waking brain activity.
  
  Other common sleep disorders associated with FMS are sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, bruxism (jaw clenching and/or teeth grinding), and muscle spasms. Chronic sleep loss or insomnia can result, making a person more sensitive to pain symptoms and more susceptible to illness. Set aside at least eight hours and make an effort to improve the quality of sleep by engaging in a relaxing activity beforehand such as meditating or listening to soothing music.
  
  Regular massage therapy can be of great benefit for people with FMS. Warm oil massage helps to increase the blood flow to the muscles and stimulate the release of toxins. Ayurveda particularly uses the soft and soothing qualities of oil to balance vata dosha. Mahanarayan Oil is a powerful medicinal oil that has a mild analgesic effect which helps reduce muscle and joint soreness.
  
  SOLAVEDI VATA massage oil can also be used in abhyanga (self-oil massage) or by a massage therapist.
  
  Ayurvedic therapies have traditionally been used to help relieve many symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Abhyanga is a therapy where warm oil is continuously applied while the body is simultaneously massaged. Shirodhara is a continuous pouring of warm oil on the third eye center.
  
  Both therapies are offered at SOLAVEDI to help remove toxins from the body, are restorative to all three doshas, and relieve stress from the central nervous system. Shirodhara, in particular, is indicated for insomnia and exhaustion. These oil therapies are very beneficial in promoting restful sleep.
  
  Light to moderate exercise such as walking helps to keep muscles healthy. Walking pumps the blood across the muscles, nourishing and strengthening them. This type of exercise also helps to stimulate the muscles to release toxins. Exercise helps to improve mood and the body's ability to handle stress. In addition, many people find exercise to be one of the most powerful natural remedies to treat depression.
  
  Yoga
  
  Ayurveda understands the techniques of yoga, including asana, prananyama and meditation, are a way to influence thoughts and emotions in direct relationship to the biochemistry of the body. Yoga can be extremely beneficial in the treatment of chronic disease, helping to transform negative qualities of the mind and promote general well-being. Cultivating a positive state of mind has a tremendous restorative impact on the entire system of the body.The practice of asana brings energy and flexibility to the body, reduces stiffness of muscles and joints, and calms the mind.
  
  Practicing yoga first thing in the morning can help to relieve the discomfort upon waking typically associated with FMS. Include a forward bend (uttanasana), knees-to-chest (apanasana) and a restorative pose, such as legs-up-the-wall. The emphasis should be on gentle movement and deep diaphragmatic breathing.
  
  Pranayama
  
  The practice of regulating the breath revitalizes the body and is a valuable tool to manage pain. Many people tend to hold their breath, or keep the breath shallow in the upper chest, in reaction to the experience of pain. This type of holding creates tension in the body which many times intensifies the pain. Re-circulating the breath through the body acts as an internal massage, sending a message to the nervous system that everything is okay.
  
  Begin to notice where the tension is in the body and allow it to soften and release. Bring attention to the breath, allowing it to be as natural and free-flowing as possible. Try to breathe into the areas that are painful. Encourage big sighs and emphasize the exhalation. Begin to draw out the exhalation so that it is twice as long as the inhalation. Simple mental counting can serve as a guide. Inhale to the count of four, exhale to the count of eight. With each exhalation, let go a little bit more, sinking deeper into a sensation of relaxation.
  
  Meditation
  
  Establish a regular habit of sitting in a special, quiet place each day. Before meditating, take a few minutes to practice mental, emotional and spiritual affirmations. Affirmations can help to break out of detrimental thought patterns, lift the veil of depression and improve mental and emotional states. Meditating for short periods each day can greatly reduce anxiety and stress. Many people find relief of both fatigue and pain associated with FMS with regular meditation.
  
  SPECIAL 30% off Massage Oils at Solavedi this month!

Learn the Principles of Ayurvedic Healing and Massage July 21 - July 25, 2008

There are 107 primary physical marma points with a number of minor points which are not classified. We will identify the marmas so that, once familiar with the location and effects of the points, you will be more able to incorporate this awareness during a massage, while practicing yoga postures, or in your breathing practice to stimulate the subtle nerves (nadis) and energy centers (chakras) of the body and mind. This training will open the doorway into the Ayurvedic view of how the body is nourished and detoxified with energy therapies.

Schedule

Monday July 21 - 6pm - 9pm.............. Introduction To Ayurvedic Principles Tuesday July 22 - 10am - 4pm ............ Distal Point Marma Therapy

Wednesday July 23 - 10am - 4pm ........... Full Body Marma Therapy

Thursday July 24 - 10am - 4pm............. Abhyanga Massage

Friday July 25 - 9:30am - 5pm......... Shirodhara + Nasya + Karna Purana

These classes are open to massage therapists, yoga practitioners, estheticians, nurses and other healthcare providers. Non professional bodyworkers may be admitted in some cases. Please feel free to let us know of your interest and questions. Call 860 395 0282

"Watching today's massage therapy profession evolve, largely unaware of the root correspondences connecting their modern massage practices to ancient Vedic principles transformed into a mission for me, to articulate the universal Vedic connections to bodyworkers in a manner that they could follow and use. I offer this training to bring a deeper texture to any practicing massage therapist’s work.Above all, I offer this Ayurvedic Massage training with humility, love and gratitude to my revered teachers, whose very lives embodied and exemplified the truths of Yoga and Ayurveda, and to the rishis and masters who accompany me in my life’s work. They are the roots, this training: the fruit. "

Carollanne Crichton, LMT + Instructor