So, I've talked about the mind-body connection which I feel like has been way overdone in pop-culture. Still with all this talk about mind-body and integration I feel as though very few people get it.
We make ourselves sick with stress. Seems like a fairly straightforward concept until it happens to you and you find yourself in weeks, months or years of chronic and acute pain and that mind-body concept seems far too simple to apply to what you're experiencing.
We give pain power. Coddling the injured area only allows it to nag and feel more intense than it is. We now know that anxiety makes pain feel more intense (http://www.jneurosci.org/content/21/24/9896.full.pdf ). I see a big difference in the reactions of different types of personalities and backgrounds when it comes to pain and progress. Let me explain...or at least go into a few fun circles.
Unfortunately, a lot of people come into the wellness center where I work and do not realize that their pain is being kept at acute levels due to their attitudes, beliefs and anxiety which they can't let go of for one reason or another. People are treating themselves physically, but they may not be considering another huge component--the mind. It is difficult to tell what is mental and what is physical because they are so intertwined. And trust me I absolutely understand the frustration and hopelessness that pain can create, but wellness takes a lot of effort and consistency in multiple areas of lifestyle. Some of us more high strung folks have to develop ninja mind tricks!!
I recently had a conversation with an x-marine in his seventies and he had been through a lot. He had a really healthy attitude "I ain't got time for pain ! I got stuff to do!". Sometimes that is a great way to approach life. Guess what--the body is going to break down at some point and for me I've found some peace in just accepting that reality. Absolutely investigate pain and coping mechanisms, but keep moving and don't let it run your life.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Testimonial
A long term client of mine sent me this testimonial. I didn't ask for it, but I was so delighted, grateful and honored when it popped up in my email. These are the moments I live for--thank you :)
"Ms. Schneider practices what she preaches. Her massages are not just about body
massage – they also include the mind. If you have kept up with her blogs, she explained
the benefits of massage – relaxation is truly one of the end results. When the body is
relaxed the mind is stimulated – without drugs. The result – positive effects will take
place. For this writer it has been nothing short of a re-awakening. I’ve been reading
more frequently – mostly books that paint the benefits of positivism (most notably The
Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale).
I’m once again enjoying meditating, listening to spiritual music, picking up musical
instruments that have not been touched for years. Interaction with people seems to have
taken on a new meaning. Probably the most important thing for me is stress relief. Not
being in such a hurry all the time, as the old cliché goes, stopping to smell the roses.
Ms. Schneider, through her well thought out and customized therapy sessions, has
provided me the avenues to explore body and mind again. There is a continuous and
meaningful flow to her massage sessions – every movement has a purpose.
Ms. Schneider, in conjunction with treatment from the excellent chiropractor whom she is
currently partnered with, has given me hope with a more recent modality, that being neck
and shoulder pain. I can tell she is determined to help me beat the problem. I can also
sense that her dedication to helping her clients is honest and sincere.
Ms. Schneider likes to share knowledge of her techniques – but you have to ask! But ask
at the right time – because she gets into a “zone” where she is so focused, and her therapy
is so relieving, one does not want to take her away from her expertise!
Ms. Schneider is a true professional - courteous and respectful. It is comforting to know
that a professional of her caliber is willing to share her skills with those in need."
"Ms. Schneider practices what she preaches. Her massages are not just about body
massage – they also include the mind. If you have kept up with her blogs, she explained
the benefits of massage – relaxation is truly one of the end results. When the body is
relaxed the mind is stimulated – without drugs. The result – positive effects will take
place. For this writer it has been nothing short of a re-awakening. I’ve been reading
more frequently – mostly books that paint the benefits of positivism (most notably The
Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale).
I’m once again enjoying meditating, listening to spiritual music, picking up musical
instruments that have not been touched for years. Interaction with people seems to have
taken on a new meaning. Probably the most important thing for me is stress relief. Not
being in such a hurry all the time, as the old cliché goes, stopping to smell the roses.
Ms. Schneider, through her well thought out and customized therapy sessions, has
provided me the avenues to explore body and mind again. There is a continuous and
meaningful flow to her massage sessions – every movement has a purpose.
Ms. Schneider, in conjunction with treatment from the excellent chiropractor whom she is
currently partnered with, has given me hope with a more recent modality, that being neck
and shoulder pain. I can tell she is determined to help me beat the problem. I can also
sense that her dedication to helping her clients is honest and sincere.
Ms. Schneider likes to share knowledge of her techniques – but you have to ask! But ask
at the right time – because she gets into a “zone” where she is so focused, and her therapy
is so relieving, one does not want to take her away from her expertise!
Ms. Schneider is a true professional - courteous and respectful. It is comforting to know
that a professional of her caliber is willing to share her skills with those in need."
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