Light Touch Reflextherapy: A New Way Forward For Reflexologists

by John R. Cross DrAc FCSP

Written in accessible language Light Touch Reflextherapy is a wonderfully illustrated practical workbook for Reflexologists and all those who work with the body's reflexes. This pioneering book gives reflexology a complete makeover from the standard approaches of using moderate to heavy massage on the reflexes. The book discusses how both acute and chronic conditions may be treated. Treatment of acute pain syndromes uses foot reflexes with acupoints (the author sees no discernible difference between the two) and treatment of chronic conditions utilize the reflections of the chakra energy system on the feet, hands, arms and legs. By using the chakras, the author shows how the aetiology of energy imbalance may be addressed.

To accompany the book is an A1 size full colour laminated poster depicting the reflected major and minor chakras on the hands and feet; reflected major chakras on the arms and legs; the major and minor chakras on the body; balancing the major chakras on the feet; photographs showing how to use KI 1 and the heels in stress release and chronic conditions; seven foot diagrams showing all the individual associations and relationships.

The RRP for the book is £20.99 directly through Amazon and other retailers. The cost of the poster is £7.50 plus £3.45 postage and packing sent by first class mail in a sturdy tube. The price of the book through John's web site is £14.45 plus £2.50 postage and packing.

Further Information and Special Offer

Special Offer - Purchase Both Book and Poster at the Same Time and Save £2.00.

Price for both inclusive of postage and packing (two separate packages) is £25.90 instead of £27.90. Please email for multiple copies and all overseas shipping costs. You may pay by credit card/Paypal through the web site or send a cheque for your order (made payable to John Cross Publications) to:-

12 Upper Milovaig, Glendale, Isle of Skye, Highland, UK IV55 8WY Tel:01470 511361

jrcacupressure@hotmail.com  www.johncrossclinics.com

 

---

Sayer Complementary Health - Homeopathy, Reiki and Nutrition Courses

Sayer Complementary Health, based in Southend, Essex, provide a wide range of courses in Homeopathy, Reiki and Nutrition. There are three types of Homeopathy courses available.

The basic one-day introductory course in Homeopathy is aimed at introducing you to the benefits of homeopathy. You will also learn how you can use it at home for minor illness, coughs and colds, digestive upsets, bumps and bruises, headaches etc.

Once your appetite for this wonderful healing art has been whetted you can undertake a further module in Homeopathy giving your more in-depth understanding. This module explains more about the philosophy of homeopathy and the underlying causes of illness as viewed by a homeopath. Both of these courses can be undertaken by e-learning or attendance.

For those wanting to develop an exciting and rewarding career with Homeopathy, a full Practitioner Diploma course is also available. Attendance is an essential part of this course, but some e-learning is also included.

An introduction to Nutrition course helps you find out more about the impact of foods on your general health and how you can choose foods to improve your wellbeing. At this stage, we do not offer a full diploma course in Nutrition.

Reiki is another form of healing that is very relaxing and has a profound effect on stress. The first level of Reiki (Shoden) teaches you how to carry out your own self-healing and practice Reiki on your friends and family. Having become familiar with the practice of Reiki 1 you can go on to Reiki level 2 (Okuden) the practitioner level, where you will learn enhanced methods of using your Reiki and be able, once insured, to work on members of the public. Should you want to take your Reiki a stage further, we also teach the Reiki Master/Teach level course.

June Sayer, owner of Sayer Complementary Health qualified in homeopathy 20 years ago and enhanced her career by training in Nutrition, Iridology and Reiki. June practises and teaches from her clinic in Southend.

Further Information

For more details on any of the above courses, contact June on Tel: 01702 826049; june@betterhealthnow.co.uk  www.betterhealthnow.co.uk  www.homeopathinessex.co.uk

 

---

BackCare Clinic – 21st Century BackCare and Sports Injury Clinic

Irene Phillips says she was privileged to be the first osteopath in the world to use the powered spinal mobilising tool, now called Theraflex in 1997. It was at that time Irene was seeing her osteopath fortnightly because of her own back, thinking she would have to retire, only a year after graduating in osteopathy.

After the first treatment, she never looked back and since that time she has treated many thousands of patients, including those from overseas who have also benefited from this treatment where other therapies have failed, often cancelling surgery. Four pistons form a bionic hand which runs on compressed air, mobilizing the spine 25 times more efficiently than the hands alone. It is safe, fast and effective. The average number of treatment sessions is 3, followed by six monthly MOTs to retain the spine’s renewed suppleness.

The treatment is suitable for prolapsed discs, chronic back and neck pain, scoliosis, whiplash injuries, sciatica and frozen shoulder. As long as the back pain is mechanical, and not due to other health reasons, it can usually be fixed. If you have had lots of treatments, tried many therapies then try this revolutionary treatment. She does not say that you need to sign up for 100 treatments at a reduced rate, which so many patients have done before. It is a very logical treatment and the results are very quick

She can also measure any changes using the SpinalMouse device, which measures posture, flexibility and core muscle strength. BackCare Clinic is covered by all major insurance companies, including BUPA and can invoice electronically if you have an authorisation code. If we are not happy with your progress she can refer you back to your GP, refer you privately for an MRI scan or further investigations etc.

Irene has been nominated a VIP member of the International World Wide Who’s Who for her contribution to spinal care. Listen to her interview at http://eliteradionetwork.com/IrenePhillips 

She also trains overseas purchasers of Theraflex equipment at her clinic in Worcester Park, Surrey.

Further Information

Please contact Irene Phillips, BackCare Clinic, 2 Station Approach, Worcester Park, Surrey on Tel: 0208 335 3787 book online at www.backcare-clinic.com  or email backcareclinic@yahoo.com

 

---

Botanica2012 - Clinical Aromatherapy and Plant Therapeutics International Conference

7-10th September 2012

Trinity College Dublin

www.botanica2012.com

Botanica2012 is the key phytoaromatherapy conference of the year for Northern Europe. This inaugural and innovative event is hosted and organized by Rhiannon Harris, aromatherapy expert, Editor of International Journal of Clinical Aromatherapy (www.ijca.net ) and director of Essential Oil Resource Consultants (www.essentialorc.com  ).

Botanica2012 aims to

• Promote and publicise the use of plant-based medicine in clinical settings around the world
• Raise the profile of evidence-based integrated clinical aromatherapy interventions
• Foster international exchanges of research and clinical information.

Attendees will

• Obtain an up-to-date and global overview of the potentials, challenges and future of clinical aromatherapy and herbal therapeutics
• Understand the place of essential oils and herbal remedies in integrative medicine
• Be inspired, encouraged and motivated to improve general health and well being with diverse preparations of plant origin.

Highlights include

• Three full days of conference (7th-9th September)
• International trade show (7th-9th September)
• One day of intensive post-conference workshops (10th September)
• The chance to hear and network with international experts and researchers
• Spotlights on essential themes such as cancer care, women’s health, infection, hydrolatherapy, herbalism and phyto-aromatherapy integration
• The opportunity to network with colleagues and peers
• A stimulating social program with the best of Irish hospitality
• Certificates of attendance given for evidence of CPD

Dublin is directly and easily accessed from a number of countries including UK and USA. Trinity College Dublin is situated in the heart of the city and offers on campus accommodation and meals.

Further Information

Please visit the official conference website for the full programme, speaker line-up and to reserve a place: www.botanica2012.com  For more information please contact Rhiannon at editorijca@club-internet.fr

 

---

Helios Homeopathy - 25 Years of Healing

Helios caters for all levels of interest and experience in homeopathy and are both manufacturers and a pharmacy, dispensing homeopathic remedies to practitioners, patients and the public worldwide. Helios remedies are made by homeopaths, to traditional methods by hand, and takes pride ourselves in offering expert advice and a fast efficient service to their customers.

The company was founded by four like-minded individuals, with the vision of creating - “a new source of potent and effective homeopathic remedies, to bring relief of suffering and profound healing”. Sixty employees, a new branch in Covent Garden and 25 years later, Helios are proud of their achievements; their passion for healing is stronger than ever. The countless testimonies they receive from their customers regularly affirm the curative power of homeopathy and how important it is.

Helios is holistic in that alongside the homeopathic remedies are a wide range of vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements, flower essences and natural and organic skin care and hair care for all the family including babies and young children. Helios only carries products from ethical manufacturers who use materials from sustainable sources, organically produced wherever possible, and who conform to Good Manufacturing Practice. Helios can even look after your pets too; their Pet range of products covering a wide variety of common ailments and first aid situations.

Adjoining the pharmacy in Tunbridge Wells is a holistic healthcare clinic covering many complementary therapies including Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Hypnotherapy, Counselling, Reiki, Shiatsu and so much more.

A warm welcome awaits if you are able to visit Helios at their Tunbridge Wells or Covent Garden branch and if you want to see inside the life of a working homeopathic pharmacy tours are conducted on a regular basis.

Further Information

All Helios products and remedies are available to order by Tel: 01892 537254; pharmacy@helios.co.uk www.helios.co.uk

Coming Soon - to celebrate Helios’ 25th Anniversary, they have commissioned a short film to give you a better insight on the people, approach and practices of Helios. To view the film, please visit www.helios.co.uk

 

---

Accredited Massage Courses

“If you haven't found it yet, keep looking.” - Steve Jobs

This quote from Steve Jobs possibly isn’t the most profound thing he ever said, but he did say it in relation to working life and finding a job that you really want to do.

In Complementary Health, many of us are privileged to have found that thing we really want to do. Probably a majority are in our second career, having actively chosen to give up something else, often more lucrative, to do this instead. And the great thing is that we then never give up learning.

That’s why Justin, together with his colleague Robert, set up Accredited Massage Courses in late 2009. Robert had originally trained as a teacher and come to being a therapist later in life. Like many therapists after they’ve been working for some years, he decided to “give something back” and share what he’d learned over the years. Robert lives and breathes his work as a therapist. It occupies him seven days a week, so Justin and his colleagues at the clinic where they all practise have to make sure Robert really does take off the days he’s supposed to!

From the outset Accredited Massage Courses offered Level 3 qualifications in Holistic Massage, Sports Massage, Aromatherapy and Reflexology, but the main reason for setting up the school was because they knew so many qualified therapists who were looking for reliable, accredited CPD courses. Their courses reflect their own focus on remedial, therapeutic treatment. They’re probably best known for courses such as Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release, Sports Massage Techniques and Trigger Point Therapy. That said, they also offer slightly more exotic massages such as Lomi Lomi, Balinese and Cupping, as well as energy based therapies such as Sound Therapy and Hot Crystal Massage.

At the moment, all courses are run out of their own clinic in north London, as well as a few of the Reflexology CPD courses from Bridport where their colleague Julia Williams, is now based. They hope to take their courses further afield in future but, as they grow, they aim to keep classes small. They take a maximum of 8 people per class, which keep the numbers to a collaborative group size. They like these small classes and want to maintain this.

“Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on.” - Steve Jobs, talking about finding the perfect career.

Further Information

Please contact Justin at Accredited Massage Courses on info@accreditedmassagecourses.co.uk  www.accreditedmassagecourses.co.uk

 

---

Theta Healing Centre: Specialists in ThetaHealing® Practitioner Training

If you’ve ever tried to make changes in your life and no matter how hard you try, you find yourself stuck back with the same old pattern - it’s likely your subconscious conditioning or programming is running the show. No matter what your conscious mind desires, if the subconscious has an underlying good reason for a particular strategy - then that is likely to win out. Yet you yearn for positive change, improved health, less stress, more happiness, fully expressing the essence of who you are, a life worth living, wholeness, wellness.

ThetaHealing® provides a straightforward framework of working with the subconscious mind body to help resolve underlying influences that can affect your wellbeing in positive ways. Patterns or symptoms can be physical, emotional, psychological or spiritual, so whether it’s a headache, heartache, or generally feeling harassed by life, ThetaHealing® can facilitate the change you wish for. Working at the energetic, atomic level of our existence, it has been described as the practical application of quantum mechanics.

At the Theta Healing Centre, we are passionate about the tools that have been made available to us and have chosen to specialize in ThetaHealing® to make it available to you. We love its simplicity, effectiveness, accessibility to all; its base on our natural intuition and innate transpersonal connection, and that we can consistently grow with it.Yes, ThetaHealing® offers ways to improve health & wellbeing, and it can also increase self-awareness, enhance natural intuitive psychic abilities and expand & develop consciousness.

Trained personally by Vianna Stibal Founder of ThetaHealing® to the highest certification, the Theta Healing Centre offers the full ThetaHealing® Practitioner Curriculum to enable you to develop as a ThetaHealing® Practitioner with the highest ethical standards. Theta Healing Centre are committed to maintaining the integrity of Vianna's work and teachings, providing excellence in course delivery, standard and care of teaching. One-to-one consultations are also offered; they love what they do.

The Theta Healing Centre, run by Catherine Shaw & Kiwi Marshall, welcomes you whether you wish to apply ThetaHealing® for your own personal wellbeing and transformation, or if you are a professional already working in the healing /helping profession and wish to incorporate ThetaHealing® into your own work.

Take up Theta Healing Centre’s Special Jubilee Celebration Offer to Positive Health Readers

Join us on our 7 Day Foundation course in ThetaHealing®

Dates: Saturday 16th – Friday 22nd June 2012

Venue: South Kensington, London

Normal Price £935

Special offer: 2 for the price of 1

Offer ends midnight Tuesday 5th June

To take up the Special offer and for more info, please visit:  www.thetahealingcentre.co.uk/JUBILEE-SPECIAL(2727243).htm

 

---

The College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) Opens New College in Belfast

 

The College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) is adding to its already impressive list by opening a new college in Belfast. This college will make it the seventh for CNM in the UK with the other locations in London, Brighton, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. Despite a downturn in the economy, CNM continues to grow and expand by training the next generation of natural health practitioners.

All colleges offer training for a career in Nutritional Therapy by studying for a degree-level diploma in Naturopathic Nutrition. Naturopathy is a healthcare philosophy based on the healing power of nature; the body has the innate intelligence and ability to heal itself if given the right conditions. The Nutritional Therapy course starts with biomedicine studies for students who are new to health, followed by two years of part time study in Naturopathic Nutrition. Teaching is evidence-based by expert lecturers. Students get plenty of clinical practice, first as observers;  when they are advanced students, as practitioners working under the supervision of qualified professionals.

The Naturopathic approach taken in CNM’s  Nutrition training places the emphasis on the use of whole, organic, naturally produced foods as medicine to address toxicity or deficiency. This concept has been an integral part of many indigenous societies but has been forgotten in parts of the world where food processes are increasingly industrialized and where certain types of diet and lifestyle related diseases have proliferated. 

Naturopathic principals also teach our students to treat the cause of problems not just the symptoms and how to use food as medicine. Where our course and training differs to other nutrition courses is that we teach people to become practitioners; it’s not just theory taught, as students must complete clinic hours. CNM also uses traditional Chinese and East Indian Ayurvedic teachings which cover detoxifying foods and using the energy of food to heal. Nutritional Therapy students also have the option to study Naturopathy as a separate qualification. In this course, which can be studied alongside the Nutrition diploma, students study a number of natural therapies which include Bach flower remedies, homeopathy, herbal medicine and iridology. This means graduates have a number of skills to treat patients and would be a qualified Naturopath as well as a Nutritional Therapist.

In addition to Nutrition and Naturopathy, CNM in London trains people for careers in Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Homeopathy. Students on all of CNM’s full diploma courses are given some understanding of other natural therapies in order to best assist their patients upon graduation.  A range of short courses and postgraduate courses in other therapies, designed either for interest or to improve skills, are available at CNM’s London College. 

Further Information

CNM Colleges are in London, Brighton, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast. Regular free-to-attend Open Evenings held at all CNM colleges are an opportunity to find out more about the courses available. To find the next date scheduled at your nearest CNM college call Tel: 01342 410 505; or visit www.naturopathy-uk.com

 

---

Kalikalos Centre Greece Authentic Community

What is authentic community? What does it feel like to be part of authentic community? At Kalikalos Centre, Authentic Community is a mainstay. Through authentic community, transformation happens within the group and the greater world. What is authentic community? It is people from various backgrounds, ages and locations working and living together for the common good.

Kalikalos was birthed from members of Findhorn community in Scotland, who wished to take the aspects of that community and re-create it in a warmer climate!

Kalikalos tagline, deeper than a suntan, speaks volumes about the experience of guests and staff. Kalikalos offers a unique alternative holiday, that includes the relaxation and peace of a regular holiday but also includes meaningful purpose through workshops and doing jobs, such as cooking, building, cleaning together.

Workshop participants are offered learning in a beautiful setting as well as integration and sense of place in the Kalikalos community.

Katrina Klug’s Personal Experience

I have been at the workcamp for 12 days and can talk about the daily rhythm. At Spring workcamp we are waking the centre up from its Winter slumber. We work together to put up the yurt, tents, sanctuary (for yoga mediation etc), roundhouse, clean, cook. We meet each morning with a talking stick. The one who holds the stick speaks and all us listen. There is a strong spirit of honesty here, including self awareness and self honesty. There are ups and downs in an authentic community. We work through the downs as a group and come to a resolution that meets personal and group needs. We work after our morning meeting until lunch clean-up is finished. Then we follow the Greek model of siesta, during which many of us choose to hike on the beautiful mountain trials or go to the sea.

At 6:00 pm we start our second shift which goes until 8:30 pm when dinner is served. There is great balance in the work in morning and evening, with a siesta in the middle. We work hard, but we rest hard too. Each of the workcamp participants learn tons about themselves. Because through our interactions with each other, we learn about ourselves. We find ourselves growing in many ways through just the experience of authentic community. The setting of the centre in Mount Pelion is pristine and stunning. What an amazing way to greet the day, with such beauty. Even though there is lots of negative press surrounding Greece, the Greek people are generous and kind. Two thousand years ago Mt. Pelion was a place to come and be healed, specifically through dream work and drinking the spring water. The air feels infused with a high vibration of goodness

Further Information

For more information and to contact Kalikalos, please visit www.kalikalos.com

 

---

Migra-cap: Medication Free Instant Pain Relief

Migra-cap’s drug free treatment, combining the benefits of cold and darkness and gentle pressure on the right places provides instant relief from the pain of migraine and headaches. Migra-Cap has been developed for Migraine sufferers. Designed with comfort in mind, Migra-Cap is made from breathable, flexible Lycra so it fits all head shapes. Specially formulated cold therapy gel packs are sewn in placed to target the main areas of the head affected by the pain; forehead, temples, side and back of head and neck. The unique design also covers the eye area keeping it cool whilst excluding the sufferer from the light – an essential requirement for migraine and headache sufferers.

Simply store in a domestic fridge or freezer until required for use, sit back, relax and let Migra-Cap do the work. The Cap can be hand washed in between uses to ensure continued cleanliness. Suitable for all the family.

During a trial carried out with the Migraine Action Association UK, Migra-Cap was found to bring relief to 8 out of 10 sufferers. It has also proved to be effective for tension, stress, sinus headaches, migraine headaches during pregnancy, women with hot flushes due to the menopause, bruising and swelling to the head, those requiring cool down before, during and after sports, and as a general relaxation aid.

If you are taking any form of medication, check with your doctor to make sure using Migra-Cap will not interfere with your treatment.

Mark Butcher's Experience with Migra-Cap

"As a long term migraine sufferer I am delighted to have discovered the Migra-Cap. Over the years I have tried all sorts of over the counter cures but nothing worked until I tried Migra-Cap. The beauty of this ingenious product is its simplicity of design and ease of use. Playing cricket within the international field is demanding both physically and mentally. If I am hit with a migraine I can be out of action for periods when the team needs me to be at my best. I can wholeheartedly endorse Migra-Cap and recommend it not only to sportsmen/women but to anyone who suffers with this debilitating condition.
“Good luck to Migra-Cap International.” Mark Butcher

Highly recommended by Dr. Chris Steele ITV This Morning

Voted Number 1 product by Woman’s Own Magazine Readers.

Voted second best aid to pregnant women in Pregnancy and Birth Magazine.

Further Information

Please visit www.migracap.com   www.migracap.co.uk

 

---

Expectancy - Expectant Parents' Complementary Therapies Consultancy

Expectancy – the leading provider of accredited courses on safety of complementary therapies in pregnancy and childbirth - goes from strength to strength, with several exciting new developments during the year.

Many NHS trusts request in-house courses to train their midwives in complementary therapies such as aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, hypnosis and moxibustion to turn breech babies. Several maternity units are keen to offer more natural forms of pain relief in labour and also to reduce the rates of intervention, including Caesareans and inductions. There is particular interest in developing specialist complementary therapy clinics for mothers who are overdue (post-dates), and Expectancy’s team trains the midwives to use elements of shiatsu, reflex zone therapy (reflexology), aromatherapy and massage to facilitate labour onset.

The Diploma in Midwifery Complementary Therapies for midwives, entering its fourth year, is accredited by the Royal College of Midwives and Federation of Antenatal Educators and boasts a 99% success rate from its enthusiastic attendees. An additional diploma programme, available from September, enables midwives to develop the skills and knowledge of reflex zone therapy to use in their practice, while a new distance learning programme has attracted interest from Australia, Cyprus and Malta to date.

Expectancy also organized a pilot programme for aspiring midwives, which proved so popular that a second course had to be arranged. There are over 36,000 applications for midwifery each year, but places are limited and prospective midwives have about a 1:50 chance of obtaining a university place to train. The Expectancy course aims to prepare participants for academic life and to increase their awareness of the role of the midwife prior to interviews.

There is increasing interest to learn about complementary therapies from student midwives, who encounter women asking about natural remedies such as raspberry leaf tea, homeopathic arnica and essential oils. Expectancy’s Introduction to Complementary Therapies in Midwifery course was also so over-subscribed that additional courses have been necessary. Expectancy is also currently finalizing negotiations with one of the Midlands universities to incorporate the subject of complementary therapies into midwifery training.

Courses for therapists continue to be popular, especially the Caring for Pregnant Clients course by distance learning, accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (currently on special offer to Positive Health PH Online readers). The Diploma in Clinical Reflexology for Pregnancy and Maternity Support (doula) programmes also attract therapists wishing to focus on working with pregnant and childbearing women. Expectancy is now recruiting for the 2012-2013 academic year.

Further Information

Please contact Expectancy on Tel: 08452 301 323; info@expectancy.co.uk    www.expectancy.co.uk

 

---

Living with Bipolar Disorder: Strategies for Balance and Resilience

by Lynn Hodges

Published by Findhorn Press. 2012. Paperback. £8.99. ISBN 978 1 84409 586 5.

How to get your Life Back after a Bipolar Diagnosis

Bipolar disorder is a condition in which people go back and forth between periods of a very good or irritable mood and depression. The ‘mood swings’ between mania and depression can be very quick.

Bipolar disorder affects both men and women. It often starts between the ages of 15-25. The exact cause is unknown, but it occurs more often in relatives of people with bipolar disorder. The condition is relatively common, with one person in a 100 being diagnosed with this condition. The high and low phases of bipolar disorder are often so extreme that they interfere with everyday life.

Living with Bipolar Disorder  (27 June, National Bipolar Awareness Day) offers the reader positive, real-life solutions and support from someone who not only has bipolar disorder herself, but whose mother also has mental health problems. Using a practical, candid tone, this guide offers firsthand advice on how to lead a fulfilling life, despite having this challenging mental-health condition. With a special focus on addressing the many questions that arise following diagnosis whether of oneself, or of a family member or friend. Among the topics considered are the basics of functioning, living, and dealing with people on a day-to-day basis, how to negotiate treatment, handle family and friends, maintain a positive image, and earn a living.

Bipolar disorder used to be called ‘manic depression’. As the older name suggests, someone with bipolar disorder will have severe mood swings. These usually last several weeks or months and are far beyond what most of us experience. They include:

• Low - feelings of intense depression and despair
• High - feelings of extreme happiness and elation
• Mixed - a depressed mood combined with the restlessness of a high or ‘manic’ period.

Lynn Hodges, author of Living with Bipolar Disorder has a lot of experience with mental illness. In addition to a family history of mental health problems, Lynn has been diagnosed with Bipolar One - the most serious form of manic depression. Despite this, she is an amazing survivor and has learned how to work and live with her illness. She has been so successful that she has been asked to work for the Kent County Council where she is invited to teach classes and workshops on "What it is like to live and work with Bipolar Disorder" to both mental health professionals and patients.

Further Information

Available from Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/Living-With-Bipolar-Disorder-Strategies/dp/184409586X

www.amazon.com/Living-Bipolar-Disorder-Strategies-Resilience/dp/184409586X

 

---

The Vital Psoas Muscle

by Jo Ann Staugaard-Jones

Published by Lotus Publishing. 2012. Paperback. £12.99 / $19.95. ISBN 978-1-905367-24-5.

The Vital Psoas Muscle, to be released 30 June 2012, presents an in-depth look at the most important yet often abused skeletal muscle in the human body. Located deep within the front hip joint and lower spine, the psoas is critical for optimal postural alignment, movement, and overall well-being. Its function and importance extend beyond anatomical mechanics to the nerve complex and energy systems. Taking a uniquely holistic approach, this book explores how the psoas affects the health of the body, mind, and spirit.

Physically the psoas is the only muscle that connects the upper and lower body; emotionally the muscle acts as a messenger to and from the brain and a vessel of deeply rooted feelings, and spiritually it acts as an integrator within the root of the lower chakras, subtly affecting the flow of life energy throughout the body

Understanding and working with the psoas can help alleviate lower back pain, strengthen the core, correct posture, reduce trauma and open energy channels.

Author Jo Ann Staugaard-Jones, says: “Sometimes called the ‘mighty psoas’, the psoas muscle is the most important skeletal muscle in the human body, as it is the only muscle that connects the upper extremity to the lower extremity (the spine to the legs). This makes it a very significant postural muscle and mover and stabilizer of two different joints: the iliofemoral joint and the lumbar spine. The muscle is also located near the body’s centre of gravity, so its role becomes that of regulating balance, and affecting nerve and subtle energies as well.”

With detailed illustrations and key stretching and strengthening exercises, including complete chapters on the role of the psoas in Pilates and yoga, The Vital Psoas shows readers how to release this muscle to create balance, harmony, and freedom of movement.

About the Author

Jo Ann Staugaard-Jones is a certified Pilates and yoga instructor with a master’s degree in dance and education. She received degrees from the University of Kansas and New York University before pursuing a career as a performer, choreographer, teacher, and movement scientist. She currently teaches interactive movement workshops across the United States and sponsors international yoga and spiritual retreats.

Further Information

Available from Amazon: www.amazon.co.uk/The-Vital-Psoas-Muscle-Connecting/dp/1905367244

www.amazon.com/The-Vital-Psoas-Muscle-Connecting/dp/1583944583

 

---