Benefits Of Maya Abdominal Therapy For All Athletes

For the past year, CNY Healing Arts has been utilizing Maya Abdominal Therapy on a number of female and male athletes to alleviate a number of chronic injuries.  During this time, we have noticed a significant improvement with uterine and pelvic displacement with these clients.  As everyone begins to increase their training in preparation for the Skinnyman, this is a different massage modality that you may want to incorporate into your daily routine.  Maya Abdominal Therapy is a non-invasive, external massage technique that focuses on guiding internal abdominal organs into their proper position.  The massage helps with a number of issues including lymphatic and circulatory congestion in the abdomen, poor alignment of pelvic bones, and chronic muscle spasms around the low back and sacrum.

The blockage of the flow of fluid in and out of the abdominal region is the main cause of a displaced uterus, and congested prostate. Any distortion in uterine placement or prostate size can result in a decrease of blood flow to the organs. Lymph can be restricted by compression from organs and contraction of muscles.

For women, a major cause of uterine displacement is from running on cement surfaces.  The feet repeatedly striking a hard surface pulls uterine ligaments downward and forward and can cause weak pelvic floor muscles.  These ligaments can be stretched to their maximum tolerance in just one running session.   For both men and women, if the pelvis is displaced, it can lead to issues with IT Band Syndrome and knee pain.

Over worked and fatigued muscles around the lumbar and sacral areas can result in painful spasms and a lack of mobility.  These nerves can become irritated due to compression from these spasms. Many times individuals with chronic low back pain have experienced some type of trauma to the sacrum such as falling on ice, falling down stairs or car accidents.

Maya Abdominal Therapy can help to relieve many of these issues and help to eliminate injuries.  When you come in for a treatment we also teach everyone a 10 minute routine of self care.  Each individual is different and the time frame of change is equally different.  The self care is crucial for changes to take place and those who perform it daily, notice the biggest difference.

-Erika Lutwin BS, LMT

Please call me at CNY Healing Arts in Syracuse for more information at 315-671-5755 or email me at elutwin@cnyhealingarts.com.

It’s a New Generation for Nails

Axxium Gel Nail System has arrived at our CNY Healing Arts Wellness Center and Spa in Latham, NY! What is so hot about this new system?  It looks and feels like nail polish, but is applied with a gel overlay. It is proven to last up to 14 days. Some of our clients have even had it last more than that time frame.  Strong, beautiful, all-one-length natural nails can be difficult to grow and maintain. You will be simply amazed at the results and not have to go to the nail spa each week. We use our hands for so many things every day – typing on the computer, crafting, digging in our purse – that nails often suffer. But you can have the nails you want – in fact, your nails, only better – with the new Axxium Gel System by OPI. Available only at CNY Healing Arts Wellness Center and Spa, Axxium acts as an invisible layer of protection for your nails, keeping them strong so that they can grow without breaking. Plus, Axxium gives your nails incredible shine.

You won’t even know you’re wearing gels. Axxium Gels are virtually weightless, and the finish is so sheer and flawless that your own nails show through. Clients can even try it on their toes. Going to the beach? Want your toe polish to last? The shine and durability are simply amazing.

Created by OPI Nail System , OPI leads the gel revolution with the new Axxium Soak-Off Gel Lacquer System. Polish it on like nail lacquer, then UV-cure for results that are nothing short of brilliant! Axxium Soak-Off Gel Lacquers are easy to apply and self-leveling for smooth, flawless results. Perfect for busy professional women, special occasions, extended vacations – any occasion that demands long-lasting color. With simple between-service maintenance, an Axxium Soak-Off Gel Lacquer service can last up to two weeks!

Axxium Soak-Off Gel Lacquer and Soak-Off Gel Sealer soak off in as little as 15 minutes. Remove all three layers, including the Soak-Off Gel Base, completely in as little as 30 minutes. During this service you will receive a complimentary manicure. Cuticles will be trimmed and a you will receive a hand and arm massage. With Axxium there is no chance of mold or fungus, since there is no artificial nail application with tips being placed on your nails.

In NEED of a pedicure, try our new lemon zest pedicure! Freshly squeezed lemons used on your feet provide vitamin C for brighter skin! Add a paraffin dip to your pedicure for even softer feet!

CNY  Healing Arts is also pleased to announce they recently were featured in the new Milday textbook for nail technology. Many photos of the nail spa and center were highlighted.

Our Spa Manager, Cheryl has been a nail specialist for 16 years:

“It is my job to educate clients to care for their nails, while using the utmost professional and safest hand and foot care products on the market today.”

Email Cheryl at canderson@cnyhealingarts.com, for pricing and questions regarding our new Axxium Gel System.

Why we want you to come to Prenatal Yoga at CNY Healing Arts…

It is important to take care of your body and your baby during pregnancy! Yoga instructors and childbirth educators recommend 2-3 prenatal yoga classes a week. Attending 2-3 prenatal yoga classes a week will give your body, mind and soul the time it needs to benefit from yoga. CNY Healing Arts in Rochester offers the largest selection of Prenatal Yoga classes in Rochester. Classes are held Monday’s from 6:15-7:30pm, Wednesday’s from 5-6:15pm and also Saturday’s from 10:15-11:30am. CNY Healing Arts also has the only outdoor studio in Rochester, so stop by and learn how to truly enjoy your pregnancy! To learn more about the benefits of Prenatal yoga read below:

Benefits of Prenatal Yoga during your Pregnancy
There are many emotional and physical benefits gained from prenatal yoga. In prenatal yoga you will strengthen the uterus and pelvic muscles, improve circulation to both mother and baby, aid in digestion and elimination, exercise the spine and increase overall comfort. You will develop a deeper understanding and connection with your body and your baby and learn important relaxation techniques and positioning options that can be used during birth. The strength and stamina you will build during the classes will help lead to a faster postnatal recovery.

You will also practice specific postures designed to help alleviate many of the discomforts of pregnancy including:

• nausea and constipation
• emotional and physical fatigue
• varicose veins
• swelling and inflammation around your joints
• low back pain and sciatica
• headaches
• fear and worry
Benefits of Prenatal Yoga for Labor and Birth
Regular practice of prenatal yoga can help promote relaxation, strength, and confidence during your birth. You will remember and draw upon the tools you learned in class to facilitate the labor process, soothe and empower yourself by finding your own rhythm, and improve your physical comfort. Most importantly you will be familiar with the muscles of the pelvic floor and be more likely to use them effectively. You will also know ways to relax during and between your contractions. These benefits can all lead to a safer and more emotionally satisfying birth.

At least 2 classes per week are recommended to help facilitate a more comfortable pregnancy, birth and postnatal recovery. The classes are open to students of all levels and abilities.

Shira Peterson, Postnatal Yoga Student:
“I took postnatal yoga with Christa with my son Evan. Christa is an amazing instructor. She took the time to get to know each student so she could tailor the classes to our physical and emotional needs. I loved taking yoga with my baby! He was so happy to watch mommy do the poses, he would laugh and babble the whole time. It was a great opportunity to bond with my baby while getting some much needed exercise and relaxation.”
Dr. Melissa O’Loughlin and her son, Quinlan, born 02/21/08, Prenatal Yoga Students:
“I took Christa’s prenatal yoga during my entire pregnancy. When I began her classes, I had no idea how much yoga was going to come in handy for my natural childbirth months later. My baby boy was born without the use of pain medications, so I used the mediation and focussing techniques from my yoga practice to endure my 34 hours of labor. Also, because my labor went so long, I cannot say enough good things about the importance of being physically fit. Prenatal Yoga and Christa were incredible for me and my child. Quin and I cannot thank her enough! Thank you Christa. We love you and your awesome support!”

by

Christa Tyson, Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Instructor and Birth Doula
CNY Healing Arts- Rochester NY

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Yoga classes at CNY Healing Arts in Rochester:

Prenatal Yoga: Mon 6:15-7:30pm, Wed 5-6:15pm, Sat 10:15-11:30am
All Levels Yoga: Mon 5:00-6:00pm, Wed 6:30-7:45pm
Baby and Parent Yoga: Sat 9:00-10:00am
Yoga for Fertility: Thursday 6-8:00pm

Studio Location:
CNY Healing Arts: Indoor and Outdoor Yoga Studios
2244 East Ave, Rochester NY 14610
585-244-1280

Good News for Chocolate Lovers!

Here is some good news that you can use.  Recent studies have found that dark chocolate is actually good for you!  Dark chocolate falls into the category of a “functional food”, which is a food that provides a benefit to you beyond just nutrition.  In the case of dark chocolate, it contains flavanoids, which have been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease.  Not only that, but dark chocolate also contains antioxidants and polyphenols. Antioxidants are found in various fruits, vegetables, green tea and red wine, which help with heart health.  However, dark chocolate has more antioxidants than both green tea and red wine.  Polyphenols are excellent for boosting serotonin in the brain, which produces a feel-good sensation in the brain.

With all of the excellent health benefits of dark chocolate, there are some caveats to be aware of.  The benefits of dark chocolate are only found in dark chocolate-not milk chocolate or white chocolate.  Chocolate is still chocolate and contains an ample amount of calories and fat, so moderation is key.  To reap the health benefits from dark chocolate, you only need a few ounces a day, which is equal to about 2 dark chocolate Hersey Kisses.

Other ways to get more of the health benefits (in moderation) from dark chocolate are:

• Make a trail mix with raisins, unsalted almonds and a handful of dark chocolate M&M’s.
• Make hot chocolate using dark chocolate cocoa powder, skim milk and Splenda.
• If buying a bulk bag of dark Hersey Kisses or Dove dark chocolate candy, put the bag in the freezer and take out only 2 a day, so that you don’t over-indulge.
• Buy Cocoa Via dark chocolate chews, which also provide vitamins, minerals and calcium.

Studies are still underway to test the results of dark chocolate on decreasing blood pressure, cholesterol and PMS symptoms.  Keep an eye out for those study conclusions in the future.  But for now, enjoy the fact of knowing that a little chocolate a day will go a long way in helping your heart.  So, go ahead and have a piece of dark chocolate from the candy box you received for the holidays.  Your heart will thank you.  For more options on how to include the foods that you love into your daily eating plan, contact CNY Healing Arts in Syracuse to meet with me, a Registered Dietitian.  Our number is 315-671-5755.

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Heather Neely, RD, CDN
CNY Healing Arts Center
hneely@cnyhealingarts.com
(315) 671-5755

Nutrition and Fertility

For most women who are trying to become pregnant, the journey isn’t always easy.  While age and hormones play a large part in whether you will or will not get pregnant with ease, so does nutrition.  What you eat in the months prior to becoming pregnant can not only affect your fertility, but the health of you and your growing baby.

There are no specific foods that will make you more fertile.  Eating a healthy diet one year prior to conception allows your body to store important nutrients that your body and your baby will need for a successful pregnancy.  It’s especially important is to get enough of Omega-3 fatty acids.  Omega-3’s are essential for fetal brain development.  Your body cannot produce these fats, so you must get them through food sources.  ARA and DHA are two types of omega-3 fatty acids.  It is recommended to get at least 200 mg of DHA a day. Fish are among the best sources.  The fattier the fish, the more omega-3’s they will contain. It is safe to have up to 12 ounces of fish a week while pregnant.  Good sources are salmon, cod or light canned tuna.  Other non-fish sources include walnuts, flax seeds, soybeans or omega-3 enriched eggs.

It is important that you are eating a balanced diet, but even the best diets sometimes fall short.  Along with a healthy diet, be sure to take a prenatal vitamin, preferably one with DHA.

While you are trying to conceive, this is no time to go on a diet.  A registered dietitian is your best source to make sure that your diet is not deficient in any nutrients, and to help you figure out a meal plan that is right for you.  To schedule a one-on-one counseling session with me, just call CNY Healing Arts Center in Syracuse  at 315-671-5755 to schedule an appointment.  We also have yoga, acupuncture, massage and skin care to complete your total well-being. Click here to see the nutrition workshops we are holding this month at all locations.

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Heather Neely, RD, CDN
CNY Healing Arts Center
hneely@cnyhealingarts.com
(315) 671-5755

Nutrition and Wellness Offerings for July 2010

This month at CNY Healing Arts Centers – all locations – we will focus on nutrition and wellness. We have several workshops and classes that will help you to do just this. Please contact the center nearest you to inquire about our services or events. Click here for contact information. To read about how Nutrition for Fertility can help click here.

Yoga Class Schedules – click here
Yoga is a wonderful way to create better balance in your life. Experience Yoga, join us for a class today.

SYRACUSE:

Nutrition for Fertility Workshop – July 17th 1:30-3:00pm
Join Heather Neely, RD for a workshop on eating right for fertility. We will discuss how a healthy diet can help increase your chances for pregnancy. Topics include: foods to add or limit in your diet, key nutrients you should be getting now, food and it’s affect your hormones, and getting to or maintaining a healthy weight. There will be a question and answer session. We will meet in the Yoga Studio at CNY Healing Arts. No cost to attend. Please RSVP to CNY Healing Arts Center at 315-671-5755.

Yoga for Fertility Classes – Tuesdays, 5:30-7:00pm
Join Cynthia for this Yoga for Fertility Class that is designed for women or couples who are trying to conceive. Yoga for Fertility uses specific yoga practices to help stimulate and tone the reproductive system. *RSVP to CNY Healing Arts Center at 315.671.5755.

Meditation Classes – Wednesdays, 5:45-7:00pm
Stress melts away when we quiet the mind and meditate. This is very important in life and especially during your journey toward fertility. *RSVP to CNY Healing Arts at 315.671.5755

LATHAM:

Partner Meditation with Samantha Rossi – Thursday, July 15th, 7:45-8:45pm
In this workshop designed for couples, you will learn meditation techniques for reducing stresses (communication, responsibilities, romance, etc.) commonly found in a relationship, as well as heightening your appreciation of your partner. Please dress comfortably. Both partners are encouraged to attend. No cost to attend. Please RSVP to CNY Healing Arts at (518) 724-5750

Healthy Choices- Eating Well to Support Vitality &Fertility – Saturday July 24th, 10am-12pm
This workshop will be presented by CNY Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist Rebecca Rice MS, L.Ac. Explore ways that healthy eating can impact your general health and support fertility. Participants will learn how Chinese medicine interprets infertility and how to manage it with the best food choices for the body. Attendants will bring home recipes. There will also be an optional field trip to the local grocery store to further navigate the world of food. Cost $15.
Please RSVP to CNY Healing Arts at (518) 724-5750

Yoga for Fertility Classes – Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm
Join Linda for this Yoga for Fertility Class that is designed for women or couples who are trying to conceive, either naturally or through assisted reproductive technology. No prior yoga experience is necessary. *RSVP to Linda at lhill@cnyhealingarts.com

ROCHESTER:

Yoga for Fertility Class & Circle of Hope Support Group – Thursday’s, 6-8pm
Please join Erin for this Yoga for Fertility Class that is designed for women or couples who are trying to conceive, either naturally or through assisted reproductive technology. Yoga for fertility Class will begin promptly at 6pm and the second hour will be dedicated to sharing each other’s stories, listening and supporting one another. It is your discretion to attend both or one or the other. *Please note that we will be combining Yoga for Fertility and Circle of Hope Support Group weekly, this will replace the Circle of Hope Group Meeting that was held once a month.

Restorative Yoga Class Friday, July 9th, 6-7:30pm
Join Christa Tyson, RYT, Doula for a Restorative Yoga class. We will use bolsters and blankets to position body over props to melt into the poses for a deeper relaxation. Fee is $16 and class size is limited to 12 students. Please RSVP to rochregister@cnyhealingarts.com

Nutrition Workshop – Wednesday, July 28th, 7pm
This Nutrition and Weight Management Workshop will give you the tools to make better choices on your daily nutrition decisions. This includes what, when and how much to eat, which directly affects weight management, energy levels and overall emotional and physical health. Come join Jen as she shares the knowledge that has enabled her to lose 120lbs since last year. Fee is $15 per person. Please RSVP to rochregister@cnyhealingarts.com

CNY Healing Arts Hours of Operation for July 4th Weekend

Our CNY Healing Arts Centers will be closed on Sunday, July 4th and Monday, July 5th. May you all enjoy a happy, healthy and safe July 4th Holiday!

Ear Candling Can Relieve Discomfort from Sinus Pressure

After I had suffered from severe seasonal allergies for about a week, I finally scheduled an appointment for Ear Candling at CNY Healing Arts Center on East Avenue in Rochester, New York. I was lucky enough to observe Meranda Thomas, one of CNY’s Estheticians, perform an Ear Candling demonstration the week before. I made a mental note that I would like to schedule the treatment in the future, but never thought that the time would come so soon for me.

With painful sinus pressure around my ears and a swollen anterior gland, I turned to Meranda for advice. She spoke to me about the benefits of Ear Candling for a person who struggles with allergies, affirming that when the cone-shaped fabric candle is lit, the smoking end, which is carefully inserted into your ear, draws toxins, impurities, and wax out of your ear canal. This can loosen up any blockages that may be causing sinus pressure or discomfort. At that point, I was willing to do anything in my power to relieve the pain I was having, to avoid getting a sinus infection…or worse… an ear infection.

I arrived at my Ear Candling appointment with my hopes high, but was still a bit skeptical about what this treatment had to offer. I hadn’t heard much about it before it became available at CNY. Meranda lit the candle, and explained to me that I might hear a light crackling noise in my ear, but at no point would the treatment be painful or even uncomfortable. She was right. I laid on my side on the treatment bed, and she began the process, inserting the smoky end of the candle slightly into my ear. As the candle diminished in size, Meranda cut the ash from the end that was lit into a small bowl filled with water. She did this until the candle was a few inches long. While performing the treatment, Meranda gently massaged my temples and around my ears with natural lavender essential oils.

When both ears had been candled, Meranda showed me the contents of what was left of the candles. I won’t go into detail, but it’s safe to say that I am glad to be rid of them! I felt instant relief when I sat up, almost like when you clean a pair of dirty glasses and put them back on to see crystal clear.

The next morning, when I woke up, I no longer felt the pressure that haunted my ears for the past week. The swollen gland that used to hurt when I swallowed was no longer inflamed. Ear Candling had solved my allergy crisis.

If you’re interested in learning more about Ear Candling or would like to schedule an appointment at our Rochester CNY Healing Arts Center, please call 585.244.1280 and ask for Meranda Thomas.

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Jessie Briel
CNY Healing Arts Center, Rochester, NY
585.244.1280