Experience Massage at CNY Healing Arts Center

I was in dire need of a massage when I scheduled one with Tom Weber, the newest edition to CNY Healing Arts Center on East Avenue in Rochester, NY. After I talked with him about my “problem muscles,” Weber told me that I was about to embark on a journey that would be different than anything I had experienced thus far. He was right.

Weber is a Licensed Massage Therapist, with over 10 years of experience. Within the first ten minutes of my hour-long massage with Weber, I realized that his approach to body work was different than other LMTs I had seen before. I was so relaxed that I almost dozed off to the rhythmic drums in Byron Metcalf’s music, which synchronized with Tom’s varying massage techniques throughout the treatment. Weber notes that, “Drums have a very powerful de-stressing effect,” which I quickly learned to be true.

He later shared that, “Bodywork functions as a powerful gateway to access and nurture profound states of well-being.” Here he implies that not only does the art of massage therapy serve to heal and ease bodily discomfort and injuries, but its benefits extend beyond our physiology. Weber emphasizes that, “[Massage] can function as a gateway or catalyst to access and nurture states of well being.” He believes that well being is something that cannot be taught.

Many of us go through life thinking that our well being comes from money, material goods, intellect, work, or any of a number of things that are connected with our identities. Weber disagrees. He ponders, “My role is like that of a midwife: I ‘give birth’ to well-being.” He admits that the goal of his bodywork is to aid people in “accessing a deep sensation [or] dimension that has nothing to do with what we think, or who we think we are…a state of well-being precedes that.”

Needless to say, Weber helped me to disconnect from the present, and explore the mystery of–in his words–what it is like to just “be”.

~~~

Jessie Briel
CNY Healing Arts Center, Rochester, NY
jbriel@cnyhealingarts.com
585.244.1280

My Manicure and Pedicure at CNY Healing Arts Center

After hopping around from salon to salon for the last 4 years of my life, I decided to search for a place that was a true spa to do my nails. I switched to CNY Healing Arts Center on East Avenue in Rochester, shortly after Meranda Thomas began working there as their first full-time esthetician.

CNY Healing Arts in Rochester uses only Aveda products for their facials and other skin treatments, such as body wraps. As far as manicures and pedicures go, they offer a wide selection of OPI Lacquers, as well as Spa Ritual polishes, which are formaldehyde-free.  Meranda uses OPI scrubs along with Aveda Foot and Hand Relief creams for nail care.
I lounged in the Meranda’s brand new nail spa room, floored with mahogany wood and decorated to perfection with tastefully patterned fabrics that were gentle on the eyes and soft to the touch. My Classic CNY Pedicure began with a foot soak, as I relaxed to the calming music and sunk back into the plush love seat.

Amidst the normal clipping, cuticle trimming, foot & nail filing, and buffing, Meranda gave me a foot scrub with a Caribbean scrub. It smelled like a Pina Colada in a bottle! And it left my feet and ankles smooth and soft. After the scrub, Meranda rubbed the Aveda Foot Relief Cream into my feet. It left them glowing with moisture.

Throughout my Classic CNY Pedicure, Meranda offered helpful, personal suggestions for nail care, specific to my skin and nails. For example, she noticed that my nails were slightly dehydrated, and recommended that I use Nail Tek III to hydrate and strengthen them.

After the pedicure was over, Meranda gave me tips to make my pedicure last, such as putting a clear coat on to keep it fresh and to keep it from chipping. By the end, I felt pampered and enlightened. My nail care experience at CNY far exceeded my expectations.

~~~

Jessie Briel
CNY Healing Arts Center, Rochester, NY
jbriel@cnyhealingarts.com
585.244.1280

How to Survive Your First Yoga Class

Just the thought of attending your very first yoga class may strike fear in your heart.  Here are some suggestions, combined with yoga etiquette, to help you transition smoothly through your first few classes.

• Bring a yoga mat (sometimes called a sticky mat) to class.  Most studios provide or rent mats but it is nice to have your own.  If purchasing a mat, make certain it is designed specifically for yoga and not an exercise or pilates mat.  Yoga is always practiced in bare feet to establish a connection with the earth.
• Have a light snack about an hour before class (i.e. fruit and nuts, or a granola bar).  Wait at least 3-4 hours after a large meal before practicing yoga.  Your digestive system will thank you.
• Wear comfortable workout clothing.  Oversized clothing is not recommended.  It is nice to have a pair of socks or an extra layer of clothing for relaxation at the end of class.
• Refrain from wearing perfume or strongly scented moisturizers, shampoos, etc. as this can be a problem for others with allergies or sensitivities.
• Turn off your cell phone before entering a yoga studio.  Even a phone on vibrate can be very distracting to the peacefulness of the studio and especially to the yoga class.
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early.  Check in at the front desk.  Place extra items or valuables in a locker.  Leave your shoes outside the yoga room (paying respect to the space).  Take anything of value inside the room with you.
• If there is another class in session, be respectful by waiting quietly outside the room.  When the class is released, feel free to enter the room.
• Set up your mat and gather any necessary props for the class.  It is helpful for beginners to regularly use props until they become more familiar with the postures.  Try not to walk on other people’s mats.  It is their personal space.  The time before class is meant as a quiet time to rest or meditate.  If you must talk, whisper.  Put away your props at the end of class.
• If you have any health concerns that may affect your class, let the teacher know before the class begins.  This will allow the teacher to help you with modifications if necessary.
• The teacher may offer you verbal or physical adjustments.  This is not meant as a criticism but merely a guide to help you receive the most benefit from the posture.
• If the teacher offers a modification for a posture, feel free to use it, especially in the beginning until you become more familiar with the poses.  Yoga is non-competitive and people are encouraged to work at their own level of ability.  Respect your body’s limitations.  Feel free to rest at any time if your body needs a break.
• Avoid leaving class early. If you do need to leave early, kindly let the teacher know before class and do so before relaxation begins.
• If you should arrive a little late and class has already begun, don’t panic.  Most teachers will allow you to enter the room.  Check with the front desk if unsure of the studio’s policy.  If the class is quiet (perhaps in a centering), enter and sit down toward the back of the room or wherever you can be the least distracting to others.  Wait until centering is over.  When the class has begun to get underway, feel free to roll out your mat and join the class.
• At the end of class (or the beginning) the teacher may acknowledge everyone with “Namaste”.   This gesture is performed by bringing hands to prayer position at heart center and lightly bowing the head forward.  A simple translation of Namaste is:  the spirit within me acknowledges and honors the spirit within you.

Each time you attend a yoga class, you will become more and more comfortable with the setting and the routine.  The most important thing is to relax and enjoy your class.   Congratulations for embarking upon such a fabulous journey!

Namaste,

Linda Hill, Certified Yoga Instructor
CNY Healing Arts Center
Latham, NY
518.724.5750

Book of the Month: Heal Your Body

Don’t Forget Lunch

Everyone knows the saying about breakfast… it’s the most important meal of the day.  It “breaks the fast” from the night before, as well as providing you with important nutrients and energy to start your day off right.  But as we focus on breakfast, often lunch gets over looked.  Lunch, and dinner for that matter, is just as essential as that first meal of the day.

We need to continually provide our bodies with food to keep our brain awake throughout the day.  The best lunches often contain a balance of complex carbs and lean proteins with about 500-600 calories.  Complex carbs, such as whole wheat breads, brown rice, legumes and fruits, provide our bodies and brains with energy.  They also provide a gradual rise in our blood sugar, so we won’t have a sugar “crash” later in the day.  Lean proteins like skinless poultry, nuts, eggs or fish, help to keep us alert, and fuller for longer.

Be sure to limit fats and sugars – both which can drain your brain and decrease your performance.  Meals higher in fat tend to sit in our stomachs longer make us drowsy. Although caffeinated drinks may give you quick energy, it won’t last for long.

Here are some suggestions to help you find a lunch that works for you:

• Tuna fish made with light mayo made with olive oil, on whole wheat bread with lettuce & tomato, a piece of fruit, a glass of milk.
• Salad made with spinach leaves, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and broccoli.  Add black or kidney beans for fiber and protein and top with oil and vinegar dressing.  Have a cup of strawberries on the side.
• Stir-fry of tofu, peppers, onions, broccoli and mushrooms.  Place over 2/3 cup of brown rice.

If you would like more suggestions on healthy lunches or help with your overall diet, consider scheduling a nutrition appointment with me.  Call CNY Healing Arts in Syracuse, NY at 315-671-5755.

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

Tai Chi Rejuvenation Workshops at CNY Healing Arts Center

Tai Chi Rejuvenation Workshops – held in August at our Latham and Syracuse CNY Healing Arts Centers.

SYRACUSE:
Saturday, August 28th, noon – 6pm
Fee is $45 paid in cash at the door
Held in our Yoga Studio, bring a bag lunch.
*RSVP to CNY Healing Arts at 315.671.5755, space is limited

LATHAM:
Sunday August 29th, 9am – 4pm
Fee is $45 paid in cash at the door
Held in our Yoga Studio, bring a bag lunch.
*RSVP to Mary Sise 518.785.8576 or mts@integrativepsy.com

Reactivate the purest energy in your body. Express your Self with the highest frequencies. The workshop, open to everyone including beginners will teach simple and powerful movements that:

•    Reinforce the energy of the physical and subtle bodies
•    Rebalance the Elements (Earth, Fire, Wood, Water and Metal)
•    Soften the joints and release tension in the body
•    Activate the rejuvenation process in the body
•    Harmonize the Chakras, increasing your connection with Life force
•    Expand the subtle bodies opening us to Union with the Divine

Jayendra is a Bramachari (monk) at the Temple of Consciousness in Crestone Co and has dedicated his life to the Divine.   He enriched his personal practices with a deep connection to the cosmic energy fields. His teachings are given with an original style, integrating traditional and modern approaches of Tai Chi.

August 2010 Workshops at CNY Healing Arts Centers

This month at CNY Healing Arts Centers – all locations – we will focus on yoga for fertility as well as other modes of relaxation. 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 more about Yoga for Fertility  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 CNY Healing Arts Center

Going from “What Now?” to “WOW!” – Saturday, August 7th, 1-4:30pm
Join us for an experiential meditation workshop with Lynne Potteiger. This workshop includes two guided meditations, discussion and instructions on how to use a focus wheel for helping you create the life you desire. Cost to attend is $25.
*RSVP to CNY Healing Arts at 315.671.5755

Yoga for Fertility Workshop – Saturday, August 14th, 1-3pm
Please join Cynthia Powers-Broccoli for this Yoga for Fertility Class that is designed for women and/or couples who are trying to conceive, either naturally or through assisted reproductive technology. Yoga for Fertility uses specific yoga practices to help stimulate and tone the reproductive system. Another incredible benefit of yoga is that it helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. In a recent Harvard-based study, women participating in a yoga and relaxation program nearly tripled their chances of achieving pregnancy. No cost to attend. *RSVP to CNY Healing Arts at 315.671.5755

Latham CNY Healing Arts Center

Partner Yoga for Fertility Workshop – Thursday, August 12th, 7:45-8:45pm
Join Linda Hill for this workshop specifically for couples on the journey toward fertility. Attend this rejuvenating workshop to connect physically and emotionally with your partner. The fertility journey has a huge impact on both partners and this workshop offers couples a wonderful opportunity to decompress and revitalize together. No yoga experience necessary. This is a complimentary class. *RSVP to CNY Healing Arts at 518-724-5750

Maya Abdominal Workshop – Thursday, August 26th 6pm-7:30pm
Join Kristen Crumb, Licensed Massage Therapist for an informative evening about the Maya Abdominal Massage Technique. This technique is beneficial for everyone. We will discuss the following topics: What is the Maya Abdominal Technique? Where did this originate from? And What are the benefits? Please join us to learn more about this new technique that is being offered and how it can enhance your life. This workshop is complimentary from Dr. Kiltz.
*Please RSVP to CNY Healing Arts at 518-724-5750.

Rochester CNY Healing Arts Center

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 up to 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 Support Meeting that was held once a month.

Meditation Workshop – Sunday, August 15th, 12-2pm
Pre-registration fee is $20 Come join Julie Cramer, Life Mastery Coach, Intuitive and Energetic Healer in a healing vortex where your extraneous cares, worries, stimulations and demands of modern daily life will melt away. We will utilize a combination of guided meditation, hands on energy work and a ceremonial letting go of what is no longer serving you in your life. From this place, your natural state of wholeness and inner wisdom can step forward and better guide you. *Fee is $20. *RSVP to rochregister@cnyhealingarts.com

Laser Hair Removal Special

CNY Healing Arts Center in Syracuse, NY is currently offering 50% off Laser Hair Removal so please call 315.671.5755 to book your appointment today. This offer will only last for a limited time.

Yoga Mudra’s for Fertility and Pregnancy

CNY Healing Arts in Rochester, NY is a coveted resource for families looking to conceive and support a healthy pregnancy.  CNY’s Wellness Center offers a variety of healing modalities such as Yoga, Massage and Acupuncture for these important and exciting stages of life.  Many Yoga Classes at CNY are specific classes designed to support Fertility, Pregnancy and Postpartum changes in the body.  In these classes we always practice specific poses (Asana) and breathing exercises (Pranayama), but lately we have been incorporating more and more yoga hand positions (Mudra’s) to aid in conserving and spreading energy throughout the body for the benefit of Fertility and Perinatal challenges.  In this article I will discuss specific Mudra’s you can practice anytime, anywhere.  I hope you enjoy (and practice) these Mudra’s and I also hope to see you in class!

What are Yoga Mudra’s?

Most Yoga Mudra’s are hand positions (some are body positions) or gestures that help to stimulate different energies in the body.  Mudra’s are simple!  They have been used for thousands of years to support the healing of many illnesses and bring harmony to the body, mind and soul.

Yoga Mudra’s for Fertility

• Yoni Mudra-  This hand position helps women get in touch with an innate female energy.  It also is thought to stimulate the womb and the creative power within.  The hand position actually looks like the vulva.  Bringing the hands together, the tips of the thumbs and pointer fingers touch each other while interlacing the rest of the fingers.
• Merudanda Mudra- Will help to bring energy to the pelvic area.  To start bend all the fingers inward except the thumbs (like you are hitchhiking).  Place hands on knees with thumbs facing inward for 10 breaths.

Yoga Mudra’s for Pregnancy

• Apana Mudra-  This mudra is beneficial during labor to help facilitate contractions.  It can also be used to help with pain and coping.  Bring the tip of the thumb to meet the middle and ring fingers, the pointer finger and pinky fingers stay straight.
• Gyan Mudra- Represents nesting, starting a home or clearing the mind.  Bring the tip of the thumb to the tip of the pointer finger.  The middle, ring and pinky fingers stay extended.
• Aakash Mudra- Can be used when setting intentions for your day or pregnancy to help you stay positive and healthy.  Touch the tip of the middle finger and the thumb together on each hand.  The pointer, ring and pinky fingers stay extended.
• Pushan Mudra – Is a good mudra for nausea!  The two hands hold different positions; Left hand is in Apana Mudra (see above), the Right hand holds the thumb against the tip of the pointer finger and middle finger.  Tops of the hands face earth, fingers face midline.

I hope you have fun with these Yoga Mudra’s!  If you have any questions or need help please feel free to stop in and visit me at CNY Healing Arts in Rochester!  My class schedule at CNY is listed below.

~
By Christa Tyson, Yoga Instructor and Birth Doula
CNY Healing Arts, Rochester NY
~
Wednesday’s from 5-6:16pm for Prenatal Yoga
Wednesday’s from 6:30-7:45pm for Hatha Yoga (Yoga for Everyone)
Saturday’s from 9-10am for Parent and Baby Yoga
Saturday’s from 10:15-11:30am for Prenatal Yoga