The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift

This year give the gift of love and indulgence for that special person in your life while simplifying your Valentine’s Day shopping, give a beautiful CNY Healing Arts Gift Card. These are available at all three locations: Syracuse, Albany and Rochester. Click here for location information.

For your purchasing ease, we also have Gift Cards available online. Click here to buy.

Circle of Hope: Is There More?

I haven’t written “is there more?” in a while.  It’s always quite an adventure to find “more” and when I find “it,” I feel compelled to write.  I would like to share a story with you about the Circle of HOPE and an evening of Having Only Positive Energy.

I had the opportunity to share in the Circle of Hope support group here at CNY Fertility Center in Latham, NY.  I always take away more than I can ever give.  I almost feel guilty that what is shared amongst the group is such a benefit to me.  Tonight was a special night.  Six of the participants, seven including myself, shared a common challenge: miscarriage. The evening began with the discussion of facing fear.  We visualized our challenge of miscarriage.  Some were facing it for the first time. Some had to be faced with it once again.  We invited fear to come before us.  Fear came with anger, fear came with tears.  We looked fear right in the eye and then, just as it came, positive energy filled the room as each person who shared their journey was asked to complete their story with encouragement and optimism.  Fear left the room.  Positivity was now with us.  Tears cleansed our souls.

The book Everyday Positive Thinking by Louise Hay was showcased and some of the quotes in the book were shared.  Negative can be turned into positive if we only look beyond what is in front of us.  “Remove the obstacles and untangle the clutter that’s standing between you and the productive, fulfilling life that you crave.” (Julie Morgenstern p. 93)  Quietly we asked the universe for what we want; we will stop trying and focus our energies on doing.  We visualized our journeys like a tree taking root.  Though there may be many twists and turns and forks in our path, eventually the tree does take hold, nurtures, and grows.

Michelle shared a beautiful story of her journey.  Initially she wondered when “this” would end.  Just like the tree, roots do not end and neither will our journeys.  They continue to grow.  At the end of our evening, Michelle shared that she felt this was not an end but a beginning for her.  Is it any wonder the gift I receive from our clients? There is always more.

Thank you to a wonderful Circle of Hope support group, that I had the privilege and the pleasure of joining.

Visit our CNY Fertility website calendar for dates and times of our Circle of Hope support group meetings for each center.

~~~

Stacey Dicerbo, RNC
CNY Fertility Center
Latham, NY
866.375.4589 (toll free)
518.690.0700

The Health Benefits of Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

            Tadasana, or Mountain Pose, is a basic standing posture and is, therefore, the foundation for all others. Physically, it helps to create space within the body, allowing internal organs to work more efficiently. This can drastically improve respiration as well as digestion and circulation. Mentally, it leaves its users invigorated and motivated, making it perfect for an early A.M. yoga session.

            So, start the day with Tadasana! Or, if you would rather receive instruction from a licensed practitioner, check out our yoga class schedule for each branch of CNY Healing Arts. 

Getting Into Mountain Pose: 

            Stand erect with the bases of your big toes touching, heels slightly apart. Do not lock your knees and let your arms hang loosely at your sides. Lift and spread the toes and balls of your feet, then let them drop to the floor creating a wide, solid base.

            Practice distributing your weight evenly around your feet, not just on your toes or heels. You should feel stability from all four corners of both feet. Strengthen this base by rocking back and forth, side to side. A strong base is essential to Tadasana. Gradually slow your swaying and come to a standstill. Feel yourself being supported by the floor. 

            Now comes the recognition and toning of several core muscles. Start by breathing deep and steady. Inhale slowly and flex your thighs without hardening your lower belly. Your kneecap will rise when you contract your quad, which is a sign that you are flexing correctly. Next you will engage your sit bones (literally the bones on which you sit). Rotate your thighs inward to automatically widen your sit bones. Once you’ve done this, lengthen your tailbone towards the floor so that it rests between your sit bones.

           Your core is the group of muscles around your stomach and is where you maintain your body’s balance and control. Contract your core muscles to increase stability. Keep your posture erect. Press your shoulder blades into your back, then widen them across and release them down the back. Your shoulders should be parallel to your pelvis. 

           Without puffing your front ribs forward, lift the top of your sternum straight up towards the sky, widening your collarbone. Keeping your shoulders wide and your spine straight, elongate your neck so that the crown of your head rises toward the ceiling. Stay in this posture for 30 seconds to 1 minute, breathing deep and easy. To intensify this posture, try going through all prior stretching and flexing with eyes closed. 

Benefits of Mountain Pose: 

• Improves posture
• Strengthens thighs, knees, and ankles
• Increases awareness
• Steadies breathing
• Increases strength, power, and mobility in the feet, legs, and hips
• Firms abdomen and buttocks
• Relieves sciatica
• Reduces flat feet
• Develops strength and flexibility simultaneously, especially in the spine
• Relieves tension, aches, and pains throughout the body
• Improves blood circulation
• Encourages healthy digestion and elimination
• Leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated
• Expels dullness and depression
• Harmonizes the body and mind
• Increases energy and enthusiasm

Acupuncture to Relieve and Prevent Migraines

When you have a migraine, it can make even the simplest tasks impossible. The worst part: it can hit you at any time.  Migraines can occur at any age, but patients typically experience more severe symptoms between the ages of 10 and 30 years old. Women tend to have more than men and their symptoms often correlate with their menstrual cycles.

During a migraine, patients can experience a variety of symptoms, most commonly including dizzy spells, blind spots, throbbing headaches, nausea, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. If you suffer from migraines, you have the option to treat them with either conventional medicine or with more holistic methods. Acupuncture is an alternate, comprehensive approach to the treatment of migraines.

What is it all about?

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin needles into specific points along the body to improve health and well-being. It originated in China more than 2,000 years ago and is based on the foundation of Oriental medicine: that there is a life energy flowing through the body called Qi (pronounced chee). Qi travels through the body on meridians, or channels, which connect all our major organs. According to Chinese medicine, illness arises when the cyclic flow of Qi becomes unbalanced. Acupuncture is meant to restore this balance of body and mind.

When receiving acupuncture treatment for migraines, the needles will generally be placed in a person’s arms, legs, shoulders, and sometimes even the big toes. An estimated 2 million adults in the US use acupuncture each year.

How does acupuncture work to treat migraines?

There are several theories about how acupuncture works to relieve pain caused by migraines, but one factor always rings true: acupuncture can offer powerful relief without the side effects that prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause. Some people believe that it is not the technique of acupuncture that helps relieve pain, rather a patient’s belief in the effects of the process, also known as the placebo effect.

Another idea is based on the gateway theory, which states that the body can only experience so many sensations at once. According to this theory, when the body reaches sensory overload, it will simply reject some of the sensations. This claim is supported by the natural reaction of rubbing an injury to make the pain go away. By concentrating on the slight pain of the needle, your brain may reject the pain signals of a headache.

Aside from theories, there are compelling physiological reasons why acupuncture works for migraines:

• It stimulates the release of neurotransmitters, which relax the body and decrease painful sensations.
• It works to regulate pain centers of the brain. In one study, an MRI scan of the brain of a patient with pain from carpel tunnel syndrome showed that the acupuncture had changed the way the brain perceived pain.
• It relaxes the muscles. This breaks the cycle of tension and pain when you have a migraine. The muscles tense up in reaction to the pain, then the pain causes the muscles to tense up more.
• It calms the mind and encourages balance in your life, increasing your ability to deal with stress. Many people fall asleep during treatment while in deep relaxation.

Is there anything I should be afraid of?

If you have a fear of needles, acupuncture can sound like a nightmare rather than a relaxing treatment. We assure you that the needles used during treatment are never used twice and are hair-thin, sterile, and generally painless. They hurt much less than an injection or blood sampling because the point is smooth, not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle.

If you have any questions or concerns about the treatment, a consultation can be arranged to address them. Each acupuncture treatment is carefully customized based on the patient’s needs, so a fear of needles is a definite factor. Please call the CNY Healing Arts location that is nearest to you.

Syracuse – 315.671.5755

Rochester – 585.244.1280

Latham – 518.724.5750

The Health Benefits of Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

            As you perform Bridge Pose, you will become more alert in both body and mind. This rejuvenating backbend will open your chest up and keep your spine flexible. While beginners can practice it safely, skilled practitioners can still experience its many benefits. Setu Bandhasana will also help to prepare you for more intense backbends.

            This posture is relatively simple and quite exhilarating. If you find it difficult to hold the lift in your pelvis, slide a block or bolster beneath your sacrum and rest the pelvis on it for support. In contrast, if you are looking to deepen the stretch, lift your heels off the floor once in Bridge Pose and push your tailbone up towards the pubis. Once the tailbone is lifted, stretch the heels back to the floor.

Getting Into Bridge Pose:

             Lie flat on your back with arms at your sides, palms down. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor. Keep your feet hip width apart, parallel to each other, and as close to the buttocks as possible. Simultaneously, press your upper arms and feet into the floor and begin lifting your hips towards the ceiling. Try to distribute your weight equally on the inside and outside of your feet.

            Now, move your breastbone towards your chin, keeping your chin lifted only slightly as not to flatten the back of the neck. Firm your tailbone in towards the pubis and move your pubis slightly towards the belly. In order to keep the lower back extended, keep the knees over the ankles, perpendicular to the floor. Your buttocks should be firm, but not clasped.

            Lift your hips as high as you are able without breaking position. If you are having trouble holding posture, you can clasp your hands behind your back and firm you arms into the floor, shoulder blades shifted down along the spine. Hold this pose for 5 to 15 breaths.

            To come out of Bridge Pose, release on an exhalation, rolling your spine slowly down onto the floor. 

Benefits of Bridge Pose: 

• Stretches the chest, neck, spine, and hips
• Strengthens the back, buttocks, and hamstrings
• Improves circulation of blood
• Helps alleviate stress and mild depression
• Calms the brain and central nervous system
• Stimulates the lungs, thyroid glands, and abdominal organs
• Improves digestion
• Helps relieve symptoms of menopause
• Reduces backache and headache
• Reduces fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia
• Rejuvenates tired legs
• Relieves symptoms of asthma and high blood pressure
• Therapeutic for hypertension, osteoporosis, and sinusitis

From the Soul of the Heart to the Sole of the Foot

One good way to keep the heart circulating is through the feet. Why not have your feet massaged? After all, they include reflex areas to the heart and other glands and organs. This is the science of reflexology.  It is a unique method of using the thumb and fingers on reflex areas to; relieve stress and tension, improve blood supply, promote the unblocking of nerve impulses and help the body improve homeostasis.

A way to understand it better is the palm of the hand and the sole of the foot are like a map of the body. The left hand and foot represent the left side of the body as the right hand and the right foot represent the right side. The body is divided into 10 longitudinal zones, 5 on each side of the body. This is also called zone therapy. Massaging or pressing each area can stimulate energy flow, blood nutrients, and nerve impulses to the corresponding body zone and thereby relieve ailments in that zone.

If you are someone who tries to drink a lot of water and does deep breathing exercises either in yoga, meditation, or other modalities you are already ahead of the game. Water is the conductor of the electrical stimulus that is created through reflexology. Absence of liquid in the cells of the nerve structures hinder the movement of the nerve signals, hence NO RESPONSE. Deep breathing exercises enhance the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Through breathing the blood stream carries oxygen to our cells.

It is fascinating to think reflexology was practiced as early as 2330b.c. by the Egyptian culture, 2704b.c. by the Chinese, and later on in Japan. In the west the concept began to emerge in the 19th century with European and Russian research into the nervous system and reflex. Therapies were created as medical practices but soon gave way to the prevalent use of surgery and drugs. Finally, the ideas of reflexology for health improvement were brought to America in 1909 by Dr. William F. Fitzgerald. Physiotherapist Eunice Ingham developed the method publishing a book in 1938.

Looking for research studies? Hundreds of reflex studies have been conducted. One survey of 170 people showed a positive result for 83%. A Chinese survey of 8,096 case studies noted a 94% effective or significant effective rate.

Significant areas of study include; stress and anxiety, lessening of pain and cancer care, as well as health concerns for individuals of all ages.

How can reflexology increase fertility? Correcting imbalances that may hinder fertility by:
a. Reducing stress. High levels of stress can trigger neuro-chemical changes which can hinder the release and maturation of the eggs.
b. Help in balancing the endocrine system by stimulating the ovary reflex point.

Please do keep in mind reflexology is a compliment to medical and other aids. With 52 bones in our feet making up 25% of all the bones in our body let’s make sure our soles are walking in the right direction for balance and good health.

~~
Kathy Ramsey
CNY Healing Arts & Fusion Medspa
38A Old Sparrowbush Road, Latham, NY 12110
518.724.5750

The Health Benefits of Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

Our staff at CNY Healing Arts presents you with one of our favorite asanas. What we love about camel pose is that, when performed correctly, nearly all the major muscles of our bodies are being stretched. In addition, it stimulates and tones many of our limbs, including the chest, abdomen, and thighs. In short, the front side of our bodies are getting fully involved. Note that beginners should only hold this posture for about 20 seconds to avoid straining anything.

Ustrasana work subtly, but brilliantly, to improve conditions of the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, lymphatic, skeletal, and circulatory systems. This posture is recommended for people suffering from asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, thyroid and parathyroid disorders, spondylitis, and voice disorders. Doctors may also suggest camel pose to people who have constipation, colitis, dyspepsia, obesity of the thighs or arms, and Genito-urinary disorder of the kidney, urinary bladder, ovaries, testes and prostate. In Sanskrit, “ustra” means camel and “asana” means pose, hence the English name.

Getting into Camel Pose:

Begin Ustrasana by kneeling on the floor or a yoga mat. If your knees are sensitive, kneel on extra padding. Make sure your knees are hip width apart and thighs are perpendicular to the floor. The soles of your feet should face upward, toenails touching the floor. Place your palms on your hips and try to keep your outer hips as soft as possible. Breathe deeply.

Use your hands to lengthen your back pelvis and draw the tailbone towards the pubis. Inhale and lift your heart by pressing your shoulder blades to the back of your ribs. Begin to arc your back. Withdraw your arms one at a time from your hips and place them on your heels. Press your palms firmly against your heels to keep from losing your balance. Turn your arms outward so that the elbow creases face forward. Arch your back until your arms are straight. Imagine that there is a string tied around your waist that pulls you upward towards the sky.

If you find it difficult to keep your thighs perpendicular to the floor, try tilting the thighs backward individually as you touch hand to heel, using entirely the left or right side limbs. Press each thigh back into perpendicular position before joining the opposite hand and heel. Furthermore, if you cannot touch your feet without compressing your lower back, turn your toes under and raise your heels.

You can keep your neck at a neutral position, neither flexed nor extended, or drop your head back. Be careful not to strain your neck or tighten your throat. Maintain this posture for 30 seconds to a minute. Breathe calm and deep.

Benefits of Camel Pose:

• Reduces fat on thighs
• Opens up the hips, stretching deep hip flexors
• Stretches and strengthens the shoulders and back
• Expands the abdominal region, improving digestion and elimination
• Improves posture
• Opens the chest, improving respiration
• Loosens up the vertebrae
• Relieves lower back pain
• Helps to heal and balance the chakras
• Strengthens thighs and arms
• Improves flexibility, especially in the spine
• Stimulates endocrine glands
• Releases tension in the ovaries
• Stretches the ankles, thighs, groin, abdomen, chest, and throat
• Cures constipation
• Tones organs of the abdomen, pelvis, and neck
• Complements overall health and well-being

Maya Abdominal Massage for Men

Maya abdominal massage is a non-invasive, external method of healing. It involves manipulation of the abdomen and pelvis in order to release physical and emotional congestion or blockages within the body. Although abdominal massage techniques have changed invariably over the years, the method we use today at CNY Healing Arts was largely developed by master herbalist and naprapathic (a branch of chiropractic) physician Dr. Rosita Arvigo.

This treatment is not recommended immediately after abdominal surgery or where an active infection or cancer is present in the pelvic region. In addition, those who receive a Maya abdominal massage should be cautious of whom they allow to perform the technique. The importance of a licensed practitioner is immense!

Here at CNY Healing Arts we have a select staff of practitioners who are all either certified in The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy (ATMAT), which includes Maya abdominal massage, or are working towards their certification. At our Syracuse branch, Erika Lutwin and John Capozzi are our licensed massage therapists who are both certified in ATMAT. Both Erika and John specialize in orthopedic, sports, injury, deep tissue, and pre-natal massage, among others. Erika is also the coordinator of Rainforest Remedies for all three of our Healing Arts centers. To contact John or Erika, email them at jcapozzi@cnyhealingarts.com and elutwin@cnyhealingarts.com respectively.

At our Rochester branch, Erin McCollough is our very talented and licensed massage therapist. She has completed both professional training in The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy and advanced ATMAT for fertility and pregnancy. Erin has experienced her own journey into motherhood, which has been provided ample inspiration for her work. To contact Erin, email her at emccollough@cnyhealingarts.com.

At our Albany branch, Kristen Marie Crumb is our licensed massage therapist who is certified in ATMAT and also has certifications in Lymphatic Facilitation, Prenatal Massage, Reiki, and Reflexology. Email Kristen at kcrumb@cnyhealingarts.com with any questions or comments.

For men, Maya abdominal massage can help:

• Prevent swelling and congestion of the prostate
• Relieve headaches/migraines
• Improve medical conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Gastro Esophogeal Reflux (GERD), Chrohn’s disease, and Gastritis
• Align the pelvic bones
• Soften musculature
• Improve chronic constipation
• Enhance circulation of blood and lymph fluids
• Balance hormones
• Improve indigestion/heartburn
• Alleviate varicose veins
• Improve premature ejaculation
• Address impotency problems
• Improve frequent urination

The Health Benefits of Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby Pose)

We at CNY Healing Arts invite you to try out our version of Happy Baby Pose, also known as Dead Bug Pose. When performed correctly, this posture can provide significant relief to lower back pain or discomfort. The best part about it: as you lie there, this supine stretch works out kinks in your hips, back, and buttocks.

Precautions should be taken when doing Happy Baby or Dead Bug, especially if you suffer from a prior knee or neck injury. A prop, such as a folded blanket, may be used to support the neck while in this pose. Furthermore, a woman should not perform Ananda Balasana while pregnant, unless a skilled yoga practitioner modifies the pose for her separately.

Getting into Happy Baby Pose:

Begin by laying flat on your back. Exhale and bend the knees into the belly. Inhale and grip the outside of each foot with the corresponding hand. If you are performing Dead Bug Pose, hold on to the inside of each foot instead. If you find it difficult to grip your feet, try looping a belt or yoga strap over each sole and holding on to the ends of it. Open your knees slightly wider than your torso and bring them up towards your armpits. If you are performing Dead Bug Pose, your

Stack each ankle directly over the knee so that the shins are perpendicular to the floor. With gentle movements, push your feet up into your hands and pull down with your hands to create resistance. Flex your feet. Lengthen your spine as you bring your thighs into your torso and towards the floor.

Hold this posture for 30 seconds to a minute. Exhale and release the feet back to the floor. Rest for a few breaths before moving on.

Benefits of Happy Baby Pose:

• Releases lower back and sacrum
• Opens hips, inner thighs, and groin
• Stretches the hamstrings
• Relieves lower back pain
• Stretches and soothes the spine
• Calms the brain
• Helps relieve stress and fatigue

Maya Abdominal Massage for Women

Maya Abdominal Massage for Women

For thousands of years, Maya abdominal massage has been used all around the world to treat ailments of the reproductive and digestive systems. The technique has been passed down, generation after generation, through a string of healers, midwives, and shaman. This allows the development of many different methods of abdominal massage. Our staff at CNY Healing Arts uses the technique as practiced by Chicago native Dr. Rosita Arvigo, master herbalist and naprapathic physician.

Her methods, The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy, are inspired by traditional Mayan healing techniques and are based on her apprenticeship with Mayan healer Don Elijio Panti, as well as over 35 years of field and laboratory experience as a doctor. In short, these methods seek to restore our bodies to their natural state of balance.

Understand that, over time, your organs may shift place within your body and could be restricting the flow of blood, nerves, lymph fluid, and chi energy. Licensed practitioners of The Arvigo Techniques aim to help guide internal organs into correct position, especially those involved in reproduction. Maya Abdominal Massage also works to relieve congestion and/or blockage of the internal organs, thereby helping to restore health to the pelvic region.     

For women, Maya abdominal massage is performed on the abdomen and pelvis to help: 

• Bring the uterus into proper position
• Soften musculature
• Align the pelvic bones
• Enhance circulation of blood and lymph fluids
• Balance hormones 

Maya abdominal massage can also provide relief to a number of symptoms that may indicate a displaced uterus, tight diaphragm or twisted pelvis, including: 

• Painful periods and ovulation
• PMS
• Headaches/dizziness
• Infertility
• Bladder or yeast infections
• Endometriosis
• Uterine polyps
• Painful intercourse
• Depression
• Ovarian cysts
• Vaginitis
• Hormonal imbalances
• Difficult pregnancy and delivery
• Lower back pain
• Tired legs, numb feet, sore heels
• Varicose veins
• Chronic indigestion/heartburn
• Chronic constipation
• Gastritis
• Frequent or painful urination
• Bladder infections