Heaven

What is Reiki? The Answers to all your questions

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approach; a form of energy healing that works holistically. Discovered in 1922 by Dr. Mikao Usui, the term Reiki comes from the Japanese words “rei” meaning universal, and “ki”, which means vital life force energy that flows through all living things.

The practitioner acts as a channel, or vessel, to guide Reiki in order to release stagnant energy in the body or biofield caused by physical or emotional trauma (Rand, 2016). These stagnant energies can block the healthy flow of energy in the body’s organs, muscles, and cardiovascular system manifesting as pain, discomfort, or physical dysfunction (Rand, 2016). Reiki and the application of biofield energy can be scientifically explained by quantum physics.

Each part of a human’s body has its own electrical and magnetic fields that can be measured. For example, the heart’s electrical signals can be measured using an electrocardiogram. The heart has a much stronger electrical field than, for instance, the brain (Thrane & Cohen, 2014). The stronger the electrical field, the more powerful the magnetic field.

In the 1990s, Dr. John Zimmerman, measured the biomagnetic field coming from yoga, meditation and Qigong practitioners with a device called a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device, or SQID (Thrane & Cohen, 2014). The signals ranged from 0.3 to 30 Hertz, which can be comparable to device-generated pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units which are both used for pain relief, among other applications such as stroke rehabilitation and bone stimulation.

The chakra system originated in India between 1500 and 500 BC. Chakras, a Sanskrit language word meaning “wheel of life”, are energy centers found throughout the body. Each corresponds to certain nerve bundles and organs as well as physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual states of being.

There are seven main chakras that run along your spine. They start at the root, or base, of your spine and extend to the crown of your head. That said, some people believe you have at least 114 different chakras in the body.

To function at their best, your chakras need to stay open, or balanced. If they get blocked, you may experience physical or emotional symptoms related to a particular chakra. Through Reiki, imbalances, blockages, or stagnant energies due to physical and/or emotional trauma can be resolved.

What are the Benefits?

Reiki promotes the body’s natural healing process and addresses the whole person; body, emotions, mind and spirit. Recipients of Reiki experience stress and pain relief, deep state of relaxation, increased sense of peace and wellbeing, relief of depression, rid body of toxins, stimulate the body’s immune system, and stimulate tissue and bone healing after injury or surgery.

Reiki practitioners see patients for many conditions:

Chronic pain
Headaches & Migraines
Colds and Flu
Heart/Cardiovascular Diseases
Digestive problems & Crohn’s Disease
Stress-related illnesses
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Neurodegenerative Disorders
Parkinson’s disease
Cancer-Related Symptoms
Infertility
Moderate Autistic Behaviors

Are there any side-effects?

Reiki is a non-invasive treatment that can be implemented alongside any medications or medical treatments. The “side-effects” you may experience are positive ones- a sense of peace, calm and relaxation of the body.

What to expect during a Reiki treatment?

A typical Reiki healing session can last anywhere between 30 – 60 minutes, depending on the needs of the patient. There is typically no physical manipulation involved, however, light toughing may occur as the practitioner uses their hands to guide the flow of energy to the client. The practitioner acts as a vessel, guiding the energy, pulling from the crown, through their hands, to the patient. Some patients may feel warm, cold or tingling sensations, while others fall into a deep relaxation.

How many treatments are needed?

Reiki supports overall healing and well-being, so it is hard to predict how quickly specific symptoms may respond. If you are addressing a specific chronic condition, it could take at least 4 sessions before experiencing clinically significant benefits, however most people observe a prominent reduction in pain and anxiety from one session.

Can you give yourself a Reiki treatment?

Reiki is practiced in three degrees: First degree, second degree, and at a mastery level. Within these degrees of training, attunements allow you to become a vessel of Reiki, and move energy for yourself and others. While you can read about energy healing in a book and learn hand positions, until you have been attuned to channel reiki, you cannot truly practice reiki.Once you have received the first degree attunement you are able to treat yourself, and following the second degree attunement you are able to treat others.

Receiving a reiki attunement is a powerful spiritual experience, as your energetic pathways are opened by a reiki master. This energetic opening allows the reiki energy to flow freely through your body to impact your health and the health of others.

The feeling of an attunement is a personal one, but students often report that they feel a lightening of their body and tingling from their head to their toes as the energy pathways are opened.

How Long Does it Take To Become A Reiki Master?

Each Reiki degree, or level, is meant to build on the other to further deepen your understanding and practice. First and second degree Reiki practitioners require 8 – 12 hours of classroom training along with a committed 3 – 6 month practice prior to each attunement. Following your second degree attunement, 9 – 12 months of a committed practice and 10 -12 hours of classroom training are required to receive your master attunement.

Reiki has endless physical and emotional benefits without the harsh side-effects of other medical treatments. Reiki addresses the whole person, mind-body-spirit, and optimizes the body’s natural healing abilities. For this reason, Boundless Breath offers in-home Reiki Services as a part of their holistic practice, as well as attunements to fulfill your goals of becoming a Reiki-certified practitioner, or even a Reiki Master.

Contact us with any questions or set up your appointment.

Dr. Heaven Marculis, OTD, OTR/L received her B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in science from the University of South Florida. She went on to receive both her Master of Occupational Therapy and Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Dr. Marculis specializes in Complementary & Alternative Medicine with a Reiki Master/Teacher certification and is the founder of Boundless Breath LLC.

Reference

Rand, W. (2016). Reiki: The healing touch first and second degree manual. Healthy Harmony

6 Simple Steps to Grow Your Hair

Leave a Comment / Hair Health / By Heaven

For many women, there are few things more alarming than losing your hair. For many, our hair becomes a large part of our identity, the way we express ourselves; it carries a feminine energy, and is an excellent accessory.

Today, a reported 30 million women struggle with hair loss. While it’s normal to lose anywhere from 50 to 100 strands of hair a day, more than that can indicate an underlying issue. The culprit is usually harmless and can be caused by anything from genetics to how you are styling your hair. There’s no magic hair vitamin or DIY hack that’ll give you Rapunzel hair overnight. Typically, even healthier hair grows on average of half-an-inch every month. The most important thing to keep in mind is the healthier your scalp, the healthier your hair, the longer and quicker it will grow. It’s gonna take a while.

If you’ve noticed your hair seems to be on the thinner side lately, or you’re trying to grow your hair out from the disastrous self-cut during quarantine, use some of the tips below to remedy the problem. If you don’t start seeing results within a few months, your healthcare provider may be able to diagnose if your hair loss is caused by other underlying medical conditions like thyroid issues, stress, scalp infections, androgenic alopecia, or simply aging.

Follow these 6 hair-growth tricks to nudge those leisurely hair follicles in the right direction.

1. look at your hair Products

Washing hair daily may protect against hair loss by keeping the scalp healthy and clean. The key is to use a mild shampoo. Harsher formulas may dry hair and cause it to break, leading to hair loss.

Avoid products with these ingredients:

Sulfates– Sulfates are very strong detergents that work through a chemical reaction, in which they bind with the sebum on our scalp and with water. When you rinse out the shampoo, sulfates take all the oils and residue with them. But while cleansing, they can also damage the hair, make it brittle, and increase frizz.
Parabens– They are used to prevent bacteria from growing in cosmetics and shampoos. Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen and have been linked to increased growth of breast cancer cells.
Sodium Chloride– Or salt, is used to make the shampoo thicker, however can make the scalp itchy and lead to hair loss.
Alcohol– Most alcohols have a drying effect, and the higher up in the ingredients list they appear, the more alcohols the product contains. Some alcohols that are not as bad for dry hair begin with a “C” or an “S,” like Cetearyl alcohol and Stearyl alcohol. They can actually help your hair retain moisture. The ones that are bad if you already have dry hair usually have a “prop” in their name, like Isopropyl alcohol or propanol.
Synthetic fragrances & colors– Products that have “fragrance” on their label can contain thousands of hidden chemicals that irritate the scalp and can cause hair loss.
Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA)– DEA and TEA are also emulsifiers and foam agents that reduce surface tension so water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients can blend together. In 1998, researchers found a link between the topical application of DEA and cancer in animals, but the effects on humans are unclear. The European Commission has banned DEA in cosmetics.

2. Avoid Styling that is Damaging

Treat your hair with care when styling it. Be gentle. Avoid excessive heat from flat-ironing and blow-drying, as well as wearing tight pony-tails that can lead to shedding.

Chemical treatments, like perms or hair color, may also damage hair and scalp. Ask your stylist about alternatives, like organic hair dyes and others that don’t contain ammonia, peroxide, or para-phenylenediamine (PPD).

3. Diet

PROTEIN Hair follicles are made mostly of protein called keratin. Studies show that a number of women who struggle with hair loss have an underlying nutritional deficiencies, including amino acids that serve as the building blocks of protein. Researchers note that eating a diet rich in protein may help prevent hair loss. Healthy choices include foods like eggs, nuts, black beans, peas, fish, and seeds.

Dr. Marculis loves peanut butter. To start her day with a healthy dose of protein, she adds two scoops of Orgain’s Peanut Butter Protein Powder into her morning smoothie bowls.

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VITAMINS Scientists have determined that vitamins A, B, C, D, iron, selenium, and zinc are all important to the hair growth and retention processes, specifically with cell turnover.

- Vitamin A is composed in part of retinoids, which has been shown to increase the rate of hair growth. This vitamin may also help with sebum production, keeping the scalp healthier and able to retain more hairs. Fill your plate with foods rich in vitamin A, such as sweet potatoes, sweet peppers, and spinach, just to name a few.
- Vitamin B Some sources have suggested that vitamin B12 may play a role in hair health. Getting enough vitamin B12 is essential for overall health. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion suggest that adults should get 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 per day. Also, low levels of vitamin B7, or biotin, can lead to hair loss. A 2016 study in 541 females found a biotin deficiency in 38% of the participants who were experiencing hair loss. Always check with a doctor before trying supplements, as some can interfere with the effects of medication. Vitamin B complex contains B1, or thiamin, B2, or riboflavin, B3, or niacin, B5, or pantothenic acid. B6, or pyridoxine, B7, or biotin, B9, or folate and B12, or cobalamin.
- Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for damaged hair and thus, treats and prevents a variety of hair disorders which can damage the hair follicles and affect the normal growth of hair. A diet containing significant levels of Vitamin C can help combat alopecia and baldness in men.
- Vitamin D is metabolized in the skin by keratinocytes. These are skin cells that process keratin, a protein in hair, nails, and skin. When the body doesn’t have enough vitamin D, keratinocytes in hair follicles have trouble regulating hair growth and shedding.
- Iron The Journal of Korean Medical Science found that iron may not only play a role in hair loss, but it may cause hair to fall out in a fashion similar to that of genetic male- and female-pattern baldness. If you’re experiencing hair loss, you may notice more hair than usual in the shower drain or in your hairbrushes. In more advanced cases you may notice bald spots on your scalp. Most hair loss related to iron deficiency is not permanent. The best way to treat hair loss is to address the underlying cause of the problem. If you think your hair loss is related to an iron deficiency, consult a doctor to measure your iron levels. Your doctor will most likely order a ferritin level blood test, which measures the levels of a protein called ferritin that helps store iron.
- Selenium A scientific review noted that selenium is involved in creating hair. They report that newly forming hair takes up selenium after receiving trace elements from the blood. However, too much selenium can cause brittle hair and hair loss. The Institute of Medicine’s Food and Nutrition Board caps the safe daily intake of selenium at 400 micrograms for adults.
  - Evidence supports a link between selenium levels, iodine deficiencies and thyroid function, especially in women. Selenium is more concentrated in the thyroid than in other organ in the body, and it is important in the production and metabolism of thyroid hormone.

- Zinc plays an important role in hair tissue growth and repair. It also helps keep the oil glands around the follicles working properly. Hair loss is a common symptom of zinc deficiency. Studies show zinc supplements reduce hair loss caused by zinc deficiency, however, there are some anecdotal reports that supplementing with too high of a dose can also contribute to hair loss. The recommended daily intake of zinc is 8 – 11 mg but the recommended daily dose of the mineral is 15 mg delivered as a chelate. While the recommended doses are put on the safe side of treatment, some hair loss experts advocate an upper limit of 25 mg. However, to prevent excessive zinc intake, zinc supplementation should not be taken at this upper limit for longer than 2 – 3 weeks.

HERBS

Saw Palmetto A study revealed that around 60 percent of participants taking saw palmetto experienced improved hair growth. The dosage in the study was 200 milligrams daily.
Ginseng Ginseng has restorative qualities and is one of the most powerful adaptogens. It can improve appetite, digestion, tone skin and muscles, and restore depleted sexual energy. But furthermore, ginseng contains certain phytochemicals that may promote hair growth on the scalp.
Gingko Is shown to be a nontoxic and effective treatment for a variety of disorders and deficits of mental function and memory. Experimental evidence shows that Gingko biloba increases blood flow throughout the body, especially the head. With 6 to 8 weeks of continuous usage, the increased blood flow could improve mental activity as well as hair growth.

4. Hair Masks & Massage

Castor Oil Hair Mask is rich in proteins. A study showed that castor could help reduce split ends, hair damage, and dandruff. Anecdotal evidence suggests that castor oil also increases hair thickness and length, although there is not much research to prove it.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons of castor oil
2 tablespoons of coconut oil (to make the mask less dense and sticky).

Procedure

1. Mix the ingredients.
2. Massage the mixture onto your scalp and hair.
3. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then rinse it off with cold water.

Benefits

- Reduces frizz
- Encourages hair regrowth
- Prevents graying

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Rosemary Hair Mask Rosemary extract promoted hair growth in mice studies. It has antioxidant properties that fight free radicals and promote hair health.

Ingredients:

2-3tablespoons of well-chopped rosemary or 6 drops of rosemary essential oil
1 cup of coconut oil

Procedure

1. Simmer chopped rosemary in a cup of coconut oil fora few minutes. (Or add 6 drops of rosemary to the coconut oil and mix well)
2. After it has cooled, massage the liquid into your scalp.
3. Let it stay over night or for 30 minutes if in a rush and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

Benefits

- - Encourages hair regrowth
  - Strengthens the follicles
  - Fights off free radicals

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ReGRO Your Hair Mask was cultivated to reduce scalp inflammation and strengthen the hair follicles to promote thick, healthy hair growth. The mask’s ingredients include

Copaiba– Nature’s most powerful anti-inflammatory; reduces stress on the hair follicles.
Rosemary– Rosemary is one of the first essential oils people choose to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. Rosemary oil stimulates new hair growth and can be used to treat androgenetic alopecia.
Tea Tree- Rids scalp of the buildup of chemicals and dead skin. This keeps your hair healthy and moisturized, which can help it grow at its normal rate and prevent it from falling out.
Lavender – Stimulates hair growth. Some individuals state their hair also grew thicker and faster than normal.
Ylang Ylang– Improves hair texture and reduces hair breakage. The aroma assists with anxiety, frustration, stress and fear.
Peppermint- Is a vasodilator and increases circulation improving hair health, hair growth and prevent some hair loss. Peppermint also imparts a freshened smell and tingly sensation on the skin and scalp.
Castor Oil– Is rich in ricinoleic acid—a type of fatty acid found to fight inflammation. When applied to the scalp, it’s purported to enhance the health of the hair follicles and, in turn, promote hair growth (as well as protect against hair loss).

Procedure

Massage into scalp twice a week for 6 weeks to see results. It’s that simple.

Benefits of ReGRO Hair Mask

Reduces scalp inflammation
Strengthens hair follicles
Stimulates new hair growth
Increases blood circulation to scalp
Fights free radicals
Prevents scalp build up

5. Manage Stress

Any number of stressful situations can trigger hair loss, including pregnancy, chronic illness, injury, relationship issues, financial concerns, poor nutrition, surgery, medications such as antidepressants, and even jet lag. To counteract stress and protect your hair, try these tips:

Learn and practice relaxation techniques (such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga) regularly
Get regular exercise, which helps manage stress and its effects
Spend time with positive people — isolating yourself can make stress worse
Seek professional help from a therapist
Eat a healthy diet and take a multivitamin if your doctor recommends it.

Hair loss from stress doesn’t have to be permanent. If it continues, talk to a doctor.

6. Medical Treatments

Laser Therapy- Low-level laser therapy, also known as red light therapy and cold laser therapy, irradiates photons into scalp tissues. These photons are absorbed by weak cells to encourage hair growth. It’s widely accepted that the procedure is safe, tolerable, and less invasive than hair transplant surgery. The theory of laser treatment for hair loss is that the low-dose laser treatments invigorate circulation and stimulation that encourages hair follicles to grow hair. You can purchase a laser system to provide treatments in the comfort of your own home.

Try iRestore Laser Hair Growth System

Platelet Rich Plasma- PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy for hair loss is a three-step medical treatment in which a person’s blood is drawn, processed, and then injected into the scalp. Some in the medical community think that PRP injections trigger natural hair growth and maintain it by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft. Sometimes this approach is combined with other hair loss procedures or medications. There hasn’t been enough research to prove if PRP is an effective hair loss treatment. However, PRP therapy has been in use since the 1980s. It’s been used for problems such as healing injured tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

Minoxidil- Minoxidil solution and foam are used to help hair growth in the treatment of male pattern baldness. It is not used for baldness at the front of the scalp or receding hairline in men. The foam and 2 percent minoxidil solution is also used to help hair growth in women with thinning hair.Minoxidil belongs to a class of drugs known as vasodilators. It is not known how minoxidil causes hair growth. This medication is not used for sudden/patchy hair loss, unexplained hair loss (for example, if you have no family history of hair loss), or hair loss after giving birth. However, when you stop using the product, the hair will return to the point where it would have been, not back to where it was when treatment started, as untreated hair thinning is a progressive problem.

As you can see, there are many ways to help grow your hair faster, but it may take some time for you to see the fruits of your labor. Don’t get discouraged! Focusing on putting more love into your hair and the way you take care of it on a daily basis will go a long way. As hair typically only grows about a 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch every month, patience is key. If you’re experiencing difficulties growing out your hair after giving our recommendations a try, contact your doctor to make sure there isn’t an underlying issue.

How Can you Benefit From Holistic OT?

Leave a Comment / Holistic OT / By Heaven

The holistic approach to occupational therapy is becoming more mainstream. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) supports the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) as more and more research suggests significant benefits for optimizing the healing process.

People seek help from an occupational therapist because of injury, illness, or limitations brought on by a disability. An occupational therapist can improve a person’s fine motor skills, such as getting dressed in the morning or the ability to prepare a meal. Holistic occupational therapy is a combination of the licensed medical practice of occupational therapy combined with holistic approaches for healing the physical, emotional, and spiritual body. Because of this whole-person approach, people are seeking holistic occupational therapists for solutions when suffering from pain, depression, as well as acute and chronic injuries.

Are you facing obstacles that are impeding on your daily life?

Whether you want to make big changes to your daily routine and lifestyle, or are looking for help in just one area such as pain management, the owner of Boundless Breath, Dr. Heaven A. Marculis, OTD, OTR/L, has made it her passion to help people of all ages rediscover their healing potential. Focusing on your overall wellness, Dr. Marculis integrates many types of therapies into her clinical practice.

The Services of Boundless Breath

Boundless Breath’s mission is to help people rediscover their healing potential, offering an holistic approach to health and wellness through meditation, reiki, yoga, occupational therapy services and therapeutic exercise of the mind and body. Boundless Breath offers a holistic approach to health and wellness. Here are just a few of the services Boundless Breath proudly provides:

1. Reiki

“Energy Healing” or Reiki, is an ancient Japanese healing technique that transfers energy fields around the body, channeling the universal energy to restore one’s energy that may be depleted, imbalanced or restricted by stress, injury or illness. “Rei” meaning universal, and “ki” meaning vital life force energy that flows through all living things, Reiki balances one’s energy, allowing for the body’s own innate healing abilities to restore.

The conditions that can be treated by Reiki are chronic pain, cancer, digestive problems, Parkinson’s disease, stress-related diseases, sleep dysfunction, and many more.

Relieving pain, stimulating healing after injury or surgery, stimulating the body’s own immune systems, detoxifying the body, and a person’s ability to feel a deep state of relaxation and experience the removal of stress are just a few of the benefits one can experience with Reiki.

2. Guided Meditation

Boundless Breath can also guide you through meditation, whether it be mindfulness, guided imagery or mantra.
Being mindful involves paying attention, slowing down and taking note of what is around you at the given moment, accepting yourself and learning to focus on your breathing.

Guided imagery helps one to relax, which can lower blood pressure and reduce stress related illness. Guided imagery is a meditative approach that can not only be used to reduce stress but it can help manage pain and help you reach your goals such as losing weight.

A mantra is a syllable, word, or phrase that is repeated during meditation. Mantras can be spoken, chanted, whispered or repeated in the mind. For many, mantra meditation helps them to relax at a deeper level and serves as a deeper spiritual purpose.

3. Yoga & Breathwork

Yoga & breathwork helps an individual move past any emotional and energetic blockages they may be experiencing to get themselves to a more relaxed and calming state. This reduces stress, anxiety and depression. Breathwork is the conscious control of breathing that influences an individual’s physical, mental and emotional state while yoga can enhance an individual’s use of breath, stamina and energy to assist with resilience to daily stressors.

The combination of yoga & breathwork helps has been shown to decrease pain while relaxing muscles, decrease stress while improving strength, flexibility and balance.

4. Aromatherapy

As a form of alternative medicine, the use of aromatherapy is on the rise. The inhaled aroma from oils extracted from flowers, leaves, roots, bark or other parts of a plant enhances psychological and physical well-being. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin and GI tract to promote pain relief, mood enhancement and increase cognitive function. An example is jasmine, an aroma which is commonly used to fight depression.

5. Therapeutic Exercise Programs

Therapeutic exercises differ according to the purpose. Whether your focus is range of motion, muscle performance, postural alignment, or rehabilitation following an injury, Dr. Marculis will work with you through an exercise program that will relieve pain, stimulate blood flow, enhance mood, and activate your body’s own healing processes.

6. Pain Management

Pain management can be both simple or complex depending on the cause. Many live with debilitating pain without realizing that the pain is a subjective experience influenced by moods, emotions, and perceptions. If you change these variables, you can change your experience of pain.

Two types of pain are nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain. Nociceptive pain is typically the result of tissue injury whereas neuropathic pain is caused by damage or disease that affects the nervous system. Inflammatory pain is caused by an abnormal inflammation and functional pain is pain with an obvious origin such as fibromyalgia.

When pain is not addressed properly, it can become chronic. A consultation would be needed to pinpoint the type and source of pain in order to effectively select the type of treatment that would work best to get you back on the road to a pain free life.

We can help

Holistic Occupational Therapy can assist people physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. They can support the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Holistic Occupational Therapists can help people in ways that go beyond what we have originally thought possible. I am seeing some evidence of this, that more health care providers will learn holistic therapies, and that it will be a specialty in all professions. Perhaps, in time the term holistic will be absorbed in to best practices for care.

At Boundless Breath we are here to assess and guide your healing whether it’s post-injury, disease, chronic pain, or emotional trauma. Follow the contact link for further assistance.

Aloha

Common questions

Can any of the services offered be done in my home, or do I have to travel?

Boundless Breath offers both in-person and telehealth services. You can schedule a meeting on-line at www.boundlessbreath.com

What services provided by Boundless Breath are covered with insurance, and what types of insurance does Boundless Breath accept?

Occupational therapy and pain management services are covered by most insurance companies. These services may include complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) if the therapist deems appropriate, otherwise CAM services can be purchased cash, venmo and paypal.

Protected: THE JOURNEY TO FREEDOM

Uncategorized / By Heaven

Meditation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: 5 Essential Tips

15 Comments / Meditation / By Heaven

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, meditation and mindfulness ranks as one of the lowest cost but most beneficial practices. During this time, many are experiencing some form of stress which in turn, can result in sleep issues, anxiety and depression. You can cultivate inner peace and improve your overall well-being by committing to meditation on a daily basis.

Learn About the Benefits

Perhaps you don’t feel very motivated to start meditating, even if you do feel stressed and worn down by the pandemic. But learning more about the benefits might prompt you to give it a try! According to Boundless Breath, meditation can help to soothe your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which allows you to feel more relaxed while you’re awake and sleep better at night. And during times like these, we all deserve to relax!

Other benefits of meditation include:

Reduces pain and enhances the body’s immune system
Reduces feelings of anxiety and depression
Provides a sense of calm
Reduces stress
Increases energy
Helps with insomnia
Slows heart rate and increases blood flow
Promotes self-love

How to begin your meditation journey at home

1. Pick a time

Don’t believe you have to spend a lot of time to reap the benefits from meditation. In fact, just 5 to 10 minutes a day can help relieve stress and reduce blood pressure. Whether you choose a few minutes in the morning, evening or both, you will begin to feel the benefits. The benefit of making meditation a part of your day is more important than the amount of time spent, so don’t worry so much about how much time you have, but rather, make the effort to fit it in your daily routine.

2. Set Up Your Space

Where should you meditate? It can be hard to find a space, especially if you live in a crowded household! Start by decluttering and deep cleaning your home to make the environment feel fresh and vibrant again. Sometimes, cleaning each room can relieve the tension in your household. Plus, leaving the windows open will bring in some positive energy! Find a corner where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. You may want to purchase a comfortable meditation cushion or mat. Get creative with decor, flowers, and incense to set the mood, or diffuse our Anxiety Elixir essential oil to help promote a sense of calm during your practice!

3. Be Consistent

Whether you choose mornings or evenings, try to be consistent. Just like any habit or routine, once it becomes part of your daily routine, it will soon be something you can’t go without.

4. Get Comfortable

Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to breathe freely.

5. Best Positioning

No, you don’t have to sit cross legged on the floor to meditate. If sitting on the sofa or in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and arms uncrossed and relaxed is more comfortable for you, then that is the best position for you. You may also use a meditation cushion or stool. Don’t be afraid to try different postures. You know you found the right one when you can remain in your seat without any pain and discomfort for the entire duration of your session.

Your First Session

You’re just about ready to meditate — but you might be wondering what to do during your first session. Anyone has the ability to meditate, but if you’ve never tried it before, you may feel a little confused. First try sitting down in your designated meditation space, positioning yourself with your back straight, closing your eyes, and simply focusing on the rhythm of your breath. Set a timer for about ten minutes at most so that you get an idea of how it feels. In the future, you can sit for longer sessions! If you need help getting started, scheduling a few sessions with Boundless Breath will help you establish a foundation of knowledge for meditation.

Other Healing Practices to Incorporate in your Meditation Routine

If you want to deepen your meditation practice, try to incorporate additional therapeutic techniques including aromatherapy and sound healing. Consider using all natural, organic and pure essential oils for aromatherapy in order to heighten mental and spiritual awareness during your meditation session! Essential oils are sourced from plants that have been cold-pressed or steam distilled. These oils have potent therapeutic qualities.

It’s easy to enjoy aromatherapy at home — all you need are a few essential oils and a diffuser. With just a few drops of oil, you can completely transform the atmosphere in a room. Aromatherapy can help you let go of anxiety, fall asleep more easily, and feel more energized. Boundless Breath offers personalized aromatherapy serums and blends to address each client’s particular needs.

Go Further

Maybe you’ve been meditating for a while, and you’re ready to take your practice to the next level. What can you do to get more out of each session? Consider spending some time thinking about everything in life that you’re grateful for before you start your meditation timer. You could also write down a few intentions or affirmations that you want to reflect on while you meditate.

You may want to consider doing yoga before you meditate. Moving your body beforehand can help you focus your mind when you sit down for a session! Yoga does not have to be physically taxing – a few simple poses will have a positive effect.

Meditating on a regular basis can slowly change your life, which is why Boundless Breath offers this ancient practice as part of our Holistic Occupational Therapy, Complementary & Alternative Medicines, and Pain Management Services. You may not notice the benefits overnight, but as you continue to meditate, you’ll find yourself feeling calmer on a day to day basis. With consistent practice, meditation will become an essential part of your routine, and it can change your perspective on this pandemic.

Are you interested in the benefits of holistic healing? Boundless Breath also offers guided mindfulness sessions that include:

Mindset and awareness check-ins
Mindful somatic movement to stretch and improve circulation
Breathing techniques to calm the nervous system
Guided meditation for mind-body healing, connection and grounding

Boundless Breath offers several options for personalized holistic healing programs in beautiful locations! Call us today at 727-458-5738 to learn more about our practices.

What is Reiki?

What are the Benefits?

Are there any side-effects?

What to expect during a Reiki treatment?

How many treatments are needed?

Can you give yourself a Reiki treatment?

How Long Does it Take To Become A Reiki Master?

1. look at your hair Products

2. Avoid Styling that is Damaging

3. Diet

4. Hair Masks & Massage

5. Manage Stress

6. Medical Treatments

Are you facing obstacles that are impeding on your daily life?

The Services of Boundless Breath

1. Reiki

2. Guided Meditation

3. Yoga & Breathwork

4. Aromatherapy

5. Therapeutic Exercise Programs

6. Pain Management

We can help

Common questions

Learn About the Benefits

How to begin your meditation journey at home

1. Pick a time

2. Set Up Your Space

3. Be Consistent

4. Get Comfortable

5. Best Positioning

Your First Session

Other Healing Practices to Incorporate in your Meditation Routine

Go Further

Based In Maui

About Us