Breathe deeply.
Relaxation is the key to wellness!
Meditative practices have thrived in many cultures for thousands of years. Today, modern medicine is finally uncovering the science within these ancient mysteries. Regularly practicing the “Relaxation Response” (Rest-Digest-and-Repair), which is the opposite of the “Stress Response” (Fight-Flight-or-Freeze), has a direct effect on our health and well-being. Whether it’s Qigong, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Reiki, Meditation, or your own favorite method, daily relaxation practice can help to regulate and balance your heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, nervous system, immune system, digestion, and mental clarity. Newer research is proving that a regular relaxation practice actually alters genetic activity. Humans have approximately 25,000 genes, and each gene provides the instructions to produce proteins (gene expression). Multiple studies have shown that the relaxation response facilitates healing on the physical level, changing the expression of genes associated with immune response, inflammation, and premature aging. And it’s no secret that practicing relaxation can facilitate healing at the mental-emotional level, whether we’re dealing with illness, chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, depression, or just the regular stress of daily living. Harvard Medical School professor Herbert Benson, M.D., states, “…because all health conditions have some stress component, it is no overstatement to say that virtually every single health problem and disease can be improved with a mind body approach.” The only challenge is making the time and the commitment to doing the “work” of relaxing. Find your favorite ways to practice, and practice regularly.
Relaxation is a skill you cultivate over time. Explore these gentle ways to relax...
Meditative practices have thrived in many cultures for thousands of years. Today, modern medicine is finally uncovering the science within these ancient mysteries. Regularly practicing the “Relaxation Response” (Rest-Digest-and-Repair), which is the opposite of the “Stress Response” (Fight-Flight-or-Freeze), has a direct effect on our health and well-being. Whether it’s Qigong, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Reiki, Meditation, or your own favorite method, daily relaxation practice can help to regulate and balance your heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, nervous system, immune system, digestion, and mental clarity. Newer research is proving that a regular relaxation practice actually alters genetic activity. Humans have approximately 25,000 genes, and each gene provides the instructions to produce proteins (gene expression). Multiple studies have shown that the relaxation response facilitates healing on the physical level, changing the expression of genes associated with immune response, inflammation, and premature aging. And it’s no secret that practicing relaxation can facilitate healing at the mental-emotional level, whether we’re dealing with illness, chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, depression, or just the regular stress of daily living. Harvard Medical School professor Herbert Benson, M.D., states, “…because all health conditions have some stress component, it is no overstatement to say that virtually every single health problem and disease can be improved with a mind body approach.” The only challenge is making the time and the commitment to doing the “work” of relaxing. Find your favorite ways to practice, and practice regularly.
Relaxation is a skill you cultivate over time. Explore these gentle ways to relax...
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Qigong & Tai ChiQigong (pronounced CHEE-GOONG) is a gentle yet powerful Chinese self-healing practice that includes meditative movement, breathing, focus, and healing imagery. Practicing Qigong (and its martial arts offspring Tai Chi) can increase vitality, strengthen your resistance to cancer and illness, enhance the immune system, energize the lymphatic system, strengthen digestion, relieve stress and pain, prevent injury, strengthen balance to prevent falls, improve cardiovascular and respiratory function, and leave you feeling blissful.
Tai Chi Qigong Classes Tai Chi Private Sessions Tai Chi Qigong DVDs Love Qigong? Join the NQA! |
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ReikiReiki (pronounced RAY-KEY) is a Japanese natural healing art. By placing hands on or near the recipient's body, the Reiki therapist becomes a vessel through which the healing energy flows, cleansing and strengthening the client's energy system to promote natural healing. Reiki aids in relieving stress, emotional trauma, physical pain, and illness, and promotes a sense of soothing balance, revitalization, and harmony. It is like pressing a re-set button, allowing your energy to find a more clear and spacious vibration.
Reiki Private Sessions Reiki Certification Training |
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Mindfulness & MeditationMindfulness is the practice of being present for your life. MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) is an 8-week course where participants learn to skillfully navigate stress, emotion, uncertainty, discomfort, and the changing nature of life, using tools such as meditation, body scans, easy yoga stretches, and mindful movement. The MBSR approach cultivates your ability to observe each moment as it unfolds and engage with whatever arises, whether pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral, and has proven to be helpful for stress, chronic pain, illness, anxiety, depression, and more.
MBSR Classes Relaxation & Mindfulness CDs |
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Yin YogaSink into stillness, resting in seated and reclining postures held for 1-5 minutes. Yin Yoga poses safely stretch dense connective tissues (tendons, ligaments, & fascia) through soft, sustained traction, increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility. Yin Yoga poses are designed to improve and increase the flow of the subtle energy (Qi) that runs through the meridian pathways of the body. Free flowing Qi cultivates organ health, immunity, and emotional well-being. Yin Yoga practice is deeply therapeutic for body, heart-mind, and spirit.
Yin Yoga Classes Yin Yoga DVDs |
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Restorative YogaRelax deeply for 20-30 minutes in each gentle supported pose, quieting your body and mind. These postures are shown to reduce stress and lower blood pressure, among other health benefits. You’ll use props to help support your body in positions that promote relaxation and prevent strain. Poses are safe yet effective for beginners, older adults, and people with ongoing pain or illness. Participants must be physically capable of getting up and down from the floor without assistance.
Restorative Yoga Classes Restorative Yoga Healing Sessions |
Tai Chi Easy
Lori teaches Tai Chi Easy in Private Sessions and at Kaiser Permanente, a simple 5-movement adapted Tai Chi form developed by Dr. Roger Jahnke. Tai Chi evolved from Qigong as an internal martial art, and promotes many of the same benefits as Qigong, including mental focus, mind-body connection, strength, and balance.
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Heart-Style Tai Chi (short form)
Lori teaches Heart-Style Tai Chi at Kaiser Permanente, a simple 5-movement Tai Chi form excerpted from the teachings of Mark Johnson and Master Ni Hua-Ching. This powerful form incorporates Qigong cosmology into classic Taijiquan movements to revitalize your body and heartmind.
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Heart-Style Tai Chi (long form)
In private sessions, Lori teaches the full version of the Heart-Style Tai Chi form, as taught by Mark Johnson from the lineage of Master Ni Hua-Ching. This powerful form incorporates Qigong cosmology into classic Taijiquan movements to revitalize your body and heartmind.
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Wudang Tai Chi 18
In private sessions, Lori teaches the Wudang Tai Chi 18 Form as learned from Master Zhou Jinbo in the Daoist Wudang Mountains of Hubei, China.