One Woman's Healing Journey

I never thought I would become a Holistic Practitioner using an ancient technique passed down by Healers and Midwives to help women with fertility, PMS and endometriosis, among many other maladies such as constipation, lower back pain and the like.

I became a massage therapist in 1999. After receiving my degree in Psychology in 1997 I realized for myself the best way to release emotion was through the body, not by talk alone. Becoming a massage therapist opened many healing doors for me. I realized that every person I touched also touched me and in doing so deepened my compassion for people and for my own healing process.

During my last semester of massage school I was taking a class given by a wonderful Holistic Nurse practitioner and Amma Therapist. During that semester my daughter woke up from a nightmare and came to my bedroom, scared and crying. My first response was to rub her belly. I honestly didn't know what I was doing, but it seemed to help and she went back to sleep.

The next day, after class I spoke with my teacher about what happened the night before and asked her what suggestions she had if she had been in that situation. She asked me to show her what I had done so she could give me feedback. I showed her how I rubbed my daughter's belly and she asked, "Where did you learn this technique?" I told her I was half asleep and didn't know. She then told me she had just gone to learn this ancient technique in Texas called Maya Abdominal and Uterine Massage. I was speechless.

I knew I needed to find out more about this for myself. I had a prolapsed uterus since I was a child caused by a fall from a tree. I had a history of ovarian cysts and fibroids. I had developed Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in 1991 and had exploratory abdominal surgery, which caused my Uterus and Bladder to further prolapse and adhere together. I was told I would need a pessary, a plastic invasive device to hold up the uterus, if I didn't do surgery.

I took this as a sign to heal myself. I gave it a try and after three months of weekly sessions my uterus and bladder were no longer adhered. My hands were always cold for as long as I could remember, but after the Maya Abdominal work I had circulation. I was truly amazed at how quickly I was healing.

I knew that I needed to learn this work and share it with others. I knew this would become my life's work.

Maya Abdominal Massage has been practiced for centuries in Belize, Central America. This gentle uterine correction is a painless, external, noninvasive technique where I guide the uterus into its correct position through massage of the pelvic area. The technique aims to relieve obstruction to the flow of Qi (bioenergy), blood and lymph. The benefits of Maya Abdominal & Uterine Massage are improvement of circulation of blood, lymph, & Qi as well as optimum nerve function to the Uterus, Bladder and Rectum. Emotional armoring is released and Chakras are balanced. An overall sense of well-being, harmony and vitality is attained.

I am happy to say I have completed the Professional and Certification Apprenticeships as well as Teacher Training for The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal & Uterine Massage with Dr. Rosita Arvigo in Massachusetts, Belize and New Hampshire. It is an honor to be able to practice a tradition that is ancient and yet timely; helping women empower themselves by teaching them this ancient technique. I feel a real sense of honor with each new client that opens her heart and her belly to me. It is a very vulnerable place, a place we all like to keep covered and hidden. It is also our place of creativity and power. A healthy belly creates a healthy life.

My teacher's teacher Don Eligio Panti said it beautifully:

A woman's uterus is her center, if it is out of balance, then her entire life will be imbalanced. The uterus is a woman's "second brain" and comprises the spiritual center of her being. - Don Eligio Panti

Physical Therapy Tips - Everything You Need To Know

Even though physical therapy information has now been available for quite some time and physical therapy is growing in popularity day by day, it still is not the first thing that comes to mind, unless the doctor recommends it. There are so many benefits of physical therapy that it can be good for a patient in a number of ways. Physical therapy information is easily accessible and should be studied before starting sessions so that you are fully knowledgeable about what to expect.

Improving and maintaining the body's mobility is physical therapy's primary objective. This objective is attained by applying various treatment methods. Only person evaluation by the physical therapist can help in deciding the most suitable treatment plan for individual requirements since like doctors, physical therapists are also specialists. Physical therapists may specialise in orthopedics, pediatrics or sports physical therapy, among others. All of them are suitably trained for their particular specialisation and are capable of recognising the symptoms and suggesting customised treatment plans. A doctor or a physical therapist can tell you whether you need the services of a specialist physical therapist.

Physical therapy information is listed in the phone book, so is easily accessible. All details such as location, specialisation and charges of physical therapist are available from the phone book. Once you have short listed a physical therapist, consult with your doctor. Even a joint consultation with your doctor and the physical therapist you have chosen may be beneficial as the physical therapist can suggest treatment and the doctor can provide the evaluation and monitoring.

There is plenty of physical therapy information available online as well. There are specialist websites that list information about physical therapists and also about what they do and how they perform their wonders, in case you want to learn more. The website of American Physical Therapy Association gives information on physical therapy and lists details about therapists by state, so that it is easily accessible. The techniques and procedures adopted by physical therapists and their benefits to the affected parts of the body are described in detail. It makes it easier to understand treatment through physical therapy.

Being inquisitive, getting the physical therapy information and understanding it well will ensure that you know what you are getting into. It will also make you comfortable with your physical therapist and significantly increase the quality and speed of healing. Getting physical therapy information not only will make you well informed about the treatment you are getting but also improve your health and secure your peace of mind.

Medical Benefits of Massage Therapy

Health experts and professionals estimate that up to ninety percent of disease is stress-related. Perhaps nothing ages us more quickly, both internally and externally, than high stress. The effects of stress can affect many systems of the body from the central nervous system, the muscular system, the reproductive system, the respiratory system, the cardivascular, the immune system and even the lymphatic system. Stress can affect hormone levels which can result in a low or non-existent libido to trouble conceiving or infertility.

The effects of overtaxing the parasympathetic nervous system can also result in muscle tightness which causes pain, stiffness and leaves peoeple feeling tight and stiff. Stress can disrupt healthy breathing patterns which result in shortness or constrictedness of breath which results in less oxygen to the muscles and organs which impairs its ability to heal, repair and rejuevenate. The cardiovascular system can also be affected which can result in higher blood pressure which puts one at risk for cardiovasuclar disease or heart attacks. People often eat more as a coping mechanism when they feel high levels of stress which can result in obesity and all the other comobidities that often accompany weight gain such as cardiovasulcar disease, diabetes and stress on the joints of the body carrying excess weight such as the knees.

There are a variety of integrative health care or holistic health care modalities that can help to manage stress such as yoga, meditation, controlled breathing exercises and massage.

Massage has proven to be an effective tool for managing stress, which translates into decreased anxiety as well as enhanced sleep quality. Sleep is one of the most important biological processes for the body and mind since that is when the body is able to heal and repair on a deep and sustained level. One of the most ideal times to receive a massage is just before going to sleep.

Other benefits of massage include:greater energy, improved concentration, increased circulatio as well as reduced fatigue. Therapeutic massage can also help specifically address many chronic health issues. Regular bodywork can: alleviate low-back pain, correct imbalance and poor posture and improve range of motion.

Prenatal massage should be done by a massage therapist specifically trained to address the health needs of a pregnant women. It can assist with shorter, more manageable childbirth for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.

Other health benefits of massage can include ease of medication dependence, enhanced immunity by stimulating lymphatic flow which is the body's natural defense system.

For athletes, regular massage therapy is a critical compoent to allieviate and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles. Massage therapists often assist athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts with regular sessions.

Massage improves the condition of the body's largest organ--the skin. It is important to use natural or organic lotions or oils when massaging since the skin will absorb it and the components of them will go into the bloodstream.

Other critical effects of massage include:Increase of joint flexibility, decrease in depression and anxiety, promotion of tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks, oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital internal organs, improving circulation and cardiovascular flow, the release of endorphins-- that work as the body's natural painkiller.

Connecting With Peers in Cyber School

One of the biggest fears for parents considering online learning is that their children will not have the same social experience a traditional school offers. While the concern is justified, you might be surprised by all the social opportunities available to online students.

Online learning has greatly developed throughout the years. There are very few limitations to what cyber schools can offer students, and that includes social interactions. Pennsylvania cyber schools make it easy for students to engage in both learning and socialization.

Online Classrooms

Online classrooms offer a unique learning opportunity for students. Through the use of a computer, web cam, microphone and live classroom technology, students can ask questions, answer questions and participate in live discussions with instructors and classmates. Online classrooms incorporate interactive tools and lessons to create a lively classroom environment.

Clubs and Activities

Making friends through a Pennsylvania cyber school is easier than you may think. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and activities that allow them to meet and interact with students that share their interests. From chess clubs to art clubs, virtual schools make it easy for every student to get involved.

In addition to activities offered directly through the school, online learners have the opportunity to spend more time participating in their local communities. Because their educational schedule is flexible, they have the freedom to take part is extracurricular activities and service projects that the schedule of a traditional school might not accommodate.

Through online school clubs and activities students can:

• Easily make friends
• Develop valuable leadership skills
• Connect with students all across the country
• Expand their interests
• Pursue their interests

Online School Field Trips

Through Pennsylvania cyber schools, students can take field trips that are educational and fun. From museums to state parks, students will be able to supplement their online learning with a variety of interactive field trips. Not only will they have the opportunity to learn and explore new things, but they will have the chance to interact with other online school students, teachers and parents.

Student-Teacher Interaction

When choosing a Pennsylvania cyber school, know that your child will benefit from instructors trained in the nuances of teaching in a virtual classroom. The teachers in a cyber school work closely together to ensure they are offering a high-quality, personalized education for each student.

Through the use of interactive tools, teachers and students interact in real-time. Because cyber school teachers often interact directly with students on a one-on-one basis, they get to know each of their students better than they might have in a traditional classroom setting.

A Pennsylvania cyber school offers students the ideal solution to getting the education they deserve, while also getting the social interaction they need. Online schools in Pennsylvania are designed to offer children the optimal learning environment, so rest assured that a cyber school will be a positive transition for your child.

Forest Hills Physical Therapy: Restoring Your Balance

Learning to live with Vertigo can be quite a challenge, but a physical therapist can make the process much easier for you. Before we go any further, though, we should point out that there are certain symptoms which, should they ever accompany your vertigo, would be reasons to seek out immediate medical attention. These symptoms include a change in alertness, difficulty speaking, and double vision. Vertigo itself is just the sensation of spinning, even when you're standing perfectly still. It does warrant medical attention, but alone, it does not constitute a dire emergency. It has multiple causes, and the vast majority of them involve the inner ear in one way or another.

Some people don't immediately think of physical therapy in conjunction with vertigo, but there is actually a lot that a physical therapist can do to help. For example, there are various head and neck movements which can get you moving again and help you keep your vertigo under control. Often, too, it's certain activities that trigger vertigo. If that's the case with you, then your therapist will really be of benefit. He or she can show you how to do those activities in different ways which will help you reduce your dizziness. If any of those activities also cause fatigue, then those will be given priority.

A large portion of a physical therapist's treatment of vertigo will consist of coaching you through various types of exercises. The particular exercises your therapist chooses will obviously depend on which specific symptoms you have. In general, these exercises have three overall goals. Clearly, one of those goals is to improve your balance. Another goal is to help your brain "correct" the differences between it and your inner ears. You will also be helped to improve your focus and vision. In addition to these exercises, your therapist will also suggest some that are intended simply to improve your overall health.

Some people don't realize this, but there are actually therapists with more specific specialties than simply physical therapy in general. If you suffer from vertigo, then you may want to look for a therapist who has completed a fellowship in neurological physical therapy. Such a therapist would be particularly well suited to addressing vertigo. Keep in mind, though, that all of them are qualified to treat people with dizziness. Thus, if you get a recommendation from a friend, family member, or your doctor, then it's definitely worth calling to set up an appointment.

If you or a loved one is suffering from Vertigo, Gait Impairment, or Balance issues, contact the physical therapists at Forest Hills Rehabilitation to see how we can help.

The Benefits of Massage

Massage has many benefits that you may not think about when you consider going for one. Most people believe that this is simply a way to relax after a stressful time. While this is one of the reasons why people go for massages it is not the only benefit that comes from this.

The benefits that you get from massage

There are many benefits that come from massage that you may not know about. Having some idea about the benefits may help you decide if a massage is what you need.

• Reducing pain is the most commonly known benefit of massages. During the day you may not notice the tensions and strain you put your body through. Back pain is something that many people suffer from and massage is one of the best ways to relieve the tension in the muscles that cause this problem.

• Improving digestion is a benefit that most people do not know about. This happens through the movement of blood in the body while you are having the massage. The added blood flow will increase the functioning your organs which will result in digestion working better.

• Increase in mobility. Mobility can be impaired through a number of things and one is the formation of lactic acid in the muscles. This often happens after exercise particularly if the body is not used to it. Massage helps to break down the lactic acid crystals in the muscles which help with mobility. Additionally the increase in blood flow helps joints to work as they should.

• Calming of aggressive behaviour. This is something that many people don't think about. The use of massage will help you with emotional problems which come from suffering from tension and stress. As the massages releases the tension you will find that aggressive behaviour will decrease as your frustration decreases along with your tension.

• Studies have been done to show that white blood cell production can be increased through massage therapy. This is particularly helpful in children as the study showed that children massage by their parents have increased white blood cell counts.

Doing massage courses to help people

If you want to be able to help people then you might want to consider doing some massage courses. As there are so many benefits to massage it is a good way to help people. Of course when you are looking into a massage course you need to make sure it is worth your while. There are certain things that the course should cover including anatomy and various techniques you can use. It is also best that some form of theory is done so you understand what exactly is happening to the body. At the end of the course it would be ideal for some form of certificate to be provided. Just make sure that the certificate is accredited.

Massage can offer a wide range of benefits and this is why many doctors recommend it for people recovering from surgery. The benefits you can get from this are not only physical but also emotional and psychological.

What Is the Easiest Way to Become an Occupational Therapist?

Preparation needed for the job as an occupational therapist begins before training. Occupational therapists must possess specific personality traits to be successful because effective management of professional careers is often stressful. Occupational therapists must be supportive, understanding, compassionate and insightful. People with career aspirations to become an occupational therapist must also have strong interpersonal skills, as they should be able to inspire respect and trust with their customers. Occupational therapists must also have a strong imagination to help or adjust activities based on customer needs in a variety of settings.

To become an occupational therapist, usually, one should have a college degree and work experience or a master's degree to qualify for a job in a mental home, or in the clinic as well as certification and licensure. Educational training and preparation for a career as an occupational therapist can begin as early as secondary education. Courses such as biology, art, social sciences, chemistry, health, and psychology can provide a solid foundation for building a future and successful professional. In addition, volunteering as a therapy aide or nursing assistant in a variety of organizations or institutions of health care can give students a great opportunity to be accepted into a field to the highest degree.

The growing popularity of occupational therapy as a career has increased the growth rate of occupational therapy schools. It is expected that the demand for occupational therapists will grow significantly in 2018, making more people interested to look at the study of OT to take advantage of the demand for therapists. But before choosing a therapist vocational school, there are some important factors you should keep in mind.

To become an occupational therapist, you are required to complete a higher education in psychology, social work or occupational therapy. These programs are available in technical schools, universities and colleges. In general, you will have two years of tuition, plus some work experience. OT programs at a university can span up to a period of four years, with additional courses available for program expansion to five to six years.

Although states in the United States may vary in relation to the licensing requirements for those who want to practice OT, it is almost mandatory that you pass the exam licensure status in a registered therapist. And so, you should be aware of the requirements to indicate your license. Also, be sure to have both the training and experience, which are needed before you even think of applying. In addition, it is important that you have enough patience and compassion to fill the role. In studying as a great therapist, you would like have a mentor to demonstrate, teach and guide how your personal and professional relationships with patients should be treated.

Doctoral degree programs in OT can make candidates experts in their field. Most doctoral degree programs in occupational therapy offer people the chance to expand, develop and research programs and innovative services in the field of occupational therapy. The National certification exam is offered through the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association, but it depends on the status and needs of the institution. State Departments of Health Board of Occupational Therapy Practice often require additional licensing. The process of becoming a registered occupational can be so extensive and patience and perseverance are ultimately required. The only easy and effective way of becoming an occupational therapist is to get professional education and become certified.