End of the Year!!!

Twothousandandten is at the door, making its way out!!!

It has been a very interesting year from my point of view:

lots to do, lots to learn, lots to plan...and lots more!!!

My latest rewarding experience for the year was offering

some hours of work for the Crisis Christmas celebrations.

I am certainly not fond of the superficialities that Christmas is all about these days and I had actually been thinking about volunteering for the season a long time ago. Well, I turned up to make the final decision just a few days before the holidays actually started. I dropped by at the Crisis Head office and enquired about any possibility of doing whatever was needed washing up, cooking...but surprisingly I was told that the recruitment procedure had already closed a few weeks back.

I thought: wait a minute, I am sure that there will never be too many therapist offering a healing back rub or pampering some smelly or not feet... How could that go wrong? In fact it didn't take much to get in touch with a few of the people in charge of the activities and there, a little gap was made available for me to contribute in.

Work at the Rough Sleepers, the first centre I got allocated to, situated in the UEL premises in the Docklands, made available to Crisis especially for this occasion, has been a very "touching" experience. With a sleeping area that made me think of the sleeping arena of wounded soldiers in a remote land, actually a bit Sci-fy background with some of the Docks landscapes and the frozen and slippery roads all around it after the recent snowfalls. I have had the chance to meet very amazing people and heard some impressive stories that I feel very honoured for having those shared with.

The best present I got out of the experience was that while offering my time, my listening ears and my not judgemental self to such invaluable cause, I felt not just overwhelmed by a reality that too often goes forgotten if not ignored, but refreshed and revitalised by the idea that there are still so many good causes worth to invest time and energy in rather than worrying in building the most impressive Christmas tree of the neighbourhood or trying to cook the most terrific meal for the big DAY!

Oh, yes...I have still enjoyed my own cooked meals these days without running the risk of overeating nor putting half ounce on ;)

Wishing you the very best for the NEW YEAR!!!

New Links Womens Group

The last appointment at the New Links Womens Group for this year will be on Monday the 20th of December. Massage will be offered between 4 and 6 pm, but during the afternoon the ladies will be doing a flower arrangement workshop, last bit of Christmas touch. After the Christmas break the group will meet again regularly every Monday 4-6.45 from the 10th Jan 11.

A brief reminder that the group has recently moved to use the facilities at The Methodist Church. See details to follow:

New Links Womens Group
@ Bow Methodist Church
1 Merchant Street,
Bow, London E3 4LY

(Corner of Bow Road and Merchant Street)

It's about five minutes walking from Mile End tube station.

Contact Information:
Priscilla - 07949489108
Maxine - 07950841196
Email: newlinkwomengroup@hotmail.co.uk

Comments about Stress Free Mode.

I have been receiving several comments since starting this blog and I really appreciate those of you that have been encouraging me. Thank you for all the support!!!

However I have received some spam messages and some other ambiguous ones that I don't reckon need to be displayed. I find all the anonymous ones a bit suspicious and I would rather invite you to sign with a name if you really care to comment on either a post or any particular issue.

If you rather wish to contact me directly you can email me directly (e-mail address available on my Profile Page ) or you might comment on any post (I moderate comments before sharing them publicly, let me know if you rather keep it confidential).

Obviously you could meet me and have a chat at Emma for Beauty, 345 Bethnal Green Road, every Wednesday and occasionally on other days of the week, depending on bookings taken.

Concluding I would like to invite you to share any thought or critic you might have about the blog. I am aware that I should be dedicating some more time to improve the content and that's certainly on my to-do-list.

Auricular Acupuncture.

Gosh! One month has gone past and haven't managed to write any updates!

After the ear candling I have finally done the pregnancy massage course: Bella never managed to experience the "newly" gained techniques, but it looks like Matteo will have a little bro or sis before too long, so chances are that I will see Bella with the bump soon...lots of planning in that home, lol!

In the main time I have decided to take further the Auricular Acupuncture; I didn't feel particularly confident handling needles after my training last June, so I decided to search for more colleges offering this type of training.

I have found that the CNM (College of Naturophatic Medicine) http://www.naturopathy-uk.com was running an advanced course starting this month and I basically enrolled on the same day it started, on the 13th! There is one more week-end to follow in January 2011 and some other professional modules I can decide to take in the future if I wish.

So, this time I have been feeling much more confident, recognising easily the correspondent parts of the body in the ear and been puncturing and discovering different sizes and shapes of ears. Great fun!

Haily, my colleague at Emma's, has been my best customer trying the needles so far, totally loving the experience and not a single complain. In fact there can be a slight feeling of pain at the right insertion of the needle, but after a little bit the sensation totally subsides, sedating the nerves and offering a calming feeling of well-being, yet maintaining alertness. We must remember that tolerance to pain varies from person to person. In some pieces of research that I have found about acupuncture, pain also plays a pivotal role in the healing process of the body since it stimulates its ability to respond, moving the original sense of discomfort that was caused by the stagnating energy.

In little words "no pain, no gain", but very moderately ;)

Now, palpate your ears and if you find a sensitive spot trace what is the correspondent part in this ear model. Have fun!

(You might need to enlarge the photo)

Hopi Ear Candling.

The journey to Bushey took me about two hours each way, but it is was firstly crazy getting through London during morning rush hour and then continue the travel in a almost empty carriage.

The air up there was pure and refreshing.

We were just four in the class which made it cosier and fun. Helen is a very talkative lady with a huge background as a practising therapist. She took us through history, benefits and tips of this curious and beneficial therapy. The second part, the one that involved the practice and observation of the technique was my favourite of course. After Helens' demo on each of us, we kept on practising on each other and observe the results of each go.

I got totally relaxed from this sense of warmth created by the candle and I loved the feeling of lightness not just of the ear and head, but the whole body. I also practiced on Helen herself -dear woman, she deserves some of this pampering too!- and her eyes were all shiny and watering when she stood up :) How lovely!!!

At the way back there was again a nearly empty carriage bringing me back to central London, while the rushed crowds were going up.

Looking forward to the pregnancy training this coming Saturday: however little Matteo couldn't wait till the 14th November and surprised mommy Bella yesterday morning and, from carrying him in my arms briefly today he really seems to be a sweet, little angel. Congratulations to the new mom & dad!

http://www.bodyandsoultraining.co.uk/

New Therapies

Autumn has started and the warmth of the duvet feels nice, specially early in the morning.

My friend Bella is expecting her first child, due to deliver next month. She is very happy of course, but she can't wait to hold the baby in her hands, rather than carrying her heavy tummy around.

Nevertheless my initial massage training included some pregnancy treatments I felt a bit hopeless in the attempt to ease pain/discomfort to Bella, so I have decided to do a further course to freshen up my skills and to get some useful tips to share with the moms to be that will visit me in the future.

Another training I have signed up for, to do this month, is the ear candling one, which is perfect to de-congest the respiratory tract during the colder months. The best part of the trainings of course is that I'll get to experience the treatments myself first...

Looking forward to the coming days ;)

Body Breathing Practise

Sit still in a chair listening to soft music, or outside listening to the wind in the treetops. 

As you listen, gently let your attention flow out of your ears as you easily exhale. Repeat for a minute, then do the same thing through your eyes, letting your attention go outward on the breath, slowly and gently. Repeat this through the nostrils, the mouth, then sit quietly just listening to the music with your whole body.

Now allow your attention to sink into your chest. Feel where your heart center is (at the point where the breastbone and ribs join) and breathe out through it, letting your attention go with the breath. Continue gently for another minute, then sit quietly, aware of your body. 

 This exercise consciously links respiration and the nervous system, helping to promote their smooth integration. Feeling your awareness as it flows out on your breath gives you a powerful sense of being at harmony with nature.' 

 Adapted from Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, by Deepak Chopra (Harmony Books, 2007). 

Happy Healing!

It has been already over a month since introducing myself at Emma for Beauty, phew! That went so fast.

I must kindly thank the whole staff at Emma, and Emma of course, for the welcoming attitude I have been received by and for the help and support I have been offered.

Obviously I must thank those that have been making bookings right from the beginning and I warmly wish that we'll get more and more in tune so that the highest benefits are achieved with each treatment. Don't forget to bring your best intention ;)

Happy Healing to ALL!

Tips for relieving stress.

Learning how to relieve stress, and practising methods to manage them are critical for your overall health and happiness. Try to learn to accept what you can't change. Not everything is going to happen the way you want it to. Train yourself to look for the good in what appears to be a bad situation, talk to others about your troubles, and try to mentally remove yourself from the situation then evaluate it from the outside looking in.

• Focus on your breathing and breathe slowly, deeply and deliberately. Picture a peaceful scene in your mind or a special place you might have visited.
• Exercise regularly. Exercising releases tension from your body. Find something you enjoy that gets the major muscle groups going: jogging, walking, swimming or bicycling are all excellent choices. Alternatively you could take up a dancing class.
• Count to ten slowly and deliberately. This helps you to pause and relax before reacting to a stressful situation.
• Do some stretching exercises several times during the day. Stretching relaxes the muscles and reduces tension.
• Have a friend massage the back of your neck, shoulders and upper back. These muscles get especially tense when you are stressed.
• Use essential oils to enhance your mood: in your bath, on your pillow or use them with a oil burner (be very careful though, do not abuse with them as they might intoxicate you if use them excessively).
• Take hot showers or baths.
• Listen to relaxing music.

Your Say, Your Day.

Another date to keep on your diary is the Community Options event YSYD taking place on the 4th of August 12-5pm at the Toynbee Hall. Theme for the day will be "Relationships". Join me in a workshop for awakening and pampering the Self: good relationships with others work when we firstly have a good relationship with ourselves.

Humane Therapy IV

FEEL is having its IV event with the much awaited participation of Dr Joanna Moncrieff.
The second part of the evening promises great public participation having 'Complementary Therapies' as main subject of discussion. Refining my presentation now: wish me Good Luck! It will be celebration time in 24hrs :)

Emma For Beauty

At last! I am settling back to work in busy Bethnal Green 

I am still available for bookings on Wednesdays and Fridays at Emma for Beauty, located at 345 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 6LG

I am offering 2 for 1 on treatments until the 1st of September 2010: have two treatments on the same or different day, or share the offer with a friend and pay for one. A deal, isn't it? 

Get in touch for availability or give Emma a call on 020 76135661 for general queries. Check their website and services www.emmaforbeauty.co.uk

Looking forward to be of service. Thank you! 

Fun Day!

The Stepney Green Math & Computer College is having its Fun Day tomorrow 3-6pm (Ben Jonson Road, Stepney, London, E1 4SD).
This is a day to celebrate the Summer for the current and future students and their families that might visit the College on the day.
Taster sessions of Indian Head massage will be offered in the Music room by Claire Hancock and myself. Be quick to book a slot.

New Links Womens Group

New Links has been circulating the latest program for June & July. Please, join me next week while I deliver my first Qi Gong class to the group. I will need your ideas and feedback on what I wish to be a fun and yet very effective session.

NEW LINKS WOMENS GROUP
Clare House 10, Hawthorn Avenue, E3 5PZ Bow
(Please, note that address might change from next October)

June
7th - Quilt Making.
14th - BBQ in Victoria Park.
Meeting 4pm at the Crown Gate West(weather permitting)
21st - Cinema. Meeting at Stratford Picture House at 4.pm
28th - Qi Gong with Nat.

July
5th - Workshop in-Flower Arranging.
12th - Trip out to—SOUTH END.
19th - Swimming & Sauna.
26th - Trip Out- CLACTON-ON SEA.

NEW LINKS WOMENS GROUP
GROUP TIME TABLE

3:30pm - Registration
4pm - One to One Coaching
4 - 6pm - Cooking Evening Meal
4 - 4:30pm - Pampering Session
4:30 - 5:30 - Workshop
5:30 - 6:30pm - Sharing Meal and cleaning up.
6:30pm - Group Feedback and Sharing Affirmation Cards.

Contact Information:
Priscilla - 07949489108
Maxine - 07950841196
Email: newlinkwomengroup@hotmail.co.uk

Crisis Skylight Health Day

Tomorrow there is going to be another activity packed day at Crisis Skylight.

Healthcare professionals will provide health checks as well as information and advice on general health and well-being. Find my stall where I will be offering Indian head massage, Reiki healing and ear/hand reflexology.

http://www.crisis.org.uk/pages/healthday19june.html

Visualizing the Cosmos Within by Deepak Chopra

Sit or lie comfortably with your eyes closed. Quiet your internal dialogue by observing your breath. After a few minutes put your attention on your heart. Visualize your heart as a pulsating sphere of light. In this sphere visualize two or three divine beings or archetypal energies.

Now visualize the rest of your body also as a body of light. Now slowly imagine this light body with its pulsating sphere of divine beings expanding so it fills the entire room in which you are sitting or lying.

Allow the expansion to occur beyond the confines of the room so that you are no longer in the room but in fact the room is in you. Continue the process of expanding your light body so that the entire city in which you lives exists in your being – the buildings, people, traffic, and countryside.

Continue to expand your sense of self to include in your physical being the state in which you live, your country, and ultimately the entire planet. Now see that the whole world exists in you – all the people, all other sentient beings, trees and forests, rivers and mountains, rainfall and sunshine, earth and water – these are different components of your being, just like different organs in your body.

Now quietly say to yourself, “I am not in the world; the world is in me.” Whatever imbalances you see in this world of yours, ask the divine being still dancing in your pulsating sphere of a heart to correct them. Ask these divine beings to fulfill any desire you have and to bring harmony, beauty, healing, and joy to the different parts of your cosmic self. Continue to expand your sense of self to include planets and moons, stars and galaxies.

Now say to yourself, “I am not in the universe, the universe is in me.” Slowly begin to diminish the size of your cosmic self until you can once again experience your personal body. Imagine trillions of cells in your personal body – all part of a dance, each cell an entire universe unto itself. Remind yourself that your true being inhabits all these levels of creation. Express your gratitude to these archetypal energies.

Now just remain sitting or lying quietly, feeling all the sensations in your body. After two or three minutes, open your eyes.

Adapted from The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire, by Deepak Chopra (Three Rivers Press).

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/visualizing-the-cosmos-within.html

About Me.

In my 37th year, but only for a few more months :)
I developed my interest in the Healing therapies in 2004 when, after posing as a case study for a friend Reiki training, I decided to learn the technique for myself.

Once gained Reiki stages I & II my curiosity got tickled. I got hooked in finding out about the different therapies practised and dedicated as much time as I could to learning bits by bits.

In 2006 I achieved an ITEC diploma in Anatomy and Physiology, while in 2007 I completed a City & Guilds Diploma in Holistic and Complementary therapies which includes Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Holistic and Indian head massage, and working in a spa.

In 2009 I have trained in Chair massage and Chinese Acupressure learning and integrating new, for me, concepts of TCM -Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Last April I completed a Diploma in medical Qi Gong and I am currently studying Auricular Acupuncture. I cannot see the end of all of this yet, since I am enjoying enormously the whole learning journey, while gaining great benefit from the practice.

Ditch the meds and learn to heal yourself and others is my advice.

THINK event.

A brief reminder about tomorrow Thursday 10 June: THINK is having an event in York Hall, Bethnal Green, 2.30 pm – 6.30 pm, Your Health Your Say.
While you can come along to express your concerns or your ideas about health and social care in our borough, you may wish to visit me at the holistic corner.
I'll be offering Indian head massage, hand and/or ear Reflexology and Reiki healing.
Come early to book your slot ;)

http://www.thinknetwork.org.uk/

Stress Free Mode goes online!

Welcome Everyone!

Thank you very much for visiting the new Stress Free Mode blog.
I opted for this choice as it will allow me to keep an orderly track of both my activities in the Holistic world and my commitment to continuing professional development.

Please leave your comment or get in touch if you wish to get more information about me where I work and what therapies I practice.

Looking forward to hearing from you!