I have been practicing meditation, mindfulness, and yoga for 20 years. It has transformed my life so much I decided to incorporate this method of healing into my counseling practice to help others. So many of us lead such stressful lives leading us down a path to mental, physical, and spiritual dis-ease in the body. It was so important for me to learn the science behind the healing process so I could help myself BELIEVE in this process which was HUGE in my own HEALING.
About 12 years ago I had severe tachycardia and was in the ICU for a week. My doctors had no idea what the catalyst was. I had two ablations and nothing was found wrong with my heart. All they wanted to do was put me on medication which made me feel tired all the time. I decided to go off all my medication and go to an acupuncturist and homeopathic nutritionist. After my third acupuncture treatment my heart palpitations where more under control and I was not in and out of the ER. During this time I began using mediation, yoga, and mindfulness practices regularly. I also changed my diet and continue to work with food to help in the healing process. I am happy to say that I am HEALED from the heart problem now and I do not need to go to acupuncture anymore.
We have come into this world with certain chemicals in the brain and body to help with the healing process. Different kinds of neurotransmitters that help with this process are Glutamate, Acetylcholine, Dopamine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine, and Endorphins. Another important hormone that acts like a neurotransmitter is Oxytocin which changes the cell activity in many biological functions such as social connection and optimism. Through my practice of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga I have learned that we can elicit these chemicals in the body to help us heal. Meditation and yoga elicit a feeling of well being. This is why when people practice mindfulness, meditation, and yoga they do experience MIRACLES healing themselves from dis-ease in the mind and body. Neuroscience has proven that people can change the neuropathways the brain structure in their brains by meditation, power of positive thinking, yoga, mindfulness, and visualizations.
Yoga and mindfulness interventions I have used in my practice:
Develop a non judgmental attitude:
Notice sensations: don’t decide if good or bad
Notice thoughts: notice and accept them just as they are
Notice feelings without judging them pleasure or pain
Advanced Application: Notice a discomfort and don’t judge it good or bad
Practice Classic Mindfulness:
Mindful of the body
Mindful of emotions
Mindful of though
Focusing Attention through Yoga Postures and Movement:
Child pose
Triangle
Sun Salutation
I have indicated only SOME of the practices that I have used to help facilitate my own HEALING process. Most importantly these practices teach us that we have the power to change our lives through mindfulness, body movement using yoga postures, and meditation so we can HEAL.
Namaste
Dr. Melissa Samartano, PhD.,LMHC, RYT
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