Unlock Relief: Acupuncture, Zen Bodytherapy, and Movement
You might be pointing right at your pain, but is that its true origin? Like everyone, I experience discomfort in my body from time to time. Our jobs don’t always provide the most ergonomic options, leading to stiffness and physical disorganization.
Understanding Your Pain
The Importance of Movement
You might be pointing right at your pain, but is that its true origin? Like everyone, I experience discomfort in my body from time to time. Our jobs don’t always provide the most ergonomic options, leading to stiffness and physical disorganization. Perhaps your shoulder feels tight, your hamstrings feel short, and your quads feel like rocks. Sound familiar? The stand up desk may not be your answer, as it doesn’t matter whether you stand or sit, but what is most important is that you move!
Reaching for Relief
The Benefits of Private Lessons
When was the last time you reached your arms above your head or touched your toes (or came close to touching them)? Have you reached for something from a high shelf that used not to be a problem to reach for and found it difficult? When was the last time you were able to bend over to pick up a Lego piece off the floor without feeling a strain in your hamstrings? There are numerous ways to gain length and better alignment in your body. I recommend a series of private lessons with an experienced yoga teacher or yoga therapist for asanas or postures that cater to your specific needs.
The Path to Better Alignment
The Role of Bodywork and Acupuncture
A bodywork or acupuncture session might also be helpful in decreasing your pain and release tight strained muscles. A few mobility exercises or Physio-Synthesis lesson to enhance your awareness, range of movement, and overall function.
Have questions or want to learn more? Don’t hesitate to get in touch. Drop me a line at david@davidengstrom.net !
Exploring Acupuncture, Meditation, and the Concept of Time
When I meet other Buddhist meditation masters, I always ask: How much should I meditate each day? The answer varies—twenty or thirty minutes in the morning and evening.
Introduction
A few years ago, I visited a Zen master in Gifu, Japan. During a calligraphy lesson, we chatted about calligraphy, martial arts, acupuncture, bodywork, and, of course, Zen meditation practice (Zazen).
The Burning Question: How Much Should I Meditate?
When I meet other Buddhist meditation masters, I always ask: How much should I meditate each day? The answer varies—twenty or thirty minutes in the morning and evening.
Some masters are strict; others are relaxed. This teacher’s advice? “Take it whenever you can!” If you lack a set time, meditate for 5 or 10 minutes before meals or whenever you have a chance.
The Zen Master’s Practice
I asked the Zen master how much he practiced. His reply surprised me: “If it weren’t for the scheduled practice, I wouldn’t have any time at all.”
Running a temple takes time, and it made me consider applying this wisdom to other aspects of life.
Applying the Wisdom Beyond Meditation
Even without scheduled exercise, taking a 10-30 minute walk is better than nothing. Seize the opportunity!
Conclusion
Wherever you are—whether on a cushion, a chair, or the floor—take it whenever you can!
Playing Possum: Acupuncture and Bodywork for Restoration and Balance
Have you ever wondered what a Possum and a Honey Badger have in common? They both “play dead”. This is not just a survival tactic, but also a way to restore and rejuvenate.
Possum Playing Possum
Have you ever wondered what a Possum and a Honey Badger have in common? They both “play dead”. This is not just a survival tactic, but also a way to restore and rejuvenate. In the world of Yoga, this concept is embodied in the “corpse pose”, a restorative pose that allows the body and mind to relax, regulate, and recharge.
The Power of Stillness
1) Setting the Stage
Start by setting a timer for 15 or 20 minutes. Find a warm and comfortable place on the floor and lay down. This is your time to disconnect from the world and connect with yourself.
2) Breathing and Relaxation
Once you are comfortable, take three deep breaths. With each breath, tense your entire body for a brief moment and then relax. That’s right-- everything. Begin scanning your body from top to bottom; head, face, neck, shoulders, arms, forearms, hands, chest, abdomen, and all the way down to the feet. Don’t forget to include the front and back of the body. Each time you exhale, consciously relax the areas of tightness.
3) Deepening the Relaxation
After these first three breaths, breathe normally and allow your body and mind to relax and melt further. This is where the magic happens. This is where your body begins to restore and rejuvenate.
4) Coming Back
Don’t move until the alarm sounds. When you get up, take a moment to note how you feel. What’s still tight? What’s more relaxed? How is your energy level?
5) Making it a Habit
Just 15-20 minutes is all you need to get a refreshing break that recharges you for the next round of picking up the kids, running to a dinner and a show, or working out.
Acupuncture and Bodywork: Tools for Restoration
In the same way that ‘playing possum’ helps to restore your body and mind, acupuncture and bodywork can also play a crucial role in maintaining balance and energy. These ancient practices have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, from chronic pain to stress and anxiety. By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you can enhance your body’s natural ability to heal and restore itself.