Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Reiki Services for Stress Relief, Spiritual Healing and Chakra Balancing Services at Healthy Being Wellness Center in St. Petersburg, Fl 33702

Reiki(pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Reiki is an ancient healing technique that uses the life force energy to heal, balancing the subtle energies within our bodies. Reiki is a bio-energy therapy that addresses physical, emotional, mental and spiritual imbalances. This healing art is an effective delivery system. The Reiki practitioner serves as a vessel that supplies healing energies where they are most needed.  If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
Reiki has both preventative and curative qualities. Eastern medical philosophy believes that Reiki can serve to cure illness, and if not, Reiki will promote your health and longevity.  There are two basic principles of a Reiki session, cleansing the meridians or energy lines of the body and balancing of the chakras, therefore creating a harmonious flow of energy.

The Reiki Principles

Just for today I will give
thanks for my many blessings.
Just for today I will not worry.
Just for today I will not be angry.
Just for today I will do my work honestly.
Just for today I will be
kind to my neighbor
and every living thing.

Reiki is a healing technique that is thousands of years old.  It was originally practiced by Tibetan monks.  In the late 1800's, Dr. Mikao Usui began to look at those around him and saw so many people who were unable to lead happy, productive lives due to their frequent illnesses and physical disabilities.  He began his search for an alternate way to heal the sick. After many years of searching, he discovered an ancient healing technique in the Indian Sutras (textbooks).  Reiki began to flourish in the East and was slowly introduced into the West.
Reiki is both powerful and gentle.  In its long history of use it has aided in healing virtually every known illness and injury including serious problems like:
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Heart disease
  • Cancer
  • Skin problems
  • Cuts
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Impotence
  • Lack of confidence
It is always beneficial and works to improve the effectiveness of all other types of therapy. Clients who are receiving massage, lymphatic therapy, facials and body treatments will often have Reiki performed at the same time.
Reiki will improve the results of all medical treatment, acting to reduce negative side effects, shorten healing time, reduce or eliminate pain, reduce stress, and help create optimism.
Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.
The benefits of a Reiki treatment are numerable.  Reiki can be used as an aide for other treatments or by itself. 


Some of the broad advantages of a Reiki session include:
  • Stress Reduction 
  • Shortened healing time
  • Pain reduction
  • Enhanced optimism
  • Clear toxins
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Balances organ and glandular function
  • Promotes creativity
  • Increases clarity and focus
  • Aids better sleep
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Removes energy blockages
  • Helps spiritual growth and emotional clearing
  • Creates deep relaxation
  • Aides in breaking addictions
  • Helps with acute (injuries) and chronic problems (asthma, eczema, headaches)
  • Postpones the aging process
 
The Reiki Therapist incorporates the use of specific hand placements and movements to assist in rebalancing and restoring the energy or "ki" within and surrounding the human body.  "Ki" is the energy or life force contained within every living being.  This field becomes or set out of balance of balance by dis-ease and stress.

How is a Reiki treatment given?

In a standard treatment Reiki energy flows from the practitioners hands into the client. The client is usually laying on a massage table but treatments can also be given while the client is seated or even standing. The client remains fully clothed. The practitioner places her/his hands on or near the clients body in a series of hand positions. These include positions around the head and shoulders, the stomach, and feet. Other, more specific positions may be used based on the clients needs. Each position is held for three to ten minutes depending on how much Reiki the client needs at each position. The whole treatment usually lasts between 45 and 90 minutes.

What does a Reiki treatment feel like?

What one experiences during a Reiki treatment varies somewhat from person to person. However, feelings of deep relaxation are usually felt by all. In addition, many feel a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and surrounds them. As the Reiki energy encourages one to let go of all tension, anxiety, fear or other negative feelings a state of peace and well-being is experienced. Some drift off to sleep or report floating outside their bodies or have visions and other mystical experiences. At the end of the treatment, one feels refreshed with a more positive, balanced outlook.

 What can be treated with Reiki?

Reiki has had a positive affect on all forms of illness and negative conditions. This includes minor things like head or stomach aches, bee stings, colds, flu, tension and anxiety as well as serious illness like heart disease, cancer, leukemia, etc. The side effects of regular medical treatments have also been reduced or eliminated. This includes the negative effects of chemotherapy, post operative pain and depression as well as improving the healing rate and reducing the time needed to stay in the hospital. Reiki always helps and in some cases people have experienced complete healings which have been confirmed by medical tests before and after the Reiki treatments. However, while some have experienced miracles, they cannot be guaranteed. Stress reduction with some improvement in ones physical and psychological condition are what most experience.

Does insurance cover Reiki treatments?

Reiki is just starting to be recognized by insurance companies. While not many are covering Reiki treatments, some are. Check with your local insurance company for details.

Reiki Meditation
The secret art of inviting happiness
The miraculous medicine of all diseases
Just for today, do not anger
Do not worry and be filled with gratitude
Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people.
Every morning and evening, join your hands in prayer.
Pray these words to your heart
and chant these words with your mouth
Usui Reiki Treatment for the improvement of body and mind

~The founder , Usui Mikao 

Monday, May 21, 2012

Mastectomy Therapy: Physical Therapy using Lymphatic Therapy for Pre and Post Mastectomy Surgery


Many of our clients come to Healthy Being Wellness Center managing breast cancer.  We often provide pre and post surgical education and lymphatic therapy to assist their bodies in recovery and obtaining optimal health.  It is absolutely essential for the breast cancer patient to understand the process their body is undergoing as they recover from such an invasive surgery as a radical mastectomy and potential follow up radiation therapies.  The lymphatic system is a key and integral part of their recovery and must be attended to pre and post surgery to maximize the healing process from a mastectomy.


Many of our mastectomy patients experience:
  • Limited upper extremity mobility (range of motion)
  • Arm weakness and swelling
  • Fatigue
  • Shoulder dysfunction
  • Chest pain  
  • Severe scarring and slow wound healing

Many women may not immediately notice these difficulties, as they may have intentionally kept their arms immobile for fear of hurting the incision. It may be only when the individual tries to lift something, perform household chores, drive - or even zip up a zipper - that she realizes she cannot move her arm as she once could.

Several of the post-surgical problems are interrelated. The surgery itself and scarring from it can, for example, tighten the skin on the chest wall and form fibrous adhesions, which can cause shoulder joint dysfunction. This dysfunction can lead to improper joint use, in turn causing the joint to contract, or tendonitis to develop. The results are pain, muscle spasms, immobility and the loss of range of motion.

OTHER DIFFICULTIES

Additional difficulties may result from breast surgery may include:
  • One of the most significant complications of breast surgery is lymphedema, or swelling of the arm. In addition to causing discomfort, such swelling can produce other complications, including infection as well as changes in posture and musculoskeletal problems related to the increase in the arm's weight.
  • The scapula, or shoulder blade, is susceptible to problems after surgery. Trauma to the long thoracic nerve during surgery can cause temporary or permanent paralysis of the muscle that helps stabilize the scapula (the serratus anterior muscle). This may be first noticed when the patient tries to reach for something, or when headaches, low-back pain or interscapular pain occur.
  • Nerve entrapment by adhesions or cutaneous nerve regeneration may cause chest wall pain and numbness. These conditions are often worse for patients who have undergone reconstructive surgery.
  • Over-compensating for the loss of breast weight may cause prolonged spasms of the rhomboids or trapezius muscles.
  • Chemotherapy can intensify the effects of immobility, when treatment causes fatigue and corresponding inactivity.
  • Abdominal pain and upper abdominal swelling (just below breast bone) often occurs after reconstructive surgery.

The degree of difficulty patients encounter with any of these complications varies with the extent of the disease and the procedure, as well as age and prior orthopedic problems.

Recovery from breast surgery - which may take several years - is however, even more directly linked to the timing, intensity and quality of a rehabilitative post mastectomy surgery program.
 
LYMPHATIC THERAPY AND MASTECTOMY RECOVERY

With a preventative goal, our Lymphatic Therapist, Melissa Gallagher, will begin treatment before surgery to:
  • Establish a baseline for lymphatic functional ability and arm circumference.
  • Instruct patient on how to prevent severe scarring, swelling and edema.
  • Maximize healing process with a combination of at home exercises and lymphatic therapy.

Immediately following surgery - ideally while the patient is still hospitalized - a lymphatic therapist will re-evaluate the patient to determine the extent of dysfunction, set rehabilitation goals and begin assisted and self-managed exercise.

Visit our website for more information regarding lymphatic therapy.  For more information or to schedule a lymphatic therapy treatment call 727-502-3464

Monday, May 7, 2012

Balancing Cortisol Levels Naturally: Tips to Lower Stress Levels & Improve Sleep Patterns

Last week we began our discussion about the negative impact of stress.  This week we'll continue to investigate ways to combat stress and to minimize the impact of stress on the body systems.  Today I had an in-depth conversation with a client who was complaining of insomnia, hormone imbalance and fatigue.  In assessing her health background and stress levels, it's easy to identify stress and increased cortisol levels as the root of her insomnia and other stress related symptoms. 

Many of our clients complain of fatigue, sleepless night and hormone imbalance - yet medical testing does not always yield the assessment of high cortisol levels.  There are saliva tests that are helpful in assessing cortisol imbalance.   These are recommended to get a handle on the levels of cortisol throughout the day.

Most people associate cortisol as the hormone that wakes them up in the am.  It's also a result of our body's natural flight or fight process and nowadays, we're fighting and flighting all time.  Cortisol is a steroid hormone that releases from the adrenal glands as a response to stress. From rush hour traffic, to last minute work deadlines and family drama - our bodies are in a chronic state of stress. 

When cortisol is released into the body, it converts any nutrient, cell, or tissue into usable sugars if possible.  In this capacity, the body actually sacrifices itself for the means of survival.  Under long-term stress, the body realizes that it is no longer able to sacrifice itself for short-term energy.   In response, the body goes into a survival mode where it begins building a layer of belly fat to be utilized for energy production.  This fat layer becomes an energy source, where the body can effectively convert fat into usable sugars and easily replace the fat without compromising valuable nutrients, cells, and tissues.

Our bodies are like intricate computer systems.  When starved of key nutrient or flooded with a chronic or excessive amount of cortisol, we are switched to survival mode.  Many clients feel the byproduct of this "survival mode"  as symptoms:  abdominal weight gain, infertility, hair loss, insomnia, migraines, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels,

Take this quick cortisol test to see if you are in an imbalanced state:

1. Do you have difficulty falling sleep?
2. Do you have difficulty staying asleep?
3.  Do you have difficulty waking up
4. Do you often wake feeling un-rested?
5.  Do you have loose joints?
6. Do you have difficulty losing weight?
7. Do you feel fatigued more than 70% of the time?
8. Do you crave sugar?
9. Do you have elevated cholesterol levels?
10. (If menstruating) Do you have moderate to severe PMS?
11.  (If peri - menopausal or menopausal) Do you feel like your hormones are all out of wack?
12. Do you have tenderness on the web of the finger between 4th and 5th digit?

If you answer to YES to more than 7 of more of these questions it's time to address your adrenal health.  Sign up for a phone consultation for our Naturopathic protocol with Melissa Gallagher, ND, to support your adrenal health.   727-502-3464  Visit our website  healthybeingllc.com for more information. 

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Friday, May 4, 2012

Managing Fatigue, Hormone Imbalance, Thyroid Disfunction and Adrenal Stress Naturally with Healthy Being Wellness Center

If you are a human, you are stressed.  I'd like to walk you through a journey - let's investigate a few stress-inducing choices you can begin to cut away from and free yourself to be a more vibrant, energized and balanced you.



In our day and age, technological advances and busy lifestyles yield a stressed body where individuals catch minimal hours of quality, restorative sleep, exercise too infrequently, carb load and crave sugar, caffeine and other habits that further deplete their systems.

The big question for us is how do we manage all the stress and the toxic environments (chemical, emotional and physical) that bombard our bodies and yield even further stress?  This is a question I address when I work one on one with my clients.

Many of my clients are senior managers, executives, business owners, CEOs of their families and busy professionals.  They usually come to my practice, Healthy Being Wellness Center, in St. Petersburg, Fl because they feel like they have no other choice.  Common diagnosis include:  Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Lymphedema, Chron's Disease, Adrenal Fatigue, Chronic Fatigue, Cancer, IBS, PMS, Vertigo, enlarged lymph nodes, Hashimoto's Disease and other thyroid diseases and dysfunctions, infertility, PCOS, cystic lysions, fibroids, heavy metal toxicity, lymphadenopathy, elevated estrogen levels, decreased DHEA levels.... the list goes on and on.  The observation is that our client's stress levels are high as are their stress hormones and chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol are high - creating havoc on our bodies.

 Life cannot stop, nor do we always have the energy or even financial resources to take long, rejuvenating vacations or spend significant amounts of money on health resources and medicines to bring us back into balance.

The first task at hand is to start to eliminate all the external stressors we're all in control of each day.  From the chemicals in our environments to unhealthy food choices to unhealthy self talk.


Let's take a look at Food and what we can do to begin to nourish our bodies.
  
Eating 5-6 smaller meals helps to keep blood sugar balanced.   Eating before 10am and eating at the same time is absolutely key to maintaining energy and vitality.  Now, what you choose to eat is totally key.  Leaning towards a raw, organic and plant based protein diet is very nourishing.  Balancing with lean proteins - like boiled eggs and egg whites helps the body repair damage caused by high cortisol levels.   Refraining from caffeine and refined sugars and processed foods including GMO (genetically modified organisms) super crops like soy, corn and wheat are taxing on the system and they also create an inflammatory response as we digest these food products.

Staying hydrated is key as well.  Green teas and freshly juiced green juices are very energizing and microbiotic power punches of restorative energy and key nutrients.  Replacing coffee or sodas (both easily addictive beverage choices) with green tea is a great way to gently increase energy without depleting our adrenal system - our fight or flight system that is invigorated by sugar, caffeine and stress.   

Our adrenals raise our blood pressure, they cause excess sweating and they also cause heart flutters, irritation and anxiety.

Food can nourish these very fragile glands.  Eating for your adrenals is one of the first steps towards getting your body back to balance and reducing your stress level.

Stay tuned for future articles that will address the other ways we can lower external stressors. 

~For more information about how a holistic consultation or appointment with our Naturopath, Melissa Gallagher call our center:  727-502-3464 or visit our website to book an appointment online.  Melissa conducts phone consultations on a 30min or 60min schedule.  Call for more details.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Get Mom a Spa Package She'll Love for Mother's Day at Healthy Being Wellness Center in St. Petersburg FL

This mother's day, don't send flowers or buy her chocolates.  Instead, treat your mom to a rejuvenating and luxurious spa experience.  She'll be forever grateful and happy to be the receiver of much needed TLC.

Look below to learn about just a few of the spa packages from Healthy Being Wellness Center & Holistic Day Spa she's sure to love! 


 Mom's Revitalization Package

If your mother prioritizes maintaining a healthy body and skin throughout the year, treat her to the body and face treatment.  This is a special "Thank You: from head to toe - Mom's need TLC too!

This luxurious treatment features 60 minutes of a Swedish or deep tissue massage and moisturizing scalp massage with an optional moisturizing scalp treatment to ease dry and worn out tresses. She’ll be treated to a relaxing and energizing foot massage, followed by an exfoliating foot scrub that soothes calloused and dry feet and releases toxins from deep within the skin. This is a great way to show your mom how much you appreciate all the hard work she puts in during the year. 

Mom's Escape Package
The Mom's Escape Package offers exactly what the name suggests. Your mom will escape into bliss, peace and relaxation as she is treated to a soothing and power-packed duo of pure relaxation, bliss and heavenly pampering for Mom's who put everyone else first.

Treatment begins with a 50min Relaxation Massage and is followed by a personalized rejuvenating facial that includes a deep cleansing, a facial peel based on Mom's skin type and a soothing hand and foot massage followed by a moisturizing paraffin wax treatment on both hands and feet.

During the Mom's escape experience, your mom can also experience a hydrating pre-treatment of a salt scrub and a refreshing beverage. This two hour experience will be unforgettable and she’ll be ready to take on another year of parenting.

Couple’s Massage 
If your mom doesn’t get enough time with her spouse, treat your parents to a romantic couple’s massage. They’ll enjoy a glass of champagne before undergoing a customized Swedish or deep tissue massage. Afterward, their adventure together continues with a relaxing tea service so that they can savor the moment and catch up with each other.

If you want to treat your mother to a relaxing spa day, call Healthy Being Wellness Center. We offer these packages and many more. We also offer skin care treatments, hydrotherapy, and waxing.

Let us help you give back to your mom this year by calling us at (727)502-3464. Purchase your Mom a spa gift certificate online.  For more information on our packages and services, visit our website.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Teacher Appreciation Day Gift Ideas - Get your favorite teacher a SPA gift certificate at Healthy Being Wellness Center in St Petersburg, Fl 33702 727-502-3464

Healthy Being Wellness Center Honors ALL Teachers

on May 8th



Book an Appointment with us on May 8th and receive 40% single spa service discount + a COMPLIMENTARY glass of wine.

(Just show us your teaching license, school badge or business card  and receive this special discount)
 
NATIONAL TEACHERS’ APPRECIATION WEEK
 
(Packages available May 1 – 15, 2012 only)

LUXURY LUNCH EXPRESS PACKAGE     60 minutes -$55.00

CHOICE of:
(PART A)
30-minute facial

OR

30-minute head-neck-shoulders massage
AND
(PART B)
20-minute foot massage 
OR 
Body Waxing of choice (eye brow, lip, underarms)


T.L.C. (TOTAL LUXURY CARE)   120 minutes - $130.00

60-minute Stress Relieving, Relaxing Aromatherapy Massage
AND
60-minute rejuvenating facial  (deep cleansing, specific mask/peel, facial massage, paraffin hand treatment & moisture application) 

If you are an appreciative student, parent, faculty, administrator or loved one - a spa gift certificate is also a great idea to celebration as a teacher appreciation gift.  (click here to --> )Purchase an instant Online-Healthy Being Wellness Center Gift Certificate.  (all gift certificates are emailed to you or can also be set up to be emailed on a specific date to your special teacher.)