Many people have heard about the benefits of meditation but have had a hard time learning how to meditate on their own. With Hemi-Sync® technology you’ll experience profound relaxation reaching deep meditative states which can help you reach expanded states of awareness and acquire new tools for coping with stress. Hemi-Sync® is a scientifically based and clinically proven “audio-guidance” technology that uses sound to influence brain wave activity.
Weekend Excursion Workshop:
Join us for an enjoyable “headphones-on” weekend workshop designed to introduce you to meditation and the mind expanding/body soothing process of Hemi-Sync!”
Through combinations of beta, alpha, theta, and delta sound frequencies both hemispheres of the brain are brought together in unison (Hemispheric Synchronization). Hemi-Sync functions by combining relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, toning, guided imagery, and carefully constructed blends of sound patterns.
This workshop is designed after the world-renowned Gateway Voyage program, offered at the Monroe Institute, in Virginia. Many travel from all over the world to attend the Monroe Institute. We are excited to bring the Monroe Institute’s cutting edge technology for consciousness exploration to you, right here in Redmond, WA.
Meditation helps us ground, and it also reduces stress and boosts immunity. Meditation has been gradually moving into the mainstream, as a result of its association with yoga and its growing acceptance by celebrities and corporate leaders. The practice of meditation involves quieting the mind and focusing on the breath for the purposes of contemplation and reflection. The resulting state of deep relaxation has been shown to temper the body’s pain and stress responses, and scientific studies confirm its potential to improve health and prevent and manage disease.
In the scientific realm, meditation is now considered a “growing sub-field of neuro-biological research. John Denninger, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, is leading a five-year study on how the ancient practices affect genes and brain activity in the chronically stressed. His latest work follows a study he and others published earlier this year showing how so-called mind-body techniques can switch on and off some genes linked to stress and immune function.
“There is a true biological effect,’ said Denninger…The kinds of things that happen when you meditate do have effects throughout the body, not just in the brain.’”
Mindfulness-based meditation is being utilized in a wide range of clinical and non-clinical environments, from modern medicine to the corporate world, in sports, education, prison populations, and more.
This article has been brought to you by Dreamclinic – offering quality therapeutic massage and acupuncture in the greater Seattle area as well as corporate massage nationwide. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience the Dreamclinic difference.
In the dark, cold winter, it’s easy to stay cooped up and fall out of our exercise routines. However, the longer days and budding trees are sure signs that spring has arrived.
And, as the world starts to crawl out and bloom, take the opportunity to get some fresh air and explore your area. This doesn’t mean you have to start training for a marathon or become a mountaineer — just make a few small changes to your routine to get some extra exercise and spend some more time outdoors.
Here are some ideas to help you get started:
Go on a hike: From a three-day backpacking adventure to a casual stroll, work different muscles by going on a hike. It doesn’t even have to be on a mountain –just find a trail nearby and take a friend for a few hours. Make sure to bring water bottle or two, as well as snacks and a First Aid kit. In addition to a good workout, a hike is a great opportunity for self-reflection and to have some alone time.
Ride your bike: When it’s too nice to drive your car and too far to walk, hop on your bike for a powerful workout and an eco-friendly mode of transportation. Enjoy the fresh spring air and tone your legs and rear-end in the process. If you’re a beginner cyclist, get a proper bike fit and avoid riding with headphones. And, most importantly, don’t forget your helmet!
Garden: Working in the yard is an easy way to burn calories and tone your muscles (think of all the squatting, lifting, walking, and digging!). If you don’t have a plot available in your backyard, or aren’t up for a big project, you can get a small planter box or flower bed to start. If you’re feeling more ambitious, get involved with a community garden, which is a great way to connect with people in your neighborhood and get fresh produce.
Meditate outdoors: If you don’t feel like working out, move your other hobbies outside, like meditation. The calming sounds of nature can help clear your mind and truly relax. It’s also a great opportunity for you to catch some extra rays and get out of your house, even if it is just on your deck.
Even if you don’t think you have the time to be regularly active this spring, try to move outside as much as possible. If you do regularly exercise, get out of the sweaty, crowded gym and take it outside! Just spending an extra hour each day outdoors will clear your mind and boost your overall wellness.
For some people, de-stressing is as simple as going on a jog or watching their favorite show after a long day. But for most of us, it can be much more difficult to get rid of all the stress we carry on a daily basis. Even if we do find something that calms us down, it can be a whole other struggle to find the time to actually do it. The good news is that we know how fast-paced life can be, and that’s why we’re proud to offer vibroacoustic therapy. It may sound like a mouthful, but this revolutionary technique is incredibly simple and effective, and takes no more than an hour.
So, what is it exactly? Plain and simply, vibroacoustics is the process of passing soothing sound vibrations through your body. These vibrations are picked up by all of our organs, harmonizing our cells and bringing our body back into sync. Because of its unique combination of sound and vibration, vibroacoustics provides a relaxing experience completely different than any other stress therapy.
Our satisfied customers have described it as “Relaxing, reflective, and an interesting way to access binaural sound for healing.”
Vibroacoustics provides the relief that many people simply can’t otherwise get in their busy lives. One woman commented, “As a person who has a lot of trouble sleeping, one Tranquility Session has been extremely effective in rejuvenating me to feel more rested and energetic for the rest of my day.” This is one of the best parts about vibroacoustics — because it targets your body with sound and vibration, it penetrates deep into your muscles, tissues, and bones, rejuvenating you to your core.
It seems pretty obvious, but stress therapies shouldn’t stress you out. Even still, some techniques involve long, arduous processes and cost large amounts of money. Luckily, vibroacoustics doesn’t involve any of those things.
People love it because it is simple and scientifically sound. Gretchen, a cellist and Dreamclinic client, said, “I was really impressed and moved by the use of sound. To sit in that specially designed chair, with the surrounding speakers, feeling the music, and hearing about the science and research behind that healing, was an amazing experience.”
Now it’s your turn. Experience firsthand how vibroacoustics can reduce stress, improve sleep, and re-energize you, in as little as 20 minutes.
For those of us who are constantly in motion and juggling work, family, and a social life, the idea of sitting still can seem ridiculous. Many people try meditation and find themselves feeling like they’re wasting time, or like they can’t stop thinking about all of their responsibilities. Others think they’re doing it wrong because they don’t feel peaceful or enlightened, even after several attempts.
If you feel like you just don’t “get” meditation or can’t understand the value of sitting silently for an hour, don’t worry. These doubts make sense, and are actually quite common. Although it’s true that meditation comes easier to some, anyone can become a mediation master.
If you feel like meditation is a daunting task, check out some of our expert tips to better understand this ancient practice:
Don’t try to imitate Buddha. It’s important to remember that your meditation is solely to help you de-stress and focus on yourself, so make sure that your style of meditation works for you and your lifestyle.
Good posture is key. Listen to your body, and if it’s uncomfortable, don’t hurt yourself trying to fold your legs into the traditional meditation position. Sit with a straight back, crossing your legs or sitting in a chair. If this is uncomfortable, you can try lying down.
Bring it back to your breathing. Breathe normally and regularly, simply focusing on the rhythm of your breath rather than trying to control it. You can experiment with deep breathing as well, but many people are able to relax with normal breaths.
Find a focus point. Closed-eye meditation can be disorienting for beginners, so if you’re having trouble, try lighting a candle or picking one stationary point to focus on.
Make it short and sweet. Start by meditating for shorter periods of time, generally five to ten minutes. Increase the duration as you get more comfortable with the concept, adding five minutes every week.
The key is to take meditation in small steps and work your way up to a 45-minute session. But, remember, even if you’re experienced, meditation can still be difficult. Sometimes, you may feel relaxed and enlightened, while other times, it may take extra focus and attention to empty your mind. Make meditation a priority, and you’ll soon notice your practice and diligence paying off.
We’ve gotten to the point where people are Instagramming pictures of their meals before touching their food and live-tweeting about their activities without actually experiencing them. It goes without saying, but we are living in an era of constant connectivity.
As a result, it’s gotten harder and harder to unplug and enjoy complete relaxation. We can’t deal with daily stress or anxiety in the proper fashion if we’re responding to texts or emails every five minutes.
With all the distractions we face with technology, the most successful ways to relax and de-stress have to be easy and effective. If we can’t put down our phone for two hours, how are we going to commit to a completely new habit or routine if it’s not super easy?
That’s why vibroacoustics is perfect for unplugging and de-stressing in our 24/7 internet world. Recently researched in colleges across the country, it is a type of non-invasive, non-chemical stress therapy that offers serious benefits in as little as 20 minutes.
So how does it work?
The sound therapy reduces stress, anxiety, and nerves by running soothing, low level sound waves through your body. Because sound is vibration, it affects all parts of your body, not just your ears. In fact, each one of your organs, bones, and cells has its own specific resonance frequency, which means that your body is quietly humming its own tunes throughout the day. When we are stressed, these frequencies can be disrupted, which can in turn affect our entire health. With vibroacoustics, low-grade vibrations are delivered throughout your body by a special chair that has built-in speakers. It’s not just a sound — it’s an actual pulsating sensation.
What are the benefits?
There are no adverse effects of vibrational therapy. Quite the opposite –vibroacoustics has been proven to significantly improve your health and mindfulness by:
Helping you catch those zzzs. Vibroacoustics stimulates melatonin, a natural hormone in your body that increases and deepens sleep.
Mending physical aches and pains. When you’re stressed, your immune system can overwork itself and become run down, making you susceptible to injury and illness. Vibroacoustic therapy gives your immune system a chance to reboot and repair injuries like muscle strains and pulls, post-surgery pains, menstrual cramps, and tightness in joints.
De-activating stress hormones. Stress can result in fatigue, depression, anxiety attacks, panic, and high blood pressure. Vibroacoustic sessions tone down these hormones so that you can finally relax and unwind.
Energizing and balancing you. You may think that “relaxed” and “energized” are opposites, but when your body is at ease, you will find that you have more energy to do the things you love. Vibroacoustics increases endorphins, which improves your mood and energy levels. In addition, the therapy moderates serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can cause unwanted emotional spikes.
Studies at the National Institute of Health have shown vibroacoustic sessions to be extremely safe and effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and fatigue. And, you can reap these benefits in just 20 minutes. Everyone, no matter how much you tweet or post on Facebook, has 20 minutes in their day to relax with this new technique.
There’s a learning curve in everything, from riding a bike to learning a new language. And the same goes with meditation. Even though it may not seem like it, everyone, including mediation masters, start off inexperienced.
Many people assume that because they don’t feel naturally spiritual, meditation is not for them. However, anyone can enjoy the soothing benefits of meditation. Like anything else, meditation takes time and diligence, and your success will be a reflection of the work you put in.
Here are some quick tips to help you get started with meditation:
Set a time and place. To get into the habit of regularly meditating, designate a specific time every day or every couple of days, and try to stick to that time. This will help integrate meditation into your life as simply another part of your routine. In addition, try to do your meditation in one quiet, peaceful room so that you create a calming atmosphere for yourself in the future.
Relax your senses. Pick up some candles, incense, or other soothing spiritual tokens to help relax your senses and clear your mind. You can also use a candle as a focus point if you’re having trouble emptying your mind.
Work through the frustration. It’s common for beginning meditators to feel like their mind is loud and full of unwanted thoughts. When this happens, don’t be discouraged! It’s normal to doubt yourself. Simply focus on your breathing or one neutral point, and let your frustration roll off of you.
Rise and shine. Your mind is usually most clear and least full in the mornings. So if you are able, try to get your meditation done first thing after you wake up.
With these ideas in mind, sit comfortably and begin to meditate:
Find your calm, tranquil place and get into a position that is comfortable for you. Try experimenting with sitting, kneeling, or lying down.
Close your eyes and breathe naturally. Don’t make an effort to slow or quicken your breathing; just let your lungs fill and compress.
If you’re having trouble clearing your mind, always bring your focus back to a focal point, like your breathing or a candle.
Start small and work your way up. Meditate for as long as you feel you need to. We recommend starting with a five-minute mediation and adding five minutes every week, until you are mediating for forty-five to fifty minutes each time.
As you begin to meditate, remember that you may not see results right away. Mediation requires regular practice and attention, so resist the urge to overanalyze your life to try and identify the effects of meditation. It won’t happen instantly, but the long-term benefits of this practice are completely worth the effort. Slowly but surely, meditation reduces stress and increases empathy, and helps us understand what we value and who we are.
There are some weeks when we barely have time to go to the grocery store, let alone relax and enjoy ourselves. With our hectic lives, it seems like those nagging thoughts of to-do lists, and responsibilities creep in even during the calmest times.
So, why are we letting these pesky thoughts ruin the time we do have for relaxation? They’re our thoughts, in our brains, and we should be able to control them. As nice as that sounds, sometimes we need help calming our brain.
Meditation is a powerful first step in reducing stress and finding the peaceful space between our thoughts. Humans have been using this natural practice for more than 3,500 years, and it is a simple, effective way to improve concentration, decrease anxiety, and improve your mood, all by learning how to be an observer of our thoughts first and then learning how to let them go.
Not only does meditation prevent stress in and out of the meditative state, it also has some important long-term health benefits:
Brain changes in attention, memory, learning, and perception. A study done on Buddhist monks showed that these effects last for many years after habitual meditation. These monks also had more brain activity in areas responsible for positive emotions like happiness and relaxation.
A stronger immune system. Studies have shown that those who meditate will produce more antibodies at a faster rate than those who do not meditate. A healthy, peaceful mind reflects on the body.
Milder symptoms of PMS and lower infertility rates. Meditation has been known to help women alleviate uncomfortable symptoms of PMS, hot flashes, and breast-feeding. In addition, after a ten-week meditation program, women struggling with infertility problems exhibited lower anxiety and fatigue than they did before the program, and within the next six months, 34% of those women became pregnant.
Better sleep. Good sleep is essential for peace of mind, and sleep deprivation often goes hand in hand with anxiety and depression. In a study done by the American Journal of Medicine, 100% of the insomnia patients reported that their sleep had improved after practicing meditation. Of those patients, 91% completely eliminated or significantly reduced their use of sleeping pills after the meditation course.
Improved alertness at the office. By eliminating anxious thoughts, meditation enhances other positive aspects of the brain like creativity, intelligence development, and relationship skills. All of these qualities are helpful for the workplace, and can help enhance your best qualities.
If you want to improve your quality of life today, and for the next five to ten years, there is no simpler solution than meditation. Even meditating five minutes every day will reduce stress and improve long-term cognitive function. And, a week when you don’t have time to go to the grocery store won’t seem so bad after all.
Many people have heard about the benefits of meditation but have had a hard time learning how to meditate on their own. With Hemi-Sync® technology you’ll experience profound relaxation reaching deep meditative states which can help you reach expanded states of awareness and acquire new tools for coping with stress. Hemi-Sync® is a scientifically based and clinically proven “audio-guidance” technology that uses sound to influence brain wave activity.
