Connecting Mind, Breath & Body
I believe the key to holistic wellness and health is an integrative approach that addresses the ‘whole’ person – mind, body and spirit. The way in which we interact with our bodies determines our wellness, vitality and overall lifestyle.
form. function. flow.
Integrative medicine and cutting edge neuroscience now recognises what ancient eastern medicine and physical disciplines have known for thousands of years: that the mind and body are in fact one system, and that our overall health is determined by neurochemical feedback between the mind, brain and body.
What we think influences the body’s chemical system, and the production of stress hormones can be lowered through meditation and mind-body practices, as well as increasing the body’s relaxation response and producing the chemicals of well-being: oxytocin, endorphins and dopamine.
I offer tools, processes, one-on-one and group coaching to connect mind and body through focused breathing and intention in the following areas:
- Meditation training and coaching for individuals and groups interested in creating positive and integrative change while enhancing their overall well-being.
- Yogic breathwork (sometimes called ‘pranayama’) to induce physical relaxation with heightened states of present-moment awareness.
- Principles of Yoga body movement to increase flexibility, relaxation and mind-body centeredness.
- Qi Gong (a Chinese system of physical movement and subtle energy cultivation).
- Principles of psychodrama (a form of therapy in which clients use spontaneous dramatisation, role playing and dramatic self-presentation to investigate and gain insight into their lives).
- EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), a clinically effective and evidence-based form of psychotherapy that works with the body's meridian points to clear negative psycho-emotional energy and input positive thoughts, feelings and beliefs.
If you'd like further information on how I work, please contact me below or fill out the form to book a session.
In states of deep relaxation and mind-body stillness, the hindbrain responsible for flight-fight responses and stress chemicals is effectively turned off, and the forebrain, the creative, expansive region responsible for higher thought and heightened sensory awareness, is activated.
If we see the mind and body as two opposite ends of one continuum, then the breath can be seen to be the intermediary or messenger between them. The breath regulates oxygen to the brain, increases blood flow, and helps to regulate the chemicals of relaxation and higher states of consciousness.
“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.” ― Amit Ray
The research is clear that the mind, body and breath, when connected through intention and awareness, can produce powerful physiological changes, heal disease and illness, and create transformative experiences of health and wellbeing in numerous ways.
