Post by Raesa (Owner) on Sept 18, 2014 19:07:05 GMT -5
Reflections from Practitioners of Alternative Approaches
“Over the past 20 years, I have experienced dozens of major life interruptions due to the disabling effects of depression. Recognizing my depression as ‘treatment resistant,’ I finally turned away from relying exclusively on traditional Western medical treatment to explore the benefits of several Taoist alternative approaches, including tai chi, acupuncture, tui na (a treatment in which the healer literally transmits his/her energy into my body to break up and remove emotional blockages embedded in my tissues), shiatsu (acupressure massage), and occasional medicinal herbs. The goal of Taoist arts is to keep energy, chi, balanced and constantly flowing. Since my depression manifested itself, in great part, as a lack of energy, I soon recognized a clear connection between my improved mental health and the study and practice of tai chi. When I began my studies in Taoist energy arts, I heard from several _veteran practitioners that it will gradually alter my body, mind, and spirit if I stay with it long enough. It has, and continues to do so. I am on a journey where, for the first in decades, I now look forward to the future.”
-Joseph Wyse
“Meditation has saved my life numerous times. In moments of active suicidal ideation, I have been able to slow my thoughts, calm my mind, and think more clearly about my experience and the nature of my intent, which has helped me to reach out and resist self-destructive impulses while I waited for help and hope. Less ‘dramatically,’ meditation helps me through days filled with anxiety by regulating my breathing, which in turn allows my physical ‘arousal’ to decrease and reduces my anxiety level even more. It is a self-perpetuating cycle.” -Anonymous
“I am a yoga practitioner and the type of yoga that I am doing, Viniyoga, has had a profound impact on my stability, energy levels, and clarity of mind. I can use certain practices to raise energy, and certain other practices to calm agitation. I live with post traumatic stress and depression and have been disabled since 1992. However, I am actually at a point of working sufficiently to end SSDI payments. I need less psychiatric medication and my asthma, which was once chronic, only requires rescue medication 2 to 3 times a year. My belief is that this is all due to the specific breathing techniques of viniyoga asana (postures) practice to stimulate the vagus nerve. ‘Yoga is the ability to direct the mind without distraction’ using a set of techniques or tools designed to increase one’s ability to meditate and achieve one-pointed focus of the mind. The technologies of yoga are presented in such a way that the religious beliefs are left up to the individual, thus any one choosing to use the techniques can utilize them to further their unique religious path.”-Anonymous
“I am a strong believer in, and user of ‘alternative therapies’ and I have been using them all my life. My mother first introduced me to the study of nutrition and the use of food supplements over 50 years ago. As an adult I have expanded my interest to include massage, acupuncture, homeopathies, and meditative practices. My first massage was like a gift from God and I continue with a regular schedule of massages-scheduling in an extra session if I am feeling anxious or out of sorts. Acupuncture provides me with relief from chronic physical problems. I use homeopathies on a daily basis to ‘tweak’ my mood and to relieve symptoms that makes me feel less than OK. I see a nutritionist regularly and depend on her analysis of my blood work and how I am feeling to guide me in deciding what I should ‘put in my mouth.’ I have explored all kinds of meditative practices through reading, workshops, and lectures. Those that have been most helpful, I have incorporated into my daily routine including yoga, breath work, deep relaxation, visualization, and working from time to time with my inner guides. I often find answers to pressing problems and issues in my life through this routine. In short, I check out anything that is simple and safe and if it helps I will use it. I also tell others about it. I have found that being open to these options has created great positive change in my life.”
-Mary Ellen Copeland