Monthly Archives: July 2012

“Your child is very bright, but…”: How Developmental Movement Therapy Can Help

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by Stephanie Johnson MA, R-DMT, LPC

There are an increasing number of very bright children unable to perform their best at school. A bright child who does not perform at grade level or has a hard time focusing is often thought of as needing to try harder. Many parents struggle with how to support a smart child who is perceived as not “working up to their ability.”

There are a series of underlying body mechanics that need to be in place before a child can absorb curriculum and demonstrate grade level proficiency. For example, the ability to keep the legs stable in a chair so that the upper body can work, write and express should be automatic. When a child’s body does not do this automatically, precious brain space is used for the physicality of sitting and working thus, robbing resources needed for academic pursuits. When the higher order thinking part of the brain has two jobs to perform it cannot produce high quality work, causing smart children appear as though they are not working hard.

For some children this type of over-working the thinking brain can lead to cognitive fatigue causing a surplus of adrenaline to be released just so the body can keep up with the tasks at hand. Adrenaline is a very powerful chemical needed to run from a big bear, it is not optimal for children to be using it daily just to get through the school day. Think about how you feel after drinking too much coffee, how about after a few days of drinking too much, or a few months! The extra adrenaline in a child’s system can easily cause symptoms of attention challenges. These are just two examples of what can occur to a learner whose body is not supporting the learning process, but rather getting in the way.

What would cause a child’s upper and lower body to not work harmoniously while doing desk work? The body mechanics needed for lifelong cognition, emotional intelligence and perception are developed during the first 15 months of life as an infant is learning to lift the head, roll over, sit, crawl and creep. For many of our children there is not ample time to fully complete all these movements because, as a culture, we are moving away from having babies on the floor where these body mechanics are developed.

Developmental Movement Therapy (DMT) offers children the opportunity to revisit early motor patterns that were not completed as an infant in a fun and supportive environment. DMT has helped many students find ease and comfort in learning without engaging in endless hours of remedial work and/or tutoring. Parents feel so relieved to learn that there is an effective, non-invasive course to supporting their bright child.

Find out how Developmental Movement Therapy can work for your child. For a limited time, save $60 on a two-visit intake and assessment at Sage Education Center. Click here to learn more!

Stephanie Johnson MA, DTR, LPC is a licensed teacher, Registered Dance Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor and mother who brings a unique perspective to education and child development. Recognizing the body’s role in optimal learning, Ms. Johnson has integrated her experience in the classroom with training in a variety of developmental movement therapies to offer effective treatment plans for children who struggle to perform their best at school. Stephanie offers a deep understanding of how a child’s early physical development influences achievement at school both socially and academically. Ms. Johnson is committed to assessing the origin of symptoms rather than employing a series of coping strategies that overlook the root of the problem. In addition to her therapeutic work with children, Stephanie offers workshops and trainings for parents and educators and is the author of Bring Your Body to Class: A School Wide Model for Celebrating the Body’s Role in Learning. Stephanie is the director of Sage Education and Therapy in SW Minneapolis. Connect with Sage Education and Therapy on Facebook.

Massage Therapy for the Cancer Patient

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by Melanie Bowen, Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance 

Anyone who has personally been through or witnessed the rigors of cancer treatment firsthand knows that the patient can experience agonizing mental and physical symptoms ranging from stress, anxiety, depression, and intense pain, among others. However, hope is beginning to emerge regarding the potential benefits of massage therapy for cancer patients. Even though massage does not provide a cure for cancer, it can still serve as an irreplaceable means for the patient to improve their mental state and also to manage pain, even if only temporarily.

Massage has been a key component of healing the sick for thousands of years, and new clinical research is now beginning to directly measure the benefits of massage for those inflicted with cancer. One recent study done by the Mayo Clinic revealed that every patient surveyed answered positively to massage therapy helping to lower their stress and anxiety levels, thus increasing their ability to relax. Another study conducted at the University of Colorado measured the moods of patients before and after massage treatments, and it was found that their frame of mind increased by an average score of 23.6%. These two studies may just be the tip of the iceberg as well.

 

In addition to the improved mental state of mind, many physical benefits may be seen with massage as a vital component of a patient’s cancer treatment. Much of the intense pain that is experienced may be reduced in the short term, and a study published by the Oncology Nursing Society even showed that patients undergoing chemotherapy were able to ease the associated nausea. Massage therapy may also be an essential part of a cancer patient’s ability to get a better night’s sleep, and can work toward boosting overall immunity as well.

Despite the aforementioned trials (and numerous others) demonstrating the effectiveness of massage therapy, worry still persists among many that massage is potentially harmful to the cancer patient, or that it can actually lead to the spread of cancer. These concerns are unfounded; assuming the patient is working with their doctor and a skilled therapist who is trained in the massaging of cancer patients and who has a clear understanding of the patient’s individual situation, there should be no risk whatsoever.

As long as the appropriate precautions are taken, an effective massage therapy experience will work around the negative side-effects and complications of the patient’s cancer treatment, and may provide all of the benefits mentioned above, if not more.

So regardless of whether the patient is inflicted with lung cancer, leukemia, mesothelioma, or any other type of cancer, massage therapy can and should be considered as an integral part of treatment. Not only will patients experience an increased sense of well-being, but they will also feel better physically, and that is always a good thing.

Find a Twin Cities’ massage therapist to assist in your treatment at Restore.

Melanie Bowen joined the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance in 2011 as an awareness advocate for natural health and cancer cure initiatives. You will often find her highlighting the great benefits of alternative nutritional, emotional, and physical treatments on those diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness. Melanie also assists in social media outreach in her efforts to spread awareness. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter or at mbowen@mesothelioma.com

 

Teaching Yoga in Public Schools

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by Debbie Cohen, owner, Core Yoga

The other day, Malika, a young woman at Brighton High School in Boston, told me that when she has yoga class first thing in the morning, she always has a great day afterwards.

Other Boston public school students have shared:

“Yoga calms my mind and helps me control my behavior during the rest of the day… If I can breathe on the mat, then I can breathe during homework to help me through the process.”

“I’ve noticed when I take yoga classes, I have gotten better sleep because many things come off my mind when I practice the ‘slow deep full breaths’ in my belly.”

“I had respect for the relaxation before, but now I appreciate it more. It slows down my mind to the pace where I block out everything else.”

 

It can be rewarding to teach yoga in schools. That said, teaching yoga in schools requires different preparation than teaching yoga to willing adults who have signed up for relaxation and are happy to be led towards that experience.

My experience shows that students are not receptive to serious, heavy-handed instruction in how to relax. First, they do not find this approach relaxing. Second, they already know how to relax. They relax by reading, shopping, playing sports, listening to music etc. No matter how beneficial or sacred I might find the practice, the students respond well when yoga is fun, lighthearted and approached in the spirit of inquiry.

I have found that flowing in and out of the poses in rhythm to the music maintains attention effectively. The less I speak and the more I let the music and movement speak, the happier we all are. This way it is much easier to manage the class. It is fun rather than dogmatic.  During the closing relaxation, I often turn on an inspirational song, either with lyrics the students can appreciate or a yoga chant. I allow that listening to facilitate relaxation and breathing lower down in the belly.

Another technique I have found helpful is breaking down poses through preparatory movements which themselves teach the way into the full poses. This approach enables the students to discover how to embody them skillfully without my saying too much. They feel it from experiencing the movements and, again, it is fun.

It is true that I hold yoga with a certain reverence. I get up early to practice. I also respect my students’ revered practices- spending early morning hours doing their hair and make-up or practicing basketball with intensity and commitment. Rather than feeling I have influenced these students, I feel I myself have been profoundly influenced. My willingness to do whatever it takes to make teaching yoga in schools work has been fascinating to observe in myself- sweeping floors and cleaning out closets, buying food several times a week, soliciting donations, incorporating music into my teaching style. The experience has led me to shift my focus from teaching yoga to getting to know the students by sharing yoga with them… and this has made all the difference.

Deborah Cohen holds a bachelor’s degree in literature and a master’s in education from Harvard University. She also has a master’s in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. Deborah teaches Positive Psychology with Tal Ben-Shahar, previously at Harvard University and now at Kripalu Yoga Center in Massachusetts. Through the Boston Public Schools Fitness and Wellness Department, she has trained teachers to incorporate yoga into their classrooms and she is contracted to collaborate on a research project with Harvard University/Children’s Hospital researcher Katie McLaughlin, PhD in the summer of 2012. Deborah is also the author of Journey to Inner Space: A Children’s Yoga Book which you can find on Amazon.

Restore Balance – Connect With Your Chakras

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by Katy Becker, Clear Heart Healing

In Sanskrit, chakra means “wheel”. A healthy chakra is described as a spinning wheel of light. There are varying concepts about what chakras look like, represent and explain. To me, chakras are energy centers at various points in the body that can be utilized as information centers to connect, process, and express different aspects of your body, mind, and spirit. Chakras stir what Western theory has diligently tried to separate (body and mind), and weave it together in energy patterns as complex as humans beings. The balance and health of our thoughts, actions, and feelings reflect the balance and health of the energy patterns expressed in each chakra.

These theories and beliefs date back thousands of years in ancient Indian philosophy which describes connections of the mind, body, and spirit through the chakra system. Some people are skeptical about the existence of chakras because they are part of the subtle energy system, undetectable by an x-ray or MRI, but I believe humans can develop greater sensitivity than machines.

The following are our seven major chakras:

Sanskrit Name: Western Name: Location: Color: Endocrine Gland: General Association

  • Muladhara: Root Chakra: Base of Spine: Red: Adrenal Glands: Safety
  • Svadisthana: Sacral Chakra: Near Sacrum: Orange: Ovaries/Testies: Relationships and Creativity
  • Manipura: Solar Plexus Chakra: Abdomen: Yellow: Pancreas Gland: Sense of Self
  • Anahata: Heart Chakra: Heart: Green: Thymus Gland: Love and Compassion
  • Visuddha: Throat Chakra: Throat: Blue: Thyroid Gland: Expression and Communication
  • Ajna: Third Eye Chakra: Between and Above the Eyes: Indigo: Pituitary Gland: Intuition
  • Sahasrara: Crown Chakra: Top of the Head: Violet: Pineal Gland: Spirituality

In yoga we use our physical bodies to stretch, refresh, and connect to our chakras. It is a way to slow down, simplify, clarify, and commune with our complex human system.

Katy’s exclusive Four-Day Chakra Yoga & Meditation Workshop kicks off next week. Connect, explore and heal through movement. Learn more and take advantage of 50% off here!

Katy Becker is owner of Clear Heart Healing and is a wellness educator and energy healer specializing in yoga, Pilates, Healing Touch and craniosacral therapy. Katy has a Master’s degree in holistic health studies from St. Catherine University. She is passionate about helping people connect to their bodies in a positive, life-affirming way. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

References:
Miller, O. (2004) The Chakra Deck. Chronicle Books LLC, San Francisco, CA
Wauters, A. (2002) The Book of Chakras.Barron’s Educational Series, Hauppauge, NY

 

Good Earth Connects Farm to Table

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by Chester Dyrud, Executive Chef, Good Earth

At Good Earth, we are fortunate to have access to the best farmers around. Local farmers such as Maurice and Gail Smith from DragSmith Farms, Farmer Dave from Northwoods Organic Produce and Jack and the Green Sprout provide us with amazing, organic produce. Therefore, in preparing for our summer menu we coincide our dishes with what our local farmers have in season.  When we change our menu, we see what farmers have that’s fresh and how long it will be available. We think about what type of nutrients the plants have, how to get the most out of them, and come up with flavorful dishes that everyone will enjoy.

This month’s menu features berries, cucumbers and green tea.

Cucumber
This easy to grow vegetable is cultivated around the world and comes in different sizes, shapes, and shades of green. Cucumbers are very low in calories and sodium with no cholesterol or saturated fat. They’re high in potassium, a heart healthy electrolyte, and Vitamin K for bone strength. Cucumbers also contain many anti-oxidants including Vitamins A and C.

Green Tea
Another antioxidant powerhouse, green tea is perfect for summertime. Brewed green tea helps hydration, and without sweeteners, is almost calorie and caffeine free. The leaves can be used as an herb in foods to help lower inflammation, prevent tooth decay, and increase metabolism. Green tea contains vitamins A, B group, C, D, and K along with some essential minerals, such as manganese and zinc.

Berries 
Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and cranberries are especially antioxidant rich when eaten fresh. While each berry has its own unique nutritional profile, other common health benefits include high levels of Vitamin C,potassium, and fiber. More studies are being conducted that link berries with the potential to prevent cancer and may lower cholesterol.

As Good Earth’s Executive Chef, I invite you to visit us in Roseville or Edina and try one of our yummy dishes off our summer menu. They’ll satisfy and keep you cool, leaving you energized and ready to beat-the-heat! Also, if you get a chance, go to your local farmers market and try some amazing fresh fruits, vegetables and any other fun stuff you can find. In the famous words of Andrew Zimmern, “If it looks good, eat it”.

Chester Dyrud was born and raised in Brazil, went to culinary arts school at Hennepin Technical Collage in Brooklyn Park MN. He worked at Leeann Chin in Minnetonka as a kitchen manager, Chino Latino in uptown as a Sous Chef and now at Good Earth in Roseville as their Executive Chef. 

Locally owned Good Earth believes everything comes down to one thing: The more direct their connection to the planet, the better off they are. Their meat and poultry is antibiotic, hormone and nitrate-free, humanely raised, fed a vegetarian diet, and organic where indicated. Good Earth only serves seafood from sustainable sources, harvested by methods that do not harm the oceans’ ecosystem. They also serve seasonal, fresh, unprocessed produce, organic where indicated and locally sourced when possible. Learn more about Good Earth restaurants at goodearthmn.com.

Craniosacral Therapy: Brain surgery, Massage, or Both?

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by Nichi Hirsche Kuechle, My Healthy Beginning

You wouldn’t believe the questions I get asked, but I’m here to tell you: I totally get it.

Over a decade ago when I looked into craniosacral therapy, I avoided it like the plague because it sounded like brain surgery! That is, until one day when an acquaintance asked if she could practice her new modality on me.

I knew within 30 seconds I had to learn craniosacral therapy. I had been searching for something that fit my hands and method of practice, and I had finally found it.

 

Craniosacral therapy works to release and stimulate the membranes and fluid that surround the spinal cord. This soft body balancing does wonders to guide the nervous system into balance so it can focus on healing and ease in movement.

 

When I first started implementing this practice with my clients, I saw longer, lasting benefits from this work than with the deeper and more painful massage techniques I was using. When I applied this soft and gentle modality, clients moved more quickly into relaxation and experienced the longer lasting benefit of relief from their pain.

Utilizing craniosacral therapy in my practice with soon-to-be mamas and their growing bodies is fascinating. It helps reduce sciatica, low back pain, neck tension, and the tiredness that comes from pregnancy. Because we can do this work standing, sitting or lying, we are able to find a position that works best for mom throughout all her pregnancy stages.

Kids get tired as well, and I see this often in my practice. They get tired because of working through behavior issues and not sleeping restfully through the night. For these cases, I also use Nutrition Response Testing so we can remove inflammatory foods in partnership with a weekly craniosacral visit. Typically, within the first visit there is a shift in behavior, and it is awesome. It is noticeable not only by mom and dad, but by teachers and even the child! Children feel lighter, have more energy, can focus and concentrate with more ease, and fall into work easily.

I’ve never seen such a non-invasive therapy that leaves everyone feeling rested, released, and refocused as much as I have with craniosacral therapy.

This week, Nichi is offering 50% off one craniosacral therapy session! Get your deal and learn more here.

Nichi Hirsch Kuechle supports moms from pregnancy to parenthood as a Bradley Natural Childbirth Instructor, Parent Coach, Craniosacral Therapist, and Doula in Minneapolis. She publishes a weekly e-zine called Raising Healthy Babies, which offers tips and ideas to bring ease, clarity and understanding to your parenting. She also teaches a variety of live and virtual workshops. You can get Nichi’s New Parent Tool Kit, for free ($30 value!), by going to MyHealthyBeginning.com.