In "Commit to Change" (part 2 of

Andrzej Strzalkowski, RPT

Relaxation...) we pointed out the need to set a goal to relax and further; develop the ability to differentiate between the onion-like layers of relaxation.  We touched on breathing as a meditative form of relaxation, recognizing the necessity to clear the mind, center and eliminate the problem of constantly being diverted by our thoughts.  "Relaxation" for this month will focus on the third, deeper level of... 

Intentional Breathing (Approaching the innermost core of the "onion".)  

While breathing, we can concentrate on inhaling and exhaling, and typically, when the period of time starts to extend (longer than two or three minutes) suddenly we are bombarded with a multitude of thoughts.  How can we remedy this?  

This is the goal of our treatment at Alternative Therapy:  To assist each patient in training their mind to quietly listen and become aware of the tensions in their body and release them.

This is a much deeper level of relaxation.  Yoga, tai chi, qi gong are exercises we can use to guide us into this sphere of relaxation.  The intention of these practices,should be to synchronize our mind and our heart to focus on that one goal of relaxation...not getting rid of the pain, not stretching the muscles, not acquiring more flexibility.  These are byproducts, a positive side effect of the relaxation practice.  

 This deeper layer of relaxation; breathing (with the intent of quieting and listening to our whole body), begins with the mind.  To start, we make sure not a single thought is crossing our mind, then we seek a deeper, listening level.  As we listen to our body we will start to hear the tension in our chest, in our shoulders and in our elbows.  Continuing, mentally, to travel through the body, we can release these tensions, one by one.  This is still a superficial layer of the deeper level of relaxation; the sensation of relaxing the muscles.  There are other structures: fascias (connective tissues), internal organs, muscular/skeletal system which may have energy blocks in need of release, as well.  The quieter we are, the more in tune to our bodies, the more success we will experience releasing these tensions, until finally our body becomes a channel for freely flowing energy. 

Successfully engaging in this communication with our bodies is relaxation at the highest level:  "The core of the onion!"  There are documented cases of several gurus in yoga whom, through pre-meditative techniques have achieved levitation, proving there are even higher levels of transcendental meditative states...relaxed states.  The layers are multiple and our intent determines where we want to be, how we want to accomplish and what we are going to use to achieve this level of relaxation.

Alternative Therapy treatment begins with osteopathic manipulative techniques (total body adjustment, myofascial, visceral manipulation, craniosacral, etc.)  then according to the patient's condition, techniques such as acupuncture, 

massage, tai chi, qi gong and yoga are incorporated, to release tensions in the body.  This method provides the patient a quick "short cut" from a great deal of tension to very little tension. 

However, the patient must be an active partner and ultimately take over treatment.  Using the training received at Alternative Therapy in meditative exercises and embracing a balanced, intentional wellness lifestyle (quarterly body adjustments, massages, practicing yoga, tai chi or qi gong) the patient will possess the necessary tools to maintain a tension free body.  Is it easy?  No.  Should we do it?  I would say we have nothing to lose and a stress and pain free life to gain.

Curious about "Intentional Health"?  Contact Alternative Therapy for more information.