Local Healing Arts Practitioner Offers Women, Mothers "Sacred Space"
Amy Witmyer is holistic in the truest sense of the word: Trained in multiple healing arts disciplines, Witmyer offers a safe space inside her intimate yoga studio in West Orange for women to explore both body and energy work. Through her semi-private yoga classes and wellness workshops, Witmyer also inspires women to find community in shared interests and goals; and explore their creative sides in a compassionate, intimate setting. Witmyer's mission, she explains, is to "provide a nurturing and safe environment for self-exploration and learning."
"Sacred Space Yoga and Wellness is a place for women, particularly mothers, to open themselves up to self-awareness and self-acceptance," she says. "My main focus is in supporting women on their journey to live more balanced and abundant lives."
A yogini with extensive training, Witmyer infuses her unique style into her teaching and encourages her students to do the same with their practice. The hands-on attention she offers each student makes for a more personalized yoga experience. So much so that Witmyer's students will often work with her using one modality, like yoga, and then complement that practice with another, like Reiki.
For a limited time, Witmyer (formerly Amy Leban) is offering a special for Mindful Living NJ newsletter recipients. Mention this article to receive a 1-hour private session with her for a discounted rate of $50. For a detailed list of services or to learn more, visit: www.sacredspaceyogawellness.com or call (973)324-YOGA (9642).
Hypnosis Is Effective Tool to Relieve Pain and Anxiety Before, During and After Surgery
According to a study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer patients who underwent hypnosis immediately before lumpectomy or biopsy required a third less sedative and significantly less anesthetic lidocaine during their procedure than controls. Hypnotized patients also reported less pain intensity after surgery. This study scientifically backs up what hypnotherapists have known for years: Hypnotherapy can successfully reduce pre-operative anxiety and post-operative pain.
"Though called by different names, hypnosis has been a critical tool for doctors for thousands of years," says Doctor of Clinical Hypnotherapy, Suhail Jarroush, who provides individuals with the opportunity to benefit from this powerful pain management tool. His process involves first teaching clients how to eliminate fear by using self-hypnosis, and second, reinforcing positive suggestions through listening to a personalized CD before and during surgery.
Claire Peluso, 61, credits hypnotherapy with Dr. Jarroush as the means to braving a recurrence of breast cancer and a subsequent lumpectomy. "I already experienced the painful procedures involved with a lumpectomy and I was so afraid to go through it again," says Peluso. "But by sharing my fears with Dr. Jarroush and facing those fears, together we created a completely different experience this time around."
Peluso was particularly concerned about the needle biopsy, in which needles were placed into her breasts without any anesthesia. "Even the doctor was unable to believe how I could lay still and tolerate this extremely painful procedure, "says Peluso. "But I did. I kept hearing Dr. Jarroush's voice saying, 'Relax. Choose to ignore the pain.'"
To learn more about the benefits of pre-operative hypnotherapy, contact the Aquarian Sun at 973-686-9100.
Do You Have a Story of Hope or Recovery Through Alternative Medicine or Self-Healing?
If you or someone you love has recovered from illness through methods involving alternative or complementary medicine and you'd like to share your story with others, Mindful Living NJ wants to give you a voice!
Did you beat cancer through nutrition and Chinese herbs? Reverse sensory disorders in your child through detox or elimination diet? Did working with a holistic practitioner change your life? Did you take charge of your own health and direct the way your care was handled? Email your story to stories@mindfullivingnj.com. Please include your full name, age, and hometown and "MY STORY" in the subject line. We'll be in touch with you if we'd like to publish it!
Upcoming Mindful Living NJ Events
Presenting...The Mindful Living Salon - A New Concept in Community Outreach and Support
This summer, Mindful Living NJ will begin offering the community a unique opportunity. The Mindful Living NJ Salon will be a recurring event each of which will focus on making connections between community members with a particular chronic illness or disorder and holistic health practitioners who can help.
Each Mindful Living NJ Salon™ will be themed based on a specific ailment or syndrome, such as chronic back pain, migraines, asthma/allergies, ADHD, infertility, migraines, fibromyalgia and more. In addition to meeting practitioners who can offer integrative and alternative treatment for such ailments, the Mindful Living NJ Salon™ will feature discussion and support opportunities for guests. You can share what is working and not working for you; and learn helpful hints from like-minded and empathetic neighbors.
The first Mindful Living NJ Salon will support community members suffering from SEASONAL ALLERGIES and ASTHMA. It will take place on Thursday, August 13, from 7 - 9 pm. Shakti Yoga & Living Arts, our sponsor for this event, will host in their studio at 1861 Springfield Ave, Maplewood. More info at info@mindfullivingnj.com
$10 IN ADVANCE. $15 AT THE DOOR. REGISTER BELOW.
Upcoming Community Events
Saving Our Kids, Healing Our Planet Expo
September 12 -13, 2009. Newark, NJ. Saving Our Kids, Healing Our Planet (SOKHOP) is at the forefront of a new movement focused on sustainable living practices and safe and effective methods for preventing and recovering our children from ADHD, Autism, Allergies, Asthma, Obesity, Diabetes etc. Mindful Living NJ is proud to be a sponsor of this important event. More info at www.SOKHOP.com
Discover the Power of Reiki at The Aquarian Sun Healing & Learning Center Reiki Level 1, July 26, 9am - 6pm Reiki Level II, August 2, 9am - 6pm Reiki Master, August 16, 9am - 6pm
The Aquarian Sun, 63 Beaverbrook Road, Ste. 305, Lincoln Park, NJ. More info at: www.aquariansun.com
WHO WE ARE
Mindful Living NJ strives to educate and empower individuals to take charge of their health. We help individuals connect with holistic health and wellness practitioners through consultations, educational presentations, and events. We also help holistic health and wellness professionals gain access to the community through marketing and public relations support. Find out more by contacting Jen Maidenberg at
This is not medical advice, nor is Mindful Living NJ a licensed physician providing medical treatment. If medical treatment or advice is necessary, please contact a qualified medical practitioner. As part of our service, if you desire, we can put you in contact with a qualified medical practitioner. All information provided is for general purposes only.
Amy Witmyer is holistic in the truest sense of the word: Trained in multiple healing arts disciplines, Witmyer offers a safe space inside her intimate yoga studio in West Orange for women to explore both body and energy work. Through her semi-private yoga classes and wellness workshops, Witmyer also inspires women to find community in shared interests and goals; and explore their creative sides in a compassionate, intimate setting. Witmyer's mission, she explains, is to "provide a nurturing and safe environment for self-exploration and learning."
If you or someone you love has recovered from illness through methods involving alternative or complementary medicine and you'd like to share your story with others, Mindful Living NJ wants to give you a voice!
