The stillpoint technique: A gateway to ultimate relaxation

by Susannah Kent

Stress relief practices such as mediatation, tai chi, and yoga counter the harmful effects of stress.  Another method, the stillpoint technique, can help us reach a place of absolute calm where thoughts are stilled and the mind is truly quiet.

Robert Harris is a stress expert and one of Canada’s leading craniosacral therapists.  He explains, “By finding your stillpoint, you can sink into calmness naturally and quickly, enabling you to identify and sustain the ultimate Shavasana.”  This is the ability to completely detach yourself from all thoughts.

WHAT IS A STILLPOINT?

The term “stillpoint” has its roots in osteopathy and craniosacral therapy (CST). 
The latter is a gentle, non-invasive, hands-on therapy [practiced by Fred Samorodin, RPT]. CST theory and practise is based on the concept of the continuous subtle movements of the cranial bones, which are understood to be in constant motion in response to rhythmical cerebrospinal fluid fluctuations within the spinal cord and brain environment.

The gentle stillpoint technique is used to help shift the central nervous system from its usual state of alertness to one of calmness.  The natural rhythm that is always occuring within the craniosacral system eases into a therapeutic standstill.  Recipients report the experience as feeling of deep peace pervading the body.  This
sense of peace and tranquility indicate that the fight-or-flight responses of the sympathetic nervous system have stepped down.

Harris describes the stillpoint experience as “relaxation so deep that one not only feels their mind going guiet and staying quiet, but eventually there is the feeling of becoming liquid. In this liquidness we access the potential for great surrender and release of chronic tensions.”

HOW TO FIND YOUR STILLPOINT

A stillpoint can be achieved with relative ease by contracting two very particular spots at the back of the head.  Even the slightest pressure in this area can create slack or release within the connective tissues of the brain.  When this happens, there is a neurological recognition and response.  The tensile nature of these tissues eases off, and the nervous system goes into temporary suspension.

These two spots lie opposite the pupils of the eyes along a horizontal plane at the back of the cranium.  Along this plane there is an internal divide between the upper and lower brain, marked by an inwardly folded membrane called the tentorium cerebelli.

Trained craniosacral therapists such as Robert Harris [and Fred Samorodin] use  a gentle hands-on method to help patients achieve the kind of release described above.  However, throught years of working with clients, Harris came to the conclusion that it would be empowering for people to be able to access stillness for themselves, easily and quickly.

With this in mind, he developed a tool he calls Becalm Balls.  These soft rubber balls are designed to be adjustable, allowing individuals to lie on them comfortably in a position that gently cradles their head at the exact spots where the relaxation response becomes activated. [Fred Samorodin, does not carry this product, however recommends the CV-4 self-help device that one can assemble with toy rubber balls]

ENHANCE YOGA PRACTICE

If yoga or meditation is your chosen aproach to relaxation, and you are having difficulty find and maintaining a relaxation response, discovering your stillpoint may help.

During stillness, the mind is settled and less distracted; it has better focus and heightened sensory awareness.  Accompanying this is a relaxation of muscle tone and a release of soft tissue restrictions.

As a result, your yoga practice can become more directed. You can execute postures with greater ease and flexibilityu, and you can experience a deeper, longer, and more rewarding Shavasana.

Yoga instructor Alicia Grant describes what a stillpoint experience is like for her.  “Going into stillness at the end of my yoga practice is like lying back into the ocean…the oceanlike wave lulls me back to source, to a place, where I am just hanging, suspending.” she says.  “I return with less anxiety, more clarity and calmness.”

She also observes that inducing a stillpoint during her yoga practice has enabled her to “listen and accept those around her with greater ease and understanding.”  This is a crucial element for stress reduction, on or off the yoga mat.

It has been shown that spending time, even just a few minutes a day, in a state of stillness can have a profound effect on stress. Every time our stress cycle is interrupted it takes a little longer to re-establish itself, and the body gets better at restoring a health balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

We can’t eliminate stress completely from our lives, but fortunately, we can find some relief.  Connecting with your stillpoint will help you reach the ultimate relaxation, when and whenever you need it.

Alive: Canada’s Natural Health and Wellness Magazine. August 2011, pp 41-3.

Archaea Active results from a fermentation process utilizing ancient microorganisms (Archaea) in a complex proprietary process, similar to fine wine- making.  Vinification techniques long used to transform grapes into wine and sugars into alcohol have been modified to utilize other, virtually sugarless, sources of organic molecules to produce an enhanced water beverage that is crisp and refreshing with a smooth texture that tastes great and leaves no aftertaste.  The beverage, Evolv is a refreshing liquid, so clear and pure that even the existence of any tiny amounts of its active organic components cannot be detected by all but the most sophisticated laboratories.

Research has shown that there are essential, highly active organic molecules that can, even in extremely small quantities, vastly influence the body’s cellular actions and interactions. These signaling molecules choreograph and continuously orchestrate the symphony of cellular communication necessary for good health. Drinking  8 ounces of Evolv beverage containing  Archaea Active molecules help raise blood oxygen levels within minutes.

Life requires oxygen. Anything that increases oxygen concentration in living tissues increases the functional efficiency of those well-oxygenated cells.  Cells and tissues in an optimal state function exceptionally well while decreasing overall oxygen demand.

Archaea Active is made by utilizing ancient microbes that share similar biochemical and physiological functions to Man and animals and are virtually everywhere in the environment, and, yet, have not been shown to spread any disease! In “Probing a DNA Repair Enzyme” (Science Daily, Feb. 18, 2008), Archaea are described as microbes whose DNA repair systems are closely related to those of human cells.  Active fermentation using Archaea to act on a medium of alfalfa extract and whey protein stimulates these Archaea to produce a broad array of their basic metabolic communicating molecules.  While Evolv, the enhanced beverage contains very tiny concentrations of communicating molecules that are extremely bioactive in such metabolic processes such as controlling inflammation or slowing/blocking overactive bodily responses seen in some diseases.

Dr. David Greaves of the University of Oxford’s Sir William Dunn School of Pathology goes on to point out that these molecules are active at very low concentrations (nanomoles=trillionths).  They have a great deal of promise for use in new therapeutic drugs.  They work at reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines–signalling proteins that play an important role in the body’s response to infection and injury, but also implicated in excessive immunie system responses to inflammatory diseases. Archaea Active helps normalize cell metabolism to modulate physiological responses of the body for enhanced health, energy and well-being.

Fred Samorodin, physiotherapist frequently sees clients where their health concerns have an underlying inflammatory condition. It is worth balancing the potential improvement in energy and physiological balance such a beverage could have, versus the potential liver or kidney disturbances, antiinflammatory medications can have on the body!

To order, Evolv, enhanced water beverage or Evolv Gel  or for further information contact: Chantal P. at http://www.healthybeauty.myevolv.com

Yoga improves digestion, flexibility, circulation

Shamona Harnett

With a foam block lodged under the front of his wheelchair to keep it from rolling, Regan Block leaned forward to stretch himself carefully.

For a fleeting second, he imagined that he might fall out of his chair.  He knew that in reality, however, that he was safe.

“I didn’t feel like I could hurt myself,” says the 43-year-old Winnipegger.  “[Instructors] were always there when I needed it.  You can’t go into yoga if you’re by yourself, on an island.”

For years, Block longed to try yoga but never thought that was feasible.  The St.James resident has been in a wheelchair for 22 years following a spinal-cord injury.

Recently, his yoga dream came to life when his massage therapist handed him a brochure promoting something called “adapted yoga”–a type of yoga designed for people with mobility issues, including those in wheelchairs.  Block was thrilled.

He’s tried about six classes so far and describes them as busy.  “It’s exhausting.  After a few minutes of stretching, going from one side to the other side and then holding it and looking ahead to see what the next pose is, it’s confusing to someone who’s never tried it,” says Block.

” But by the third or fourth class I was moving along pretty fast and could tell that things were changing for me.”

Among Block’s health improvements: the muscle spasms in his legs–a result of his spinal-cord injury–have lessened.  “They don’t jump as much,’ he says.  “I take less medication 

Block a rehabilitation cousellor who spends a lot of time working at a desk, says he also noticed that following classes he felt more relaxed and limber.

His class instructors assisted him constantly and even used a special cord to help him raise and bend his legs.  His digestion improved, he says, thanks to moving and stretching his torso–something he never did before.

Adapted yoga is the brainchild of Winnipeg occuipational therapist, Marnie Courage, who launcher the program in April 2010.  Courage, 36, owns Enabling Access (www.ea-solutions.ca), a business through which she rehabilitates Winnipegers using movement.

After taking some yoga classes herself for the first time, Courage realized that her clients–particularly the ones with mobility issues–could truly benefit form them as well.

“I did a bid of research and there wasn’t, really, anything out there that I could find in terms of a class for people who couldn’t get down to the floor,” says Courage.

She says that yoga not only improves flexibility, but also helps digestion, blood circulation, increases lymphatic-system flow and creates positive thinking.  She says people with limited mobility often have problems in these areas.

Courage hired a yoga instructor and the pair examined traditional yoga postural poses.

“We adapted each one for poeple suffering disabilities.  So I would say, “if someone was in a wheelchair, how could they get the benefits of this pose?”

Courage says her adapted yoga classes are perfect for people with multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and other conditions in which mobility is limited.

“A lot of poeple who are spinal injuries, even MS, have alot of trouble using their muscles to expand their lunmgs and get in as much oxygen as they need, says Courage, who teachers all her yoga participants the importance of breathing properly.

Don’t have a mobility issue? Courage syas her adpated yoga can even help people who aren’t as flexibile as they wish–those who need extra help in a pose and maintaining yoga positions.

“It’s nice to see a class where you can see a whole variety of different abilities”, says Courage, who plans to offer classes at assisted-living facilities around as well as in community centres.

Canwest News Service

Fred Samorodin is impressed with XanGo, a mangosteen health drink for antiinflammatory benefits.

abc news:  Sunday, January 17, 2010

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research Profile

 - One of the things that’s very popular right now are these super juices. A lot of people are talking about acai berry, goji berry, but the one we’ve chosen to study is something called Mangosteen. The leading manufacturer is a company called XanGo, and we’ve worked with them to evaluate their product, which is a Mangosteen juice. It includes not only the fruit but also the rind of the fruit.
  And it’s that rind that contains some unique anti-inflammatory agents called xanthones.

Well in many animal studies and in some anecdotal human experiences we’ve seen pretty remarkable anti-inflammatory effects. So we’re actually conducting a large trial of about 220 patients, all of whom have atrial fibrillation and as they go to cardioversion, where they get a shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm, those people are then going to either drink the juice or a placebo juice and the idea being that recurrent atrial fibrillation is often driven by how much inflammation is in the body.

So if Mangosteen does what we think it will, reduces the inflammation, we anticipate we’ll see less atrial fibrillation recurring in those patients drinking the actual juice. We’re also looking at a number of markers for inflammation and antioxidant capabilities, so there’s a lot of interest, because if it’s positive, this’ll really be the first clinical trial to validate the use of this novel juice and there’s plenty of other applications that we’ll pursue in other research studies.

Dr. Brent Bauer, M.D.

Mayo Clinic–Rochester, Minnesota

This website does not take any responsibility for the opinions expressed. Always consult your physician or healthcare provider for any medical advice.

Study finds sit-ups don’t do much for your abs and can be a strain on your back.

(more…)

Knee cap pain (patellofemoral pain syndrome)  is the most common cause of knee pain in runners.  (James, S.L., et al, 1978).  The patella is the proper term for the “knee cap”.  Overusing the knee can soften of the cartilage line on the under-surface of the patella and weaken the quadriceps muscle that move the patella over the knee joint. While recovering from such a condition, it is important to increase quadriceps and hamstrings muscle endurance of the affected leg.  Strengthening the last 30 degrees of knee straightening (extension) endurance in the quadriceps is especially important!

One of the major symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome (chondromalacia patellae)  is difficulty climbing or descending stairs, or walking down a hill (Malek & Malgine, 1981).   While stair-climbing may be difficult, due to pain, controlled retraining of the quadriceps muscle will help restore the full ability to climb and descend stairs, plus help stimulate the regeneration of normal cartilage on the patella (Palmoski, et al, 1980).  A training routine for increasing muscle endurance to the knee must be accomplished without provoking sharp pains, as this would negate any strengthening effect.   Traditionally knee muscle strengthening programs suggest using ankle weights to stress the quadriceps, the following program aims at using a more functional activity for increasing the endurance and, not necessarily the size or bulk of the muscles.  The following routine consists of doing isotonic concentric and eccentric step-up/step-down exercises for the knees. This activity also positively  stresses the hamstrings and buttock muscles.  Research by McKenzie, et al indicate that good foot alignment such as what foot orthotics provide, plus core stability training for the buttock muscles improves the effects of muscle endurance training programs.   Lower extremity kinematics of females with patellofemoral pain syndrome while stair stepping. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2010 Oct;40(10):625-32.

To begin:

1. Get a 4 to 6 inch (10–15 cm) thick block of wood (or other firm material, such as a phone book).  A taller person will require a thicker block, while a shorter person should use a thinner block.  The knee should be at an angle of 30 degrees or less when one foot is on the block while the other heel touches the floor.
2. On the first day, do a continuous series of step-ups on both the normal and affected legs to determine the maximum number of step-ups you can accomplish per leg.  the Maximum number on the weaker leg will be called MAX.
3. The PLAN is to do this exercise routine on ALTERNATE days.
4. ENDURANCE = 60-80 % of MAX for any muscle tested.

The AIM of this particular program is to do three sets of 70% MAX per exercise session.  When starting program, completing three full sets of 70% may be difficult, therefore, do as many repetitions as are comfortable during any given set.

Because a muscle responds to strengthening based on the speed and the degree of joint bending/unbending, it is advisable to do each exercise set at a different speed (rate).

If there is increased discomfort upon completion of an exercise session, apply an ice pack over the knee, using a package of frozen peas, for no more than 10-15 minutes.

PROGESSION

1. Increase the routine to a daily session.
2. Increase the block height, eventually using a standard stair height.
3. Increase your 70% MAX, remembering that too many repetitions can lead to further overuse.

ADJUNCT EXERCISES

1. 5-10 minutes of stationary bicycling at a constant speed.
2. Rotational core training on pivoting disc using the Mastermoves Core Training Program (http://mastermoves.com/fred.html)
3. Swimming with a paddleboard.
4. Elliptical trainer in “Hill climbing” mode
5. Physio Ball core stability exercises for the hips and pelvis.
6. Variations on the yoga “plank” exercises for core training of the lower body.

Fred Samorodin, RPT

Check out this brief video on how to stretch your thoracic spine over a foam roller at home.

Fred Samorodin,RPT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ_RvGB3TFU

I just received this flyer insert from Shoppers Drug Mart concerning antioxidant supplements and their benefits to our immune system.  As I can offer some great antioxidant solutions to you, have a read and get in touch. 604-732-6323 Fred

“Are you envious of your friends and co-workers who never seem to get sick?  The ones glowing with good health while everyone around them is sneezing, snifflying and coughing.  Studies show that people who resist infections do so because they take steops to boost (or modulate) their immune system.

The human body is continuously using oxygen to stay alive.  This oxygen use produces free radicals, which are damaging compounds that impair immune function and increase the risk of heart disease, cancer and other chronic diseases.  Your body naturally combats free radicals with help from antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables.

The problem arises when free radicals outnumber antioxidants.  A variety of factors promote free radical formation.  Cigarette smoke, alcohol, pesticides, pollutants, preservatives, stgress and an unhealthy diet have increased the number of Canadians with high levels of free radicals. This leads to an increase in colds, flus, and chronic diseases.

Antioxidant supplements boost your immune function and protect your body from harmful free radicals.  Look for supplements sthat contain standardized ingredients.l  This is ijportant because antioxidants can be destroyed when fruit or tea leaves are processed.  If the ingredients are not standardized you may not be getting enough active antioxidants.  Key antioxidants that can strengthen and support your immune system include green tea, acai berry, selenium and grape seed extract. ”

Fred Samorodin

Remember supplements don’t make up for an unhealthy diet or lack of exercise, but are an additional step to keep you and your family healthy.

TRAVEL TIPS

• Try traveling with a simple, rubber door-stop. It can stop intruders in their tracks. It’s inexpensive, light to pack and gives you the peace of mind to sleep well. The main door to your room usually has a good lock and peephole; some also supply a bar chain. But, if there is an adjoining room, that door usually has a fairly flimsy lock. The doorstop is especially useful in those situations.
• Try taping a foot-long piece of duct tape around a pencil to stick in your bag. It can fix so many things. If a strap on a sandal snaps or a purse handle breaks, it is duct tape to the rescue!
• Store all liquid products like shampoo, hairspray, etc. in zip lock baggies when packing. Many of these items can explode easily (some may explode from the high altitudes of flying) and the baggies will protect your other items.
• Foot problems are a painful part of the frequent-flyer lifestyle. Long hours of walking in airports, through convention halls or on uneven surfaces can lead to blisters. Band-aids often slip off toes and heels, so try packing thin moleskin instead. Buy the soft self-adhesive sheets at a grocery or drugstore, cut them into small squares and keep them in your purse or briefcase. If your shoe starts to rub, cover the area right away before it turns into a nasty blister.
• Make at least 2 photocopies of each and every travel document that you have: Driver’s License; itinerary, passport, etc. Give one set to a family member at home and keep one set in your purse or bag (separate from the originals). This is in case your originals are lost or stolen.
• If you are visiting a theme park/amusement park and you plan on riding the water attractions, pack extra dry socks for the family in a large zip lock bag. You can switch out the wet socks for the dry ones after riding.
• Bring a small flashlight. You never know when you’ll suddenly be “in the dark” and find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings. At night, keep your flashlight by your bed. A headlamp flashlight frees the hands for other actions as well.
• Do not flash your passport in public. Discreetly show important documents to officials only.
• Always bring a pair of flip flops (or thongs), or surf slippers. You never know when you may need some temporary “shower shoes.”
•  
• Take an inflatable travel pillow: when in flight, place the pillow under your chin to support your head if you nod asleep.  At your destination, place the pillow inside the pillow slip with “Mickey Mouse’s ears” pointing to the top of your head—you have just created a temporary contour pillow!