Pilates & Reiki In Paradise Blog: Meditation

Showing posts with label Meditation. Show all posts

26 July 2008

Spastic Pelvic Floor Syndrome

Hello Ma'am,

I was just wondering if you could give me some information on Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. I'm a 27 year old male, I have an appointment with a Physical Therapist next week to find out what is wrong with me. I have been to several doctors and urologists with no resolution. I think my pelvic muscles are tight and not relaxing during a bowel movement and urination because I am constipated all of the time and Involuntary squeeze a lot during defication and weak urinary stream during urination. I have done a lot of research and found something called a spastic pelvic floor syndrome which matches pretty much all of my symptoms that I am currently having. I have been checked from anywhere to my bladder and my prostate with no diagnosis. Any information would be of value
Thank you,
William

Dear William,

Thanks for your question. As you have learned, the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) are quite important, but most people don't even think about them until they act up. Your treatment will most likely have several facets:

1. You will need to make dietary changes so that you are not having to strain to go to the bathroom. These will likely include more fiber in the form of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables as well as psyllium husk supplements to help bulk up your stool for easier passage and much more water throughout your day you keep things flowing easier everywhere.

2. You will need to learn to relax more, including relaxing your PFMs using biofeedback, meditation, and other techniques.

3. Gentle exercise such as Pilates or Yoga may also help in getting all of your muscles stronger and more flexible, and will also help your breathing and relaxation.

Good luck!

Regards,

Lynda

11 July 2008

Mind/Body Relaxation Affects Our Genes

Finally there appears to be some scientific quantifiable evidence that mind/body relaxation practices, such as meditation, deep breathing and prayer, do trigger a measurable "Relaxation Response". This phrase was coined 35 years ago by Herbert Benson, MD, director emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute and co-senior author (along with Towia Libermann, PhD, director of the BIDMC Genomics Center) of a recent PloS One Journal report of a research study which found that "eliciting the relaxation response – a physiologic state of deep rest – influences the activation patterns of genes associated with the body’s response to stress."

The study's Phase One looked first at the gene expression patterns of 19 long-term practitioners of different relaxation response techniques alongside those of 19 individuals who had never engaged in such practices. Then, in Phase Two the 19 control participants went through an 8-week relaxation practice training program.

"Both phases of the study indicated that the relaxation response alters the expression of genes involved with processes such as inflammation, programmed cell death and how the body handles free radicals – molecules produced by normal metabolism that, if not appropriately neutralized, can damage cells and tissues. To validate those results, both phases were repeated in 6 different relaxation response practitioners and 5 non-practitioners, resulting in significantly similar changes in gene expression."

Interestingly enough, it did not matter which modality the person used. Some prayed, some meditated, some did yoga or chi gung, but whatever they did to elicit the Relaxation Response, their body was positively affected. Relaxation is one the key parts of medicine!

24 June 2008

The Great American Think Out

If you are at all interested in beating stress, exploring meditation, and studying with some of the greatest minds of our time (including Gregg Braden, Baron Baptiste, Hal Dwoskin, and Judith Orloff) then I highly recommend signing on to The Great American Think Out.

Friends and writers Richard Aranow and Stephanie Gunning started to hatch the idea in 2006. "Through a series of conversations about the importance of raising consciousness on the planet, and a shared love of laughter and play, they decided to launch a project that would inspire and support other people, such as you, the reader, to give themselves the experience of peace and joyful living on a daily basis in whatever way appeals to those people. They believe that shifting our minds from fear-based thoughts to a sense of presence with whatever is happening in the moment opens us to creativity and connection. Also, if people were to experience such peace in a bold, communal way, all on one day, it would change the energy of the world, reduce stress and conflict, and improve relationships. They hope you will join with them in an exploration of the possibility this idea holds. It's the next great adventure."

Each day there is a short writing and usually a downloadable MP3 of an interview or a short meditation. I have really enjoyed the Think Out so far (I'm on Day 19) and highly recommend it!