_What’s Your New Year’s Resolution?
 
Will this be your year to really stick to an exercise program, learn a new language, take that once-in-a-lifetime trip, celebrate a personal milestone? And how does it make you feel just thinking about it -- excited or nervous? Some stress is good; it gives us the oomph to get started in a new direction. But too much stress, going on too long, is debilitating -- and too much stress seems to be business as usual in Western culture.

How about making one more resolution: to take charge of your own good health by finding ways to relax regularly. Here are some excellent ways to bring your stress level way down and bring your body back into balance:

• Take a walk in the woods
• Find a quiet place in nature and just sit for a while
• Practice t’ai chi or yoga
• Meditate
• Breathe deeply
• See your chiropractor
• Get a massage
• And, of course, book a session of Reiki or Reflexology (or both)!

Because our bodies are in dynamic equilibrium, we are always striving for balance … though we rarely stay there long. Choosing one or more of these practices (or other stress-reducers that appeal to you) and actually scheduling time to do it on a regular basis will do more to restore and rejuvenate you than a luxury vacation.

Of course, if this is your year for a luxury vacation, go for it! (And send me a postcard ;-)

One more thing to consider: is this the year for you to learn Reiki? Practicing the energy balancing and grounding techniques of Reiki is an excellent way to keep your stress level under control. Whether you are working on yourself or family and friends, you’ll notice the benefits:

        “… touch therapies influence the recipient and the practitioner alike.”
        -- Anne Vitale, “An Integrative Review of Reiki Touch Therapy Research,” Holistic Nurse Practitioner, 2007.

Reiki classes with A Natural Path will be forming soon. Check back on my website or go to www.anaturalpath.org for more information.

Best wishes for a joyous, abundant New Year living in balance!

Tis the season for stress-free gift-giving! If you find yourself under pressure searching for just the right gift for friends or family, relax . . . take a deep breath . . . and consider this:

• Reiki has been shown to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to “rest and digest” activities -- the opposite of the “fight or flight” response that kicks in when we are stressed. As a result, people receiving Reiki can experience a lower heart rate, slower and deeper breathing, and an overall feeling of relaxation.

• Patients receiving Reiki before and after surgery had both “significantly improved preoperative relaxation” (and shorter operations!) and less post-op pain than a control group receiving standard care.

• In a 2004 study, patients receiving Reiki once a week for six weeks “experienced significant reduction of mild depression and stress and the beneficial effects lasted for at least one year following treatment.”

• “People who regularly use Reiki often find it helps them think more clearly and improves their problem-solving capabilities.”

[You can find these and more studies at www.centerforreikiresearch.org.]

So of course I recommend having a Reiki session before you face the crowds at the mall. And after.

What’s more, how about giving a gift of Reiki -- or Reflexology? From now through the end of the year, I have a special on Gift Certificates: buy 2 or more of equal value and get 25% off.

Holiday Specials on Stress-free Gifts!_

For example: Two $60-value gift certificates are $90, three are $135, four are $180 -- get one free! They’re good for a one-hour session in either Reiki or Reflexology. You can also choose the “R&R Sampler” (30 minutes for $30) or the popular “R&R Combo” - 90 minutes of Reflexology plus Reiki to really get into the holiday mood.

This discount offer expires December 31, 2011. The gift certificates may be redeemed anytime -- there’s no expiration date.

Are you breathing easier now?