Meet Sheila Buchanon

Sheila Buchanan

Certified Reiki Master

Clinical Pet Nutritionist

Reiki
Energy flows through all living things and directly affects the quality of a person’s health. Reiki is a technique that enhances a person’s life energy.  During a session, Reiki is administered while you lie fully clothed on a massage table. A session typically lasts for 60 minutes. The Reiki practitioner places her hands at locations around the head and shoulders, the abdomen and on the legs and feet. Direct touch is not necessary.... Read More at www.nlmwholeliving.com
Reiki for Pets & People
Your pet has come into your life for a reason. Reiki can facilitate the healing for each of you in a supportive and gentle manner. Traditionally, Reiki practitioners approach an imbalance in a pet or a person individually, focusing on the person's and the animal’s well-being separately. We take a unique approach to animal and human Reiki sessions because we recognize that pets are members of the family; when one member of the family unit is out of balance, all family members are affected.... Read more at www.nlmwholeliving.com

Beyond The Bag Pet Nutrition & Wellness LLC.

http://www.beyondthebagpetnutrition.com/

"Taking the guesswork out of choosing the best food for your pet."

In 2010, Sheila studied with Mary Maynard in Lakewood and achieved Master Level Shamanic Reiki Certification in the Usui Lineage.  Sheila has many natural intuitive gifts which blend effortlessly with her Reiki skills to increase the body and soul’s innate ability to heal itself on many levels.  As a natural extension of a lifelong connection to animals, Sheila also received Animal Reiki training from Kathleen Prasaad, founder of Animal Reiki Source and is now co-owner of Beyond the Bag Pet Nutrition and Wellness which provides wellness education and services to the entire family unit including pets and their people.

Join us for Pet Wellness during the month of October

www.PetNutritionandWellness.com

Yoga Nidra

By Lori Palmer

Yoga Nidra is a very accessible form of meditation for everyone,teens and adults, from all backgrounds. Nidra means "sleep", and the practice of Yoga Nidra is among the deepest possible states of relaxation while still maintaining full consciousness. It is a systematic method of complete relaxation, bringing a holistic approach to our neurological, physiological and subconscious needs. 

During a yoga nidra session, the students are invited to lie down and often use props such as blankets and a cloth over the eye to block the light and to aid relaxation by minimizing stimulation as much as possible. Many beginners to meditation can find sitting meditations difficult, and silently meditating can be overwhelming for the new practitioner. Yoga Nidra addresses both of these by guiding the students in a fully relaxed reclined state through a very specific process to relax the body, then the mind. The student needs only to follow the voice of the instructor, and nothing more. 

Sessions last anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, and can provide in that short session the same benefits to the body as 4 or 5 hours of sleep. The stages of the Yoga Nidra provided by the guidance of the instructor quiet the overactive conscious mind and slow down the brain waves to a place of harmony and bliss. Most practitioners emerge feeling rejuvenated and calm. The beauty of the unwinding of the nervous system is the gift of Yoga Nidra.

By slowing the brain waves from the normal daily active beta waves to relaxed slower alpha waves, and even slower theta waves, the nervous system goes into rest and digest mode, rather than our typical fast paced stress filled world of fight or flight mode. When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated during meditation and Yoga Nidra, the body begins to heal, the thoughts begin to slow and soften, and an awareness is achieved that goes far beyond the session. The more regularly the students practice, the healthier all facets of their life become. 

The long list of benefits from practicing Yoga Nidra include reduction of stress, relief for depression and anxiety, aids in finding healthy restful sleep, relaxes the mind and body, helps with creativity, aids in banishing unhealthy habits... and so much more. Find out for yourself how blissful Yoga Nidra can be! 

Massage for Emotional Balance

By Nan Little 

Massage provides a wealth of benefits, both physically and emotionally, and research supports the use of massage for relief from stress and anxiety. Few know that massage can be useful for alleviating symptoms related to depression as well. Touch is an integral part of the healing process, especially when dealing with emotional disturbances, and massage is one way to provide touch.

Massage for Stress

Studies show that massage can help manage the physical symptoms of stress by lowering blood pressure, alleviating muscle tension, reducing pain, and promoting deep breathing. Emotionally, massage also promotes relaxation and a calm sense of peace, creates a general feeling of well-being, and increases sensitivity to the state of the body. This makes it easier to determine when to engage in de-stressing activities in the future.

Massage for Anxiety

Massage provides a great way to take the mind off worries and problem situations. Getting a massage has been shown to reduce anxiety as well as strengthen the immune system, which can be a concern for those suffering with long-term, chronic anxiety.

Massage for Depression

Studies are beginning to demonstrate the healing effects of massage on cases of depression. It is believed that massage may promote detoxification as well as stimulate the production of hormones and neurochemicals that can help regulate mood. The other benefit of massage for depression is the aspect of touch. Caring touch is vital for emotional balance, and massage is a way that those dealing with depression can find a healing touch and increase the quality of life to feel better.

 http://www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com/articles/complementary_alternative_medicine/massage_therapy/massage_balance.php

10 Embarrassing Massage Questions

By Cathy Wong

1.  Am I supposed to tip my massage therapist?

If you get a massage at a spa or hotel, a 15% to 20% tip is standard if you were pleased with the services.  On the other hand, there are no real ground rules or norms when it comes to massage in a medical setting.  You can call ahead to ask if you don't want to do it face to face.   If tipping isn't the norm, you can always show your appreciation by referring friends, family and co-workers to the massage therapist.

2.  Am I supposed to take off my underwear when I get a massage?

Many people prefer to keep their panties or briefs on during a massage, while others prefer to be completely nude. It's up to you.   If you do remove your underwear, licensed massage therapists must ensure that you are always properly covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged will be uncovered.

3.  What if I realize I've drooled during the massage?

Many people fall into a peaceful slumber during the massage but when they wake up, they notice a pool of drool on the pillow or massage table. This is very common. It often happens when people are being massaged while lying face down on the massage table.  Don't be afraid to ask the massage therapist for a tissue.

4.  Will the massage therapist be there when I undress?

The massage therapist will leave the room so that you can remove your clothing and lie on the massage table under the top sheet.  Don't rush or worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you -- the massage therapist always knocks and asks if you are ready before entering the massage room.

5.  Should I talk to the massage therapist during the massage?

Although some people prefer to talk throughout the massage, don't feel like you have to make conversation with the massage therapist. After all, you're having a treatment; you're not at a cocktail party!  Deep tissue massage and sports massage are just some of the types of massage that require more feedback. The massage therapist often works on deeper layers of muscle and will want to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable. Be sure to speak up if:

§  the room is too hot or too cold

§  you experience pain

§  you have any questions related to the massage

§  there's anything you forgot to mention during the consultation

6.  What if I get an erection during the massage?

Some men don't get massage therapy because they worry that they'll get an erection. Or they get the massage, but are unable to relax during the massage because of this fear.  But there is no reason to be embarrassed. It's perfectly normal for men to get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage.  Gentle touch administered to any area of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and cause a partial or full erection. Your massage therapist (male or female) understands this and will generally ignore it.  If you are still worried, you may wish to wear a men's bikini bathing suit during the massage, which provides more support than boxers.

7.  How do I know if it's a legitimate massage clinic?

If you're trying a new clinic or spa, it's a good idea to call first and ask these questions:

§  Do you offer therapeutic massage?

§  Is the massage therapist certified or licensed?

§  Do you require a health questionnaire of your clients?

A licensed massage therapist will not come into contact with your genitals or nipples during the massage.

8.  The pressure isn't deep enough, but I don't want to insult the massage therapist's technique. What should I do?

Everyone’s pain threshold is different so open communication with the massage therapist is essential. Keep in mind however that it's a myth that massage therapy has to hurt to be effective.  Some of the most effective types of massage therapy are gentle and do not involve deep pressure or pain. In fact, too much pressure can cause muscles to seize up.  Here is a good rule of thumb -- on a scale of one to 10 where one is no pain and 10 is extremely painful, the pressure should always be less than seven.

9.  I'm self-conscious about a certain part of my body and don't want the massage therapist to see me. What can I do?

People are self-conscious for various reasons. Being self-conscious should never keep you from seeking health care, whether it's visiting your doctor or seeing a massage therapist.   If you're self-conscious about a certain part of your body, you can ask the massage therapist to avoid that area. Or, you can opt for a therapy that is done through clothing, such as shiatsu or Thai massage.  

10.  I'd rather see a female massage therapist. Should I request this?

Some men don’t feel comfortable having a massage by a male massage therapist. It may be due to outdated social and media stereotypes of the profession or the fear of getting an erection during the massage. Some women also prefer a female massage therapist because they say they feel more comfortable. Unfortunately, men who choose to become massage therapists are often unprepared for the discrimination they face. When clients request female over male therapists, spas stop hiring them, however skilled they are.  That's why I believe it's important to challenge your preconceptions. To help, try meeting the therapist before booking the massage, or start with type of massage that is done fully clothed, such as shiatsu or Thai massage. 

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/massage/a/massage_ques.htm