You heal you.
I’ll be your guide.
Guided Imagery
The science is clear that our beliefs can impact our physiology. According to Dr. Jean Achterberg, a preeminent researcher who studied the effects of guided imagery, “No thought, no emotion, is without biochemical, electrochemical activity; and the activity leaves no cell untouched”. One explicit and well-known example of this is the Placebo Effect whereby people experience positive therapeutic outcomes from inert substances because they believe those substances will heal them. Therefore, EHP leverages this ability to evoke thought, emotion, intent, and even belief to heal and be well.
Mindfulness Meditation
Paying Attention. On Purpose. In the Present Moment. Without Judgement. Once again, the literature and the science is clear. This type of meditation practice can help us operate from our parasympathetic nervous system, rest and relaxation, as opposed to our sympathetic nervous system, fight, flight, freeze, fawn. This is important for healing and recovery, because, if we are operating from our sympathetic nervous system, our biological resources are being diverted for imminent survival needs. Operating from our parasympathetic system means that our resources are freed up to prioritize other operations, such as healing and recovery.
Gratitude
According to the Mayo Clinic, “studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood and immunity. Gratitude can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease”. In addition, the National Institute of Health tells us that “early research suggests that a daily practice of gratitude could affect the body, too. For example, one study found that gratitude was linked to fewer signs of heart disease”.
Deep Relaxation
Similar to mindfulness, this practice can activate our PNS, allowing our bodies to shift into prioritizing rest and restore. According to the NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, “relaxation techniques are practices to help bring about the body’s “relaxation response”, which is characterized by slower breathing, lower blood pressure, and a reduced heart rate. The relaxation response is the opposite of the “stress response”.
Taken together, these practices shift our bodies into states that are optimal for healing. These are shifts into our Parasympathetic Nervous System so that our body is prioritizing healing and restoration. These are shifts into intent, beliefs, and images that evoke beneficial biological processes in our bodies, giving it fuel to restore, heal, and be well. So let’s shift together. I will be your guide as we believe, imagine, become mindful, offer gratitude, and relax deeply on our journey of healing and well being.
JOIN US! Every 2nd and 4thThursday of the month at 8:00pm EST on the Empowered Healing Practices YouTube Channel to engage in our Core Practices LIVE.
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