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These past few months, stress seems to be swirling in the air, and our reactions to all the uncertainty are as individual as we are.
The good news is, regardless of how you experience stress, Reiki and AshWork are wonderful ways to soothe your frayed nerves and balance your energy. When stress is released from the system, it then frees up your body’s energy to support your health and wellbeing. Even more good news: Hudson Healing Arts is currently offering distance Reiki and AshWork energy clearing sessions at a discounted rate! How Distance Sessions Work Have you ever thought about someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, and then suddenly they call? It’s no surprise when you consider that everything is energy, and we send and transmit energy all the time. We’re essentially in an ocean of energy that’s always flowing — we constantly interact with everyone and everything. Energy has no geographic boundaries; it’s all about intention. This principle is the reason that remote sessions conducted over the phone or internet are possible, says HHA founder Beth O’Boyle. “When there's an intention set to make a connection with the energy, it flows, whether I’m sitting beside you or on the other end of the phone,” says Beth. “During remote sessions, I'm completely focused on the client, and am open and receptive to what’s going on with them.” In fact, even before stay-at-home orders were in place, 99% of AshWork sessions were done over the phone. Being in a different energy field than the client gives the practitioner an edge, helping them to be as “clear” as possible and immerse themselves in the flow of a certain energy vibration (to learn more about AshWork, feel free to check out our past article or our Tele-Services page). Reiki or AshWork? To figure out which modality will best serve your needs, first ask yourself what you’d like to achieve. If you’re stressed and in need of replenishment, Reiki can be incredibly helpful, because you simply lie down and receive (from your comfy bed, no less!). If there are specific areas where you feel stuck — for instance, a fear you can’t let go of or a relationship issue bothering you — AshWork may be your best choice. (Note: Beth doesn’t work directly on the problem with AshWork; rather, she works on the energy surrounding or supporting it.) The biggest difference with distance sessions is that you have to make a conscious decision to set aside quiet, uninterrupted time at home. If possible, request 45-60 minutes of peace and quiet from your family or roommates prior to your session. To set the tone, you may want to snuggle up in bed with your favorite blanket. For a Reiki session you may wish to play calming music. The more receptive and non- distracted you are, the more effective a session will be! For Reiki, Beth will kick things off with a brief phone call to learn what you want to work on and then follow up with you after the energy work is completed. For an AshWork session, you'll remain on the line the throughout the session - usually about 45 minutes. If you’d like to address a particular problem, rest assured that you can’t choose “the wrong thing” to focus on; no matter what you choose, releasing stress has a lovely domino effect on other areas, too. Reiki is always seeking a balance, so if you’re feeling drained, you’ll often feel more awake and grounded after a session. Or, if you've been agitated or stressed, then there's generally a deeply relaxed feeling. Clients often describe it as feeling like they've just had a good nap! After AshWork, many people say they feel lighter, like a weight has been lifted. Sometimes the problem feels farther away, more distant, or even gone. There are a smaller handful of people who don’t feel an immediate change, and it’s nothing to worry about. It doesn't mean that it hasn't “worked,” just that it's taking longer for energy to settle in. Ideally, you want to give yourself a little space after a session to let it integrate: take this time to drink some water, stretch, walk, or nap if you want. Often clients notice that they feel better later on in the day or when they wake the next morning. A Final Word Beth works with clients of all ages, and notes that energy work is a wonderful way to support children and teens during this difficult time. Whether your child is struggling to focus, agitated from being cooped up, or perhaps dealing with sibling rivalry, both Reiki and AshWork can help restore emotional balance. Even pets can benefit from energy work (their “humans” can act as surrogates). It’s also worth a mention that AshWork can help with environments that feel unsettled, because energy gets stuck in spaces. We’ve all been home much more than usual, so if you’ve noticed the energy in your house getting condensed or heavy as of late, AshWork can be a wonderful way to restore the flow and fluidity. To book a session for a discounted rate, feel free to call Beth O’Boyle at (201) 653-7700 ext.1 and mention this article. Note: Beth does not treat medical conditions with either Reiki or AshWork. This is purely energy work and is not intended to directly address physical or mental issues. Anyone needing help for these conditions should contact their physician or medical provider. Energy work can, however, be a great addition or compliment to whatever other treatment a person may be receiving, since it helps 'free up' energy to more fully support wellbeing.
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Well, it’s no secret that the past few months have been crazy...and that we at Hudson Healing Arts miss you all like crazy! As we navigate a path through these unprecedented times, the HHA team wants to remind you that you’re not alone— we are all in this together. We remain committed to helping you find balance and a sense of greater wellbeing, and right now, that just looks a little different than usual. For some expert tips on finding peace, purpose, and connection during this crisis (and general stress relief, of course), we turned to our resident counselor, Andrea Inauen. As usual, she was full of sage advice. Andrea’s greatest message for each and every one of us? Be kind to yourself! How can people deal with feeling up and down, moment to moment? Andrea: These times are hard. Whether you’re affected emotionally, financially, and/or physically, there are so many layers to what’s happening right now...and it makes sense to have feelings about that. I would be more worried if people weren’t having any reaction to these circumstances. It's perfectly okay to experience a wide range of emotions on any given day. This can mean a mix of fear, gratitude, restlessness, contentment, guilt, grief, and anger. The hope is that you don't stay stuck in those negative spaces; you acknowledge them, but don't live there. I’m a big fan of emotional toolboxes, which means helping clients identify things that they can control and work through. Usually, we develop these tools by talking about previous challenges, and we identify strengths that we can build off of. This is a totally different situation. It’s unprecedented, and your “go-tos” for coping with stress may not apply (especially if they require leaving the house!). The most important thing is to not judge yourself for feeling stressed, or whatever it is you’re feeling. All of the uncertainty is understandably exacerbating stress for a lot of people. Above all, the ultimate challenge right now is to be kind to ourselves. How can we get “unstuck” so we don’t linger in those negative spaces? Andrea: When you’re feeling challenging emotions like stress or sadness, ask yourself the question: “What do I do when I feel like this?” Hopefully, the answer isn’t, “Put a lid on it and don’t acknowledge it.” That approach will only cause the negative emotions to build up and fester. When you’re feeling sad, maybe that’s a day where you decide to just lay low, read, or sleep. If you’re feeling fear, ask yourself, “What can I do that's within my control?” At the base level, figure out where you are and how you can be in the driver's seat of your own life. You can't control the news or what's going on across the globe...that’s too far-reaching. But if you’re staying home, that’s one tangible thing that you’re doing already. It’s all about the small self-care wins right now, like putting on some music to change the energy, giving yourself extra sleep, reading a book that makes you feel good, or sipping tea to relax. Your toolbox right now might seem “low level” to you, and again, that’s absolutely nothing to feel guilty about. As our fast-paced lives slow to a crawl, how can we get more used to the idea of existing as “human beings” instead of “human doings?” Andrea: One question I usually ask my clients in normal circumstances is, “What’s important to you? What would your ideal day look like?” Right now, given the constraints, this question applies on a more basic level. Your answer might be to get better sleep, stay in shape, or to have gratitude. That gives you a direction to head toward. It doesn’t mean you're going to necessarily arrive at the “destination,” but it can help give you some shape and focus. The idea that you’re going to be ultra-productive during this time is not really fair. Don’t put your expectations into doing something huge; the idea is to survive this time, and if you can do it with some moments of peace, calm, and gratitude sprinkled in, that’s great. It’s not a time for “optimizing,” “maximizing,” and so on and so forth. When your energy levels are up, it might feel amazing to organize a drawer or pantry, but on other days, maybe just cracking a window and enjoying some fresh air is nourishing to your spirit. Your productivity isn’t a measure of our self-worth, yet that’s something that’s been ingrained in us. It’s worth repeating: As a human being, your value doesn’t come from how much you accomplish! A few months ago, we were operating on a different plane: One that said, “It’s a good day if I’ve done 27,000 things.” Ask yourself what truly gives a human being value, and pay attention to how you answer. The answer is so much broader than checking things off your to-do list. We’re slowly being forced to reckon with that! Do you think there’s any growth opportunities to come from this crisis? Andrea: For those who have lost loved ones during this pandemic, this is a horrible time that I would not wish on anyone. I have worked with kids with life-threatening illnesses, and when I hear the words “getting back to normal,” it sort of makes me cringe because there is no getting back to normal for families who have had a child with cancer. The hope is that there’s a new normal. The same sort of concept applies here, in a way. Now, we’re aware of the fact now that things can happen. Our world can be turned upside down. We were going so fast, and I think most of us would agree that this much slower pace may not be the answer. However, maybe the idea of “being” is something that we can incorporate into the new normal. Perhaps we won't go back to “100% doing” and there will be greater balance. Before, we were all moving at such a rapid pace that it was hard to find time to check in with ourselves. Now, we are all taking inventory. Each day, ask yourself: How am I doing? What is important? How is my family? Maybe some of those questions will continue down the road, so we’re not running through our days with blinders on. Is there anything else you’d like to say to the HHA community? Andrea: Please be kind to yourself! Create really small, manageable portions of structure (“What do I want this morning?”) rather than trying to build out too far. When you do this in brief intervals, you’ll feel more satisfied with that bucket of time; conversely, if sadness or anxiety took over, it was just a small portion of time. Then you can say, “That’s done now, and I feel good about it,” or, “Well, that kind of sucked, but that's not going to define my whole week!” Embracing these digestible moments of time, rather than setting big goals, can help you manage and navigate and replenish and cope. These times are hard and very different from what most of us have ever experienced, so allow yourself to be human. This means having a whole range of successes, challenges, and emotions. That's what it's all about! And of course, it all comes back to being kind to yourself. Finally, are you still working with clients? Andrea: I am. Some clients prefer in person sessions and are going to wait, and others are continuing with phone or FaceTime sessions. I miss meeting in person, of course, but I do think it can be helpful to have a space to check in with yourself throughout the course of the day, whether it’s alone, with me, with another counselor, or with a loved one. We're keeping it simple this month and sharing a great recipe for a super anti-inflammatory antioxidant salad. Yes, Joe's back in the kitchen! This salad requires only a few ingredients, but is loaded with health promoting benefits. One of the most challenging aspects of the times we are in is the feeling of not being able to help in the way we would perhaps desire. We can, however, take charge of our health and that our families. Wash your hands frequently, wear a mask whenever you go outside, and remember to maintain social distancing - or physical distancing as we prefer to call it, Get some sunshine whenever possible, exercise every day, and be kind to yourself. And remember that good food nourishes not only the body but also the spirit! Our heartfelt wishes for good health and safety for you and your loved ones. We're here for you with phone, video, and remote sessions to help you when needed. And do let us know how you enjoy the salad! At Hudson Healing Arts, we’re passionate about bringing humanity into our healing services. By now, you may have noticed that we’re not a “get in and out the door” wellness center: We truly love to hear what’s on the hearts and minds of our clients, and similarly, we want you to feel connected to our practitioners.
A big part of that connection means understanding the “why” that drives them. To spotlight this vital question, upcoming blog posts will explore each of our practitioners’ wonderfully unique philosophies, backgrounds, and approach to working with clients (and of course, some fun trivia too!). We’ll kick things off with the amazing Joe Del Giodice, who has been part of the HHA family since 1999. If we were playing “2 Truths & A Lie” about our board-certified acupuncturist, Chinese and Western herbalist, and naturopath, we’d say... 1- His mission is to heal bodies and inspire souls. 2- He makes a mean tabbouleh salad. Actually, he’s an all-around salad connoisseur. 3- He’s really good at picking things up with his feet. A Human-Centered Approach to Healing Okay, we’ll admit it...all three are actually true (and there’s more fun facts where those came from). The concept of embracing food as medicine and as a tool for longevity has been a lifelong fascination for Joe. He still vividly remembers receiving his first nutrition book at seven years old— and reading it until the pages fell off! Today, he loves to share his passion for making healthy, delicious recipes on his YouTube channel, supernatural health. Joe strongly believes that food that nourishes the body and soul can be every bit as enjoyable, fun, and satisfying as unhealthy food. He also has an interesting comparison to the benefits of a nutrient-dense diet... “When you think about it, your birthday is a day you want to celebrate with loved ones, not people who couldn’t care less about you. It gives us a sense of trust, joy, and mutual reinforcement of who we are and what’s good for us,” Joe says. “What if we could think of food as a celebration? Healthy, whole foods help make you the best, strongest, most joyful version of yourself. Unhealthy foods might be amazing for a fleeting moment, but then you feel awful an hour later.” Joe’s passion is helping clients integrate these life-affirming foods in a way that’s convenient and sustainable for their lifestyle, as well as pleasing to their taste buds. He creates personalized nutrition plans based around each individual’s purpose. To unlock this purpose, Joe typically asks clients the same question: “Are you looking to gain a bit of an edge, to become substantially healthier, or to obtain supernatural health?” This isn’t a trick question by any means— rather, it’s a way to meet you where you’re at. No matter what your answer is, Joe’s mission is to find healthy versions of the foods you truly enjoy. He often looks to the Blue Zones for inspiration, which are the areas across the globe where people tend to live the longest (from Loma Linda, CA to Okinawa, Japan). “For me, success is when someone tells me they feel better or that they shared what we talked about with others,” he says. “This is what I wake up in the morning for: To help people be well, to heal bodies, to inspire souls.” In acupuncture— his other great love—Joe is also guided by a strong desire to treat human beings, as opposed to diseases or symptoms. He has always been inspired by the concept of the old farm doctor who would come to your house and tend to you when you’re sick, but also help you rebuild a fence and put shingles on the roof. “Those doctors listened to their patient’s stories, and I try to follow in their footsteps. I really care about hearing my client’s narratives, because I believe my approach and communication style needs to fit their heart as well as their body,” he says. Joe believes that everyone can benefit from acupuncture just as much as a nutritional tune-up. Though it’s wonderful for targeting a plenty of specific issues and conditions, acupuncture is also a powerful force for preventive health and long-term maintenance. “Maybe you feel healthy and strong, but you know you’re about to work on a big project for the next six months, for instance. Acupuncture is a really proactive way to protect your immune system and buffer against excess stress,” he says. Outside of HHA, you can find Joe playing the acoustic guitar, working in the garden, cooking, experimenting with new recipes, cross-country skiing, or longboard surfing. Interested in scheduling a session with Joe? He can be reached at (201) 653-7700 ext.3. Though we recognize that winter is a time for nature to slow down, go inwards, and rest, accepting that we humans are part of this natural shift in balance can be a different story.
The truth is, there’s nothing wrong with this cycle— repair and regeneration are vital to being able to thrive and grow come springtime. But when we resist what our body, mind, and spirit really needs in the colder months, we miss out on the valuable opportunity to replenish our reserves. Fighting the slowed-down rhythm of winter puts greater stress on our bodies, which means more work for our adrenals and immune systems, and increased colds, flus, bodily pains, fatigue, and even feelings of depression are often the price to pay. Thankfully, when we let go of our resistance, follow nature’s cues, and embrace the stillness, something pretty magical happens— we’re able to get the nourishment we need. Below, a few of our insightful Hudson Healing Arts practitioners share their favorite tips for staying healthy and happy during the final stretch of winter so you can use the energy of the season to feel your best. Health Tips a la Acupuncturist Carla SanDiego Give yourself the gift of proper rest. Start by putting away all your devices and going to bed earlier so you can get more sleep. Quality sleep is crucial to keeping the immune system strong and able to fight off germs. Plus, better sleep leads to greater energy and focus allowing you to enjoy the things you probably wouldn’t if you’re feeling tired and all over the place. Drink more water! The dry, heated air indoors along with the harsh cold and often wind outside easily leads to dehydration-- not a good thing for bodies that are made up of about 60% water. Keeping well-hydrated can also reduce the chance of headaches, dry skin and believe it or not, over-eating. Move your body. All this coldness and slowing down can lead to what we call in Chinese medicine “stagnation,” or stuck energy. Moving your body daily helps all your organs work smoothly, keeps bodily pains away, and manages stress. Spinning like mad or walking back and forth from the couch to the fridge are not ideal for stagnation. Try something that moves your body gently while also nurturing your mind. Get bundled up and go for a walk in the park. Surrounding yourself in nature is always healing and grounding and if the sun is shining, you’ll get a nice boost of Vitamin D. When the weather is not so welcoming, stay indoors and do some yoga. If this sounds too boring or challenging, try it at home with a video. Even 10 minutes a day encourages you to breathe fresh oxygen into all your muscles, be in the moment, and move any stuck energy in a way that your body and mind will surely appreciate. To book an appointment with Carla, call (201) 653-7700 ext. 5. “Mindfulness Moments” from Licensed Counselor Andrea Inauen We all try to not get sick-- we wash hands, drink fluids, and do all of the recommendations to prevent illness. However, sometimes germs and viruses find a way into our systems, despite our best efforts. This month, whether you are staving off illness or managing symptoms if already sick, here’s a few mindfulness moments to help get you through! Mindful breathing. Pick a regular time at the start of the day (perhaps in front of the mirror when brushing your teeth), and practice deep breathing-- breathe to the point that your lungs are at capacity for the intake of air, hold the air for as long as you can, and then exhale. This can help center your spirit and cognitive focus for wellness for the day. Stretch. Take 30-60 seconds 1-2 times per day to stretch your body. Bend over and touch your toes, arch your back, or pick a stretch that helps with the mind-body connection. As you stretch, think about opening your body to wellness, letting toxins out of the nooks and crevices and allow for a cleaner, more centered you. Toolbox. Consciously think of 2-3 things that help you feel in control of your situation. Tissues, hand-soap, vitamins...pick a few concrete items that enhance your sense of control. To book a consultation with Andrea, call (973) 886-0941. Wellness Tips from HHA Founder Beth O’Boyle: Try to limit touching your face. Washing your hands may sound like a no-brainer, but even more important is keeping your hands away from your face. It’s not as easy as you might think! Every time you touch a doorknob or handle, a counter or table in a public place, a package - in short –anything ‘out there’, you can pick up germs. Your hands only need to touch skin, rub your eyes, nose, mouth, or ears to transfer germs. Make it a habit to wash your hands as soon as you arrive home or at your destination. Be tuned in to your stress level. Stress can put a tremendous strain on the immune system, diverting valuable energy from supporting your health and wellbeing. Self-care is not an indulgence – it’s a necessity. Consider scheduling regular relaxation treatments. Reiki sessions are a wonderful addition to any wellness regime. Not only are they deeply relaxing, the practice is a wonderful way to support wellbeing on all levels. Consider aromatherapy. A great way to relieve stress and uplift your spirits is a Raindrop Essential Oil session– a deeply relaxing treatment that incorporates essential oils for relaxation and immune system support. Find something that inspires you. It may be a new book, a food you’ve never tried, or a great online course that awakens your interest and opens your mind to a new way of being in the world. We believe in stretching your mind as well as your body! And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook— our posts are intended to delight, inspire, support, and uplift your spirits! To book a session with Beth, call (201) 653-7700 ext.1. Nutrient-Packed Winter Salad Think salads are only for the summer? Our rockstar nutritionist and acupuncturist, Joe DelGiodice, says otherwise! Check out his latest YouTube video, where he shares a delicious organic salad recipe that is sure to satisfy while giving your immune system a lift. To book a session with Joe, call (201) 653-7700 ext.3. Let Hudson Healing Arts Give You a Winter Boost Hopefully, the above tips help you embrace this time of rest and renewal with greater health and happiness. And, as always, we’re here to help— feel free to check out our diverse range of our services here. While we offer various healing modalities, the common thread is resetting your nervous system and encouraging deep relaxation, which goes a long way toward boosting your immune system and your spirits. Bonus! This month, we’re offering a special deal on Feldenkrais Method® sessions, which use gentle movement and directed attention to promote flexibility, ease of movement, and self awareness, and decrease stress and pain. Feldenkrais is the perfect way to move into spring with greater freedom and an enhanced sense of wellness. Call Noreen Haren, our Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, at 201-798-1632 to schedule an introductory session at a reduced rate of $50 during the month of February. At Hudson Healing Arts, we embrace holistic healing...that is, we treat the whole individual, not just individual symptoms. Whether you come for acupuncture, hypnosis, Reiki, a counseling session, or beyond, our services are a wonderful complement to other healing modalities.
Most of us understand on an intuitive level that the mind, body, emotions, and spirit are interconnected. However, this concept can often get lost when issues arise — we may try to “fix” individual body parts or conditions. Our practitioners take a different approach, recognizing that when there’s an imbalance in one area, it can impact the others. We aim to restore a sense of harmony among all aspects of the self...and we have to say, it’s pretty amazing to see how physical symptoms tend to fall in line once the mind, emotions, and spirit receive some much-needed TLC (and vice-versa!). When these aspects of the self are integrated, it creates the environment for optimal healing to take place. We’d love to welcome you to our sacred space in Hoboken to see for yourself! Tis the season to...be sucked into a social media spiral of comparison, insecurity, and distraction? We think not!
At Hudson Healing Arts, we believe the greatest gift you can give others is your presence. Not just being physically there, but giving your sincere, genuine attention to the people right in front of you - and we all know the difference! All too often, however, our loved ones take second place to our oh-so-seductive smartphones. It’s considered acceptable to “like” photos while ignoring how precious our physical company is, or to send a “Happy Holidays” text in the middle of a real-life conversation. We all know the deflated feeling of being barely listened to, and the various detrimental effects that digital overload can take on our wellbeing. The truth is, it doesn’t have to be this way! The existence of technology needn’t take a toll on our wellbeing; in fact, used wisely and mindfully, it can make the holidays sparkle a little brighter. This holiday season, we’d like to focus on ways to embrace social media as a tool for connection... What’s Your Intention? At HHA, we often say, “More doesn’t always mean better. In many cases, it just means more!” This applies to social media, too: Having six different accounts simply means more overload. Choosing one or two forms of social media is a great way to rein it in a bit and get clear about your intentions. For instance, are you using social media to keep in touch with faraway loved ones...or to show people how much fun you’re having? Are you posting because you want to share a story that made you smile...or because the people right in front of you aren’t providing enough entertainment? We’re definitely not suggesting that every move you make needs to be psychoanalyzed. However, it can be illuminating to bring some awareness to how your tech habits really make you feel! If a certain app or group doesn’t contribute to your life in a positive way, it’s time to re-evaluate. You may feel totally uplifted and connected by certain forms of social media, and drained by others. For instance, Instagram is a great avenue for self-expression for some; but if seeing a highlight reel of other people’s “perfect” lives makes you feel bad about yourself, the best decision for you is to stop engaging. Show yourself some love by doing what’s best for your wellbeing! Also, it’s worth a mention that there are various ways social media can actually be used to enhance your holiday season. Just a few ideas...
Real Life First, Tech Later No matter what forms of social media you choose to engage with, it’s worth a reminder that taking breaks to disengage is key. If the phone is the first thing you reach for when you wake up, put it in another room or in a drawer. Give yourself time to ease into the day, to savor a morning cup of coffee or tea without multitasking. Enjoy what you're eating. Listen to the sounds of the morning. Breathe! Your digestive system will thank you for it and you'll feel better (ditto with unplugging before bedtime). Finally, remember the golden rule: Talk first, “tech” later! You can always come back to a text or social media post...but not to the precious person right in front of you. Using technology to connect and gain inspiration is wonderful, so long as you don’t let it fracture the gift of your full-on, one-of-a-kind presence. It’s all a choice, and the great news is when you use social media wisely, you can reap the benefits of stronger relationships, greater joy, and the peace of truly being in the moment. Happy holidays, everyone—and thank you all for your radiant presence on our blog and in our little nook on Hudson Street! Wishing you a season full of peace, joy, and wonder. Here at Hudson Healing Arts, we’re thrilled to welcome Noreen Haren as the newest member of our team. Noreen is a Certified Practitioner of the Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education, a powerful yet gentle approach to improving students’ lives through mindful movement.
The Feldenkreis method can help you to increase your ease and range of motion, improve your flexibility and coordination, and rediscover your innate capacity for graceful, efficient movement. Noreen emphasizes that the Feldenkrais Method isn’t about finding one “perfect” way to move; rather, the goal is to create awareness and options, which can guide you toward positive changes. What Is The Feldenkrais Method? Noreen, who was born with mild cerebral palsy, has experienced the transformative effects of the Feldenkrais method firsthand. Minor problems with her gait first led to Feldenkrais, and she found it to be incredibly helpful...so much so that she wanted to share it with others. The New Jersey native became a Feldenkrais Guild Certified Practitioner in 1994, and had the honor of studying with an experienced group of teachers who were in Moshe Feldenkrais’ original training programs in the 1970’s and early 1980’s. Noreen recently retired after 4o years as a registered nurse, allowing her to take on more Feldenkrais students at HHA. “The premise is that we all have habits of movement that we’re unaware of that can cause us pain and restriction,” she explains. “We work on that through gentle movements and mindfulness, which is essentially directed attention. Feldenkrais helps us become aware of the ways that we move that may not serve us well, and offers up better options.” Anyone can benefit from the method, which is wonderful for stress relief and simply learning ways to find more pleasure and ease in movement. One example of the way we hold tension in our bodies can be seen in the tendency to hold our shoulders way up by our ears, Noreen shares. Doing an exaggerated movement—lifting your shoulders all the way up to your neck, and then dropping them—directs your awareness and brings them to a more relaxed resting state. Feldenkrais is especially popular for musicians, athletes, dancers, and older folks, since normal aging is a reason that we all stop moving freely. It’s also particularly helpful for people who have experienced an injury, stroke, or chronic illness. With the exception of children, Noreen works with people of all ages and abilities—including “regular people who just want to feel more comfortable in their movement, or want to shake the effects of stress.” According to Noreen, movement is more than just the physical act itself; it’s really about how you move through life. “The improvements learned in a session often enhance students’ thinking, emotional regulation, and problem-solving capabilities, too” she says. What is a Session With Noreen Like? Noreen emphasizes that Feldenkrais isn’t exercise: it’s education. And it’s also the opposite of a “no pain, no gain” mentality. “The goal isn’t to work hard, it’s about slow, gentle movements, which allows the brain to pay better attention,” she says. “We’re learning different options in playful, curious atmosphere, not judging anything as right or wrong. It can take a while for us to learn to be gentle and accepting with ourselves, but that’s a wonderful byproduct of the process.” Before a session, Noreen will have a phone call with you to discuss your goal/s with Feldenkrais, and also for a brief overview of your medical history, if it is relevant. The experience will then be tailored depending on your needs. You may be verbally guided through a series of movement sequences while sitting, standing, or lying down on a comfortable table. These slow, gentle movements are designed to help you become more aware of your habitual movement patterns and learn alternate, easier and more effective ways of moving. Noreen will use gentle touch to guide the movements as needed. At other times, gentle touch will be the primary mode of communication with verbal cues used as needed. All lessons are done with the student fully clothed. “Feldenkrais has been described as a dance where you instruct students not to resist; together, you explore together how the person wants to move, or moves more easily or habitually, and then try to gently introduce new patterns,” she says. “A big part of Feldenkrais is checking in to see if students feel a difference from their original movement.” And regardless of the reasons that lead students to Feldenkrais, Noreen says there’s almost always “a relaxation response.” “Students find that their breathing is fuller, they’re more relaxed, and they often feel more connected to the ground. Some even feel like they could go to sleep,” she says. When Noreen’s not working with her students, the Hoboken resident can be found taking long walks, reading, cooking, swimming, or enjoying quality time with her family and friends. She wants everyone to know that Feldenkrais is “fun, accepting, positive, and entirely non-judgmental.” Interested in learning more or booking a session with Noreen? She can be reached at (201) 798-1632 or mnharen@aol.com.  October is a month for seasonal pleasures galore, from leaf peeping to pumpkin carving, and, of course, donning our best costumes and masks for Halloween. While we’re very much in favor of enjoying the festivities to the fullest, we also feel it’s important to acknowledge the masks we keep on far beyond the holiday—and the toll it takes on our minds, bodies, and spirits over time.
To some extent, we all struggle with this energy drain. We try to keep up appearances, put on a brave face, and hide our perceived flaws. Expressing our real emotions in our everyday interactions can feel terrifying, if not impossible. It’s no wonder we’re often exhausted at the end of the day, ready to drop the facade and just be with the real, stripped-down version of ourselves. The truth is, it is possible to take off your mask and move through the world feeling lighter, freer, and more connected to your authentic self. It’s a journey that takes self-care and commitment, but one that we at Hudson Healing Arts regard as invaluable. We offer a variety of modalities that help to restore your balance; bring you closer to your true self, values, and desires; and let go of stress so that you can feel “at home” in your own skin, no matter where you are. Below, we take a look at the benefits of three services in particular: acupuncture, Reiki, and counseling. Acupuncture Whether you’re seeking relief for stress, chronic pain, migraines, insomnia, or beyond, acupuncture helps to activate your body’s self-healing mechanisms. Working with Qi (a Chinese word that roughly translates to “energy”) is what makes this healing response possible. Just like a river, Qi flows through the meridian energy channels in the body—by inserting tiny needles into various points in the skin, the healthy movement of Qi is facilitated to help the body function in harmony. Simply put, Qi doesn’t lie. Our practitioners use a series of diagnostic tests to determine which points should be stimulated for maximum healing, from checking your pulse to the other vital signs. As a practice that’s been around for over 6,000 years, acupuncture has developed some pretty effective methods to detect where your energy is out of balance, and it treats the whole person, not just the symptom. So whether or not you’re consciously aware of where blockages have taken hold, acupuncture helps you get to the root of it. Acupuncture is also profoundly soothing to your nervous system, creating a space for deep relaxation—which makes it that much easier to “let go” of your public mask and feel at ease. Reiki The principle behind Reiki is that there is an animating energy inside us and around us that can’t be seen, but is felt. The best part is, everyone has the ability to connect with this healing energy to help themselves and others. In a Reiki session, this flow of energy is transmitted or activated through a gentle “laying-on” of hands on a series of body points, which activates your body’s natural healing process and restores emotional wellbeing. Again, energy doesn’t lie; in a Reiki session our practitioners will assess your chakras and pinpoint where your energy is blocked or weak. Reiki’s effect is always beneficial, and energy naturally knows where to go to restore free-flowing Ki; you don’t have to say a word. Part of what makes Reiki so deeply relaxing is you’re required to do nothing but lie down and receive! It’s common to experience a wonderful feeling of radiance after a session, and in the long-term, Reiki helps to manifest an outward harmony, confidence, and happiness. Counseling People come to counseling for all types of reasons—and regardless of the driving force, it takes great courage and strength to truly look into the mirror at both what you’re doing well and what you’d like to work on. Counseling provides a compassionate space to drop your brave front and express yourself without judgment or restraint. Getting your worries out in the open, and having a caring professional to help you work through these challenges, can bring about remarkable emotional and mental clarity. And the courageous act of being honest about your real feelings, struggles, and intentions in a safe place can help you bring about that same vulnerability in the real world. Final Thoughts At Hudson Healing Arts, we also offer a variety of other services that rebalance your energy and help you shine your authentic light with confidence. You can also check out our full list of services here. And if you have any questions or are interested in scheduling a session here at Hudson Healing Arts, we’d love to hear from you. Wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween! We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Anthony Orlando as the newest addition to our team. He brings over 17 years of experience as an orthopedic, sports medicine, and pediatric trained therapist to Hudson Healing Arts, in addition to a firm belief in the power of treating each client as an individual.
Read on to learn more about Dr. Orlando’s physical therapy services and healing philosophy! Dr. Orlando’s Services Dr. Orlando’s ultimate goal is to help people live their life with less stress and more balance, which captures the art of true relaxation...a pursuit we wholeheartedly endorse at Hudson Healing Arts! He provides a number of offerings under the physical therapy umbrella to help clients restore balance, strength, flexibility, and mobility, including:
“My belief is that like the body, your mind goes through a series of changes, some good, some bad. How we respond to these changes determines our well-being,” says Dr. Orlando. “Physical impairments take a spiritual and psychological toll, because they jeopardize your independence. That’s why I treat the whole person, rather than just the symptoms.” Dr. Orlando also strives to promote and facilitate strategies that help people respond more skillfully to life’s stressors, helping them to shift from a state of doing to a state of being. Creating a relaxing atmosphere is just one of the ways he does so. He prioritizes small touches that allow you to fully unplug, such as aromatherapy, dim lighting, and music. Those thoughtful measures don’t disappear when you leave: Dr. Orlando also sends narrated home exercise videos to his clients’ phones, empowering you to help yourself in your own time. Cutting-Edge Care Meets Compassion While Dr. Orlando offers the latest in innovative techniques, there’s one facet of his care that’s decidedly old-fashioned. “In the past, clinicians spent time with their patients and truly listened. I take pride in carrying on that tradition. You don’t meet someone at their MRI report or X-ray; you actually sit and listen to them. That’s when you connect with the human spirit. Often, I find that the solution lies in their story,” says Dr. Orlando. Interested in booking an appointment with Dr. Orlando? Feel free to email anthony@orlandopt.com to schedule a consultation! |
AuthorHannah Chenoweth is a Hoboken-based conference producer and freelance writer who enjoys covering all aspects of health and wellness. Archives
March 2021
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