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11/25/2023
QHHT: Quantum Hypnosis Healing Therapy
My QHHT session with Audrey Oxenhorn lasted 6 hours and I was able to access the experiences of three distinct past lives. As interesting the feeling of wonder during these visits to previous places and time was for me, more importantly was Audrey helping me connect the dots from these particular distant past experiences to my current life. By the end of the session, I had so much more confidence about my life purpose.
By life purpose, it includes the role I played in other people's lives in my past lives and in the present life. And vice-versa. We truly are here to help one another and we often come together, again and again, lifetime after lifetime, to learn grow and heal. I woke up this morning with profound gratitude for the people in my family, social circle and most of all, the people I serve as their massage therapist. We're all a part of each other's journey. I'm grateful for you!
You're asked to bring a list of written down questions. (I didn't follow instructions well, I just jotted down a couple words, so Audrey broke out her notebook and pen and as I verbalized my wordy long-winded questions, she wrote them down in a succinct manner with my permission and approval.) Questions can be about anything such the usual topics of family & friends, health, career, but all questions, absolutely anything at all, are welcomed.
QHHT is about settling into a deep state of relaxation so that it's easier to access and communicate with your Subconscious. Your Subconscious contains all of your answers because the answers come from your past lives' experiences and lessons learned. And so, during the QHHT session, the insight, answers and wisdom you've been seeking that are related to your questions will come to you, for your Subconscious guides you to exactly where you need to be in order to gain clarity on your questions.
Definition of the Subconscious Mind from the internet: "Every experience, thought, and impression you've ever had is stored in your subconscious mind and has a far greater influence on our thought and behavior patterns than we realize. The subconscious stores information just beneath the level of conscious awareness."
For me, there was no singular and clear-cut answer to my top two most important questions. Clarity about our roles in each other's lives in today's world came to me by observing my behavior in these past lives, especially as I interacted with various other people. I know, this isn't making sense.
I did recognize a couple of people in the past lives for they played a role in my current life. The first person was my paternal grandmother and my role was a very tall slim built 30 something year old male doctor tending to her, a very sick and frail patient who was not related to the doctor. I was overly concerned about her emaciated condition. I felt I had arrived too late, I sensed she was dying.
The second person I observed was a 14 y.o. boy who lived by the sea and loved sitting up high on a cliff, on a boulder, in peace, staring at the horizon. Then, I see him scurrying down the mountain with great agility like a goat! He hurried to a house with a large kitchen where there were lots of women preparing meals, talking and laughing. (Ok, it's now 9:40PM and as I was reading this blog for the umpteenth time, I finally figured out why this one female cook looked so familiar. She's an aunt (LP) from my father's side, in this current life.) I The boy's job was to fetch whatever items the women needed like a huge canvas bag of flour, just non-stop motion. Then, after my job was done, I exited through a back kitchen door and hit the road, walking. Audrey noted the ease I had moving from a place of peace to chaos, then walking away. And she shared more insights into the character of the boy, like how intelligent and humble he is.
The third person was a young male teacher very much trying to be present for his roomful of students but preoccupied with some serious and grave worries over the health of his pregnant wife. He returns home and immediately goes to his wife to embrace her. She looked scared, but I can see such deep love they have for one another. I recognized the wife's eyes immediately for she became a former boyfriend in my current life. (Oh my god. Just now, I realize that former boyfriend in my current life is a teacher in his current life.)
The key "aha" moment was towards the end of the session, as Audrey was helping me integrate. It dawned on me that these aren't just some characters from a movie I made up or a even a figment of my imagination. The three persons I was observing was me! I can't fully describe the impact of this revelation, yet. My session was yesterday and I'm still processing. It was simply astounding to recognize the multiple parts of me that began at my soul's creation and has continued to the now, from lifetime after lifetime, are all intact, after all this time. Furthermore, their stories or rather - MY stories - are kept safe in my Subconscious. There are many sides of me developed over time and honed from multiple lives and I finally recognized that none of this is a cliché. I found this insight remarkable.
So, if you've been asking, "Who am I? What am I? Why am I here? Give me a clue!" Well, your Subconscious will provide bucket loads of clues. Brace yourself and have fun with a QHHT session!
The whole experience was wonderful, distress-free and worry-free. It was truly a journey traveling back and forth in time from the past to the present and sideways too. But my favorite part was the last hour for it was a time of integrating all the parts of the entire session into one big story. The story of me. Audrey is a most wise and wonderful guide!
From Dolores Cannon's website: "The Subconscious is a suitable label given the context of Dolores’ work; however, religions and spiritual teachers alike have attempted to identify and label this larger part of ourselves throughout history using a variety of different labels: the Higher Self, the Oversoul, Christ Consciousness, Higher Consciousness, the Universal Mind and Oneness. The Subconscious had stated to Dolores that it does not care what we call it, it simply ‘Is’ and is willing to work with those with a pure heart and true intent."
On average, a QHHT session lasts 4.5 hours.
Audrey has 35 years experience as a psychotherapist. For many years, she practiced in central NJ, the area I once lived in for well over a decade when I was working in mental health. In fact, come to find out, we have mutual friends from the New Brunswick-Princeton area, which actually was not surprising for me. I started working there in 1986, she moved there circa 1997, I left New Brunswick in 1999. Lo and behold, in 2023, she and I meet in Ocala, 800 plus miles away from NJ, just a few feet outside my massage therapy room.
Or perhaps, we reunited? 😉
Audrey is licensed in NJ and Florida. She does individual psychotherapy remotely from her private office, but comes to Brick City Spa for the Quantum Hypnosis Healing Therapy sessions. Her treatment room is next door to mine. With her permission, I've brought several of my clients to peek into her room. Here's a pic of her room:
From Audrey's website: "I am happy to call myself a licensed clinical therapist, psychotherapist, and counselor. As a licensed social worker, I can truly understand and support you and your family to easily and lovingly create peace and happiness in your lives."
https://www.audreyoxenhorn.com/qhht-quantum-healing-hypnosis-sarasota
https://dolorescannon.com/
9/21/2023
If you're wondering whatever happened to the early years' worth of blogs, why it appears to be abruptly cut off (if you had indeed read that far down, lol!), I had unwittingly deleted them a few years ago. I didn't realized that until months later and it broke my heart. I do recall editing from my phone and in a rush, clicked "yes" on an unfamiliar question. Ugh.
The first blog was written soon after I received my license to practice massage therapy, circa June 2015. That blog was my favorite and I had attached a photo I took of the sun rising over Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park on Route 441 north, just a mile south of the Florida School of Massage. It was around 7:45AM, Wednesday October 8, 2014, my first day of school. I saw a multitude of cars pulled over and people all over the place taking photos, so I pulled over. The sun rising view was breathtaking. Little did I know, until I arrived in school, what all the hype was about, from my fellow classmates who were also breathlessly gushing over the sunrise. Sunrise 10/08/2014 7:25AM.
From space.com:
"Observers of Wednesday morning's total lunar eclipse might be able to catch sight of an extremely rare cosmic sight.
On Oct. 8, Interested skywatchers should attempt to see the total eclipse of the moon and the rising sun simultaneously. The little-used name for this effect is called a "selenelion," a phenomenon that celestial geometry says cannot happen.
And indeed, during a lunar eclipse, the sun and moon are exactly 180 degrees apart in the sky. In a perfect alignment like this (called a "syzygy"), such an observation would seem impossible. But thanks to Earth's atmosphere, the images of both the sun and moon are apparently lifted above the horizon by atmospheric refraction. This allows people on Earth to see the sun for several extra minutes before it actually has risen and the moon for several extra minutes after it has actually set. "
I had witnessed a rare phenomenon called selenelion. Hmm. In my blog, I wondered if this was an auspicious sign for my future, for after a ten years long withdrawal from the massage therapy career, I was returning that day by going back to school. I can confidently state, almost exactly nine years later, to the day, that it's true, it was indeed an auspicious sign, for me. I have uttered this phrase multiple times throughout the six months long program and untold number of times since: FSM was like my master's program, for the depth and breadth of education received was incredible and breathtaking. I am forever grateful to FSM.
I found my photo:
9/18/2023
Sadly, Sacred Lomi is no longer producing and selling their well-beloved Sacred Lomi oils. I want to preserve in here a memory of their products: Organic coconut oil is used and scented with Sacred Lomi Oils: Ke Akua for Higher Consciousness, Ke Aloha for Joy & Recovery, and Mana for Life Force & Abundance. https://www.sacredlomi.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Oil-Ingredients-1.jpg Sacred Lomi® Massage Oils. Beautiful Massage & Body Oils designed to support and enhance the healing journey. Hand-crafted using organic, wild-crafted and ethically sourced essential and carrier oils with clear and powerful intentions.
5/7/2023
"I feel joyous!" "Hips felt greatttt the next day on both sides." "What was that... what did you just do? I felt this big release coming up...out of my shoulder. That was amazing!" Just three comments out of the many positive reactions from clients over the past two weeks as I practiced some Ortho-Bionomy phase 5 release exercises on them. It culminated to my very first (and thus far only) full-blown Ortho-Bionomy session that lasted 90 minutes, two days ago. I'm talking about client fully dressed, just shorts and t-shirt, lying on massage table without cover sheet and blanket, supine then prone then supine and prone. Lights on, so I could read my notes. No music, so I could concentrate better. And here's the text I received the next day, posted with permission:
"Great experience. Funny side effect, I feel the bottom of my feet as I walk. New experience. The bottom of my feet tingle.... My hips are super loose...the legs, hips and feet feel great. "
In all of the other sessions, I included or added time for specific phase 5 exercises, either at the beginning, middle or end of their session, dependent on what complaint of pain in a particular part of their body that they presented. Much to my amazement, when I proceeded to do the hands-on massage therapy, their muscle tone was already relaxed because of the reflex releases and I found myself incorporating the dreamy flowing Swedish massage technique, only. It felt effortless! Indeed, all of it was effortless. Phase 5 releases are very light sensory touches.
The other day, my last session of the week was perhaps my first fully integrated Ortho-Bionomy (just phase 5) and Swedish massage session, with dimmed lights, soft music, and aromatherapy. Because I felt confident enough from two weeks worth of practice, to not refer to my notes, I had the release exercises memorized.
I owe a debt of gratitude to my clients for allowing the space and most importantly providing their precious time for me to practice these reflex releases on them. Thank you, all, so kindly!
Of course, none of the above has to do with the half toasted bagel, smeared with soften camembert cheese and topped with apricot preserves. 
And a cup of hot Mighty Mushroom Drinking Chocolate from Ratza Chocolate, seasoned with cayenne pepper, cinnamon and raw honey. With a huge dollap of whipped cream. The past few hours of breakfast with studying and writing, has been lovely.
Oh! I came up with the name I'll use in my website and business cards, one day, when I get certified in Ortho-Bionomy: OBsessions.
I took the Phase 5 class with the OB guru, Luann Overmyer, in February 2023.
-- Lyn, posted on my FB cover pic album on 3/4/2023
8/22/21:
"There is no organ system in the body that is not affected by sound, music and vibration. You can look at disease as a form of disharmony.
If we accept that sound is vibration and we know that vibration touches every part of our physical being, then we understand that sound is heard not only through our ears but through every cell in our bodies.
One reason sound heals on a physical level is because it so deeply touches and transforms us on the emotional and spiritual planes.
Sound can redress imbalances on every level of physiologic functioning and can play a positive role in the treatment of virtually any medical disorder.”
~ Dr Mitchell Gaynor, Director of Medical Oncology and Integrative Medicine, the Cornell Cancer Prevention Centre NY
4/3/21: The Infinity Dance
Temple Style Lomi Lomi is rich with rituals. Setting the intention initiates the session. Next is reciting the pule which is a prayer of blessing and letting go, followed by gathering aloha (love, kindness and compassion) during the ke lele dance. These rituals allow the client and therapist to be present in the moment, "this moment, this moment," as the space becomes imbued with the positive energies of aloha, gratitude and grace.
The Ka'alele au or the Flying Dance is a meditation in movement rooted in hula dancing and performed by the therapist.
The therapist fling their arms out to gather aloha from the universe, bring aloha to their heart, and then sends aloha back out to the universe. At the same time, the therapist steps back into the future, crosses over to break the chains of the past, and then steps forward to bring the future into the present. The sequence mimics the flow of the infinity sign and the dancer appears to be flying.
During the dance, the client is simply relaxing on the massage table, under the sheet. Once the dance is completed, the therapist - now a vessel overflowing with aloha - begins the hands-on phase of the Lomi Lomi massage. Lomi Lomi essentially infuses the client with the healing powers of aloha through gentle and nurturing touch.
Lomi Lomi is aka 'loving hands massage' for it gathers aloha infinitely sourced from a divine universe and amplifies beautifully the energy of unconditional love upon touch.
Aloha nui loa! Very much aloha, very much love to you!
Ka Lele: Flying Free with Hawaiian Shamanic Breath & Movement:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGAMxwDWRVc
*****
Dec. 10, 2020: Mask Up
A very dear and precious relative was almost admitted into the hospital. Second visit to the ER within a week for the same reason. Has COVID. Classic case of being very sick and getting sicker but not sick enough to get a hospital bed because the county's ICU was at 90% capacity. Shortly after, a second relative from that household was diagnosed with COVID in the ER, stayed there for over 24 hours until finally a COVID bed opened up and was admitted. Both persons check ALL the boxes for high risk, including age. I don't know if I should pray for admittance or release, I don't know which place is safer for them.
In either places, each person is alone, for even if more than one in the same house is sick, each has to self-quarantine in separate parts of the house. Or worst yet, one very frightened elderly person is home battling COVID -- alone -- after being rejected by the ER for the third time while the other elderly person is in the hospital --alone -- separated from family, with all kinds of monitors attached, crying and begging to come home. Imagine how traumatizing that is for the people with severe COVID, be they at home or in the hospital. The hospital was soon overwhelmed with 100% capacity and the doctors had to play God on who stays and who goes.
So, on one hand, I want my relatives to have 24/7 medical care and attention. But, on the other, I don't want them to be so dreadfully sick, that they need hospitalization. My family's constant 24/7 fear was the one at home reporting extended waves of extreme fatigue, should suffer from an oxygen level drop, become too weak to call 911 and lapses into unconsciousness.
I know I am livid, I am sad, and I am extremely anxious and fearful. As are the members of the entire extended family. COVID affects the whole family in one profound form or another. Anyway, they're not out of the woods. Symptoms can change in a snap. Please pray for my family. Thank you.
Think of someone who is so dear to you, someone you're close to and love very very very much. Then put on your mask and maintain social distancing. Wash your hands. Educate yourself on the vaccines.
Educate others!
Photo taken at my treatment room. Airborne transmission of smaller droplets and particles are suspended in the air over longer distances and time than droplet transmission.
I wear a triple layer non woven non-absorbent mask to protect you from my cloud of droplets. They do a better job than the cotton ones. Plus, they feel lighter and clients have discovered these masks are more comfortable to wear during a session. Most of you know I request my clients to wear a mask. You may bring your own or use one of mine, Just know that I always have these masks available for you.
If I happen to forget to offer you one, please do not hesitate to ask for one, even if you walk in with a mask on and you change your mind, just ask for one of my disposable masks. I got boxes of them!
I thank you for wearing one! <3
Lyn
Update: I now wear the KN95 mask. For those who've reached out or are wondering, my relative spent two weeks in the COVID ICU and was discharged when the lungs were finally clear. Then was transferred to a skilled nursing home, for the COVID has invaded the nervous system and my dear relative is suffering from some horrific repercussions of COVID. Please wear a mask, to protect yourself and others.
***
May 21, 2020: MNRI Archetype Movement Integration Course
The what? This past February 21-23, I took a foundational course at the Svetlana Masgutova Educational Institute in Orlando, FL. The Archetype Movement Integration was my first course on learning about the Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration Method. What a mouthful. And what an experience.
I was introduced to the innate nature of the sensory-motor reflex system:
* The progression of motor movements in utero and throughout life.
* How these archetype motor movements relate to our primary motor reflex patterns and coordination systems.
* The importance of the archetype motor movements in establishing the foundation for motor, communication and cognitive development, and emotional and behavioral regulation.
Whew. Okay, I'll pause. I pretty much lifted that description from the website.
The MNRI Method helps improve, restore or optimize function. A skilled practitioner would use the MNRI Method to integrate or reintegrate the primary motor reflexes with a sequence of light and gentle sensory touches and strokes. The MNRI Method does not require the client to undress.
I've just begun to incorporate some integration strokes in a few sessions, merely for sheer practice, a couple months ago. Clients welcomed my intention to incorporate some MNRI strokes into their massage. A few clients felt something different happening within themselves and whispered with wonder, "What was that? What did you just do?"
One client had suffered from ceaseless trembling of their entire body, for well over a decade, and has tried many modalities of bodywork, to no avail. Nothing relieved the relentless shaking not even an assortment of medication. I utilized a certain reflex integration move on the soles while the client was supine and within a minute the shaking stopped. Client suddenly lifted their head to lock eyes with me and uttered, "I'm not trembling!" We stared at each other in pure astonishment for several seconds.
Perhaps the descriptive "pause" is more appropriate, for the trembling resumed several hours after the session. I didn't know what the heck I was doing. I was just trying my best to perform that sequence of touch and I'm thinking the inspiration was probably because the person was trembling from head to toe and this particular integration move is performed at the head and feet. That's it, folks, that was my game plan, nothing more than a gut reaction.
The rest of this session was a soothing Swedish massage. With awe and reverence, I observed my client: eyes were closed, breathing slowly and deeply, and seemingly experiencing a sweet and rare reprieve from trembling. True bliss.
I learned in this course that reflexes are designed for protection and survival. The archetype reflexes are developed sequentially in utero and we are born with the innate ability to move through these archetype movement patterns in response to the reflexes being stimulated. I learned that the primary reflexes integrate into a higher class of reflexes and eventually evolves into a higher consciousness, such as becoming more adept at seeking answers and problem-solving.
The brilliance of the MNRI Method is integrating the sensory and motor systems;
The beauty of integrating the sensory and motor systems is living life with vitality.
I enjoyed the Archetype class, especially the daily archetype movement exercises which reminded me of Qigong. I must share this story: an hour after day one's archetype movement exercise, my left foot released the pain its been holding for years. I spent the rest of the afternoon and well into the evening moving around, feeling light on my feet with a great sense of confidence. The bizarre thing is out of left field, I was imagining myself as a little girl running joyfully around a playground. And this imagery made me smile with glee and feel giddy. Where did that thought come from? Was this an actual distant memory that resurfaced in my brain's limbic system? Was it because of some old muscle memory reactivated through movement? It felt like an authentic memory, in full Technicolor to boot, for I can recall details such as the color and texture of the coat I was wearing. I've barely scratched the surface of this memory's impact on my whole entire being. It's fascinating.
Also interesting, I experienced a startling recognition about my mother. From day one and throughout the course, I developed an indescribable depth of gratitude for my mother, for the ways she instinctively and intentionally protected all of her pregnancies.
I have taken several different CE courses and have this wonderful habit of falling in love with each of them for each modality focused on the personhood as the source of healing. The Archetype Movement Integration class was unique for I felt a profound shift within my personhood; my perspective on life is forevermore altered.
Some day, I am going to cringe at all that I just wrote, for I've barely begun to learn the MNRI Method. Nor do I fully understand archetype reflexes, seriously, I can't even name them. Yet, some of it "made sense" and paired nicely with what I already know about reflex arcs. The amount of neurodevelopment information presented overwhelmed me. I should take this class again along with the other foundational courses. Then, if I'm still hanging in there and this "stuff" is sinking in, I would love to pursue Dr. Masgutova's trauma-informed courses.
Anyone can take these MNRI courses. My classmates were physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, massage therapists, pediatricians, and one dude whose occupation involved racecar driving. All ages. More than half of the class work primarily with children. Some of us work with trauma clients. The program attracts parents who wish to treat their children with special challenges, at home.
My instructor was Isabelle Renard-Fontaine, she's a MNRI core specialist and a physical therapist for NICU babies and children with special challenges. Isabelle is an angel sent from heaven to save children's lives by helping them improve, restore or optimize function. The videos of her patients, the before/during/and after MNRI treatment during the kids' PT sessions demonstrated absolutely amazing results. Isabelle is a truly remarkable and gifted healer.
Dr. Svetlana Masgutova is very generous with the information and research about the MNRI Method she's developed. Prepare to dive into her website, it's pretty deep. Check out her youtube channel, chokeful of testimonials.
Have fun with the MNRI® Reflex Exercises!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayql4Eko6I8
The MNRI Archetype Movement Integration Course, take the class if you can!
https://masgutovamethod.com/learning-the-method/mnri-educational-courses?cID=4
Lyn
***
1/29/2020 Career Changes, too many to count!
I re-entered the field of massage therapy after a ten year absence. I had left because after moving from New Jersey, Florida insisted I had to go back to massage school in their state and I wasn't interested in spending $6-7,000 in tuition. But, I resigned from the field willingly because I felt my body was near ruin from providing massage therapy for a number of years in New Jersey. Ironic. Little did I know I was using poor body mechanics but also I was providing the "beat me up" kind of massage, which was quite taxing. It often left me exhausted and physically hurting. It was crazy.
I first entered massage school in 1998 with the intention of learning a new hobby. I had no plans of leaving my day job. However, I was burning out in my career, even though I loved my work. Massage school classes were at night and I fell in love with the program immediately, it definitely added some well-spent quality time to my usual daily routines. Within a month after graduation, through a series of fortunate events, I flew out of the gilded cage of a career I had been in for many years to work as a full-time massage therapist. That was a hard, lean, and trying phase in my life and it was the first time I've ever been self-employed. I believe my work ethic paid off for I built a practice from the ground up and was very successful. And then, we moved to Florida.
So, after a ten year absence, I re-entered the mental health field. I remember always harboring this notion way in the back of my head that this career move was going to be temporary and transitional. As to where it was going towards and when it would shift, I had absolutely no clue.
From the mid-1980's through 1999, I was a habilitation counselor and a certified social worker in New Jersey. I have a BA in Psychology from Rutgers University. I worked at a psychosocial habilitation day program and the population I served were people diagnosed with severe chronic mental illness. When I re-entered the mental health field in Florida, I worked as an Emergency Evaluator in the Acute Care Unit. I conducted biopsychosocial assessments for those streaming into our facility under a Baker Act and voluntary admission. Later, I transferred to a long-term residential program for adults seeking addiciton recovery. I was a counselor with a very heavy caseload and I burnt out in the mental health field again and left. For the first time in my life, I had no game plan and no idea of what to do next.
Many months later, I was working at a physical therapy outpatient facility while waiting for a physical therapy assistant program to begin. This was a whole new world and it struck me that every single client began their treatment due to pain. So, I found myself musing over the idea of re-entering massage therapy. It had never before occurred to me to go back and the idea was outrageous to me. I truly struggled with this inner conflict for my head said go full speed ahead with the PTA program but my heart said wait, think about massage therapy in a radical different way.
As I reflected on this, I would vocalized a constant thought: if I was to return to massage therapy, my approach would be far more gentler. I spoke about respecting not just my clients' bodies but my own as well. One day, it dawned on me that massage therapy was ultimately about boundaries and safety. I entertained myself with the idea of naming my future practice, Gentle Massage, which I found amusing because most of the time all I ever heard was, "You can get right in there, do whatever you have to do. Beat me up, I can take the pain!" And there I sat imagining doing the opposite, of not inflicting pain nor imposing my will. I concluded that I'd probably end up working with infants, children and the elderly because I simply couldn't imagine the typical client wanting a gentle massage.
In the process of leaving no stones unturned, I decided, albeit reluctantly, to attend an open house at the Florida School of Massage and I remember posting on my Facebook that morning, "Here's hoping I really really really hate this school." Eye roll.
Drum roll. Lo and behold, on the first day of Swedish Massage, as we sat in our circle at 8:30 in the morning, the instructors introduced the topic of gentle touch, gentle massage. It floored me! And they talked about boundaries and self-respect! In fact, this mantra of gentle touch and boundaries was repeated and emphasized in every single modality taught, throughout the entire school year. Until then, I thought all massage schools were alike. Clearly not.
On the morning of graduation, during our final communication circle, I shared my thoughts, "I want to be able to integrate the wisdom, knowledge and experience gained from the past 30 years of my life working in massage and mental health. That's what I want to do, but I don't know how that's going to happen or what that even looks like."
Talk about kismet, around the time the Florida Board of Massage Therapy granted my license, I encountered two strangers, neither of whom know each other, and they informed me about a job opening at the Refuge-A Healing Place. The Refuge is a PTSD/C-PTSD residential treatment center that includes comprehensive addiction programming. The massage therapist was retiring after being there since the Refuge opened in 2003. I got the job and have been there ever since. I call it my dream job. The Refuge is a very special and unique program for they believe it's important to address the trauma first, then addiction. The clients are provided with a wide variety of trauma-informed therapies, every day of the week and that includes trauma-informed bodywork.
I've resisted sharing about my work history in the mental health field, partly because I didn't think anybody would find it that interesting, especially to my clients in my private practice, after all, clients come in for massage therapy. However, from working with clients processing trauma at the Refuge and private clients enduring chronic pain and/or highly stressful lives, I found myself wanting to learn more about the somatic approach to bodywork, which is geared towards the healing of trauma and other stress disorders.
Lately, I've been exploring two programs. First one is the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute, the SE method was developed by Peter Levine, Ph.D. and is a body-oriented therapeutic model that helps heal trauma and other stress disorders. The other program is the Svetlana Masgutova Educational Institute which teaches the MNRI Method. The Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration Method was developed by Dr. Masgutova. It's primary focus is to support the integration process of primary motor reflex patterns, for neurosensorimotor integration can vastly improve the life of anyone facing a challenge. Both schools are international and attract students from wildly diverse professional backgrounds, including massage therapists.
I've spoken to fellow massage therapists who've gone through these programs and asked how do they integrate these approaches into their sessions. I've spent countless hours/days diving into each website. Both approaches make more sense to me than Ortho-Bionomy, probably because of my background as a former mental health professional. (Just a note: I still love utilizing O-B's exploration of movement patterns in sessions.)
All I can say for now is...stay tuned.
Lyn
P.S. I registered for a course at the Masgutova Institute. Right after I wrote my blog, I peeked into the MNRI website, saw the class recommended for first-timers and noted registration was about to expire by midnight. Holy moly! Talk about a kick in the butt forcing me to make a decision. Divine timing.
***
10/1/2019 Trigger Finger
Spent Saturday afternoon, Sep. 21, at an Ortho-Bionomy study group where a dozen of us students (all massage therapists including the instructors) presented a question and/or something we wanted to learn more about. The last case presented was about the trigger finger and an instructor demonstrated on the lead instructor how to work on it and she provided great insight and information.
Well, I come home by 6:30pm to a house full of guests and we start preparing dinner. Wouldn't you know it, a friend starts complaining to me about her trigger finger? She got it fairly recently and was distressed for she's never had it before and it was very painful. Additionally, she was worried about possibly needing surgery. I have to say that I've never actually seen a trigger finger until I saw hers. I couldn't believe this opportunity presented itself.
After dinner I gave it a whirl and applied what I could best recall and recited some of the stuff I learned. It worked. Twenty minutes later, she lays her hand down and stared at it. She remarked she hasn't been able to do this before and she couldn't believe her finger straightened out. (Heck, I couldn't believe it straightened out.) She kept opening and closing her hand, staring at it in awe. She demonstrated how she uses her hand in her line of work and explained having control over her fingers was crucial for without a steady and firm grip, she risk harming her patients. She was near tears with gratitude, for it brought her hope and eased the anxiety about possibly needing surgery.
So, uh. How cool was that? I take it this is a sign? Should I take another OB class? Two classes down and 468 units to go to become a Registered Practitioner. Ugh. But actually, I only need five more classes to be an Associate member which would permit me to use the term "Ortho-Bionomy®" in my promotional literature. We'll see.
From the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International website:
What are the Benefits of Ortho-Bionomy? Can it Help with Chronic Pain?
Ortho-Bionomy helps people break the cycle of pain – without creating pain. It is very effective for recovering from injuries, surgery and stress. It aids the recovery by reducing muscle tension, soothing the joints, increasing flexibility and range of movement, improving circulation and relaxing the entire body.
https://www.ortho-bionomy.org/AboutUs/About.aspx
Lyn
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8/19/19 Lomi Lomi - Yvonne Booth
I was surfing for more Lomi videos and discovered Yvonne Booth. From her website:
Where does the name Lomi Lomi come from?
In the Hawaiian language, Lomi Lomi means "massage" and also "breaking up into small pieces". In other words, Lomi Lomi breaks up old patterns in one's life and presents an opportunity for new awareness and conscious choices for one's life to move forward.
Yvonne Booth - This beautiful woman fell in love with Lomi Lomi from watching a video, back in 1990. She was so moved by it, she took many trainings over the course of several years. Then, around age 50, she was invited to spend six months in Australia for more intense training.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lZ8Oh0XB1w
Lyn
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7/20/19 Quote
An interesting excerpt from a book: So I went to the library that night and heard Abraham speak. His talk was all about family and responsibility and evolution of consciousness. The statement that rang through my whole being was this: “If one member of the family makes a great step and changes, the whole family changes as well. If you make a quantum leap in your consciousness, you become the tip of the spear and the family gets the ride too.”
Abraham spoke about Hawaiian history and the idea of one family member making a change that would resonate throughout the entire family. Then he went to do a bodywork demonstration. There it was! Everything about motion, compassion and flowing without a word being said. In the doing of the work was the same information as in the speaking of it. His work embodied and enacted the principles that he had been speaking about.
http://www.napuaolohe.com/book/
Lyn
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6/28/19 Lomi Lomi Videos
Sacred Lomi Videos: I started watching Lomi Lomi videos over two years ago, I was enchanted by the Hawaiian music and the dance of the practitioner as she massaged the entire body with long flowing strokes. Quite different from the undrape an arm, massage massage, drape the arm approach. These days, I'm always looking for videos specifically made by Tom Cochran's students and those following the lineage of Kahu Abraham Kawai'i.
Irina France - All I ever knew about Lomi Lomi was how to spell the words and that it originated in Hawaii. I had no concept of what a session looked like. I don't recall how I discovered Irina's video. If any other Lomi vids were viewed previously, well that memory was vaporized. For me, this is the very first Lomi Lomi session I've ever seen and the video left me spellbound. I've never seen bodywork like this before. I knew then, watching her over and over again, that I wanted to and needed to learn this technique. Irina is simply breathtaking to watch, so much aloha in her heart, and her work inspires me to this day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjxfnJ8Tqjo
Kimberlee Newman-Tyler - This is the second Lomi vid I fell in love with and have watched it many times. I love the Hawaiian music. I see it's over 2.4 m views, hah, I remember when it was like under 10k. I'm glad to see more are now aware of this spiritual massage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=2tAXNrqBE0s
Tony Crawford - One of my instructors! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndSOphGagm8
Tom Cochran - Heart opening segment of Lomi Lomi Nui. For women, your chest will be draped. However, I will present to you a Draping Waiver to read and consider if you'd like to be undraped during the heart opening segment and/or draped and undraped at any point or throughout the session. The form will be put in your chart. You can alter or rescind your consent at any time, be it during the session or outside the session. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=qN5tx9yq92A
Jody Mountain - This video shows the sacred hula dance called Flying or Ka'aleleau (kah ah laylay ah oo) which is a hallmark of Kawai'i's work. Flying is a meditation in movement that grounds and energizes the practitioner at the start of the Lomi session. I posted Jody's beautiful introduction to Lomi Lomi at an earlier blog, October 2018, please take a gander. I wish and hope one day to take her classes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yCHrV_Lov8
Jason Bratcher and a female therapist doing tandem Lomi and clients sharing their testimonials of this spiritual work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0zMtieCGqU
Mette Sorenson and Saleemah Ladhani doing tandem Lomi. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=pSUf_ihxYVk
Michele Austin - Opening our hearts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT2Bv-qdngQ
Iolani Grace - E Ala E Sunrise Chant https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy5c8iYmQFo
Sudha - I love doing Lomi Lomi to her music. E Ala E with lyrics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-rLYP7CG9Y
Iolani Grace - Flying Dance - The arms flow out to the universe for love and abundance, gathers it to the heart, then sends love and abundance back to the universe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGAMxwDWRVc
Louise Kleu McEvoy - Beautiful vid and she chants too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=19&v=ebB1EO6G72A
Abraham Kawai'i - https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=12&v=JO20GY5mi_M
Steve Ibach - I really love his flow! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKrPne8qn9s
Brian Dean - This older gentleman has a beautiful flow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCrIhVNeCk4
Barbra Streisand - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0VcDfDfx24
Lyn
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6/26/19 Lomi This, Lomi That
I am on a reading streak about Lomi Lomi. It's making more sense now than ever before. Passage of time and sessions helped but there is much to learn. Much more to learn.
There are many different types of Lomi Lomi massage. I was trained by Tom Cochran, the founder of Sacred Lomi which is rooted in the lineage of Kahu Abraham Kawai'i. This work is sometimes referred to as Temple Style Lomi, Hawaiian Temple Bodywork and Kahuna Bodywork. This work Is also known as Lomi Lomi Nui (new-ee), the great massage, for there are sessions that may last several hours long.
Another form of Lomi Lomi is Ke Ala Hoku (key-ah ala HO-koo) or "The Pathway to the Stars" which is a sacred ritual first performed by pre-Polynesian Hawaiians for rites of passage. Rites of passage can mark biological crisis or milestones of life and Ke Ala Hoku can assist those ready to transform from the old to the new. I met a woman who once lived in Hawaii for three decades. She's had many Lomi Lomi sessions there. Just before she moved back to the states, she invited a kahuna to her home for a Ke Ala Hoku Lomi Lomi session and it lasted eight hours. She described it as profoundly transformational and it greatly assisted her transition to mainland living and all that it entails.
Ke Ala Hoku can also be interpreted as "our life's journey into the infinite realms" and is a Sacred Ceremony. Ke Ala Hoku is probably the rarest surviving form of Lomi Lomi today. There are fewer than three hundred practitioners worldwide trained in the practice of this work in its true and original form. These Sacred Ceremonies are performed without intent. They are a physiologically-based, psychospiritual experience not for your mind, but for your physical, mental, emotional, cellular, spiritual, and ancestral bodies.
https://www.thepathwaytothestars.com/history.html
Lyn
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6/20/19 Aloha Spirit Law