About Integrative Therapy

Healing may take place with or without curing. Think about that for a moment... That's a unique concept in the Western world. Patients, survivors, caregivers, even you and me, have a huge amount of pain and suffering, both physical and emotional.

Through the cultivation of mindfulness, we develop a more functional relationshp with that suffering, we turn towards it, open to it, and actually befriend it to a degree rather than insisting that it stop, and in the process, the pain often transforms or even falls away. We may still pass away according to the timeline of our diagnosis - but with a peaceful attitude towards the end of our life the passage may be a gift, not a curse. We've become an active participant along the way, and the healing may be in our relationships, both with our own inner heart and with those we love.

Integrative therapy, also known as Mindfulness-Based Stressed Reduction (MBSR), can also empower individuals living with a diagnosis to become active participants in their own prevention, recovery and treatment. These techniques are evidence based for decreasing heart disease and studies are conintually showing that MBSR also helps cancer patients in many ways.

Simple, yet profound tools such as mindful breathing, meditation, deep relaxation, yoga, qigong, guided imagery, mudras and affirmations, and laughter have been proven to release stress and lead to serenity and acceptance of our bodies and our spirits.

These techniqes are low cost and high yield. No expensive equipment, no fancy clothing, and can be adapted for anybody and any body type. Integrative Therapy meets people right where they are.

Laughter Yoga Therapy for Cancer Patients and Caregivers

Dr. Michael B. Van Scoy-Morsher, an oncologist in California says that “one characteristic of the cancer patient who does well is the ability to often put cancer in the background for periods of time.”

The emotions and moods we experience directly effect our immune system. If there is any chance that laughter can improve a person’s prognosis or longevity - it is a good thing. A sense of humor allows us to perceive and appreciate the incongruities of life and provides moments of joy and delight. These positive emotions can create neurochemical changes that will buffer the immunosuppressive effects of diseases and stress. Hospitals around the country are incorporating formal and informal laughter therapy programs into their therapeutic regimens.

Cancer and Yoga Therapy

Embracing our bodies while we're going through diagnosis, treatment and recovery from cancer is a challenge. The first instinct is to mentally separate from our bodies and distance ourselves from our illness. Through yoga therapy an individual can continue to live in the body, mind and spirit while doing what is individually necessary for the course of treatment and beyond.

Gentle stretching, breathing, guided imagery and meditation will help relieve the stress of living with a serious illness, and help promote healing and wholeness.

If you feel drawn to yoga at this time of your life, call Jill and start on a new path of discovery and well-being.

Cardiac Disease and Yoga Therapy

Stress alone is a leading factor in cardiac disease. Perpetually living in a state of "fight or flight" puts an incredible strain on our nervous system. Yoga helps us calm it all down - our minds, our bodies and our breath. Unfortunately, the wake-up call for many of us is a trip to the hospital for ourselves or a loved one. Then comes the feeling of a "second chance", an opportunity to embrace and be active in our own well being. This new awakening spurs us to find a way to relieve our stress, thereby promoting wellness of our body, mind and spirit.

Latest RX for Parkinsons? Laughter Yoga!

Ho, ho, ha, ha, ha! You’ve heard it before - laughter is the best medicine. Just like mindful breathing can make a difference in how we feel and react to everyday stress, laughter can have the same simple, yet profound effect on our overall health and well-being. And for those with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Laughter Yoga can play a major role in their emotional and physical health.