Massage and Mind-Body Coaching Blogs
Your Body Pain - Is it Physical or Emotional?
If you experience recurring pain with no physical cause, your pain might be caused by Mind Body Syndrome (MBS) also called Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) named by Dr. John Sarno, author of The Mindbody Prescription. TMS describes various pain issues that develop in the body due to mental and emotional stress and unconscious suppression/repression of emotions. TMS occurs when the stresses of life trigger emotions that cause our bodies to react by producing physical symptoms. The symptoms, such as pain, are very real.
In the Mind Body Syndrome, stress and our emotional reaction to stress (often unconscious), causes blood flow to be shunted away from certain muscles, tendons and nerves by baso-constriction. Therefore, these tissues receive less oxygen and develop spasms and pain. Your body may be producing pain because it's manifesting unresolved stress, possibly even from childhood, or from any stressful event in your life. I was surprised to learn that our body/mind may even create body pain as a distraction to avoid unresolved painful emotions. Wow!
We've all had MBS/TMS to some degree at some time in our lives. When we get embarrassed, our face turns red. When we are asked to speak in front of a large live audience, our stomach will tighten up. When we have a stressful day, we may get a headache. These are signs of a physical reaction to an emotion.
Separating mind and body is impossible. What we think in our mind triggers physiological responses in our bodies. We all suffer the stresses of everyday life, especially if we are trying to be conscientious and good. How we deal with our emotions has a major effect on our physical well-being. Our bodies tell us via pain that we need to address the various mental and emotional components of ourselves in new and effective ways. The body tells us that what we're currently doing is not working. It may be time to look at your life and possibly do a little inner work.
Gabor Mati, M.D. wrote in his book When the Body Says NO, "When we have been prevented from learning how to say NO, our bodies may end up saying it for us." When I feel overwhelmed and unsupported, I experience low back pain. When I feel overly pressured (usually caused by saying "yes" when I needed to say "no"), I get a tension headache. Sarno wrote that he believes backaches, stomachaches (and IBS), headaches, fibromyalgia and upper respiratory infections are heavily influenced by emotional factors.
You can break the connection between your mind and your physical pain. The pain issue is completely benign even though we experience real pain which may result in actual pathologies. The pain syndrome will often leave without a trace when dealt with as a mind body syndrome.
Mind Body coaching begins with bringing our awareness and attention back into our bodies. Our minds will tell us all sort of untrue stories. Our bodies do not lie. When we learn to be still and listen to and trust the messages of our body, we can heal. Mind Body coaching will gently guide you through easy tools designed to break the pain syndrome and connect with your inner wisdom.
Anna Martinson, B.S., LMT
Massage Therapist, Life Coach & Mind Body Coach
Leapoffaithlifecoaching@gmail.com
715-834-3959
If you experience recurring pain with no physical cause, your pain might be caused by Mind Body Syndrome (MBS) also called Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) named by Dr. John Sarno, author of The Mindbody Prescription. TMS describes various pain issues that develop in the body due to mental and emotional stress and unconscious suppression/repression of emotions. TMS occurs when the stresses of life trigger emotions that cause our bodies to react by producing physical symptoms. The symptoms, such as pain, are very real.
In the Mind Body Syndrome, stress and our emotional reaction to stress (often unconscious), causes blood flow to be shunted away from certain muscles, tendons and nerves by baso-constriction. Therefore, these tissues receive less oxygen and develop spasms and pain. Your body may be producing pain because it's manifesting unresolved stress, possibly even from childhood, or from any stressful event in your life. I was surprised to learn that our body/mind may even create body pain as a distraction to avoid unresolved painful emotions. Wow!
We've all had MBS/TMS to some degree at some time in our lives. When we get embarrassed, our face turns red. When we are asked to speak in front of a large live audience, our stomach will tighten up. When we have a stressful day, we may get a headache. These are signs of a physical reaction to an emotion.
Separating mind and body is impossible. What we think in our mind triggers physiological responses in our bodies. We all suffer the stresses of everyday life, especially if we are trying to be conscientious and good. How we deal with our emotions has a major effect on our physical well-being. Our bodies tell us via pain that we need to address the various mental and emotional components of ourselves in new and effective ways. The body tells us that what we're currently doing is not working. It may be time to look at your life and possibly do a little inner work.
Gabor Mati, M.D. wrote in his book When the Body Says NO, "When we have been prevented from learning how to say NO, our bodies may end up saying it for us." When I feel overwhelmed and unsupported, I experience low back pain. When I feel overly pressured (usually caused by saying "yes" when I needed to say "no"), I get a tension headache. Sarno wrote that he believes backaches, stomachaches (and IBS), headaches, fibromyalgia and upper respiratory infections are heavily influenced by emotional factors.
You can break the connection between your mind and your physical pain. The pain issue is completely benign even though we experience real pain which may result in actual pathologies. The pain syndrome will often leave without a trace when dealt with as a mind body syndrome.
Mind Body coaching begins with bringing our awareness and attention back into our bodies. Our minds will tell us all sort of untrue stories. Our bodies do not lie. When we learn to be still and listen to and trust the messages of our body, we can heal. Mind Body coaching will gently guide you through easy tools designed to break the pain syndrome and connect with your inner wisdom.
Anna Martinson, B.S., LMT
Massage Therapist, Life Coach & Mind Body Coach
Leapoffaithlifecoaching@gmail.com
715-834-3959
WHY A 'HOW-TO' LIST WILL NOT CHANGE YOUR LIFE... AND WHAT WILL
You know those wellness articles with a title like “How to Get Rid of Stress With 3 Easy Tricks” or “How to Achieve Your Goals in 7 Simple Steps”? They sound great, but the truth is, they almost never work. All those well-meaning suggestions miss the mark because they don’t address why most of us fail to make real, lasting changes in our lives. We all have beliefs, many unconscious, that sabotage our efforts, often without us even knowing why or how.
These 'How-to' lists can be how-to-shame-yourself lists. The 'simple' steps imply that the changes we could make are just that, simple and easy, and can be achieved by everyone. Unfortunately, when we try and don't succeed, it's common to fall into negative, critical self-talk: "Ugh, I can't! I've already tried that and failed. Something is wrong with me. I know this, why can't I follow through?!" We feel so ashamed of failing that we often engage in even more of the behavior we want to change, just to get some comfort and relief from all the bad feelings. It’s a vicious cycle.
I am going to use setting boundaries as a personal example of my healing journey and how quick fixes can be unrealistic. As a child I learned from my family that my needs weren't important or valued but instead were wrong or selfish. When I cried, my father yelled at me to "Stop that crying or I'll really give you something to cry about!" I learned to shove my feelings and needs aside, be quiet and put the needs of others before my own.
Naturally I carried this pattern into adulthood. As a result, I often felt anger and resentment in relationships when I was giving more than I was getting. I felt disregarded, not heard, unappreciated and not respected. In order to change what wasn’t working, I had to look at what part I played in these scenarios, how I was allowing and reinforcing these unwanted behaviors, and how I tried to be everything to everyone, losing myself in the process. To quote Dr. Phil, “We teach people how to treat us.”
Working with a fabulous life coach who gently supported me every step of the way was instrumental in my ability to stop sacrificing my needs for the needs of others. Over time I was able to transform old beliefs and heal old wounds allowing me to start setting clear boundaries. I was able to transform some limiting beliefs quickly while others took a little more time.
A few years ago I plastered "Put Yourself First" post-it notes all over my kitchen and bathroom mirror as a reminder that I am valuable, that my needs are important and to ask for what I want. I had great intentions but my follow through fell short. My beliefs, many unconscious, prevented me from being that kind to myself. Now I know my needs have the right to exist and to be respected. I am able to set my boundaries with more clarity and a knowing that they deserve to be heard and honored.
If you're focusing on what you're not accomplishing, let yourself off the hook! Show yourself loving and gentle compassion for doing the best you can in this moment. If you notice your mind moving into negative self-talk, make a conscious effort to speak to yourself in kinder, gentler language. Notice how different you feel inside when you express kindness to yourself. Practice this daily until it starts to feel natural—it will transform your life. You deserve your most loving attention.
If one of the "Steps to..." articles addresses a change you would like to make in your life, begin by picking just one of the steps. Next, narrow it down even further. Choose one action that is so ridiculously easy that you will be able to follow through on that initial change. Not perfectly. Not every day, but change will come, especially when you're patient and loving toward yourself.
Some of our ingrained behaviors do take time to change and that's OK. If you're stuck in any area of your life and need help, asking for support is a powerful act of self love. You matter!
Anna Martinson, B.S., LMT
Certified Life Coach
Mind body Coach
Licensed Massage Therapist
You know those wellness articles with a title like “How to Get Rid of Stress With 3 Easy Tricks” or “How to Achieve Your Goals in 7 Simple Steps”? They sound great, but the truth is, they almost never work. All those well-meaning suggestions miss the mark because they don’t address why most of us fail to make real, lasting changes in our lives. We all have beliefs, many unconscious, that sabotage our efforts, often without us even knowing why or how.
These 'How-to' lists can be how-to-shame-yourself lists. The 'simple' steps imply that the changes we could make are just that, simple and easy, and can be achieved by everyone. Unfortunately, when we try and don't succeed, it's common to fall into negative, critical self-talk: "Ugh, I can't! I've already tried that and failed. Something is wrong with me. I know this, why can't I follow through?!" We feel so ashamed of failing that we often engage in even more of the behavior we want to change, just to get some comfort and relief from all the bad feelings. It’s a vicious cycle.
I am going to use setting boundaries as a personal example of my healing journey and how quick fixes can be unrealistic. As a child I learned from my family that my needs weren't important or valued but instead were wrong or selfish. When I cried, my father yelled at me to "Stop that crying or I'll really give you something to cry about!" I learned to shove my feelings and needs aside, be quiet and put the needs of others before my own.
Naturally I carried this pattern into adulthood. As a result, I often felt anger and resentment in relationships when I was giving more than I was getting. I felt disregarded, not heard, unappreciated and not respected. In order to change what wasn’t working, I had to look at what part I played in these scenarios, how I was allowing and reinforcing these unwanted behaviors, and how I tried to be everything to everyone, losing myself in the process. To quote Dr. Phil, “We teach people how to treat us.”
Working with a fabulous life coach who gently supported me every step of the way was instrumental in my ability to stop sacrificing my needs for the needs of others. Over time I was able to transform old beliefs and heal old wounds allowing me to start setting clear boundaries. I was able to transform some limiting beliefs quickly while others took a little more time.
A few years ago I plastered "Put Yourself First" post-it notes all over my kitchen and bathroom mirror as a reminder that I am valuable, that my needs are important and to ask for what I want. I had great intentions but my follow through fell short. My beliefs, many unconscious, prevented me from being that kind to myself. Now I know my needs have the right to exist and to be respected. I am able to set my boundaries with more clarity and a knowing that they deserve to be heard and honored.
If you're focusing on what you're not accomplishing, let yourself off the hook! Show yourself loving and gentle compassion for doing the best you can in this moment. If you notice your mind moving into negative self-talk, make a conscious effort to speak to yourself in kinder, gentler language. Notice how different you feel inside when you express kindness to yourself. Practice this daily until it starts to feel natural—it will transform your life. You deserve your most loving attention.
If one of the "Steps to..." articles addresses a change you would like to make in your life, begin by picking just one of the steps. Next, narrow it down even further. Choose one action that is so ridiculously easy that you will be able to follow through on that initial change. Not perfectly. Not every day, but change will come, especially when you're patient and loving toward yourself.
Some of our ingrained behaviors do take time to change and that's OK. If you're stuck in any area of your life and need help, asking for support is a powerful act of self love. You matter!
Anna Martinson, B.S., LMT
Certified Life Coach
Mind body Coach
Licensed Massage Therapist
The Art and Necessity of Doing Nothing
The busy-ness of the holidays is over. It's time to settle into a Winter routine and plan for what you'd like to accomplish this season. Whatever your to-do list is for the coming year, here is another task to add to your list; Do Nothing.
Doing Nothing will promote a quieting of the body and mind, stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promote better digestion, and improve over-all mood. Doing Nothing gives the body a chance to replenish glucose and oxygen levels. Doing Nothing can help you to feel more rested, clearheaded and calm. All of this is key to healing the body, mind and spirit. Doing Nothing calms the soul and helps to create peace, balancing us in an, otherwise, overly-busy, over-stimulated world.
Think of a time when you have hit a dead end while working on a project or felt stumped while seeking a solution to a problem. Do you remember how leaving the task and coming back to it after a mental break produced new and fresh ideas, or even a solution to your problem? Like-wise, intentional quiet time improves concentration, boosts problem-solving capability and enhances creativity.
Humans are the only creature in nature that resist the pattern of ebb and flow. What if instead of Facebook, texting, emailing, TV viewing, gaming – you did nothing? What if, instead of saving up vacation time to finally rest and enjoy life, you spread those moments throughout each day of the year? What if you penciled yourself into your busy calendar by putting yourself first with a plan to Do Nothing? What if...
Doing Nothing can be challenging at first! It can be difficult to get out of your head and into your body. Our minds will conjure up numerous reasons why Doing Nothing is not a good idea. Some reasons may include the following:
Trust your body. The messages of your body will guide you if you listen. Instead of pushing through exhaustion, for example, check in with your body to know what it needs. Also, self pressure to DO and take care of others before yourself can lead to chronic pain. Eventually your body says STOP!
There is a difference between truly quieting the mind by doing nothing and being involved in a leisure time activity (watching TV, taking a trip, dinner out with friends). Leisure activities engage your brain; that is, your brain is still busy. Sitting in front of the TV or computer for an hour feels very different than an hour sitting in the park.
The following are some simple strategies to help you learn how to Do Nothing:
Give yourself permission to care for yourself. Take in the sweetness of Doing Nothing. You'll be glad you did!
Happy New Year! 2017
The busy-ness of the holidays is over. It's time to settle into a Winter routine and plan for what you'd like to accomplish this season. Whatever your to-do list is for the coming year, here is another task to add to your list; Do Nothing.
Doing Nothing will promote a quieting of the body and mind, stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promote better digestion, and improve over-all mood. Doing Nothing gives the body a chance to replenish glucose and oxygen levels. Doing Nothing can help you to feel more rested, clearheaded and calm. All of this is key to healing the body, mind and spirit. Doing Nothing calms the soul and helps to create peace, balancing us in an, otherwise, overly-busy, over-stimulated world.
Think of a time when you have hit a dead end while working on a project or felt stumped while seeking a solution to a problem. Do you remember how leaving the task and coming back to it after a mental break produced new and fresh ideas, or even a solution to your problem? Like-wise, intentional quiet time improves concentration, boosts problem-solving capability and enhances creativity.
Humans are the only creature in nature that resist the pattern of ebb and flow. What if instead of Facebook, texting, emailing, TV viewing, gaming – you did nothing? What if, instead of saving up vacation time to finally rest and enjoy life, you spread those moments throughout each day of the year? What if you penciled yourself into your busy calendar by putting yourself first with a plan to Do Nothing? What if...
Doing Nothing can be challenging at first! It can be difficult to get out of your head and into your body. Our minds will conjure up numerous reasons why Doing Nothing is not a good idea. Some reasons may include the following:
- I don't have enough time!
- I have too much to do!
- Sitting still is just being lazy.
Trust your body. The messages of your body will guide you if you listen. Instead of pushing through exhaustion, for example, check in with your body to know what it needs. Also, self pressure to DO and take care of others before yourself can lead to chronic pain. Eventually your body says STOP!
There is a difference between truly quieting the mind by doing nothing and being involved in a leisure time activity (watching TV, taking a trip, dinner out with friends). Leisure activities engage your brain; that is, your brain is still busy. Sitting in front of the TV or computer for an hour feels very different than an hour sitting in the park.
The following are some simple strategies to help you learn how to Do Nothing:
- Turn off or separate yourself form all electronic devices. Yes, ALL of them! Disconnect to replenish your soul.
- Ground - Bring your attention inside your body. Notice any body sensations. Feel the chair supporting you with your feet flat on the floor.
- Breathe - Gently pay attention to your breathing, just noticing. There is nothing you have to do. Your body breathes itself. Paying attention to your breathing naturally slows your heart rate and brings you into the present moment.
- Be Still - Stare out the window or sit in nature. You might want to pay attention to something beautiful in your space or meditate, or listen to the sounds around you, or shut your eyes and just BE.
- Let your body relax and your feelings unfold. Just a few minutes of Doing Nothing is enough. What matters is that you're still.
Give yourself permission to care for yourself. Take in the sweetness of Doing Nothing. You'll be glad you did!
Happy New Year! 2017
Altoona, WI Location
|
|