It's All About You!
So many treatments out there are what are called aspirin approaches. Simply take a pill and feel better. However the pill does not fix the problem and most likely you will end up needing the pill again in the future. That is why Christopher’s program is different, because it puts your health back into your hands where it belongs. Through a 4-5 week course you will learn how to handle stress and avoid the negative effects it has on your health.
With that in mind it is important to note that this is a change in the way you live life. At first it is necessary to dedicate some time to learn this new skill, but like most things, the more you practice the better and faster you become. After a while managing stress with be a good habit you posses and will become second nature in which you do not even think much about it like your morning coffee, brushing your teeth or driving to work.
Stress is multifaceted and requires a dynamic approach. First things first; you need to feel better. When you can’t sleep, have no energy and are overwhelmed by life it would be very difficult to make time to learn a new skill. So in the beginning you will receive much needed support; mentally and physically.
The Sessions
The sessions include;
Chinese herbal formulas: While stress originates mentally/emotionally the affects you feel are physical. These Chinese medicinals help to regulate and counteract the chemicals that are released during stress allowing your body to start the healing process. After a couple weeks you should notice that you are sleeping better and have more energy to finally make the changes in your life that are necessary. Toward the fourth week the herbs are tapered off allowing you to be the source of your health.
Acupuncture: A small handful of carefully selected points are utilized to activate a part of your nervous system that is responsible for rest, digestion and healing. Other points help relax your muscles while the remaining points calm the mind allowing you to focus on the sessions.
Meditation: This is the key to success. You will learn a couple different types of meditation each building on one another for greater control of your mind and body. The first is simple progressive muscle relaxation where you learn what it feels like to be truly relaxed and at peace.
After that you’ll learn how to take the progressive muscle relaxation to the next step and find your sacred place. This is a place in your mind that you feel completely relaxed and at peace. It can be imaginary or some place you have been before. The point is between these two exercises you know what deep relaxation feels like and have a place where you can go anytime, anywhere when you need a break.
Additionally you will work on a mantra. This is a traditional sound, phrase or prayer that is repeated over and over to help focus and clear the mind. Many cultures throughout time have utilized this technique to facilitate clarity. Furthermore your mind will start to make a connection between this mantra and a relaxed state of being so that eventually simply repeating this mantra will help you relax anywhere.
Lastly you will learn to communicate with your inner advisor. This method is based off of a technique called guided imagery. Imagery is what half of your brain uses to interact and communicate with you while the other half, the one we usually hear when we talk to ourselves or make decisions, uses language. Through imagery we can communicate with this usually silent part of ourselves and find a path to better health.
Each week you will practice the techniques you learn and keep a journal of your experiences. Then at the next session any questions or concerns will be addressed. In addition Christopher is available if you have any questions in between sessions and you are always welcome to come back for refreshers or just some more encouragement.