​Even
     After all this time,
               The sun never says to the earth,
 
"You owe Me."
     Look at what happens
               With a love like that,

                                                                             It lights the whole sky."
 
     From Daniel Ladinsky, The Gift: Poems by Hafiz
 
 
The “tyranny of expectations” may “plague your daily life, causing you to be irritable, disappointed, and disillusioned”.
Our attachment to expectations sometimes surprises and assaults us.  Like a physical attack, we are left unsettled and hurt.  Letting go of attachment takes so much work that we often resist this instruction because it puts us face-to-face with ourselves.  It takes away the shining ideal, the greener side, and plants us back where we were.
Now what?
​
 “If only” dominates our thoughts.  If your expectations are not met, then you feel deflated, disheartened, and sometimes betrayed.  We often perceive these occasions as times of loss.  They are not times of loss, however.  You have lost nothing, but an excuse.  Now you must be responsible for yourself.  Grasping at these “solutions” feels like the only way to find peace.  Yet, it is the empty pursuit of this imaginary cure that truly brings anxiety.  You are no different than you would have been had the expectations been fulfilled to your desire.  You are the same, but now you don’t have that distraction. 

The joy you imagined in connection with your expectations was a crutch.  Now that it is gone you are frightened and suffering.  How much better would it be to be able to walk on your own?  Now is your time to pick yourself up.  You no longer have to be afraid; you did this.  No one carried you.  No one supported you.  That means that this perceived loss wasn’t real.  You never really needed the crutch; you just told yourself that you did.

You can emerge from Maya, the waking dream.  Much like Plato’s allegory of the cave, Maya represents the collection of illusions that we all cling to in our lives.  The shadows dancing on the back of the cave are not tangible.  They are reflections of the real objects.  Turn around and cast your eyes upon the objects that are producing those shadows.  Free yourself from this darkness.  Step out into the sun.

Growth is painful, but denying it is pain deferred.  Like surgery when needed prevents an injury from worsening, liberating ourselves from our attachments and expectations prevents the devastation from over-reliance and self-doubt when we finally “lose” that support.

This is the path to freedom outlined in Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths.
 
                                                                                           Be strong. 
                                                                                               Crawl. 
                                                                                                Walk. 
                                                                                               Sprint. 
                                                           Feel the warmth of the sun as it lights up the earth.
 
Chakra study:
 
The chakras represent various energy sources.  When one is blocked then we suffer from the restrictions and compensations related to that particular energy.  The chakra associated with grasping and attachment is the Sacral Chakra, the Svadhisthana in Sanskrit. 

The seat of your emotions, the Svadhisthana chakra is located just below the tailbone.  When your it is overactive then you are prone to codependency and overreactions.  If it is closed, then you might notice depression or a dulled creativity.  Finding balance is key.  When you recenter, you may find that you have greater confidence, more emotional harmony, and enhanced creativity. 
Poses to help with your Svadhisthana include:

• Goddess
• Butterfly/Baddha Konasana
• Wide Legged Forward Fold

 
Repeat the mantra “VAM”, carrying it through your exhale.
If you feel impelled to act, as yourself to what aim.  Will your action solve a problem or simply offer short relief?  Sit with yourself; take your time; learn to just be.  Let the illusions come crashing down around you.
                                                                                               And breathe.
 

This comprehensive program of soft-tissue manipulation balances the body’s central nervous system with the musculoskeletal system. Based on neurological laws that explain how the central nervous system initiates and maintains pain, the goal is to help relieve the pain and dysfunction by understanding and alleviating the underlying cause. Neuromuscular therapy can help individuals who experience distortion and biomechanical dysfunction, which is often a symptom of a deeper problem. It is also used to locate and release spasms and hypercontraction in the tissue, eliminate trigger points that cause referred pain, rebuild the strength of injured tissues, assist venous and lymphatic flow, and 
restore postural alignment, proper biomechanics, and flexibility to the tissues.

Bowen Technique

Bowen Technique is a neuromuscular technique for treating muscular and neurological pain. Gentle stimulation of active trigger points releases muscle tension allowing the body to relax. This also activates the body’s natural healing ability. Short rest periods between moves allow the body to integrate healing. 

Is Bowen Therapy covered by health insurance, PIP, or L&I?

Yes, most insurance plans do provide coverage for Bowen Therapy under a health services umbrella called ‘massage services’.

What age is safe to use Bowen Therapy?
Bowen Therapy is safe, gentle and effective for people of all ages from newborn babies and pregnant women, to the elderly. 

How many Bowen Therapy treatments will I need?
How many Bowen Therapy treatments you need will depends on the severity and length of time of the health issue(s). You may need more treatments if you have long standing and or severe conditions and fewer treatments for more recent and moderate ones.If you are new to Bowen therapy it is best to receive a minimum of 3-5 weekly treatments to 
determine if this therapy will be helpful your specific condition.

How long is the treatment session?
Treatments are up to 50 minutes in duration.

Will I need to undress for Bowen Therapy treatment?
Bowen Therapy can be done over clothing, therefore loose, flexible and thin clothing is most appropriate to wear, i.e. t-shirt, shorts, tights and socks.

How will I know if the Bowen is working? 
During a Bowen treatment it is common to start feeling more mentally and physically relaxed after about 15-20 minutes into the treatment.  However, since the effects of the treatment usually continue for the next several significant changes may not be felt until several days later or several treatments depending how strongly the body responds to each treatment.

What instructions do I need to follow after a Bowen treatment?
For maximum benefits:

•  Avoid strenuous activities for several days 
•  Drink plenty of water
•  Walk 10-30 minutes daily
•  Avoid ice or heat

Will Bowen Therapy solve my health problem?
Bowen Therapy can be effective for most muscle-skeletal conditions most of the time. Many people do report significant improvement or relief of symptoms. If you are not sure if Bowen may be helpful for you, please contact the clinic to consult with the Bowen practitioner.

How much does a Bowen treatment cost?
One session is $85 if paying by cash, however if you have health insurance it may be covered under your health insurance, PIP, or L&I.

Call Maya Whole Health to schedule your first treatment. I look forward to meeting you.

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Ste. 3 Renton, WA 98056 425-271-0200 www.mayawholehealth.com

​The workshops and class series on our schedule give you the opportunity to go further or get started and tune into you. Workshops bring in new voices and experiences and give you insights into yourself that can serve to influence your day to day practice, and your day to day life. From understanding Shamanic practices, learning how to let go in Trance Dance, or discovering the basic of yoga in Yoga Essentials,  I strive to bring diversity and substance. 

The series classes give you a chance to start something, see it through to the end, and witness your own growth. They give you the chance to add a new class time to your carefully budgeted routine and commit for shorter periods, building whatever it is you choose to build. In these short term classes, you may try on Pilates Equipment for size, or get moving again in Re-Entry to Fitness. Whatever your goals, a class series may be the ideal kick-start you need. Some classes are such a big hit, we put them on the regular schedule!

I hope that you will make the time to try one of the workshops or series offered here at Maya. Bring a friend and it becomes even easier to keep the goals you set and take the risks that will help you grow. Be sure to register early, this ensures minimum attendance requirements are met so workshops and series classes continue to populate the schedule and return again and again.

Our full schedule of workshops and class series can be found on our website. Stay tuned to this blog to learn more about upcoming workshops and classes as well as meet the wide array of teachers that guide your path and unlock your potential.

See an upcoming workshop you'd like to spread the word about?
Here are a few ways you can assist Maya in maintaining strong workshop offerings:

• Hang flyers in your community; apartment complex, office, faith community, social clubs (ask front desk for flyers)
• Share with friends and family on social media and Invite them to join you. We usually have a FaceBook event link that you can use for easy sharing. Or, share our blog.
• Consider the questions above, then let us know what you want. Provide ideas and suggestions at front desk or        e-mail me directly:  [email protected]

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Ste. 3 Renton, WA 98056 425-271-0200 www.mayawholehealth.com

The dreaded UTI!  Urinary Tract Infection is not a fun topic for discussion- but it is even less fun to suffer through this preventable condition, and no fun for me to see my patients (both women and men) experience this unnecessary pain and discomfort. Lately, there has been an uptick of incidence of UTI in the Pacific Northwest.  While there are numerous theories as to why, we don't yet have enough information about this anecdotal issue to be certain.  What we do know is that there are several strategies that you can put in place in your life to prevent UTI.  We also know how to alleviate pain and potential complications if you get one.  

Below are steps you can take to help prevent UTI and recognize the symptoms if and when they occur.

What It Is
 A UTI is the infection of any part of the urinary system by bacteria that cause irritation, inflammation, and dysfunction in the body tissues.   UTI is very common in women (nearly 80% of US women experience this condition sometime in their life), and usually occurs in the bladder or urethra, less frequently affecting the kidneys.  Some strains of bacteria (and occasionally protozoa) can be more aggressive than others and some reproduce more rapidly, so the type of bacteria can have an impact on the severity of the infection and how quickly it can become a threat to your health.  Another major factor in how or whether you will be affected and how quickly you recover is your general state of health.  If your lifestyle choices regarding sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, hygiene, and pleasure are supporting your healthy resilience, you will more likely be able to re-balance without taking any drastic measures.

Symptoms
​Sometimes there aren't any obvious outward symptoms, which may be a result of certain medications masking the pain and discomfort that a healthy person will typically feel with an infection.  While it might seem fortunate not to feel what can be extreme discomfort of UTI, this lack of acute symptoms raises the risk of the infection developing into a much more significant and potentially dangerous health issue than when it is discovered early.  Therefore, despite the uneasiness patients often have about discussing elimination of any sort, I encourage that everyone be more aware of the quality and frequency of their body processes, in order to avoid having what could be a minor issue blow up into something much more serious.  Here are some things to look out for:

• A frequent or intense urge to urinate, but only a little amount when you go
• Burning and/or pinching pain with urination (usually towards the end of release)
• Unusual pain, cramping, pinching, or pressure in the pelvis or lower back (bladder/kidneys)
• Strange smell in the urine
• Cloudiness or unusual color (especially red or orange) in urine
• Any of the above symptoms, accompanied by fever or chills 

Prevention

• Good Hydration- this washes bacteria out before they multiply.
• Probiotics- be sure to get this in your food and/or take a high quality supplement.
• Add cranberry to your life- capsules and/or unsweetened juice (for those with sturdy tastebuds).
• Get your Vitamin C- in your food or in a supplement.  The right amount depends on several health factors. 
• Urinate regularly.  Just Go Already!  Don't hold it any longer than you must.
• As soon as possible after sexual intercourse, void as much as possible to ensure that any bacteria trying to sneak up the urethra get completely expelled.  If you are prone to UTI, drink water prior to intercourse to ensure that you can take this important health safety measure afterwards.
• Avoid tight fitting pants and choose cotton over synthetic for underwear.  If you are prone to UTI, and it's humid, consider wearing a skirt (kilts for the menfolk out there) to avoid creating breeding ground for bacteria.
• Avoid scented toilet paper and hygiene products.
• Use a hypoallergenic, water-based lubricant for sexual activity, to avoid irritation of urethra.
• In case you weren't clued in during potty-training, ALWAYS wipe from the front the back, to avoid spreading bacteria common in fecal matter up towards your more delicate regions.

Treatment 
If after all that you still suspect you have developed a UTI, depending on the stage of the infection, you will need to decide whether or not to immediately seek medical attention.  In most cases, if you identify the infection prior to it getting into the bladder and/or kidneys, you can treat with plenty of rest, abundant hydration, and the following natural remedies:

• Extra doses of Probiotics (preferably high quality supplement, especially formulated for urinary tract health)
• Dose up heavy on cranberry capsules and/or juice (unsweetened only!)
• Vitamin C can help, but only if you are drinking lots and lots of water.
• C-Mannose supplement, preferably in a powder that you can dissolve and drink.  This simple sugar is too sticky to be absorbed in any significant amount by the body, but acts like a lint brush for bacteria as it moves through the bladder and urethra.
• Oregano Oil, cut to a 20% dilution with olive or grapeseed oil.  This herb has strong antibacterial quality and studies have shown effective in speeding recovery from many bacterial and viral infections.
• Turmeric tea, to reduce inflammation in the urinary tract.
• Avoid sugar, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol with all your might.
• Urinate as frequently as possible, despite the discomfort
• A heating pad on the pelvis can help reduce some of the cramping and discomfort.
• Ibuprofen can be used for general pain relief, though it can also contribute to irritation and mask pain and fever, so use sparingly.

In the event that you develop a fever or chills;  observe blood or orange color in urine; the pain and discomfort are too severe; or other symptoms last longer than 3 days, despite using natural remedies, I strongly advise you to seek medical consult.  

When I see clients with UTI, I first assess the level of the infection.  If it is still early stage, I can provide acupuncture treatment to reduce the pain and discomfort and offer specific recommendations for supplements, based on your overall health profile.  This is usually enough to get you back to optimum health, as soon as possible.  In acute situations, if I see signs that infection is rapidly progressing or moved to bladder or kidneys, I will usually prescribe an antibiotic medication and/or refer you to a urology specialist.  If your situation has progressed beyond that- I will call for transport and refer you to hospital for IV fluids and antibiotics.  Please don't make me do that!  I want you out enjoying life, not lying in a hospital bed.  (Please note: If you are a patient of mine or Dr. Bradley, and we are not available to see you , go to an Urgent Care clinic or Emergency Room, day or night!  Do not wait to seek medical care, in the event that there are any signs of kidney infection.)

Reoccurence
For most people, one time is enough to scare them straight.  Following a UTI, most people become much more vigilant about prevention.  Prevention measures after a first UTI are highly successful for most women, who are unlikely to develop a second infection.  Men are less likely than women to have a first UTI, but once a man has a UTI, he is more likely to have another because bacteria can hide deep inside prostate tissue.  Some people are generally more prone to UTI, due to multiple factors.  If you have more than one in a year, you have a much greater chance to have this problem reoccur throughout your life.  Some women have three or more UTIs in a year.  Anyone who has diabetes or a problem that makes it hard to urinate will be more vulnerable to UTI, and they may need to take extra precautions to keep their urinary tract and kidneys healthy and happy.

Summary
​If you suspect you have a UTI, I recommend you call (425-271-0200) to schedule an appointment to see me or Dr. Bradley, as soon as possible.  We can diagnose the problem, determine the severity, and begin treatment right away to reduce any discomfort and avoid worsening of your symptoms.  We can prescribe antibiotics, if necessary, or refer you for lab tests or to see a specialist.  However, now that I have armed you with all of this great information about how to keep your urinary paths healthy, hopefully you won't ever need to!  

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Ste. 3 Renton, WA 98056 :: www.mayawholehealth.com :: 425-271-0200

​Do you feel weighed down from past trauma or unknown stems of anxiousness?
This workshop is a safe space to build awareness and to identify coping mechanisms and tools to help shed layers of anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, and fragility. 

Join two RYT 200 teachers, life coaches & survivors of PTSD for a two hour session of learning life changing techniques to release our selves from battered egos and open a space to take more confident & fearless steps into our daily lives.  ​

   It’s an absolutely beautiful day. You’re driving to your destination with a smile on your face and good thoughts in your head. You feel relaxed, calm and you’re enjoying the stretch of road in front of you. Suddenly, from out of nowhere, a car swerves into your lane. You break hard, your body stiffening, eyes widening in surprise, breath caught in your throat. The impact comes before you know it and you’re plunged into the steering wheel. You’ve come to a stop, but your heart is racing and you’re shaking uncontrollably. Once it’s over, you sink back against your seat, check yourself for injuries and try to get a reasonable breath back. You’re pretty sure you’re ok and exit the car.

Trauma comes to us in many different forms; car accidents, abuse, war or natural disaster. We may come out on the other side thinking we handled it well and are ready to move on with our lives. But then another incident, close call, or person we don’t recognize can trigger the exact same response we had when the initial trauma occurred. This is the simplified face of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk of the Trauma Center at JRI in Brookline, Massachusetts, confirms that the physical body stores the information of trauma and stays ready to suffer it again. We may “think” we have moved on, but our bodies can stiffen unexpectedly, heart race and sweat pour off of us at just the idea we may become a victim again.

Parts of our brain, such as the amygdala located in the temporal lobe, can override any rationalization we may be making, even before we have a chance to make it. Our neocortex, or thinking brain, is hijacked by this almond shaped mass. A part of the limbic system and a crucial part of our survival instinct, the amygdala is invaluable. Yet when it perceives a threat (because it isn’t a “thinking” structure) it can kick in and cause us to react before we can analyze. When this pattern repeats over and over, the brain adapts, shutting off “normal” responses. Eventually, dissociation can occur and the trauma victim begins to “check out”, unable to process emotion constructively. Sense of safety is compromised and the body stays poised and ready for future assaults.
​

Winter is right around the corner. On December 22, we moved from Autumn to Winter, getting ready for 3 months of cold, wet weather. Although you may get out the blankets, coats, and hats, you may not make the internal changes needed to see you through the season.

Winter is a heavy, silent time of year. It's a time of hibernation, of going inside, both physically and energetically. Adapting to the change in season is an age old practice, but how many actually do? Have you taken the steps to ensure your health and well-being throughout?

As a doctor of Naturopath and Acupuncture I have developed a workshop around seasonal medicine designed for winter time wellness.  What can my workshop teach you?

• Learn how to bring your body into harmony with seasonal shift into winter. 
• Discover healing methods from a Naturopathic and Chinese Medicine perspective.
• Learn how these seasonal changes affect your health, and how you can better prepare to stay healthy.

Sunday January 3
 3:00-4:30 pm
$20.00

1322 Lake Washington Blvd. Ste. 3 Renton, Wa. 98056 www.mayawholehealth.com