WATER ELEMENT
Mind Body Medicine
Water is the element associated with winter. In nature it is a time of rest, when plants and animals become more dormant. It provides flexibility and depth, always changing and full of potential. Water is all about fluidity and stillness. The color associated with water is black-blue and its corresponding emotion is fear. In the body, its function relates to the ability to nourish every cell with vital fluids (blood, lymph, mucus, water). It is also associated with the kidney and our skeletal system. Water represents the direction North and is symbolized by the black tortoise.
The modalities listed here are associated with water because of their ability to help us find stillness deep within.
MIND-BODY MEDICINE
Mind-body medicine uses the power of thoughts and emotions to influence physical health. Getting in touch with one’s inner self is a useful way to not only help with stress reduction, but it can also reduce pain, improve sleep, and lower blood pressure. The mind and body are connected through the vagus nerve.
When we do deep breathing, for example, we massage the vagus nerve with our breath and that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system to release endorphins that calm both the mind and body. We can also influence our mental health through body movement such as physical exercise, dancing, or active/movement-based meditations.
There are a lot of different ways to incorporate mind-body medicine into your daily routine. The most commonly known techniques include: yoga, tai chi, qigong, guided imagery, meditation, and breathing exercises.
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Appointment
Appointments are available Monday - Wednesday from 9am - 6pm, and Thursday from 8am - 12:30pm.
If you have any questions or need help, please contact us via:
Phone: 509-520-7993