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More Terrific Articles

• Scents and Sensibility-The fine Art of Aromatherapy
• Travel for Transformation-Make the Most Out of Your Next Vacation
• Chi Kung-The Gentle and Therapeutic Martial Art
• Energy Healing through Chiropractic-coming soon

Travel for Transformation on Your Next Vacation

So you're not a golfer, skier, golden ager, or thinking of trekking off to explore the amazon or scale the Himalayas you say? What if your idea of a great vacation is meditating the mountains of Tibet or an authentic oriental garden_in Japan. For a growing portion of the population, basking in the sun on a beach no longer holds it's old appeal. In it's place a trend towards "transformational travel" or vacations that enrich your life physically, mentally and/or spiritually is rapidly gaining ground.

In her book "Vacations That Can Change Your Life" (Sourcebooks, Naperville,IL) author Ellen Lederman has compiled an impressive collection of interesting adventures, retreats and workshops both domestic and abroad. The introduction to the book in particular, serves as an excellent primer for anyone wishing to learn more about this type of travel. Many similar opportunities and experiences to change your life are available right here in or around Long Island - if you know where to look Several "learning centers" as well as individual practitioners organize weekend retreats offering workshops on a variety of subjects while other just provide a quiet location for quiet contemplation.

If you are on a budget, just a two hour drive away you will find The Fallsview Resort in Ellenville, NY who plays host in March to an annual all-inclusive "Holistic Weekend" offering a terrific value for a vacation getaway for the whole family. Workshops on such topics as meditation, past life regression, handwriting analysis, couples massage and T'ai Chi are presented by local and regional practitioners who enjoy the cocktail party, nightclub show and dancing keep the program lively and fun! If a slightly longer drive away doesn't put you off, the Omega Institute for Holistic studies offers a unique blend of education and vacation in Rhinebeck, New York. The Kripalu Center in Lenox Massachusetts also offers an extensive variety of Yoga related programs

Vacation cruises on ocean going luxury liners are a bit more pricey but generally well worth the expense if you prefer being pampered more than roughing it. "The Inner Voyage" as well as other similar cruises offer "life enhancing experiences" within the context of a vacation at sea. The accompanying panel of well known "new age" lecturers can often be found around the table at dinner or in the hot tub socializing along with the guests. Travel to Stonehenge in England, Machu Piccu in Peru or Katmandu in Tibet or attend a conference featuring such luminaries as The Dalai Lama or Mikhail Gorbachev with Power Places Tours who has been offering "spirit-centered" land based adventures for 18 years.

It could be attributed to the aging of the baby boomer population and a search for more meaning in life or the same kind of quest manifesting at an earlier age for the disaffected generation x population but the trend is clear. As we seek self actualization, the desire to return from a vacation with something more than a tan abounds. Make your next vacation count for more_invest in yourself!

Chi Kung-The Gentle and Therapeutic Martial Art

I can relieve my stress? Gain peace of mind? Relieve/heal my arthritis, cardiovascular problems, digestive disorders, weak immunity, hormonal imbalance, cancer, breathing problems, depression, insomnia, and anxiety? plus over 190 documented health concerns AND have fun, all at the same time? I don't believe that! But tell me more - just in case. Just by using slow calming movements, moments of stillness, proper breathing and directed thoughts, I can improve my health and level of physical fitness, slow down my aging process, control my weight, have better concentration and confidence, AND get along with my in-laws? Oh come on now! But tell me more - just in case.

Anyone can do this, form 4 to 104 years old? No matter what condition I'm in? Even people with physical challenges and chronic health problems can have fun and improve their health? And I don't need to buy special equipment, outfits or expensive lessons? I can even improve my intuition and perhaps someday learn to heal others? I sure would love all of that! So, what's the catch? There isn't any...just come and experience Chi Kung (Qigong - pronounced Chee Gung) to realize the immediate and long-term benefits. Join a class, with like-minded people, in a pleasant environment. "Chi" - the natural life force energy flowing in, around and connecting you to all things in the Universe, is called by many names in many ancient and modern cultures: prana, ki, ruach, spiritus, pneuma, electromagnetic energy, bio-energy. "Kung" - means art, skill, cultivation, mastery, discipline, excellence over time. "Chi Kung" - breath work, energy exercise, life force cultivation/mastery, etc. By combining the awareness/intention of your mind, cultivation of your breath and internal energy (Chi), stillness and motion, this ancient Chinese art, science and health maintenance system enables you to successfully achieve optimum health and integrated mind, emotions, body and spirit that spontaneously and joyfully permeates every area of your life.

Respected, documented and increasingly popular worldwide for its healing benefits, Chi Kung is being studied by many institutions of higher learning with positive results. The World Health Organization documents "80% of all illness is stress related." Did we mention that Chi Kung is an excellent stress reducer?

"I have no health problems," you say? Wonderful! And don't you want to stay that way? With more people living into their 80's and 90's, you'll want that long life, but not a long life of pain and disability. With our healthcare system under so much strain we need as many preventive natural health-ways as are available. How about "just" increasing your feeling of well-being - that would be nice.

There are many forms and styles of Chi Kung - the most popular is Tai Chi Chuan - how do you know which to choose? Start by choosing a good teacher. Don't be fooled by fancy titles and outlandish claims. Meet with a few Different teachers. Visit their centers/studios/schools, sit in on a class and talk to some of the students. Make sure you feel comfortable. A "master" or "expert" who makes you feel inadequate or intimidated, one "is doing you a favor", or is not open and friendly is clearly NOT recommended. Respect is a 2-way street. A teacher/master is someone you're entrusting with your well-being. Chi Kung is quite enjoyable - the beauty and benefits are better appreciated when your sense of well-being is foremost. Enjoy...and good health!

Joi Eden, with Betty Sun, co-founders of Stillness In Motion, Inc. in Hicksville, are Nationally bestselling producers of instructional videos, audios and manualswith over 55 years of combined healing experience. Stillness In Motion is one of the most successful and respected schools of Chi Kung, Tai Chi, meditation, Yoga, philosophy and healing arts in America. Their Chi Kung School for Healing Certification Course has been extremely successful for people in many walks of life.

Scents and Sensibility;The Fine Art of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils for the body mind and spirit. Essential oils are fragrant. highly concentrated volatile extracts from aromatic plants. These oils are found in various parts of the plants, i.e. leaves, spices, fruits, woods, roots, seeds and flowers.How do essential oils work? On a physical level, essential oils are the most potent form of herbal energy, often referred to as the "life force" of the plant. On an emotional level, they stimulate memories, basic drives (i.e. hunger, thirst, sex) and hormones. They may be used in relation to stress, grief, or depression. On an energy level, essential oils may be used in acupuncture meridians, chakras and subtle energy points.

The rapidly expanding field of aromatherapy is filled with excitement, wonder and therapeutic revelation. However, some caution must be used here. The use of essential oils requires responsibility and knowledge. Trained aromatherapists can best provide therapeutic, safe formulas. Education is available and highly recommended to all, whether exploring aromatherapy for personal enjoyment or as a complement to your holisitc profession.

Mynou de Mey, a native of Paris, is the Director of The American Institute for Aromatherapy & Herbal Studies, and owner of Les Herbes, ltd. which provides clients with essential oils and aromatherapy products both retail and wholesale. She has an International Certification in aromatherapy and is a Certified Aromatherapy Educator. Mynou is also Regional Director for NAHA (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy), an association whose goals are to promote proper education and ethics in aromatherapy. She offers study courses in aromatherapy. For more information, call or fax 516/271-4246

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