by bringmebliss | Dec 16, 2019 | Self-Care Strategies
I have long been a proponent of self-care and alternative medicine. Alternative medicine is curative because it seeks to tackle the root of a physical issue and prescription medicine is typically used as a last resort.
I have been using natural medicine for years, and as a yoga teacher I have been exposed to a variety of tools that support and even cure the body’s imbalances.
Essential oils, special teas and tinctures, massage, rolfing, chiropractic, acupuncture and acupressure have been a few of the modalities in which I have experimented and used for healing.
If I can’t cure or support an issue with one of these available methods, then I go see my MD.
One of my main go-to methods for relaxation and stress release is simple rest. I typically lie down on my back and elevate my legs which rest on a couch. Sometimes I elevate my legs up the wall for a full restorative yoga posture.
Recently, the Dosha Mat was introduced to me for self-care support. I was completely unaware of acupressure mats until I discovered the Dosha Mat.
The concept is simple. The mat is created to stimulate energy (chi) movement in the body that acupressure or acupuncture typically moves. This idea was developed because it solved the problem of paying for expensive and regular acupuncture treatments. These mats are a convenient tool that can be just about taken anywhere.
I really enjoy using my Dosha Mat. Since I received my mat, I have learned a lot about what makes the mat so advantageous to own. But first, I want to tell you a little about what the Dosha Mat is and how it works.
What is an Acupressure Mat?
Acupressure mats are foam or fibre mats that have thousands of acupoint needles which are generally grouped in discs and securely placed on top. The plastic acupoint discs are specially designed and positioned to stimulate various points on the body. Acupressure mats come in various body-length sizes to ensure that they target many acupoints in the body. There are smaller mats available that can target specific areas of the body.
Some of the benefits experienced by those who have used the Dosha Mat include:
Soothed aches and pains;
Feeling more calm, possibly caused by the release of endorphins and oxytocin, or “feel-good” hormones;
Feeling more energized;
Improved metabolism and digestion; and
Better sleep.
How I Use It
There aren’t a whole lot of ways to use the mat, so it’s pretty simple. You can lie down on the mat so that it fits right under your entire back…from the tailbone or sacrum area up to just below the neck. Placing a bolster under the mat lifts it slightly so the focus area can be the lumbar curve. You can also situate it so it curves under your neck.
I have placed it under my IT band on both legs and I love how it relieves the tightness and achiness in my legs. It’s supposed to be great to stand on; however, I have not used it that way very often. I have tried it, but would not do it bare footed. You can place a towel or sheet under your feet to begin with and when you’re ready, try it without.
One of my favorite ways to use the mat is to sit on it while I work. It feels great on the rear end for some reason, and I can sit on it for quite some time, although 20 minutes at a time is recommended. As I sit on an airplane writing this post, I wish I had it under me now!
It is recommended to use the Dosha Mat two to three times per day, 10-20 minutes at a time for optimal results. For someone who works full-time, I recommend using it right when you get home from the office and give yourself 20 minutes of quiet downtime while you lie on your mat. Taking a few deep breaths as you settle into the mat, aids in creating the ideal environment for receiving your treatment.
It’s easy to travel with your mat to local destinations. I put mine in my Trader Joe’s bag with a towel and it fits easily in the car. I’m sure you can pack it in a suitcase if you want to bring it along on your far away vacation.
The points are definitely sharp, so it is recommended that you start by keeping your clothes on or using a sheet, towel or other light material under your skin until you get used to the “needles”. If you go straight from skin to needles, you might be pretty uncomfortable; however, if you have a high “pain” tolerance, it could be worth your while to go “naked” while laying on the mat.
This is my set up at home…the mat is placed on a Mexican blanket under a bolster with a pillow for my head! You can’t see it in this picture; however, there is a couch on the low end of the blanket where I elevate my legs to relax whenever I feel the need. Sometimes I listen to music or a meditation in Insight Timer.
I love the how this mat is made!
According to their website, the mats are “unparalleled in quality and are 100% eco-friendly. Each mat is carefully handmade using the highest-quality, hypoallergenic natural linen. Each mat also contains a removable cushion made of 100% natural coconut fibre. Our mats also feature more than 4,500 high-quality acupressure points in the beautiful shape of lotus flowers. These unique acupressure points are made of toxic-free surgical plastic and have been ergonomically engineered to have the greatest relaxation and healing effects.” I like buying eco-friendly products and as a yoga teacher, I love the lotus design of the points!
I also love the color choices – aqua and lavender – two of my favorite colors!
This Dosha Mat makes a really nice gift for the family member or friend who is into alternative medicine.
It’s priced right at under $100 so it won’t break the bank, and that seems really affordable to me. It sure beats paying $75-$120 per acupuncture session. I do believe that a well-trained acupuncturist can help you with specific issues and know the specific paths in which to influence the movement of chi, so I don’t recommend giving up acupuncture altogether. Use the Dosha Mat in between those times when you need some critical acupuncture care.
If you get a Dosha Mat, let me know how you like it! I don’t sell them, but I do recommend this product because it is very well made and I believe it would make a great addition to any self-care toolbox.
Go ahead…check out the Dosha Mat and see for yourself if it would be a great fit for your self-care routines.
by bringmebliss | Mar 28, 2017 | Mind/Body, Self-Care Strategies
Want more peace? Get more presence. 10 Simple Steps to Help You Get Started.
Presence is good, but control is even better. How you get control (over your mind) is coming into the present moment and diverting your thoughts into the ether so you can rest the mind – just for a bit.
The science is in and it’s proving that meditation has many health benefits, reduces stress and provides an overall sense of peace. It’s the cheapest way to find serenity and yet so many people feel as if it’s this elusive thing that you can’t find or afford.
All you need to get started is 5 minutes. Look at your calendar and see where you can fit in 5 minutes. Preferably 10. It will take you a couple of minutes to get settled in a chair, seated against a wall or lying down on your back. You do not have to sit up in a “cross-legged” position to meditate. You can sit on a chair with your feet touching the floor OR you can lie down on your back and relax. Bring a timer – I use my phone timer.
- Find your quiet place, where you can be undisturbed (by anything or anyone) for 10 minutes. Set your timer for 10 minutes.
- Get into your comfortable position either on a chair, back and seat against a wall or lying down.
- Lay your hands on your belly or by your side.
- Bring your awareness to your breath. Don’t even deepen it…just raise your level of awareness and notice your breath. Notice the rise and fall of your belly. Notice the cool air entering the nostrils and the warm air exiting. Feel your bodily sensations as you notice your breath.
- Allow your shoulders to relax and release tension consciously through your exhales.
- Let go of any expectations…just continue to breathe and enjoy the quietness/solitude.
- When your timer goes off, notice how you are feeling and ask yourself, was that long enough?
- Look at your calendar and find another 10-15 minutes when you can repeat the above process.
- Repeat the process at least 2 more times. See if you crave more time in quietude or less. I usually crave more.
- Work your way up to 30 minutes, just focusing on the breath. There are no tricks…when you pay attention to the breath, you are less likely to focus on your thoughts. As you notice your thoughts, notice them, then get back to breathing. Do not judge your thoughts or place any emphasis on them. Commit to being with your breath.
That’s it. You set aside some time, give it a go and see how it feels. It will never be bad for you. It might be hard for you to be still. You might really hate it (I doubt it). You might really love it. It could change your life and bring you more peace, serenity, balance, kindness, patience, joy, fortitude, love and all kinds of good things. And who doesn’t want more of those things? Harmony is what I’m going for – in all relationships – and meditation helps me have more of that. This is a mind-body practice/tool that can help you find more inner peace.
I hope this helps you realize how simple this process really is. There are many ways to meditate, but this is the simplest way to get started. If you like it, then buy yourself a book on meditation and learn all the different techniques, but for now, just give it a try!
Post a comment here if you have tried meditation and either like it, love it or hate it.
by bringmebliss | Mar 28, 2017 | Essential Oils, Nature's Way
Best Starter Kit Ever!
It’s my opinion that when you invest in essential oils, you have to invest in two other things to really experience the oils in the best way. The first is a diffuser, so you can diffuse the oils in your home or office.
The second is a book called “Modern Essentials” which is the “Bible” of essential oil education and usage. The doTERRA Home Essentials Kit features 10 (15ml bottle) oils AND a Petal Diffuser which makes your initial investment almost complete! Then, you head over to www.aromatools.com and get your copy of “Modern Essentials” which they will mail right to you!
This kit is $275 and includes a FREE Wholesale Membership. I think it’s the best way to go – unless you want a bigger kit! Here is a list of all the available kits and collections: https://doterra.com/US/en/c/kits-and-collections
Another option for the more budge-conscious would be the Family Essentials Kit. This kit is very similar to the Home Essentials Kit, it just has smaller bottles and no diffuser.
Not all essential oils are created equal. To learn more about 100% Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils, CLICK HERE or fill out the form below:
by bringmebliss | Mar 28, 2017 | Essential Oils, Nature's Way
Second Best Starter Kit Ever!
Haha…why second? Because I believe the absolute Best starter kit is the Home Essentials Kit. Either way, you’re going to get the same oils, but the two kits differ in a couple of ways.
1. The Family Essentials Kit has 10 (5ml) bottles of oil/oil blends and one On Guard Beadlets and one Peppermint Beadlets. The cost is $150 and includes a FREE Wholesale Membership.
2. The Home Essentials Kit has 10 (15ml) bottles of oil/oil blends AND includes a Petal Diffuser. The cost is $275; however, you are getting three (3) times the amount of oils as the Family Essentials Kit. This kit also includes a FREE Wholesale Membership.
3. Both kits include the following oils: Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, On Guard, Melaleuca, Breathe, Oregano, Frankincense, Deep Blue and DigestZen. All oils are 100% Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade and have been tested multiple times for purity and efficacy.
I must recommend the Family Essentials Kit for the budget-conscious person as the next best thing to the Home Essentials Kit. This is a great starter essential oils kit and gives you a nice variety of supportive oils.
If you invest in essential oils, I have to recommend that you buy a copy of “Modern Essentials” – the “Bible” for essential oil education and usage. You can find a copy and have it mailed directly to you from www.aromatools.com.
Not all essential oils are created equal. To learn more about 100% Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils, CLICK HERE or fill out the form below:
by bringmebliss | Mar 28, 2017 | Essential Oils, Nature's Way
A doTERRA Family Essentials Favorite!
Breathe Respiratory Blend is one of the 10 oils included in the doTERRA Family Essentials Kit AND the Home Essentials Kit. The difference between the two kits is that the Family Essentials Kit has 5ml bottles and the Home Essentials Kit has 15ml bottles (it also comes with a Petal Diffuser.) Both kits are great starter oils and you can place them in or around your medicine cabinet.
I diffuse the Breathe often when my daughter comes over because it helps her have feelings of clear airways and easy breathing. The dog dander really gets to her, so we always have that diffuser going when she visits our house.*
Besides maintaining feelings of clear airways and easy breathing, doTERRA Breathe also:
- Helps minimize the effects of seasonal threats.*
- Diffuse or inhale directly from palms, or rub on chest when environmental threats are high.
- Use when outdoors to minimize the effects of seasonal changes.
- Diffuse at bedtime to promote a restful night’s sleep.
- When loud noises are keeping you up at night, diffuse for a calming effect that promotes a restful night’s sleep.
If you know anyone who can use some respiratory support, tell them about Breathe.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Not all essential oils are created equal. To learn more about 100% Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils, CLICK HERE or fill out the form below:
