Peaceful Village Acupuncture

2919 Manchaca Rd, Suite 104-A, Austin, Texas 78704 • 512-416-7600

Peaceful Village News

Focused Relaxation Takes Practice

Winter 2009

By Marty Calliham, L.Ac.

Focused relaxation. My latest new phrase. Does it sound like a contradiction in terms?

In some ways, it could be. Yet, I've found in my own experience that relaxation by itself, in the way we usually define it, often fails to achieve it's aim - that of restoring and renewing us.

Relaxation, in the popular sense, can mean anything from reading, to television watching, to napping, to eating out, to having a conversation. There's nothing wrong with any of these activities. But I can spend hours doing these things (even sleeping) and feel just as tired in mind and body as I when I began.

So, for me, some method of focusing the mind, along with relaxing the body, is a more effective approach to renewing myself.

What are some ways of focusing the mind? It helps to start out by just taking inventory. Ask

yourself, "How am I doing?" "How am I feeling?" "What do I need right now?" If I'm hungry, I can eat; if tired, slow down; or if irritable, breathe slowly and deeply or change the activity. Getting out of "automatic pilot" and coming back to my senses is the first step. I can do this between work shifts, before and after driving my car, and throughout the day.

At the end of the day, it can be very helpful to take a few minutes more to relax the body and focus the mind. I like to review the day, remembering my successes as well as what didn't go as well. I can accept myself as I am, and make a note of ways to correct the things I can. I can ask myself, "How am I moving forward on my path?" Or, "What strategies and actions can I take toward my goals in the future?"

There's a noticeable difference for me when I do this. I have found that my life works better, I have clarity in the morning and throughout the day, and I sleep better at night. Focused relaxation can be done in brief, frequent moments, while extended sessions will create an even deeper sense of being-ness, purpose, and joy.

Spread the word about low-cost community acupuncture!

Thanks for referring your family and friends to Peaceful Village Acupuncture! Community acupuncture is a great way for friends to support their health together.

Go to www. peacefulvillageacupuncture.com for more information about acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and the clinic. I enjoy all of you and look forward to seeing you again!

Foundations of Health

1. Sunlight exposure

2. Nourishing diet

3. Companionship/significant others

4. Sleep and rest

5. Freedom from high levels of environmental toxins

6. Spiritual orientation (including an acceptance of the challenges that are put before us to face)

7. Contact with the natural world

8. Purpose in living

9. Clean air

10. Clean water

11. Physical activity

12. Avoidance of drugs, alcohol and other negative materials

13. Moderation in all good things including food (even the right foods in excess can create problems)

Clinic Hours

Mondays		3-6 p.m.
Tuesdays	10 a.m. – 1 p.m.	3-6 p.m.
Wednesdays Closed
Thursdays	10 a.m. – 1 p.m.	3-6 p.m.
Fridays	10 a.m. – 1 p.m.	3-7 p.m.
Saturdays	10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sundays Closed