from ourselves, make us feel like we are part of something greater than ourselves, change our perception of time, and even make us more generous toward others.” Beatific Bodywork Cupping was possibly the most-mentioned alternative therapy in our informal wellness study. In this form of therapy, deriving from traditional Chinese medicine, the practitioner places cups on the participant’s back that act like a suction, which is said to increase blood flow to that area. There is dry cupping, wet cupping and even fire cupping. Just be careful to research the safety and efficacy before you embark, especially when embarking on wet cupping, which pierces the skin. True devotees believe that “qi,” or life energy, is at play in the healing modality of cupping; but even those who were non-believers swear by cupping’s ability to relieve pain, stress, inflammation and a host of health issues. Places that offer cupping are often acupuncturists and alternative health clinics. Everyone should be familiar with the benefits of massage, but what about some other forms of bodywork? Here are a few: Lymphatic draining massage was recommended by our wellness study participants, which focuses on stimulating lymph nodes in an effort to detox. Tibetan cranial therapy was developed 3,000 years ago in the Himalayas. During a Tibetan cranial session, the practitioner will kneel at the head of a patient who is lying down fully clothed, sensing natural “pulses” in the cranium and body and making adjustments using pressure on the head and neck in complete silence. It’s bodywork meets energy work. Watsu was developed in 1980 when Harold Dull, a practitioner of Zen Shiatsu (the Japanese method of acupressure), noticed that his patients relaxed more in warm water. Thus, Watsu (a fusion of the words “water” and “shiatsu”) was born. Also called hydrotherapy, Watsu involves stretching, massage and acupressure in warm water. Surely you’ve heard of yoga, but how about adding some baby goats into the mix? Rocky Mountain Goat Yoga combines the wellness benefits of doing yoga in a beautiful outdoor setting with the absurdity and cuteness of goats. What’s not to love? Bahhhh. Rewiring the Brain EMDR therapy is a highly successful form of therapy that’s been recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Defense for its ability to treat PTSD and harmful memories. EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) uses a system that involves eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (between the two sides of the brain) to target distressing memories and help the patient feel stronger about the experience. Hypnosis can also be used with a certified practitioner to address insomnia, anxiety and quitting smoking. Sensory integration therapy was developed by an occupational therapist to treat children with sensory processing difficulties; children with behavioral issues and anxiety can be treated by swinging, squeezing, pushing and pulling. Accessing these parts of the brain, which were engaged more often when our lives were more active, can be grounding to the nervous system. Shadow work is more of an emotional rewiring of the brain. It involves uncovering the parts of your psyche that have been repressed — because of trauma, or because you consider these parts to be undesirable — and accepting them. Everyone has been taught that certain behaviors and modalities are acceptable or not acceptable in society; therefore, everyone has a public face that they use to engage with loved ones, friends and the larger community. Embracing the parts of us that are in the shadows can improve self esteem, creativity, relationships, compassion, clarity and more. Consider seeking out a licensed therapist who specializes in shadow work. Sensational Spirituality + Non-Spiritual Churches Imagine an energetic realm that is a library of all of the universe’s events past, present and future. This is the Akashic Records, which catalogs “everything in existence since the dawn of time” (Central European Journal for Contemporary Religion). Anyone can find an Akashic Records reader to learn about their own soul journey, which spans multiple lifetimes. “When I access your Akashic Records, I’m speaking directly to your master, teachers and loved ones,” Krista Rauschenberg, a certified Akashic Records reader, told Well+Good. “Your masters are a body of energy that have been with you since the inception of your soul, so you have access to past lives, [the] present and future possibilities.” At this point, we’re all aware that spiritual practices can be a vital way to feel more connected with humanity, the world and even a greater power. But let’s look at some newer spiritual trends. The occult has gained popularity over the past decade thanks to a resurgence of witchcraft, Tarot, astrology and more. Modern Wicca, Witchcraft, or Paganism is about tuning into the rhythms of nature with celebrations that honor the changing of the seasons, and ritualistically finding ways for humans to fit into that greater rhythm. Rituals and spells can be a way to use intentionality to achieve goals, regardless of your belief in magic. Just visiting Ritualcravt in Denver, which sells metaphysical and witchy wares, is a healing experience. Ritualcravt also teaches workshops and offers sessions with their own list of healers. Do you want the benefits of spirituality but have this pesky trouble with … belief? Maybe non-spiritual communities can help! Secular Hub is part of the American Humanist Association (AHA) and a place for atheists to find community, altruism and fellowship in a nonreligious forum. Warm Cookies of the Revolution is like a church where instead of exercising your spiritual side, you flex your civic muscles. Warm Cookies offers community talks and events that range from Civic Stitch ‘n Bitch, which merges civic issues with crafting, and Stupid Civic Questions, where participants can ask important questions such as “Where does my poop go?” all with a side of humor. Conclusion Well, it’s been a journey just learning more about wellness journeys. Whether any of these unconventional wellness practices resonate with you or not, these are just the tip of the cryotherapy iceberg; there is something for everyone who wants to feel better. Go forth and be well! GET TICKETS TO MEOW WOLF’S CONVERGENCE STATION IN DENVER, CO; HOUSE OF ETERNAL RETURN IN SANTA FE, NM; OMEGA MART IN LAS VEGAS, NV; & THE REAL UNREAL IN GRAPEVINE, TX: MEOWWOLF.COM/VISIT
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