What if… you could talk your clients through dissolving most of their own blocks?
By Masterteacher Sharon Porter.(Who is teaching at the Wellness Institute Sept. 23-25th, 2011).
What if you knew how to work the neurological physics of an impact or emotional shock to get the force vector to
turn around and exit the body? What if you could after the fact, 'soften' the fall or impact and change the injury?
Once one understands the principles of trauma healing and how to use its language, timing, voice, and energetic,
a new world of possibilities opens up for practitioners' and their clients. Trauma is defined as anything that
is overwhelming enough that the nervous system is unable to discharge the adrenaline that came up for the emergency,
perhaps because the something was too big, too fact, or too powerful, and often because the nervous system was
already somewhat frozen by an earlier event and can no longer run or fight back the way it would want to. This
nervous energy creates a whirling 'trauma vortex' that causes us to 'spin out', become ungrounded, have poor judgment,
develop symptoms that usually get worse over time, and feel like we're crazy when we really aren't.
The body, meanwhile, keeps trying to finish off the movements or expressions it wanted to do to save itself in
the emergency, resulting in muscles that tighten up again after skilled bodywork, and behaviors that don't response
to cognitive work, analysis, forgiveness processes, etc.
Trauma responses are controlled by the hind brain - the reptilian brain, whose job is base survival. Its language
is sensation, so the first job is to get the client to be mildly curious about the subtle sensations going on inside.
This seemingly simple noticing opens up neural pathways that allow shock, often in the form of subtle trembling,
to gently leave the body.
In an Introduction to Somatic Trauma Resolution for Bodyworkers, students learn how to work with these 'frozen
defensive responses' (FDRS) when the arise on the bodywork table and exhibit as antsy, restless or uncomfortable
body parts - particularly limbs, facial expressions, and neck/head movements that the 'helpful' bodywork client
tries to suppress. Approximately 80% of the charge is in the imaginal and preparatory (muscle engagements) stages,
before one actually braces, pushes, bites, kicks, screams, or runs. The body first shows the client precisely what
it wants to do. Then the practitioner guides the client to track sensations in each of these three stages , of
imagine, prepare, do, so thoroughly that tissues profoundly change.
For more information on Sharon' work and her s upcoming seminar in New York please contact the Wellness Institute
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Bras and Breast Cancer
From: "The Women's Spiritual Network"
<SURYA@SPIDERNET.COM.CY>
From: http://www.chetday.com/breastcancerandbras.htm
Breast Cancer: A Pinch of Cancer - Can Wearing
a Bra Kill You?
by William Thomas
If you didn't burn yours in the 'Sixties, you might want to put it away now. "Bras cause breast cancer. It's
open and shut," says medical researcher Syd Singer. The Singers became breast cancer sleuths in 1991. On the
day Soma discovered a lump in her breast, the husband-wife team was studying the effects of Western medicine on
Fijians. In the shower, Syd noticed that Soma's shoulders and breasts were outlined by dark red grooves. He remembered
a puzzled Fijian woman asking his wife about her brassiere:
"Doesn't it feel tight?"
"You get used to it," Soma had replied.
Could bras be constricting breast tissue, Syd wondered, hampering lymph drainage and causing degeneration? Soma
decided to stop wearing hers. But when Syd searched the medical literature he found no known causes of breast cancer,
which rarely appears before a woman's mid-thirties, most often after 40. The highest death rates from breast cancer
are in North America and northern Europe, with the developing world catching up fast. The World Health Organization
calls chemical toxins the primary cause of cancer. But poisons accumulating in breast tissue are normally flushed
by clear lymph fluid into large clusters of lymph nodes nestling in the armpits and upper chest. The Singers found
that "because lymphatic vessels are very thin, they are extremely sensitive to pressure and are easily compressed."
Chronic minimal pressure on the breasts can cause lymph valves and vessels to close.
" Less oxygen and fewer nutrients are delivered to the cells, while waste products are not flushed away,"
the Singers noted. After 15 or 20 years of bra-constricted lymph drainage, cancer can result. Looking at other
cultures, Soma and Syd were struck by the low incidence of breast cancer in poorer nations awash in pesticides
dumped by northern nations. They didn't find peasant women wearing push-up bras. Instead,they discovered that the
Maoris of New Zealand, integrated into white culture, have the same rate of breast cancer, while Australia's marginalized
aboriginals have virtually no breast cancer. The same trend held for "Westernized" Japanese, Fijians
and other bra-converted cultures.
In Dressed To Kill: The Link Between
Breast Cancer and Bras, the researchers
also observed that just before a woman begins her period, estrogen floods her system, causing her breasts to swell.
If she continues wearing the same bra size, life-saving lymphatics will be even more tightly squished. Had they
found the "estrogen link" to breast cancer? Childless women never fully develop their breast-cleansing
lymphatic system. Nor do women who have never breast-fed. Working women who wear bras every day and postpone having
children could be at higher risk, the Singers warn.
Even worse, a young woman's coming of age is often "marked" by her First bra. Like the ancient Chinese
practice of foot-binding, "breast-binding" at puberty can eventually lead to severe medical complications.
Could bras be the "missing link" in a growing epidemic of breast cancer? Beginning in May, 1991, Soma
and Syd Singer's 30-month "Bra and Breast Cancer" study interviewed some 4,000 women in five major US
cities. All were Caucasian of mostly "medium income" ranging in age from 30 to 79. Half had been diagnosed
with breast cancer. Almost all of the women interviewed were unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts. Women
who chose a bra for appearance, ignoring soreness and swelling, had twice the rate of breast cancer of those who
did not.
But the most startling statistic was that three out of four women who wore their daytime bras to sleep contracted
breast cancer. So did one out of seven women strapped into a bra more than 12 hours a day. Bra-free women have
just a one in 168 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer, says Singer. The same as bra-free men.
"Don't sleep in your bra!" Syd Singer pleads. "Women who want to avoid breast cancer should wear
a bra for the shortest period of time possible --certainly for less than 12 hours daily."
Syd also submits that some 80% of bra-wearers who experience lumps, cysts and tenderness will see those symptoms
vanish, "within a month of getting rid of the bra." Not everyone is ready to hang up her halter. As one
woman told the team, "My breasts will sag all the way to my navel without a bra." But Surgeon Christine
Haycock at the New Jersey College of Medicine says that inherited traits -- not ligaments or breast size -- are
the reason some breasts give in to gravity. Bouncing bosoms help clear the lymphatics.
Well aware that their findings were "explosive," the Singers sent their survey results to the heads of
America's most prestigious cancer organizations and institutes. None responded. Like the cancer business, the bra
business is huge. Multiply how many worldwide women buy several $25 bras every year and you end up with a multiple
of the $6 billion-a-year US bra business.
Syd Singer says that establishment censorship of the bra-breast cancer connection is killing women. Pointing to
the biggest commonality among breast cancer patients, he's emphatic that it's bra-squeezed lymphatics. Going bra-less
for all occasions, Soma began dressing to de-emphasize her breasts. She also began regular breast massage and bicycle
riding, vitamin and herbal supplementation, and drinking only purified water. Two months later, her lump disappeared.
At the first frightening sign of a lump, an angry Syd Singer says, "women should take their bras off before
they take their breasts off." Why wait, when you can liberate your lymphatics now.
IF YOU MUST WEAR A BRA: Push-up and sports bras are out. Choose loose-fitting
cotton bras. Make sure you can slip two fingers under the shoulder-straps and side-panels. The higher the side-panels,
the more severe the restriction of major lymph nodes. Don't wear this disastrous device to sleep. Take it off at
home. Massage your breasts every time you remove your bra. Sing your lymphatics into health -- or at least breathe
deeply.
Dressed To Kill: The Link between Breast Cancer and Bras $15.95
by Sydney Ross Singer, Soma Grismaijer
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Singer and Grismaijer have collected striking (but preliminary) evidence that bra-wearing may be a major risk factor
associated with breast cancer: women who wear tight-fitting bras 24 hours a day are 125 times more likely to have
breast cancer than women who do not wear bras at all. Their interpretation is that tight clothing inhibits the
proper functioning of the lymphatic system (an internal network of vessels and nodes that flushes wastes from the
body) and leads to a buildup of carcinogenic compounds in the constricted areas.
Although it must be emphasized that their studies are preliminary, still controversial, and definitely need to
be followed up with detailed analyses of correlative factors (do these women have higher rates of smoking? do they
have less-healthy diets?), this book should be read by anyone concerned about breast cancer. Possibly a very important
book that could save many lives.
Ingram reveals the link between bras and breast cancer, explaining in non-technical language how the restrictive
nature of bras inhibits the lymphatic system and arguing that the correlation is four times greater than smoking
is to lung cancer. Original. IP.
From the Publisher
When Soma and I did our research for Dressed To Kill we were not aware of how easily women can recover from fibrocystic
breast disease by foregoing the bra. Bras, by their very design, alter the shape of the breasts for fashion. To
alter breast shape you have to apply constant pressure on the breast tissue. That is why bras are elastic garments.
This pressure from the bra impedes the circulation in the breast tissue, specifically, the circulation of the lymphatic
system. This system is composed of microscopic vessels that originate in the breast tissue and drain the tissue
of fluid, which is directed through these vessels to the lymph nodes. The lymphatic vessels are extremely thin
and small, and have no pump, such as the heart, to propel its contents forward. As a result, lymphatic vessels
are easily constricted by external pressure, such as that applied to the breast tissue constantly by the brassiere.
It is compression of these lymph vessels that prevents the proper draining of the breast tissue, leading to fluid
accumulation in the breast.
Medically, this is called lymphedema of the breast,
secondary to constriction from the bra. This fluid accumulation leads to breast tenderness and pain, and ultimately
the fluid develops into cysts. The cysts over time become hard, and we have a picture of the creation of fibrocystic
breast disease. Within days or weeks of ending breast constriction by bras, the breast tissue is allowed to flush
out this excess fluid, cysts disappear, and breast pain and tenderness are minimal if at all present.
From our research with hundreds of women, getting
rid of the bra has resulted in remarkable recovery of breast health in over 95% of the cases. Since foregoing the
bra for a month is cost-free and risk-free, and may prove beneficial, we encourage all women who wear bras to partake
in a self-study to see for themselves, on themselves, whether their bras have been damaging their breasts. Keep
in mind that breast disease is only a problem in bra wearing cultures. Women who are bra-free have the same breast
cancer incidence as men. And don't wait for the cancer detection and treatment industry to endorse this information
before you try it. Billions of dollars are made each year treating breast cancer. Nobody will make money by women
loosening up to prevent this disease. The prevention of breast disease is up to each individual woman. Just stop
binding the breasts with bras in the name of fashion, and begin to love yourself and respect your body.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Editorial Reviews of GET IT OFF!
From the Publisher
In 1995, the world was shocked to discover that one of its most cherished garments, the bra, might be the leading
cause of breast cancer. The bearers of these bold tidings were the husband and wife medical anthropologist team
of Singer and Grismaijer, authors of the critically acclaimed book, Dressed To Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer
and Bras (Avery, NY 1995 and ISCD Press, 2002). And the worlds of medicine and fashion have never quite been the
same since.
Well, they're back! Get It Off begins where Dressed To Kill left off, and then goes where no health book has gone
before. Get It Off explores the cultural dimensions of breast cancer, holding a mirror up to the culture to examine
the behaviors, values, and obsessions that are just as central to breast disease as are brassieres. The medium
used to illustrate the cultural issues is a musical play, (without the music). Each scene in the play reflects
a different facet of this cancer-causing culture, and is accompanied by insightful text analysis in clear, concise
language. The effect is astounding, and has the power to change your life.
The end of the breast cancer epidemic is at hand. The solution is no longer a mystery. It just depends on a woman
opening up her mind, her possibilities, and, most importantly, her bra.
About the Author
Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer are a husband-and-wife research team dedicated to uncovering the lifestyle
causes of disease. Medical anthropologists and co-authors of, Dressed To Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and
Bras (Avery, 1995), Get It Up!, Get It Off!, and Get It Out!, (ISCD Press, 2000-2001) this dynamic duo is known
worldwide for their willingness to stand up to the profit-oriented, treatment focused medical system.
Sydney Ross Singer received a B.S. in biology from the University of Utah in 1979. He then spent two years in the
biochemistry Ph.D. program at Duke University, followed by another two years at Duke in the anthropology Ph.D.
program, receiving a Master s Degree. He then attended the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston,
Texas on a full academic scholarship, where he spent one year in the medical humanities Ph.D. program, and received
an additional two years training in medical school.
Soma Grismaijer received an associate s degree from the College of Marin in the behavioral sciences, and a bachelor
of arts from Sonoma State University in environmental studies and planning. In addition, she is an American Board
of Opticianry-certified optician. She has been the President and Executive Director of the Good Shepherd Foundation
since 1980, a charitable organization dedicated to the elimination of human and animal suffering.
Together, Singer and Grismaijer started the Institute for the Study of Culturogenic Disease in 1991. Their first
project was the M.D. (Medical Demystification) Crusade, informing the public of the hazards of medicine and how
to prevent them. The Crusade included the Medication Side Effects Hotline, and a national lecture tour explaining
the nature of doctors, medicine, and health. Following their research into the cause of breast cancer and the publication
of Dressed To Kill, Singer and Grismaijer traveled around the world bringing their health message to millions of
people. Currently, they are spearheading an international campaign to educate people about various culturogenic
diseases, explaining how to prevent and cure a host of conditions considered a "mystery" by modern medicine
. In addition, they have begun an Internet based SELF STUDY CENTER, at selfstudycenter.org, to help people practice
health self-care by trying certain lifestyle changes.
BREAST CARE by Sharon Porter, RCST®,
RPP, SEP
310-821-8212
SHARON PORTER found a large lump in her breast in 1974. Scapula work
and no more bras dissolved the lump in days. She chucked her bra except for very special occasions, when she experiences
pressure and pain within 90 minutes of putting on a bra. Her mother died with one breast. Sharon's experiences
led her to study lymph tissue, milk ducts, and self-care. The following are exercises and self-care for breasts,
lymphatics and the immune system that Sharon teaches to anyone who will listen.
The economics of bras goes well beyond the medical industry and the sale of bras, though these are certainly significant.
Women are concerned that they will be unattractive without a bra. I took an informal survey of men some years back
and asked them how they would be affected by women not wearing a bra. A summary of their main answer was, What
we d miss in projectile, we d gain in jiggle. We could easily live with this change if it were good for women and
would reduce the incidence of breast cancer.
So the remaining stumbling block is the way women feel about themselves and each other. Are we willing to adjust
our clothing design and choices? Could we wear bras just for special occasions, or for a few hours a day when wearing
certain kinds of clothing? Could we wear beautiful vests for beautiful breasts? Could we allow the rest of the
world to know that, for some of us, our breasts head South as we age, and that that s okay? Could the acceptance
of our breasts be the beginning of the acceptance of the rest of our body? The possibilities are evolutionary.
In the meantime, here are exercises you can do to clear your lymphatics regularly if you do wear a bra. A video/DVD
of these exercises will be available soon.
Sharon Porter is a Body-Centered Psychotherapist
and Bodyworker specializing in several areas of Energy Medicine, including Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Somatic
Experiencing and other trauma specialties, Polarity Therapy and Yoga. The Program Director of Health Wave Institute,
she has been training practitioners since 1974 and presents at conferences. For information or private sessions,
in person or by phone, call (310) 821-8212 in Marina Del Rey or email here
SELF OR PARTNER LYMPHATIC PUMPS
Lying on back, gently squeeze armpit
tissue with one hand, the other hand
in an alternating gentle squeeze at the
groin or where the shoulder and neck meet
on that same side of the body. After 2-3 minutes, stop the pump to monitor for tingling (a sign the lymph is beginning
to move) and then hold another minute or so. Start pump again, repeating the most blocked area and taking the other
hand to the third location (the three are lymph nodes in armpit, shoulder-neck, and groin). Switch to other side.
REBOUND on a mini-trampoline (Big Five and sports department sell these)
a few minutes a day. Best lymph mover and anti-cancer there is. Some women don t bounce because of bladder incontinence.
It might be better to wear a pad during the exercise to keep the system clean. The incontinence may be improved
by stopping the urine flow several times during urination a couple of times a day, to strengthen the musculature
of the perineum.
STANDING BOUNCE: The alternative to rebounding is to stand, keeping heels
on the ground, and bend knees to create a bounce that keeps your breasts bouncing up and down for a few minutes.
Do this with deep breathing that includes the belly going in and out to open up the lymphatic tissue in the cysterna
chyli near the umbilicus. Some good
breathing patterns (move from one
to the next during your few minutes of bouncing) are:
a) In for 5 counts, out for 5, through the nose
b) In for 5 through the nose, out for 5 through pursed lips, to create pressure that clears the tubes that feed
the lungs.
IMMUNE SERIES (on floor, or on a chair with no sides)
Breath is heavy/noisy/forceful big belly breathing through nose (a-c). This pumps the three main lymph stations,
moving lymph throughout the rest of the body.
1 )--Inhale
as arch back and push belly against groin/thighs, exhale as round back. Pumps lymph in belly (cysterna chyli) as
well as groin.
2 ) -Arms
above head, palms out, inhale as bring arms down, exhale back up, twice, then on third time turn arms around to
clap (extra lymph squeeze). Works with the lymph most related to the breasts.
3 )--Reach
hand out to opposite diagonal, then pull in as fist that twists spine to opposite side. Alternate sides. The "choo-choo"
for spleen.
4) -Thump
thymus, which is under breast bone. Prefers a waltz rhythm. T-cells immune production.
5)-
Left palm on left brain, right on right, "pull brains" out to sides, then allow them to be drawn together
till hands clasp, into heart (third brain). Brain Integration.
MASSAGE and STRETCHING TECHNIQUES
"-Vibrate Breasts with hands or a vibrator to open up the
lymph.
" Use
a light circular massage motion with a hand on each breast, first in one direction for 100 circles or so, then
in opposite direction - one hand going clockwise while the other goes counter-clockwise. The circular massage technique
is favored by Chinese medicine for balancing hormonal production. It's also great for opening up the shoulder blades
and improving posture.
" Have
a body worker free up the tissue around the top, sides and bottom of your shoulder blades, preferably when you
are lying on your side. This helps to immediately clear congestion in the breasts.
"-You could also do the Pyramid and Cliff-Hanger poses from
Polarity Yoga (see Energy Exercises by Chitty and Muller).
