Category: Tina Brigitini

Unlocking the Mind & Body with Floatation

This is an excellent article which describes the powerful affects of floatation in combination with hypnosis, polarity therapy, massage therapy, meditation, coaching, and energy balancing and clearing. Floatation therapy is also referred to as: isolation, sensory deprivation, or deprivation tank. We have named our floatation service “Cloud Travel”.

“For depression, flotation was equal to counseling at near 70%, with relaxation training at 53% and physical therapy and medication at 20%.”

Flotation REST in Applied Psychophysiology
Thomas H. Fine, M.A. and Roderick Borrie, Ph.D.

Thomas H. Fine is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry of the Medical College of Ohio. He began his research and clinical work with Biofeedback in 1975, and, with John Turner, initiated the Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy research program at MCO in 1978.

Roderick A Borrie, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist at South Oaks Hospital, Amityville, New York. He began his exploration of therapeutic uses of Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy at the University of British Columbia with Dr. Peter Suedfeld, and continues to use it in current work with patients suffering chronic pain and illness.

Introduction

Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) has fascinated many researchers, clinicians, and explorers of consciousness, promising something special - a powerful transformation, a mystical peak experience, an intense change in biochemicals, improved performance, or a healing of our ills. Beyond the fascination, Flotation REST has established itself as a unique method in the field of applied psychophysiology. Flotation REST has proven to be a technique with predictable psychophysiological effects and powerful clinical and performance applications. This article will provide the reader with an introduction to the basic research into Flotation REST’s psychophysiological effects, and a brief overview of the clinical and performance applications currently in use by REST clinicians and researchers. The article will examine in greater detail the use of Flotation REST as an intervention for chronic pain.

REST is an acronym for Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique, a name developed in the late 1970s by Peter Suedfeld and Roderick Borrie for a technique that had previously been called Sensory Deprivation (SD) or Sensory Isolation. Since much of the early SD research had been misinterpreted, especially by writers of introductory psychology texts, a widely accepted myth developed that SD environments were highly stressful, even models for producing psychotic like experiences. This led to difficulties with the Sensory Deprivation concept. Ultimately Suedfeld and Borrie proposed that, since the process involves restricting the environmental stimulation that the patient or subject experiences, REST would be a more accurate and less provocative acronym.

Flotation REST is a special type of REST popularized by John C. Lilly, M.D. Lilly developed an immersion system in the late 1950s at that was used in early SD experiments. In the 1960s he developed a flotation system in which a person floats in a light free, sound reduced chamber in a highly concentrated solution of Epsom Salt and water maintained at a constant temperature of 9,4.5 F (Lilly, 1977, p. 118).

Both Wet and Dry REST systems have been utilized in research and practice. Wet-REST systems utilize flotation in salt water, and Dry-REST systems utilize a modified REST environment in which a pliable 15 mm. polymer membrane separated the floater from the fluid (Turner, Gerard, Hyland, Neilands, & Fine, 1993).

At the Medical College of Ohio, John Turner and I conducted a series of studies investigating the psychophysiological effects of brief sessions of Flotation REST. The REST environment used in all of these studies was a plastic or fiberglass chamber, approximately 1.1 m. x 1.3 m. x 2.5 m. filled to a 25 cm. depth with saturated epsom salts (Mg SO) solution having a specific gravity of 1.28 and temperature maintained at 34.5 C. The chamber was light-free and the sound level was less than 10 decibels, with further attenuation due to submersion of the ears in the solution. The general protocol consisted of 30-40 minute sessions repeated approximately every third day with a total number ranging from 4 to 20 sessions per study.

The first parameter we addressed was the subjective report of the REST experience. We utilized several indices of subjective reports including the Spielberger state anxiety scale, Zuckerman multiple affect adjective checklist (Turner & Fine, 1990a), profile of mood states (POMS) (Turner, Fine, Ewy, Sershon, & Frelich, 1989), and subjective rating scales of emotion and relaxation. All of the initial studies found marked pre-post and across-session changes indicating relaxation, an increase in positive emotion and a decrease in negative emotions. In addition, an analysis of well over 1,000 descriptions of the REST experience indicated that more than 90% of subjects found REST deeply relaxing.

Psychophysiological Effects of Flotation Rest

In choosing physiological parameters of the REST effect on relaxation, we examined the basic physiological and biochemical hormonal changes associated with stress responding. Physiological parameters measured included blood pressure (BP), muscle tension (EMG), and heart rate (HR). Hormonal parameters included both adrenal axis hormones such as ACTH, epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol and aldosterone, and hormones not mediating stress responding (luteinizing hormone and testosterone). Both within and across-session decreases have been observed in various hormones. Hormones directly associated with the stress response. Cortisol, ACTH and epinephrine showed decreases during REST sessions, whereas luteinizing hormone, which is not associated with the stress response, showed no change (Turner & Fine 1983). Likewise, across-session decreases were observed in adrenal-associated hormones (cortisol, aldosterone, renin activity), while a hormone unrelated to stress response (testosterone) did not shown across-session changes (Turner & Fine, 1990a). In a separate study, we examined the across-session effect on both mean cortisol values and their variability, observing a decrease in both parameters (Turner and Fine, 1991). This suggests the possibility of a resetting of the regulatory mechanism of cortisol across sessions. Furthermore, cortisol, which has received more attention than the other hormones, and Blood Pressure, have been shown to maintain the REST effect after cessation of repeated REST sessions (Turner & Fine, 1983). This phenomenon suggests that the REST effect may be more than a simple, immediately reversible response.

Interestingly, in comparing hormonal and BP changes in REST with these changes in another relaxation condition (biofeedback), REST consistently showed greater hormonal effects but similar BP effects to biofeedback assisted relaxation (McGrady, Turner, Fine, & Higgins. 1987). These results led us to consider that REST affects different mechanisms than the biofeedback (since it affected cortisol levels when other methods did not) or was simply more powerful (i.e. REST reached the threshold for cortisol change but biofeedback did not).

Clinical Applications of Flotation REST

These results provide strong support for the hypothesis that Flotation REST serves as a powerful relaxation inducer and has clinical potential in working with patients who have stress-related disorders. There have been several clinical studies that have employed REST as a treatment. The disorders treated include essential hypertension, muscle tension headache, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, psychophysiological insomnia, PMS, and rheumatoid arthritis (Fine and Turner, 1985; Rzewnicki, Alistair, Wallbaum, Steel, Suedfeld, 1990; Fine and Tumer, 1985; Goldstein and Jessen, 1990; Turner, DeLeon, Gibson, & Fine, 1993). The treatment paradigms used in these studies were similar, with REST serving as the primary method of relaxation induction and training. All of these studies demonstrated positive results from the use of REST. One of the unique effects of REST demonstrated in these studies was that chronic pain patients frequently experienced an absence of all pain during flotation, and that this spontaneous anesthesia could remain for up to several hours after the session. Unfortunately, as with many bio-behavioral treatment approaches, the large scale controlled trials have yet to be undertaken.

Flotation REST and Performance Enhancement

A separate, exciting area is the use of Flotation REST in the enhancement of human performance. Several studies, carried out primarily in the research programs of Peter Suedfeld at the University of British Columbia and Arreed Barabasz at Washington State University, have demonstrated enhancement of scientific creativity, instrument flight performance, and piano performance. Several studies of sports performance have had positive results including studies of basketball, tennis, skiing, rifle marksmanship, and dart throwing. In several of the studies the Flotation REST condition was varied with relaxation, or imagery training and always had a more powerful effect. Often, Flotation REST was used with imagery or without imagery, and no difference was, found. Flotation REST, either wet or dry, was sufficiently powerful to affect a change in performance. Barabasz suggests that because REST potentiates imagery while disrupting over learned psychological processes, the technique is especially suited not only for the acquisition of new im- proved skills but the unlearning of less adaptive ones.

Flotation Rest and Pain Management

An in depth examination of the role of Flotation REST in the management of pain can provide us with a clear picture of the psychophysiological nature of the treatment. Pain programs are generally used as a last referral resort for patients whose intractable pain has not responded to the traditional medical treatments. Biobehaviorally based pain management utilizes counseling and behavioral medicine techniques such as relaxation training, meditation. biofeedback, guided imagery, and self-hypnosis. The goals of such treatment are the development of pain avoidance skills, the establishment of routines for optimal fitness within the limitations of a disability, the reduction or elimination of pain, when possible, and/or the patients acceptance of some level of pain.

Flotation REST can have an important role at several stages of the pain management process. By reducing both muscle tension and pain in a relatively short time and without effort on the part of the patient, flotation provides a dramatic demonstration of the benefits of relaxation. Relief is immediate and, although temporary, offers promise of further relief from REST and other relaxation-based strategies. Symptom reduction gained from flotation can increase a patient’s motivation and interest in the remainder of the therapy plan. Pain patients generally come into treatment feeling suspicious and skeptical, requiring a clear demonstration that they can be helped. Flotation can be the vehicle for that demonstration.

Cara floating for peace

The relaxation following flotation can be used to facilitate relaxation training. In the treatment reported here, training in relaxation and other psychological pain control strategies occurred during the flotation REST sessions as well as in counseling sessions. Specially prepared audio programs introduced patients to breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, guided imagery and hypnotic suggestions for pain reduction while they floated. Training and practice in those same techniques followed in counseling sessions and at home.

The most common etiologies of pain in this group of patients were from motor vehicle accidents, work accidents, or chronic illness. Most had endured their pain for longer than six months and had also suffered various levels of anxiety, anger, and depression. These emotional problems must be considered in the treatment of chronic pain patients. The first data are pre-post pain ratings from 16 patients who floated from one to 16 flotation sessions. Each patient reported on up to four body areas, providing a total of 253 pre-post , measures. The average percentage of relief, as measured in decrease from the pre-session value, was 31.3% for all sessions and all measures. To determine whether flotation REST provides more pain relief to some parts of the body as opposed to others, these measurements were examined by body area. Pain reduction in most body areas was close to the overall mean of 31%, except the upper back, which showed a 63.6% pain reduction, the arms which showed a 48.2% reduction, and the legs, which showed a 15.3% pain reduction. The duration of relief varied from two hours to seven days.

A second set of data came from a survey mailed to patients who had completed the program. The questionnaire asked patients to assess how much pain relief they received from the various components of the pain program (Flotation, relaxation training, and counseling) and from other treatments they had received medication (pills and shots), physical therapy, chiropractic, and surgery. Short-term pain relief, long-term pain relief, relief from anxiety or stress, and relief from depression were indicated separately. Additionally, they were asked whether each treatment improved their outlook and/or helped them cope with their pain.

All 27 respondents had received treatments other than those from this pain program: 81% had used pain medications; 56% had had some form of pain injections; 70% had received physical therapy; 59% had received chiropractic treatment; 22% had undergone surgery. These patients reported more short-term and long-term pain relief from flotation than from the other therapeutic modalities.

For non-pain symptoms, the comparisons were even more striking. Patients reported far more relief from anxiety and stress from flotation than any other modality. For depression, flotation was equal to counseling at near 70%, with relaxation training at 53% and physical therapy and medication at 20%.

Enjoy your unique experience.

Patients also claimed to have reaped a variety of other benefits from flotation, reporting improvements in sleep (65%), mental concentration (77%), energy (46%), interpersonal relationships (54%), ability to work (35%), ability to cope with pain (88%), ability to cope with stress (92%), and feelings of well-being (65%) resulting from flotation REST.

In answering the question, “Did this treatment improve your outlook toward your pain?” 96% responded positively for flotation, 100% for counseling, 100% for relaxation training, 50% for physical therapy, 24% for pain pills, 17% for pain shots, 15% for chiropractic. To the question, “Did this treatment help you cope effectively with your pain?” 96% responded positively for flotation, 92% for both relaxation training and counseling, 50% for pain shots, 44% for pain injections, 38% for physical therapy, and 17% for chiropractic. It is clear that flotation was rated on average as more effective than other treatments with respect to pain, anxiety and depression relief.

Flotation REST and Chronic Illness

Summing up thus far, the data are supportive of flotation REST being useful in pain reduction, stress and tension abatement, and mood enhancement. Besides chronic pain, other patients treated at our facility were those with chronic physical illnesses, those with cancer, those with trauma to the nervous system, those with depression or bipolar mood disorder. anxiety disorders, and those suffering overwhelming stress.

Uniquely, Flotation REST provides an effortless introduction to deep mental and physical relaxation. The majority of our chronic illness patients suffered from autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, and Reiters syndrome. For these patients, discovering relaxation meant a dramatic reduction in symptoms, such as joint pain, headache, fatigue and depression. Several patients with lupus reported that regular flotation permitted them to reduce their dosage of prednisone while experiencing less frequency and severity of symptoms. Two patients with scleroderma reported relief from flotation. One reported relief from pain and stiffness that lasted almost a week after her third flotation session. As this patient continued she also experienced relief from her depression about the illness, a dramatic reduction in her use of steroids and other medications, a reduction in joint pain and swelling, and less frequent heartburn and headaches. After a three month course of treatment with flotation and counseling she was able to return to her job.

Flotation REST and Depression

When depression is in reaction to the circumstances of a physical injury or illness, Flotation REST can produce an immediate elevation in mood, probably due to the mood enhancing effects of deep relaxation as well as the optimism that occurs with the experience of physical relief. When depression is the primary diagnosis, flotation is best used as an adjunct to counseling and then only after the patient has gained a modicum of feeling in control. Caution is necessary in administering REST with depressed patients due to the often obsessive nature of negative thinking that will continue during the REST session. Once these patients have developed a better understanding of their disorder, flotation REST can be a mood elevator that speeds the course of therapy, especially when combined with positive guided imagery during the sessions.

REST and Applied Psychophysiology

The REST environment can be viewed, from a biofeedback perspective, as a system that enhances the connection between consciousness and physiology by reducing external information rather than amplifying internal information. We describe biofeedback as a process of amplifying and displaying information about processes that we normally do not attend to or are unable to discriminate from the wealth of informational noise always present. REST reduces environmental noise, and in a flotation environment one is able to be aware of all sorts of physiological information, (i.e. muscle tension, heart rate, etc.) that we are often not aware of in normal quiet environments.

REST is an ideal environment for the acquisition of biofeedback based learning. Many years ago Lloyd and Shurley published a paper demonstrating its effect on the acquisition of single motor unit control. Acquisition of single motor unit control was superior in the REST chamber (Lloyd & Shurley, 1976). Our investigations found the same advantage with heart rate control. Similarly Dry-REST environments might be exceptional environments for neurofeedback training. While we have learned much about REST in the last twenty years, its potential in applied psychophysiology has barely been exploited. In this age of cyberspeak, we might begin to think of expanding the clinical bandwidth of applied psychophysiology by taking another look at REST.
References

Fine, T.H., & Turner, J.W., Jr. (1983). The Use of Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) in the Treatment of Essential Hypertension, First International Conference on REST and Self-Regulation, 136-143.

Fine, T.H. & Turner, J.W., Jr. (1985). Rest-assisted relaxation and chronic pain. Health and Clinical Psychology, 4, 511-518.

Goldstein, D.D. & Jessen, W.E. (1987). Flotation Effect on Premenstrual Syndrome. Restricted Environmenntal Stimulation: Research and Commentary, 260-273.

Lilly, J.C. (1977). The deep self. New York: Simon & Schuster.

McGrady, A.V. Turner, J.W. Jr. Fine, T.H. & Higgins, J.T. (1987). Effects of biobehaviorally-assisted relaxation training on blood pressure, plasma renin, cortisol, and aldosterone levels in borderline essential hypertension. Clinical Biofeedback & Health, 10(1), 16-25.

Rzewnicki, R. Alistair, B.C. Wallbaum, Steel, H. & Suedfeld, P, (1990). REST for muscle contraction headaches: A comparison of two REST environments combined with progressive muscle relaxation training. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary, 245-254.

Turner, J.W. Jr. DeLeon, A. Gibson, C. & Fine, T. (1993). Effects of Flotation REST on range of motion, grip strength and pain in rheumatoid arthritics. In A. Barabasz & M, Barabasz (Ed.),Clinical and experimental restricted environmental stimulation (pp. 297- 336). New York: Springer-Verlag.

Turner, J.W. Jr. Fine, T.H. (1983). Effects of relaxation associated with brief restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST) on plasma cortisol, ACTH, and LH. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 9, 115-126.

Turner, J.W. Jr. & Fine, T.H. (1990a). Hormonal changes associated with restricted environmental stimulation therapy. In P. Suedfeld, J. Turner, & T. Fine (Eds.), Restricted environmental stimulation theoretical and empirical development in flotation REST (pp. 71-92). New York, NY: Springer-Verlag.

Turner, J.W. Jr. & Fine, T.H. (1991). Restricting environmental stimulation influences variability and levels of plasma cortisol. Journal of Applied Physiology, 70(5), 2010-2013.

Turner, J.W. Jr. Fine, T. Ewy, G. Sershon, P. & Frelich, T. (1989). The presence or absence of light during flotation restricted environmental stimulation: Effects on plasma cortisol, blood pressure and mood. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 14, 291-300.

Turner, J.W. Jr. Gerard, W. Hyland, J. Neilands, P. & Fine, T.H. (1993). Effects of wet and dry flotation REST on blood pressure and plasma cortisol, In A. Barabasz & M. Barabasz (Ed,),Clinical and experimental restricted environmental stimulation (pp. 239-248). New York: Springer-Verlag.

Author’s address for information:

Thomas H. Fine, M.A.
Department of Psychiatry
Medical College of Ohio
Richard D. Ruppert Health Center
3120 Glendale Ave.
Toledo, OH 43614-5809
[email protected]

Schedule your REST session in combination with any other therapeutic service to maximize results. Hypnosis, Energy Work, Polarity, Massage, Coaching, Meditation, you design your experience.

 

“AWAKE” The life of yogananda

Why it’s important to view this documentary; ” AWAKE The Life of Yogananda.”

 

In my early 20’s, I was blessed to have a friend who was somewhat older and going through an awakening of her own. We lived quite a distance apart from one another yet kept in contact with the ups and downs of each other’s lives.

Circumstances of having children at an early age, two babies and a full-time job. Many of us know what this is all about, it’s a lot of work. We are talking about the early eighties when marriage was about the woman working outside the home and doing everything inside the home. I am pretty sure this was called the Peter Pan Syndrome. Needless to say, it was exhausting.

Getting back to this friend of mine, Donna. Donna recommended strongly that I read Autobiography of a Yogi, so I did. Reading this book led me to the next thing learning more about meditation through Yoganandas’ teachings. Fortunately for us he started the Self-Realization Fellowship in California years before he passed. I scraped my pennies together at that time, two babies and just starting out money was tight. I ordered the lessons and began to practice the energy exercises and meditation every chance I got. Every nap time and early morning before the babies woke up I would sit in silence. Dedication and practice led to one of the most amazing blissful experiences of my life. One amazing meditation keeps me going back for more.

I have been practicing and studying since. Yes, there are times I had wandered away from the lessons and the practice yet life always returns me to what I know. In 2007 I began to teach meditation and went on to study metaphysical science to earn my degree in Metaphysical Science, not your academic degree, yet it earned me the right to practice as a minister.

My catholic upbringing taught me discipline in prayer meditation is something that resembles prayer. There are two styles that I practice, the first is Kriya Yoga as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda and the other is more the metaphysical way or believing that something is already and holding the universe accountable for manifesting. Both are powerful yet the teachings of Kriya are more in alignment with what I have learned from my studies in Polarity Therapy.

It’s important to realize that Dr. Stone, founder of Polarity, had studied the bible to learn English, traveled to the Orient, studied medicine, and went on to live his life out with his Guru in India. This makes perfect sense when we recognize that Polarity Therapy is a tool to help navigate this human existence by balancing the three principles of motion; Rajas, Tamas, and Sattva. According the the ancient scriptures, these three principles of energies bind us to the physical body, our mission in life is to find our way back to our creator, GOD.

Yogananda a spiritual being living in a human body was self-realized, his work through his humanness was to teach millions of people how to navigate this earth plane with a focus on opening the energy centers. The energy centers, according to ancient scriptures are the very centers in which the spirit comes into the physical body and the place in which the spirit leaves the physical body. It is here that we understand the Guna’s and the elements, the importance of balance, and the impact each has on our navigation here on earth. The documentary will be eye opening, an opportunity to understand deeply the process of life is to witness a being as realized as Yogananda was.

It is with honor that I invite you to share in this documentary with me. I will be viewing this along with you on the 21st of August for the first time and I can’t tell you how exciting it is.

I hope that in my sharing with you a little bit about one of the great beings that came to this planet to educate us that you too can find your peace in knowing.

Blessings, Tina

FLOATING ~ ENTER ~ WIN

FLOAT ~ ENTER ~ WIN\

Opportunity to win 10 - 50 minute floats just by entering your video to our facebook group, MA FLOAT AWAKEN!

Here is my float story:

All you have to do is direct your friends to the page to like and share your video! The entry with the most likes and shares by September 15th will win the grand package. All entries will win one float just by entering!

Here are a few entries so far…. best of luck to you.

Here is how:

Float-Video (tell me you want to enter)-ask friends to like and share your video. Winner selected September 15th and you get a free float at that time just for entering.

Josh Pratt Musician & Artist

 

Be part of educating the masses to the benefits of floating! People like you, want to hear from you.

Here is Ryan Coy, a little camera shy so we did not put the camera on his face.

If you want me to do your video, even better. I will post it to my channel on YouTube and the facebook group. Takes you less than 2 minutes, just speaking on your experience.

Schedule your float appointment today!

 

Thirteen Years Offering Floatation MA

FIRST TANKS IN MA

The first tanks in MA as far as I know date back to the 70’s, one situated in Cambridge MA, and the other in Worcester MA. My understanding is that this tank was on the 7th floor of the building and owned by Tank himself. I heard stories of how Tank carried the 800 lbs. of Epson Salt up to the 7th floor, seems like a grueling task to me. This is all hear say as I gathered my information from floaters who came to my first location in Auburn, MA.

In 2002 The Crystalline Matrix was the only center in MA offering floatation. The Crystalline Matrix offered floatation from 2002 through 2005, at that time the decision to sell the tank came from a failed business partnership and a downsizing for myself with the focus to my holistic practice. In 2007 I decided to purchase another tank and was located in Shrewsbury on route 9 at which time the business name was still The Crystalline Matrix. Today, the business is name Crystalline/AWAKEN as a result of merging the learning center. My decision to purchase another tank was based solely on my own desire to float, I did no advertising and decided if people float they float. When the phone began to ring off the wall for floating I wondered what was happening? Of course I asked the clients coming to float where they heard of floatation. They explained that they heard Joe Rogan on the radio; of course I asked who is Joe Rogan? Well, I know now and if I could I would thank him personally for his ability to reach the masses to the benefits of floatation. Since then floatation has continued to remain steady with floaters traveling from many different areas and nearby states to experience floating.

Intelligence

Observations of NEW FLOAT CENTERS

Throughout the past thirteen years I watched three other locations bring floatation to their centers in New England. What happened to them? Well, this is all so interesting and I have many clients ask me about what I have witnessed through the years.

Because all three of these locations were set up differently there isn’t one answer. My guess is that two of them went too big too fast and the other appeared to be a failed business partnership as well. It is easy to fall prey to the manufacturers who of course want to sell tanks and have seen the success in other states. California, Oregan, Indiana, all seem to have huge success with floatation. What about MA some may wonder? Well, in the thirteen years of offering floatation and cycling through the ups and the downs, my answer is that we have a long way to go to be where some of the other states are.

There was a float center opened in NH, he went in with several tanks to start and failed in less than a year. Another in Burlington MA went in with several tanks and from what I understand, due to the ignorance of the health department to floatation was mandated to provide a life guard on duty during floating. This is ludicrous to many as one would need to be forcibly held under water to drown. The stinging of the salt would awaken anyone, and the ability to turn over while floating requires more effort than the relaxed client would ever put into it. In thirteen years I have never heard anyone say they turned over while floating. They have reported getting salt in their eyes and having to deal with that in order to return to their relaxed state. I highly recommend not scratching that itch on the face in order to avoid this.

Manufacturers Financial Projections

As you can see with the stories above, the cost to running a center with that amount of overhead is astronomical. If the tanks are all full at a cost of $60 per hour times 6 tanks it is logical to think you are making $360. an hour. Well, we are not there yet and it is not happening. This is the same reason I have hesitated to add another tank. Each tank requires it’s own shower, add the cost of the tank to the cost of the build out and you are up into some high figures. Of course we need to consider return on investment. It will take some time to get that money back.

Creative Strategies to Low Cost

There are ways to keep this cost down and that is to do what I did when I moved from the original location. Yes, we installed the plumbing and did a build out in Auburn back in 2002 and since then the cost to do this has quadrupled. When I moved from there I found locations that had an existing shower. Was the set up ideal you wonder? No, it was not, yet the people who were floating were so excited to float that they did not care about the fact that they floated in one room and showered in another.

Today the shower is literally next to the tank, the new center it is getting installed directly in front of the tank, that is ideal!

It’s About the Mission

I am excited about the providing the floatation in the new center yet it has never been about the finances, it is about the awakening process. It is a path for those who may not choose polarity therapy, hypnosis, yoga, meditation. It is for many the time out in solitude that offers a chance to deepen to something magical, a connection with a higher guidance, to gain insight to who they are and why they are here? It is my only hope that those who open centers in the future stay focused on the depth of the experience and not on the $$$. When we do what we love to do the universe provides. My passion is to support others through the process of awakening and floatation is one of the avenues to this evolutionary process.

 

Polarity Therapy Foundation

The foundation of all my work is polarity therapy. It really doesn’t matter what path a client decides to take when they are faced with a challenge in life. Some come in wanting to try hypnosis, another conscious coaching, another enzyme therapy, and sometimes massage therapy.

Polarity Therapy Stands Powerfully

Polarity Therapy

Polarity Therapy is one modality that stands powerfully on it’s own. Addressing so many challenges from anxiety, depression, back pain, neck pain, structural alignment, sciatic pain, headaches, to empty nest syndrome and life changes such as divorce, grief, to job changes.

Continue reading Polarity Therapy Foundation

Finally Moving Forward

 

FLOAT TANK IS FINALLY COMING TO WEST BOYLSTON

Out new space!

Just yesterday I received word from the Architectural Access Board that I have their permission to go ahead and put the tank at the new center where everything else is happening. Yeah!

Moving there without the tank has felt like leaving one of your kids at home. Floatation has become such a huge part of the business that having it stay behind in the old location just feels wrong. Now that I have permission to move the tank I face the next challenge. Strategically planning the cost associated with the final phase of the build out. Stretching, imagining, and possible bartering, I am determined to bring the tank home to it’s new location to complete the center.

It’s exciting to bring the tank over to West Boylston! For those of you who are not aware; when I started my polarity practice in 1999 I was across the street from this new location. Something keeps bringing me back to this town, not sure what it is but West Boylston is an awesome little town and central to so many major routes and highways. It makes perfect sense to be there.

As I anticipate the tank up and running in West Boylston I see the need to eventually hire someone who can manage the front of the space as well as support the floaters. This is very exciting time for Crystalline Awaken, it is the next stage of expansion, one that became very necessary in order to get the idea of floating in front of so many more people. I am looking forward to seeing a big expansion with the opening with the floatation tank room. It’s exciting to look at the plans; shower directly in front of the tank, an ideal situation, space for hanging the clothes, towel storage, bathrooms right next to the tank room, it really doesn’t get any better than this.

For the next few weeks I will carefully plan this move out to bring it to completion as quickly as possible. At the present time I am surveying all the current floaters and future floaters to determine which factors are most important to people. As I see it right now, it appears this location will be inviting, hours will be expanded to offer evening appointments during the week. There is a meditation space right outside of the float room for anyone wishing to arrive early or waiting for someone. And there is plenty to do in West Boylston for the person waiting, trails, water, scenery, it’s just a beautiful little town to visit.

From many major highways our location intersects with 140, traveling from Leominster, Lancaster, Princeton, Holden, Marlboro, Northboro, Westboro, Worcester, Boston, Springfield, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, or local residents, it’s an easy and pleasant travel.

I would like to highly encourage floaters to book their appointments in advance, take advantage of the specials that I will be sending out. Check emails, these are how the specials are delivered. I look forward to a waiting list to float, and you should to. Book ahead and pay ahead for the discounts, make sure you get yourself in now.

It’s happening… finally!!!! I hope you are as excited as I am to see this happening later than I anticipated but happening still.

See you soon! Remember that you can always add bodywork to the float session or simply sit in the meditation space and maximize your visit. We offer organic teas, water, and comfort for your wait time. You may want to read a little, we have a shop copy of the Book of Floating for those who want to know more about what they are doing in the tank.

Many Blessings for this Awakening Process!

Tina

 

Hypnosis Power

Who can offer hypnosis?

Hypnosis for therapeutic benefit provides many options to the therapist working with clients. Therapist of social work, psychologists, nurses, psychiatrists, massage therapy, and more.

When will hypnosis support your clients?

Your clients will at some time or another require hypnosis as a therapeutic tool to overcome something in their life. As a polarity therapist I have added hypnosis to many sessions for added support. In a polarity session clients have the option of addressing anything from emotional to physical as well as spiritual. Polarity therapy supports clients in finding the emotional balance, spiritual connection, as well as physical balance as a result of balancing each element to support energy flow.

Listen to the PODCAST for insight into the field of holistic therapies.

A Seamless Integration

Hypnosis as an added tool to Polarity is a seamless integration during an intake, while the client is in a tasmic (parasympathetic) state, or during the closing part of a session. Due to the nature of hypnosis there is much flexibility for integration through creative visualization methods, deepening techniques, trauma resolution, age regression, channeling and more. A massage therapist as well as any type of bodywork therapist will inevitably work with clients in physical and emotional pain. Understanding how to integrate hypnosis into the session would be incredibly useful in supporting their clients.

Psychiatry / Hypnosis

One of my instructors for hypnosis was a psychiatrist, he uses hypnosis more than psychiatry to support his clients. Why? Because it gets the results the clients are seeking.

Results are what your clients want.

In the medical profession the number of clients who could use this type of support is astronomical in relation to not only the patient but the loved ones who are dealing with trauma associated with their loved ones. Physical and emotional pain can be addressed through hypnosis whether you call it hypnosis or creative visualization, it really doesn’t matter as long as it supports the patient.

Focused

Opportunity is limitless!

Opportunity for creating a practice is expansive. You may be someone who loves to work with athletes and may do “performance” hypnosis. Or maybe you are more like me, and love to work to alleviate pain and suffering of past trauma. Typically clients coming in with anxiety or panic disorder are also dealing with multiple layers of trauma, deal with the trauma and the anxiety disappears.

Once certified as a hypnotist you would naturally continue your education in either a field of expertise or to expand your practice to work with multiple challenges; from addiction, recovery, relationship, performance, hypno-birthing, pain management, and more.

Continuing Education an Exciting Field

It’s exciting to vision the possibilities of supporting others in the medical field, education, social services, and many other areas of helping people to experience quality of life. Take a listen to our blog here for the integration that is so needed for higher levels of health.

In addition to using hypnosis techniques to support the many challenges we face during this human experience, learning neuro-linguistic programming is beneficial to both the practitioner and the client. Understanding how to feed back to your client what they are seeking to change is pivotal in creating success.

There are hypnotist doing some incredible work with corporations in motivation technique, sales techniques, stress management, creative or guided visualizations, and team building. Your previous experience and knowledge of hypnosis opens the doors for you to create the practice you desire.

Create Your Vision

You may want to work with groups, individuals, families, corporations, medical, dental, or plastic surgeons. There is a lot of work to do to support people. If you are ready to integrate hypnosis or begin your journey in creating a practice, the next step is to schedule an appointment to discuss your options and your visions for success. Hypnosis Certification is only 100 hours and recognized nationally through the National Guild of Hypnotist.

 

Feel free to call 508-612-7488 or simply schedule through our appointment schedule on line. I am excited to bring this work to you to support your vision.

Hypnosis can help!

What is hypnosis?

Nothing more than the ability to focus!

If you can focus, you can be hypnotized.

Hypnosis can help!

Hypnosis is helpful when dealing with anything that is not working in life. One of the biggest reason people come to hypnosis is that they are struggling to change behavior and have been unsuccessful in doing it on their own. Behavior can also in this case be considered a physical reaction brought on by circumstance whereas the nervous system is out of balance.

The nervous system is out of balance whenever a person experiences difficulty in managing everyday life. This presents itself as panic, anxiety, migraines, fears, compulsive disorder, weight management, anger, depression, relationship challenges, excessive control, and more.

When and where this imbalance was created is something that needs to be determined during the session. Simply suggesting to a client they will no longer have migraines is as non-effective as taking medication to providing long term relief. The effectiveness in reducing the number of migraines is enhanced when the origin is addressed. For some, this may be childhood, past trauma, and others a past life experience. Solving the mystery through hypnosis is most effective to support the potential break through.

Client & Therapist Partnership

It is important to recognize that most successful hypnosis stories are a result of working together for a period of four sessions. There are situations and circumstances where one hypnosis session is the answer, most however require more to allow the story to unfold. Here is an example of peeling the layers of an onion, when the top layer is gone you see the next.

Clients typically find their way to hypnosis as a last resort. I hear often that they have tried everything else and finally find their way to hypnosis as a final attempt.

The partnership begins in the first session where the client is understands the process of allowing the process of recovery to unfold. I suggest the client make their appointments within two weeks of the other to stay on track with progress. If they wish to do them closer together, this is their choice. The closer the better, more than two weeks can be disruptive in the flow and the client may lose focus.

An integration of hypnosis with energy work, polarity, E.F.T., or conscious coaching is typically the structure. It is not necessary that the client understand the differences, it is only that they are willing to participate in the journey to wellness. Clearing the energy, either through the sublime energetic system or through physical contact of polarity or E.F.T. is extremely helpful in facilitating the release of any holding of past trauma.

Schedule an appointment with Tina Brigitini or to learn the work of hypnosis, click here.

Polarity Yoga & Kids

I don’t need to tell you that kids who take yoga do better in school, they do! Studies have proven that kids who do a mindful practice of being still have an increased ability to focus.

The combination of yoga and polarity yoga that we provide to our younger students supports their ability to balance themselves, hold their power, and connect deeply to their true spirit.

Polarity yoga is a gentle form of movement that combines sound and breath. The sound is used to vibrate the structure of the bones to create release. Each posture is related to an elemental quality; ether, air, fire, water, and earth.

The usefulness of children learning to use these movements is that they learn how to balance their emotions as well as their physical body in relation to energy.

An example of the elements in relation to emotions would be water to feelings of sadness, when balanced the child can access creativity in place of sadness. In relation to fire out of balance the child experiences anger or frustration. When they learn how to release these feelings through movement they can experience joy, passion, and direction. The element of air is related to the nervous system and out of balance can be experienced as foggy, or jumpy, in balance it is clarity of thought. Ether represents the space around them, and within and Earth their ability to feel secure in the world.

Polarity Yoga is wonderful for adults as well. Parents wishing to join their children in classes are invited to do so.

Please see our website for the next four week series beginning in June.

My Personal Awakening

I am asked often, “how did you get into this work?”, and of course every practitioner has a story of how their life unfolds to do what they do today.

The beginning of my spiritual path goes back to at least the very early age of elementary school. I attended a catholic school, attended mass daily, learned by nuns that to know God we must develop callouses on our knees through prayer. This all seemed to be true to me as a young being. Now, I feel very different about the ability to know God, Source, Universe, whatever the term you use for it. I know now that energy is all things, living, breathing, the earth, the animals, and the people who are in this world. We are connected by this universal energy.

There were many significant awakening points in my life. A catholic upbringing and involvement in the church was part of this awakening. It seemed I had so many questions as a young person. Why this and why that? There was a burning desire to understand why I was on earth? Why were other people here? Why did some people seem to understand a deeper meaning to life than others? My studies began after high school. Books I read were considered to others my age as books that would be assigned to them versus an interest in understanding more. I wanted to know, why am I here?

Continue reading My Personal Awakening