by Dr. Paul Newton

Last night we held a workshop on Somato Respiratory Integration (SRI) exercises. 20 participants practiced these exercises which help to strengthen their awareness of their bodies. It was a great experience for people to learn how to breathe into and move parts of their bodies that they were not used to accessing.

These exercises involve movement, breathing and touch. It is critical to understand that SRI is an exercise in connection and not just a breathing technique to reduce stress. Movement, touch and breath make the brain conscious of the part of the body being addressed.

Often we do not know how to put our awareness in a specific part of our bodies. When asked how a body part feels we can only distinguish between whether we feel nothing or we feel pain. This perspective cuts out a whole range of sensations that people actually experience in their bodies.

If you want to expand the range of feeling you experience and tap into the information and wisdom your body holds for you, ask us about the SRI exercises. Last night we practiced stages 1 and 2 of "The 12 Stages of Healing". This is a book written by Donald Epstein, the founder of Network Spinal Analysis.

Book your next massage with our new therapist Shane Clark. This North Bay Native has been in practice as a Registered Massage Therapist for two years. He specializes in PNF stretching, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release and Swedish Massage.

Shane has worked with the Ottawa University Women’s Swim Team and Men’s Softball Team.

Shane’s Philosophy: “As a former personal trainer, I understand the need for proper post treatment exercise to prevent re-injury and improve lasting results. People need to take an active role in their health care to achieve maximum results.”