TRILOGY HEALTH Bodywork & Healing Arts

Checking out at the store, the young cashier suggested to the older woman,that she should bring her own grocery bags because "plastic bags weren't good for the environment." The woman apologized and explained, "We didn't have this 'green thing back in my earlier days."The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation didn't care enough to save our environment for future generations."

She was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day. Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.  But we didn't have the green thing back in our day... so we didn't know what we were doing to the environment.

We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.  But she was right.  We didn't have the green thing in our day... so we didn't know how much time we were wasting.

Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the throw-away kind.  We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry our clothes back in our early days.

Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that young lady is right; we didn't have the green thing back in our day... so, there we were, saving a few dollars but wasting so much valuable time again!

Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house ~ not a TV in every room.  And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana. In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us.

When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded up old newspapers to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap. Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. But she's right; we didn't have the green thing back then...

So, guess what... We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a

plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. But we didn't have the green thing back then... so, there went the environment.

Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service.  We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.

But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn't have the green thing back then? Please forward this on to another selfish older person who needs a lesson in conservation from a smart-mouth young person.

Gamma waves 30 to 70 Hz

Processing of various attended stimuli (visual, auditory, touch) and the grouping of the various features of a given stimulus, particularly visual, into a coherent whole.

Important points about Gamma Waves :

(1) There is no such thing as a “gamma state” of mind. Gamma waves largely play a supporting – though integral- role in the brain. From an EEG point of view, they will be present mostly while a subject is awake, but they will always be supported by other waves in the beta, alpha, theta, or delta ranges.

2) They have been noted during Buddhist meditation of compassion & music listening experiments.

Beta waves 13 to 30 Hz

Associated with attentiveness, selective attention, concentration & anticipation. They have been related to concentrated mental activity such as solving math problems, anxiety, and apprehension.

Important points about Beta Waves

: (1) These are the waves of alertness, wakeful state. Most common and most prevalent in the brain. If you are alert and awake, you are in Beta now.

(2) In meditation, beta waves have been noticed only in very experienced practitioners that too in a state of ecstasy and concentration.

Alpha waves 7 to 13 Hz

Associated with relaxed wakefulness, and creative thought where attention may wander and free association is favored. They are also correlated with a generally tranquil, pleasant, almost floating feeling.

Important points about Alpha Waves :

(1) Considered as the brainwaves of meditation. Most prominent during meditation.

(2) Considered as an integral part of the relaxation process before sleep. The alpha frequency band has been studied extensively in meditations of various kinds (like Zen, TM etc) and in almost all cases an increase in the alpha waves has been noted during meditation.

(3) Use of Cannabis (marijuana) has also been linked to an increase in alpha waves in brain. That's why many people love the high they got from using drugs.

Theta waves 4 to 7 Hz Associated with Dreams, deep meditation, hypnosis and, sleep, meditation, and hypnosis. Seemed to be involved with short-term memory. It is a state of somnolence with reduced consciousness. The theta-state is described by sleep researchers as stage 1 sleep or the twilight state. In this states subjects pass out of the alert alpha-state into a theta-state in which they lose their sense of lying in bed, though still being awake.

Important points about Theta Waves :

(1) Subjects can be easily awoken from this stage of sleep, and it has many interesting properties. For a brief time as we lie in bed at night, neither fully awake nor yet asleep, we pass through a twilight mental zone like a state of reverie. Many people associate this drowsy stage with hallucinatory images, more fleeting and disjointed than dreams, and compare it to the viewing of a speeded-up, jerky series of photographic slides. A host of artists and scientists have credited the imagery of this twilight state with creative solutions and inspiration for their work.

(2) This theta stage is also observed in people under hypnosis.

Delta waves 1 to 4 Hz

Associated with deep dreamless sleep. Consistently observed in deep sleep. The deeper the sleep, the higher is the amount of delta waves.

Important points about Delta Waves :

(1) Meditative states associated with the increased presence of delta waves seem to occur mostly in very experienced practitioners, possibly because entering a delta state and maintaining consciousness at the same time is tremendously difficult.

(2) Also related wit the state of Samadhi, the deepest state in meditation as appeared in ancient Indian Yoga text.

All the above mentioned five brainwave frequencies are normally present together in the brain. However, the dominant frequency in the EEG pattern determines what shall be called the current state of the brain. If the amplitude of the alpha range frequencies is highest, then the brain is said to be in the alpha stage. Note, that other frequencies still exist and it is impossible to give any "exact frequency your brain is operating on." However, for simplification purpose, it is often assumed that such a single frequency exists.

In general, we are accustomed to using the beta brain rhythm. When we diminish the brain rhythm to alpha, we put ourselves in the ideal condition to learn new information, keep facts, perform elaborate tasks, learn languages and analyze complex situations etc. Meditation, relaxation exercises, and activities that enable the sense of calm, also enable this alpha state.

As is evident from the above table, these 5 brainwaves produce different type of feelings and state of consciousness in people. A person, who is in meditation, can have any experience related to alpha, theta or delta brainwaves. From this we can draw a very interesting corollary.

When a person meditates, he finds himself in a relaxed and clam state. On a brainwave level he reaches alpha state of consciousness. As the meditation deepens he finds himself more calm and focused and his brainwave levels reaches to theta (and finally to delta) state.

So if a person is not able to meditate owing to some reasons, can't we induce some extra stimulus in his brain to make him reach an alpha or theta level? If we can do this by using some method, we will be able to make that person calm and serene by altering his brainwave level to an alpha, theta or delta level. This way the person will experience the same kind of feelings as he would do on meditating in a traditional way.

This in one way means, an end to the meditation ritual. An end to our vows of not finding enough time for meditation or our inability to maintain a regular meditation routine. Extending the same corollary, the similar effect of a hypnotic state, deep sleep, relaxation etc can also be produced using external stimulus.

So is it possible to bypass meditation altogether and adopt a quick and fast way to achieve a desired brainwave ?

Well the answer is yes and no.

Yes. It is possible to bypass meditation and use an automatic tool to achieve a meditative state. In is very much possible to achieve a Non Ordinary State of Consciousness (NOSC) using the methods you will learn in this section.

However, having said that, I also want to clarify that on the basis of my long experience as a practitioner of traditional meditation techniques, I can say with full confidence that no machine, no matter how much powerful or fast it is, can ever make the traditional methods of meditation needless. The human brain is one of the most complicated and mysterious things in the world. We have just explored a very little of our brain. Still we are far from understanding the functioning of the human brain. Though many studies have been made with very positive results indeed, it will be too early to say that meditation is nothing but a change in our brainwaves. Brainwaves level are just one indicator of what actually happens in meditation. Though with the help of using brainwaves you can attain a meditative state for you immediate benefits, for a long and permanent spiritual growth you will need to stick to a traditional meditation path. Binaural Beats shall provide you some excellent results often instantly which will help you in many ways. However, for a permanent life changing spiritual focus, you need to use traditional meditation methods as your primary tools. (For more information kindly read chapters in 'Meditation Corner'.) Here we shall stick to the concept of instant meditation and Binaural Beats.

Let us understand now, how we can alter our brainwaves to produce a Non Ordinary State of Consciousness (NOSC). It has been scientifically proven that brainwave's frequency in our brain can be altered to a desired frequency using specialized sound waves.

In other words, using specialized sound waves as external stimuli, we can alter our brainwaves frequency to an alpha, beta, theta or delta level which are considered as the brainwave levels of meditation and other spiritual phenomena.

What is it?

Cranio-Sacral Therapy is an exceptionally gentle yet extremely powerful form of treatment, increasingly recognized for the depth of its influence, the comprehensive range of its therapeutic effects, and its ability to resolve issues that are not helped by other means.

It is a profound healing process which can release the deeply held patterns of disease - both physical and psychological - which accumulate throughout life as a result of injury and illness and become held into the body tissues, leading to ill-health and dysfunction.

The Cranio-Sacral process involves two mains aspects. It is primarily concerned with enhancing the underlying vitality - the Breath of Life - which pervades our whole selves, creating and maintaining health and wellbeing in all aspects of our lives. Secondly, it is concerned with releasing any restrictions to the free distribution of this vitality throughout the body.

It can be of benefit to most people and can help in most conditions - from minor aches and pains to severe and persistent chronic health problems.

How does it work?

Cranio-Sacral Therapy involves a very gentle touch of the practitioners hands, both for diagnosis and for treatment. This light contact may be taken up on the cranium (the head), the sacrum (the tail-bone) or any other part of the body as appropriate, identifying subtle disturbances to the free motion of body tissues, the free circulation of body fluids, and the unrestricted flow of fundamental energy, potency, or vitality - the Breath of Life.

This underlying vitality is expressed throughout the body as rhythmic motion - Cranio-Sacral motion. Any disturbance to health and wellbeing - physical or psycho-emotional - influences this movement, creating asymmetries or restrictions to Cranio-Sacral motion. The Cranio-Sacral Therapist can therefore diagnose and identify the nature and source of the condition through the corresponding patterns expressed through the Cranio-Sacral system.

By responding appropriately to these patterns - following the subtle internal pulls and twists manifested by the Cranio-Sacral System until points of resistance are encountered and dissolved - the Cranio-Sacral Therapist can facilitate the release of restrictions, thereby restoring the free flow of the Breath of Life and consequently restoring a healthy, balanced state.

What does it involve?

Cranio-Sacral Therapy is most often carried out with the client lying down, fully clothed in a quiet and peaceful environment. Treatment is usually experienced as a very profound relaxation which may pervade the whole person, physically, mentally and emotionally, often accompanied by a feeling of lightness and ease.

The gentle approach of Cranio-Sacral Therapy is entirely non-invasive. The subtle interaction of two systems - brought together by this light contact - stimulates and enhances self-healing mechanisms within the body to respond, release and open up to a more balanced healthy state.

What can it treat?

Cranio-Sacral Therapy treats people rather than conditions. It is primarily concerned with creating and maintaining a healthy, balanced state on all levels - physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. This underlying state of wellbeing enables the body's own healing mechanisms to operate at optimum level, and therefore enables the body to eliminate disease and restore health.

Cranio-Sacral Therapy works on many different levels and influences many different structures within the body. It influences the musculo-skeletal system, the nervous system, the cardio-vascular system, the immune system, the organs, the connective tissues, the fluids and the energy systems of the body.

Because it treats the whole person it can influence all conditions affecting the whole person or any part of the person. Cranio-Sacral Therapy therefore has a very wide range of applications.

It is suitable for every age from newborn babies to the elderly, including all ages and stages in between.

It is particularly valuable in babies and children since the establishment of healthy patterns at an early age sets patterns for the whole future of that individual, both in their health and in their abilities.

It is also particularly renowned for its profound influence on the effects of Birth Trauma - the effects of which may range from learning difficulties, hyperactivity, ear infections and colic to epilepsy and cerebral palsy - as well as profoundly influencing an individual’s capabilities, their skills, their underlying level of health, and their very nature and constitution.

Cranio-Sacral Therapy is also particularly valuable in solving and resolving intransigent, and persistent conditions.

The following are just a few examples of the many conditions which might benefit from Cranio-Sacral treatment:

Headache, Migraine.

Asthma, Sinusitis, Bronchitis, Cystitis.

Frozen Shoulder, Arthritis, Sciatica, Chronic Sprained Ankle, Joint Disorders, Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

Digestive Problems, , Menstrual Disorders, Period Pains.

Back Pain, Neck Pain, Persistent pain anywhere in the body.

Tension, Anxiety, Stress, Insomnia, Visual Disturbances.

Problems during and after Pregnancy, Depression, Post Operative Effects, Adhesions.

Baby Care, Colic, Pyloric Stenosis, Feeding Difficulties.

Ear Infections, Glue Ear, Tonsillitis, ENT Problems.

Birth Trauma - with its profound physical and psycho-emotional consequences.

Compression of the skull due to a difficult birth, with its many after effects.

Learning Difficulties, Dyslexia, Squint, Lazy Eye.

Hyperactivity, Autism, Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy.

Behavioural Disorders, Tantrums, Obsessional Behaviour, Poor coordination.

Dental and Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) Problems.

Shock and Trauma – from traumatic incidents, accidents, or conditionings.

Head Injuries, and their subtle influence on personality and mental state.

Meningitis and its chronic consequences.

Post Viral Syndrome, ME, Glandular Fever, Fatigue, Lack of Energy.

The after effects of any chronic illness or debilitating disease.

Just as the choice of foods either balances or deranges the body's health, one's choice of colors acts similarly.  Colors provide emotional strength and creativity.  If misused, colors can cause a disturbance or depression (i.e. bright colors stimulate emotions and energy, dark colors suppress emotions and reduce energy - in some cases they can also calm certain inidivduals).  Healing psychological disease is greatly assisted through color therapy.

Physically, color stimulates digestions, circulation, improves vitality, increases overall physical activity, and most of all, energizes blood.

Since color is so important,

- Use colored lamps, either by placing colored glass over light bulbs or by buying colored bulbs.

- Use soft lights instead of fluorescent or neon.

- Use full-spectrum lights in the winter when there is less sunlight to alleviate depression.

- Use mild and harmonious shades.

Choose the colors of your surroundings - clothes, home furnishings, car, office, bedroom - with care.