Gem's Group

Fathers and Sons

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Thu, 12 May 2011 05:58:00 +0000

Fathers raising sons

Aleney de Winter

There is a special bond between father and son, perhaps in part because a son will carry on his father name or maybe because of shared interests or simple blood ties. Regardless of the reason, the bond is strong and the relationship full of joy. Former major league baseball player Harmon Killebrew said, “My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. My mother would come out and say, ‘You’re tearing up the grass.’ ‘We're not raising grass,’ Dad would reply. ‘We're raising boys.’”

All boys benefit from a strong male figure in their lives and it’s a father’s greatest privilege to be the man that not only gets to enjoy “tearing up the grass” with his sons but also to teach them how to become good men.

Ian Grant, parenting expert and author of Growing Great Boys, believes the role of a father in his son’s life is crucial and that dads can never be too involved with their sons. “Boys whose dads are involved with them from a young age do better in lots of ways — academically, emotionally and socially,” says Grant. “Well-fathered boys show the positive effects years later with an improved capacity for empathy and the health of their social relationships. You have to do whatever it takes to be there for your kids.”

New Zealand’s Nigel Latta, a respected clinical psychologist, parenting expert and author of Before Your Kids Drive You Crazy, Read This!, also stresses the importance of dads being positively involved with their sons and not just physically present. “It’s not as simple as just having a dad. What matters is having a good dad,” says Latta. “Parents have a big influence on how we see the world and develop, so it’s really important that parents teach boys that there are different ways to go about solving problems and that relationships are based on respect.”

While very small boys often express a preference for their mother over their father, this often alters between the ages of two and four when Dad suddenly becomes the main attraction. It’s at this age that little boys get excited about cars, boats, tools and tractors, and as Dad increasingly becomes their partner in play, being just like him becomes their mission.

Many dads rev their boys up with raucous physical play and boys love to wrestle and bounce about with them. This rough-and-tumble is not only a whole lot of fun for a small boy but vital to masculine development. During physical play, boys learn how far they can push and how much they can handle, as well as the all-important “rules” of playing with other males in a physical way while keeping boundaries intact.

As they grow a little older, boys begin to look to their fathers for a model of what “manliness” is and this influence will stay with them even once they become fathers themselves. All children learn from imitating the behaviour of others and it’s only natural that boys will emulate their fathers in the same way little girls do their mothers.

Latta says, “As a general rule, boys like dirty, dangerous things and if you let them do a little of that dirty and dangerous stuff, you’re probably going to have a pretty good relationship. Your role as a parent is to keep the balance so they have enough room to go out and make mistakes and skin their knees, but not so much that they’re roaming the streets and growing up feral.” Play time with Dad arms young boys with the knowledge they need to understand what their limits are.

A father’s role as playmate, guide and confidant is vital throughout a son’s whole life and the adolescent years are no exception — just a whole lot more troublesome. As with teenage girls and their mothers, tensions can arise between father and son when boys hit the complicated and confusing teenage years. At this time, a boy is trying to become his own person and find his own way in the world.

Often a boy sons will seek the confidence and wisdom of his father as subjects increasingly arise that he’d prefer not to discuss with his beloved mother. Latta suggests, “Dads are often better equipped to deal with adolescent boys than their mothers are because they remember what it was like.”

However, it’s not unusual for teenage boys to reject their fathers’ ideals and break away from their influence for a time. Mark Twain famously wrote, “When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could barely stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.”

Fathers need to realise they can never be as great as their young boys think they are, nor could they possibly be as stupid as their teenagers think they are. Grant concurs, “Boys at a certain age simply believe their dads are dumb. As a parent you can’t be threatened by that, but a lot of men are.”

It’s up to the father to nurture the relationship with his son during the awkward teenage years as best he can to stop it from weakening irreparably. Sharing a hobby or sport is a great way to connect and that common interest can assist in carrying the relationship through those tumultuous years. Sport is an excellent way for dads to connect with and enjoy their boys. Nothing will motivate a boy to finish his chores or eat his greens as effectively as the promise of a game of backyard cricket.

At the end of the day, the real focus is not what you do but that you do it together. Common interests are about more than just spending time together, though. Boys learn by apprenticeship to their dads and it’s often during these times that a father has the opportunity to teach his son valuable life lessons and skills such as perseverance and the importance of hard work. The care and love of a father during this time can help a teenager become independent and responsible and have good goals in life.

Boys know their mother loves them — they instinctively know that Mum will hang in for them come what may — but they often feel they have to earn a father’s approval. So dads must learn to tell their boys that they have what it takes. Men have a tendency to use put-downs as humour and must try to avoid using sarcasm with their boys too often, and when they do use it to compensate with plenty of positives.

Fathers need to tell their sons how proud they are of them and this is something some men, because of the way they were parented, can find hard. Raised by their own fathers with fear and criticism, a lot of men haven’t learned the skill of inspiring without putting down. Young males will rise to the occasion under the approval of their fathers and fathers hold in their hands the gift of opportunity to inspire their sons to achieve.

“A boy I helped was at university and got two As. When he showed his dad, he said to show it to him when he had four As. That’s too hard. If instead he’d said, ‘Two A’s? You’re good — I bet you can do a third next time’ the boy would have done four. It’s about being the inspirer, not the crusher,” says Grant. “I’m learning still from my grandsons to be the guy who believes in and inspires them. My eight-year-old grandson is a perfectionist. He recently got bowled out playing cricket and he got the pip. Everybody ignored him but I said, ‘Sammy, you’re a good cricketer’, and when he argued I told him that when you’re learning it’s OK to make mistakes. Everyone does. That’s all he needed to hear to get straight back out there.”

Grant suggests that positive reinforcement shouldn’t stop when the kids are grown-up. “I write to my adult children every Father’s Day, just a page telling them how much I admire them. When I first started, my daughter called to tell me she thought it was beautiful and my youngest son emailed me from Great Britain to thank me, but my eldest son said nothing for seven years. He’s a Rhodes Scholar and CEO of a company in Shanghai with 1500 staff. I was talking to him about strategic meetings one day when he suddenly said, ‘Dad, I really appreciate the Father’s Day letters you’ve been writing. I’ve still got the last one in my pocket — it’s been in my suit for a month.’ That blew me away. He’s a very successful man but he still longs for his dad’s approval. I think there are too many fathers who haven’t clicked on to that.”

One of the most important influences a father has over his son is in teaching him how he should treat women. A boy gets much of his attitude towards women and his own future partner from the way his father treats his mother.

Grant tells the story of early 20th century explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who solicited for men to join him on his trip to the Antarctic. His advertisement is said to have read, “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Poor wages, long months of darkness, bitter cold. Survival not guaranteed.”

“He wanted 37 men and over 5000 applied for it because boys have always been attracted to risk and adventure,” says Grant. “The trick is that a boy also needs to learn that at the end of his life there should be two rocking chairs on the veranda and that, while it’s OK to enjoy the boys’ own adventures, he also has to know how to treat his partner right and be an equal in the adventure they take together.”

There’s a scene in film The Castle where the mum serves up sponge cake while the dad, Darryl Kerrigan, extols its virtues to his kids. “Why would you go out with your mum doing this high-quality cuisine at home?” he asks. And when he’s told the powder on top of the cake is icing sugar, Kerrigan asks in awe, “Who would have thought of putting icing sugar on a sponge cake?”

What is so right about this scenario is that Kerrigan is honouring his wife in front of his children. And he consistently and persistently affirms his wife during the movie. It’s a great lesson as boys learn how to treat their partners by the way their fathers treat theirs. Grant concludes, “A father who demonstrates his respect for women by honouring his wife is offering a wonderful gift to a generation of future spouses.”

The duty of a good father, and in fact of any good parent, is to lead by example — not to judge or dominate his son, but instead to nurture and guide him into becoming a good man. It’s about educating and encouraging a son to make his own choices, supporting and respecting whatever those choices may be and, if those choices turn out to be the wrong ones, being there to console and comfort him without judgement.

Can you drink too much Water?

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 03:23:00 +0000

Can You Drink Too Much Water?

We’ve all heard the advice to drink at least eight glasses of water a day – after all the body is made up of between 55% and 70% percent water.

We need water to moisturise the skin, help eliminate toxins, regulate body temperature, carry nutrients to cells, help move blood around the body, keep mucous membranes – the lining of the lungs and the nose for example – moist, among a host of other functions. Our bodies need water to maintain the health of every single cell.

The majority of adults can lose up to 2.5 to 3 litres of water a day, so it is important to replenish it, as the body can’t store water. Most people need about two litres of water a day, and possibly more on a really hot day or if you are exercising a lot. The rule here is to balance what you drink with how much you sweat. You get a lot of your body’s water needs simply from the foods you eat though. All food, even dry-looking food, has a certain amount of water, but there are foods that are water-rich, such as lettuce, cucumber or fruits.

Too Much of a Good Thing

But can you drink too much water? In fact, you can. Drinking excessive amounts of water can cause hyponatremia, or water intoxication, a potentially fatal condition. The word has Latin and Greek roots and literally means insufficient salt in the blood.

You may have heard stories about club or festival-goers falling ill after consuming illegal drugs – in a recent high-profile case, someone tragically died after drinking too much water in an attempt to replace lost fluids. The trouble is, if you are intoxicated, your reasoning is compromised.

If you drink too much water, you dilute the levels of sodium in the body. The excess water can enter the cells in the brain, causing the brain to swell. This causes lethargy at first, blurred vision, headaches, then may lead to unconsciousness, coma and possibly death. At the first sign of early symptoms, get immediate medical attention to replace the sodium.

Dehydration, though, is probably more common than having too much water. This can be remedied quickly and easily by getting fluids into your body, but if severely dehydrated, seek medical attention.

The Natural Thirst Quencher

Water is the best thing to quench your thirst – sugary soft drinks just don’t cut it, and nor do diet soft drinks. They may even make you thirstier and have you reaching for more soft drink – the very thing you don’t need. And one of the great things about water is it’s free! And you don’t need to buy expensive bottled water – think of all those plastic bottles going in landfill. Fill up your reusable stainless steel or BPA-free bottle straight from the tap and away you go. Better still, use a water filter and fill up your bottles using that.

Be careful though if you feel excessively thirsty – this could indicate an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes. If you feel excessively thirsty for no apparent reason, it’s always best to get checked out by a medical professional.

There is a saying that goes “Water is the only drink for the wise man”. But as with everything in life, moderation is the key.

By Michelle Newton

When Should I Exercise?

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 06:12:00 +0000

When Should I Exercise?

by Sally Symonds

Many people wonder what is the “best” time for them to exercise? While every individual varies in terms of both their physical, practical and psychological preferences for training, there is a plethora of evidence to support afternoons as the most effective time to train.

Various studies have found that aerobic training is more effective in the afternoons , strength training in the afternoon results in greater lean muscle mass adaptation , swimmers perform better and are more alert and powerful in the afternoon and cyclists have more effective muscle activation patterns in the afternoons (thus suggesting better performances in the afternoons as well).

Furthermore, the potential for dehydration has also found to be greater in the morning. Having said all that, I still prefer to train in the mornings because I know that if I leave it until the afternoon I’m much less likely to end up actually doing it.

Many people spend time wondering what is the “best” way to do something instead of actually just taking the plunge. I am constantly bombarded by people who suffer from this kind of “analysis paralysis”. The best time for you to exercise is the time is easiest for you to exercise consistently. When should you exercise? Whenever you can!

Are you ready to break through to Abundance?

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 03:52:00 +0000

Are You Ready to Break Through to Abundance?

Recently I was enjoying my lunch in the sunshine, sitting on a swinging seat in my garden, surrounded by fragrant flowers and chirping birds. I felt like the richest and most abundant person in the whole wide world. Even if someone had offered me a million dollars - cash - there and then, to never allow myself that wonderful experience again, I would have easily refused the money. Some things are just too valuable to put a monetary price on them. I already felt abundant and rich beyond measure.

Often when people talk about wanting Abundance, they just mean financial abundance. As a wellness professional I am often guided to ask clients if there are any other ways in which they already feel abundant. Usually I am met with a blank stare. What else is there apart from financial abundance?

For me, abundance is a feeling on the inside – a kind of expansive, light-filled feeling that tells me that right now everything is ok.

As anyone who has learnt Reiki will know, one of the five precepts that is taught in Reiki is to live an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’. Do you moan and complain about everything you perceive as being wrong with your life? Shift your focus to all the wonderful things you already have in your life to live an Attitude of Gratitude. I don’t mean just the material things, but all the simple things in your life you may easily take for granted. When I was living in Nauru, a tiny equatorial island in the Central Pacific, I had very little in a material sense, but felt so abundant and grateful for my friendships and adventures.

When I have asked my students to list ten things they are grateful for, most will be able to roll off lots of things with no hesitation. Others just sit there dumbfounded because they have been so caught up in their perceived lack in their life that they have forgotten all the good things they already have. Remember, that for many people in the world something as simple as having clean water to drink or a bed to sleep in would seem like a miracle.

Take a piece of paper and a pen now and write down ten things you are grateful for, no matter how trivial they might seem to others. Really feel the gratitude as you do this. I recommend each morning when you first wake up, think of ten things you already have to feel gratitude for. See how it shifts the energy of your day. You can also do this at night when you go to bed. Dr Wayne Dyer says that whatever we think about for the last five minutes before we fall asleep at night is what the subconscious mind ruminates on all night. Better make it something positive!

So what is the point of living an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’? It raises your vibration energetically. Abraham Hicks talks about being in vibrational alignment with that which we seek in order to manifest it. The Law of Attraction states that we draw to us what we predominantly focus on. So, if you are spending most of your time thinking about how tough you have it and how little money you have, guess what? That’s right … you are a vibrational match to more financial worries and the cycle perpetuates itself!

“How can I break free of my negative thoughts and worry?” you may now be asking. Become a conscious observer of yourself and your thoughts. I like to think of negative thoughts as weeds in the garden of my mind. Each time you catch yourself thinking a negative thought, stop, and in your mind’s eye, pull it out. The more you do this, the further apart such thoughts become and the more you are raising your vibration.

What holds us back from achieving Abundance?

Dr Joe Rubino, an international expert in Self-Esteem, says that a staggering 85% of people suffer from low self-esteem. This of course has repercussions in all areas of a person’s life, from their confidence level to feeling valued enough to attract financial abundance. Dr Rubino is one of the six awesome speakers I interview in my Breakthrough to Abundance webinar series, which is live in November/December 2010 and will be available as an audio set in early 2011.

Limiting beliefs and unconscious self-sabotage hold many of us back from ever achieving the kind of abundance we desire, whether it be financial abundance or otherwise. Most of our beliefs and patterns are set in place before age five at the subconscious level. It is rather scary to think that the average 45 year old is still running a number of the subconscious programs of a 5 year old! Even with the best upbringing and the kindest parents, we can still put in place a number of faulty, limiting beliefs subconsciously that permeate every aspect of how we operate as adults and what we draw into our life. The conscious mind is the ‘tip of the iceberg’, with the subconscious mind representing 90% of our mind.

One of the best ways to update our beliefs, habits and attitudes into more positive, abundant ones is to visualise things the way you want them to be. The subconscious mind cannot discriminate between a vividly-imagined experience and a real one. Not only visualize, but also feel the good feelings attached to your positive visualization. This is one of the most powerful ways to bring yourself into vibrational alignment with whatever you wish to manifest, including financial abundance. See and experience

yourself as already having obtained your goal. Positive affirmations can also be very powerful, especially if you allow yourself to really feel the good feelings associated with the affirmation.

If you want to learn a whole lot more about how you can break through to allow more abundance into your life, financial or otherwise, I highly recommend my Breakthrough to Abundance for Healers global webinar series. Although this series is targeted to healing professionals, there is so much profound information being presented by our international cast of experts, that the series has great content for anyone wanting to enjoy more abundance in their life.

Author Bio:

Michelle Mayur is the creative conscious entrepreneur behind the Heal the Healer membership and mentoring program, www.heal-the-healer.com. She is running the Breakthrough to Abundance for Healers free global webinar series in Nov/Dec 2010 http://ht.ly/2V32B. Michelle has been in private practice at Angel Wings Healing www.angelwings-healing.com in Melbourne for 16 years.

All about Feet!

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 22:47:00 +0000

Reflexology - A natural approach to health

Emma Gierschick is a Director on the International Council of Reflexology board and the Principal

of Acorn Academy of Reflexology and Natural Health. The former National President & Honorary Life Member of the Reflexology Association of Australia; Emma has presented on TV and Radio several times and regularly contributes to national and international journals, magazines and other publications. She can be contacted on info@7keys2freedom.com www.7keys2freedom.com

Quite often the feet get little attention unless there is a problem and either they start to ache, become blistered, or develop a deformity such as a bunion, claw toes or heel spurs. But the feet are actually one of the most important parts of the body, containing a quarter of all the bones, with each foot comprising of 26 bones, 33 joints and over 50 muscles, tendons or ligaments. The feet work as a shock absorber, are responsible for helping propel us forward, and provide a solid foundation enabling us to stand our ground. A structural flaw or malfunction in any one part of the foot can result in the development of problems elsewhere in the body.

We all know how relaxing it feels to have the feet massaged at the end of a long day, but did you realise that by walking barefoot along the beach, along a cobblestone path or even across wet grass there will be a therapeutic effect on the internal organs of the body. This is because the nerve endings or reflexes in the soles of the feet are being stimulated at the same time. I’m talking about an ancient form of natural healing known as reflexology.

Reflexology is a very simple and safe form of holistic healing. It is based on the premise that various reflex points on the feet, hands and ears represent all the organs, systems and glands in the body. By stimulating those points with a variety of specialised finger, thumb and knuckle techniques there will be a direct effect upon the corresponding organ. It can be likened to a tune up of a car, or an internal body massage and is incredibly relaxing and extremely effective.

Evidence of the feet being worked for therapeutic benefits was first noted in ancient Egypt back in 2500BC, when a pictograph depicting this was found on the wall of a physician’s tomb. It is also believed that Native American Indians and primitive tribes in Africa also traditionally placed significant importance on caring for their feet, believing that if the feet were healthy, the body, mind and spirit would also be in balance. However, at the turn of the 19^th century reflexology started being recognised in its present form, after an American ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. William Fitzgerald and physiotherapist Eunice Ingham began to experiment by applying pressure to various parts of the feet and hands and recording the effects. The first modern day chart of reflexology was produced shortly afterwards.

To simply explain how the body is represented on the feet and hands: The left foot and hand represents all the organs, glands and parts of the body on the left side of the body while the right foot and hand represents all the organs etc on the right side.

The toes represent everything that would be found on the head including the, teeth, eyes, ears, mouth, nose, brain etc, while the ball of the foot represents the chest and breast area including the heart and lungs.

The arch of the foot represents all the internal organs of digestion eg: stomach, liver, gall bladder, spleen etc, while the lower half of the arch represents the intestines and bladder.

The skeletal system is represented on the extremities of the foot, with the spine being located along the bony ridge on the inside of the foot running from the top of the big toe to the heel, and the shoulders, arms and hips being located on the outer aspect.

By working on the various regions of the foot using firm pressure, it is believed there will be a direct effect on the corresponding organ or body part. Reflexologists do not diagnose, prescribe, claim to cure or treat a specific condition, instead they will work all the different regions of the feet during each session, creating the supportive environment so the individuals’ body can take from the treatment what it needs and bring itself back into balance.

In trained hands, any imbalances will usually show up to a reflexologist as congestion, and may feel like little ‘crystals’ under the skin, while the client may feel some initial mild discomfort as the area is being worked on.

Possible imbalances can also sometimes be identified with visible markings on the feet, for example horizontal lines located across the Achilles tendon at the back of the foot can indicate possible muscle tightness in the lower back or menstrual cramps.

Reflexology is often used by many as a preventative or maintenance programme and is suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds and health or fitness levels from babies to the elderly. It is very beneficial for helping with back, neck and muscular/skeletal problems, digestive disorders, reproductive and fertility issues, asthma conditions and stress.

Sessions usually last for around 1 hour with some private health funds offering rebates for the treatment on production of a receipt and the provider number of the practitioner.

Do it yourself tips for work or home

· Invest in a cheap roller to place under the desk, and roll the bare feet over it while working, alternatively use a rolling pin or bottle under the soles of the feet at night to help relieve the tension that has built up during the day, this is especially soothing if the bottle has been kept in the fridge for the extra cool touch.

· By massaging your ears or pulling on the ear lobes tension will be released in the back, neck and head, as the spine is represented in the grisly part of the ear and the head reflex is represented on the lobe – this definitely puts another slant on ear piercing!

· By massaging the tip of the thumb or drumming the fingers on the desk will help stimulate or relax the head and brain, and can also assist with clarity as this is where the brain reflex is housed

· Running the thumb across the palm of the hand works the diaphragm reflex – the large muscle located at the bottom of the rib cage, a common site for holding stress and tension. This is a commonly done subconsciously to relax the body.

· Holding a comb or prickly hairbrush tightly in the hand, so the teeth or bristles are pressing in the palm just at the base of the fingers will stimulate the eyes and ear reflexes.

· Finally twisting the foot with both hands, like a cloth is being wrung out will help relieve tension held in the spine reflex, while rubbing the base of the big toe can assist with neck strain or tension.

CARPE DIEM ...TOMORROW

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 06:05:00 +0000

Procrastination has had some pretty bad press over the years: being the thief of time and all that. However I have found it to be a rather productive failing. Putting off until tomorrow what you should be doing today has some very handy collateral effects.

For example en route to my desk to write this I hesitated and decided to get myself a strawberry yoghurt ice-block from the fridge instead. This postponed the writing of my column for, say, ten minutes. In that time I enjoyed a very tasty treat and watched, with my son, part of a documentary about that leviathan of the air, the Antonov cargo plane. Was this wasting time? Well, yes but it was an enjoyable diversion and I learned something from watching the documentary.

I have actually spent the past month procrastinating. When the Christmas break looms I always plan to use it wisely to do some writing of my own. Now I am about to go back to work and all I have written is a couple of shopping lists. I have thought of writing, dreamt of writing and have woken imagining I have written, though of course I haven’t. What have I been doing? Well, a lot actually.

Perhaps some procrastinate by sitting on the couch doing nothing but my procrastination is of the restless kind and it bears fruit. My evasion has propelled me and inspired me to do all sorts of jobs around the house. I have cleaned out my wardrobe, assembled the new stereo, sorted out some tree lopping and gardening - by hiring someone else to do it. I have even taken that bag of clothes that has been sitting in the hallway for six months to the Lifeline bin and have cleared out my library and traded in unwanted books, making space for new ones. I have had the car cleaned, tidied the house innumerable times, planned a holiday to Bali, studied the brochures, got some quotes from the travel agent and realised we can’t afford it but what the heck. I have called all the people I have neglected all year, arranged social gatherings, dropped in on friends, worked on the calendar for 2011.... See how busy I have been?

When my son has asked me to play cricket with him downstairs I have leapt at the chance to put off writing for yet another hour. And I have embraced the opportunity to go to Coles to do the grocery shopping, glad of another diversion. I have lost count of the number of times that I have popped out to Officeworks to purchase stationery.

When I am at work I find procrastination equally productive. I’m always writing my magazine stories at the last minute’: the panic gives me focus and a sense of immediacy is reflected in the text. In the meantime I spend hours tidying my desk and forward planning. Thus I am the most organised person in the office. Anal, some would call it.

In the end of course, despite the procrastination, I have written something: this. Even this is a form of procrastination though considering the fact that I should actually be working on my novel instead of indulging myself here. Never mind. I promise that I will start on that after I have tidied the house, washed the towels, put the garbage out and straightened all the clothes hanging in my closet.

This is not exactly seizing the day but eventually I will get around to doing that too – tomorrow.

Phil Brown - Journalist - Author

http://www.philbrownwriter.com/

The Power of Visualisation

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 22:56:00 +0000

What is it about visualisation that gives it potential for influencing the way things are? The answer is that it invokes the mind's creative power, that mental dynamo that produces not only great works of art, music and literature, but also great works of science and technology.
Everything men and women create in the world out there has its origins in the world in here. If we can visualise something, imagine it in our inner world as if it is happening in the outer world, then we have begun the process that may lead to bringing it about.
A clear example of this is the way we can use visualisation in psychotherapy and psychological counselling. If, for instance, I am trying to help someone who is shy when speaking in public, or highly nervous about a forthcoming examination, I will put them into a relaxed state and then invite them to visualise, in as much detail as possible, an actual occasion which arouses an unwanted emotion. The next step is to prompt them to visualise themselves as operating effectively on that occasion and maintaining their mental and physical relaxation.
Several repetitions of this exercise, over a period of days or weeks, leads to a marked decrease in the emotion concerned and a marked increase in positive states of mind. When stressful real-life situations actually present themselves, the person copes with them much more calmly and effectively.
Another example of the use of visualisation occurs in the Alexander Technique - that re-education in bodily use that brings so many benefits ( see, for example, Wilfred Barlow's The Alexander Technique). Having manually adjusted the client's faulty posture and physical movement, the Alexander teacher instructs him or her to from now on, consciously and frequently, direct the body to follow the corrected pattern of bodily use. Thus, at its simplest, a client who has been slumping badly may remind him or herself to "think up". No heroic attempt is made to hold the body in the correct position. The mind gives the instruction, and little by little the body absorbs the message. The process of absorption is greatly speeded up if assisted by visualisation. The client silently repeats the direction "think up", and at the same time visualises him or herself standing or moving in the correct way. From within, the client is visually identifying the physical space that the body should occupy and the body, over time, moves into this space.
Another example is the way an artist will visualise the effect he or she wishes to capture on canvas, or an architect visualises the outlines of a complete building, or an inventor a piece of functional machinery. The creation is first of all seen with the mind's eye, and then translated into concrete reality. There is nothing 'unscientific' about this. It is simply how the creative mind, for many people, actually works. We don't know the precise psychological processes involved, or where this marvellous gift of imagination (non-visual as well as visual) comes from. But we know that it exists, and that it is responsible for the greater part of the changes, good and bad, that men and women have wrought in their environment.

From the book "The Meditation Handbook" by David Fontana

The Return to Ritual

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:46:00 +0000

Enter a spa and you’ll hear the delicate tinkle of a bell ringing. The scent of smouldering sandalwood incense caresses your nose and the shadows from the beeswax tealight candles flickering against the latticed doors calm your soul. These are the features of many day spas, designed to set you at ease and bring you into a gentle, healing space.

Ritual has long been a part of our daily lives. Defined by some as a performance of a ceremonial act proscribed by tradition or sacerdotal decree, the definition of ritual continues to change and evolve. Where once, rituals were passed down over generations through different forms such as storytelling, music and literature, today this has changed.

The revival of the spa has renewed an interest in ancient rituals and ceremonies. Creators of treatments are reaching back for inspiration. Throughout history, secret rituals of health, beauty and longevity have been passed down through generations of families and today this tradition continues. You can experience incredible treatments for bath, hair and skin inspired by rituals once practised in indigenous cultures, temples and palaces.

Even the simple act of collecting ingredients and preparing them for treatments can be ceremonial. In some cultures, therapists will travel to the morning markets to hand-pick fruits, nuts, grains and flowers for their bathing and beauty rituals. By the ocean, you may observe healers collecting ocean water, shells and rocks for sea-inspired treatments, while in the mountains, the drawing of spring water from sacred rivers for hair rinses and foot baths is considered ritualistic.

Rituals by nature are spontaneous and free. They honour the fact that nothing is set in stone. All is energy and vibration. They do not need to be shrouded in silence or celebrated with solemnity. Rituals are ever-moving and changing. According to many traditions, rituals are best practised with gratitude and joy. The beauty of spa rituals is they honour the present. Whether lighting a candle or incense stick or bathing your skin in water, rituals in the spa bring you into the moment. Your heart, mind and body become centric. You are here.

Rituals also symbolise a return to earth. As we awaken to our earth’s natural treasures, we turn to her for inspiration. As the interest in preserving our environment expands, we request organic ingredients and treatments in our spas. No longer are we affected by the external. It’s having our feet in the earth that matters.

Where once upon a time we were concerned only with our tribe and community, today our vision has expanded. Little wonder spa rituals are multicultural. Inside the spa walls there’s little distinction between religious and philosophical preferences. Spas today offer rituals that blend the best of East and West. Imagine Eastern water therapies blended before you take a Chinese massage or shiatsu. All is welcomed and all is celebrated.

Relationships are integral to spa rituals. There have been numerous friendships formed against the backdrop of a spa. One of the delights about bathing in the hot springs in Japan is the people you meet. Laughter, chatter and sharing stories with strangers while immersed in healthful waters can be truly special. Our true nature emerges when we are in a harmonious space and deeper connections manifest.

It’s often the intention behind the ritual that is significant. In India, therapists may pray silently to the gods to give them the strength and integrity to help heal their guest. Every morning in Bali, therapists place offerings made of flowers, fruits and burning incense outside their spas to bless the day ahead with a Sanskrit prayer and three splashes of holy water. Through rituals, we understand it is our intention that creates a meaningful experience — perhaps our thoughts are the best medicine of all.

Rituals are also about self-empowerment. Increasingly, we realise that each of us has the answers to life within. If you look back to the origins of religion, medicine and other belief systems such as Ayurveda, you will discover they were created to encourage people to take wellbeing into their own hands. As ancient texts reveal, the purpose of life is to be self-sufficient. Infinite truth lies within each of us.

Many say we are on the brink of global transformation. What we think, we create. Whether you receive rituals in a healing spa environment or create your own at home, ultimately it’s the act of taking time for self that is most significant. After all, there really is nowhere else to be but here.

Spring detox

Make up these mixes first or use pre-mixed home spa products.

Oil rub

1-2 tbsp cold-pressed oil such as grapeseed, sesame or almond; 3 drops ginger, 2 drops bergamot and 1 drop lemongrass essential oils. Mix together.

Bath ingredients

1 cup (180g) fresh ginger, grated; 1 cup (20g) fresh flowers such as jasmine.

Scrub

2 tbsp ginger powder; 2 tbsp basmati rice, ground finely in coffee grinder; 5 drops lemongrass essential oil; 1 tsp honey; 4 tbsp coconut milk. Mix together into a creamy paste.

Moisturiser

1 tbsp cold-pressed oil such as olive, sesame or almond; 1 tsp honey; 2 drops each bergamot, jasmine and ginger essential oils. Mix together.

Directions

Put on inspirational music. Dim the lights. Light an incense stick or burn essential oils in a vaporiser to create an atmosphere.
Run a warm bath and add bath ingredients.
Blend the oil rub over your body, using gentle strokes towards the heart and kneading to increase circulation, and step into the bathwater.
Soak in the bath for up to 20 minutes, enjoying the silence and the fragrances in the air.
Apply scrub, starting with your upper body and using circular movements to exfoliate your skin. Work your way down to your feet.
Rinse off in cool shower. Towel dry. Apply moisturiser over your skin.
Rest. Drink a cup of ginger tea.

Judy Chapman

Thinking detox?

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 05:53:00 +0000

Why do we need to Detox?

We need to Detox to help our metabolism maintain optimum function. Detox helps to clear out toxin build up which impedes healthy cell function. This build up can occur because of excessive exposure to toxins or suboptimal functioning of detoxification organs and processes, or both. By regularly Detoxing we reduce the likelihood of disease and enhance feeling great.

What is considered a toxin?

A toxin is a substance that is harmful to the body. Traditional toxicology defines toxins in relation to the dose or amounts of a particular substance. Toxins come from outside the body, for example pesticides or heavy metals. Toxins also come from inside the body, because of a build up of waste products from normal functioning or from “bad” bacteria in the gastrointestinal tracts.

Can’t our bodies Detox naturally?

They can, infact our bodies are always detoxifying. Every cell of the body has a cleansing ability and there are major organs and systems involved in constant detoxification. It’s ideal to Detox regularly to support this healthy cleansing function and to avoid these systems and processes from being overwhelmed or thwarted.

What are the signs I might need to Detox?

Signs to Detox include: Digestive problems, low energy, headaches, unclear thinking, poor skin appearance, cravings. If you are feeling anything less than optimal, this could be improved by a good gentle Detox.

Why do I get headaches, feel nauseous or lethargic when detoxing?

I’d suggest the pathophysiology of headaches would be either inflammation or a shift in blood flow to the head. These could be caused by either withdrawal from an addictive substance, like caffeine or alcohol, or an excessive of reactive toxins in the blood, due to an excessive liberation of toxins that the organs of detoxification can’t manage. Nausea can be associated with the liver being overwhelmed from toxins. Lethargy can be due to your body needing energy to deal with the cleansing processes that are going on, that it needs to rest. You must rest during a Detox, drink lots of pure water and if nauseous, lots of ginger and honey tea.

What’s the difference between a juice and a smoothie detox?

A juice Detox means imbibing the fluids from the plants juiced, whether grass, vegetables or fruits. You could have one or five juices a day, with or without other foods. A smoothie detox provides the fluids and the solids of the plants used. This means you get the benefits of the whole food, including the fibre that provides necessary bulk to keep the bowel moving. Again you could have vegetable, fruit and superfood smoothies once or four times a day, with or without other food, depending on how much preparation you have done for your body to handle the Detox.

What other detox diets are out there?

There are many different detox diets with various levels of intensity. The raw food approach is my favourite approach. My raw food blog describes some of my journey with that process. Dr Joshi has a good gentle detox diet.

How does going on a juice- or smoothie-only fast help?

A juice or smoothie-only fast acts to reduce the burden on the digestive tract. The foods are already mechanically broken down, which frees up some digestive energy and enables the body to cleanse and repair elsewhere in the body. Additionally, good juices and smoothies will be made from organically produced plant ingredients, which will provide excellent nutritional support for detoxification. Make sure you prepare yourself before going on a juice or smoothie-only fast.

Is that a good way to detox?

Juices and Smoothies are a supportive and effective way to detox if your body is ready for it. If you’ve been a smoker, drinking, caffeine addict, fast or processed food consumer, lived in a city for long periods of time, eaten conventionally grown produced, experienced moderate to high levels of stress, had amalgm fillings, pharmaceutical medicines or exposed to conventional cleaning products, then you may need to take a few preparatory steps before jumping into a juice or smoothie only fast. Jumping in too fast could be damaging.

What is the best, safest way to detox?

Slowly, gently and gradually is the best, most effective way to detox. The body appreciates this and more healing is possible when approached in this manner. Make sure you give yourself time out of normal life, lots of pampering and space, and the best water and nutrients you can find.

Do I need to detox if I eat healthily?

A regular detox can help everyone living on our crazy planet today. Detox is not just about what you eat, it’s also about what you drink, breath, touch and think. Everyone can benefit from taking stock of this every now and again, and eliminating things that are not supporting their true vitality.

Do I need to consult anyone before starting a detox?

It depends a lot on how much time you have to research things yourself, what level of toxin exposure you’ve had, if you’ve Detoxed before and how well your elimination channels are functioning. It can help to get some one-on-one support to start with or if you have particular problems.

Anyone can safely start a Detox today by clearing out toxic substances from your home and workplace, stopping, or at least slowing down the intake of regular drugs, sugars and processed foods and becoming aware and rooting out toxic thoughts from your mind.

I don’t want to do a detox, but I want to keep my system “clean”. What habits should I adopt?

There are many ways to keep your system clean. Physically, maintaining healthy bowel function and good hydration levels are two very easy ways. Eating foods in their whole form, or as close to natural as you can provides great cleansing support. Avoiding synthetic chemicals in your body care products and in foodstuffs is a simple guideline to follow.

Sally Mathrick

The benefits of Meditation

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 23:31:00 +0000

There is a very simple way to start meditation practice: expect nothing. “Expectation is the foundation of failure,” notes the Dalai Lama, meaning new practitioners who anticipate the achievement of an exalted state the first time they try to quieten their minds will often find themselves disappointed. Even devotees need to let go of expectation each time they sit down meditate. The simple reason for this is that expectation is counterproductive to the practice of meditation.

Why? Does that mean meditation is aimless? Well, aims have to do with the future and meditation is about the present. Aims have to do with desires, whereas meditation is about desirelessness. Aims have to do with wanting something you don’t have, whereas meditation is about being with things just the way they are.

A far more useful approach to the practice of meditation is to let go of expectations and allow your experience of mediation to mature in its own way and in its own timeframe. It may also be useful to understand that the exalted state is not necessarily a sign that meditation is “working”. Rather, it is the capacity to live consciously, to be present, accepting and aware in moment-to-moment living that indicates meditation is having an effect. Mindfulness meditation is about the cultivation of everyday mindfulness.

Placing expectations on your meditation practice can be futile for other reasons, too. First, achieving profoundly transcendent states tends to be the exception rather than the rule for most meditators, particularly those who are new to the practice — and “new to the practice” might include those with less than 30 years experience! The disappointment if such transcendence is not experienced tends to lead to frustration and many give up the practice when their actual experience does not measure up to unrealistic expectations. Second, the focus of attention on the future outcome rather than the moment-by-moment process prevents you from learning from your experience.

Learning how to be

It would be easy to believe meditation has something to do with thinking your way into happiness. However, it may be that since childhood you have been thinking your way out of happiness and into a complex and perplexing world of worries, fears, desires and doubts. The modern world feeds this tendency with ever more force, leading to escalating levels of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Mindfulness meditation is aimed at restoring a normal or natural state of awareness — the one we were born into. Along with that come the happiness and simplicity that were and are natural to us.

Keep your eyes healthy

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 23:27:00 +0000

Does my bum look good in this chair?

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:39:00 +0000

If poor posture has caused you to have lower and upper back pain, or shoulder and neck aches, headaches, or carpal tunnel, then the tips I'm about to share with you are coming just in time. Consistently putting this kind of stress on your body will have long term consequences, which can be avoided without very much effort. Not only that, who likes to be in pain? The study of ergonomics is all about keeping the body in proper alignment and in proper relationship to all the objects that come into contact with that body.

Furnishings and everyday objects have been scientifically designed to assist humans in maintaining good posture. Much of the furniture designed to be ergonomic is also beautiful design, well constructed and functional. If you have ever owned one of these chairs, you'll know that the designer earned his/her own "golden" chair in heaven. Like you, I'm a workaholic, and my chair has made the world of difference to me.

How to improve posture: the following are ten tips to help you to keep your body in perfect alignment at your work station.

1. Sit straight in your chair with your back, and lower back ( and backside) firmly against the back of the chair. The chair is meant to give your back support while you are sitting. This is where a good ergonomically designed chair will help you to maintain correct posture, keeping you in a good relationship to your desk. Your muscles should be relaxed, nothing straining.

2. Your feet should be flat on the floor when you are sitting at your desk. Your bent legs should form a right angle to the floor. Don't twist your legs under you. Don't put your feet up on the desk either, though I admit, it's tempting.

3. Keep your chin slightly tucked in and your head straight.

4. Don't hunch over your keyboard.

5. Distribute your weight evenly in your chair. Don't lean to one side or the other.

6. Make sure your monitor is at eye level. You should be able to look directly across at your monitor, not up or down.

7. Make sure your wrists are aligned with your forearms. Carpal tunnel happens when there is constant strain on the wrists and hands. Remember, you can't play the violin with carpal tunnel. You can use an ergonomic wrist rest on your mouse pad to support your wrist.

8. When you turn from one direction to another, move your whole body in that direction, not just your head.

9. Use the armrests on your chair to support your arms and shoulders and adjust your keyboard to a comfortable level.

10. To reduce pressure on your lower back, lean back slightly. A well designed ergonomic chair will allow you to lean back, which relaxes your back muscles.

These are only some of the sound "ergonomic" habits to adopt. Observe these habits, and you will be rewarded with a PAIN FREE body at last! Remind yourself constantly of these simple rules on how to improve posture. Don't forget to get up at least once an hour and S-T-R-E-T-C-H!

Gem's Youtube video

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 01:57:00 +0000

Treat your staff to a Xmas massage....

Call us now for your booking on 1300 850 063!

or email info@gemcorporateservices.com.au

Workplace Incident Management

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:18:00 +0000

Workplace Incident Management

Gem Corporate Services is proudly associated with some of Australia's most knowledgeable and experienced experts in the field of workplace wellbeing, and in Health and Safety. Among them is our resident investigative consultant who works tirelessly to assist our client companies to train key personnel in Incident and Risk Management. Grant McKay facilitates site specific workshops for private companies and for local and federal government.

Learn how to properly assess and respond to workplace incidents
Understand procedures undertaken during the investigation of accidents/incidents in the work environment
Explore actual case scenarios and the resulting courtroom decisions
Understand the relevant case laws supporting those courtroom outcomes
Take the steps necessary to protect your exposure to potential claims

"Generally speaking the current response to most incidents and accidents by key personnel is manifestly inadequate. Ultimately, the information gathered may very well end up being tested in a court of law. Courts do not accept excuses when people are injured or killed as a result of inadequate OH&S management!" Grant McKay

Ask yourself the tough questions....

Do I have the skills to identify potential OH&S issues in my environment?
Do I know how to respond appropriately to accidents / incidents?
What information is legally relevant?
Can there be too much information?
How do I record the information so that it is timely and relevant?
Are my policies and procedures appropriate for the environment in which they are applied?
What are the differences between Workcover, public liability and common law issues?
What are the penalties if I am found liable?
How do I ensure that others are also committed?

If you find yourself struggling to confidently answer these questions - you need to address them now!

Testimonials:

"Grant recently conducted a mock court for our Local Laws Team to assist with court preparation and presentation. The experience was invaluable to our team and one they will not forget in a hurry. Grant made the experience very real, and his knowledge in this area was very obvious throughout the training. Our team found it most beneficial and we were very pleased with the outcomes." Helen Hine, Learning & Development Coordinator, Customer Service, City of Casey

"These Risk Management sessions were an eye opener. We thought we had great systems and procedures, and always ensured our people were inducted and trained....but it became quite clear that it's not enough! We came away with a revamped approach - simple and workable - and most importantly, everybody is onboard! Grant has an easy and likeable manner, and because of his extensive on-the-ground background, he was captivating and convincing. No employer or manager should be without this experience. Thank you!" Brian Thomas, Managing Director

Grant brings over 30 years of real life experience as a member of the Australian Federal Police and as an Investigative Consultant to his workshops. Notably, his key role in exposing the truth behind the case of Roseanne Catt says it all.... "Thank you to Grant McKay, Private Investigator, for his diligent and thorough tracking of Thomas and his activities" Roseanne Catt, Author of "Ten Years".

Be Quick!
For an initial assessment with Grant at your organisation,
email: info@gemcorporateservices.com.au
or call 1300 850063.

Stress and Exercise

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Sat, 30 May 2009 06:05:00 +0000

Physical exercise can be viewed a little like play time for big kids. It is widely acknowledged that people feel better after they have exerted physical energy. Once incorporated into our lives, being active becomes an important element to balance stress levels and lift our mood. We are better able to deal with pressures, we are more positive, have more energy, and feel more resilient.

Consider our fight or flight programming. Primitive man felt stress for purely physical reasons - to fight an animal, or to run from danger. In response to these immediate stresses, adrenalin is released into the body to enable us to react instantly to life threatening situations. Our bodies still respond in the same way, but two things differ. Firstly, adrenalin is released at lower levels in response to less life threatening stresses, but is present for sustained periods of time, rather than in a short burst to deal with an immediate danger. Secondly, our sedentary lifestyles do not allow this survival hormone to be utilised through any physical "fight or flight".

Excess adrenaline, and its related products get stored in the brain and the heart, where they can affect function alter your responses. Physical activity causes these stored products to be metabolised and clears away the adrenaline build up which has accumulated from stress.

It leaves you feeling relaxed and restores a healthy balance to your autonomic nervous system.

Being active makes your whole body stronger, so that you are more resistant to whatever knocks you come up against.

Releasing Stress

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Mon, 11 May 2009 05:37:00 +0000

We hold stress physically in our bodies – and that be a can be a real pain in the neck – just for starters.
The daily stresses of work, family, and our busy, overbooked lives can add up to a variety of physical aches and pains. It is common knowledge that stress is associated with headaches and backaches, lack of focus and concentration, high blood pressure – the list goes on.
Stress can cause muscles to unconsciously tighten, which, in turn, leads to shorter muscles and ligaments and decreased mobility in the joints of the shoulders, hips, and spine. Even worse, the stress-induced muscle activity actually steals energy needed for other critical functions and wastes the body's important nutritional resources. All of this, of course, causes more tightness, more aches and pains, and, indeed, more stress.
Learning how to manage stress is critical to your long-term health and wellbeing.
Corporate massage can help you manage the physical and emotional effects of stress. Seated massage is designed to increase joint mobility, greatly reducing muscle tightness and overall pain. In addition, it allows the body's regular metabolic process to work effectively, so that the nutrients your body needs for healthy living are readily available. Finally, your corporate massage therapist can recommend stretches and other exercises to keep your body strong and flexible.

Taking regular stress breaks is essential - even five minutes will help. These mini-breaks can be anything from taking a walk, to deep breathing, or a few minutes of stretching. Since eliminating stress is next to impossible, learning how to manage it is critical.

Daily stresses can be triggered by situations which cause us to become irritated, hassled or frustrated. Often the point of conflict can be small, but our reaction to it can be disproportional. Perhaps it triggers something larger we haven't dealt with in our lives on a deeper level. Sometimes the "straw that breaks the camel’s back" is the final small aggravation on top of everything else.
Here are a couple of fast exercises you can do to eliminate some of those daily stressors, e.g. traffic congestion, long lines, personality clashes etc.
First, make a list, numbering from 1 to 10. Rate for yourself how bad something is from a little situation to a real catastrophe happening in your life. Number one might be spilling coffee on the counter and number 10 breaking your leg or a serious catastrophe. If traffic congestion irritates you or a driver cuts in front of you on the road, use this exercise to remind yourself to stay balanced and clear on your perspective.
Relatively speaking you can find something positive in every time and place. Practicing patience will also allow a more visceral release of that which is bothering you.
One more tool is to be grateful for the positives around you. As you touch on that which you are grateful for, you attract to you more of the same.
Take a break when you seem overwhelmed with stress, breathe and stay in perspective.

For more troublesome issues, Write a “dump letter” – write a detailed account of the one issue that is plaguing you – everything is included – unedited and raw. Run free with a whole account, with all the expletives and exposed emotions included. Keep writing freefall, and keep writing even when you think you’ve said it all. Continue scribbling on the page, because as you scribble, you will find another wave – another layer of grievance will emerge. There is no structure to this writing, because nobody will see it.
Keep it overnight. Next day, read over your letter. Add anything more that you think of. Then, when you are done, extract any inspired phrases from your letter that may actually be useful in moving forward, and write them down as a reference for later. The rest you will probably find is junk - garbled raw emotion, which upon reading again, has lost its heat.

We have the ability to pay attention to and create our thoughts. The stress comes because we are unaware of this habit of running our mind on autopilot. The success comes when we realize that we are the only thinker of our thoughts, and we can create our thoughts, then our feelings, and then our actions, that we desire.
So, living our lives with our mind on autopilot can be a stressful habit, and paying attention to and creating our thoughts is a successful practice. When we are in charge of our thoughts, we become in charge of our feelings, and then we become in charge of our actions.

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Mon, 04 May 2009 10:21:00 +0000

Gem Corporate Services delivers programs to support in-house OH&S strategies nationally:

Corporate massage to the stressed and injury prone
Manual handling training for prevention of muscle strain, chronic soft tissue problems, and the development of correct postural function.
Stress management workshops for prevention, early intervention and rehabilitation of occupational stressors.

Our corporate massage service helps prevent absenteeism, by providing simple and effective treatment to soft tissue injuries, for both short term and chronic problems.
This means that that there is minimal time spent off the job, and problems can be treated onsite, with issues corrected, stabilised and managed for a minimal investment by the company.
Common complaints are neck and shoulder tension, lower back pain, tired legs and feet, headaches and migraine, stress related fatigue, rotator cuff inflammation, and for shift workers, sleep difficulties.
Advice about Manual Handling techniques, and exercises for core strength and stretching are regularly provided as a normal inclusion with each massage treatment.
During the sessions, our practitioners are able to develop a rapport with each participant, which enables us to to consult and educate each individual in a discreet and private environment about lifestyle choices such as fitness, leisure activities, relaxation techniques, smoking, alcohol consumption and diet.

Gem Corporate Services provides an expert team of experienced practitioners, all fully qualified, accredited and insured.
Our basic function is to provide a cost effective, reliable and professional service which reduces down time due to work-related stress and injury, therefore reducing work claims, medical payouts, and days off work.

Want to learn more?

Less stress and more energy:
Click Here!

Posture tips and diet secrets:
Click Here!

The mechanics behind back pain

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:50:00 +0000

Every day we see people who experience chronic lower back pain. They are often people who sit in front of a computer all day at work, drive a car or truck for much of the day, or shift workers required to perform small repetitive tasks over extended timeframes.
Often people want us, as massage therapists, to "fix" their back problem. Unfortunately it's not that easy. Massage is certainly very good for relieving tight muscles that go into spasm around the affected area, but this does not provide a cure.
Of course there are many causes of lower back pain, but I am going to concentrate on the most common. If you have concerns, it makes good sense to see your health professional first.
Pain in the lower back very often indicates a stiff or unstable joint in the spine.
Firstly, lower back instability is caused mostly by muscles that do not support the spinal joints properly. Weak, lazy muscles allow the joints in your spine to move around too far, instead of maintaining the spine in the correct posture. When these muscles do not learn to do their job, they get even more slack, and the joints that they were designed to support get more unstable.
Second, stiffness in the joints is perpetuated when the joints are not mobilised, and therefore do not move very often, and so become even more restricted.
If you have ongoing lower back pain, chances are that over time, your stiff joints have got tighter, and your unstable joints have become more lax.
Unfortunately, massage therapy cannot fix this cycle. But there is plenty that you can do to reverse the situation.

The joints in our body work with the aid of opposing muscles that ideally operate in sync with each other. When the symmetry of function is lost, the muscles will pull around the joint with unequal force. One muscle may be stronger or tighter than the opposing muscles, or one muscle may be weaker than the others. This muscle imbalance will be problematic for your joints.
Around our spinal joints we have mobilising muscles, and we also have stabilising muscles. The mobilising muscles are utilised consciously for action. They are large and long, and provide leverage for the joint (hamstrings, iliopsoas, erector spinae). Some examples of other mobiliser muscles in our body are our biceps, hamstrings, and deltoids.
The stabiliser muscles support the body, to maintain body position, and also to counter the force of your mobilising muscles during a movement. These are often placed deeper in the body – close to the joint it is there to support. (transverse abdominus, multifidus)
The stabilizer muscles are crucial for posture maintenance and joint stability. These muscles often work subconsciously, and operate with a long, low-intensity contraction.
Our mobiliser muscles often like to take over all jobs, which is taxing for them when they are attempting to do everything, and therefore they become overactive and tight. The stabilizer muscles as a result, do not get the chance to do the work they were designed to do, and therefore become weak and sloppy.
When our stabiliser muscles weaken in this way, they are unable to maintain body posture effectively, the opposing muscle partnership is lost, and our spinal joints become unstable and/or stiff. Over time of course, we develop back pain.
What can you do about this situation? How can you effectively reduce your back pain?
You can retrain your stabilizer muscles – consciously “switch “ them on, and strengthen them, without the mobiliser muscles getting involved in this particular exercise regime.
Meanwhile, your tight, over-used mobiliser muscles need to relax and lengthen.
In summary, to rid yourself of lower back pain:

1. Strengthen your stabilizer muscles
2. Stretch your mobilizing muscles

With this conscious training on your part, balanced function of your spine is restored. Your posture will be supported effectively in natural alignment, and your spinal joints will have normal mobility and flexibility.

Want to know more?

Related links:

Pilates Core strength: Click Here!

Stop sciatica: Click Here!

Abundant vitality

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 05:09:00 +0000

We are all spontaneously creative…. learn how to access the creative you. To tap into a vast reserve of unlimited problem solving ability....
1. Choose a wish list target to focus on…. create a strategy. Now - make it your reality!
2. Start writing a journal. Entries can be fanciful or factual, and as lengthy as you like. It could be the start of the book you write one day. It allows you to muse, but it also shows you how are thinking. And how you think is pivotal to how your life runs.
3. Find your creative outlet - pottery, kareoke, line dancing, African drumming, drawing, poetry, crafts, photography etc....practice the things which bring you joy.
4. Choose one thing at home that you are going to let go of....perhaps an article of clothing. That's a start. Get rid of the junk at your place to make room for something new.

When you inject that kind of energy into your life on a regular basis – now you’re living – not just getting by!
It impacts on every area of your life – be vibrant outside work, & it makes you an energised contributor at work – it makes you a better partner, friend, parent, lover!

•MAKE YOUR LIFE PHENOMINAL!
•HOW?
•ITS ABOUT ATTITUDE – HOW YOU THINK…& YOU CAN CHANGE ALL THAT RIGHT NOW!

Are you living in accordance with your personal values?
Do you have a balanced vision clear in your mind?
- Our behaviour is a result of our attitude
- Our attitude is a result of what we think - & what we think governs our emotions
- We have a choice – we choose what we think.

Notice how you rationalise / justify your reasons for not changing
- Are you just going through the motions at work? In your life?
- Be clear about how you want to be
- Start with a decision that something is going to change. Commit to that decision.

Inspired to make a start?

Click Here!

Gem Group - Corporate Massage

noreply@blogger.com ("Gem's Group") — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:52:00 +0000

Lower stress and injury with Corporate seated massage....

At your workplace!
Book the No.1 Corporate Health Provider.....

A 15 minute seated massage will de-stress and ease away tension, leaving your people recharged with lasting energy and mental clarity.
Offered regularly, the results are - lowered job stress and increased productivity.

Our clients report absenteeism is down an average of 25%

What else do we do??

Health and Wellbeing Sessions
Work/Life Balance Programs
Individual Coaching
Special Events Presentations

Over 150 organisations across Australia benefit from Gem's programs.