Prevention is the core of what we believe in, and integral to what Brownstone Health was founded on. While helping people with physical injury prevention is something we are really good at, we also recognize the importance of cognitive health. Our clinic founder did her research degree on “physical manifestation of emotion” while working with sports teams to provide injury prevention. Mental and physical are inseparable components of what creates us. While cognitive training isn’t as common as physiotherapy, it sure can be helpful!
This piece of Brownstone Health is purely provided through the lense of prevention. We are not offering cognitive rehab, nor are we treating mental health conditions. We are providing introductory services to teach basics. We have put together some services that anyone can do, offering the accountability to build habits through scheduled appointments.
We are proud to teach the basics of meditation, provide yoga nidra, and guide cognitive training. Our sessions can be done in the clinic or virtually.
Meditation:
Starting a meditation practice is hard. It takes a lot of discipline and time, which isn’t easy to do. If you have always wanted to learn to meditate, or if it has been advised that you start meditation, we are excited to provide a program to help. We combine years of experience teaching meditation with neurofeedback technology to create a safe, custom one-on-one program for you. We can answer questions, and importantly, we provide accountability to help you build the discipline needed for a successful practice.
Breathwork:
Our certified yoga instructor can lead you through different styles of breathwork. From practicing deep diaphragmatic breath, to learning traditional cleansing and balancing breaths, this is a session built just for you.
From a western perspective:
Diaphragmatic breathing, or belly breathing, is a technique that uses the diaphragm to facilitate deeper, more efficient breathing by expanding the abdomen rather than the chest.
Benefits of Diaphragmatic Breathing
- Improved Respiratory Function: Increases lung capacity and makes oxygen ventilation more efficient.
- Physiological Relaxation: Slows heart rate and can reduce blood pressure.
- Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Helps calm the nervous system, which can alleviate stress and anxiety.
- Symptom Management: Can help with conditions like shortness of breath, chronic pain, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Digestive Support: May help alleviate bloating and improve the movement of food through the digestive system.
From a Yogi perspective:
Pranayama is the fourth “limb” of the eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga. Pranayama is introduced as a method aimed at stabilizing the mind. The practice involves two primary techniques: exhalation, known as pracchardana, which entails expelling air from the stomach through the nostrils, and retention, known as vidharana, which focuses on the controlled restraint of breath. Pranayama supports advanced practitioners in gaining control over the mind and complements meditation, aiding in achieving a light body and steady mind by regulating breath.
Yoga Nidra:
Yoga nidra, or “yogic sleep,” is a guided meditation and relaxation technique practiced in a reclined position (Savasana) gently guides your mind and body into a deep rest. Yoga Nidra may help to reduce stress and anxiety. While lying comfortably, our certified yogi will direct your awareness through different parts of your body, encouraging relaxation and mindfulness. The intent of the practice is to culminate in a deeper state of relaxation with a gradual return to full wakefulness.
Cognitive Training: We are using software that anyone is able to download and access. We have trained under the clinic package, and are able to log in and help with your progression. This isn’t therapy or rehab, this is performance training. Sometimes, it is easier to stick with a program if there is someone coaching you along. That is the goal of this service.