The Healing Willow Body and Soul Alignment with Natasha Dancause

10/11/2024

Vagal Toning: How Strengthening My Vagus Nerve Helps My Nervous System

Living with chronic illness often feels like a never-ending battle between my body and my mind. Every day can bring new challenges—pain, fatigue, and that overwhelming sense of being out of balance. But as I’ve learned more about my body, I’ve found that the vagus nerve is at the center of so much of how I feel.

The vagus nerve is a key part of our parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system.

When this nerve is toned, it helps calm our nervous system, lowering heart rate, reducing inflammation, and even improving digestion. For someone like me, dealing with a chronic illness that constantly taxes my nervous system, this is vital.

Vagal toning exercises—like deep breathing, humming, or gentle yoga—have become an essential part of my daily routine. Deep breathing 😮‍💨 doesn’t have to be huge inhales. It can be as simple as inhale and extend your exhale 😮‍💨 to double the length of time you inhaled for. Inhale for 3-exhale for 6 👍🏼

These simple practices help stimulate the vagus nerve and shift my body out of the constant “fight or flight” mode that chronic illness can trigger. I’ve noticed that when I regularly engage in these activities, I feel more grounded, less anxious, and better able to cope with whatever my body throws at me.

It’s empowering to know that I can tap into my body’s natural calming mechanisms. Chronic illness can make you feel powerless, but strengthening my vagus nerve has given me a way to take back some control. If you’re living with chronic illness too, I encourage you to explore vagal toning—small steps that can lead to big improvements in how you feel every day.

23/09/2024

Join me for an Restore Your Core®️ Series to:

👍🏻Strengthen your core, and your full body

👍🏻Relieve back pain, through mindful alignment

👍🏻Alliaviate pelvic floor dysfunction and how your alignment may contribute to it

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction? Have look at this list of some of the most common symptoms:

🌀Urinary urgency/frequency

🌀Incontinence (urinary and f***l)

🌀Constipation

🌀Diastasis Recti (DRA/ DR, separated abdominals and bloating)

🌀Prolapse of the bladder, bowel or uterus (Pelvic Organ Prolapse - POP)

🌀Painful in*******se and/or sexual dysfunction (Dyspareunia), difficulty reaching or**sm, pain after or**sm (yes I said it!!)

🩻Difficulty/pain inserting tampon

🩻Pelvic girdle pain (PGP)

🩻Sacroiliac joint pain (SIJ Dysfunction)

🩻Hernia

🩻Hemorrhoids

🩻Hip pain

🩻Tailbone pain

🩻Back pain - [95% of low back pain connected to pelvic floor dysfunction]

✅Workout with better results, gaining greater understanding of your sweet sweet body

✅Learn why kegels are not the only answer

✅Suitable for all fitness levels/men included

If you are looking to build a sustainable movement practice and to:

💥understand where your patterns may be causing you pain/discomfort 🪬🪬

💥restore optimal core function

Join me for this series 1 hr sessions

Throughout the series we will assess:

👣alignment

🧠compensation patterns

😮‍💨core engagement strategy

and guide you through movements to improve:

💪🏼strength

🦵function

🦵mobility

💥🧠AWARENESS 🧠💥

Registration required

Limited number of spots available due to smaller class size, to provide YOU with more hands on support 🫱🏼🧘🏻‍♀️🪷

These classes will build upon each other to help you take what you learn from the 🧘🏻‍♀️into your daily life 🔥

This program is great for new mom’s, all mom’s, dad’s or anyone who wants to use a somatic practice to re-connect with themselves 🧘🏻‍♀️

14/08/2024

Ho’oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian 🌺 practice of reconciliation 🤝and forgiveness 🙏🏻

The word translates roughly to “correction” or “to make right.” The traditional practice involved a family meeting under the guidance of a healer to discuss, confess, and forgive transgressions.

The modern, simplified version of Ho’oponopono, popularized by Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len and his teacher Morrnah Nalamaku Simeona, focuses on individual responsibility and self-healing. It consists of four key phrases:

**I’m sorry:** Acknowledging and taking responsibility for the issue or problem

**Please forgive me:** Seeking forgiveness from oneself or others for any harm caused

**Thank you:** Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to heal and for the forgiveness received

**I love you:** Affirming love and connection with oneself and the universe

This practice is often repeated as a mantra and is believed to help cleanse negative emotions, thoughts, and memories, promoting healing and inner ☮️ 🩵

I liked to use this 🙏🏻 as I am falling asleep or if I wake and can’t go back to bed. I also have a meditation recorded I often use

In the book Zero Limits by Dr. Joe Vitale, Dr. Vitale goes into more detailed explanations of the prayer and how to specifically use it to solve problems or issues you might be having. It’s a GREAT read!

If you’ve heard of this meditation and practiced it drop a 🌺 in the comments

09/08/2024

Do you know what your plants 🌱 🪴are doing for you behind the scenes?

My 🐍 Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is….
filtering formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene from my air &
releases oxygen at night, making it ideal for my bedroom….I have 2 in my room 😮‍💨

The idea snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata) can purify the air is popular, largely due to studies such as those conducted by NASA in the late 1980s. These studies suggested certain indoor plants, including the snake plant, can remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air.

🕷️ Plant (Chlorophytum comosum):
o   Effective in removing formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and xylene.
o   Easy to care for and produces oxygen while purifying the air…..tho I have never been able to get these to grown in my home and I have killed too many of them 😪

☮️ Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.):
o   Removes mold spores, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and benzene from indoor air.
o   Adds moisture to the air, benefiting respiratory health….I keep this beauty away from my cat tho.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller):
o   Known for its healing properties, aloe vera also filters out formaldehyde and benzene.
o   Releases oxygen and improves indoor air quality.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata):
o   Effective in removing formaldehyde and xylene from the air.
o   Helps to add humidity to indoor spaces, which can benefit breathing.

English Ivy (Hedera helix):
o   Filters airborne toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and mold.
o   Can reduce airborne mold particles, which can be beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory issues.

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens):
o   Efficiently removes formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and carbon dioxide from the air.
o   Releases a significant amount of moisture, making it beneficial in dry indoor environments.

Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii):
o   Effective in filtering formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
o   Thrives in low light conditions and can reach impressive heights, making it a striking addition to indoor spaces.

What plants do you have in your home which are working hard 😓 for you?

05/08/2024

The Art 🖌️🎨 of Yoga🧘🏻‍♀️ Nidra

Counting backwards in Yoga Nidra meditation can serve several purposes….all aimed at deepening😮‍💨 the state of relaxation and enhancing the meditative experience 🧘🏻‍♀️

The primary purposes:

⚓️Anchoring the Mind
Counting backwards, especially with repetition (e.g., “23-23, 22-22”), provides a mental anchor helping to keep the 🧠 focused

This prevents the mind from wandering🌀and helps maintain a meditative state

Inducing Relaxation 😮‍💨
The act of counting backwards has a calming effect on the nervous system

It encourages a gradual transition from the active beta brainwave 〰️state to the more relaxed alpha and theta brainwave states, promoting deep relaxation

📿Promoting Mindfulness
Focusing on counting 🔢 requires mindfulness and attention to the present moment

This practice enhances awareness and helps practitioners stay present, reducing distractions from external or internal stimuli ♒️

🧠Enhancing Concentration
Counting backwards requires concentration and can help improve mental focus. This increased concentration can carry over into other aspects of the meditation and daily life, improving overall cognitive function and clarity

🧘🏻‍♀️Preparing for Deep Meditation
The structured nature of counting backwards can serve as a preliminary exercise to prepare the mind for deeper meditative practices. It helps to quiet mental chatter and create a conducive environment for profound inner work

🎼Establishing a Rhythm
Repetitive counting creates a rhythmic pattern that can synchronize with the breath, enhancing the meditative experience. This rhythm can help in creating a sense of stability and continuity throughout the practice

Counting is a wonderful way to start your Yoga Nidra practice 🧘🏻‍♀️

Have you tried Yoga Nidra yet? Drop a 💟 below if you have and loved it

07/07/2024

🌟 Generational Trauma: Insights from Emory University 🌟

Did you know that trauma can be passed down through generations?

🤔 In 2011 researchers at Emory University completed a study about the science of generational trauma

They exposed male mice to cherry blossom scent and shocked them at the same time, they uncovered some fascinating findings!

🔬 Key Take Aways:

🧬Epigenetic Changes: Trauma can alter gene expression, which can be inherited by future generations

🧬Behavioral Patterns: The effects of trauma can manifest in behaviors and emotional responses in descendants, even if they didn’t experience the trauma directly

🧬Resilience and Healing: Understanding these patterns can lead to better mental health support and strategies for breaking the cycle of trauma

💬 What do you think about the idea that trauma can be inherited?

Share your thoughts below! 👇

25/06/2024

Meditation offers numerous benefits, including:

🧠 Stress Reduction: Meditation helps lower stress levels by calming the mind and reducing the production of stress hormones

🧠Improved Focus: Regular practice enhances concentration and attention span

😡Emotional Regulation: It can improve emotional well-being by promoting mindfulness and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression

🧠Enhanced Self-Awareness: Meditation fosters self-reflection and self-awareness, leading to better self-understanding

😴Better Sleep: It can aid in improving sleep quality and reducing insomnia

🧠Brain Changes: Meditation can change the brain in several ways, such as increasing gray matter density in areas associated with memory and emotional regulation

🧠Increased Positivity: It often leads to a more positive outlook on life and greater feelings of happiness

🧠Pain Management: Meditation can help reduce the perception of pain and improve pain tolerance

😮‍💨Meditation which focuses on 🗣️ can also increase 🫁 capacity and changes in the cardiorespiratory system 💥

These benefits are often associated with various meditation techniques, such as mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation🙏🏻🤍🙏🏻

The changes in the 🧠 observed with regular meditation are often related to increased connectivity in brain regions associated with these benefits

Join me for a 45min dip 💧 into Meditation 🧘🏻‍♀️ Wed July 3rd @ 6:00-6:45pm

06/05/2024

REIKI

 
🧿Reiki found me when I was in the middle of my healing journey with chronic illness. It has grounded me and allowed me to share its beauty with others🫶🏻
 
Usui Reiki, named after its founder Mikao Usui, encompasses a range of benefits, building upon the foundational principles of traditional Reiki:
 
🌟Deep Relaxation: Usui Reiki induces a profound state of relaxation, allowing the recipient to release tension and stress from the body and 🧠
                 
🌟Balanced Energy: By channeling Universal Life Energy (Reiki), Usui Reiki helps to balance the flow of energy within the body’s energy centers ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍(chakras), promoting overall harmony and vitality
 
🌟Self-Healing: Usui Reiki empowers individuals to participate actively in their healing process by teaching self-care techniques and encouraging self-awareness and self-compassion
 
🌟Physical Healing: Usui Reiki can accelerate the body’s natural healing processes, promoting faster recovery from illness, injury, or surgery
                 
🌟Emotional Support: Usui Reiki addresses emotional imbalances by facilitating the release of negative emotions, promoting emotional resilience, and fostering a sense of inner peace and well-being
                 
🌟Spiritual Growth: Usui Reiki encourages spiritual development by deepening one’s connection to the universal life force energy, fostering a sense of inner wisdom, intuition, and spiritual awareness
                 
🌟Holistic Wellness: Usui Reiki views individuals as holistic beings, addressing not only physical symptoms but also emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of health and well-being
                 
🌟Personal Transformation: Through regular practice and application of Usui Reiki principles, individuals may experience profound personal growth, leading to greater self-awareness, self-empowerment, and a sense of purpose in life
 
💎Overall, Usui Reiki offers a comprehensive approach to healing and personal development, empowering individuals to live more balanced, harmonious, and fulfilling lives 📿🪬

02/05/2024

🌟 Let’s talk about something many of us might not even realize we’re dealing with: diastasis recti.

👩‍⚕️ This condition, where the abdominal muscles separate, can lead to frustrating bloated feeling after meals and throughout the day. This can just feel painful or like you are still pregnant.

But fear not…..

Awareness is key, and there are exercises and techniques to help bring those muscles back together. Let’s support each other on this journey to a stronger, healthier core! 💪

Restore Your Core®️program can assist with this. Come for 6 weeks of YOU time every Monday starting March 6th at 5:15pm-6:15pm

07/04/2024

From Chappelle Gardens Residents Association:
We are excited to partner with our Spring Program Instructors to offer free trial classes of some new and favorite classes. I will be offering the meditation class. Come see why meditation is not what you thought it would be!!

Love the program as much as you thought you would? We are also offering a 10% discount on the Spring Program you trialed!

PLEASE REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE TRIAL CLASS HERE: https://centralv2.ivrnet.com/chappelle

Discount will be offered day of the trial. Visit the office and register with a staff to unlock the promotion.

03/01/2024

Are you ready to create a movement habit you love? I would love to complete this with you.

Even if you just have 5 minutes a day…
You deserve to feel incredible!

Don’t miss out on RYC® Fit’s 14-day challenge to build an intentional exercise habit that sticks.

Join them and get free access to the RYC® Fit Platform (from when you sign up until the challenge ends).
You’ll get…

✅ Access to 300+ workouts – from relaxing flow to strength-building cardio!

✅ Classes that fit your schedule – from 5 minute express classes to 50 minute strength-building routines.

✅ A conscious, safe, and FUN approach to fitness (yes, even if you’re injured) that fosters deeper connection with your body.

…and best of all?

You won’t be alone.

Their inclusive community (both on the platform and in the privat challenge Facebook group) is here to celebrate all your wins with you. 🎉

Here are just a few of the benefits:
😁 Classes that foster bliss
🙌 Turbo-charged confidence
🤗 Many doses of self worth
💪 Added strength and mobility
❤️ Pride in what your body can do
😴 Better sleep
🧘‍♀️ Reduced stress
🤝 A deeper connection with your body

Plus, you can also look forward to incredible 🎁giveaways 🎁throughout.

They’ll be giving away:
🎁 10 x RYC® Tank tops
🎁 2 x RYC® Hoodies
🎁 2 x 6 months RYC® Fit memberships
🎁 1 x Grand Prize: 1 year of RYC® Fit membership + RYC® Tank top

You deserve to feel incredible.

Sign up free today!

RYC®️Fit -RYC®️ is short for Restore Your Core. RYC®️Fit was developed for those who wanted to continue on with their pelvic floor healing. There is a huge variety of different movement options on this platform ❤️

Come join me-I would love to see you there so I can be one of your supporters! 🫶🏻

27/12/2023

If you haven’t been able to come to one of my Restore Your Core®️ classes there is another option. It’s not Restore Your Core®️ but a way to move inside your home 😂

Are you ready to create a movement habit you love?

Even if you just have 5 minutes a day…
You deserve to feel incredible💥

Don’t miss out on RYC® Fit’s 14-day challenge to build an intentional exercise habit that sticks.

Join them and get free access to the RYC® Fit Platform (from when you sign up until the challenge ends).

You’ll get…

✅ Access to 300+ workouts – from relaxing flow to strength-building cardio!
✅ Classes that fit your schedule – from 5 minute express classes to 50 minute strength-building routines.
✅ A conscious, safe, and FUN approach to fitness (yes, even if you’re injured) that fosters deeper connection with your body.

…and best of all?

You won’t be alone.
Their inclusive community (both on the platform and in the privat challenge Facebook group) is here to celebrate all your wins with you. 🎉

Here are just a few of the benefits:
😁 Classes that foster bliss
🙌 Turbo-charged confidence
🤗 Many doses of self worth
💪 Added strength and mobility
❤️ Pride in what your body can do
😴 Better sleep
🧘‍♀️ Reduced stress
🤝 A deeper connection with your body

Plus, you can also look forward to incredible 🎁giveaways 🎁throughout.
They’ll be giving away:
🎁 10 x RYC® Tank tops
🎁 2 x RYC® Hoodies
🎁 2 x 6 months RYC® Fit memberships
🎁 1 x Grand Prize: 1 year of RYC® Fit membership + RYC® Tank top

You deserve to feel incredible.

Sign up free today!

“RYC® Fit is so much more than an exercise program. It's a mindset, a philosophy of movement. It's changed the way I think and feel about exercise, about my body, and about myself. I workout almost daily, and for the first time in my life (I'm 36) I have found something I don't hate, and that I c...