The Best Tool for Stress Busting

 Somato Respiratory Integration

    Somato Respiratory Integration (SRI) exercises were designed by Dr. Donald Epstein to help the brain reconnect with the body and its natural rhythms. These exercises use breathing to help reverse the process of defense physiology, spinal distortion, stress in the body and the disconnection that hinders one’s health. The individual's experience is one of peace and ease. They can provide the patient with tools to help dispel fear and encourage trust in the body or his/her experience of the body. The exercises can also be helpful to the practitioner in communicating the brain/body/emotion/stress connection.

    The following information is from the Somato Respiratory Workbook by Dr. Donald J. Epstein:

Breath: In nose & out mouth

Hand Position: One hand on top on the other, over positions 1, 2 or 3 in turn.

Process – Stage One

Direct the breath and movement under the area your hands are resting on.

Observe your experience of how each area moves, breathes and what you sense there.

Notice which area moves and breathes most easily and which area(s) is more challenging.

Go back and forth from the easier area to the more challenging area, spending 2-3 breaths on the easy area and 1-2 breaths on the more restricted area. Notice what changes.

When you observe a change, move to the next area.

When you are complete, let your arms rest by your sides and allow your body to breathe and move naturally for a moment. Notice what has changed and what you discovered.

    Practice these Stage One exercises to ease stress and to connect your body with its natural rhythms. Please ask about Stage Two when you are ready for the next level of health.