Relaxation techniques are varied, and can be applied in many clinical settings. A relaxation response creates a parasympathetic nervous system response, in effect calming any fight or flight or sympathetic nervous system overdrive. Relaxation practices are not usually based in any specific culture or spiritual tradition but can be seen as a contemporary response for the use of relaxation tools in the health care setting.

This section is not a comprehensive listing of every relaxation practice. Below are some of the best known and widely practiced, along with key resources.

	Biofeedback
	Breathing Exercises
	EFT/Tapping
	Guided Imagery
	Hypnotherapy
	Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

RELAXATION PRACTICES - Biofeedback

As defined by three leading professional organizations, "Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. Precise instruments measure physiological activity such as brainwaves, heart function, breathing, muscle activity, and skin temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately 'feed back' information to the user. The presentation of this information, often in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions, and behavior, supports desired physiological changes. Over time, these changes can endure without continued use of an instrument", according to the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.

The three most commonly used forms of biofeedback therapy are: Electromyography (EMG), which measures muscle tension, Thermal biofeedback, which measures skin temperature, and Neurofeedback or electroencephalography (EEG), which measures brain wave activity.

For more information, see the AAPB consumer section where you will also find a database of research searchable by condition, reporting the level of effectiveness of biofeedback in treating each concern.

	Books
	Journals
	Professional Organizations
	Web Resources

Biofeedback - Books

Yigal Gliksman, Ph.D. Biofeedback. You Are In Control. Feel. Think. Act! Lulu.com, 2008 This book presents a clear illustration of how the biofeedback method, its approach and its instruments, apply to our diverse life stages and crises as we live them.

Carolyn Yucha, PhD and Doil Montgomery, Ph.D. Evidence-Based Practice in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback aapb, 2008 Biofeedback and neurofeedback provide the kind of evidence-based practice the health care establishment is demanding. The authors review the efficacy levels of 41 disorders treated with biofeedback; levels of evidence range from case reports to observational studies to randomized clinical trials.

Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback
https://www.aapb.org/aapb_journal.html
This international, interdisciplinary journal is the official publication of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, devoted to study of the interrelationship of physiological systems, cognition, social and environmental parameters, and health. Priority is given to original research, basic and applied.

Biofeedback Magazine
https://www.aapb.org/magazine.html
Biofeedback is published four times per year and distributed by the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.

Alternative Medicine Directory
http://www.alternativemedicinedirectory.org/biofeedback.html
Provides an extensive resource list for biofeedback information.

Biofeedback Certification Institution of America (BCIA)
Practitioner Directory
http://www.resourcenter.net/scripts/4Disapi6.dll/4DCGI/resctr/search.html?
Search for certified practitioners online.

Biofeedback Network
http://www.biofeedback.net
Provides some links to professional organizations and posts some articles.

Biofeedback Zone
http://www.biofeedbackzone.com
Biofeedback products and resources for practitioners and home users.

RELAXATION PRACTICES - Breathing Exercises

For purposes of this resource guide, breathing exercises are listed as a separate relaxation technique. However, almost every type of relaxation and meditation practice in this guide relates to the practice of breathing. Details can be found by exploring the listed resources. It is worth special note that one can also simply focus on the experience of basic breathing techniques. For our purposes, we refer you to a straightforward description of The Art and Science of Breathing by Dr. Andrew Weil.

Breathing Exercises - Books

Aaron Hoopes Breathe Smart: The Secret to Happiness, Health and Long Life Zen Yoga Press; 2nd edition, 2008 The author brings twenty years of experience in the martial arts, fitness training and meditation to bear on one of the most fundamental dimensions of good health: proper breathing - how, through conscious breathing we can raise our level of oxygen intake and reap the benefits of increased energy, better health, and a stronger sense of well-being.

Andrew Weil, M.D. Breathing: The Master Key to Self Healing Sounds True (The Self Healing Series), 2000 AUDIOBOOK Through a course of eight breathing exercises, Dr. Weil explains the secret of breathwork's power over our health, and its remarkable ability to influence and even reprogram the nervous system. To learn the art of healthy breathing, Weil turned to Eastern traditions, including yoga, which view breath as a vital link to the energy of the universe.

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[Back to Main Contents]

RELAXATION PRACTICES - EFT/Tapping

EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique involves 'focused concentration' while tapping lightly on various spots located on the body. Often one's attention is focused on an emotional upset, physical discomfort, pain or stressful thought, with phrases or statements. The technique is referred to as emotional acupuncture or emotional acupressure, however, EFT can also be classified as a simple form of hypnosis. The process of gently tapping on the meridians or body points allows the body's physical energy system to engage with the mind and this is considered how the technique helps achieve alignment.

RELAXATION PRACTICES - Guided Imagery

Guided imagery is a specific form of relaxation practice which utilizes an instructor, CDs/tapes, or scripts. The process involves using directed thoughts, images and suggestions that guide your imagination into a relaxed, focused state. It involves using the spoken word to provoke images of healing, and generally is considered to engage many levels of senses, including images of texture, taste, smell, and emotions to help promote balance. General guided imagery involves imagining all the details of being in a safe, comfortable place to help relax. Specific guided imagery is used for a wide variety of health conditions. For example, one may use a script to imagine a chemotherapy drug effectively finding its target tissue, while also describing the strength and specific activities of immune system cells in the body. For more information, see the Health Journeys web site.

	Books
	Journals
	Professional Organizations
	Web Resources

Guided Imagery - Books

Eric Hall, Carol A. Hall, Pamela Stradling, Diane Young Guided Imagery Sage, 2006 Guided Imagery is a practical guide to using imagery in one-to-one therapeutic work with clients. Through numerous examples drawn from their own experience, the authors show how the techniques involved can be integrated into everyday practice.

Belleruth Naparstek Staying Well With Guided Imagery Grand Central Publishing, 1995 Describes what guided sensory imagery is, why it works, what circumstances make it work best, what to expect when experiencing it, and all the different kinds of imagery that have been found by the latest medical research to be effective.

Guided Imagery - Journals

ImagiNews
http://www.imageryinternational.org/imaginews.htm
The journal of Imagery International features articles and resources for guided imagery.

Guided Imagery - Web Resources

Imagery For Kids
http://www.imageryforkids.com
11911 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 240
Brentwood Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 889-7859
DrReznick@ImageryForKids.com
Dr. Charlotte Reznick is a nationally recognized child and educational Psychologist and Associate Clinical Professor of Psychology at UCLA with an extensive website. There are archived articles, resources and books and CD's available, along with other services and educational opportunities.

Health Journeys, Inc.
http://ww.healthjourneys.com
An extensive collection of guided imagery resources, as well as articles and links.

The Center for Healing and Imagery
http://www.centerforhealingandimagery.com
A training center with informative articles and resources.

RELAXATION PRACTICES - Hypnotherapy

Considered a combination of hypnosis and therapeutic intervention, hypnotherapy is practiced by a wide range of clinicians to place a person into a deeply relaxed state, considered a state of heightened suggestibility. During this trance state, the therapist provides suggestions on new cognitive thought processes or awareness of how to make changes from certain undesired behaviors or emotions, like smoking, addictions, anxiety, etc. It is suggested that, in this state of awareness, the patient is more receptive, and less resistant to suggestions from the therapist for improved behaviors and emotional patterns. Also, the patient is said to be more receptive to memories and insights that help understanding of current undesired behaviors or challenging emotions. Many therapists insist that during hypnosis, the patient is not unconscious, does not lose control of his or her faculties, and does not do things under hypnosis that he or she would be unwilling to do otherwise.

Read more in the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders.

	Books
	Journals
	Professional Organizations
	Web Resources

Hypnotherapy - Books

Mike Bryant, Peter Mabbutt Hypnotherapy for Dummies For Dummies, 2006 An easy-to-follow, reassuring and responsible guide that shows how you can use hypnotherapy to identify and overcome unhealthy modes of thinking, deal with emotional issues, improve performance, and banish bad habits.

Bruce Goldberg Secrets of Self-Hypnosis Sterling Publishing Company, Inc., 2005 A step by step guide to self-hypnosis, including an overview of principles of hypnosis, basic and advanced techniques, and a variety of related advice.

Marlene Elva Hunter Creative Scripts for Hypnotherapy Psychology Press, 1994 A handbook encompassing a vast assortment of hypnotherapy scripts for a wide variety of clinical situations.

Brian Mogul Alman, Peter T. Lambrou Self-Hypnosis Psychology Press, Revised Edition 1992 The authors present the essential steps of self-hypnosis and goal-directed relaxation and imagery. Case studies and scripts for mastering self-hypnosis are also included.

Hypnotherapy - Journals

The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis
http://ww.asch.net/ajch.htm
This official journal of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis publishes original scientific articles and clinical case reports on hypnosis, as well as reviews of related books and abstracts of the current hypnosis literature.

The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis
http://www.sagepub.com/journalsProdDesc.nav?prodId=Journal200819
An official journal of The Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis and The International Society of Hypnosis.

Hypnotherapy - Web Resources

Oxford Hypnotherapy
http://www.hypnos.info/index.html
Hypnosis articles, resources and information. See this page specifically http://www.hypnos.info/pages/links.html for a list of resources and links on hypnotherapy.

Hypnosis Downloads
http://www.hypnosisdownloads.com
HypnosisDownloads.com is part of a professional psychology training organization based near London, England. They work within strict ethical guidelines to ensure that every program meets the highest professional standards, based on current research and knowledge.

RELAXATION PRACTICES - Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Mindfulness Based Stress reduction (MBSR) is listed under the relaxation techniques because this program is an example of the clinical integration of basic meditation techniques without extensive cultural or spiritual references. It is an experiential program developed and popularized by Jon Kabat-Zinn at University of Massachusetts Medical School over the past 25 years. MBSR has been shown in clinical research to have a profound effect on one's ability to effectively regulate the mind, and consequently the emotions and to a significant degree, physical health. It is used in complementary and alternative medicine programs at a number of universities, including University of Massachusetts, Stanford University, Duke University, University of Virginia, University of California San Francisco and many others around the world (i.e. currently 250+ universities and hospitals worldwide).

MBSR - Books

Shauna L. Shapiro, Ph.D. & Linda E. Carlson, Ph.D. The Art and Science of Mindfulness: Integrating Mindfulness into Psychology and the Helping Professions American Psychological Association, 2009 A comprehensive update on the emerging science and practice of mindfulness primarily for health and helping professionals, with a foreword by Jon Kabat-Zinn.

Jon Kabat-Zinn Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life Hyperion, 1995 To Kabat-Zinn, meditation is important because it brings about a state of "mindfulness," a condition of "being" rather than "doing" during which you pay attention to the moment rather than the past, the future, or the multitudinous distractions of modern life.

MEDITATION PRACTICES & RESOURCES

Meditation techniques are generally rooted in a cultural practice. Many have origins in a distinct spiritual or philosophical approach to life, and some are associated with various religious systems. However, many of these meditation techniques are also currently practiced throughout the world not as a religious practice, but as a general spiritual path for the development of awareness, insight and peace of mind. In the integrative health care movement, meditation practice and research about the health effects of meditation are increasingly gaining a place in clinical health care settings and community health education programs.

We focus on those that are commonly used in healing arts practices, knowing that this list is not exhaustive of all styles, teachers or lines of meditation practices. Many of the described resources are not easily placed into specific separate categories, and do find some overlap in many areas.

For one basic description of meditation, go to: How To Meditate, excerpted from Minding the Body, Mending the Mind by Joan Borysenko, Ph.D.

	Buddhist tradition
	Chakra meditation
	Christian Tradition
	Labyrinth Meditation
	Native American Healing
	QiGong
	Tai Chi
	Transcendental Meditation
	Yoga

MEDITATION PRACTICES - Buddhist tradition

Meditation techniques in the Buddhist tradition are diverse and complex, and have been practiced for over 2,500 years. The important two mental qualities that arise from wholesome meditative practice are said to be serenity and insight. Serenity involves the concentration of the mind, and insight involves the ability to discern or explore. There are two main branches of meditation practice called tranquility meditation (samatha) and insight meditation (vipassana). The most familiar types of meditation or teachings are Zen Buddhism and Insight Meditation.

Vipassana, or Insight Meditation, refers to the ability to see things as they really are, attained through a process of self-observation. It means identifying one's own nature, recognizing the bad elements and consciously eliminating them from the system. Vipassana is a meditation technique that is free of rites, helps develop wisdom and allows an individual to study different sensations in the body such as cold, pain, itching, etc.

Zazen is a particular kind of meditation, unique to Zen, that functions simply as the very heart of the practice. In fact, Zen Buddhists are generally known as the "meditation Buddhists." Basically, zazen is the study of the self. In simplest terms, the practice of Zen is that we need only remove the illusion of non-enlightenment to become enlightened.

	Books
	Journals
	Research, Training, and Treatment Centers
	Web Resources

Buddhist tradition - Books

Insight Meditation Society's suggested reading list
http://www.dharma.org/ims/mr_reading.html

Pema Chodron. Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion Shambhala, 2008 In a day-by-day format, the author dives into the soothing wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism, reminding us that groundlessness is the only ground we have to stand on. Gradually, Chödrön guides readers beyond the tunnel vision of the self, expanding outward to include compassion for all of humanity.

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Introduction to Buddhism Tharpa Publications, 2008 Explains the basic Buddhist view, intention, and action, and how to follow the Buddhist way of life in the modern world, a manual for anyone with an interest in Buddhism and meditation.

Toni Packer and Lenore Friedman The Work of This Moment Shambhala, 2007 In this collection of talks, essays, interviews, and letters, Toni Packer, a former Zen teacher and student of Krishnamurti's work, presents a simple and original approach to spiritual growth free from religious authority, doctrine, symbolism, and ceremony.

Joseph Goldstein, Jack Kornfield, Dalai Lama, and Robert K. Hall M.D. Seeking the Heart of Wisdom Shambhala, 2001 This seminal work by Goldstein and Kornfield, cofounders of the Insight Meditation Center in Barre, MA, discusses the development of Theravada in its American form.

Cheri Huber and June Shiver That Which You Are Seeking, Is Causing You to Seek Tuttle Publishing, 2000 Readers are encouraged to consider that they see the world the way they do not because the world is inherently that way, but because of who's looking. Seeing ourselves as having many different parts helps us make sense the whirling mass of contradictions we sometimes experience within ourselves.

Albert Low Zen Meditation Plain and Simple Tuttle Publishing, 2000 Zen Meditation provides the basics of zazen, or zen meditation. With a concise overview of the basics and clear photographs illustrating proper positions, this comprehensive guidebook demystifies the age-old practice.

Joseph Goldstein The Experience of Insight Shambhala, 1987 A modern classic of instruction for the practice of Buddhist meditation.

Buddhist tradition - Journals

Shambhala Sun
http://www.shambhalasun.com
The Shambhala Sun offers authentic teachings from the Buddhist and other contemplative traditions, and applies the wisdom born of meditative practice to all the important issues in life - from livelihood, parenting, and relationships to politics, social action, and the arts. It explores Buddhism's unique insights into the human condition, and teaches how to apply the wisdom of spiritual practice to life's greatest challenges.

Tricycle: The Buddhist Review
http://www.tricycle.com
Established in 1990 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization, The Tricycle Foundation is dedicated to making Buddhist views, values, and practices broadly available. In 1991 the Foundation launched Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, the first magazine to present a Buddhist perspectives to a Western readership. Extensive online and print articles, including a feature for finding a dharma center near you.

Buddhist tradition - Web Resources

How to Meditate
http://www.how-to-meditate.org
How to Meditate offers practical information about Buddhist meditation that is clear, simple and easy to understand. The goal is to make Buddhist meditation more accessible to busy people.

View On Buddhism
http://www.viewonbuddhism.org
A large compilation of basic information and links on Buddhism.

Dharma Seed
http://www.dharmaseed.org
Dharma Seed is a non-profit dedicated to preserving and sharing the spoken teachings of Theravada Buddhism in modern languages. Since the early 1980's, Dharma Seed has collected and distributed dharma talks by teachers transmitting the Vipassana or Insight practices of Theravada Buddhism, the oldest Buddhist tradition still actively pursued in the 21st century. Recordings are freely available for download or streaming as digital audio files (MP3s).

Alternative Medicine Directory
http://www.alternativemedicinedirectory.org/meditation.html
Provides an extensive resource list for meditation.

Project Meditation
http://www.project-meditation.org
Many free downloads and articles about meditation, the benefits of meditation, the techniques, and a community forum.

Access to Insight
http://www.accesstoinsight.org
Access to Insight is dedicated to providing accurate, reliable, and useful information concerning the practice and study of Theravada Buddhism, as it has been handed down through both the written word of the Pali canon and the living example of the Sangha. Access to Insight is not an organization and is not affiliated with any institution, but is one person's website. The readings assembled represent a personal selection of the Buddha's teachings. All are freely available and there is an overview of a selected number of beginning articles.

Be Mindful
http://www.beMindful.org
John Steven Shealy, PhD has compiled a website, including a link to a non-profit organization called Flowing Dharma, Inc. whose commitment is to serve the Dharma while cultivating loving kindness, compassion and generosity. The organization takes on projects to support the Buddhist community in the Tampa Bay area. This website has a full list of Articles, Links and Resources and a compiled list of research articles, while most are about 10 years old, the abstracts are compiled for easy review: Bibliography for Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Research.

MEDITATION PRACTICES - Chakra meditation

Chakra meditation is a form of meditation that focuses on certain parts of the body; such as your head, heart or any major organs. The meaning of the word 'Chakra' is a wheel. This teaching stems from several theological backgrounds and describes seven chakras located throughout everyone's body (which are the perineum, sacrum, navel, heart, throat, eyebrows or forehead, and the top of the head). These are considered energy centers, with various influences on the physical and emotional bodies, and clearing them from blocked or deficient energy creates healing and self-awareness.

Chakra meditation - Books

Swami Saradananda Chakra Meditation: Discover Energy, Creativity, Focus, Love, Communication, Wisdom, and Spirit Duncan Baird, 2008 This guide explains the seven major chakras in-depth, as well as often overlooked minor chakras associated with them. Each beautifully illustrated chapter looks at different kinds of meditation. Techniques include emotion-based visualizations, a rose meditation, a singing meditation and a Sufi whirling exercise.

M.D. Brenda Davies The 7 Healing Chakras Workbook: Exercises and Meditations for Unlocking Your Body's Energy Centers Ulysses Press, 2003 Filled with step-by-step guided activities, this workbook offers a voyage of self-discovery. Progressing through the seven chakras, the exercises show readers how to unblock each energy channel and clear the psychological, emotional, and spiritual debris of the past.

Chakra meditation - Web resources

Chakra: Vortex of Light
http://home.comcast.net/~chakra_system/index.html
An extensive collection of information and links regarding chakra meditations and some selected resources.

Caroline Myss
http://www.myss.com/library/chakras/
An interactive web tool to explore the chakra systems, which are also discussed extensively in her books.

MEDITATION PRACTICES - Christian Tradition

Christian meditation may use relaxation, music, focus on a word, image, story or symbol to help disengage from temporal concerns and be available for God. But the purpose is not to achieve a void, but communion with the living God. Thus the Christian meditator seeks 'the still small voice of God' (1Kings 19:12). Quiet contemplation and prayerful reflection with an emphasis on silence and solitude helps still our ego driven minds. By taking a passage and doing a Christian meditation on it, you can further your understanding, commit it more easily to memory and plant it deep in your subconscious mind so it becomes part of who you are every day. This facilitates listening more attentively to God and entering into more intimate communion and loving relationship with him.

Christian Tradition - Books

Mary Jo Meadow, Kevin Culligan, and Daniel Chowning Christian Insight Meditation: Following in the Footsteps of John of the Cross Wisdom Publications, 2008 Christian insight meditation places Buddhist meditation within the Christian prayer tradition, guiding followers through a process of inner purification that leads to a deeper Christian faith and to the direct vision of God.

James Finley Christian Meditation: Experiencing the Presence of God Harper One, 2005 Christian Meditation introduces an ancient practice to a contemporary audience. Finley provides simple instructions, explaining the deeper connection with the divine that meditation can bring, allowing us to experience divine contemplation - the presence of God.

Thomas Ryan Prayer of Heart and Body: Meditation and Yoga As Christian Spiritual Practice Paulist Press, 1995 Ryan describes clear links between Christian faith and the practice of yoga and meditation to help integrate teachings from the Christian contemplative tradition into your practice and encourage a new appreciation for the role of the body in prayer.

Christian Tradition - Journals

Reconcilable Differences by Alan Reder
http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/284

Christian Tradition - Web Resources

The World Community for Christian Meditation
http://www.wccm.org
An online community of resources, retreats, meditation groups, speakers, programs and publications for Christian Meditation.

MEDITATION PRACTICES - Labyrinth Meditation

A revived interest in labyrinths began in churches in the United States, and now encompasses religious communities of all types, as well as hospitals and health care facilities, spas and retreat centers, schools and universities, public parks, memorials and healing gardens, prisons and even progressive businesses. Labyrinths are found in many sizes and shapes, and are created in sand, cornmeal, flour, painted on canvas, fashioned with masking tape or string for a temporary design, or built in a permanent fashion from stones, cut into turf, formed by mounds of earth, made from vegetation, or any other natural material.

A labyrinth is not a maze, but a walking meditation device with a single winding path from the edge to the center. There are no dead ends in a labyrinth walk and the same path is used to return to the outside. Combining a number of even older symbols, including the circle, spiral and meander, the labyrinth represents the journey inward to our own true selves and back out into the everyday world.

For many walkers the labyrinth becomes a metaphor for the journey of life. The journey inward represents the introspection or self-knowledge, and the journey outward represents the call to service, or sharing one's gifts with the world through acts of service and love. Like life, a labyrinth is full of twists and turns, whose navigation requires a change in direction, awareness or perspective. The path symbolizes also that each of us is on a single path through his or her life, and yet each person's journey is a separate and distinct qualitative experience. In walking labyrinths, the meditations recapture the pilgrimage tradition of many ancient faiths.

Labyrinth Meditation - Books

Lauren Artress Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool Riverhead Trade, 2006 A classic work and the best reference for a Christian-based discussion of labyrinths, although the work can be used by those of other beliefs. 'Walking the Labyrinth' has reemerged today as a metaphor for the spiritual journey and a powerful tool for transformation.

Helen Curry The Way of the Labyrinth: A Powerful Meditation for Everyday Life Penguin, 2000 Includes meditations, prayers, questions for enhancing labyrinth walks, guidelines for ceremonies, instructions for finger meditations, and extensive resources, helpful for both novice and experienced readers.

Labyrinth Meditation - Journals

Caerdroia: the Journal of Mazes & Labyrinths
http://www.labyrinthos.net
Each annual edition contains papers, articles and notes on labyrinths and mazes, ancient and modern, from around the world. Their website also hosts extensive resources and links.

Labyrinth Meditation - Web Resources

Labyrinthos
http://www.labyrinthos.net/
Labyrinths & Mazes Resource Centre with photo library and arvhives

The Labyrinth Society
http://www.labyrinthsociety.org
The Labyrinth Society is an international organization whose mission is to support all those who create, maintain and use labyrinths, and to serve the global community by providing education, networking and opportunities to experience transformation. Hosts an extensive resources page.

The Labyrinth Online
http://www.labyrinthonline.com
A site that aims to help you meditate while you 'walk' a virtual labyrinth - either classical or Chartres-style. Also, it hosts an extensive links page.

World-Wide Labyrinth Locator
http://www.labyrinthlocator.com
The World-Wide Labyrinth Locator is designed as an easy-to-use database of labyrinths around the world. Information about labyrinths you can visit, including their locations, pictures, and contact details, are accessible here, along with information about the many types of labyrinths found worldwide. Labyrinths occur in many forms, shapes, and sizes, and the Locator contains both historic and modern examples. Currently, the Worldwide Labyrinth Locator database contains more than 3100 labyrinths in over 65 countries.

MEDITATION PRACTICES - Native American Healing

The healing beliefs and practices of hundreds of indigenous tribes of North America combine religion, spirituality, herbal medicine, and rituals. There are several core meditation techniques that are used for healing arts. The Medicine Wheel serves as a cornerstone for Native American spirituality, and is used as a tool for guided meditations. The sweat lodge is a sacred purification ceremony which combines ritual, prayer, steam and meditation. The process of experiencing vision quests is also a uniquely native healing process. Meditation techniques from many different native tribes include drumming, chanting, dancing and smudging as means to promote a change in consciousness and healing.

	Books
	Journals
	Research, Training, and Treatment Centers
	Web Resources

Native American Healing - Books

Michael Harner The Way of the Shaman Harper One, 1990, reissue 2009 This classic on shamanism pioneered the modern shamanic renaissance. An intimate and practical guide to the art of shamanic healing and the technology of the sacred.

Ken Cohen Honoring the Medicine: The Essential Guide to Native American Healing Ballantine Books, 2006 Cohen addresses the important issue of how non-Indian people can respectfully learn from indigenous American healing traditions. A section on values and principles precedes discussion of such practices as sweat lodges, pipes, and the use of herbs, including tobacco.

Hyemeyohsts Storm Lightning Bolt Thorson's, 1997 Storm chronicles his life and how it has been enriched by the power and intricate sophistication of a discipline that reaches back tens of thousands of years to the Mayans and beyond. The book delivers a timely message--that the Medicine Wheels are an inheritance that belongs to all of Earth's peoples.

Jamie Sams Sacred Path Cards: The Discovery of Self Through Native Teachings Harper One, 1990 44 beautifully illustrated cards, each endowed with a particular meaning and message, may be drawn individually for a daily lesson or laid out in a series of spreads that open up different paths to inner knowledge.

Native American Healing - Journals

Native Peoples Magazine
http://www.nativepeoples.com
The magazine is published six times a year with a focus on the arts, culture and lifeways of the Native peoples of the Americas. It also reports on topics related to business, health, education, politics, sports, travel in 'Indian Country', the environment, food, language, history and other subjects associated with Native American life past and present.

Native American Healing - Web Resources

Native American Healing Information Guide
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Native_American_Healing.asp
A professional organization's resource describing Native American Healing.

Medicine Wheel
http://www.shannonthunderbird.com/medicine_wheel_teachings.htm
General description of the medicine wheel

Medicine Wheel
https://billwalz.com/The_Medicine_Wheel.html
An excerpt from a magazine article which provides a general description of the medicine wheel.

National Museum of the American Indian
http://www.nmai.si.edu/
This Smithsonian museum is the first national museum dedicated to the preservation, study, and exhibition of the life, languages, literature, history, and arts of Native Americans.

MEDITATION PRACTICES - QiGong

Qigong is one of the four pillars of traditional Chinese medicine: Acupuncture, Massage, Herbal Medicines and Qigong. Qigong meditation develops our ability to feel qi, build and store qi, and circulate qi smoothly throughout the body. Qigong includes meditative qigong, along with some simple movements to release tension and increase energy flow. Meditative qigong is called jing gong or quiet form (with standing and seated versions). This is in contrast to moving qigong forms, such as Taiji (or T’ai chi), which use bodily movement to mobilize qi.

	Books
	Journals
	Professional Organizations
	Research, Training, and Treatment Centers
	Web Resources

QiGong - Books

QiGong - Journals

Qi: The Journal of Traditional Eastern Health and Fitness
http://www.qi-journal.com
The journal is a quarterly publication that is distributed internationally and specializes in the topic of traditional Eastern healthcare practices. Note they have a links page for both QiGong and Tai Chi.

The Empty Vessel: Abode of the Eternal Tao
http://www.abodetao.com
The Empty Vessel, A Journal of Contemporary Taoism is a quarterly publication dedicated to the exploration and dissemination of non-religious Taoist philosophy and practice. Features articles on qigong. Resources include qigong seminars, books, videos, healing products.

QiGong - Web Resources

Alternative Medicine Directory
http://www.alternativemedicinedirectory.org/qigong.html
Provides a resource list for qigong

World Tai Chi and Qigong Day
http://www.worldtaichiday.org
Extensive resource library and links to classes.

Qigong Institute
http://www.qigonginstitute.org
Ken Sancier seeks to improve healthcare by education and research on Qigong. This website hosts an extensive links page.

Qigong News
http://www.qigongnews.com
Qigong News is published via email as a free service to the public to promote awareness of the health benefits of Qigong.

MEDITATION PRACTICES - Tai Chi

Taijiquan or T'ai Chi Chuan is one of the best known of all Chinese health enhancing exercise systems. It has strong links to the martial arts as well. Taijiquan includes 108 movements in the long form or between 20 and 40 movements in the short forms. There are dozens of kinds of Taiji. The Yang style is the most broadly practiced in China, however the Wu style and the Chen style are very popular also. All of the styles of Taiji may be considered as varieties of Qigong (Ch'i Kung).

Tai Chi - Books

Paul Lam Tai Chi for Beginners and the 24 Forms Tai Chi Productions, 2006 Beginning with Six Easy Steps and progressing to Yang 24 movements (the world's most popular tai chi form ), Dr Lam teaches authentic Tai Chi for health, wellness and longevity, and explains how tai chi improves health in general as well as specific conditions.

Waysun Liao T'ai Chi Classics (Shambhala Classics) Shambhala, 2001 T'ai Chi Classics presents the inner meaning and techniques of T'ai Chi movements through translations of three core classics of T'ai Chi, often considered the "T'ai Chi Bible."

Tai Chi - Journals

Qi: The Journal of Traditional Eastern Health And Fitness
http://www.qi-journal.com
This quarterly publication is distributed internationally and specializes in the topic of traditional Eastern healthcare practices. Note they have a links page for both QiGong and Tai Chi.

Tai Chi - Web Resources

American Tai Chi and Qigong Association(ATCQA)
http://www.americantaichi.org
ATCQA is a national non-profit organization and promotes Tai Chi, of any style and any linkage, in the United States to enable more people to benefit from it. The website offers a free search engine for you to search more than 1,000 Tai Chi coaches/schools nationwide, extensive articles and many other features.

MEDITATION PRACTICES - Transcendental Meditation

Transcendental meditation popularized by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, is one of the many forms of meditation prescribed in the spiritual teachings of the Vedas (the scriptures of knowledge) of the Hindus for attainment of ultimate bliss (Nirvana). Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a simple, natural, effortless procedure practiced 20 minutes twice each day while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. The basic difference from other techniques is that Transcendental Meditation, in addition to its simplicity, concerns itself only with the mind. Other systems often involve some additional aspects with which the mind is associated, such as breathing or physical exercises.

TM is considered one of the most widely practiced meditation forms and is often considered the most researched method of self-development. The philosophy states that consciousness is blissful and is the very state of our being. Transcendental meditation techniques do this by having the person simply witness the mind and the state of the body. It is about being effortless. It is thought that efforts are in the domain of the body, mind and intellect and not actions of the self. The self is merely aware and watching. There is no attempt to concentrate or focus on something. It is restful awareness.

Transcendental Meditation - Books

Kuriakos How to do Transcendental Meditation Lulu.com, 2008 This book provides guidance on how to quickly and easily do transcendental meditation anytime and anywhere - to quiet the loud thinking conscious mind and access the subconscious mind to bring peace into your life.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Science of Being and Art of Living: Transcendental Meditation Plume, 2001 Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is the founder of Transcendental Meditation, and this book remains the definitive introduction to its practice since it's first publication in 1963. Maharishi unfolds his vision for bringing life to fulfillment through a simple, effortless technique that anyone can easily learn and enjoy.

Transcendental Meditation - Web Resources

Transcendental Meditation Project
http://www.tm.org
The Transcendental Meditation technique is taught through a nonprofit, tax-exempt educational organization. The organization's goal is to develop the full potential of the individual, minimize the negative impact of stress, and bring unrestricted and fulfilling progress to all areas of society.

MEDITATION PRACTICES - Yoga

Based upon the Hindu system of philosophy aiming at spiritual, mental, and physical wellbeing, yoga is a system of practice that includes deep meditation, prescribed postures, and controlled breathing. Yoga is usually defined as union: union between the limited self and the Divine Self. The aim of Yoga is to help realize our identity with the Divine Self, to make us know and tune into our intrinsic nature.

There are many definitions of Yoga, which apply to all levels of existence and awareness. Some define Yoga as physical harmony, mental balance, and peace. The various branches of Yoga can be, for practical purposes, classified into five basic groups:

• Jnana Yoga: the Yoga committed to inquiry.
• Karma Yoga: the Yoga committed to selfless service and Dharma.
• Bhakti Yoga: the Yoga devoted to love and devotion to God.
• Raja Yoga: the Yoga committed to introspection and contemplation.
• Hatha Yoga: the Yoga devoted to the discipline of the body and the balance of the mental, physical and subtle forces of the body through the practice of asana and pranayama

Hatha Yoga, and the practice of asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises), are generally the more familiar components of yoga in the west. There are many different schools of practice, styles and branches even within Hatha Yoga.

	Books
	Journals
	Professional Organizations
	Research, Training, and Treatment Centers
	Web Resources

Yoga - Books

Yoga - Journals

Fit Yoga
http://www.fityoga.com
Fit Yoga Magazine covers the modern world of yoga in an easy-to-read, informative, non-preachy manner, while exploring and revealing its ancient roots.

International Journal of Yoga Therapy
http://www.iayt.org/publications_vx2/journals_vx2.htm
The International Journal of Yoga Therapy (IJYT) is an annual, peer-reviewed journal serving Yoga practitioners, Yoga teachers, Yoga therapists, health professionals, and Yoga researchers. We publish scholarly and research-based submissions related to any tradition or aspect of Yoga therapy. An electronic Supplement provides abstracts from IAYT's Symposium on Yoga Therapy and Research (SYTAR).

Yoga Journal
http://www.yogajournal.com
An online retreat for yoga poses, classes, meditation, and life—on and off the mat. Publishes hard copy journal and has extensive articles and resources online.

Yoga Therapy Today
http://www.iayt.org/publications_vx2/journals_vx2.htm
Scroll down page to Yoga Therapy Today (YTT) is a triannual publication for Yoga professionals. YTT focuses on professional and practical aspects of Yoga therapy, as well as personal accounts related to Yoga therapy practice or training. (Formerly published as Yoga Therapy In Practice).

Alternative Medicine Directory
http://www.alternativemedicinedirectory.org/yoga-journals.html
Provides an extensive yoga journal list.

Alternative Medicine Directory
http://www.alternativemedicinedirectory.org/yoga.html
Provides an extensive resource list for yoga.

ABC of Yoga
http://www.abc-of-yoga.com
An online resource of articles, products and yoga services hosted by maxstyle.net.