It is a fair assessment to mention that although Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years it is only more recently that the practice has become more “commonplace” especially through its regulation on Ontario in 2013. However there remains confusion and even some misinformation related to the philosophies and techniques of this beautifully intricate practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine. For instance, did you know that acupuncture is widely used as a preventative medicine to encourage balance in body?

The brilliance is that acupuncture in itself meets us where we are. Our physiological systems are nothing short of a miracle. There are endless amounts of processes happening at any given moment in our body that are always working to create homeostasis (balance) in our body. When any one function lacks efficiency the body continuously & tirelessly works to restore function by any means. Which means that the body is always wanting & working toward perfect health. When imbalances arise in the form of an ailment it is a sign that one or more functions are out of working order.

Perhaps there is futility in the drainage of waste products or there is an inflammation of tissue. There could be any number of reasons it began; a lack of energy, inappropriate or insufficient resources, exposure to toxin/virus/bacteria, etc. What we do know however is that on some level although the body is working to heal it this function is being disrupted in some manner.

So, what acupuncture does is it lends a helping hand. It works to target the systems in distress to promote a re-establishment of homeostasis through particular meridians Or acupuncture points. Its akin to how electricity works. Acupuncture points are like electoral junction boxes; sometimes you just need to flip the switch to turn back on. When we target these particular regions it creates an electrical firing of sorts, sending out information to assist the nervous system in bringing the body back into health.

Therefore, acupuncture can help your body find health in a very gentle and natural way without being intrusive. Whats more is that Registered Acupuncturist are really holistic practitioners who are trained to see the body as a whole picture & are then able to offer insights on how to implement habits to assist one in finding their most optimal health through different tools as well as potential lifestyle changes.

AND please note…its good to ALSO be aware of the credentials required to preform these skills. Acupuncture in fact falls under what is known as a Regulated Act in Ontario. Which means that you need permission in order to use these techniques. As Registered Acupuncturist, we have a minimum of 3 years of education dedicated to this medicine in order to be able to practice it. However there has been other professions that are considered to have special allowances to perform this act as well.

Thus, there becomes the debacle of Acupuncture versus “dry needling” and whether or not they are in fact different. My personal take is that it is just simply brilliant marketing on the part of those who aspired to share in the benefits of the practice while not necessarily recognizing its roots. Not to say these practitioners are not good at what they do or that they do not have adequate training in their fields but there is a big difference in the level of Acupuncture specific training so my suggestion is to go in with as much information as you can. Make sure anyone who is sticking needles into your skin is highly trained and knows the contraindications.

Which brings me to some of those really big questions, is it safe and does it hurt?

The truth is that there are thousands of thoughts and opinions when it comes to Chinese Medicine so I would love for you to come and experience it for yourself but for those burning questions. Check out what the World Health Organization has to say about acupuncture and scroll further to read my thoughts on frequently asked questions/ideas related to acupuncture…

The following is a study conducted by WHO (keeping in mind that lots of research has been and continues to be done as Chinese Medicine rises in popularity in the west) and their stance on the effective of acupuncture.

You can find the summary…here
and the full text….here

Phew now that we’ve gotten through that. Lets look at some questions.

Yes. But not necessarily in an “ouch” way. Sometimes you feel the needles and sometimes you don’t. It depends on where the needles are inserted. It depends on your pain threshold. It can depend on what’s going on in your unique composition and your current state of health. Your sensation of pain can even change from session to session. It might even be dependent on your mood at the time of your visit. Some sensations you might experience are dull ache, tingling, heat, burning, or electrical sensation and they are all good. The only pain we like to avoid is that really sharp pain that doesn’t go away so if this is the case, let us know and we will readjust or remove the needle entirely. So with that is mind its always best to be prepared that there might be some discomfort however we do our best to keep you relaxed and comfortable.

Yes, it is safe. We as acupuncturist have a lot of training both in theory and in practice to ensure its safety. We practice a clean needling technique and are taking every precaution when inserting the needles.

You may not have heard this term before but this is term that can be used to explain the medically based technique that uses acupuncture needles on trigger points/acupuncture points in the body to help with physical ailments. This is the technique commonly used by chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, and some MD’s. There are actually quite a few colleges that are allowed to practice the regulated act of inserting needles below the dermis (skin) as is done in acupuncture. And although this technique is largely effective in helping with pain, increasing flexibility and instilling function it is just a small portion of what acupuncture can do for your body. From an acupuncturist perspective we are not only focusing on helping your physical ailments but also supporting your overall health at the same time. This is the beauty of Chinese Medicine, some of the techniques might seem unconventional but they can be so incredibly effective.

I like to think of qi from an energetic viewpoint. If we look at all things from a scientific perspective and you break everything down to the smallest molecule essentially absolutely everything can be broken down to bouncing atoms (balls of energy) that together create physical materials. With that being said, we are made up of atoms the same as the chairs we sit on are made up of atoms. When you think of everything in its simplest form of moving balls of energy it is easier to understand the concept of Qi. Qi is essentially this, balls of moving energy. Everything has qi and all qi can be affected in one way or another. Therefore, in acupuncture one of our goals is to notice the movement, quality, and quantity of qi so that we can bring it into balance through removing obstruction by moving qi or boosting qi by helping the body to produce it when it is deficient as examples.

There could be a number of reasons why it is believed that your acupuncture treatments are seeming to be ineffective.

#1 – Perhaps it is working on more subtle levels that are hard to measure, such as better immune function or more emotional stability.

#2 – These things take time. Sometimes results can seem almost magical and major improvements can be seen almost instantly but when it comes down to it there is a science behind this practice and sometimes it takes time to help bring the body into balance to establish long term benefits.

#3 – There could potentially be a disconnection between patient and practitioner. Like many modalities, results are most effective when there is good working communication between the person that is receiving and the person that is giving treatment because it is essentially a team effort.

#4 – Sometimes although not often our energy systems can be so stuck that they block any assistance. It could take time and effort to break down those barriers.

#5 – There is also the potentiality that the acupuncturist does not have enough training and or understanding to assess and treat.

I’ve tried everything else, why would this work?

Acupuncture is amazing in that it meets us where we are. Our physiological systems are literally nothing short of a miracle. There are endless amounts of processes happening at any given moment in our body that are always working to create homeostasis (balance) in our body. When any one function is not working properly the body continuously works to restore function through any means. Which means that the body is always wanting and working towards being in perfect health. When there is illness, it is a sure sign that one or more functions are not properly in working order. Perhaps that there is not proper draining of waste products or there is an inflammation of tissue. When this happens, the systems work to correct it but sometimes there is an inability to bring in full recovery for whatever reason. Whether it be that there is not enough energy or resources to do the healing or whether the systems are constantly being bombarded with things (ie. Toxins), that disrupt function.
Acupuncture lends a helping hand. It works to target the systems in distress and works to re-establish homeostasis through working with particular meridians. You could consider this from a scientific perspective as similar to working with the nervous system. Many if, not all of the acupuncture points lay close to major junctions in the nervous system. When we target these particular regions it creates an electrical firing of sorts, sending out information to assist this process of bringing the body back into health.

Therefore, acupuncture is amazing in that it works to help your body find health in a very gentle and natural way without being so intrusive. Acupuncturist are also trained to see the body as a whole and can help coach patients into establishing healthy habits to also assist in finding optimal health through eating foods that are more nourishing for your particular constitution for example.

Acupuncture is amazing in that it meets us where we are. Our physiological systems are literally nothing short of a miracle. There are endless amounts of processes happening at any given moment in our body that are always working to create homeostasis (balance) in our body. When any one function is not working properly the body continuously works to restore function through any means. Which means that the body is always wanting and working towards being in perfect health. When there is illness, it is a sure sign that one or more functions are not properly in working order. Perhaps that there is not proper draining of waste products or there is an inflammation of tissue. When this happens, the systems work to correct it but sometimes there is an inability to bring in full recovery for whatever reason. Whether it be that there is not enough energy or resources to do the healing or whether the systems are constantly being bombarded with things (ie. Toxins), that disrupt function.
Acupuncture lends a helping hand. It works to target the systems in distress and works to re-establish homeostasis through working with particular meridians. You could consider this from a scientific perspective as similar to working with the nervous system. Many if, not all of the acupuncture points lay close to major junctions in the nervous system. When we target these particular regions it creates an electrical firing of sorts, sending out information to assist this process of bringing the body back into health.

Therefore, acupuncture is amazing in that it works to help your body find health in a very gentle and natural way without being so intrusive. Acupuncturist are also trained to see the body as a whole and can help coach patients into establishing healthy habits to also assist in finding optimal health through eating foods that are more nourishing for your particular constitution for example.

There are a number of reasons why it might not have worked.

#1 – it worked but not in the way that you expected.

#2 – Perhaps it is working on a subtler level that is hard to measure, such as better immune function or more emotional stability.

#3 – These things take time. Sometimes results can seem almost magical and major improvements can be seen almost instantly but when it comes down to it there is a science behind this practice and sometimes it takes time to help bring the body into balance to establish long term benefits.

#4 – There could potentially be a disconnection between patient and practitioner. Like many modalities, results are most effective when there is good working communication between the person that is receiving and the person that is giving treatment because it is essentially a team effort.

#5 – Sometimes although not often our energy systems can be so stuck that they block any assistance. It could take time and effort to break down those barriers.

#6 – There is also the potentiality that the practitioner does not have enough training and or understanding to assess and treat.

These needles are not the needles that you most likely have an association with. They are quite fine and are inserted in such a way that is very gentle. In fact, sometimes you do not even feel them puncturing the skin. One of my instructors once told me that you could fit at least 12 acupuncture needles in the diameter of a typical syringe you would come across at the doctor’s office.
To be completely honest there is most often a sensation associated with getting acupuncture but these sensations range from a dull ache, a heavy feeling, tingling, numb, electrical, burning are just some examples. Sometimes there can be a sharp sensation upon insertion but it typically doesn’t last more than a few seconds.

I have heard some people are more concerned about idea of having needles retained in their tissues for an extended period of time but once all the needles are inserted and the treatment is underway most people find that they are quite relaxed and can even fall asleep or find a deep relaxed state. I suggest trying it a few times before you make any definitive notions either way.

This unfortunately is far too common, unnecessary and but also avoidable when making educated decisions in choosing your acupuncturist. There are many people that have had a bad experience or they know of someone who has had a bad experience or they read an article that turned them off. Acupuncture is an ancient practice that has only recently been regulated in Ontario so I am hoping that these instances will get fewer and fewer as time progresses.

As I mentioned above, currently there are many different modalities that are able to insert needles below the dermis. This a technical term for the process involved with inserting a needle under the skin however the amount of training varies quite a bit from a fully certified and regulated acupuncturist trained under a TCM modality that requires 2200 + hours specific to theory and practice. As apposed to someone who has a similar number of hours in his or her field but only a small number of hours studying a modern medically based style of acupuncture more accurately referred to as dry needling. This practice typically focuses more on musculature and is specific for the most part on injury with exception to Naturopaths who learn a more theory-based style of acupuncture.

Since these short programs have significantly less hours of study and even less hours of practicum it therefore can lead to higher chances of incorrect needling (whether in terms of inaccurately locating the points or improper insertion) and or neglecting the that there is a theory behind point selection and each point is carefully selected based upon each individual case.

There are also cases of unregulated “Chinese Medicine Doctors” who may or may have had adequate training so it is best to do the research and know where your acupuncturist has been trained and if that program is in fact regulated. A good cue is to look for the R.Ac or R.TCMP beside someone’s title but it is also good to do a quick background check.

Just remember that no two treatments are the same, one bad experience does not mean that you will have the same experience again. Each acupuncture session I have had has a variance to it. Sometimes it relaxes me, sometimes it energizes me, it all depends on the intention behind the treatment at hand.

Did you know that TCM is actually a really wonderful preventative medicine? When you are healthy it is a great opportunity to keep yourself in balance and in that optimal health.

TCM theory speaks of a concept of yin and yang; these two opposite types are energy that is always in flux with one another. Optimal health means that both yin and yang are in balance and continually keeping the other in check. However, it is very easy for one to gain momentum over the other and create a small or drastic division leading to an imbalance in the systems of the body that could lead to a number of ailments whether that be pain, or flu, or diabetes etc.
When we are continuously working to keep that balance in order it is less likely that we will become ill (chronic or even acute).

Skepticism is a healthy human function; its protective qualities serve purposes of safety and integrity. My stance is always to lean on curiosity, investigation and self reflective practices to come to your own conclusions.  

The incredible thing about acupuncture is that this 5000-year-old tradition backed by  thousands of texts on innumerable amounts of information. People spend lifetimes working to understand the science behind it and may only scratch the surface because there are so many thoughts and theories behind the practice of acupuncture.

When it comes to your safety, I hope it can bring ease to mind knowing that acupuncturists are thoroughly trained and have the knowledge and skills to safely practice it with your best interest at heart. Sometimes all it takes is a little faith. You may just be surprised at what you learn about yourself as you get more and more treatments.

Cupping is another Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that is used to promote Qi & blood circulation. This practice is well known as a means to relieve pain and tension. However, it can also be used as a form of detoxing or moving stagnant energy. 

The process involves uses a cup (made of glass, silicon, or plastic) and creating a suction with the surface on the skin. This is done in a number of ways depending on the style of the tool. This particular technique used is with the use of a silicon cup in which the suction is created by reducing the negative space inside the cup so that when it rebounds back it sucks the skin in along with it. It is through this suction that flow is promoted. An oversimplification of this process is that the suction essentially pulls the blood/lymph out of its regular circulation creating a minor injury that encourages overall healing to the area.

Cupping most often involves leaving the cups in one spot (on specific acupuncture points, on areas of discomfort), typically for 5-15 mins that tend to leave tender circular marks that can be on a spectrum from red to purple or swollen tissue that generally last 3-10 days (sometimes longer). 

Another technique is moving cupping where the skin is lubricated and the cups are moved along the surface of the skin kind of like a massage. This technique can also leave marks as above but they tend to be less specific when the cups are not sitting still. Generally, the cups are moved along the meridian or in the areas of pain and stagnation.

Each technique is used to promote the energetic flow in the body yet each has its own benefit that will be decided on a case-to-case basis.

*Please note that there is risk of a number of adverse reactions that can occur after cupping from minor to more severe. The most common occurrence is tenderness in the area. However, there can be increased pain that tends to settle within a few days. There is also a chance of blistering and or fluid leaking from the pores. As well as the possibility of very rare immune reactions depending on circumstances unknown. Typically, these responses are part of the healing process and should resolve on their own. However, if there is any concern, contact me for further information and support.

Depending on the location and condition, cupping can cause some discomfort when the cups are suctioned to the surface of the skin or some tenderness in the are afterward. In general, any pain associated is minor and sometimes even welcomed in that “hurt so good” kind of way. 

Not to mention, benefits often outweigh temporary discomfort. However, only you can determine what is within your comfort zone. Give it a try and see for yourself. 

*AND remember if the cups feel to tight, this pressure can be reduced so it is important to keep an open communication to ensure you have the best experience. 

ALWAYS remember meditation is a PRACTICE…

*Since meditation is a very Personal Practice. The following info is rooted in my experience. This practice starts with making a commitment to self to find how it fits into your life.

Through the years I have decided that I want nothing more than to live as authentically as I can so honesty has become a really big part of my life. With this is mind I find it challenging to marry what my idea of what I want to represent in my website and what a website “should” be like. And the truth is that the more I sit with myself in silence and the more I get to know me the less and less I become concerned about the “shoulds” in life. I just want to be me and I want to inspire those around me to do the same. This is my goal in my teachings and in my treatments. We all have our insecurities and our strengths; we just need to learn to appreciate and embrace all aspects of ourselves and “be with love” unconditionally. This is what meditation is to me.

To be completely honest my seated meditation practice varies from strong to a struggle but meditation is infused in so many elements of my life. The more I connect the more I want to learn more and the more I want to get quiet and still. I believe meditation can truly be one of the greatest gifts when we learn to take the pressure off and just simply be present and surrender.

It is theorized that it takes just 20 mins of a meditative practice to come into what is coined as the Relaxation Response; a nervous system state that engages an internal sense of calm. This is what I personally strive for daily because I see the benefits from the difference of when I do not get that time to myself. As mentioned, it is not always easy and sometimes it does not happen the way I would hope it does but there are tools that we can use to increase of chances of coming to a dedicated practice.

#1 is scheduling it in, wake up 25 mins earlier than you need or go fit it in before falling asleep. If you make it a natural part of your daily routine, you are less likely to miss it.

#2 is using a daily habit tracker, the more visual it is, the more likely you are going to check it off of your list.

#3 is “Don’t stress about it!” If it is going to stress you out to engage with the practice it might be better to come back to it when you have the mental, emotional and physical space for it. You are far less likely to do it if it is not enjoyable.

#4 is setting yourself up for success. Make sure your space is comfortable and distraction free.

#5 is working on not taking yourself too seriously. If you need to move your body, MOVE your body!

#6 is taking it one minute at a time. There is no race and no rules for your own personal practice (Yes there are very specific meditation practices that are strict and have distinct features and responsibilities but if you are just starting out give yourself permission to go in slowly).

#7 is ALWAYS practicing kindness and compassion for yourself and your process. AND let that shine out into the world.

Meditation comes in many forms, from seated practice to walking meditations. 

If its been a while or you are new to meditation, chose an option that is the most accessible. If its is uncomfortable to sit, lying down might be more appropriate. Or if you are challenged by sitting still, perhaps your meditation is a grounded movement practice with concentration. 

Some may argue that meditation has to abide by a set or rules but think of meditation as pure presence and curiosity of self, or an opportunity to be fully present and connect inward. 

It doesn’t have to be fancy but I have provided a little extra information below to get you started. 

Options to make your practice more comfortable…

• Cushions, pillows, a mat, a blanket, a chair, couch (anything that will provide physical comfort but remembering the more comfortable you are the more likely you will fall asleep)

• A optional place to write in case wisdom arises (a notebook/paper & a pen, a computer/tablet)

*Be with love has a number of recorded sessions available including the Daily Practice Program or the Befriending Yourself Series
The Daily Dose Join Me Monday’s at 9:15am at Amaroo in Oakville

FREE Daily Practice Program

this is a self-guided practice that you can personally adapt to fit into your lifestyle through the incorporation of 4 mindfulness pillars known to have profound impacts of well-being.

BREATH – MOVEMENT – MEDITATION – INTENTIONALITY

This program takes an in depth look at different tools and how they can be implemented into daily regimens.

It includes…
• How to videos
• Guided weekly themes to contemplate
• Journal prompts for reflection
• An example map to help you find your daily morning routines
• A step by step guide for optional breath practice

*Its not a requirement to practice daily but COMMITMENT & CONSISTENCY have significant impacts on our focus, our vitality, & our motivation; therefore it is strongly encouraged.

This Program will help you to build routines you can do every single day that have the ability to shape your day & have a positive effect on your PRESENT reality.

This is a self directed program complete with manual available in a downloadable link provided in the video carousel. Please enjoy but also please respect the time and education that went into creating this material. It is not to be reproduced or shared. 

FREE Befriending Yourself Series

Grab a cushion or a chair and join us for a short grounding meditation that includes some gentle revolving motions at the hips and some spinal flexion and extension.

Befriending Yourself AND the World Around You is a series of short videos to do at your convenience. This series consists of manageable breath focused practices involving meditation and gentle movements.
Each session is designed with an intention of slowing down, and turning inward so that we can get to know ourselves on a deeper level. This series is about connecting with all parts of self; body, breath, thoughts (conscious & subconscious), emotions, senses, discomforts, desires, etc. We will hold it all with as much gentle loving kindness as we can muster. While at the same time working to put aside learnt doubts and self criticisms. Together, we will challenge any of the societal notions that make us believe we have to keep it together all the time or that we need to live with this impossible fierce independence. Because reality is that we are living in a world of chaos with ever increasing inequities that continues to require more and more of our dwindling resources.

These practices cannot fix our realities, they do not magically make everything better. BUT they can help us to find a greater sense of compassion. They can help up embrace our messy humanness it all of its manners. AND they might even bring with them a quality of feeling slightly more in control because there is one aspect within that we can learn to take charge of and it is breath. BREATH is an entry point. Breath holds the keys to the nervous system. Unlock this tool and it will always be with you.

Follow me on @bewithlove.ca for session drops. All content is free.

Donations are welcome and can be sent to lori@bewithlove.ca

25% of all donations will be further donated to local organizations in support of Indigenous Peoples.

Feel free to connect with me by the email above.

It is from my perspective that breath & mindful compassion are key elements in our health and wellness. It is through focused and conscious breath that we can increase function, longevity and bring about emotional balance. It might come as a surprise that it is very common that the average individual is only breathing at 10% of the lungs capacity. Life stresses & emotions, ailments, misalignment’s, you name it, and it probably has an affect of your natural birth given breath. Instead we find a more shallow breath that of course keeps us functioning but not necessarily at our most optimal level.

We all know we breathe, we all know it is essential but how often do you pay attention to your breath? Unless we are given reason it is most likely that it doesn’t often cross the mind because it is such an innate process that will happen whether we think about it or not. And it is this reason that yoga works so well. A vast majority of the benefit of a yoga practice is because of the influence of concentrated full breaths that are in turn increasing the amount of oxygen to our cells, our organs and especially the brain. This is the calming affect that most people speak of when they mention their yoga practice. Of course there are the added physical benefits but the breath is the foundation of any yoga practice.

Yes! grab a group or enjoy a private individually guided meditation practice.  

facilitated services…

Private Individual & Group sessions available online & in person.

Meditation & Breath sessions are designed specifically to meet you or your groups needs. Either a location can be suggested or provided by a member of your group.

30 min individual or group online $50

75 min private in person $125
90 min group in person $200
75 min individual or group online $125

You chose dates & time! Contact me to book or for more information.

Breath may seem simple in production of inspiration & expiration but it is incredibly intricate & complex

AND reality is, breath communications are rife with oversimplifications, misinterpretations, &/or misinformation that actually do have very serious health consequences. Obviously breathing is a requirement for life & therefore it is safe but not all breathing techniques are safe for all conditions so it is important to be informed before engaging in practices of breath.

There a many breathing techniques & practices with known positive impacts on life. One of such techniques is breathwork.

what is breathwork?

Practices with breath are a time-honoured tradition that have become popular in Western society for the increasingly recognized health benefits. Not only are they able to help reduce stress through the influence on the nervous system and the ability to engage a relaxation response. But further conscious breathing has the potential to free us from ruminating thought patterns and help to remind us that we have everything we need inside to self empower by way of harnessing more love and compassion.

In this particular breath-based experience we engage in different patterns of breathing and movement through a guided structure that can turn us inward to connect to with ourselves on a deeper level.

The practice will be predominantly in a reclined position therefore for the most comfortable experience pillows are recommended along with a blanket in case of temperature fluctuation.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Since these breath practices are ACTIVE & HIGHLY STIMULATING , it is not ideal if there are any recent surgeries, history of aneurysms, glaucoma or major cardiovascular problems. CAUTION is to be taken if pregnant (can practice gently with NO breath holds), history of significant mental illness (Mania, Psychosis, Schizophrenia) or history of epilepsy, asthma & high or abnormal blood pressure . AND FINALLY…the practice can have emotional impacts that may require additional supports; if needed please connect with your care givers or reach out to myself for further information.

The practice begins with gentle movements in an effort to encourage expansiveness of the breath while at the same time allowing more bodily consciousness as it helps the process of getting out of incessant mental activity in hope of achieving a state of pure present awareness. When we can get quiet enough to simply bask in the wonders of being human while we marvel at the miraculous nature of how breath moves in our particular bodies.

The majority of the practice will be done while lying fully supported on the back to get comfortable enough to explore the intricacies of intentional breathing through various combinations of an open-mouthed style of breath. This mostly consists of a 3-part diaphragmatic breath in conjunction with specifically timed breath holding in order to promote optimal oxygen uptake.

*Each participant will be guided through their own personal journey that could range from questioning the process the entire time from a more analytical lens or a wonderfully dissociative bliss on the opposite end of the spectrum . One experience is not greater than another as it is all part of a continuum of learning one’s deeper connections to self. It is encouraged to just be with the experience however it shows as it can come with big waves of emotion or it can be more subtle in nature . All are valid and do not need to be understood .

The practice itself will be an hour in its entirety, concluding with a short visual meditation, self acknowledgments and gentle closing movements. Questions or comments are welcome afterward.

*Please be aware that you could be tired & spacey afterward or full of energy. Please allow some time and space to re-acclimate before engaging in activities that require full attention.

MUST FILL OUT THE DISCLAIMER & RELEASE WAIVER TO PARTICIPATE
In order to best prepare for your breathwork practice it is recommended to watch the videos in the carousel below or at the very least read through the summaries…

Quick Summary of Prep: The practice is done lying down in a safe space; preferably on comfortable mat on the ground (you may practice on your bed but the cozier you are the more likely you will fall asleep & there is risk you could fall off if you are an active breather). Place a pillow under the knees for optimal comfort. It advised to only use a thin pillow under your head. It is most ideal to dress in layers in comfortable clothing; being advised that temperature can fluctuate so it is also handy to have a blanket to keep warm if needed. It is preferential to have water and possible balm near by as the practice can induce dryness. You may consider having a notebook & pen in case inspiration strikes.

Quick Summary of What to Expect: Please be advised that there are many things that can arise while engaging in practices with breath. To briefly summarize, breathwork can vary from session to session and it is best to actually enter sessions without expectations yet understanding whatever does occur is part of a ‘normal’ experience. You may have sensations/awareness’s on all levels that come up; tingling, numbness, pain, floating feeling, dizziness, nausea, claustrophobia, anxiety, panic, fear, ecstasy, joy, sadness, anger, bliss, metaphysical, psychedelic, out of this world, out of body, extreme emotion, crying, laughing, shaking, moving, clarity, confusion, etc.

A common experience is for tension to arise in the body and create something called tetany (which shows up as a freezing most often of the fingers/hands/forearms). This is VERY NORMAL and will settle when breathing returns to baseline and the body settles down.

Another very common experience is to have profound emotional reactions that can show up as sadness, anger, joy etc. This is also quite normal and the benefit is that most people report having new understanding around themselves afterward. If you are still feeling any intense emotion following into the days after breathing; please reach out to myself or a care giver.

*The most important thing to remember is that it is your ride, you can get off at any time by returning to your regular nose breathing (if its too difficult to breath through you nose, breathing slowly and calmly).

Breathing technique…

Quick Summary: The breath technique will all be done while BREATHING through your MOUTH. It is BEST to watch this video to be able to visualize the breathing technique and understand what will be happening in your practice as sessions often don’t allow time for detailed instruction. The practice is predominately using a technique that is referred to at conscious connected circular breathing. The main technique is called the double helix; one inhale first into the upper abdomen, then continuing with a second inhale into the chest through the mouth and then releasing the out breath with as little effort as possible through the mouth. 2 breaths in, out breath out.

There will be variations around this style of breath including breath holds, breathing faster or slower, along with making sounds through our mouths.

The breath practice will conclude with a mother wave breath which is just one slow steady breath in and one slow steady breath out though the mouth like a wave.

*Please consult with your physician before doing any breathwork if you have concern and refer to the cautions before participating.

I offer breathwork online or in person with groups or individuals. As well as public breathwork workshops from time to time. Follow on instagram for updates on dates and times. 

facilatated services…

Expansive Breathwork Practices are when time permits.

Private Individual & Group sessions available online & in person.

Breathwork sessions are designed specifically to meet you or your groups needs. Either a location can be suggested or provided by a member of your group.

75 min private in person $125
90 min group in person $200
75 min individual or group online $125
You chose dates & time! Location can be provided (may include increased fees). Contact me to book online sessions or for more information.
Other practices of breath involve more traditional yogic practices like pranayama such as the ones included within the breath therapy program…

what is breath *’therapy’?

*PLEASE NOTE, I am not a trained therapist; this is not conventional therapy but rather a practice of going inward that can be therapeutic.

It is inevitable the life comes with its challenges. Human are meant to experience a spectrum of emotions that range from contentment to defeat. And because life comes with unforeseen circumstances and or overwhelm it is advantageous to have tools of support to help in those times. This program offers an opportunity to gain skills while at the same time connecting yourself and the ways that you connect to emotion. The practice focuses of breath in particular because breath is wonderfully multifaceted in a way that can rework & re-tune our systems to establish deeper internal associations.

Not only does breath have a huge impact on physical health and well-being but it can also have a significant influence on state of being that goes beyond mind and body. It can tap right to the source that sustains and provide the clarity that is needed to live the most fulfilling life. This is why I LOVE the Breath!!

In this 6 day program we will dive deep into the breath. Combining the ancient wisdom’s & the modern understandings; we will explore the foundations of breathing, and the biomechanics of our breathing apparatus. We will learn ways to stretch and exercise this internal machinery through the ancient practices of Pranayama. As well as discuss the latest research with practices to find our most optimal natural breath. We will dive into poly-vagal theory and explore the depths of our brain to try and discover the patterns of thought that create our reality. Looking at each level of mind (conscious/subconscious/unconscious) we will work to discover what messages and patterns our bodies are holding to the light for us to see. We will reach into what makes us tick and what motivates us to keep moving forward. We will cleanse what is no longer serving us and plant seeds for the future. And the best part is that YOU can take the reigns of your OWN healing process. Its essentially a coming back to remembering that you are in the drivers seat of how you experience your life and with these tools you will have everything you need to empower yourself to continue moving forward in this vast ever changing existence.

What you need…

• A place to write (a notebook/paper & a pen, a computer/tablet/iPad)
• 2 individual pieces of paper
• A safe space to practice – surrounded with cushions/pillows and full of comfort
• A cracked or open window for fresh air
• An option for a ceremonial candle
• Preparation to be with yourself for the week. Limiting distractions as much as is practical & asking family/housemates to honour your going inward
• Abstaining from alcohol & recreational drugs for a week
• Eating as many fresh/whole foods as possible & limiting the foods that lack the nutrition for your body
• AND finally as my beautiful teacher would say having an openness to “suspending your disbelief or skepticism” & OPEN yourself to the endless possibilities – release your limiting beliefs & move beyond false conditioning and take inspired action to create in the now

*Includes access to Be With Breath Drop Box with continually updated files inclusive of numerous videos, extensive manual, & continued support within the Breath Community to help maintain your routines.

Often practice run from Monday-Friday for about 90 mins concluding the series in a Bonus closing ceremony (with optional breathwork session).

*Not ideal while pregnant. Caution to be taken with heart disease, epilepsy, mental illness (such as psychosis, mania, schizophrenia). Please let me know if there has been a recent trauma or significant trauma.

*Ideal for Mental Health & Well-being.

This 6 day practice is great for learning tools for coping with the stresses of life and connecting deeper to your personal process.

Private session available on request.

4-12 people
$250 per person for Live Online & Video Recordings
$300 per person for Live In Person & Video Recordings
You chose dates & time! Location can be provided (may include increased fees). Contact me for more information.

Movement comes in many forms…

from gentle to extraneous practices, movement is an essential component of health and function. 

Whether its just a few minutes a day or living a very active lifestyle, moving your body as much as possible benefits both the mind and body. 

Lori has been teaching movement practices for 17+ years and offer both in person and online practices  to help inspire regular ambulation. 

Check out the daily practice program or join a class in person. 

FREE Daily Practice Program

this is a self-guided practice that you can personally adapt to fit into your lifestyle through the incorporation of 4 mindfulness pillars known to have profound impacts of well-being.

BREATH – MOVEMENT – MEDITATION – INTENTIONALITY

This program takes an in depth look at different tools and how they can be implemented into daily regimens.

It includes…
• How to videos
• Guided weekly themes to contemplate
• Journal prompts for reflection
• An example map to help you find your daily morning routines
• A step by step guide for optional breath practice

*Its not a requirement to practice daily but COMMITMENT & CONSISTENCY have significant impacts on our focus, our vitality, & our motivation; therefore it is strongly encouraged.

This Program will help you to build routines you can do every single day that have the ability to shape your day & have a positive effect on your PRESENT reality.

This is a self directed program complete with manual available in a downloadable link provided in the video carousel. Please enjoy but also please respect the time and education that went into creating this material. It is not to be reproduced or shared. 

Yes! grab a group or enjoy a private individually guided meditation practice.  

facilitated services…

Private Individual & Group sessions available online & in person.

Movement sessions are designed specifically to meet you or your groups needs. Either a location can be suggested or provided by a member of your group.

30 min individual or group online $50

75 min private in person $125
90 min group in person $200
75 min individual or group online $125

You chose dates & time! Contact me to book or for more information.

be with love offer private individually based mentorship as well as mentorship programs. 

Follow on instagram for learning opportunities or inquire by email for personalized programs.