Susan Ginsberg, a local yoga, meditation and relaxation expert who has taught for more than 10 years in the Chicago area and beyond, announces the expansion of her healing program, Stop and Breathe®, to help those aiming to reduce their level of stress. Susan uses specific yoga and breathing techniques to provide her clients with a calm and nurturing environment in contrast to today’s hectic world.
Stop and Breathe® originated as a relaxation and stress-reduction program currently offered at NorthShore University HealthSystem, the Kellogg Cancer Center, and other private, group and corporate locations. Participants receive relaxation support, breathing guidance and visualization skills that help them cope during an otherwise stressful time of their life.
Stop and Breathe® was inspired when one of Susan’s students was diagnosed with breast cancer. She saw first-hand how her breathing and relaxation techniques provided peace and relief for her student, Mimi Horowitz of Highland Park, who was looking to add a peaceful component to her intense medical régime.
“I was dealing with chemotherapy, daily radiation sessions and several surgeries to battle my stage 3 breast cancer. I was overwhelmed. Susan provided me with a needed sense of calm during the most challenging stage of my life,” said Horowitz. “In addition to her relaxing teaching method, the content of the program is easy to follow. I am now able to use what I learned on a daily basis and share this healing practice with countless others.”
After seeing the benefits of the Stop and Breathe® program and receiving the respect and support from health care providers, Susan realized that the same techniques that minimize pain and discomfort can help any individual needing to find a state of relaxation and clarity of mind. She recently offered a session at a local corporation, and after seeing its benefits, now provides Stop and Breathe® to larger groups and businesses in addition to the healthcare setting.
Sessions range from 15 minutes to one hour, and involve gentle music, a calming voice guiding the participants through breath guidance, progressive body relaxation, visualization techniques and meditation. Most of the time, the individual becomes so deeply relaxed that they experience an ‘in between stage’ between sleep and consciousness- this stage being highly restorative to the mind and the body. Many of these participants have claimed that they have never felt this state of relaxation and want to add this healing element into their daily lives.
There are numerous proven health benefits to meditation, including chronic pain reduction , lower blood pressure and decreased need for medications and improved sleep.
“I am dedicated to teaching the Stop and Breathe® program to those who need to reduce stress in their lives. Stress reduction and relaxation techniques can be learned and practiced in a very short amount of time yet can provide a lifetime of reduced stress and anxiety,” emphasized Ginsberg. “I look forward to expanding this service to any business, organization or group that is interested in providing this program for their colleagues.”
To book a corporate, group or private session or to get more information, please go to www.stopandbreathe.org or call 847.444.9642.
