For many individuals with chronic pain symptoms, the healing process involves -- not masking or getting rid of the pain -- but actually opening to the pain, listening to the pain, seeing the pain as a teacher and guide, and engaging in a healing process integrated with therapeutic modalities and treatments. When we make the choice to have the courage to face the pain, allow it, and find its meaning and message, we can heal the underlying root cause of pain. This principle of pain is universal, whether in a physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual context.

During his upcoming program at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat, Dr. Paul Epstein, ND, will help students understand how to relate to pain mindfully and compassionately, with unconditional presence. Participants will explore the nature of pain, which is an integral part of our lives and they will acquire tools to avoid the development of feelings of resentment and anger towards pain that only aggravate the situation.

The essence of Dr. Epstein's teaching is to guide people to explore and live questions, to see with new eyes and to embrace their pains, wounds and burdens... re-membering into their essential wholeness. He supports the conscious engagement of each patient's inner wisdom and heart of compassion: their inner healer. By employing skillful means and practicing understanding, intention, and effort, students will embark on a healing journey as they begin to work through old conditioned patterns and un-learn their own pain.

Dr. Paul Epstein, ND

Dr. Paul Epstein, ND is an international teacher and speaker with more than 25 years' experience in mind-body integrative medicine and its clinical application. As a teaching expert in mindfulness-based mind-body therapeutics, he integrates the "classical" naturopathic principles with his background and training as a mindfulness meditation and Buddhist Dharma teacher, interactive guided imagery guide, yoga instructor, and internal family system psychotherapist.

As a practitioner, he integrates a whole-person integrative approach with contemplative psychotherapy, guiding each patient's self-healing journey and connecting with his or her spiritual path. He maintains a private practice in Westport, Connecticut, and mentors healthcare professionals to integrate mind-body therapies in their life and clinical work. He specializes in treating patients with chronic and stress-related disorders and mind-body syndromes, transforming pain and illness into a journey of self-healing and an opportunity for spiritual awakening and happiness. His web site is www.drpaulepstein.com.