Holistic Hoopology

Holistic Hoopology is the study of the hoop, incorporating a holistic approach to physical, emotional and spiritual health.

We would like to share some of the basic concepts integrated in Holistic Hoopology, introducing some of the theories and terminology that are fundamental in understanding its' principles.

Holistic Health- is an approach to how treatment should be applied. Holistic concepts of health and fitness view achieving and maintaining good health as requiring more than just taking care of the various singular components that make up the physical body, additionally incorporating aspects such as emotional and spiritual well-being. The goal is a wellness that encompasses the entire person. -Wikipedia

Healing- to make whole or balanced, by removing obstructions in energy, balancing energy, and channeling universal healing energy.

Wholeness- a unified entity or system; a complete organism, including spiritual, emotional, physical and mental bodies.

Holistic (Therapeutic) Hooping- the use of one's own localized energy field, along with a holistic hoop as an instrument to balance areas within one's own field that are obstructed or disordered, through the use of conscious intent; one can become a grouded, focused conduit for universal healing energy, resulting in an increase in one's own wellbeing.

Body, mind and spirit are not separate entities, but different energy frequencies that are continually interacting. For the purpose of explaining some of the philosophies of Holistic Hoopology, let us explore each aspect of the whole.

BODY:
Holistic Hoopology recognizes hooping for its' physical health benefits. One can utilize the hoop as an exercise tool for various purposes.

It can be used as a yoga prop to do hoop yoga. Along with intentional breath we can stretch and elongate muscles. Slow moving poses held for an extended period of time can bring the same benefits that traditional yoga does. Kara Spencer from Mandala Hoops tells us that, "movement and breath coordinate to nurture the flexibility of the spine, strengthen the core musculature of the torso, and promote integral function of the organs. Just as yoga can nurture improved flexibility, strength and posture- so too can hooping."

Hooping speeds up your heart rate, increasing cardiovascular activity and promoting healthy circulation throughout the body. Through isolated movements of the neck, chest, belly, hips, thighs, legs and arms, you flex and contract entire muscle groups: strengthening and toning them; working out your entire body. It also helps you improve your balance and coordination. Hooping massages internal organs, revitalizing them, while releasing toxins to be flushed away.

The rhythmically undulating motion of the body within the hoop returns us to a state of fluid motion, reminiscent of the womb. Spreading a sense of relaxation throughout the body, calming the nervous system, loosening tight muscles caused by tension, stress and anxiety. It is said that you can burn 100 calories for every 10-minutes of hooping- it also increases your metabolic rate, which aids in the break down fat deposits and promotes regular digestion. Hooping facilitates an increase in physical energy as well by releasing crucial endorphins into the body during exercise.
All of the physical benefits of hooping contribute to an overall sense of well being.

MIND:
Utilizing your personal spiraling vortex for increasing psychological health is another element of Holistic Hoopology.

With hooping, one can naturally reach Alpha-Theta level brainwaves, which support inspired and creative meditative states. Therefore, hooping can be a meditation- one in which we can set positive intentions for what we want to manifest in our lives. The hoop creates a 'sacred space' for us to journey within, connecting us more deeply with our higher self and divine purpose in life. If we can think it, and believe it, it will manifest!

We can use our hoop practice as a time for personal reflection- where we can make the conscious decision to release what is no longer serving our higher purpose, creating room to invite new positive thought processes and actions in to our being. Using the hoop as a funnel, we can channel positive Universal Healing Energy in to our mind, body and spirit. With clear intentions set, one can benefit in a number of ways- relaxing/clearing the mind, relieving anxiety/tension, reducing headaches/fatigue and enhancing mental focus, contributing to an overall sense of well being.

SPIRIT:
Holistic Hoopology acknowledges that there are also metaphysical benefits of hooping as well. Our spirits are greatly affected by positive experiences, and what is one of the most positive experiences one can have? An ecstatic experience, filled with joy and laughter.

"In the American Journal of Medicine it is found that laughter increases secretion of catecholamine and endorphins, which, in turn increases oxygenation of the blood, relaxes the arteries, speeds up the heart, decreases blood pressure, which has a positive effect on
all cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, as well as overall increasing the immune system response." -Patch Adams

The hoop can bring the positive energy of laughter in to your life. A well-known aphrodisiac, laughter can be very healing for the body, mind and spirit. It rejuvenates us in the most amazing ways, radiating joy from every cell increases vitality and euphoria.

When you are laughing, you are expressing happiness and let's face it- happiness is the ultimate/end goal of life- the result of love, abundance, prosperity, joy, compassion, faith and more.

Hooping unites breath and movement synergistically, allowing your chi (life force) energy to flow more freely. You can ground, center and harmonize your energy to become more balanced, focused and clear. The hoop can be used as a catalyst for moving your Kundalini energy, aligning your charkas and cleansing your aura. Opening your channel to the divine healing energy of the Universe and connecting you more deeply to your own inner rhythms.

Increasing consciousness and illuminating the spirit- you may find yourself doing what the knowledgeable Ghandi says, "be the change you want to see in the world". And this is an important intention because an individual's personal/spiritual transformation brings us all one-step closer to Global transformation.

Body, Mind & Spirit:
Holistic Hoopology focuses on the healthy aspects and healing benefits of hooping. Taking into consideration all three frequencies of human beings- the mind, body and spirit. Striking a balance between them all is what holistic health is all about. Hooping can help you find that balance on your path. Transformation is possible!


Although the healing powers of the hoop are apparent for almost anyone that picks one up and gives it a whirl. We wanted to go one-step further- to generate a way to increase the healing potential of the hoopdancer, the first Holistic Hoop was crafted. Infusing the hoop with healing ingredients- crushed crystals/stones/minerals, essential oils/herbs/essences and hand-written positive affirmations- producing a mini altar or medicine wheel, thereby increasing the positive energy within the hoop vortex. Our trademark Holistic Hoops have been said to amplify one's intentions, resulting in an elevated experience that fosters health, happiness, wellbeing and wholeness. Hence, from our study of the Holistic Hoop, incorporating a holistic approach to physical, emotional and spiritual health; Holistic Hoopology was born.
And it continues to transform and expand with each passing year.

Thank you for allowing me to share a tiny bit of the vision, and I look forward to sharing more with you in the future!

Hoop all is well in your whirled!

Here's to your Health and Happiness,
Kandice Korves-Kaus
Founder, Holistic Hoopologist

and The Holistic Hooping Team
HOLISTIC HOOPOLOGY 101
(Revised article written by Kandice
for The Ray Magazine in 2003.)
http://holistichooping.com/