Energy Wellness Techniques

Acupineology

Acupineology is a form of esoteric bodywork described by Gray Cobb, Geof,(1980), in the book,Helping yourself with acupineology. (Parker:publisher-out of print available from this URL- http://www.booklook.com/cats/occ.HTM or Amazon.com lists at about $60USD). Aside from providing the usual benefits of massage, this therapy is supposed to help you achieve a higher level of spiritual development.

Animals as Healers

Massage by animals to humans to decrease pain

I have not yet done a literature review for this phenomenon but the results were pretty compelling, so I decided to post this case report at this time.

Animals have been shown to help humans improve their level of wellness. Proven examples of this are: fish tanks working to decrease stress and blood pressure; cats and dogs helping humans to decrease stress, blood pressure, and depression. What I have not noticed in the literature and will do a formal check on asap is how animal can apply their healing techniques to humans. The following is a case report involving one incident.

Case report

A 41 year-old female A.B. in good health presented with acute episodic overuse syndrome bilateral carpal tunnel wrist pain of one hour duration (sore wrists from too much computer work). While resting, A.B.'s 5 year-old female pug began licking the wrists. The licking was strong in part because the dog has a love to lick and because she had a litter of pups(the mother licks the pups' lower bellies to facilitate the pups' elimination). After only a few minutes of this pug tongue massage, the wrist pain resolved completely and did not return.

Several factors need to researched regarding the effectiveness of animal massage to humans. Some questions from this case report are listed subsequently. Did the pain resolve spontaneously since A.B. has no history of chronic pain? Was it the massage action of the tongue that relived the pain? If so, would other animals' tongues work as well? Was it not the massage but a component of the saliva of the dog that healed the pain? As some literature states that animal saliva has wound healing properties, perhaps the saliva also contains pain reducing agents that are effective topically. Obviously there is a lot more evaluation needed. But given the safety of the process and added bonding between animal and human, I certainly feel that this aspect of animals healing humans should be investigated further. Have any of you animal caretakers/companions had an experience similar to this? Please let me know so that we can move this healing modality further.

Aromatherapy

Definition

The use of essential oils to change your body energy is termed,"aromatherapy." With this practice you can improve your level of wellness.

Purpose

Exoterically these oils can be used to help you: relax; breathe easier; decrease headaches; improve skin quality; decrease insomnia;etc. Almost any symptom can be improved with the frequent, consistent use of a high quality essential oil. Aromatherapy can also work to balance your subtle anatomy, i.e. auras and chakras. So, esoterically essential oil use can help you advance spiritually.

Method

1. Determine appropriate essential oil.

a. You may sample test a number of oils and find out those which you are drawn to.

b. Review essential oil lists.

References

Davis, P.(1991). Subtle aromatherapy. Essex, England: Saffron Walden The C.W. Daniel Company.

Lavabre,M.(1990). Aromatherapy workbook. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press.

2. Apply essential oil to your energy frequently and consistently via: diffusion(apply a few drops of oil to a pad or a machine or place a few drops on a light bulb); bath; compress; respiration(place a few drops of oil in your hands and breathe deeply with your hands near you face); massage(some sources indicate that the essential oil should be blended with a carrier oil to decrease skin irritation).

Summary

Aromatherapy is a safe, effective, inexpensive, and pleasant way to help you rebalance your body. Please let me know if you would like me to get a chart of oils and their uses. Best of luck with this wellness modality.

Ayurvedic Medicine Ayurvedic body types

Ayurvedic medicine is one of the oldest set of healing modalities. Its history is rich and diverse. In subsequent features, its background will be described. With this introductory feature, the physical body representations will be delineated. Ayurvedic medicine refers to the set of healing modalities that originated in India. Essentially the theory of the science of the lifespan approaches the body(or prakriti) as a collection of 3 primary energies(or doshas) of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These primary energies regulate all physiological and psychological behaviors. When these energies are uniquely balanced for the individual, optimal wellness occurs. The evaluation of the person's body type is an initial portion of the diagnostic process of Ayurvedic medicine. The body types reflect the 3 doshas and are: Vata; Pitta; and Kapha.

Vata

Vata is the force of movement. It determines the body rates and feelings of the physical stimuli. It rules the movement of blood, lymph fluid, nervous impulses, respiration, cellular nutrient intake, cellular waste excretion. Physical characteristics include: thinness; extremes of height; dry, rough skin; dry, coarse dark hair; thin, small lips; thin and bony extremities. This type's emotional tendency is fear, worry, and anxiety. The mental strength is analysis. The social skills of this type are fragile and sensitive. They are often unable to maintain friends. The speech pattern is rapid with interruption of others. The sleep patterns are light with much interruption and a duration of 5-7 hours per night. The general movement rhythm is fast and uneven. The sex drive is variable.

Pitta

Pitta is the biological fire. It works to digest and metabolize nutrients into a biologically available form. It works in a similar fashion to digest and metabolize ideas and information. Physical characteristics include: moderately developed physique; moist, warm skin with a predisposition to acne and moles; fine, red/light hair with easy balding and graying; full lips; muscular extremities. This type's emotional tendency is anger, irritation, jealousy. The mental strength is discrimination/judgement. The social skills of this type include the ability to lead. This type is a good conversationalist. The sleep is sound and a duration of 6-8 hours. The general movement is solid but moderate. The sex drive is passionate.

Kapha

Kapha represents the supportive structures. It gives strength and stability. It corresponds to the immune system. Physical characteristics include: broad,well developed body; cool skin; thick, wavy, dark hair; thick large lips; large and long extremities. This type's emotional tendency is calmness and steadiness. The mental strength is logistics. The social skills are strong with much understanding of others without feeling defensive. This type is a soothing speaker. The sleep is long and deep. The general movement is slow but slightly ethereal despite the largeness of the physique. The sex drive is strong and enduring.

So now you can determine the predominate body type for you. You can begin to evaluate the appropriate daily habits. The next feature on Ayurvedic medicine will discuss the healing dietary patterns for each dosha.

Bach Flower Essences

The Bach Flower Essence wellness modality, a blend of Western herbalism and homeopathy, is a simple, safe, effective wellness modality founded by one well-educated, dedicated, and hard-working man.

Dr. Edward Bach founded this wellness system in the 1930's. He started his career as a general practice allopathic physician with consulting rooms on the prestigious Harley St. in London. His research included work with homeopathic theory development. With his practice, however, he became dissatisfied with the traditional Western medicine emphasis on disease and illness rather than the person. In 1930 he left his practice on Harley street and his Western medical theory base. His new research and treatment approach became introspective and intuitive. He evaluated the health status by looking at the emotional response and how it impacted the health of himself or his patient. In the Spring and Summer he was in the field selecting his herbal remedies. In the Fall and Winter he developed the remedies from the flowers and treated himself and patients. His diagnostic focus was on evaluating the emotional and feeling state. His treatment focus was the use of a particular flower essence to heal that emotion which then allowed the corresponding body symptoms to resolve. The present 38 Bach Flower Essences are from his work.

Of course, you should always allow yourself all the possible choices, so please investigate your treatment options with your traditional health care provider. Once you have done your health care choices research, these Bach Flower Essences are a very reasonable, easy to use, non-invasive, easy to combine with other wellness routines. You evaluate your dominant emotion and select the corresponding essence. It is often necessary to combine the remedies to meet all your needs. The theory base suggests that you combine no more than 6 agents. So you should select the 1-6 most appropriate essences and work with those on a daily basis for a period of time. The remedies are liquids with a small amount of alcohol(as part of the processing of the flower) that are taken by mouth. Sometimes it is appropriate to place the remedy on the skin. There are no absolute contraindications to using the essences. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are in very fragile health, you should consult a practitioner trained in Bach Flower Essences(the Bach Centre in England has training programs-so look for your practitioner to be trained through this agency).

For more information email me(yogini.net) or visit the official site

Dr. Edward Bach Centre(http://www.bachcentre.com)

Here is a list of the Bach Flower Remedies and the associated diagnostic emotion(if this is your predominant emotion then that remedy is the appropriate remedy for you to help resolve your symptoms).

Agrimony-severe depression behind a happy mask(the sad clown)

Aspen-severe terror of the unknown like night terrors in children

Beech-irritable emotional rigidity/bigotry

Centaury-co-dependence or poor personal boundary maintainer-always giving without regard to your own health

Cerato-lack of faith in your own decisions

Cherry Plum-fear of mental breakdown

Chestnut Bud-inability to learn from mistakes or recognize unhealthy patterns

Chicory-selfish, domineering love

Clematis-lack of grounding in the present while dreaming of the future

Crab Apple-obsessive ?complusive behavior, self-loathing

Elm- too much responsibility

Gentian-overwhelmed by setbacks

Gorse- without hope

Heather-shyness,over-evolved sense of vulnerability

Holly-possessiveness,greed,hate

Honeysuckle-thinking only of the past

Hornbeam-putting off tasks whenever possible, work list is fatiguing to even look at

Impatiens-lack of patience

Larch-poor confidence

Mimulus-fear of the known, anxiety about surroundings and duties

Mustard-severe depression without triggering factors as in classic depression

Oak-for one who pushes beyond abilities

Olive- the sense of exhaustion after mind or body efforts

Pine- guiltiness

Red Chestnut-overly concerned about how loved ones are doing

Rock Rose-primal terror

Rock Water- repression, over self-denial

Scleranthus-indecision

Star of Bethlehem-severe stress or collapse

Sweet Chestnut-severe mental torture, the feeling of being backed into a corner

Vervain-too positive

Vine-over-domineering with extreme rigidity

Walnut-changes are debilitating

Water Violet-over-detachment

White Chestnut-pervasive thoughts-schizophrenia might fit here

Wild Oat-confusion over personal and professional direction

Willow-pity over your own position

Rescue Remedy-combination of agents for immediate shock and stress-this is used for the meltdown problem. The agents are:Cherry Plum;Clematis;Impatiens;Rock Rose; Star of Bethlehem. Rescue Remedy cream-combination of agents for topical use-bruises/contusion as well as the emotion of shock The agents are:the above remedies plus Crab Apple. Good luck.

Balneotherapy

Balneotherapy, or the topical application of mineral water, is an ancient healing modality. From the earliest times, we have sought relief in healing waters. As time and experience progressed, we found that certain waters were more effective in relieving ailments. These waters are those which contain large amounts of minerals.

In Asia and Europe, particularly Japan and Poland, the use of mineral water as a healing modality has evolved to the point where there are institutions that research this topic and train ,in-depth, providers of this therapy. Additionally, balneotherapy is taught in medical schools.In Europe and Asia, it is not unusual in to find doctors and nurses providing or prescribing balneotherapy. The ways that balneotherapy is thought to bring relief for many maladies include: elimination of harmful germs and viruses by causing an increase in body temperature; increase in hydrostatic pressure which works to improve blood circulation and cell oxygenation, thereby improving blood flow to organs; increase in body metabolism which then works to improve the function of the gastrointestinal tract and liver, aiding in digestion; improved endocrine function with long-term use; topical absorption of the trace minerals aids the whole body function, as would by-mouth administration of colloidal minerals, resulting in improved immune system function,improved production of endorphins; increased exposure to negative ions which promote feelings of wellbeing; topical absorption of the minerals works to relieve skin disorders such as dermatitis, psoriasis and fungal infections.

Balneotherapists continue to explore the full impact of mineral water on the body and will include: mineral mud therapy;physical therapy during the water soaking; steam baths; inhalation of mineral water vapor; and drinking mineral water. So balneotherapy may impact in many more ways than is presently considered.

Cleansing-Detoxification

Cleansing and Detoxification work to allow the body to heal itself by the letting the body rest from digestion &/or eliminating poisons. Many approaches to cleansing exist. They primarily fall into two categories of fasting and toxin elimination.

Fasting works to allow the digestive system and body have a rest from full digestion. With this rest the body can then focus on other functions and improved health ensures. Fasting can be a water fast, juice fast, raw food fast. The length of fast can vary as well from one day to several weeks.

Detoxification is the process of eliminating poisons from the body in a mechanical and/or supplement method. Mechanical detoxification includes colonics, sweating, and purgative/laxative supplements. Full body detoxification includes supplements which bind with poisons to eliminate them. Examples of this include IV chelation therapy and by mouth supplement kits. The best by mouth supplement kit I have found for this is the Colonix and Toxinout kit by drnatura.

Ear candling

Introduction

Ear candling can be a wonderful method to remove ear wax, decrease ear pain, eliminate outer ear infection, increase your energy, improve your sleep, relieve allergies, decrease chronic pain syndromes, increase your meditative or psychic abilities. Ear candling has a long history dating back to Atlantis and Lemuria. Peoples utilizing ear candling include :the Aztecs; the American Indians ;the Chinese; the Egyptians; the Mayans; the Tibetans.

Method overview

The ear pottery cone or candle causes smoke to be pulled down into the ear canal. The ear canal warms and debris loosens from the canal. This heating action causes a vacuum in the ear canal. Excess air from the Eustachian tube comes up slowly, while the smoke(often from herbally formulated wax or straight herb powder) and possibly some wax (if candles are used) comes gently down into the ear canal. The air escaping from the Eustachian tube carries with it upward into the cone/candle the debris. The warmth and small amount of wax(when candles are used) feels soothing. The client feels relaxed in a manner similar to the sensation after a full body massage. Ear candling is often done weekly for acute issues and monthly for wellness maintenance. Side effects are negligible with a possibility of transient nausea. Ear candling can be done professionally. So you can check your local listings and look up an ear candler. Some physicians in the US use it in a limited fashion for wax removal. If you would prefer to do the procedure at home, some types of ear candles are made especially for at home use. One example is Wally's 100% beeswax candles(available at Whole Foods). Good luck.

Electrical stimulation

Electrical stimulation has been in use since we discovered how to harness electricity. Please see the photo for viewing an early model of an electrical stimulator. This is a photo one of my client's grandmother's arthritis zapper.

The use of electrical energy is another way to balance your subtle energy and to relieve pain. This most commonly is found in Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation(TENS) units. You may use them directly on the skin. Also an acupuncturist may attach them to the the acupuncture needles to strengthen the effect. Western medical providers may recommend their use to aid in bone healing for those with severe fractures or for those whose healing is expected to be slow, such as the elderly or the menopausal woman. One way to use them at home is to stimulate around the area that hurts or to use acupuncture points according to Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) theory base. Be careful though as this energy modality is not self-regulating. Most practitioners will not cross the midline when working on the upper half of the body and use with caution in anyone with cardiac arrthymias or pacemakers.

Exercise and its metaphysical benefits

You are aware of how exercise helps you to be physically healthier. You may, too, be aware of how the movements stimulate your body's chemicals to move through your system to improve your mental well being.

Spiritually, exercise can help you move forward. Exercise of any type facilitates energy movement through the chakra system. Envision the chakras. Now visualize any form of exercise. Is it difficult to understand how the physical movements of exercise change the energy flow? So, as you exercise, your energy flow can work toward balancing your chakras. Balanced chakras equal high spiritual development and contentment(santosha, samadhi).

Some forms of exercise, perhaps, help balance the chakra energy system more than others: hatha yoga; qi gong; tai chi. These forms of exercise inherently require: deliberate movements; intense focus; regulated breathing; contain energy pathway movement in their theory bases.

Now you have yet another reason to turn off the computer and get moving. Peace. Heather.

Homeopathy-Like Cures Like

Homeopathy has a long history. Some of the documented uses of the homeopathic approach to wellness can be found in the works of Hippocrates(5th century BC). Many of his remedies included the homeopathic idea of like cures like(for allopathic aficionados, please consider the concept of vaccines in evaluating this homeopathic approach).

The founder of the specific homeopathic system of medicine was Samuel Christian Hahnemann(1755-1843). While working as a physician, he wrote articles and books on medicine and chemistry. He, like Florence Nightingale, advocated improved public hygiene. In the late 1700's he gave up conventional medical work while continuing his writing career. In working on translations he came across remedies which were based on the like can cure like theory base. He became intrigued with this concept and experimented with various substances. As he continued his research, he felt he had discovered a system of medicine whereby the disease and remedy bring about similar symptoms which work to cancel out each other( similia similibus curentur). In A New Principle for Ascertaining the Curative Powers of Drugs and Some Examination of Previous Principles(1796), Hahnemann described his new medical approach calling it "homeopathy"(homeo=similar and pathos=suffering)

Generally, remedies can be divided into acute episodic(short bout of an illness) or constitutional(preventive based on body type or treatment of chronic illness). The method of prescription and the pattern of formulation of remedies are still under debate.

Hahnemann began organized homeopathic remedy formulation. Because some of the healing substances found in nature were poisonous in an undiluted form, he experimented with methods of changing the potency to decrease the lethality. Surprisingly, he found the more dilute solutions had more effectiveness while having fewer side effects. He focused his remedies primarily on acute episodic treatments.

As homeopathy gained in popularity, other providers developed additions to his theory. Dr. Constantine Hering(1800-1880), Dr. James Tyler Kent(1849-1916) and Dr. Richard Hughes(1836-1902) were three important figures in the area of theory development.

Dr. Constantine Hering developed an order to the homeopathic pathophysiology with his Three Basic Laws of Cure. These laws state that: symptoms move from the top of the body downward; the symptoms move from the inside of the body outward; and disease moves from the most important organs to the least important organs. He also felt that the client experiences a cure in the reverse order of development of the symptoms.

Dr. James Tyler Kent made the link between body type(with the temperament) and a proclivity toward certain disease developments. So he developed the concept of diagnosing a constitutional body type which then would require certain remedies for health maintenance.

Dr. Richard Hughes focused his research on the potencies of the remedies. He emphasized treatment of only the physical symptoms and felt that lower potency remedies were much more effective and more easily tolerated by the body.

Although the theories of homeopathy provide debate and different approaches to client treatment, homeopathy is a safe and effective energy wellness technique for many people and many symptoms. If you are considering using homeopathic remedies for the first time, please consult an experienced provider or do a fair amount of research as the remedy selection can be a complex process.

Iridology

This is a method of diagnosis. Classically,the practitioner visually inspects the fiber, color, texture and pattern of the iris of the eye to determine illness and tendency toward illness. Presently the practice is expanding to include the sclera, white of the eye, in the examination.

Click here to view Iridology Chart

Magnets? A valid, safe healing modality

Magnets are an effective healing modality without side effects. They have been used for 1000's of years as symptom reducing agents. Traditional Chinese Medicine theory base has always included the magnet's natural self-regulating low level electro-magnetic energy in its battery of healing methods.

The electrical energy of the magnet works to rebalance the body's prana/qi/energy to improve the body's symptoms. The energy is gentle and self-regulating. Please don't think of power lines while visualizing magnet treatment. Their energy is more akin to hydrotherapy or crystal energy.

Magnets are an easy to use modality in that they do not require in-depth knowledge or active sessions. You can apply the magnet specifically to an injured area or generally to the feet (which reflect the whole body, and so entire foot stimulation will treat the entire body) or the back( which also reflects the entire body). Certainly consulting a magnet practitioner will maximize your results, but you can get the job of rebalancing your energy done by yourself and work,thusly, to decrease any body symptom.

In our busy days, magnets as a passive wellness modality are very effective.

One note:I do recommend buying the higher priced magnets as they are natural magnets with good placement. They will last forever. The less expensive magnets will wear out because they have been "zapped" with regular electrical energy. They also do not have the better magnet placement that the higher priced magnets do.

Lyon Legacy Magnets-High Quality Magnets Please note that I am a distributor of these magnets. I am more than happy to point you toward other brands, if you email me.

What is a mandala?

Generally, mandala means "wheel." Philosophically, it refers to the circle of life and life's basic rhythms. One example of this is the mandala of the astrological wheel.

Healing mandalas are found in many cultures. The Tibetans and Navajos use sand painting mandalas to heal the sick. The mandala works to change the illness energy pattern, so the person's symptomatology resolves. Often, the mandala is used as part of a "shamanistic" ceremony. However, in reviewing the literature some independent uses of the mandala can be found. An independent mandala use focuses the energy for the person without other intervention. In my practice I find that the mandala can be incorporated into meditation in a mental psychic healing format. Additionally, the mandala can work to rebalance the body's energy while the person rests or sleeps. During the rest or sleep period, a person's defensive energy relaxes, so that the mandala directed energy rebalancing can occur.

One can choose his/her mandala by simply selecting the most appealing design. One can choose a representation of a specific chakra(many sources on chakras also contain mandala chakra representations). As a practitioner, I intuit the affected chakra/s and design a mandala for client use to place in his/her resting/sleeping quarters or to use during meditation.

Drawing your own mandala to balance your energy

A mandala only needs to be a circle with shapes or symbols that represent your specific energy pattern. You can intuitively design your own mandala. Additionally, you can refer to my Dharmananda Yoga Chakra System chart for information about the shapes, colors, mantra, alignment statement that would be helpful to place on your mandala. How do you tell what chakras of yours that need to be re-adjusted? Look through the chart. As you look at the colors, symbols, emotions, essential oils, try to see which of those you are attracted to. For example, if you enjoy eucalyptus, that chakra would be one to include in your mandala. As a rule, I generally use one or two chakras for the mandala. I find that placing shapes from more than two chakras is too scattering for the balancing of energy. The first step in physically drawing the mandala is to make a circle,either free hand or with a compass. If the circle is not perfect, that is fine. I see usually that variations from a perfect circle help the mandala to be more effective. The balancing energy seems to use that variation as a cue for the type of energy in the same way that the shapes, etc. bring the balancing energy. After the circle is drawn, then include your choices of the chakra shapes, colors, mantras, and any other characteristics that you feel should be included. If you are not sure of the placement of the shapes, etc., you may want to follow my guideline of placing the heavier chakras(Saturn, Jupiter) lower in the circle and the lighter chakras higher in the circle(Crown, Sun, Moon). And there you have your personalized healing mandala.

Overall, mandalas can be used as a graphic representation of psychic energy for rebalancing. You may elect to use the healing mandala: as part of a healing ceremony; as a meditation focal point; as a healing representation which works while you rest/sleep. To obtain a mandala you may: choose a pre-designed mandala picture; xerox or copy a mandala chakra picture out of a chakra resource; purchase an individually designed chakra specific mandala viaShiprock Institute.

Mantra-way to heal

Mantra practice is the use of certain vocal vibrations to balance subtle energies and to heal the body.It is a vocal way to balance psychic energy, as a mandala is a graphic way to do this.One repeats specific words to bring definite energy patterns to the mind-body-soul complex. The words and number of repetitions vary depending on theory base and on your personal energy pattern. In general, yogic theory base recommends multiples of 3 for guidance in the number of repetitions. The words that are used vary. You may choose to use the mantra that is associated with your affected chakra (my Dharmananda Yoga Chakra System chart). If you want to work on more than one chakra with your mantra, you may combine the mantras from each chakra. You may intuitively determine the order of the mantra or you may begin the combination mantra with the mantra of the heaviest chakra and end with the mantra from the lightest chakra(Saturn = heaviest and Crown = lightest). You may also choose to work with specific mantras, such as the mantra for dissolving fear as determined by Goswami Kriyananda, Hai Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram(2002).

Reference

Kriyananda, G. Questions and answers dear Kriyananda, Yoga Chicago , March-April, 2002, p.9.

Mental Psychic Healing

Affirmational-Attitudinal Mental Psychic Healing

Affirmational or attitudinal healing is a form of mental psychic healing. This form of healing theorizes that changes in our thoughts change our energy pattern and thus our level of wellness. With this form of healing you use positive statements to replace any negative statements in your mind. These statements should be repeated 200-500 times per day throughout the day. If this seems excessive, please pick one negative mental image or thought and count how many times per day it passes through your mind. You will be surprised that it likely passes through your mind hundreds of times per day. You can choose a statement from a reference text such as Louise L. Hay's Heal Your Body(Hay House Publishing.1988), design your own( I have some suggestions on my chakra link), or consult a practitioner for a statement(at this point in time there are no national certifying bodies for this type of wellness method, so consult your practitioners based on personal recommendations). You can make real changes with this form of therapy. But please make sure that you explore all options so that you can make the most informed choice possible.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy has its origins in the U.S. Dr. Andrew Taylor Still(1828-1917), a Civil War surgeon, developed this osteopathic theory and treatment in response to his dissatisfaction with healthcare at the time. The first osteopathic school was founded in 1892. Osteopathy is a therapy that views the body as a whole system operating together. It emphasizes diet, exercise, healthy habits, and proper musculo-skeletal alignment. Osteopathic physicians treat illness by working to place in perfect alignment the musculo-skeletal system. The theory states that the body can heal itself of any illness (including infectious disease) once the body is in good alignment. The osteopathic physician will diagnose by palpation of the body. The treatment consists of manipulation to release the blockages which were found upon body palpation. The full treatment regimen usually consists of many 20-90 minute sessions at 1-3x/week intervals to reduce symptoms completely. Usually the patient feels as one does after a basic massage. Osteopathic manipulative therapy can effectively without serious side effects treat many, if not all, disorders.

Osteopathic doctors in the U.S. have very similar education(in separate osteopathic schools) to the allopathic doctors(M.D.s), the same licensure and testing as do M.D.s. They train together in residencies and work side-by-side in clinics and hospitals. Anecdotally, in my work as a nurse I would say that most often they do not have the chance to practice true osteopathy as it was designed, in part due to the blending into the M.D. environment. A bonus of that blending for the U.S. patient is that if you can find a D.O.(osteopathic physician) who delivers true osteopathic care, you will have your osteopathic care fully covered by your insurance or you may even find this alternative wellness care provider in your HMO list of providers.

Reflexology

Reflexology has its origins in Asian traditional medical theory base. It shares with Asian energy medicine that theory that various parts of the body are tied to other body parts and the body's symptoms by energy pathways.

However, in reflexology theory base, the definition of these pathways is tied to the neuroanatomical concept of dermatomes(a dermatome is an area of skin supplied by a set of cutaneous branches of a single spinal nerve).Reflexology proponents state that these dermatomes reflect body function as well as nervous stimulation. The reflexology body maps of the hand and foot reflect the Western neuroanatomical dermatome map of the body. According to reflexology theory base when one area of the foot or hand is stimulated, the corresponding body part will have a resolution of its symptoms.

Reflexology is a body work energy balancing modality like acupressure, acupuncture, massage. A reflexologist will do a foot and possible hand pressure treatment which will last from ½ hour to 1 hour. You may feel immediately better. Most often though, it takes a series of treatments to get resolution of symptoms. Reflexology is virtually without side effects(sometimes your symptoms will get a bit worse before getting better which occurs with any body work modality).Certification of therapists is variable, so please be sure of your providers before receiving treatment.

You can do self treatments very easily. Most of us are able to reach our hands and feet fairly easily. No special equipment is needed. You can do short sessions(5-15 minutes) regularly(1-2 times per day) and get very good results. The method is to apply firm direct pressure to the soles of the feet and palms of the hands with a fingertip or thumb tip. You can apply this pressure using a clockwise direction. You want a firm pressure. It should be slightly uncomfortable for the receiving end. not your finger.Where you feel the most tenderness is the area that requires the stimulation to resolve your body symptoms. Because the body tells you by its tenderness what needs stimulation,you do not have to have an understanding of what body parts correspond to various areas on the hand and foot.Please see this link for maps-reflexology maps

You can check out these books for more information: Kunz,K & Kunz,B.(1982).The complete guide to foot reflexology.Prentice-Hall,Inc.:Englewood Cliffs,NJ; Carter,M.(1975).Hand reflexology:key to perfect health.Parker Publishing Company,Inc.:West Nyack,NY.

From Relaxation to Meditation Purpose and effects of relaxation

A purpose of relaxation is to reduce the effects of stress. Stress can cause imbalances of all the chakras/auras. Physiologically stress can cause problems literally from head to toe: headaches; visual disturbances; cardiovascular changes; respiratory changes; depression and other mental health changes(i.e. poor concentration); eating changes; gastrointestinal changes; musculoskeletal changes; neurological changes.

Short term effects of relaxation include: decreased respiratory rate; decreased heart rate; increased regularity of heart rate; improved circulation; feeling of well being. Long term effects from regular periods of relaxation can include; balancing chakras/auras and resolution of physical symptoms of any/all body systems.

Purpose and effects of meditation

Meditation has two basic purposes. These are forward spiritual development(spiritual psychic healing) and balancing of chakras/energy field(mental psychic healing) which can cause decreased physical plane symptoms.

The effects of meditation include: increased psychic development; movement toward energy balance; physical body symptom relief at a deeper level than relaxation.

How does relaxation differ from a meditative state?

This can be a difficult question to answer. I view the states as part of a spectrum from the usual waking state to the meditative state with the relaxed state being in between the 2( we will not discuss the sleeping states at this point). Relaxation and meditation generally appear similar to the observer. The participant has a softer tone to the muscles in a meditative state. The eyelids are not usually closed as tightly and may open during the meditative state. The breathing rate is slower in a meditative state. A key physical indicator is that the core body temperature decreases about one degree Fahrenheit during meditation. For the participant, s/he will sense the meditative state when it occurs.

Relaxation methods

Methods vary to obtain relaxation. Whatever works cleanly to reach quietude is helpful. The use of alcohol or drugs may obtain an initial sense of relaxation. However, these methods overall create more phlegm pathogen for the chakras/auras and so do not have long term benefits.

Now onto specific techniques.

1. Aromatherapeutic technique is the diffusing of relaxing essential oil, such as lavender, in combination with a slow breathing period. You may simply place a few drops of the oil in your hands. Rub your hands together a few times. Then bring your hands to your face and breathe deeply. You may also use a UL approved plug-in diffuser($20US) or a diffuser machine($30-150US).

2. Hydrotherapy is the use of warm water to relax the body, usually with a bath. This method is very easily combined with the aromatherapeutic technique.

3. Energy-based movement techniques such as hatha yoga, natural chi movement, qi gong, tai chi. Please consult your local listings for classes.

4. Progressive muscle relaxation

a. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.

b. Breathe in and out slowly through you nose(as you are able).

c. Beginning with your feet and working up to your head, alternately tense and relax the muscle groups of your body. Pay particular attention to your back and abdominal area.

d. After completing the muscle groups of your body, perform deep breathing for 2-20 minutes.

Meditative methods

Meditation is approached from two basic perspectives. One viewpoint searches for blankness of the mind. The other approach works to create the meditative state by focus on a point, figure, idea.

Both methods incorporate many of the same procedures. Sit in a comfortable position which provides an erect spinal column. Breathe slowly. Inspiration must equal expiration. Ideally, you should breathe through the nose only. Attempt to bring the inspiration down through to an expansion of the abdominal cavity. As well, on expiration push that air out from the abdominal area.

With the zen-like approach, you clear out the mind until a blankness or emptiness is present(I know it doesn?t make sense to have an emptiness present but try it, please). At the beginning of your efforts, it will be difficult to obtain this effect. As you practice, it will come to you easier and stay longer.

The other general approach is to focus your gaze on an object or envision an object/shape/color to bring your mind and body to a meditative state. As with the blank screen perspective, it will be difficult to focus at all at the beginning.

The simplicity of the meditative process is a significant reason for its effectiveness in moving one forward at all levels. This aspect of mental psychic healing can do it all.

Shamanism

Definition of shaman:

Basic characteristics of a shaman usually include: higher power selection as a healer; group consensus of healer status; apprenticeship; holistic approach to healing of physical ailments(often viewing emotional status as a cause for a physical ailment); well defined rituals; specific lifestyle behaviors for the shaman; use of the wheel(mandala) as an organization for the person, community, world; respect/reverance for nature and animal rhythms.

Shamanism and nature?s elements

A review of the contemporary literature on shamanism highlights the association of shamanism and nature?s elemental energies. The practice of shamanism often involves tapping into elements such as Air, Fire, Water, Earth. From my reading, I note that these elements of shamanism theory base share the characteristics of elements defined in astrology and five element acupuncture theory base: Air-lightness, intellect, intuition; Fire-outer strength, courage, religious faith; Water-balance, introspection, hidden strength; Earth- nurturing, determination, genetic make-up. Shamans will invoke the elements of our Earth plane to balance the individual and/or community via specified rituals and prayer in a private or public ceremony that may or may not be repeated.

Shamanism

Native American

Navajo

Anecdotal healing case history

As a nurse working in the Shiprock Indian Health Service Hospital, I saw one very remarkable Medicine Man healing. A baby had intractable seizures. We had tried all our available western medicines to control the seizures. As a last resort we were using rectal paraldehyde. This was also not working. Finally the family called in the Medicine Man. The shaman in his ritual utilized topical herbs and oils to the baby?s chest. After the ritual, the seizures slowed considerably and were then able to be well managed with basic western medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Acupuncture, Acupressure, Herbs, Magnets, Moxa, Qi gong

TCM incorporates energy flow as a method to diagnose and treat symptomatology. TCM uses the concept of energy distribution among energy organs and pathways. When the energy gets blocked, deficient, excessive, symptoms will result. The etiology of this energy change can be a myriad of causes including: genetic constitution; diet; inappropriate exercise; stress. TCM practitioners will recommend lifestyle changes such as diet changes, exercise changes,etc. Important aspects which I will describe in this feature are: acupuncture; acupressure; Chinese herbs; magnets; moxibustion; qi gong.

Chinese herbs are used as an internal method to change the body's energy or qi. Chinese herbs are recommended based on the client's energy pattern(in contrast to Western herbs that are indicated by the presenting symptom). The practitioner assesses: the general client character; the tongue; the pulse; the quality of the energy pathways or meridians(arm/leg/abdominal palpation). Then the practitioner determines the diagnosis and herb regimen. These herbs may be whole(usually requiring tea preparation), capsules, liquids, and tablets. Herbs are generally taken several times per day for several weeks. Since some herbs can affect the blood pressure and other conditions, it is best to see a trained TCM practitioner for recommendations. Herbs can work to rebalance any condition and have few side effects.

Qi gong is an external/internal wellness technique. It is an energy exchange modality similar in nature to Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, pranic healing. It can be performed by a provider or by oneself. Diagnosis is usually intuitive utilizing both TCM energy patterns and chakra physiology. Most methods of self qi gong have forms to follow which are much like those of tai chi/hatha yoga. Numerous videotapes are available for you to view to get more of an idea of how you would like it. Of course most areas also have classes in this form. I classify it as an external tchnique when the provider performs the exchange for you. It is internal when you perform the routine yourself. Qi gong is an effective, safe technique appropriate for any energy imbalance( please do your research, since some forms are applicable for some conditions and not for others).

Acupuncture(sterile needle insertion along designated meridians based on a TCM diagnosis), acupressure, magnets, and moxibustion(external application of artemesia vulgaris above or on specific acupuncture points) are external TCM wellness methods. Like Chinese herbology These methods use TCM diagnosis and treatment style. The use of acupuncture and moxibustion require a consultation with a trained TCM provider. In using acupressure and magnets it is helpful to visit a TCM provider( if not do your reading so that you get the maximum effect for your efforts). These methods are safe and very effective. You would be amazed at the results you can obtain. A reasonable online acupuncture supply store is: Acumarket at www.acu-market.com

Links for more TCM information are:acutempo.com;acupuncture.com.

Please Check Out..

Shiprock Institute
Valley of the Sun Publishing
Puritan's Pride- Vitamins,Herbs,Health Products
Lyon Legacy International Magnets

Email: yogini98@comcast.net