HOLISTIC HEALTH ARTICLES

(The articles on this page are provided for informational purposes only, and I have obtained the authors' permission to display their articles here on this page.)

© 2002 by Bryana C. Hillman BFP/Bach Flower Therapy Practitioner

Ancient cultures, such as the Egyptian and Australian Aborigine, have known of the healing properties of flowers for thousands of years. Paracelsus, the celebrated physician of the Renaissance era, used essences and tinctures to replace the popular medicines of his time. Dr. Edward Bach, a British physician and bacteriologist, discovered the healing properties of flower essences derived from plant and tree sources in his native land in the early 1930’s, and he produced the 38 individual flower essence preparations called the Bach Flower Remedies which are currently used as a relatively mainstream form of natural medicine in Europe and other parts of the world. His well known combination formula of five essences, called Rescue Remedy, is also widely used. Since Dr. Bach’s time, other countries and regions of countries have developed flower essences from their own native growing plants and trees. Although I don’t in any way discount the efficacy of flower essences produced elsewhere, my practice is currently devoted to the use of the Bach flower essences.

The sheer simplicity of the Bach flower remedies is just one of their appeals. The healing energy of these essences (plant energy is visible through Kirlian photography) targets the mental and emotional level of a person and stimulates self-healing by helping to clear the negative emotions and mental states which impede the body's natural ability to heal itself. Flower essences aren't used to address specific physical symptoms, but rather are taken for the underlying or accompanying mental/emotional states which may often be the root cause of the manifestation of physical symptoms. The physical body can often heal itself once emotional balance is achieved. Fear, anger and resentment, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, impatience, recklessness and impulsiveness, excessive worry, exhaustion, over-compliance, hate, bereavement, and hopelessness are just some of the mental/emotional states which can be helped with the use of Bach flower remedies.

Another appeal of using these flower essences is that they are safe, non-toxic, non-addictive, cause no side effects, and can be used in conjunction with any other medical or holistic treatment. The book Applying Bach Flower Therapy to the Healing Profession of Homeopathy by Cornelia Richardson-Boedler, NMD, HMD, MA, MFCC, UKMHMA, clearly demonstrates the benefit of using Bach flower remedies as a catalyst in homeopathic care. Many veterinarians worldwide also use flower essences in the treatment of animals. The wide range of uses for this form of complementary medicine is extensive to say the least.

Yet another appeal of the Bach flower essences is that they are widely available, at many health food stores across the country and abroad, and through distributors easily accessed through the internet. The remedies are made from specific non-poisonous plants, shrubs, and trees, and are prepared through the heating of the flowers with sunlight in spring water, or through the boiling of twigs and flowers to extract the healing essence. They are liquid preparations preserved in a 27% brandy/spring water solution, and are sold in safety-sealed amber dropper bottles. The expiration date on the bottles reflects the shelf life of the brandy and not the flower essence itself. The energy or vital force of the flower essence has no known expiration date. The essence drops can be taken by mouth directly from the bottle, put in any hot or cold drink, or can be applied to pulse points on the skin. For recovering alcoholics, the essence drops can be put in a cup of hot or boiling liquid to evaporate most of the brandy without destroying the healing energy of the essence, but it's important that physician approval be obtained before using at all.

How does a person know which remedy or combination of remedies to take? The answer lies in self-awareness and objectivity. Free questionnaires are often available next to the remedy bottles in health food stores, and there are also flower essence websites that offer descriptions of what emotions and mental states each remedy addresses. As a certified Bach flower therapy practitioner I have found that for passing moods or as a preventative measure, the average person can usually determine which remedy or remedies are going to be beneficial to them. But, I find that in chronic emotional states, objectivity and self-awareness are often lost, and that's when consulting a practitioner can be of assistance. The root cause of longstanding emotional distress needs to be determined and addressed, whether its origin roots in a specific traumatic or stressful event, a negative or self-defeating attitude or belief, circumstances one feels powerless to overcome, or a host of other factors. What a certified Bach flower practitioner does is assist a person in self-care with the remedies by helping to promote their self-awareness, and by selecting remedies for them based on their individual mental/emotional state and personality. How long a person takes a remedy, or several remedies, depends upon whether their emotional state is acute or chronic, and how deep-rooted it is. In some acute states, the remedies can work in a matter of minutes or hours. In chronic states, the length of time can be weeks, months, or even several years. I have had many calls from people looking for that elusive "quick-fix" for their stress. When I ask them what they believe to be the cause of their exhaustion, anxiety, or depression, they often avoid the question entirely. To alleviate stress and imbalance, a person needs to determine the root cause of their problem and then approach it with common sense, as many factors can come into play. For longstanding emotional stress you must give yourself the necessary time and assistance to clear it away, whether that assistance involves holistic or traditional medicine, the healing power of faith, or counseling. Bach flower essences are just one option in a vast pool of nature-made resources available to improve and maintain our health. They are one resource that I value immensely in my own life, and also in the lives of those I have the opportunity to help through consultation.

It often seems that we have forgotten or have simply chosen to dismiss the value and simplicity of holistic health care treatments and energy medicine in this age of advanced technology, but the use of flower essences and many other alternative/complementary health care options have nevertheless stood the test of time and will continue to do so for centuries to come.

Improving the Quality of Our Lives with Reiki

 © 2008/Bryana C. Hillman BFP RMT DIHom/Usui Reiki Master Teacher

We all have the innate ability to improve the quality of our lives. When I first began to explore the areas of alternative, complementary, and energy field medicine in the 1990’s, I didn’t fully comprehend how dependent our culture had become on pharmaceutical science to “fix” the problems we faced in our lives. Recently, America’s current medical establishment has acknowledged the mind-body-spirit connection and, as a result, has begun to conduct formal studies on many (often ancient) alternative and complementary health therapies already utilized across the globe. I believe most if not all of us want the simplest answers to whatever problems we face in life. And we can indeed find those answers with awareness, common sense, and an active connection to our inner selves and the Creative Source of all life. When we choose to connect with our true inner nature, when we approach each other as parts of one great whole, and when we choose to fulfill our potential without succumbing to self-defeating or limiting beliefs or influences, our intrinsic ability to improve and help heal our lives and the lives of others is able to shine through like a great beaming light.

One of the fields of complementary medicine that I value so highly that I practice and teach it is Reiki. Reiki is a system of energy field healing introduced to the Western world by a Japanese Tendai Buddhist named Mikao Usui in the early 1900’s. The US National Institute of Health has recently acknowledged and categorized Reiki as a “Biofield Medicine”, although Reiki could be more accurately described as a path to spiritual awareness as well as a system of energy field healing. The beneficial effects of Reiki treatments as documented through numerous case studies worldwide has created and established a growing demand for Reiki in hospitals, wellness centers, etc., throughout the United States. Reiki demonstrates our ability to channel universal life force energy to all levels of human existence: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. There are three levels or degrees of Usui Reiki training, and the limiting concepts of time, distance, and separation tend to melt away in this system of energy field healing in the second level of instruction and "attunement" (a brief and simple process conducted by a Reiki Master that opens up an individual’s energy pathways to accommodate the ability to transfer Reiki to self and others). Similar in a way to the healing power of prayer which is also not bound by the perceptions of time or space, our intent to access and embrace Reiki energy without limit or condition can empower each of us with the ability to improve the quality of our lives. When we choose to direct our thought patterns in positive directions, and continually seek a broader perspective on our connection to our selves, each other, our earth, and the universe as a whole, we open the door to unlimited possibilities for health, happiness, and abundance in all areas of life.

Western Reiki can best be explained as the connection to and the transferring of universal life force energy to assist the healing process. It is understood by all who practice Reiki that healing does not necessarily mean “cure”. It is the "higher self" or energy field of the receiver who draws in and guides this healing energy where it is needed most, and since life lessons may yet need to be learned, since a person may not want to genuinely heal on some level, or since one may place limits on his or her ability to heal by what they believe is possible, the benefit of Reiki treatment will vary from individual to individual. Likewise, as each of us is unique, some people may sense or feel specific sensations when receiving Reiki and others may not. On a physical level, Reiki has been shown to induce the relaxation response, lower blood pressure, and lower anxiety and depression levels according to published medical studies/trials. The National Institute of Health NCCAM site provides information on ongoing governmental Reiki studies. Everyone who seeks Reiki treatments and/or training should know that Reiki Practitioners and Masters do not diagnose or prescribe for any medical or psychological condition, nor do they direct the outcome of a Reiki treatment. Reiki Practitioners and Masters are simply the conduits for universal life force energy, transferring Reiki with positive, healing intent. Those who practice Reiki come to understand that all true healing comes from within, and that Reiki is a valuable complementary option that always innately works for the highest good of an individual.

Anyone can practice Reiki, as it requires no special skills or beliefs, nor does it interfere with religious doctrines. Reiki training is simple, affordable, and can be acquired in a relatively brief period of time. Once an individual is “attuned” to Reiki, the ability to channel/transfer life force energy is available to her or him for life. Reiki instruction and attunement can be obtained in person or by distance, and both options are equally effective. Those wanting to receive Reiki instruction and attunement can choose individual (one-on-one) training, group/class training, or remote/distance training. Each Reiki Master chooses the teaching method that best resonates with her or his own personality, and likewise, each person seeking Reiki instruction is free to choose the instruction format and Reiki Master that resonates best with him or her personally. Whether one chooses to acquire Reiki in order to give healing treatments to self, family, and pets, or to incorporate Reiki into an existing health or wellness business, Reiki indeed offers each of us an opportunity to connect with our own inherent ability to improve the quality of our lives.

Reiki blessings to all of you.

(I provide all three levels of Usui Reiki instruction and attunement. For further information please click on my Reiki Treatments and Training page link at the bottom of this Holistic Health Articles page.)

Alexander Technique - What is it?

by Janet Wright

The Alexander Technique is a way of becoming more aware of your balance and how you move. It's based on the premise that most people have bad postural habits that, over time, stop us using our bodies as easily and comfortably as we should be able to. Wrongly used muscles contract and pull down, giving rise to the classic sign of bad use: head tipped back at the start of any movement, especially sitting down or standing up. As well as the long-term damage to joints and cramped internal organs, poor posture causes a lot of tension, most commonly felt as chronic backache or stiff shoulders. It's also linked with respiratory ailments: people develop round shoulders from hunching protectively around their painful chests as they cough and wheeze, which in turn restricts their airways still further.

Frederick Matthias Alexander believed modern living gives rise to our bad postural habits: shoulders raised and stiffened by stress, neck poked forward over desk work, tired bodies slumped into saggy armchairs. Soon we've lost all sense of how we really are, so that what feels natural (because it's habitual) is wildly out of line. That's why it's very hard to correct our own posture without expert help.

The Alexander Technique aims to re-educate each body into moving more easily - relearning the natural grace all children have till they go to school and start slouching over desks.

It's based on what Alexander teachers call 'good use of the body' - allowing the spine to regain its natural curves, holding the head effortlessly in the easiest position and distributing weight evenly over your feet. The bonus is that you look taller and feel two stone lighter.

It's a hands-on teaching method, though you don't undress; after three years' full-time training Alexander teachers can 'read' people's muscles through layers of clothes with their fingertips. To start with, you and the teacher observe your stance and movements for some time, and the first shock is seeing how asymmetrical you are when you think you're standing up straight. Then you're gently moved into a healthier position when you're sitting, standing and lying down.

As part of the relearning process, you stop and think before plunging into an habitual move, then make the movement mindfully. It feels odd to practice getting up or walking with someone's hand lightly holding the back of your neck, and even odder for the first few days when you keep making conscious efforts to do it the way you've learnt. If you're used to standing with your pelvis jutting further forward than your toes, for example, you feel as though you're going to fall over backwards when you tuck your tailbone in and bring your weight nearer a point above your heels. But your legs, no longer struggling to hold you at a slant, now carry you effortlessly. You may be noticeably taller. Walking upstairs feels like levitating. The idea is that this soon becomes second nature.

And the homework couldn't be easier: for 20 minutes a day you lie on your back on the floor, with just enough books under your head to keep your neck parallel to the floor (so you can swallow comfortably), knees raised and hands on abdomen. Keep your mind on the Alexander mantra: 'Let the neck be free so the head can move forwards and upwards and the back can lengthen and widen.'

When should you use the Alexander Technique?
Most obvious benefits are with back or joint pain, fatigue and respiratory problems. It's also widely used by actors, musicians and athletes to improve their performance. Since there are no risks involved, it's worth anyone's while trying it out.

Evidence
Published studies verify the benefits of the Alexander Technique for singing, playing musical instruments, athletics, stress management, respiratory efficiency and pain relief as well as balance and posture. A study of two matched groups of students at the the British Royal College of Music, reported in the Procedures of the Royal Society of Medicine, found that the Alexander group improved their singing and acting skills as well as their posture. FP Jones reported in the Journal of Psychology that improvements in singers' voices after an Alexander course are measurable by spectral analysis an well as audibly. Holistic Medicine reports that a group of chronic pain sufferers rated it the most effective of 13 activities on a pain management course.

History
Round about the turn of the century, a young Australian actor called Frederick Matthias Alexander lost his voice, but only when he was on stage doing his one-man Shakespeare recitals. Doctors couldn't find anything the matter and conventional therapies didn't help. Alexander realized he must be doing something wrong, so he rigged up three mirrors to study himself rehearsing. He saw that, in lifting his head heroically as he recited, he was tipping it back, constricting his larynx and incidentally crushing his spinal discs. Yet he would have sworn he'd been holding his head high. Once he'd realized how out of touch people are with what they're actually doing, Alexander spent the rest of his life working on his technique - in perfect voice.

Contraindications?
None. It's painless and non-invasive. But let your teacher know if you have anemia, low blood pressure or anything else that could make you lose your balance, so they don't bring you up quickly from a lying position.

This article first appeared in the UK magazine Health and Fitness.

Janet Wright is a qualified freelance journalist with 20 years experience. She specializes in health topics - particularly self-help, evidence-based medicine and the body-mind link - and is based in London, England. She may be reached by Email at jwright@gn.apc.org. Her internet site may be found at: http://www.freelance-journalist.co.uk/

For more information about the Alexander Technique, including how to find an Alexander Teacher in your area, click here: The Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique

 

What is Aromatherapy?

copyright 2002/Kathleen M. Flanagan/Certified Aromatherapist

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy means to treat with aroma through inhalation. Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils derived from aromatic plants. The oils are highly concentrated and represent the blood and soul of the plant and are used through the sense of smell. Response to aroma has been proven to be as quick as one to three seconds.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are the life force of the plant. They are subtle, volatile liquids distilled from plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes and seeds containing hormone-like properties and natural antiseptics. Each oil has its own curative power on the body and mind. Essential oils are not oily, but are more like water. They are generally transparent and can be various colors. They are soluble in alcohol, oils and fats, but not water. Essential oils can have a shelf life up to six years. They contain oxygenating molecules which transport nutrients to the cells of the body. These molecules can help the body receive and assimilate nutrients to maintain health.
 

How does Aromatherapy Work?

When you inhale through your nose, the scent travels to the gustatory center, where taste is perceived in seconds. The olfactory receives the odor and carries it to the limbic system. The signal passes between the pituitary and pineal glands, targeting the amygdala (the memory center for fear and trauma).

What are the Benefits?

In an article in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 1992:

Where did Aromatherapy Come From?

Egyptians were first to discover the potential of fragrance approximately 6,000 years before Christ. Egyptian high priests used fragrance to open the subconscious mind to elevate their ability to communicate with the spirit world. Essential oils were used in embalming for their antiseptic powers that delayed decomposition. They were used in rituals, perfumes and cosmetics. There are records in the Bible where essential oils were used in the treatment of illness and in religious ceremonies. Essential oils were also used in China, and then their use spread to Greece, Rome and Britain.

For more information on aromatherapy, including case studies and an informative health newsletter, please click here: www.awakeningspirit.com

WHAT IS HOMEOPATHY?

by the National Center for Homeopathy in Alexandria, VA

Homeopathy is a system of medicine that is based on the Law of Similars. The truth of this law has been verified experimentally and clinically for the last 200 years.

Let's look at an example: If your child accidentally ingests certain poisons, you may be advised to administer Syrup of Ipecac to induce vomiting. Ipecac is derived from the root of a South American plant called Ipecacuanha. The name, in the native language, means "the plant by the road which makes you throw up." Eating the plant causes vomiting.

When a group of healthy volunteers took this substance to determine the effects of this drug, they found that the drug induced other symptoms as well. The mouth retained much saliva. The tongue was very clean. There was a cough so severe that it led to gagging and vomiting. There was incessant nausea. While it is expected that vomiting would usually relieve the nausea, this was not the case.

Such an experiment, using healthy volunteers, is called a proving, and it is the homeopath's source of information about the action of a drug.

Of what use could this plant be? If a person were suffering from a gagging cough after a cold, or a woman were experiencing morning sickness with incessant nausea that is not relieved by vomiting, then Ipecacuanha, administered in a minute dose, especially prepared by a homeopathic pharmacy in accordance with FDA approved guidelines, can allay the "similar" suffering.

Samuel Hahnemann described this principle by using a Latin phrase: Similia Similibus Curentur, which translates: "Let likes cure likes." It is a principle that has been known for centuries. Hahnemann developed the principle into a system of medicine called homeopathy, and it has been used successfully for the last 200 years. Click here to continue reading this article.

(The National Center for Homeopathy is a non-profit, educational organization.)

What is Naturopathy?

by the Clayton College of Natural Health in Birmingham, Alabama

Although the term “naturopathy” originated in the late 19th Century, the art can be traced back through Germany into Greece, to Hippocrates himself, and even beyond. There have always been people who understood that healing will occur naturally in the human body, if it is given what it truly needs, that is proper diet, pure water, fresh air, sunlight, exercise, and rest. For these people, the emphasis has not been on finding a disease and killing it, but rather on helping the body establish its own state of good health. Today, these people are known as naturopaths or naturopathic consultants.

While naturopaths recognize that allopathic health care is, at times, necessary, they understand that many accepted allopathic treatments may be harmful or ineffective in promoting health. Allopathic philosophy holds that disease is caused by external agents. According to this philosophy, a cure will result when offending agents are eliminated. In addition, the allopathic approach also tends to look at the symptom and the disease as one and the same, so that when the symptom has been eliminated, it is presumed that the disease is cured. The naturopath, however, sees a symptom as nothing more than a signal that something is wrong. According to naturopathic belief, when a symptom alone is eliminated, it is most likely being suppressed. Unless the original cause has also been eliminated, the symptom may return later in a chronic form.

Naturopaths Do

The origin of “education” was celebrated in the Latin phrase docendo discimus: “by teaching we learn.”

In teaching clients how to live a healthy, holistic lifestyle, naturopaths follow these principles:

Do no harm.
Primum non nocere is part of the Hippocratic oath. Naturopaths do not use harmful, artificial substances such as drugs and pharmaceuticals; nor do they use invasive and dangerous procedures, such as surgery.

Recognize the healing power of nature.
Naturopaths understand the body's innate capacity for self-healing. They educate clients in creating external and internal environments conducive to healing.

Find and eliminate the cause of poor health.
Naturopaths help clients evaluate lifestyle choices to identify both the cause of a problem and how to correct it.

Teach health.
Naturopaths teach clients how to achieve and maintain good health. They empower clients, enabling them to participate in the process of staying well.

Honor the total person.
A person is never simply a headache, or a backache, or a sore throat. Except in the case of acute injury, seldom does any problem occur in isolation. Naturopaths understand that people are interconnected physical, mental, and spiritual beings, and that one “dis-ease” affects all areas of life.

Prevent “dis-ease.”
In teaching clients how to create homeostatic balance, naturopaths help others achieve future health as well.

Naturopaths Do Not

The origin of “doctor” was in the Latin, docere: “to teach.”

In teaching clients how to live a healthy, holistic lifestyle, naturopaths avoid certain allopathic practices:

Diagnose disease.
Naturopaths perform evaluations and analyses to determine the root cause of problems, but they do not diagnose disease.

Treat disease.
Naturopaths focus on health and education, not on treating any specific disease. Naturopaths empower clients to create internal and external environments that are conducive to good health.

Prescribe drugs and pharmaceuticals.
Many naturopaths teach clients about herbs, homeopathic remedies, and the healing properties in foods and nutritional supplements. They do not prescribe drugs.

Perform invasive procedures.
Depending on the type and extent of their training, naturopaths may use hands-on modalities such as reflexology or acupressure. There are naturopaths who are also chiropractors or massage therapists, who may blend naturopathic modalities with those common to their other discipline. For example, this would include performing spinal adjustments if the naturopath is also a chiropractor. Naturopaths do not perform invasive procedures such as surgery of any kind. They do not give injections or draw blood.

(For more information on the Clayton College, Click Here.)

RELAXING INTO REIKI

By Anna Pizzoferrato/Reiki Master

REIKI TODAY

Reiki is an ancient healing art that has recently been re-discovered in Japan. With the resurrection of Reiki in this age of mass and almost instantaneous communication, word of its power is quickly gaining the attention of the mainstream world. The mode of transmission of Reiki energy from a Reiki practitioner to a recipient was originally believed, by those interested in this art, to be limited by physical proximity. The Reiki practitioner would place their hands gently on, or a few inches above the Reiki recipient's body. Upon further exploration of the potential of Reiki, "sending" the energy to the recipient or situation has proven to be just as beneficial as Reiki "hands-on" sessions. In fact, those who are too busy to carve out the time for a Reiki session can now go about their business while receiving the energy. Reiki Masters, such as myself, have directed Reiki energy to boardrooms, pets, surgical procedures, courtrooms, business offices, plants and even sporting events. Reiki distance energy healing has become a viable option for those who would rather not have a "hands-on" session, are home bound, or simply don't have the time for a session. After experimenting with this mode of transmission, I was utterly amazed at the results. One year of daily remote sessions to a seriously disabled arthritic friend ended up just about eliminating the crippling condition. Today this friend is not only employed, but is doing work that requires physical movement and stamina. As the power of Reiki spreads, individuals seeking Reiki energy now have more options in weaving treatments  into their schedules and lifestyles.

ORIGIN OF REIKI ENERGY

The origin of this powerful healing energy is believed to be divine. It is the same energy that has been channeled by all the historically famous healing giants. Regardless of its source, or why it works, the results are always positive and directed toward the best outcomes. There is no danger of misuse or abuse. Reiki energy cannot be forced. An individual simply will not take in what it does not want. When Reiki energy is accepted, the highest good of all prevails. The recipient of Reiki need not study, understand or believe in its power and beauty. In fact, the recipient need not be awake while receiving the energy. Reiki energy always delivers the highest good. Considering the source, how could it do anything else? The only prerequisite is that the recipient, on a soul level, really wants to heal. The positive effects of Reiki energy could be quick and dramatic, or, take time to be noticed. The results are unpredictable and pleasantly surprising. One simply needs to trust in the intelligent nature of the source. An acute power of observation would be handy, only to affirm its often subtle life changes and effects.

THE "FOREIGN" NAME OF UNIVERSALLY ACCEPTED ENERGY

One need not be mislead or intimidated by Reiki's foreign name. Reiki is called such because, as it happened, this old system of prayer and healing was again returned to mankind via a Japanese man called Dr. Usui. The name "Reiki" is Japanese because that was Dr. Usui's native language. This healing art was known and utilized long before its resurgence under a Japanese name. The divine is not concerned with nationality. When utilizing Reiki energy, one is merely tapping into the magnanimous love of the divine (God, life force, universe, Christ force, etc). Famous ancient healers such as Jesus used the exact same source of energy as is used by "Reiki." Jesus once said that all he can do can be done by us and even more. The key ingredient is trust. As a Reiki Master, I have learned to trust in the goodness and intelligence of this energy.

REIKI APPLICATIONS & LIMITATIONS

The beauty of this divine love is that it does not discriminate between believers and skeptics. Its power
has been utilized to positively impact a multitude of people and situations from NBA basketball games
(calming potentially volatile players) to conservative institutions such as Wall Street. The healing power of
Reiki can be directed toward individuals, pets, plants, living/working spaces, businesses, situations and even future events. This loving energy now called "Reiki" is incapable of hurting other individuals for personal gain.

Extremely specific requests can be very limiting. One needs to reflect on the general desired outcome behind the request. An example would be to ask for the "growth of one's business." It would be more productive to ask what you would want from its growth. It may be better to ask for "financial freedom." This broader approach frees up the hands of the divine to send you your best outcome. Reiki always works toward the best outcomes. When my clients present me with a request, I will ask that the energy be utilized for the "highest and best" of the individual or situation. It is good to remember that one is only limited by their imagination and purity of intent.

REIKI AS HEALING FACILITATOR
TRAINING AND LEVELS

An individual can receive Reiki from what is known as a "Reiki practitioner." The practitioner can lightly place their hands on various parts of the recipient's clothed body or, the practitioner can remotely send the Reiki energy. In both distance and hands-on healing, the recipient's own body's innate wisdom actually draws the energy through the practitioner and directs it to its highest good. The healing occurs on a soul determined priority basis.

Healing can be physical, emotional or spiritual. I always find it interesting and amazing to witness how the healing unfolds. The practitioner is not responsible for making healing decisions for the recipient. The recipient is the actual healer. The Reiki practitioner merely acts as a conduit of the energy thus serving as a "healing facilitator."

Those who believe in a supreme intelligence can elect to believe the source to be divine, thus creating a
cooperative union between one's inner knowing (the soul), and the source (God). My personal evaluation of its magnificent power places God/Universe/Source as the ultimate source of this energy, however, one's personal beliefs or lack thereof do not hinder nor enhance the results of a Reiki treatment.

Other healing modalities manipulate "Ki" or life energy. Examples include the martial arts, acupuncture, therapeutic touch, and other forms of "energy work." Reiki is different in that it is extremely focused and need not be guided by a special effort or entering an altered state. The energy destination is divinely directed.

Going through a special intensive training certifies a Reiki practitioner. The training is conducted by a Reiki
Master/Teacher and includes a sacred ceremony called an "attunement." Generally, only after being attuned, can one channel the Reiki energy.

There are different levels and abilities of a Reiki practitioner. To advance from one level to another, a
perspective Reiki practitioner must receive an "attunement". Generally, a person cannot channel Reiki
energy without this ceremony. The first level is Reiki I. A Reiki I practitioner is empowered to channel Reiki energy by physically touching an individual with their hands. There must be physical proximity. A Reiki II practitioner is able to "send" the Reiki energy as well as giving hands-on treatments. Again, a special attunement is required to move to this advanced level. The Reiki II practitioner can direct Reiki energy to an individual, plant or animal or situation. When feasible, permission is required. In cases when granting permission is not possible, the Reiki practitioner can seek soul-approval. The next level is Reiki III. A Reiki III practitioner is known as a Reiki Master. In addition to the abilities of Reiki I and II, Reiki III practitioners are empowered with the ability to give attunements. A great deal of training by the master occurs prior to, and then after, the attunement.

HEALING A FUTURE OR PAST EVENT

Reiki distance healing energy can be sent to a past or future event. A childhood trauma can be relieved of its grip on a suffering adult. An important exam or presentation can be performed with a commanding
calmness. A Reiki II trained police officer can send Reiki into a home where a disturbed individual is about to harm themselves or others. Reiki sent to hospice patients could reduce the pain and anxiety of those about to expire.
Peace would replace fear. One preparing for surgery could experience less pain, lose less blood, and have a faster recovery. I choose the word "could" because the use of the energy is determined by the recipient's soul. The only guarantee is that the Reiki energy is going to the highest good. It always does.

SITUATIONS AND CORPORATIONS BENEFIT FROM REIKI

Situations can often benefit from Reiki energy. The Reiki energy gently works to produce harmony and clarity where anxiety and discord had prevailed. Both the home and workplace are excellent targets of Reiki energy.
Relationships that are "stuck" are moved toward the highest good of all. The end results could be resolution or dissolution. All parties will have the opportunity to move toward their higher good. Corporate teams across the country have been utilizing Reiki as a gentle catalyst toward harmony and greater productivity. Dysfunctional teams have moved toward harmony and trust while corporations reap the benefits. Homes and workplaces that just didn't "feel good" have been cleared of negative residual energies using Reiki's infinite power.

HEALING EMOTIONAL PARALYSIS

Emotional paralysis resulting from an unexpected loss, event or confrontation responds quickly to hands-on or remotely sent Reiki energy. The individual will experience a calmness and clarity that will help them make rational decisions as to their course of action. Thus far, a majority of my Reiki distance energy treatments are to individuals who have lost their ability to function due to an emotional upset. Hurts inflicted by loved ones rank high on the list for producing an emotional paralysis. The individual is so gripped with emotion that they cannot even secure medical or psychological assistance. I am still in awe as to the power of Reiki to bring peace to where there was once chaos.

REIKI DISTANCE TREATMENTS AND SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE

The beauty of Reiki distance healing is its practicality and its power. As a trained scientist, I can understand the need to have more than anecdotal evidence. Only after I experienced the power of Reiki first hand did I truly believe in its authentic power. For those of you who would like to seek out some data, I can direct you to some scientific evidence. Distance Reiki is energy directed like a powerful prayer. By "prayer" I am speaking of directing your energy rather than asking for divine favors. Dr. Larry Dossey has documented scientific studies on the power of prayer. Before Dr. Dossey's early book, "Healing Words" was published in 1993, only three U.S. medical schools had courses exploring the role of prayer in health. Currently, nearly fifty medical schools offer such courses. The majority of them use Dr. Dossey's books as the textbooks for the courses. References are made to controlled double-blind experiments with unknowing groups of human patients. The results affirm the undeniable power of prayer.

A second set of experiments that can be researched are those conducted by Bruce and John Klingbeil, the
founders of Spindrift. Their experiments on prayer utilized simple organisms instead of humans. The choice of less complex subjects reduced the variables inherent in human studies. As expected, prayer significantly affected the germination of seeds as well as vitality of various lower organisms such as yeast and molds.

As a certified and experienced Reiki Master/Teacher, I view the acceptance of Reiki energy as both preventative and healing intervention. The amount of time and sessions required varies from individual to individual. I have observed that major life changes and physical healings may take some time. It took a bit of time to create the illnesses or situations, thus patience and trust are helpful. On occasion, illnesses that are being forced from the body, actually get worse before they get better. This is when it is so very important to continue with the treatments. As your body is working to rid itself of toxins, it is extremely important to drink large quantities of water and continue with prescribed medical/psychological medications and recommendations. Reiki should not be used as a substitute for medical care. It should be used as a compliment to professional medical/psychological care medications and recommendations.

About the author:
Anna Pizzoferrato is a certified Reiki Master/Teacher. Her
passion and specialty is Reiki Distance Energy Healing.
She offers single event, 14 and 30-day Reiki distance
sessions. Her website offers a free Reiki-charged sunset
as well a monthly complimentary drawing.
http://www.ReikiWithTrust.com 
email: info@ReikiWithTrust.com

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