Alternative Therapies

Alternative & Holistic Therapies

On this page you will find details of a variety of Holistic and Alternative Therapies and techniques. Please check the website regularly as new information will be continually added.

It was not until the 18th century that massage began to make a come back. Henry Ling of Sweden had a lot to do with this. He stressed the importance of a thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology and through this developed the ‘Swedish’ method of massage. Following on from this, The Society of Trained Masseuses was set up by Dr Mezger of Holland in 1894, to set standards of practice and training, and to improve the reputation. Since then regulated training programmes have been accredited by City & Guilds (in 1968) and the qualifications in body massage are now organised and accredited through the Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT).

Swedish Massage

Massage is the method of manipulating body tissues in order to facilitate relaxation, assist repair and enhance muscle function. There are many types of massage (aromatherapy, sports, hot stones etc.) but a general massage is known as Swedish massage.

Massage dates back as far as 5000 years when the Eastern Asians were aware of the benefits. As far back as 500 BC the Greeks developed techniques that were more advanced and massage was carried out in gymnastic centres, where men went to exercise and philosophise. The Romans used an advanced massage system which made use of brushes as well as massage by hand. In more recent centuries the benefits of massage were forgotten and the reputation of massage fell into ill repute. This was due to a beauty salon being opened in the 17th century on New Bond Street that claimed certain creams and oils could work beauty miracles, and people started to think that massage was a con.

Photo courtesy of StockFreeImages.com

Reiki

Reiki is a wonderful energy healing technique which is both gentle yet effective on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. More and more people, from all walks of life, are turning to Reiki to help them find balance, perspective and harmony in a sometimes chaotic world! Reiki is a non-invasive technique, which is either carried out hands-on or by working just above the body in the auric field. Whilst popular as a relaxation and stress reduction technique, it can be used in many ways other than for physical healing; using Reiki can have a remarkable impact on negative thoughts and behaviour, bereavement, depression and self-esteem to name but a few. The very nature of Reiki means many are also drawn to it for spiritual development. Taking a Level 1 Reiki course, which often takes only one or two days, is suitable for anyone wishing to further their personal and spiritual development by learning techniques of self-healing.

Reiki is a stress reduction and healing technique which originated in Japan in the 1920’s. It was founded by Dr Mikao Usui. The word Reiki means ‘Universal Life Force Energy’ and this energy creates everything within and around us.

‘Rei’ = pronounced RAY, means universal

‘Ki’ = pronounced KEY, means life force

It can be very difficult to describe what Reiki is as it is experienced differently by each individual. Common experiences of the energy are heat, tingling, flowing water, vibration, cold, and pulsing. However, some people do not experience anything at all, which does not mean the Reiki is not working. Reiki is used to restore equilibrium in the body’s energy centres, putting the body into a state of self-healing. Reiki creates a sense of wellbeing and can often help relieve symptoms of physical, mental or emotional pain.

Swedish massage is carried out by the hands and is the manipulation of the body’s soft tissues, producing effects in the muscular, vascular and nervous systems of the body. Swedish massage can relax or invigorate depending on the desired outcome.

Swedish massage makes use of several massage techniques, each of which has a different effect on the body:

Effleurage (stroking movement with the flat of the hands) soothes and stimulates and warms the muscles.
Petrissage Pressure (kneading or squeezing) stimulates and works knots out of the muscles.
Tapotement (percussion like movements or hacking) invigorates and brings blood to the surface to carry away toxins.
Vibrations (using the fingers to shake the body) soothes and carries away toxins.

The word is spreading about this ‘life force’ channeling technique for several reasons; Reiki is simple to train in, and simple to use; while the founder of Reiki, Dr Mikao Usui, came from Buddhist origins, Reiki is not attached to any religion.

It is the attunement process which makes Reiki different from any other healing system. Reiki cannot be simply taught, but is activated by an ancient and precise attunement process which can only be transmitted by a Reiki Master. An attunement changes the vibrational level of you and your aura and raises your awareness of Ki energy. It will clear any blockages in the energy channels and improve their capacity for holding Ki. The process opens the crown, heart and palm chakras; energy flows through the crown, down the spine and into the palms of the hands. Specific Reiki symbols are placed into the crown and palm chakras and the whole process is precisely sealed.

Reiki is a gentle yet powerful healer. It can be used to:
• Induce a state of deep relaxation
• Promote natural self healing
• Treat the symptoms and causes of illness
• Balance the body’s energy systems
• Strengthen and balance the organs and glands
• Aids meditation and positive thinking
• Relieve pain, both mental and physical
• Strengthen the immune system
• Relax and reduce stress
• Clear toxins
• Enhance personal awareness

During a Reiki treatment the practitioner channels the Reiki energy into the client through a series of hand positions down the front and back of the body. Usually this is a ‘hands on’ technique, but some practitioners prefer to work ‘in the aura’ with their hands hovering a few inches above the client.The practitioner’s intent is key during the treatment and it is with the intent to give Reiki that the energy flows from the universe, through the practitioner and into the client. However, Reiki is not controlled by the practitioner, and it will go where it is needed for the client’s greatest and highest good.

Reiki is...

“A practice that relieves not only the external, physical sufferings, but the internal sufferings and obscuration of humankind.”

Dr Mikao Usui

Reflexology

Reflexology is an ancient healing technique which dates back as far as Egyptian times. It is based around the theory that the body’s organs are mapped on the soles of the feet (and also the palms of the hands and the ears) via reflex points, which can be manipulated to clear energy blockages and imbalances, thus restoring the body’s sense of equilibrium and putting it into a state of self-healing.

A reflexologist works the feet using the following techniques:
· Nibbling (or caterpillar walking) with the thumb in an on-off pressure
· Finger walking
· Massage
· Stroking/feathering
· Hooking

Imbalances in the body are revealed in the corresponding organ/reflex point on the feet. A Reflexologist identifies imbalances through:
· Crunching or popping in the feet
· Feeling crystal deposits representing toxins
· Vibrations and energy changes
· Intuition

3 key figures are responsible for the discovery and development of modern Reflexology:

· Dr William Fitzgerald (1872 – 1942) - Dr William Fitzgerald was an American ear, nose and throat specialist who discovered the technique of zone therapy. He discovered that applying pressure to certain body parts, especially the hands and feet, gave pain relief. Dr Fitzgerald divided the body in to 10 zones, each linking the organs and energy flow between the zones and then mapped out these areas. He mapped the body into 10 zones which run from head to toe and through the arms along the meridian lines. His theory was that pressure applied to a part of the body in a certain zone could have pain relief or an anaesthetic effect on another part of the body in the same zone (he nicknamed this Zone Analgesia).

· Joe Shelby Riley - Joe Shelby Riley was an American physician, who lived in Washington and ran the Riley School of Chiropractic. Dr Riley and his wife, Elizabeth, were great supporters of William Fitzgerald’s work and put it out into the public domain. Dr Riley and his wife introduced hook work to Zone Therapy, and discovered the 3 transverse zone of the feet. Joe Riley taught Zone therapy to Eunice Ingham, who later went on to develop Reflexology, so Dr Riley’s contribution was extremely important.

· Eunice Ingham (1889 – 1974) - Eunice Ingham extended the work of Dr William Fitzgerald and Dr Joseph Riley and mapped the feet with all the corresponding organs and glands of the body. She emphasised the feet as a diagnostic tool and worked with many doctors to prove her theories. Eunice took up Riley’s research and perfected her massage technique on his patients. She developed the ‘Ingham Compression Method’ using massage to stimulate the reflexes on the feet, rather than devices. She believed that the compression massage on the feet dissolved crystalline deposits restoring normal circulation and functioning. She eliminated Fitzgerald’s energy zones and worked on specific reflex points in the feet representing organs in the body. Eunice also adopted a simplified attitude to her work, and focused purely on the feet, rather than other areas of the body, as she found the feet to be especially sensitive mirrors of the organs and glands. In the 1940’s and 50’s, Eunice began to disassociate herself with Zone Therapy, calling her work the ‘Reflex method of compression massage’. She eventually coined the term reflex-ology, which gave the practice a clean slate with sceptics of Zone Therapy.

Reflexology is a versatile treatment which can help clients in many different ways. Below are just a few examples:
· Relaxation
· Stress relief
· Pain relief
· Fertility problems
· Circulatory problems
· Hormonal imbalances
· Digestive disorders

Hopi Ear Candling

We are told that the ancient Greeks used ear candles; they were probably employed for cleansing, purifying and healing on a spiritual level. Ear candles were also used as a form of treatment by the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Sumerians and Tibetan Monks. Originally the candles were used for auric and spiritual cleansing, as well as during meditation, initiation rituals and healing ceremonies. The historic roots are to be found in Asia and can be traced back to the Indians of North & South America. However the Native American Hopi Indians of North Arizona brought this treatment to Europe with knowledge of healing and spirituality.

Ear candles were used traditionally to cleanse and harmonise the different energy fields of the individual aura, in preparation for a state of trace, to drive out negative energies. This may seem a strange concept to modern observer but the use of ear candles evolved in an age where spirituality and healing form a natural unit.

The candles work on the chimney principle, drawing any impurities to the surface where they may be gently removed. They equalize the pressure in head and ears, thus making the treatment suitable for many conditions. An ear candle is not actually a candle. It is usually tube shaped but can be cone shaped, and is up to 12 inches in length with a hollow centre. It should contain a filter (probably plastic), which will protect the ear canal from any wax or excess herbal powder residue, dropping into the ear. Ear candles have a purely physical function. A light suction action and the movement of the flame create a vibration of air in the ear candle, generation a massage-like effect on the ear drum. This creates a warm swirling current of air and a slight vacuum, which helps to dry up any moisture. Treatment may also spontaneously cause freer nasal breathing an improved sense of smell, even when the nose was blocked before treatment. Furthermore, the whole ceremony brings a wonderful relaxation, deep sense of security and a feeling of happiness, which is seldom experienced.

Ear candles can be considered a classic clearance therapy and can be used for many problems related to the ear and head.
There are many benefits:
• Excessive or compacted ear wax. Ear wax that is impacted on the eardrum will be warm and loosened by this treatment. It may take 48 hours for the wax to travel away from the ear.
• Irritations in the ear – ease neuralgia (pain caused by irritation of, or damage to, a nerve).
• Snoring – the candles help to drain the nasal passage.
• Stimulates energy flow.
• Relaxing and de-stressing.
• Regulates pressure and alleviates pain experienced when flying or scuba diving.
• Glue ear (unless grommets are fitted).
• It helps with people suffering from noise in the ear and tinnitus.
• Sinusitis and Rhinitis (irritation and inflammation of some internal areas of the nose. Commonly known as ‘runny nose’).
• Colds and flu – the candles help to relieve the symptoms of a cold or flu by helping to clear the airways.
• Headaches and Migraines – the candle and massage can help to increase the blood circulation and reduce stress and tension in the head and neck.
• Ear candles activate blood flow, the lymphatic system and the metabolic process. They also stimulate energy flow within the body.
• Balance out the mind, body and spirit.
• Relax and calm in cases of excitement and stress symptoms.

Ear candles are still made today on the basis of an old traditional formula originating from Hopi Indians.
Using only natural ingredients, the candles are produced to excellent standards. They contain:
• Honey extracts – helps with hay fever. Small amount helps to build a resistance to allergens that lead to hey fever.
• 100% Beeswax – beeswax is a strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Bees produce the wax from their abdomen.
• Sage – anti- inflammatory and an astringent. The astringent properties help to reduce blood flow and mucus secretions. Sage contains camphor. Candles that contain this herb should not be used on epileptics as this ingredient could trigger an epileptic seizure (although it is unlikely).
• St John’s Wart – this yellow-flowered plant has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It is also a relaxant and is beneficial for the nervous system.
• Chamomile – this daisy like herb is anti-inflammatory and an astringent. It is useful for mental stress, anxiety and nervous excitability.
• Beta-carotene/vitamin A – helps to fight infection, strengthens the immune system and is beneficial for the skin.

Some candles contain essential oils such as sandalwood, rose, juniper, tea tree, bergamot etc. These all have various properties that can be useful to treat different conditions.

EFT

EFT (Emotional Freedom Therapy or Emotional Freedom Technique) is a therapy that sits within the remit of Energy Psychology. During an EFT session certain Meridian points, mainly located in the top half of the body, are gently tapped whilst using statements or key words that relate to the issue being tackled – a sort of psychological acupressure. It can be described as a relaxation and calming technique that modifies the anxiety response, fosters body awareness and enables positive cognitive shifts.

EFT is not only an effective alternative therapy where a session is guided by a qualified practitioner, but it is a powerful self-help tool that is simple to learn and use and can be used almost anywhere.

It is believed that EFT works by being able to quickly reduce the emotional impact of memories, trauma and incidents that continue to trigger emotional distress. Once the distress is reduced or removed, the body can often rebalance itself, and accelerate healing.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils (derived from aromatic materials including flowers, leaves and roots) to assist in physiological and/or psychological well-being. Each essential oil has different properties and helps with different ailments or conditions. Aromatherapy treatments include massage, facials and inhalation.

The basic building blocks of essential oils are hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. Essential oils are categorised by their volatility (i.e. how quickly they evaporate) and can be broken down into top, middle and base notes.

There are several ways of using aromatherapy to enhance well-being:

Holistic Therapists can provide clients with massage (to the body and the face) with a blend of essential oils in a carrier oil (such a Grapeseed oil). The essential oils used are picked specifically for the individual client to help with any imbalances or problems highlighted during a consultation. A good level and quality of training is essential to be an aromatherapist, as blending oils is similar to prescription of medication and the therapist must have a thorough knowledge of which oils produce what effect and which oils do not go well together.
Essential oils can be absorbed into the bloodstream via the olfactory system through inhalation. A few drops of essential oil can be added to a bowl of boiling water and the steam can help the skin and the sinuses.
Essential oils can be burned in an oil burner to create an atmosphere (such as relaxing or sensuous).

The history of aromatherapy dates back several thousand years and there is evidence that aromatherapy (although the term ‘aroma-therapy’ was not used until quite recently) was used by the Egyptians, in ancient Greece and by the Romans. Between the 7th – 13th centuries AD, the Arabs developed a technique for distillation of plant oils which lead to the true essential oils being discovered. In later centuries aromatherapy oils were used to perfume clothes and those with antiseptic properties were used medicinally and to help prevent the plague from spreading.

It was in the 20th century that there was renewed interest in aromatherapy. There were several key figures who did much to further research and interest in aromatherapy. Rene Maurice Gattefosse did work on discovering the therapeutic properties of essential oils in the 1930’s after he healed a severe burn using lavender oil. Dr Jean Valnet used essential oils to treat medical and psychiatric disorders in the 1940’s and 1950’s. In a similar vein, in the 1950’s Professor Paulo Rovesti experimented with essential oils to help alleviate depression and anxiety. Robert Tisserand helped develop training standards in aromatherapy and published the first book on aromatherapy in English.

Madame Marguerite Maury was the mother of aromatherapy for the 20th century and was a student of Gattefosse, and carried on the work of Valnet. She is credited with making aromatherapy popular as a holistic therapy and developed the first system of massage with essential oils as a means of using the oils therapeutically (rather than just inhaling etc).

Indian Head Massage

Indian Head Massage is a massage carried out on the upper back, shoulders, arms, face and scalp. It originated in India over 1000 years ago, where it is known as ‘Champissage’. It is based on the Ayurvedic System of healing. In India it is a very important part of family life and families perform head massage on each other as a means of bonding. In western culture Indian Head Massage is most commonly used for stress relief.

Oil can be used in Indian Head Massage as it helps keep the scalp and hair in good condition. The following oils are commonly used in Indian Head Massage:

Almond oil – for normal to dry (chemically treated) hair
Coconut oil – moisturizing and relieves inflammation
Mustard oil – relieves pain and swelling, relaxes muscles, clears sinuses
Sesame oil – relives swelling and muscular pain
Olive oil – for excessively dry scalps, stimulating

There are many reasons why Indian Head Massage can be an effective treatment and it can help with many problems, both physically and psychologically. These are some of the benefits of Indian Head Massage:

Improves blood circulation
Improves muscle tone
Relieves muscular tension
Encourages hair growth
Relieves sinus problems
Stimulates lymphatic system
Improves sense of well being
Relieves stress
Migraine

This page contains information about the following therapies: Swedish Massage, Reiki, Reflexology, Hopi Ear Candling, EFT, Aromatherapy, EFT and Ascension Reiki...

Ascension Reiki

With many thanks to Claire Davies for the below information...

The Earth is evolving from the Third Dimension to the Fifth Dimension. When we do this, we get to experience our multi-dimensional selves and become very powerful at manifesting and spreading the light in our third dimensional world realities.

Reiki Symbols form a bridge between Heaven and Earth, between God/The Goddess, Universe and humanity. They link us intuitively with the Light and Love of Our One Creator in a way that transcends words and left brain linear thinking. In December 2012, we might not have been aware of it but a ‘shift’ occurred in Earth’s Energy. Overseen by Ascended Masters, The Karmic Board, Archangels and other very powerful light beings, the Earth was flooded with higher dimensional energies. Enough of us attuned to these energies for a ‘shift’ to occur. Many people are now operating from the fifth dimension.

It makes sense then that the traditional Reiki Symbols we were blessed to receive here on Earth will grow, transform and evolve too. The symbols of Ascension Reiki are of a higher, lighter vibration - more ‘in tune’ with the Earths shift in energy.

Claire Davies has been attuned to these symbols and integrated them, but having worked with them she comments that most Reiki Masters should have a strong enough connection with their Reiki Guides to ask for an attunement of these higher energy symbols from them. Almost a ‘self attuning’ system if you like. These symbols will initiate profound changes in your energy and help you on your healing journey in new ways.

Enjoy the symbols opposite and please visit Claire at www.claire-lifeenthusiast.com for further information.

Balance of the Earth - This symbol holds the qualities of the nature spirits and a move to restore the natural balance of our relationship with the Earth.

Star Symbol - This symbol holds the quality of star radiance, bringing star energy to Earth for healing and reminding us of our universal homes

The Oneness Symbol - This symbol holds the qualities of One, Wholeness in Being, drawing the ‘One’ state to the recipient and freeing the soul of limitations.