* CHAKRA HEALING

''Chakra'' is a Sanskrit word meaning ''wheel''.
A chakra is like a vortex: a constantly revolving wheel of energy.
These vortexes connect the subtle bodies and act as transducers for life-force energy.
The chakras distribute the life force through the physical and subtle bodies. They are the source of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energy.

Traditionally, there are seven major chakras associated with the physical body.
They are aligned with the spine and located in:
-the base of the spine
-the lower abdomen (sacral)
-the solar plexus
-the heart
-the throat
-the centre of the forehead (third eye)
-the crown of the head

When our chakras are blocked, or not in balance, the free flow of energy is impeded, leading to physical, emotional, mental or spiritual dis-ease.

When the chakras are unblocked and free-flowing, however, we enjoy optimum health.
Each chakra is associated with specific colours and crystals and governs different aspects of human emotion and behaviour.

Using crystals with the chakras can have a great healing effect.

Base Chakra

Muladhara

Located at the base of the spine. Colour is red (representing passion for life).
Governed by the adrenal glands, it looks after our bones, legs, feet,teeth, nails, spinal column, anus, rectum, colon, prostate gland, blood and cell building, immune system.

The Base Chakra is related to grounding, rooting and support. It is associated with interconnection with the earth, with our survival instincts and self-preservation.
Relates also to the physical body, individuality, stability and security.

When the Base Chakra is open and functioning well, one has a powerful will to live, is full of physical energy, vitality and potency.

Sacral Chakra

Svaghisthana

Located at about three inches below the navel. Colour is orange (representing creativity and wisdom).
Governed by the gonads, it looks after our pelvic girdle,reproductive organs, bladder, appendix, hips and all body liquids.

The Sacral Chakra is associated with our relationships with others, our ability in giving and receiving. This Chakra is the centre for sexual energy, creativity and pure emotion.

When the Sacral Chakra is open, a person has a lot of healthy sexual energy, is often very creative and involved in the arts, is often a free spirit who is comfortable with his/her place in relationships.

Solar Plexus Chakra

Manipura

Located just below the ribs. Colour is yellow (representing analytical thought and intellectual activity).
Governed by the pancreas, it looks after our lower back, abdomen, digestive system, stomach, liver, spleen, gallbladder, kidneys and nervous system.

The Solar Plexus Chakra is our emotional centre. It aids in control of the ''digestion of life'', thus the power and control over our lives.
This Chakra provides ''gut feeling'' reactions or ''psychic impressions''.

When the Solar Plexus Chakra is open and balanced, you have a sense of wholeness, gentleness, and inner peace, together with a great deal of emotional strength.

Heart Chakra

Anahata

Located at the centre of the chest, at the level of the heart. Colour is green (representing healing and balance)
or pink (signifying unconditional love and compassion).
Governed by the thymus gland, it looks after our heart, upper back,shoulders and arms, ribs/breast, diaphragm, lungs, blood and circulatory system.

The heart Chakra is about unconditional love, connection, acceptance, transformation and powerful healing.
It is the centre of compassion, love, group consciousness and spirituality associated with a ''oneness'' with ''all that is''. It balances and bridges between the lower three Chakras and the upper three.

When the Heart Chakra is open, it becomes the channel for universal love, and it generates the virtues of the heart through the whole body.This Chakra is very important in spiritual healing.
When it is open it can remove fear and bring compassion in the form of spiritual love, which is a powerful tool in the quest for wholeness.

Throat Chakra

Vishuddha

Located at the throat. Colour is blue (representing knowledge of, and oneness with,divine guidance).
Governed by the thyroid gland, it looks after our neck, throat and jaw,
vocal chords, respiratory system, alimentary canal and arms.
The throat Chakra is our communication centre, thus giving us our ability to verbally express ourselves and to be able to

have open, clear communication of feelings and thoughts.
Ability to release.
It is the gateway to the Higher Consciousness and the gateway through which the emotions contained in the heart
pass to become balanced and harmonized.

When the Throat Chakra is open, there is feeling of freedom and a deep sense of the meaning of life and the universe.

When this centre is functioning well,you are able to embrace others with love and warmth.
It is easy to express yourself and your speech is clear and smooth.
You are secure in your personal expression so you can make decisions and pursue your goals in life with little hesitation.

Third Eye Chakra

Anja

Located between and approximately one finger space above the brow. Colour is indigo ( representing the search and attainment of spiritual purpose ).
Governed by the pituitary gland, it looks after our face, eye, ears, nose, sinuses, cerebellum and central nervous system.

The Third Eye Chakra is involved with our intuition and our inner seeing, our higher consciousness, emotional and spiritual love centre,
plus helps you to see all circumstances around you, and it is the key
to wisdom, knowledge and truth.

If the Third Eye Chakra is open and balanced, you may be very imaginative, intuitive and creative. You may have psychic abilities and be able to see, feel, or know things that other people, whose Third Eye is less developed, may not.
If this Chakra is more developed than other centres, you may have difficulty relating to the everyday routine and physical matters, and will be too much ''in the clouds''.

Crown Chakra

Sahasrara


Located at the crown of the head.Colour is violet (representing enlightenment) or white (signifying purity,perfection and bliss).
Governed by the pineal gland,it looks after our cerebrum and right eye.
Associated organs to this Chakra are: muscular system,skeletal system and skin.
The crown Chakra is the centre of an individual's spirituality, enlightenment, dynamic thoughts and energy-our very essence.

It allows for the inward flow of wisdom from the ethers and brings the gift of cosmic consciousness.
When stimulated and clear, it enables one to see the truth concerning illusory ideals, materialistic pursuits and self-limiting concepts.
It further allows one to experience continuous self-awareness and conscious detachment from personal emotions.

When the Crown Chakra is open, spirituality is inherent and you are automatically drawn to mystical or sacred teachings. You may possess an inner knowledge of a higher, universal level of consciousness.
You may have an intrinsic understanding of truth and purpose. People with open Crown Chakras are often psychic, and are often referred to as ''old souls''. They can see beyond the concrete to the truth.

* CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

Craniosacral Therapy ( CST) is a gentle, natural, hands-on therapy that utilizes the body's own innate self-corrective abilities to restore balance and wellness in the soft tissue which affects the nervous system.

Using gentle touch, the therapist works with the soft tissue or fascia that connects and integrates with all other structures of the body.

Using the cranial tide/rhythm and determining the degree of free mobility of fascia, the therapist can identify areas of dysfunction and immobility.

Muscular-skeletal strains are often not observable through conventional medical evaluations until disease begins to appear. The therapist's goal is to enhance craniosacral and fascial motion to free up restrictions in the body, which relieves stress, decreases pain and improves overall health.

A properly functioning fascial system assists the central nervous system in becoming more relaxed, capable and resilient for the individual through life.

As clients discover that there can be relief for their chronic and acute pains, feelings of frustration, discouragement and confusion are often relieved as well.

Since CST enhances overall vitality and encourages the body's own natural abilities to restore health and balance in a gentle way, wide-ranging conditions can often be helped:

-Headaches/Migraines

-Neck and back problems

-Vertigo and tinnitus

-Chronic pain syndrome

-Orthopedic problem

-Chronic sinus infections

-Stress management

-Brain and spinal cord injuries

-TMJ dysfunctions

-Learning disabilities

-Post traumatic stress disorders

-Pre and post surgery

-Healthy baby/healthy mother

WHY CST HELPS BABIES AND CHILDREN?

Since Craniosacral Therapy has a direct impact upon the smooth functioning of the brain and spinal cord, its ability to alleviate restrictions and tensions in these areas can create an environment for motoric, sensory and neurological wellness for babies and children which can have life-long benefits.

Research has shown that womb positioning, the birth process, infections and vaccinations can have a strong impact on soft tissue which affects the central nervous system.

Carried out in the delivery room or within weeks of birth, CST can reduce a wide variety of problems, many of which may not be noticed in conventional medicine until children reach their school years.

School-age children will benefit greatly from craniosacral sessions.

-Autism

-Pylorospasm

-Erb's Palsy

-Emotional problems

-Failure to thrive syndromes

-Seizures

-Strabismus

-Cerebral Palsy

-Dyslexia

-Colic

-Aphasias

-Torticollis

-Facial Asymmetries

-Hyperactivity

-Spasticity

-Motor problems

-.........and many more

* INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE

Indian Head Massage is a holistic therapy that balances body, mind and spirit and promotes health and well-being.

When we feel unbalanced, this can lead to a whole host of symptoms and illnesses. Indian Head Massage is an invaluable way to re balance and encourage healing.

Although the term Indian Head Massage suggests a treatment restricted to the head only, massage is also performed on the neck, shoulders, upper back, arms, hands and face.

Treatments are not invasive and are usually performed with the receiver in a sitting position and always fully clothed, which makes it ideal for shy individuals.

Indian Head Massage offers a wide range of benefits for every system of the body.

Physiological benefits:

-Circulatory system: improves the blood supply to every part of the body, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the cells and taking away their waste products.

-Lymphatic system: any toxins, waste products and excess fluid that have accumulated in the tissues can be eliminated and our body's defence mechanisms are stimulated.

-Muscular system: it is an excellent therapy for relieving pain and stiffness from the muscles of the face, scalp, neck, upper back and shoulders.

-Skeletal system: Indian Head Massage eases stiffness in the joints, increasing mobility in the neck and shoulder area.

-Hair: increases the circulation to the scalp, thus promoting hair growth.

-Skin: the shedding of dead skin cells is encouraged so that fresh new cells are exposed giving the skin a healthier appearance.

-Eyes: relaxes and soothes tense eye muscles.

-Nose: it is excellent for relieving nasal congestion and conditions such as sinusitis.

-Jaw: help to alleviate jaw problems. As we clench our teeth, this creates a great deal of tension in the jaw area which is easily dispelled via facial massage.

Psychological benefits:

-Stress and tension: a certain amount of 'positive stress' can be healthy, however, prolonged or high levels of stress results in exhaustion, physical and mental. Indian Head Massage can calm the mind, help to reduce sleeping problems and release emotional disturbances so that you feel calmer ans able to cope with the pressures of every day life.

-Improved concentration: it increases the supply of oxygen to the brain, this relieves mental fatigue and improves clarity of thought and concentration.

-During the treatment a deep sense of peace and tranquility is induced followed by an increase in energy levels.

* REIKI

HOW REIKI WORKS AND WHAT ACHIEVES

Everything that exists is composed of energy. The physical component of an atom is only 1%; the other99% is composed of energy.

There is a rule in physics that says: ‘’Energy must always balance’’. This means that when high energy and low energy are connected, by means of a conductor, the energy flows from high to low until both equalise.

Following Reiki training, a Reiki practitioner becomes a conductor of energy.

When someone or something is touched by a Reiki practitioner, energy is drown into that person or object if it is low in energy. This energy has a healing effect.

However, the person must be willing to, on a soul level, to receive this energy; otherwise the energy will not be drawn in.

Reiki will help with any condition as long as the person is willing to receive the energy.

Reiki does not have a 100% success rate; it is not an instant cure! In most cases, however there is a considerable relief of discomfort and have a significant improvement in the quality life.

Keep in mind though that the longer a problem has been present in the body, usually the longer it takes to heal.

DOES REIKI ALWAYS WORK?

Reiki works as long as the person is willing to draw it in, and if, on a soul level, it is time for healing to take place.

It works on four planes of existence:

1. Physical
2. Mental
3. Emotional
4. Spiritual

Reiki may take sometimes an apparently convoluted route in healing, and this is something the practitioner can not control.

For example: If a client was treated for whiplash, he/ she may feel after 4 sessions that the pain has not diminished but that he/she is sleeping better, has more energy and feels that he/she can cope with life more easily.

After 4 more sessions the pain improves and the neck movement increase.

In this case it seems that in order to release the physical blockage, the shock needs to be released first from the emotional body.

If methods other than Reiki are used, a client quite often has the physical ability to move his neck, but is reluctant to do so, this is possibly because the shock has not been removed from the body.

Conversely Reiki will work on the physical level from the start, but maybe on an area of the body other than where the symptoms are located.

Quite often when a client comes with knee problems, the energy will work on the lower back. This is because the cause of the knee problems emanates from the back, and the effect is experienced in the knee.

REIKI WILL ALWAYS GO TO THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, NO NECESSARILY WHERE WE WANTED IT TO GO

TREATMENT

The client lies or sits comfortably. It is best not to cross legs or arms, as this slows the flow of energy.

• Client will remain fully clothed, except for taking off the shoes, watch, spectacles and any metal jewelry.
• Practitioner place hands on different positions along client’s body, but in not any moment any personal areas will be touched.
• It is preferable to close eyes, so client can fully relax and it is perfectly acceptable to go to sleep, in this manner the client will absorb more energy, as the mind will be still and relaxed.
• A Reiki session is given mainly in silence. Some relevant conversation may take place, but it is best not to chat socially as the deeper the client surrenders to Reiki, the more valuable the session will be.
• Reiki releases energy store in the tissues. Any unnecessary conversation inhibits this process of release.
• Sometimes the release of energy creates pain or discomfort and the client should feel free to discuss this with the practitioner. If the client feels a bit emotional and needs to laugh or cry, it is alright to do so.
• The sort of experiences the client may have includes sensations of warmth, heat, cold or tingling where hands are placed, or sensing energy flowing around the body.

AFTER REIKI TREATMENT

Reflexes may not be as fast as usual and perceptions may be slightly altered because of the relaxed state. Client need to proceed with more caution than usual.

Occasionally in the days immediately following a treatment, some people experience something called a ‘healing crisis’

This is usually just a short period when they have temporary physical symptoms as the Reiki energy works through the blockages and the body does its best to get rid of them.

Due to the healing crisis, there may be a worsening of the condition during the first 3 or 4 Reiki sessions before an improvement in symptoms is notable.

It is recommendable to drink plenty water during the next few days after a treatment

GENERAL POINTS

• Reiki is not a substitute for medical care but enhances it.
• Reiki works in conjunction with other alternative healing methods, i.e. acupuncture, massage…..
• Reiki is not recommended for use on pregnant women during the first 3 months of pregnancy and clients with psychotic problems.
• Reiki is not a guaranteed ‘cure-all’.
• Reiki goes where it is needed, not necessarily where practitioner or clients wants.

* REFLEXOLOGY

REFLEXOLOGY, WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT WORKS

Reflexology is a form of natural, holistic therapy that treats the feet/hands to balance the whole body

The feet and hands are like mini-maps of the body’s anatomy, so any body systems can be accessed and stimulated by treating them.

Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflex points on the feet relating to all parts of the body.

A reflex is when a stimulation at one point brings about a response in another point or area.

In reflexology, by using special pressure techniques to stimulate the points on the feet and hands, imbalances in the tissues, organs and systems of the body can be both detected and treated to restore balance and well-being.

Reflexology is NOT a foot massage

Reflexology uses massage techniques, but unlike massage, reflexology works with the feet as anatomical “maps” of the whole body. By applying pressure to one part of the foot, the reflexologist aims to benefit not only the feet but also the rest of the body.

Reflexology is NOT a medical treatment

Reflexology helps maintain and restore health. The reflexologist can detect imbalances in the body by working the feet, then works on the problem areas accordingly to help correct them.

However, reflexology is not a cure; more a helping hand for the body’s self-healing. Reflexologists are not trained to be able to diagnose diseases but to assess imbalances of energy flow.

Reflexology is a natural therapy

Reflexology uses only the techniques of human therapeutic touch and interaction to bring about its results. It seeks to work with the body’s natural healing efforts.

Reflexology is a holistic therapy

Holistic medicine recognizes that a person is not just a physical entity or merely a “living machine”; being holistic means taking account of a variety of factors when understanding a person’s health or disease: emotions, mental attitudes and lifestyle.

Reflexology, as other complementary disciplines, follows the idea that disease does not just happen at the physical level but at the psychological, emotional, mental and spiritual level too and so the person must be understood and treated as a whole.

The holistic approach treats the person not the disease.

WHAT DOES REFLEXOLOGY DO?

Reflexology activates definite physical and psychological responses.

Physical

• It relieves stress and tension and has a deeply relaxing effect on the whole person, and since it has been estimated that about 75% of diseases is stress related, this is a major contribution to the return of health.
• Removes congestion in energy pathways, allowing it to flow more freely, improving neural efficiency (approximately 7000 nerves are stimulated by reflexology).
• Improves blood and lymph circulation. Good circulation is of most importance in nourishing cells and eliminating waste from the body.
• Helps normalize organ and gland function. Deep relaxation aids the parasympathetic nervous system in its job balancing the activity of the sympathetic system. When the parasympathetic system is dominant the following organ functions are improved:

-The digestive system functions optimally, and hence energy is absorbed by the body.

-The vessels to the heart are dilated; hence it receives optimum blood supply.

-Bile production from the liver is increased and motility and tone of the muscles of the stomach and intestines are increased, improving digestion and elimination.

-Secretion of enzymes of the pancreas and insulin are released

Psychological

• Reflexology enhances the receiver’s sense of well-being. Giving reflexology conveys a sense of caring; feeling cared for, a person responds with an enhanced sense of security and self-esteem which allows them to grow and develop healthily to engage in healthy relationships.
• Revitalizes energy at every level.
• Improves mental alertness and attention span.
• Stimulates creativity and productivity.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM REFLEXOLOGY?

Reflexology is suitable for all ages and may bring relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. After having completed a course of reflexology treatment a specific condition, many people find it beneficial to continue with regular treatments in order to maintain health and well-being.

While many people use reflexology as a way of relaxing the mind and body and counteracting stress, at the same time many doctors, consultants and other health care professionals recognize reflexology as a well established, respected and effective therapy.

Reflexology should never be used instead of orthodox medicine. The advice of a doctor should always be sought for persistent health problems.