HOLISTIC HEALTH - all you want to know about popular therapies

REIKI

Reiki is based on the principles of the body’s natural energy field (also called ‘qi’, ‘ki’, ‘aura’). When this flow is restricted, the body is more vulnerable to stress and our emotions, thoughts and spirituality are effected negatively. The word ‘reiki’ means ‘universal life energy’ in Japanese. The therapy originally came from Japan and via Hawaii to America and Europe. In simple terms it is a ‘massage’ of your natural energy field. This extends an inch away from your body. The therapist’s hands scan the client’s body to locate areas of reduced vitality. Then they ‘channel’ the universal life energy in their own hands to ease away any tension, remove blockages and revitalise your system. It is deeply relaxing and works physically, mentally and emotionally to ease stress and the rigours of a busy life. The client lies down fully dressed wrapped in warm rugs and the therapist uses a series of different hand positions above the body. Reiki is a subtle therapy and most people need at least 2 sessions to feel a difference. Once physical and emotional disturbances are removed from the energy field then the body’s natural healing abilities are enhanced. A Reiki session takes one hour and costs approx €65. Most Reiki practitioners would also practise other therapies and advertise in local health food shops or the Golden Pages.

AROMATHERAPY

Aromatherapy is the art of healing through essential oils extracted from flowers, seeds, leaves, bark, roots and resins, to maintain good health and revitalise the body, mind and soul. These natural plant oils are applied in a variety of ways and are readily absorbed into the skin. The ancient Egyptians used plants and herbs for both cosmetic and medicinal purposes. So did the Indians, the Greeks, the Arabs and the Chinese in ancient times. The Knights of the Crusades brought the knowledge of perfumes and oil distillation back with them to Europe. Today qualified Aromatherapists are consulted for all manner of ailments and usually combine their use with Massage therapy. There is a wide range of wonderfully simple ways to use aromatherapy yourself to help destress, relax and revitalise.
1.In the Bath. Three drops will enhance your bathing experience.
2.In Massage Oil. Buy them made up in a ‘base’ oil in a health shop.
3.On your Pillow. One drop on either side of your pillow. Blissful sleep.
4.In an Oil Burner. Three drops with water in the dish of an oil burner.
5.Aromatherapy candles are such a wonderful way to scent a room.
Always follow the safety information and instructions for use.
• Lavender eases stress and anxiety and soothes aches and pains.
• Bergamot will give you a quick energy boost while uplifting the spirits.
• Eucalyptus will clear your sinuses.
• Exotic Ylang Ylang will scent your body and arouse your senses.
All good chemists/pharmacies and health food shops will have them.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM)

This is one of the oldest forms of healing that is still widely practised today. TCM treats the whole body rather than just the symptoms concentrating on strengthening the client’s immune system and correcting any imbalance in the internal organs. TCM treats both acute and chronic conditions. There are three main treatments: Chinese Herbal Remedies, Acupuncture and Acupressure. Most therapists will use a combination. Chinese Herbal Remedies. There are over 400 herbs used including roots, stalks, leaves, bark, flowers and minerals used for specific purposes. They are taken internally as teas, powders, tablets or capsules or externally as creams, lotions or compresses. They are prescribed based on each client’s clinical condition. Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a form of treatment involving insertion of fine, sterile needles into the body’s surface at strategetic points in the natural energy field. These needles stay in place for 20 - 40 minutes as they stimulate the flow of ‘qi’ in the body to promote natural healing to occur. After a treatment you will feel relaxed and even slightly sleepy. It is particularly good for any gynecological problems including period cramps, irregular cycles, infertility and menopause symptoms. It is not for those who don’t like needles even though the insertion part is virtually painless. A slight tingle is felt all the way down the energy channel when the therapist gently tweaks the needle to stimulate the energy flow. Acupressure. This is Chinese medical massage using thumbs and sometimes, even elbows to manipulate varying degrees of pressure on the same strategic points in the body’s energy field as Acupuncture. It is very effective in treating back, neck and joint pains, headaches and sports injuries. The same principle is used in Shiatsu and Tuina treatments.

MASSAGE THERAPY

Massage is one of the most ancient forms of therapy which uses certain key touch techniques designed to relax body and mind, ease any muscle knots or tension while boosting the body’s energy levels naturally. An example is the effleurage massage stroke, which is a long sweeping move that covers the back, leg or arm to stimulate the blood and lymph systems to warm the skin. At the same time the nervous system eases and the energy system is boosted giving an all over sense of tranquillity. At the consultation the therapist will take details including previous injuries/ medical conditions and any medication taken and explain how the session will proceed. Clients are asked to change into a warm towel in their underwear and lie on the massage plinth. The Massage therapist works in silence while the client unwinds from any worries or cares listening to soothing music. A full body massage takes approximately one hour. A back, neck and shoulder massage lasts half an hour. Prices vary from city to country but generally an hour is €65/70 and half is €35/40.

INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE

This is a very natural way of relieving stress and tension from the neck and shoulder area. Many of us carry tension in our heads from pain in that part of the body but also from headaches, migraine, sinus problems etc. This therapy is a gentle way to ease it while relaxing and soothing the body. It works well in a clinic, home or office environment. The person being massaged sits in a chair with their eyes closed. The therapist stands behind them with a small cushion at chest level supporting the person’s head for certain sections. The initial massage focuses on the neck and shoulders, moving then to the head and finally to the face. No oil is used and no clothing is removed. However Indian Head Massage is so versatile there is a version with oil sitting while wrapped in towels and another version lying on a massage table again wrapped in towels using aromatherapy oils. Indian Head Massage takes half an hour and generally costs approximately €40.

SHAMANIC ENERGY THERAPY

Energy Therapy encompasses all treatments that clear, balance and revitalise the client’s energy system including Reiki, Integrated Energy Therapy (which uses the help and inspiration of Guardian Angels). Once the body’s energy system is functioning optimally, our immune systems are strengthened, leading to greater self-healing where required. It is hugely effective in helping clients break through a wide variety of physical, mental and emotional problems. The underlying principle is that all our ills are traceable within our energy field. They leave an ‘imprint’ there usually originating from a negative life experience. Most imprints can be cleared naturally by taking time out, meditating, being in nature and swimming in the sea. However if the person is under stress or has repetitive negative life experiences then a build up can occur which if left untended or unhealed can develop into a chronic emotional, mental or physical problem. The Shamanic Healer (or Therapist) together with the client clears these imprints, which are the energetic roots of the client’s problem. Because the energetic is the core foundation level of our existence underlying the physical, mental and emotional, intervening energetically means a condition is cleared at the deepest level possible. The Therapist may use either stones or crystals or ‘spiritual journeying’ with the client. This intuitive, instructive visualisation, in a trance-like state of non-ordinary reality, brings a path of new choices for the client to bring their life into greater health. Most treatments take one hour to one and a half hours and cost in the region of €85/70. Generally only 2/3 sessions are needed. Local health food shops, the Golden Pages and the Internet are good sources for qualified Shamanic Healers/Therapists.

HOMEOPATHY

The principle behind homeopathy was described by Hippocrates 2,500 years ago. Homeopathy, as we known it today, has been used for more than 200 years and was developed as a system of medicine by a German physician called Samuel Hahnemann. The word itself is Greek and means ‘similar suffering’. This refers to the central philosophy that a substance that can produce symptoms in a healthy person can cure those symptoms in a person who is ill. A tiny dose of a carefully selected substance is given to stimulate the body’s natural healing ability, enabling people to gently return to health. Homeopaths recognise that symptoms are the body’s way of communicating to us that all is not well and are an attempt to restore balance. A detailed consultation is taken, that is almost like a mini counselling session since it goes into mental and emotional states as well as the physical. The Homeopath then selects the remedies which, may be taken in small sugar pills, tablet or powder form. As these are very potent and quite sensitive you will be advised to take the remedy away from meals and to avoid coffee, peppermint tea while you take them. The effect is quite subtle and you may experience vivid dreams the first night you take your remedy. It is also highly effective for children.

KINESIOLOGY

Kinesiology is a non-intrusive therapy where the practitioner can monitor the energy and functions of the body by testing muscle responses, mainly using the arms and legs. The imbalances once found, can then be assessed to determine whether the fault is structural, chemical, mental, emotional or energetic. The body’s energy meridian system is affected by emotions and any stress being held will upset the flow of energy, which will eventually manifest physically. In Kinesiology, vitamins or minerals can support certain areas and functions of the body and these are used to enable the client to achieve a quicker recovery. Other assessments may include food testing to establish any intolerances. After the initial consultation, the therapist will place your fully clothed limbs into specific positions and then apply gentle pressure. This ‘muscle testing’ gives the therapist information and feedback from your body about its condition. Kinesiology was developed in the last century by a US chiropractor who was impressed with the information muscle testing gave him. A treatment plan may include nutritional supplements, various emotional stress release techniques, Bach Flower remedies, acupressure, gentle structural alignment and suggested lifestyle changes. Each session takes one to one and a half hours and costs approx. €70/80. It is extremely helpful in relation to food intolerances, dyslexia, attention problems and stress.

REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology, originally from ancient Egypt and China, treats various body imbalances by applying gentle pressure to the feet. Precise areas of the feet relate to particular parts of the body so the whole body can be treated via points called ‘reflex areas’. Imagine nerve endings running up the body from the feet to the head. Therefore a sore shoulder’s nerve endings finish at the side of the foot, which can be felt by the Reflexologist as a slight ‘crunchiness’ and it be slightly tender for the client. This is the result of a build-up of salt crystals, which cause blockages along that nerve area. By massaging and manipulating this ‘shoulder reflex area’ the actual shoulder is eased back to health. Firm but gentle pressure is applied using the therapist’s thumb. The person having the treatment can feel different sensations and these are interpreted by the therapist to indicate which parts of the body are working well or not. If a slight discomfort is felt, it indicates an imbalance. This can be gently eased so that harmony is restored to the body. The therapist can tell much by the look, colour even smell of the feet! Some Reflexologists use talcum powder and some use aromatherapy oils. This depends where the Reflexologist trained. Some Schools prefer the ‘feel’ of the powder versus the oil to manipulate the reflex areas.
Reflexology can treat a particular condition i.e. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Back Pain, Asthma, Sinus Problems, Stress and many more. It is particularly good for working on parts of the body that might be too sore to touch due to injury or for those who want a simple, non-intrusive therapy. Clothes are kept on and clients can enjoy time for themselves. This is a very relaxing therapy especially if the person likes having their feet touched. In a Reflexologist clinic usually the first session is one hour and costs around €70/60. The number of treatments you need depends on the presenting condition. It is a great preventative therapy also.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

Craniosacral Therapy is a specialised form of Osteopathy. The body’s craniosacral system consists of the skull, spinal cord and lower spine and is supported by membranes filled with cerebrospinal fluid. It is based on the premise that when you feel physical or emotional trauma the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid gets out of rhythm. Practitioners apply gentle pressure on the soft tissue around the scalp, head and down the base of the spine removing any blockages in the fluid’s circulation. It is a gentle but powerful therapy and changes are subtle. It is beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, migraines, sinusitis, back pain and stress-related illnesses. Craniosacral therapy comes into its own treating mothers and babies after childbirth. In Sweden all babies’ heads and mother’s pelvic areas are treated after birth to ensure all has returned to normal.

Corporate Holistic Health.
Have Karen come to your office, place of work or community group to do a one-off inspiring Holistic Talk.
Topics include: Stress Management, Weight Management, Relaxation Techniques. Cost €500.00 per hour (+ travel expenses if outside Dublin).
Holistic CDs
Karen has recorded a ‘Quiet Time’ relaxing CD for you to take some valuable tranquil time for yourself. She also has two fabulous Yoga CDs so you can listen to her instructions as you stretch yourself beautifully and safely in the comfort of your own home. Each CD costs €16 each OR two for €30 OR three for €42. All inc. p&p.

For details email kward@iol.ie
or visit www.karenwardholistictherapist.com