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Is Massage Just
About Relaxing? top next
Tight muscles drain energy, pollute
the body with toxins and weaken surrounding muscles. Adhesions, scar tissue and
fibrosis can be helped by therapy, keeping the body in good shape and making
it's owner feel good. Holistic therapies are mind/body therapies, but not just
relaxing. Good therapy can provide a lasting benefit on the physical as well as
the mind.
What's All This
About Energy and Balancing?! top next
Lets look at it in a level-headed
and non-mysterious way! We know we all have flow in our bodies, whether blood
flow, lymph flow, heat flow or electrical impulses associated with our nervous
system. When we get unwell these flows are upset in some way, maybe restricted
or maybe enhanced. This is just our bodies reacting physically to the threat,
illness or even just the environment. We all tend to react a bit differently,
even though we're of a similar 'production line'; we're different models. If our
bodies can be stimulated (even by the power of our own minds) to redress the
balance and re-establish correct 'flow' then we are heading down the road to
recovering from the illness or problem we are subject to. The terminology used
by therapists may be a bit vague at times but it does however encompass the
issues involved. - So, OK this is a somewhat oversimplification but hopefully it
helps to make the mysterious just a bit more of something any of us can begin to
get our heads round.
Can Thoughts Really Affect Your Health?! top next
You will often hear the holistic and complementary 'people' relate the physical
to the abstract (e.g. 1:' Bad gums is an inability to back up decisions and
being wishy-washy'. 2:'Flatulence is undigested ideas'). There was me thinking
flatulence
was too much beer! Then again, why might I drink too much beer? Often because I
am wrestling with an issue or two. So maybe, there is that logical connection
and unity with all aspects of our life. There's the idea that our minds are
capable of making things come true. If we think negatively, negative things
happen. If we think positively, positive things happen. Our mind certainly gives
us conscious motivation to get and do things, so there's no reason to suppose it
does not give us sub-conscious motivation. Our bodies respond accordingly and
quite dramatically at times. If we desire to do something physical, our bodies
build muscle. There's a great book written by a great man, Dr Keith Mason. This
book is "Thoughts that Harm, Thoughts that Heal".
Click the link to find it in my references. Often, the characteristics
aligned with illness we can see in ourselves. More so, I'll be sure that you
will see them in people you know!
Just 'merely' the Placebo Effect!? top next
I read on MSN about assessments of complementary therapies (which I will address in due course) but one comment was, "just merely the placebo effect". That stimulated some thought in me, particularly following my thought for last month. What do you understand
by the placebo effect? Some responses I've had are; "Fake M8" (got that by
text!), "Dummy", "Mind Effect", "Actually Works - I read a lot".
I looked up 'placebo effect' on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placebo_(origins_of_technical_term)). It's not the only definition and
maybe conjectural, but lets run with the notion that it actually gives
'results'. This has no doubt been observed for a long time & is based on 'real'
results, not just perceived. Yes, this brings in the concept of mind/body
medicine and last months thought on 'thought'. Further to this, a placebo is
used as a control in drug trials and complementary therapy trials, but, if the
placebo can give true results, then there must be doubt about this nature of
control (even from a scientific perspective!) even though it's probably the best
that can be done. So, what is the placebo effect? How 'good' is it? Perhaps,
it's very good, in which case, why knock it?! Is there a degree of placebo
effect? As it's not seen in all people (as we're all different, even in the way
we respond to drugs) can it be enhanced? Does complementary therapy enhance the
placebo effect? Could it do this without intake of anything (as with a number of
therapies) or could even the small amount of intake do this (bearing in mind we
have very sensitive receptors)? Maybe even very diluted essential oils could
enhance the placebo effect bearing in mind the high level of detection our
olfactory system is capable of (just a few molecules) - OK, lots of questions,
no real answers, but, if there are results from the power of someone's mind,
come on, let's not knock it, let's use it and let's find the keys to making it
work, for the benefit of all of us! I would like to answer these questions as I
go through the rest of my life and as an applied physicist of 30 years
experience, you can trust me to be objective. As this is such an important
question, I will have a separate link in order to
expound some further thinking and expound any developments I can.
So, Is Illness God's Punishment? top next
I believe in God, though I don't pretend to begin to understand what it's all about! If God exists, then I believe He must be all loving and forgiving. If He made us what we are, then how could he punish us for what He made us?
So, how can we explain illness or lack of completeness, especially from birth, when there was no reason or "error" which we performed to induce it?
I find myself drawn to the philosophy that we are on a journey and maybe living several
reincarnations, each with a purpose in our soul's higher purpose. Also, it is logical that all our attributes (or lack of) we decided as a part of our learning curve within our physical existence. Thus, whatever, physical structure/attributes, emotional disposition, illness, strength/weakness,
intelligence/lack of, longevity, pain/comfort - whatever, we decided before being born, as a part of our learning curve. I have always believed that we are here for two reasons; to enjoy our lives and to learn. The only way that learning can mean anything is if we carry that beyond this life.
Having now worked on a number of ill people in Stoke Mandeville, I can honestly report that they all appear to address and take on their illness with incredible strength of purpose, beyond, I believe, what I could do myself. I've met no-one who wants to just 'give up'. They take it on as a journey, which is doubtless what it must be - not a punishment!
So, Is There a Devil? - Are There Demons of Evil Intent? top next
This is a very deep issue that certainly runs deep & through all of history. We are physical
beings naturally orientated to survival in the environment given to us. There's nothing false or protected. It's all about freedom, free will, excitement, challenge, competition, threat and response. Fear is a most natural response to threat & essential in the life we have chosen or find ourselves. Evil is a function of ourselves and of the freedom/free will that we have been given. All the aspects of evil like destruction, pain, suffering, even illness are a function of our minds. Maybe, that's where our journey of soul development is leading us, to the control of our thoughts to purity and the best intent;
the serenity to expel the evil thoughts; to exorcise that 'devil' within!
Am I saying anything new? I don't think so! I'm sure that it relates perfectly to the biblical texts and writings from all cultures, throughout history. Maybe, technology's moved on & time has changed the nature of our lives, but the basic questions (and no doubt answers) are the same as they've always been since man first trod the earth.
Why is There Conflict of Belief & Understanding? top next
This is very topical approaching Christmas time. There are many religions and
philosophies. So, what's right? Is it surprising that churches are less filled
than years ago when the population was very much less? My belief is that there
is only one Truth. That doesn't really need saying. It's self-evident. So how
can all the cultures come together? Well, they must somehow. The apparent
differences are probably man-made and must be consolidated somehow. I believe in
what works. Yes, as an applied physicist for 30 years, I like to look at
theories and be able to predict, but how can any of us deny what works?! We just
need to figure the explanation afterwards, when the story unravels. I believe in
God and in Jesus Christ who I believe was the greatest healer who ever lived. I
don't see that should detract from the truth from other religions that are based
on great philosophers and prophets or even from the earth itself. They all
received guidance from God. Our thoughts came from somewhere; that timeless
place where all aspects of existence are not important.
So, at this
time approaching Christmas, what was that Sacrifice all about? Maybe
understanding and that best intent. Was Jesus a martyr? Maybe he just needed to
show how we have free will. Even the Son of God could not escape the free will
of men. He proved that to mankind and at the same time pleaded for us to realise
that. Have we? But if God made us the way we are, why haven't we? Maybe because
we need to learn and some of us are new souls needing to go through the learning
curve. Maybe, that's what it's all about! Whatever, Jesus Christ is still the
greatest healer who ever lived!
What's This 'Healing Crisis'? top next
The Healing Crisis occurs when the body needs to clear toxins faster than it is
able to do so. There are good descriptions on the internet such as:
http://www.falconblanco.com/health/crisis.htm
Here it is sufficient to explain that the result of such a crisis is the
temporary worsening of the symptoms that the client has gone to the therapist to
be relieved of. The key word here is temporary. Clients often feel worse and
assume that the therapy is not doing well and is therefore reluctant to return.
The Healing Crisis can heighten emotions and fears thus making this situation
worse. The reality is that the therapy has done well and the client most likely
has passed the worse and ready to start feeling better!
The healing crisis is a reality for many types of therapy. Massage therapy is
quite capable of releasing toxins which are held or trapped in the soft tissues
of the body. Massage can therefore cause a Healing Crisis but also speed the
client through it. These need to be flushed through as quickly as possible. It
is a fact that for lymph drainage, the key methods of ‘pumping’ lymph are either
exercise or massage. The reason why therapists ask clients to drink plenty of
water (or other suitable fluid) is to help the toxins to be flushed and thus
reduce or eliminate the effects of the Healing Crisis.
If you suffer a Healing Crisis, take head of the warnings and the advice and
discuss it with your therapist!
There are Only 5 Mondays Till March! top next
I'm not keen on the winter months, anymore! Go on, think it, "Poor old sod"! I
get cold too easily and the body begins to creek & groan! Yesterday I saw a new
client at Stoke Mandeville and he said, "Only 5 Mondays till March!". My father
might accuse him of 'Wishing his time away', but in fact he is looking forward
joyously to a better season.
I believe it's very important to look forward to joyous things, perhaps
particularly if one is unwell at the present time. I believe it can encourage
the body in a subconscious way to find solutions that will ensure the future
objective comes true.
By looking forward to March, sunny Basingstoke on 21st Jan, suddenly becomes a
bonus. By looking forward to the future, all that we achieve in the present
becomes a bonus and achievements to be proud of. When the joyous event comes, we
can enjoy it even more!
What's so Bad About Taking a Wrong Turning? top next
Have you ever been driving and taken a wrong turning? Sometimes I do it even if
I've driven the route countless times before. My first reaction is to swear and
get annoyed at myself. I've sometimes had to turn back but often I've found the
error does not take me far out of my way and the new scenery is very rewarding!
I'm often pleased with the experience and the journey can land up being easier,
with less obstacles and can even get me there quicker.
While driving the new route, I've had time to think that life can be a bit like
that. We beat ourselves up for taking the wrong path, but sometimes, if we just
absorb the experience, we can draw such a lot from it and enjoy it. Possibly, we
are better off for the error! If we don't beat ourselves up but look at the
positive view, life takes a new perception.
Can We Read Each-Other's Thoughts? top next
There certainly appears to be those gifted in such a way but often, the ability can break down when put to the test in the laboratory. What about the rest of us? Since being a therapist, I've had some severe lessons on listening to my intuition and even more severe about acting on it! I couldn't tell you what a client on my couch is thinking about (and why should I want to?). I respect all clients in every way so why would I want to invade their thoughts, but I often get a strong feeling of emotions. I include physical discomfort in that too. I insist that being brave to the sometimes discomfort of massage is not the way to be, as that just causes more physical tension and why should I have to rely on intuition when a few choice words could convey the message?! However, sometimes the feeling of a client's emotion is very strong.
Yes, I'm now experienced at reading body language (even when the face is buried
in the hole in the couch!) and receptive to the slightest muscle twitch, but it
really goes deeper than that and on a level that transcends words and language.
Us therapists talk of 'connecting' with a client. It really appears to me that
the intuitive (even involuntary) reading of emotions is something initiated by
the client (even as a shortcut to all the wordy business of a counselling
session) which happens at a time when the client is loosing the burdens of life,
in the attempt to reach relaxation and oneness with existence. It is really
quite a magical experience and hopefully of great benefit to the client!
I believe we all have the ability to read thoughts and mostly, for whatever
reasons, we block the ability, maybe in the name of objectivity. The connection
developed with the holistic therapist lends to the transfer of thought and I
believe is something we can all achieve in most situations in life, not to read
some-ones personal thoughts or to be intrusive but to have understanding and to
help each-other.
Holism is a Way of Life top next
I see so many people who come to me as a last resort, that last ditch attempt, as
everything else has apparently failed. Particularly in England, we get the
emphasis wrong. Taking care of ourselves should be a part of everyday life and
the doctor should be the last resort! As a society, we tend not to look after
ourselves and even abuse our bodies. We allow this to carry on, sustaining
increasing stress, emotionally as well as physically, totally consumed by the
vortex of our life-styles.
Even those of us aware of the issues still put things
off. We’ll go to the gym next week, when we have more time! We’ll relax once
those chores are done and during that few weeks of holiday (sandwiched between
the usual stresses of getting on holiday and then getting back)! We are unique
and able to sustain various levels of stress and with a variable perception to
it. I see those who think they’re not stressed with obvious physical and even
emotional signs and symptoms. I see those who think they are
stressed but are not too bad, really. They just don’t want to be in the
situation they are in!
Taking time out is a way of stepping off the roller-coaster and assessing the situation. It promotes clearer thinking, greater focus
and objectivity in life, promotes better health and immunity and generally
creates a feeling of well-being, giving a greater sense of fulfilment, peace of
mind and happiness. Taking time out from the world is taking time for oneself
and renewing the connection with the world. Sometimes, doing very little can
generate the energy and that will lead to colossal achievement!
So Why Do I Like a Beer – or Even More Than
I Should!? top next
For me, beer (English ‘real’ ale) is a pleasant drink, full of flavour,
refreshing and with alcohol to ease the tensions. But, I’m a therapist. Why
should I have tensions? Well, I think too much! I worry about why we’re here and
why life appears to be so difficult and not the wonderful, straightforward
event. So, the tension for me springs from the frustration of not being able to
really comprehend or understand. This frustration can apply to any of us for
various and personal reasons.
You may be wondering what this has to do with or to excuse the business of
drinking beer or any alcohol.
When I went to see my Reiki master, back in December, he dowsed my chakras.
(Whether you believe in chakras, I think you will appreciate the relevance). He
was amazed at how active they were but commented that I was, “Top heavy”. The
point about the upper chakras being more active is that of thinking and being
spiritual. My comment was, “I need to get out more, then!” I often walk and my
favourite place is around the walls of Silchester. Whatever the spiritual nature
of the place, there is the basic joy of the countryside, with the flora and
fauna of the various seasons. It is an earthly and grounded place, which is what
a ‘top heavy’ person so needs.
This need of ‘balancing’ is what the spiritualist/holistic therapist alludes to,
and the ‘balancing’ is so essential to the correct and appropriate physical
working of the body. Imbalance equates to blockages and dis-ease.
So, you still ask what this has to do with alcohol! Enjoying beer and even the
release of tension due to alcohol is still indulging in the earthly, different
to walking God’s countryside but still with a similar effect. Earthly things
correlate to the lower chakras. Thus, stimulation of these energy centres will
help balance these with the more active upper ones. “Oh! What an excuse.” I hear
you say! I don’t need an excuse to drink in moderation. Beer is full of natural
things and alcohol in small quantity is good to help prevent stroke and heart
attack, but here’s the problem!
Alcohol engenders such a good release and earthly feeling that it is
intoxicating and, yes, becomes toxic to our physical systems. It finally becomes
not just a moderator for the lack of understanding but an ‘easy to accept’
substitute. We fall into the pleasures of the physical as escapism from the
overall reality. Keeping the ‘balance’ is such a difficult objective to achieve
in this life, unless we are fortunate to have a good, happy balance built in
that we can cling to. “God, give me the life that I so desire and I won’t drink
too much! (Not that I will complain, if You don’t!)”
Readers should realise that to avoid long-term effects from alcohol, there are
NHS guidelines. These are different for men and women and will be affected by
circumstances, health conditions and medication.
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pages/Alcoholhome.aspx
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pages/videomenalcohollimits.aspx
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pages/videowomenalcohollimits.aspx
Reiki and the Reiki Ideals top
The name 'Reiki' emanates from the Japanese characters Rei and Ki, life force
energy (Ki) of divine origin (Rei). Ki has a similar meaning to the Chinese 'qi'
or 'chi', the Muslim 'baraka', the Hindu 'prana' or the Christian 'light' (or even Holy
Spirit).
The practitioner (operating in light contact with the receiver or just above)
acts as a channel for this ‘energy’, the clearer the channel, the better the
transmission. The practitioner holds a shallow state of meditation to achieve
focus and visualises the ‘energy’ flow. The ‘energy’ travels to where-ever
needed.
Reiki appears to work, based on impeccable intent and the practitioner holding
the best intent while maintaining the open channel. Perhaps, emphasising the
intention of Reiki are the Reiki Ideals. You don’t have to be involved with
Reiki to appreciate these Ideals:
The Reiki Ideals
Just for today, I will not be angry.
Just for today, I will not worry.
Just for today, I will give thanks for my many blessings.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbour and every living thing.
The point of the Reiki ideals is for us to withdraw from the issues of life that
are negative and are not productive for our progression.
Anger and worry are signs of inability to cope and are reflex actions to stress.
Worry is of no avail without a solution to the problem. A conscious intent to
avoid anger and worry leads to a genuine reduction and an objectivity, which
actually enables one to cope better.
How often do we bemoan our lot and forget to look at our blessings? Dwelling on
the difficulties of life leads to further discontentment.
Doing work honestly also means conscientiously. If we become lethargic, then the
workload increases for our colleagues and again, discontentment spreads rather
like a disease.
Being kind to our neighbours and all living things is a positive way to help
every creature to fulfil their individual life’s journey. The better we travel
our journey, the less frustrated and discontent we are.
Perhaps, with practice, we can achieve the ideals every day, not just
for today!