Relaxation And Reiki

Deadlines, death, debt, divorce and disaster – these stories  are plastered over the billboards of our minds. To complicate matters, art  imitates life, so the same tales are reflected back to us in books, movies,  and social media. Last week I posted an article on how reflexology might help a Client to relax.   This week I would like to discuss how Reiki could help combat stress.  The effects of stress often lead to the following health complications:

• Insomnia
• Digestive problems
• Elevated blood pressure
• A lethargic disposition
• Depression
• Anxiety

If these problems are chronic talk to Your doctor. A complete medical examination may be necessary. Your doctor may suggest  tests, x-rays  or an ultrasound. Ask questions. Your health is important. You need to investigate all of the options to make informed health decisions.

A Reiki session is a wonderful option to consider if You are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or tense.  A traditional full length session lasts one hour. The tranquil essence of Reiki facilitates relaxation, and dissolves tension. If You are interested in a quick pick me up, a shorter session is great, too. For this, I recommend a Reiki Chakra Balance. This is a 30 minute session, conducted as a Client sits on a chair. The seven Chakras are treated and balanced.  Each of the Chakras corresponds with a glandular function of the endocrine system in the body.

• Crown Chakra – Pineal
• Third Eye Chakra – Pituitary
• Throat Chakra – Thyroid
• Heart Chakra – Thymus
• Solar Plexus Chakra –  Pancreas
• Sacral Chakra – Gonads
• Root Chakra – Adrenal

A Reiki session gives a Client the opportunity to clear the mind, body and spirit of tension, stress, and discord. The muscles relax,and the mind releases worry, allowing the spirit to surface. In this quiet the still voice of spirit offers a connection to incredible guidance and insight. The spirit reminds us of who we really are. In our hearts we know there is so much more. In fact the power of spirit is infinite. Because Reiki has the capacity to accesses this, it is a powerful healing mechanism.

Each person will have a different and unique experience during a Reiki session. Some people may feel a drop in body temperature. Some experience tingling and vibration through out the body. Others will  notice heat and energy in the room. Still others will feel nothing at all. Occasionally a Client may enter the dream state, experience colours, or vision.

Relaxation is the key to a peaceful and restful sleep . During the night while We sleep the body recharges. The cells in all of our organs, bones, and tissues rebuilds. This is why a good night’s sleep is a crucial building block to health and wellness. Sleep also provides an entrance into our dreamscape. Our dreams remind us of who we are and why we are here.

Fresh air provides another  important key to wellness. Proper breathing allows us to increase our intake of oxygen. This improves our respiratory and cardiovascular system function.  The immune system benefits too – wastes are processed through the lymph nodes, and expelled from the body.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eliminate Stress From Your Life

 

Stress destroys health and wellness. Our  central nervous system is wired to signal approaching danger –  We all have a fight or flight response. Under stress, the body may release stress hormones adrenaline  and cortisol.  This is a important mechanism to ensure the survival of the species – a reaction is a normal part of our existence. We simply need to recognize these reactions, and determine when urgency and danger are close at hand. Natural disasters, wars, and illness have created upheaval for mankind since ancient times. Modern day stress triggers include school, work, debt, marriage, birth, divorce, and death.

A  traditional foot reflexology session is a wonderful  tool to combat stress. This is because a professional  foot reflexologist will work on the reflexes for the endocrine system. This includes priority work on all of  the endocrine gland reflexes –  the pituitary gland reflexes,  the thyroid gland reflexes and the adrenal gland reflexes. This could be helpful in regulating  and adjusting the flow of hormones in the body.  During a reflexology session, work is also conducted on the reflexes of the central nervous system, which, would include work on the spinal vertebrae reflexes. This could help a client to relax  with a tranquil sleep. Reflexology is beneficial in so many ways – work on the immune and lymphatic system reflexes might assist lymphatic drainage, and strengthen the  immune system,  while work on the digestive system reflexes could help to improve the digestive process.

Dorsal Left & Right Veiwa

 

Relaxation is not a luxury. Create a wellness schedule for Yourself. One of the most important habits to cultivate is a restful night of sleep. During the sleep cycle, the body recharges. The cells of the body have an opportunity to rebuild.  The organs and glands rest. A warm  bath in the evening could  help relax tense muscles. Avoid stimulants such as coffee or chocolate before bedtime.

Take some time to plan regular meals.  Have an assortment of healthy snacks, packaged and ready. This is a great way to prevent low blood sugar throughout Your day. Select a balance of foods from each of the food groups on the food pyramid. This would include grains, fruit, vegetables, meat (or meat substitutes such as beans and nuts), dairy, and fats. Whenever possible shop organic.  If You have specific health issues, ask Your doctor for a referral for a professional dietitian.

Create a block of time for Yourself to relax, enjoy life, and have fun. Read, write, sleep, work on a creative  project, listen to music, watch a film, or spend time with family and friends. When stress arrives at the door, take time out to consider all possible options and strategies. Learn to face challenges head on – this is a key to self mastery. Procrastination is a habit which allows problems to grow to mammoth proportions. Design schedules for Your activities, in order to make the most of Your time.  Learn to delegate, and learn to say no. Always remember, laughter is the best medicine !

The Life And Times Of Mikao Usui

 

 

This month, the world observes the birthday of Mikao Usui.  To honour this occasion, I wish to share a brief time line of Mikao Usui’s  accomplishments. As You navigate through this  week take a moment to relax, breathe, and find a moment of peace within Yourself.

• Mikao Usui was born in August , in the year 1865, in the village of Taniai-mura, in the Yamagata district of Gifu Prefecture.
• He attended  a traditional Japanese Tendai Buddhist Monastery, learning Samurai  Swordsmanship and Kiko.
• Usui became a Tendai  Buddhist Monk, living in near Mount Kurama.
• Mikao Usui studied many topics in depth – history, biographies, medicine, psychology,  the I Ching, Ju Juitsu, along with metaphysical  topics, and theological books like Buddhism Kyoten and The Bible.
• During a retreat on the holy mountain Kori Yama,  Usui fasted and meditated for twenty one days. As He completed his quest, and prepared to leave, spiritual energy began to flow down through the crown chakra. This light energy was Reiki Ryoho – healing light energy. He returned to Kyoto, to heal and continue His work. He spent seven years in Kyoto.
• The first process in Usui’s healing system was focused on healing the practitioner. Once attuned to the energy of Reiki, a student could begin to heal others.
• Mikao Usui attuned  and taught the following students – Toshihiro Eguchi, Dr. Hayashi, Jusaburo Giuda, and Bo Taketomi.  These people went on to heal and teach Reiki.
•  Through time and space Usui went on to heal people  all over Japan.
•  Although Mikao Usui was a Buddhist, He felt people of different  faiths and religions should share in the benefits of Reiki.
• Because of this,  Reiki is taught and practiced  on an international scale.
• Usui passed away March 9th, 1926, in Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The cause of death was stroke.                

Mikao Usui and His students went on to heal people all over Japan, and eventually all over  the world. His teachings were profound, yet simple. Reiki is a healing modality which envelopes mind, body, and spirit. Reiki is not a religion, it is a way of being. Along with the incredible gift of Reiki Light and Energy, Usui’s legacy to the world was “The Reiki Precepts”

The Reiki Precepts

1. Just for today, I will not anger
2. Just for today, I will not worry.
3. Just for today, I will do My work honestly.
4. Just for today, I will give thanks for My many blessings.
5. Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.

 

How Our Emotions Affect Our Health

 

 

Our emotional state has a direct impact on our physical health.  This important aspect  of wellness is often overlooked  or  totally ignored.  Consider the following  selection of words and phrases – ” broken heart”,  “black balled”,  “blue in the face”,  “pissed off”, “my blood was boiling”, “green with envy”. Our emotions and words have the capacity to build or destroy health.

Reflect on the way You have been feeling and how often You select words and thoughts which build strength, love and joy. This is an essential step toward creating wellness. Your words and thoughts will reflect  Your state of mind.  Learn to schedule time to relax and breathe. Meditation, yoga, exercise, fresh air and sunshine are the building blocks of tranquility. Quiet time builds inner resilience.

The mind-body connection is well known and documented.  Life’s challenges often precede illness.  Birth, death, love,  and war build  the landscape of life. Our adaptability to stress and change determines our health.  Whether happy or sad,  content or angry, remember emotions are transitory.  It is important to feel all of our emotions, for all of our emotions require acknowledgement and acceptance.  The  danger begins when one emotion begins to control and consume  all of  our thoughts and actions.

 

The Roots of Reflexology

A Foot  Model featuring reflexology correspondences for   the right dorsal view of the foot.

 

Reflexology evolved from several ancient civilizations. This sacred knowledge has been passed forward for centuries. Featured below, is a brief historical time line focusing on the “Roots of Reflexology”.

• The Egyptians used reflexology. In the tomb of Ankmahor, Physician and Official, a graphic rendering was discovered in Saqqara, dating back to the early sixth dynasty,  around 2000 B.C.
• In India ,  five thousand years ago, the painting Vishnu-Padus depicts the feet as representing the universe. Some of these symbols correspond with information used in reflexology today.
• In Traditional Chinese Medicine, reflexology developed within the use of acupuncture, during the reign of Emperor Hwang,  around four thousand years ago.
• Among Indigenous People, the Cherokee, the Dakota, and the Mayans practiced reflexology passing healing knowledge forward, from generation to generation.
• Dr. William Fitzgerald wrote “Zone Therapy”,  with Dr Edwin Bowers in 1917.
• Dr. Joe Shelby Riley continued this work with His wife, Dr Elizabeth Riley.
• Dr. Joe Shelby Riley went on to share information with Eunice Ingham, successful   physiotherapist.
• Mildred Carter studied with Dr. William Fitzgerald, and exchanged valuable information with Dr Joe Shelby Riley.  She went on to author many books on the topic of reflexology.
• Eunice Ingham  further developed all of this knowledge, creating the  name “Reflexology”. She passed along  Her extensive knowledge to Her nephew, Dwight C. Byers.
• The “Ingham Method” has been taught on an international scale.  Reflexology developed into the  healing modality used by holistic practitioners today.

  

  Dorsal & Lateral Left Views