A Holistic Primer

Space and time really don't allow me to go into all the holistic remedies available, so I will just give a little taste of information on a few of my favorites. I will not be using textbook descriptions. Instead I will be using layman's terms here, to make it easier for you to understand, and easier for me to write.

REIKI

Since I am a Reiki Master Teacher, this is one of my favorites! I am often asked to describe what Reiki is to people, and my favorite description is to compare it to The Laying on of Hands, as used in many different faiths.

Usui Reiki is from Japan, and was discovered many years ago. Briefly, it is using the healing energy of the Divine, and flowing that energy from the Divine through the healer, called a Reiki Practitioner. The Reiki energy flows out from the practitioner's hands into the body of the client.

Many Reiki's don't actually put their hands on the client, but about an inch off the body. There are different ways that Reiki practitioners operate. Although most of us have developed some of our techniques, the principals of Reiki are the same for all Usui Reiki practitioners. . We are not medical doctors, nor are we allowed to diagnose. However, the Divine knows exactly where to send the healing energy/light into the body to speed the healing process. Reiki, like all Holistic healing, does not take the place of a medical doctor, but can certainly compliment one.


HERBS
Herbs are fascinating to work with and I find the more I learn the more I want to learn. For those folks out there that think the herbs are just some parsley on your potatoes, read on!

There are several ways herbs are commonly used in natural health and healing. The first way of course is using the herb itself, used to make teas, tinctures and ointments. I have my own herb garden, and use the harvest to make all three. Our grandmothers and early pharmacists had the right idea all along. I can almost feel myself stepping back in time as I work in my kitchen on various herbals.

You will also find herbs used in essential oils, as well as used in some of
the homeopathic remedies.

Herbs can also now be purchased over the counter in any health food stores in pill form. Of course a famous pill with a herb history is the common aspirin, which is a descendant of the willow bark. Another growing favorite are the echinacea and goldenseal remedies.

Homeopathic medicines are prepared from natural substances; plant, mineral and animal. Although there may still be some side effects, there are usually only a fraction of the lab prepared chemical medicines available by prescription only. The use of micro doses guarantees the absence of toxicity and side effects. Persons taking the homeopathic remedy would most likely get their guidance and advice as to the best remedy for their situation, and thereafter, treat themselves. Individuals are more actively involved in their own treatment, since they know their own bodies best, and are able to monitor the treatment. My favorite dosage is in the tiny little white pellets, of which you dissolve a few under your tongue every few hours. The contents are pure and dissolve easily and makes for quick diffusion of the medicine into the blood stream.

There are a wide range of herbs, remedies, and brands, and I could easily write the whole column on this one healing tool. If you are interested and want to know more, contact your favorite naturalpath healthcare practitioner, or if you have none, contact me at my office or at my web site on line.

Reflexology
(contributed by Terry Bruneau, RN.)

The Definition of foot and hand reflexology according to the International Institute of Reflexology is:
"Reflexology is a science that deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body. Reflexology is a unique method of using the thumb and fingers on these reflex areas. Foot and hand Reflexology includes, but is not limited to relieving stress and tension, to improve blood supply and promote the unblocking of nerve impulses and to help nature achieve homeostasis."

Aynne's Definition - a foot rub that makes your body want to sing! This is amazing. Anyone who has ever been to my show, YOUR NEW LIFE EXPO, may have gotten one of these treatments. Everyone loves it! I usually end up in Terry Bruneau's chair about the time my feet (and body ) cannot stand one more second. Then, after a few minutes with her, I'm ready to go again for hours.


Chiropractic
(as contributed by Dr Ralph Krutulis)
Chiropractic was given its modern incarnation in 1895 by Dr. D.D. Palmer. Chiropractic is the worlds largest drug-free healing art, and while there are more MD's on the island of Manhattan than Chiropractors in the world, Chiropractic care is provided to millions of patients all over the world.

It is harder to become a Chiropractor than to become an MD; more prerequisites and more course work. The basic modern education for both MD's and DC's use the same texts and labs in many areas. However, DC's have a lot more x-ray interpretation and years more clinical nutrition whereas MD's get a lot more pharmacology. Chiropractors are considered Physicians in most of the USA, and are licensed professionals in all the States and in most modern countries.

There are almost 300 named different techniques in Chiropractic. Some require force, some do not. Most are done by hand, but there a number of devices that aid in the "adjustment".

Chiropractic is beneficial to all; pediatrics to geriatrics.

Aynne's definitions: I would add to this that at first I was skeptical about the benefits of chiropractic treatment. Second, I was scared! I soon began to realize after a few treatments that this modality of health and wellness was invaluable. As for my fear, that also dissipated.

I would strongly suggest that with any practitioner you may choose, that you have a good relationship with him/her. That you never feel rushed, and that you can ask any questions at any time, and get good answers in return. I also suggest that you feel comfortable with that person, which in turn will help to speed the healing process.

Word of mouth is one of the best ways to learn about a practitioner and to choose one that is best suited for your needs.

I find that I barely scratched the surface of all the modalities I wanted to write about, so another column on this subject will be forthcoming.