Spiritual Healing refers to a myriad of forms of vibrational and energy healing. Instead of using pharmaceutical pills or drugs, a spiritual healer administers touch and energy by channeling and manipulating spiritual energy. The whole principle of spiritual healing is that we are all more than our physical body and that illnesses start in our field of energy and eventually manifest as a disease when left untreated. Spiritual healers believe that by changing the individual’s spiritual energy flow, they can help to heal the individual and bring them back to wellness. There are many types of spiritual energy and many forms of spiritual healing, however, some of the most common include contact hands-on healing treatments, distant healing, crystal healing, qigong, reiki, esoteric healing, pranic healing and therapeutic touch. Spiritual healers support the “patient” and help them to heal themselves by removing blockages in the energy flow. Reiki Developed in the early 20th century by a Japanese Buddhist, reiki practitioners practice a form of hands-on healing, involving placing the hands over or onto the body so that healing energy can be transferred from their hands to the patient. When the energy enters the patient’s body, it travels to the spot where it is most needed. Qigong This form of spiritual healing is practiced to retain the balance of the energy and physical bodies. It involves coordinated body movements and posture together with meditation and breathing to stimulate good health. Therapeutic Touch This healing practice is carried out by practitioners who are sensitive to the energy field surrounding the patient’s body, feeling its state and manipulating or helping it to heal by removing any blockages. Shiatsu This Japanese bodywork treatment is based on Chinese traditional medicine, using massage with the palms, feet, and thumbs as well as finger pressure. It brings the flow of chi within the body in harmony with itself. Pranic Healing This healing modality works with chi or prana energy in order to heal illnesses and physical conditions. Similar to acupuncture and yoga it treats the energy field and, in turn, the physical body. Crystal Healing This healing form uses living stones and crystals to bring energies to the patient’s body to promote healing or to imbue the mind and body with particular traits. Crystals are said to resonate with various chakras which link the etheric body with the physical one, opening the chakras to balance the whole system. They can also turn lower energy into a higher vibrational energy to improve health. Crystals may be placed onto areas of the patient’s body, worn or carried. There are many types of spiritual healing, and while none can guarantee a complete return to full health, many people find relief from the conditions that they are suffering from. Although doctors in Western medicine are not yet convinced of the benefits of all forms of spiritual healing, it is clear that in many cases using spiritual energy as a healing modality has helped some patients to improve their health and their quality […]
Common Methods of Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicine is becoming more popular than ever as people turn away from pharmaceutical treatments that often have unwanted side effects and towards more natural traditional options that offer a more holistic approach. There are many types of alternative medicine designed to treat a variety of ailments and conditions, and here, we look at some of the most commonly found methods. Reiki Reiki is a traditional form of Japanese medicine and describes a natural healing system which was founded in the early part of the 20th century, and which has evolved into an accepted way of healing the body. Reiki is based on the principle that we are surrounded by an energy which maintains and nourishes every living thing. When the energy is able to flow without impediments, we experience harmony and balance inside and around ourselves which creates a sense of wellbeing. Someone receiving reiki simply lies on a couch or chair and fully relaxes while the holistic health practitioner places their hands near or on their body, treating the whole person rather than any specific part of the body. While some clients experience no sensation at all during their treatment, others report feeling calm and relaxed, and some feel tingling or heat. This safe treatment can provide comfort and emotional support at difficult times and is suitable for patients of all ages. Yoga Yoga is a kind of therapy which utilises breathing exercises and meditation in combination with body positions to improve both physical and mental health. This holistic treatment encourages the spirit, mind and body to become fully integrated and is a long established solution for anxiety and depression as well as schizophrenia and PTSD. Not only can yoga help the mind, it can help to address a number of physical problems too including heart conditions, back pain, hypertension, MS and asthma. Those who use yoga as a form of alternative medicine find that they are less stressed, experience better well-being and have more efficient functioning of their bodily systems. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a well known holistic technique that has its origins in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In this form of treatment, the practitioner will insert thin needles into certain points of the body to stimulate the system. It can be used in the treatment of a broad spectrum of symptoms and diseases and is surprisingly pain-free. It is useful as a therapy for pain, muscle spasms, migraine, osteoarthritis, allergies, depression and digestive problems as well as for many other conditions. As long as the therapist is properly trained, acupuncture is very safe and can be used alongside other, more conventional treatments. Ayurveda Ayurveda is an ancient holistic form of healing which originates from India. Based on a belief that wellness and good health depend on the balance between spirit, body, and mind, the primary goal of this complementary therapy is not to fight any disease but to promote health, however, treatments can focus on a particular health condition. There are many things which are said to upset […]
Top Yoga Exercises For Men
Since men have this false misconception that yoga is only for women, we are going to give you some of the top yoga exercises for men. Men generally spend their time on health clubs or gyms to work out or perform weight training, either for improved fitness or health boost. But they seem to be unaware that yoga can make a good replacement for weight training workouts. But they too can largely benefit from it. Yoga can give your entire body a fully workout, such that you can strengthen and tone various muscle groups in the body. In addition to that, it also has the ability to stimulate your internal organs for proper function, which is something that other workout exercises are incapable of doing. Yoga can also boost your sexual health due to its ability to maximize oxygen and blood supply to your sexual organ. Yoga is flexible enough to be adapted by different types of body such that you can personally improve your strength level, get more endurance and attain higher flexibility. By giving your muscles constant stretch, yoga helps to reduce the possibility of developing muscle sores and related injuries. Unlike other workout routines, the mental aspect of yoga is what creates its most basic distinction. It improves your ability to focus and concentrate. Now that you are aware of what yoga can do to men’s body and health, the next step is to determine what yoga positions are ideal for men. Read more below to find out. Crescent Lunge This pose is ideal for men who are highly physically active or is regularly engaged in sports. It helps to reduce tightness within the muscles in your lower body, such that you can avoid injuries in those areas. In addition, you can also perform this as a pre-workout routine to avoid acquiring injuries. Start on all fours, then place your right foot in between your hands. Your right knee must be directly proportional to the top of your heel. Begin to inhale as you slowly lift your back knee off the floor. Press the heel against a wall to keep your back leg straight. Keep your spine straight and steady while you continue to breathe. Hold yourself in this position for about a minute to achieve results. You can do two repetitions for each side. Warrior I This pose is best suited for men due to its ability to provide overall physical enhancement and improve your physique. What makes this ideal for men is that it targets both upper and lower body during workout. From the Crescent Lunge, bring your right foot forward. Meanwhile, bring your left toe towards your left as you press against your heel. Maintain your back foot parallel to the front and start your inhalation. At this time, you need to get your palms together. Then, bring your torso up and down of your front thigh. Hold yourself steady in position for one minute before moving on to do the other side. This is a great position […]
The Many Beneficial Types of Ayurveda Massage
In Ayurvedic Medicine, a natural medical practice from India, Ayurveda Massage is used extensively for various health purposes. There are a number of different types of massage within this. Each type of massage provides a benefit to a different aspect of the body. The purpose is to support the balance and harmony of the functions of the body and the three Doshas, which make up the constitution of a person. The purpose of massage is to help the body to remove toxins from the system. It also helps to relieve stress and bring the body back into balance. There are some main components that will be found in every form type of beneficial Ayurveda Massage. There is usually always the use of an herbal oil compound. This compound is designed to help in promoting the removal of toxins and help to bring the Doshas back into balance. Types of Massage Found Within Ayurveda Abhyanga – This is a full body massage, it can be self-done or it can be done by a second party. The process is basically the same. Warm oil is prepared. The type oil is dependent on the Dosha of the person receiving the massage. These oils are filled with herbs and are designed to help bring the body back into balance. This type of massage helps to improve circulation and lubrication, it can help to strengthen and tone not just muscles but the joints as well. This type of massage is also used in the purification processes to release toxins, which may have become deeply seated within the tissue of the body. It also helps the skin by providing both nutrients and moisture; it helps to relieve stress, which in turn helps to keep the emotions balanced, the mind calm and helps to promote alertness as well as focus. Massage also can help to increase the energy of the body by promoting better energy flow; this helps to keep people going during the hectic day schedule and provides them with a sound restful sleep at night. The Process This massage can be done daily. The self-massage is easy to do but does take a time and a few materials. You will need massage oil, a bottle to use to squeeze and heat the oil. A bowl or container of warm water, a towel, some paper towels and a room where the temperature is comfortable are also required. The oil can be obtained through an Ayurveda practitioner or can be purchased online through a number of fine shops if a practitioner is not available for your area. Once you have gathered all the materials take some of the massage oil and place it in the bottle. Once this is done, place the squeeze bottle into the bowl or container of water. You can use very warm or hot water depending on how you like the temperature. Wait until it reaches a comfortable temperature and begin application. It is very important to work down the body and use […]
The Vipassana Meditation Experience
At some point in our lives, we all feel the burden of negativity in our lives. Some of us suffer with unhappiness and misery more than others, and for those people who seek relief from perpetual unhappiness, Vipassana Meditation is a solution. Vipassana meditation is a means by which people can achieve peace of mind in the long-term. It is a way to alleviate the perpetual cycle of happiness-unhappiness people are universally trapped in throughout their lives. When things are going our way and we have what we want, we are happy and content. As soon as something negative occurs, our mood and behavior changes. We become stressed, sad, or angry, and these negative emotions result in negative actions on our parts. We then perpetuate negativity, causing others to be unhappy and contributing to the general misery that characterizes all of humanity. It seems like a cycle without an end. There is no way to ensure nothing we don’t like will ever happen in life. Sooner or later, something comes up. It could be sickness, bad weather, a nasty co-worker or the action of some political figure that disrupts our happiness. We react with negativity, and so the cycle starts once again. Vipassana meditation is a way to alleviate this type of endless suffering in your life. It is a very precise technique that involves ten days of very specific training. Vipassana means “to see things as they really are,” and it teaches you techniques for mental purification through self-observation. You can then experience lasting peace and harmony, as the causes of suffering are eliminated. Ancient Tradition, Present-day Solution Vipassana is an ancient form of meditation that originated in India. It was first taught 2,500 years ago by Gotama the Buddha. Since then, the technique has been taught in its original form through the practice, devotion and preservation efforts of a chain of teachers. Vipassana courses taught today involve the exact same techniques and procedures taught to thousands of individuals throughout history. Vipassana meditation was made available on a worldwide scale in a sort of revival made possible by the efforts of Mr. S. N. Goenka. Mr. Goenka received 14 years of Vipassana meditation training from Sayagyi U Ba Khin before he began training others in India in 1969. Since then, he has taught tens of thousands of individuals from all over the world the Vipassana meditation techniques. His assistant teachers have continued to share this ancient tradition with many thousands more. Vipassana is Available to All Vipassana is available as a solution to suffering for individuals of all races, religions, and backgrounds. The problem of human suffering is universal, so the solution is also universal. People all over the world study and practice Vipassana meditation, including Hindus, Christians, Jews, Muslims, atheists and those who follow other religions. Anyone can practice Vipassana meditation at any time, in any place, and all will experience the same benefits. All that is required is a sincere commitment to learning the practice, and devotion […]
A Look At Benefits of Swedish Massage
If you’ve ever treated yourself to a massage at a Spa during a special getaway, you probably enjoyed the benefits of Swedish Massage. This is the most popular type of massage offered by holistic health practitioners. Swedish massage involves deep pressure and a variety of intensive massage techniques such as kneading, tapping and stroking. Many people use Swedish massage as a way to promote relaxation, which is why many people experience their first massage while on vacation. You probably remember how wonderful your body felt during the massage and how rejuvenated you felt afterwards. Swedish massage is a wonderful way to pamper yourself, but it is also an important and effective type of therapy for many people. Men and women of all ages and physical conditions seek out the benefits of Swedish massage. People rely on Swedish massage therapy to support good health and to manage a variety of health conditions. Swedish massage is used for pain management, to improve circulation and to help individuals recover from injury. It is even used as a form of therapy for anxiety and depression. How Swedish Massage Benefits the Body Swedish massage benefits the body because of the specific techniques it involves. The movements and firm pressure involved in Swedish massage affect all systems in the body, including soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments and also nerves and even glands. Holistic health practitioners aren’t just giving you a great muscle rub when you go for a Swedish massage. They apply pressure to your muscles in movements that are in tune with the natural flow of blood back to your heart. Your body’s lymph system is responsible for moving fluids that contain nutrients and wastes throughout your body. Lymph fluid is circulated during voluntary muscle movement. Swedish massage promotes healthy functioning of your lymph system by directly stimulating and relaxing your muscles. If you’re suffering from muscular strain, Swedish massage can help your body’s lymph system flush metabolic wastes such as lactic acid and uric acid from your muscles. This shortens recovery time and helps you feel better faster. The lymph system is also an important part of your body’s immune system, as white blood cells are produced and transported through the lymphatic system. Your lymph system is the means by which dead germs are collected in the lymph nodes and removed from the body. Swedish massage helps you stay healthy by supporting your immune system. Swedish massage is also used as therapy for those suffering from osteoarthritis and other painful and debilitating joint conditions. Swedish massage helps increase flexibility, enhances tissue elasticity and reduces pain. Many individuals benefit from a greater range of joint motion and movement thanks to Swedish massage therapy. In almost all cases, Swedish massage is considered a safe way to improve osteoarthritis conditions in the knees, hips and other areas of the body. These are three examples of the specific ways Swedish massage can help your body heal itself, but they are by no means the only benefits of […]
Looking At Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu is a Japanese healing therapy based on the Chinese meridian system. It involves the application of specific massage techniques to precise points throughout the body. Also referred to as acupressure, it may be used independently to promote general health and well-being or as a supplement to Western medical care. If you’ve been suffering with persistent poor health, chronic illness, or you’d simply like to maintain your good health, Like acupuncture and other healing therapies that are based on the meridian system, Shiatsu massage aims to restore or balance the flow of vital energy throughout the body. In Japanese, this vital energy is known as Ki. Similar to its Chinese counterpart Qi, Ki moves throughout the body along specific channels known as meridians. When Ki stops flowing freely and correctly throughout these pathways, discomforting mental and physical symptoms result. Shiatsu is used to help the body heal itself by enhancing or balancing your natural energy flow. Shiatsu Techniques and Applications Shiatsu is a versatile healing art that may involve a variety of massage techniques and pressure points along the meridians. A Shiatsu practitioner carefully assesses an individual’s condition and then applies techniques specifically designed for that person. Common Shiatsu massage techniques involve applying pressure with the fingers, thumbs and palms of the hands, tapping, massaging or squeezing. Sometimes points along the meridian are simply held, and at other times, stretching or rotations may be necessary. The flow of energy within the body is affected through Shiatsu sessions over time, so different techniques may be used over the course of treatments. Shiatsu practitioners help clients of all ages, in all physical conditions prevent illnesses and maintain their health. It can also cure many physical and mental disorders and diseases. Shiatsu as a Preventative If your medical history or lifestyle predisposes you to certain injuries or illnesses, Shiatsu can help prevent their manifestation. Clients seek treatment to prevent the onset of high blood pressure, osteoporosis, digestive disorders and even cancer. Shiatsu may also be used as a way to avoid surgery by preventing a known condition from worsening. Individuals who know heart disease runs in their family may use Shiatsu as part of their overall plan for managing the risk of developing heart and circulatory conditions. Specific massage techniques can be applied throughout the body to promote healthy circulation as well as heart muscle function and health. Shiatsu is so effective as a disease preventative because it treats individuals on multiple levels. By seeking Shiatsu treatment, you will receive physical, but also mental benefits that can help prevent the onset of illnesses and diseases that affect all parts of the body. Shiatsu relieves stress and anxiety and increases energy levels. This in turn enables and motivates individuals to exercise and care for their bodies with a healthy diet and lifestyle, which further benefits their health. Shiatsu can prevent the onset of diseases such as colon or breast cancer, organ failures, arthritis, and even skin diseases. It can also help prevent depression and […]
Yoga as Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicine, a term used to describe any form of healing that does not utilize conventional medical practices or use of synthetic drugs and medications, includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, naturopathy, meditation, hypnosis, diet-based therapies, homeopathy, and yoga.. There are several different forms of alternative medicine innovated during ancient times and still being practiced in the modern world. In fact, some of them are considered more effective than conventional medicines. Depending on the type of alternative medicine that you use, the methodologies also vary. Most of these practices incorporate folk knowledge into their healing methods. Some modern medical practitioners warn about using alternative medicine approach to treating various diseases though since most of these practices are not accepted in the medical community. Hence, the question of safety and effectiveness are put in the spotlight. However, there are several patients who would attest to the ability of alternative medicine to bring about healing, regardless of the disease or condition. Yoga as Alternative Medicine Yoga is an integral system that combines physical exercises with meditation and breathing to produce holistic wellness. Its practice dates back during the ancient Hindu times until it evolved into a more established alternative medicinal philosophy in the West. There are several variations to the approach used in yoga practice, which has led it to become categorized as a fitness tool aside from healing. Yoga is considered as an alternative form of medicine due to its unconventional approach to healing. Instead of using prescription drugs to cure diseases, it combines postures and meditation to bring balance into the body, mind, and spirit. According to yoga experts, this helps in correcting imbalances within the body that causes the disease. Therefore, yoga’s method of restoration instead of actual healing as an alternative or supplemental therapy for various diseases. Yogic Perspective on Diseases The idea of diseases in the yogic point of view is that it is caused by insufficiency or blockage in the life force, whether in a part of the body or the whole. As a result, the functions are affected and an individual loses its immunity, which eventually leads to development of various diseases. Even in medical science, lack of immunity is often pointed as the leading cause of diseases. It disables the body from fighting infection or other disease-causing bacteria and viruses. The emphasis on taking a holistic approach then makes yoga a suitable answer for all these health problems. Meaning, you do not only perform yoga exercises and meditation but you also have to vary your lifestyle. Make sure you have proper dietary habits and get enough sleep to maintain your immunity level. Another crucial factor that is considered is the health of your spine. Ancient yogis believe that spinal misalignment could result to a wide range of diseases. Yoga for Restoration A specific branch in yoga practice known as restorative yoga is one of those specifically recognized for disease treatment. An individual is required to perform various poses that promote proper alignment that enable […]
What is Bhuta Shuddhi?
An Esoteric Tantric Practice Bhuta Shuddhi is an ancient yoga meditation for chakras and a Tantra practice that balances or purifies (shuddhi) the element of fire (bhutas). Bhuta means the past and shuddhi means purifying that past. Whether you are practicing the feeling of tranquil, centered and balance or preparing for a kundalini awakening you will find this practice useful. The elements of air, fire, water, earth and space make up the five bhutas these 5 work alongside the lower five chakras. The human body is composed of the five essentials elements: air, fire, wind, water and ether. Each element corresponds to the strength of the cellular structure within the body. Every element emits subtle vibrations and emotions. For instance, the air element is seen in contractions and expansions of motion, fire element corresponds to heat, thirst, appetite and digestion and water symbolizes fluidity such as blood and lymph fluid and so on. We are able to discover the potential energy and subtle form supporting the whole form when we develop the processing of separating and purifying these elements. We return to the source of the matter. Ideally, you will practice Bhuta Shuddhi daily three times, at morning, noon and dusk. Of course, you can reduce the number of times you practice according to your lifestyle. Anyone can practice Bhuta Shuddhi as it is not restricted to any specific religious group. For the best results however, Bhuta Shuddhi is combined with the practices of mantra japa, pranayama and asana. As with any other good exercise you should do some stretches or hatha yoga asanas before hand and follow up with some form of exercise for physical relaxation. This prepares the mind for the ability to focus on the chakras much better. Signs of Correct Practice – Increased feelings of Bliss, Joy and Harmony – Positive changes of Personality – Peaceful calmness of mind – Divine visions – With a reasonable amount of practice a tingling sensation is felt during the ascent and decent. From the moment of awakening Tantric practice begins with bhutta shuddhi. While young you are taught daily to bathe, brush your teeth and so on, you do these without a second thought. However, if you are unable to do them on any day for any reason you will feel uncomfortable and ill at ease. This practice should become part of your daily regimen as well. Taking on even more importance since it encourages both physical and mental hygiene. Only after the bhutta shuddhi is perfected, is the purification of consciousness or atma shuddhi possible. This is precisely the reason that the scriptures and shastras stress it so much. The chakra meditation works while attending to the balancing of the chakras subtle forces of the 5 elements while using the seed mantras of the chakras. Signs of Correct Practice – Increased feelings of Bliss, Joy and Harmony – Positive changes of Personality – Peaceful calmness of mind – Divine visions – With a reasonable amount of practice a […]
The Health Benefits of Walking Meditation
Walking Meditation Health Benefits Walking meditation is about using the processes involved in walking for meditation purposes. It is a contemplative practice with a long history in Buddhism and is a variation of Vipasanna Meditation. The actual experience of walking becomes the focus of our attention increasing our mindfulness. Although it might seem easy to keep focused on the walking experience, it can actually be quite difficult. Our minds love to wander all over the place, so it takes discipline and practice to perform any type of meditation even such an active form as walking meditation. There’s more than one kind of walking meditation, however when you master one it is not difficult to learn the others. Walking meditation can be a very spiritual experience Walking meditation is quite different to sitting meditation. This may seem like an obvious statement but it is worth noting the differences. Firstly, our eyes are open during walking meditation. This one fact changes everything. When our eyes are closed it is easier to drift away from the outside world and look within. Walking requires us to not only see where we are going but also to actively pay attention so that we don’t fall over or get hit by a car! Walking outside also exposes us to the impact of the elements – the sun, the rain, the wind- which don’t even come into play when we are engaged in a sitting meditation indoors. Even the sounds of other people, cars and machinery intrude on a walking meditation in a way that is limited when indoors. However, walking meditation is easier than sitting meditation for most people in that they are more able to become very aware of their bodies while walking than when they sit still. We may have sensory awareness during a sitting meditation but it tends to be more subtle than the sensations we experience when walking. As a result, walking meditation can be a very spiritual experience. Not only can you learn to experience your body more profoundly than ever before, you can gain a great deal of pleasure from the experience. Walking meditation requires a level path Walking meditation doesn’t have to be a big deal. You can take micro opportunities to fit in a meditation. When you walk from your car to your workplace, you can fit in a few minutes walking meditation. However, the ideal situation when you begin to learn how to meditate while you walk is to find an open space where you can walk without interruption for at least twenty minutes. It is about becoming aware of your movement as you pay attention to the way your body moves as you take each step. Developing this focus helps you develop insight and thus is also a form of insight meditation. It is also known as ‘meditation in action’. Walking meditation requires a level path, at least five to ten meters long so that you can walk back and forth on it. If you are […]
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