Reiki for Health

For those of you who haven't heard of Reiki it is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. (Source: The International Center for Reiki Training)

I heard about it years ago when my Mom suggested that we take a course in it. The course, given by nuns, was an intense weekend training. Unsure of how well it would work, I tried it out on family and friends. It worked. I used it for friends who had headaches, neck aches, and even one friend who had had eye surgery. All reported feeling better after a treatment.

Currently there are studies underway to scientifically demonstrate the benefits.

Basically you take the energy that is around us and channel it through your hands and transmit to someone else. You lay your hands on various parts of the person for about 5 min. each. A person is lying down, clothed, on a massage table and music is played to help both the practitioner and person being treated become more meditative.

Here is a video that shows how a session would work http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw9EleHuXsI

It's a great non-invasive natural way to treat a variety of ailments.

A Bath Makes Me Happy

While that might make me sound like a very simple soul, it's true. There is something about lying in the water, especially when you add a few drops of lavender oil, that causes you think that hope is still alive.

It seems that my belief in the healing power of baths are not a figment of my imagination. A study reported in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, found that people who take daily baths with lavender oil may experience improved mood, reduced aggression, and a more positive outlook.

To read more about the study click here.

Studies on lavender have found that this essential oil may be beneficial in a variety of conditions, including insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), anxiety, stress, postoperative pain, and as an antibacterial and antiviral agent, according to an article on the University of Maryland's Medical Center site.

Nature's Ultimate Stress Reliever

It's free, it's peaceful and it lasts a long time. It's the beach. I have yet to find anything so soothing and relaxing as sitting at the beach. But here's the key to relieving stress through the beach.

You have to go alone, with a clear mind. Take things that bring you joy. For me personally I go at the end of the day, when all of those cute, screaming children have left for dinner. I bring mindless magazines or a book that I would never admit to reading. And my mind is clear.

I don't use the time to think about the children or plan my next career move. I focus on the waves, sit in the water, stare at the clouds and project myself onto the sailboats that role by.

Three hours of this and my mind is at peace. And it lasts. 4 days later I am still feeling the effect.

And the other nice part is that you can be proud that you took time for yourself.

As an old commercial used to say, "Try It. You'll Like It."

A New Vitamin? Vitamin G?

It's not exactly a vitamin in the sense that we know and love vitamins, but researchers are calling it Vitamin G. What does G stand for? Green space and fresh air.

Professor Peter Groenewegen was at the University of St Andrews recently to showcase his pioneering research on the impact of green space, as reported by alternativemedicine.com

Groenewegen, of the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, believes there is already enough evidence to "prescribe" spells in a natural environment as part of a rehabilitation program.

From the abstract, the researcher says --
Previous (experimental) research in environmental psychology has shown that a natural environment has a positive effect on well-being through restoration of stress and attentional fatigue. Descriptive epidemiological research has shown a positive relationship between the amount of green space in the living environment and physical and mental health and longevity.

So there you have it... get outside!!

Sing Away Stress

Who knew that the music group Linkin Park, would help me manage stress? The other morning before I left for work I got angry. (That's actually rare as I'm a disgustingly cheerful person according to my friends. But someone upset one of my kids and I guess the Mama Bear syndrome kicked in.)

Anyway, I'm steaming in the car, plotting revenge when I instead decided to put on Meteora, Linkin Park's best CD. Within 2 minutes I'm screaming at the top of my lungs, but I'm screaming the words to the songs. I felt so much better. I didn't even notice the other commuter drivers who were looking at my strangely. I walked into work my usual happy self.

So, the next time you're fed up, angry, stressed ... find some really loud music that you can sing/shout to. Your blood pressure will thank you.

Friendship Relieves Stress

The other day I was beginning to let all of the little things bother me. I let it add up to where I was actually unhappy, which is a rare state for me. With all of the trouble in the world, I try hard to remember that my little issues don't matter, but sometimes in the course of life the little annoyances drive you crazy.

Anyway, I had scheduled a walk with my faithful walking friend and after an hour of talking and mostly laughing I felt great. I know the exercise helped boost my body, but it was her friendship and laughter that boosted my spirit.

So next time you feel stressed pick up the phone, call a friend and just enjoy the feeling of having a good traveling companion on this road called life.

Show Appreciation In Times Of Stress


As we all watch with heavy hearts what so many people are going through in the Mid-East this week, I have taken this time to show appreciation towards those people who make my life wonderful. It's a very small way to push out some good energy.

Make sure you kiss your kids and tell them how proud of them you are. Tell the special one in your life how much you appreciate the joy he/she brings you. Tell a co-worker how glad you are to be working along side him. Let your neighbor know how much it means to you that they are always there when you need them. Thank your friends for listening and supporting you through all of the drama in your life.

And don't forget to hug that sweet dog who on a daily basis is a constant source of love and devotion.

Kindness And Health



At some level we know that being kind is good for your health. What's amazing is that an act of kindness actually increases the serotonin levels in the person who is performing the kind deed and also the person who is receiving the kindness. According to Wayne Dyer in his book "The Power of Intention" , a kind act is extended even further since someone who witnesses a kind act also experiences an increase in their serotonin levels. So imagine all of the happy chemicals flowing through our bodies when people act kindly towards each other.

This book is very good... it's actually very easy to listen to on CD ( I did while I drove to work.)