What is Reiki Exactly?

On a recent episode of Rules of Engagement, the character Adam was giving his fiance', Jennifer, a massage. He started out with classic massage strokes, then announced that he read about another massage technique called Reiki then proceeded to pummel Jennifer's back with poking, prodding "strokes" causing her pain and distress.

I have to say, as a Reiki healer, it was disappointing to see Reiki (pronounced RAY-key) depicted in this erroneous manner. Reiki is NOT a massage technique. It does not hurt, require force or involve classic massage strokes. Reiki falls into the category of energy healing in that a Reiki practitioner channels energy into the client through their hands.

The word Reiki is broken down into two words: Rei = Spirit, ki = energy. Reiki is often times called Universal Life Energy. It is all around us and available to all. A Reiki practitioner is someone who has been 'attuned' by a Reiki Master/Teacher and is able to channel Reiki energy. There are three levels (four if you count the Master/Teacher level,) Reiki I, Reiki II and Reiki Master. The amount of Reiki a practitioner can channel increases with each attunement level and how clear the Reiki practitioner keeps themselves. Reiki practitioners are simply Reiki energy conduits.

Reiki is an effective, non-invasive healing modality in that it helps the client heal themselves on a physical, mental or spiritual level. Most clients feel a deep sense of calm and relaxation after a Reiki session. Others may have an emotional release which is needed to begin their healing process. Minor maladies such as headaches can disappear within one session.

A full Reiki session may last about one hour. Typically, the client will lay on a massage table while the practitioner places her hands on different parts of the client's body, usually following the the chakra points. A chakra balancing Reiki session can be as short as 15 minutes.

Level II and higher Reiki practitioners are able to do distance healing where they need not be present with the client to channel energy to them. If you opt for a distance healing, it is best to receive the energy when you are retiring to bed when you will be most receptive.

If you've yet to experience a Reiki session, I encourage you to find a practitioner near you and give it a try. You'll enjoy it.

All This SEX is Making Me...

...healthy! Ok aside from all the obvious reasons we love and engage in sex (for the love and intimacy in case you thought that a trick question,) there are some very solid health benefits for engaging in sex:

1. Exercise! Depending on how athletic you and your partner are, sex can be a great way to boost your heart rate and get that blood flowing! Sex also BURNS CALORIES!
   
2. Immune booster - according to WebMD, when people have sex at least once a week, studies showed higher levels of "...an antibody called immunoglobulin A or IgA, which can protect you from getting colds and other infections. Scientists at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., took samples of saliva, which contain IgA, from 112 college students who reported the frequency of sex they had."
3. Lowers prostate cancer risk - Two studies, one published in the British Journal of Urology International observed that men who ejaculated a minimum of five times a week during their twenty's lowered their risk for prostate cancer by 33%. The second study, in the Journal of the American Medical Association it was noted that older men who ejaculate at minimum 21 times a month also were at lower risk for prostate cancer.
4. Post menopausal women can maintain their pelvic floor muscles when they have sex more often, as well as keeping their vagina supple. If you experience vaginal dryness (which frequent sex can also help with,) then look for a water based lubricant. This really is a case of use it or lose it.
   
5. Intimacy is increased, and that's always a good thing for increasing health and well being.

Here's another tip for improving your sex life: drink water. Strive to drink half your body weight in ounces. Seriously. Keeping your body properly hydrated will increase and help men maintain their erections, and women will benefit by being better lubricated.

So have at it folks! Sex is good for you. Just remember to practice safe sex. <3 size="2">photo credit: Stoichiometry

Kangen Water - it really works

I know you've probably heard a lot of hype about Kangen water (also known as ionized water) promising to deliver all sorts of health benefits. So many benefits that it's a little hard to swallow (pun intended.) But I have to tell you about my experience with this water.

Three and half weeks ago, I answered an ad in my local paper placed by a holistic doctor who was looking for 10 people to do a study on. The ad asked that the candidates have one or more of the following: chronic pain, menopausal symptoms, diabetes, fatigue, arthritis etc. The ad said the medical exam and lab tests were free, and that the experimental "drug" was natural with no side effects.

"Ok," I thought, "I can go and check this out." I had a few of the symptoms listed, it wouldn't hurt to see what the doctor had to say. As it turned out, the doc prescribed a regiment of Kangen water set to a pH level of 9.5. I was to drink half my body weight in ounces daily. This amounted about a half gallon of water a day.

The doc set me up with gallon jugs of Kangen water and I refill the jugs when empty. I've been doing this for over three weeks and here are the real differences I've noticed:

1. My lower back pain has all but diminished. (I've got disk degeneration between L4 and L5,)
2. I have more energy.
3. I had range of motion issues with my right shoulder which is not 100% better, but has significantly improved.
4. I sleep better at night. One of my menopausal symptoms was waking in the middle of the night.
5. My joints feel more fluid.

Lest you think that if I had drunk regular water in the same quantities I would get the same results, that could be true. Except I had been drinking about a half gallon of non-ionized water a day for a few months prior to the Kangen water experiment.

So in my non-scientific opinion: YES! Kangen water worked for me to relieve my some of my chronic health issues.

If you would like more information about Kangen water, contact Dr. Stewart Edrich at 562-799-0320.

image credit: languitar

Hemorrhoid Pain Relief

The search for hemorrhoid pain relief is a high priority for sufferers. Some, who have severe hemorrhoid issues, will even go so far as to have laser surgery for hemorrhoids.

Whether your hemorrhoid condition is mild, severe or somewhere in between, here are a few hemorrhoid home treatments to try. Inexpensive and easy to apply, they're worth the effort if you are able to get hemorrhoid pain relief.

• Blackstrap Molasses - It has to be Blackstrap molasses, not the regular or "robust" type of molasses. Take two teaspoons daily. Shrinkage of hemorrhoid is usually obtained within a couple weeks. (It has been reported that varicose veins have improved after continuing this treatment for a month.)
• Shrink Hemorrhoids with White Vinegar and Salt - Bring to a boil one cup of white vinegar. Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup of sea salt. Mix well, dissolving salt. When vinegar/salt solution has cooled, apply solution to hemorrhoids with a cotton ball, two to three times daily until hemorrhoids shrink and pain relief has been achieved.
• Witch Hazel for Hemorrhoid Itching - For this hemorrhoid treatment, simply soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and apply directly to hemorrhoids to relieve itching once a day before retiring for the night. Alternatively, you can soak a sterile cotton pad and hold pad to hemorrhoid for 3-5 minutes once a day.

The Natural Hemorrhoid Treatment System

Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Massage?

Massage is wonderful for maintaining stress levels, improving skin tone, and improving overall health. But are you getting the most out of your massage? It's your money, your body and you should have a say in how your professional massage is going. In other words, you need to communicate with your massage therapist.

Here are some tips to consider when you're going in for your body massage:

• Do fill out your client intake form truthfully. Old injuries, medications you're taking, and even allergies to nuts and/or flowers could be important information for your massage therapist. The better understanding your body worker has of your medical conditions, old and new, the better she can address your needs.
• Do notify your therapist if there has been a change in your health history on subsequent visits.
  
• Do communicate to your massage therapist the amount of pressure you like. Even if in the beginning you say you like DEEP tissue massage and halfway through the massage session you find that you cannot tolerate the pressure...tell her! A good therapist will adjust her pressure according to the client's preference.
• Do remove your contact lenses prior to the massage, or if this is not possible, inform the massage therapist that you have them in.
• Do be a few minutes early to your massage appointment to ensure that you get your full session time.
  
• Do be specific about which areas you would like your body worker to spend extra time. You may be in for a full body massage, but you may need more work on your lower back. A good therapist will adjust her massage timing accordingly to accommodate your needs.
• Do reschedule your massage appointment if you are ill!

Good communication with your body worker is key! Conversely, if you feel you're not being heard by your massage therapist, look for a new one. Bodywork is personal, you should be very comfortable with the quality of the service you receive and the rapport you have with your therapist to get the most out of your massage.

Home Remedies for Spider Bites

There many Home Remedies for Spider Bites, from raw eggs, to slices of bread to activated charcoal. Here are a few popular natural remedies.

Baking Soda remedy:

Mix one part spring water to three parts baking soda for a thick paste. Apply directly to spider bite. Pureed garlic (one clove) may be added for antiseptic qualities.

Garlic remedy:

Apply a slice of garlic directly to spider bite, secure with a bandage, leave overnight for this natural remedy.

Salt spider bite remedy:

Wash affected area, apply salt (sea salt or kosher is better in my opinion.) You can dampen a bandage, sprinkle salt on pad then adhere bandage to the bite.


These remedies will have various heal times depending on the type of spider bite and how quickly a remedy is applied after a bite.


IMPORTANT NOTE: Some people have been mistaking boils caused by MRSA for spider bites. MRSA is a serious infection. Do not assume you have a spider bite if you didn't actually see the spider or feel it bite you. If you're unsure, seek advice from a qualified medical practitioner.


photo credit: hberends

Spider Bites - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

MRSA - Spider Bites: The Flesh-Eating Bacterial Epidemic That Threatens America

Join the Movement to Reverse Diabetes NATURALLY

April 25th is REVERSING DIABETES ACTION DAY! You can participate in this movement by either joining in local events or by organizing an event in your area. Visit the Reversing Diabetes Naturally official website for more details on how you can help bring health to diabetics.