Is Reiki right for Me?

How do you know if Reiki is right for you? Well Reiki is easily accessible and can be used for a variety of concerns be they physical, mental, or metaphysical. Reiki is a form of energy medicine and as such focuses on the energy system of the body. In Asian medical practices, the life force known as Chi, Ki, or Prana courses through the body channelled by a virtual grid, managed at various points by Chakras. Reiki interacts with this unseen energy and the practitioner cleanses and balances these points. One of the most profound experiences that clients perceive is a sense of calm and well being during a Reiki session. Reiki can be channeled by anyone who has recieved an attunement from a Reiki Master. The teachings have been disseminated by the followers of Dr. Usui since the 19th Century in Japan. Reiki is currently being used in Hospitals, Cancer centers, Hospices and other health and wellness practices. Slowly but surely more quantifiable documentation is being provided to support the claims of clients and practitioners. Researchers have been able to document that patients use less pain and anxiety medications after Reiki treatments and have documented faster recovery times than control groups. Reiki is safe for infants and Seniors and can even be used on animal companions. Reiki has been profiled on National TV by Dr. Oz, whose wife is a Reiki Master, as well as other top shows. Reiki practitioners should be professional, knowledgeable and ethical in their practices. If they are unwilling to use their real name, be wary. Are they promising you a cure? No reputable professional can do that--no matter how confidant. Practitioners can have a home office, travel to see you, or have an established practice in an office setting. You can chose the type of practice best suited to you and your needs but make sure you feel safe, comfortable, and in control. A Reiki practitioner should never advise you to stop any medical or psychological treatments but should be willing to work with your medical team to assist you in overall health and wellness. You may find that you need less medication, or can wean yourself from insulin or high blood pressure medication after Reiki, but this should be a decision made by you and your physician. When they ask what's changed--let them know that you are using Reiki and educate the doctor about your successes.

Reiki is a key modality practiced at Soul Centered Health and I would be happy to answer your questions pertaining to Reiki and treatment options. For more information visit http://www.soulcenteredhealth.com/

Be well...

Mental Health Awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it is a fitting time to discuss alternative approaches to care. An estimated 1 in 4 Americans over 18, are affected by a mental illness each year. That is staggering when you realize that is over 57 Million people each year. There is a huge toll when it comes to lost productivity, loss of relationships, and even the loss of life as a result of aberrant thinking. While not a mental health professional, I do firmly believe that complimentary care has a justified place in the treatment of mental illness. Mental illness can be characterized by anxiety and mood disorders, bio-chemical disorders of the brain, pathology of the brain, as well as behavioral disturbances. Some conditions result from Trauma either physical or psychological as in the case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Others have genetic components, while others are organic and arise from toxic substances and situations.

Reiki is an excellent modality for stress reduction and has been shown to decrease anxiety, pain, and fears associated with various conditions and illnesses. There are studies which support the use of Reiki in just these sorts of imbalances and Reiki practitioners who are at least a Level 2 are well qualified to address these issues.

Very few techniques are as effective for behavior modification and mental relaxation as Hypnosis. Hypnotherapy goes to the source of manifestation and provides the client with substantive relief. Hypnosis need not grapple with the underlying disease or root cause to be effective, as the target is eliminating the behavior or the resulting disturbance in the person's life. It can be used with other types of care including psychotherapy, medicine, and other changes such as diet and other healing techniques. That being said, those on heavy duty psychotropic medications, or who have unstable conditions will not make good candidates for this type of treatment. Hypnosis subjects should be of at least average intelligence, not intoxicated, and able to focus and follow directions. If the client is able to achieve these conditions, then and only then should Hypnosis be considered an option.

Mental illness still carries a stigma in our society which is unfortunate for those who can and would benefit from care. People are told by their loved ones and friends that they shouldn't take their medications, that they shouldn't let people mess with their heads, and that there is nothing wrong with them. Imagine someone telling cancer patients not to see their doctor or any type of practitioner and to forget about their tumor because there was "really nothing wrong" with them! Coming out and admitting there is a problem is the only true way to be helped. I remember when I was traumatized by a personal event and could not close my eyes without reliving the crisis. I had thought I was having a heart attack and went on to have a perfect echo cardiogram to prove that it was not in my chest but in my head. I laugh when I think of how embarrassed I was, or how much I wanted to deny there was a problem. It took courage to seek care, but looking back my life has been enriched in innumerable ways, by taking that first step.

While not a cure-all for every type of condition, Hypnosis and Reiki can help support those experiencing Mental disorders. A reputable practitioner should look to evaluate your case to see if it is within their expertise to handle and if not should refer you to another type of provider for care. Some conditions are far more severe and require stabilization prior to supportive care. As a practitioner it would be unethical for me to overreach my capabilities or credentials by attempting to treat these cases. That being said if you or a loved one are being treated and are interested, have a frank discussion about adding a natural component to your care. Peace of mind is a priceless commodity which every body deserves. For more information on resources or
services, please visit my website at www.soulcenteredhealth.com

Why Tiger Needs Hypnosis

You would have to live under a very large rock not to have read or seen the chaos that has been swirling around Golf Phenom--Tiger Woods. In the midst of very public personal problems he is battling tooth and nail for his career. I personally have watched as a very young and innocent Tiger joked with Late Night great Johnny Carson as his father groomed him to become one of the world's greatest golfers and arguably one of its greatest athletes. To whit, no one is immune to personal problems or bad patches in our professional lives. Being able to successfully navigate these personal life transitions is what I believe success is all about. Any one can get lucky, but what do they do when they are challenged and need a new plan? In my opinion,Tiger would benefit greatly by relying on Hypnosis to help him reprogram the thought patterns and self doubt which have begun to plague him. While he is rumored to have used hypnosis to improve his golf game--he would be missing out on real benefits if he failed to use it now.

Hypnosis is excellent for hiccups in life. By hiccups I means those times in life when something that was working, is no longer producing desired results. A skilled hypnotist will be able to get inside his head to eliminate the chatter and the clutter that is impeding his prowess. He, unlike most of us, has experienced the wrath of so many regarding issues that are no one else's business. It would be understandable if this public censure has begun to taken its toll on his confidence, his self esteem, and his game. Sports Hypnosis is simplistic in that it is not a panacea for all that ails the athlete, but enables him or her to regain the focus and confidence to excel at their sport. Often the result of an accident, injury, or trauma--these inner confidence eroders eke away at their innate ability to hit their mark, and to visualize their successes.

Hypnosis has been proven to help clients heal faster from injury and to regain peak performance more readily. It is also useful at enabling the client to avoid injuries and over strain to begin with. The mind can visualize perfection as the client sees it, the hypnotist merely enhances the ability to concentrate that effort. Another benefit is the speed at which Hypnosis is able to rectify performance issues. Most of these issues can be resolved in 3-6 sessions. Hypnosis is not only available to elite athletes but can and should be used by those seeking a mental advantage to their game. Whether envisioning a perfect game or crafting the perfect body, the vision you hold in your minds eye--is the vision which becomes your reality.

Hopefully Tiger can weather the storm which is currently engulfing his life, and he will add Hypnosis to his performance enhancing tool box.

Grand Opening Phoenixville

New Office space in Phoenixville!! Soul Centered Health will be accepting clients at Franklin Commons --400 Franklin Av--19460