Health

The life you want

Health

Health is generally defined as being: a state of complete physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. There are currently many fields of thought which decree that good health is very much influenced by our attitudes - and our beliefs. It has been shown that people who have a positive outlook on life are less likely to suffer illness or dis-ease than those who have a negative outlook.

We now know that stress is an underlying factor in ill health. Wherever there is tension (unease) held in the body, will render that part of the body vulnerable to illness or dis-ease. Hence reducing the stresses in your life will significantly improve your health and wellbeing.

Stress

Stress is basically the inability to cope with pressure and we all perceive pressure differently. We each have varying limits as to how much pressure we can cope with before experiencing stress. However we do need some pressure in our lives otherwise there would be no challenges for us to face and ultimately no experiences to enjoy. People who have a good degree of self-awareness and who know what it is that they want from their life are more able to tolerate any pressure. Total absence of pressure however, can also result in stress due to the consequential feelings of boredom and general lack of inspiration.

Our bodies have surrounding them, an electromagnetic field, which if out of balance causes stress to be experienced in the physical body. This can then manifest as physical illness. The mind is a very powerful tool in balancing this field of energy and stress can actually be avoided with positive thinking. In order to promote positive thinking and to enable the mind to think clearly we need to first of all empty our minds and quieten our egos. An excellent way to do this is through meditation and visualisation. Yoga and breath work are also of value in releasing pressures from both mind and body. Another good way to deal with stress is exercise. During periods of exercise, pleasure giving hormones such as Endorphins are produced due to the increase in oxygen supply to the brain. In addition to lifting mood, Endorphins are natural pain killers.

There are countless methods to reduce stress and its effects. From relaxation, meditation and deep beathing techniques to lifestyle changes such as better diet and sufficient rest. There are now many alternative therapies available which can aid relaxation, reduce stress and offer holistic methods of healing. Healing on emotional and spiritual levels is just as important as physical and mental well being.

Meditation

The word Meditation broadly refers to techniques that focus the mind and promote a state of calmness so that the mind and body can be brought into greater harmony to facilitate health and healing. It can involve any of a variety of approaches that use breathing and other techniques to acheive a deep state of relaxation, improve concentration, and to become attuned to ones inner self. Put simply, meditation is a means of focusing the mind to reduce or to eliminate conscious thought, thus blancing the internal self with the external self.

Meditation allows concentration to achieve "higher consciousness" and reflection. It is effective in stress management and in overcoming psychological crises. When practiced regularly it is described as a very helpful tool to assist in improving your life and relationships. In addition to it's physical health benefits meditation has now been scientifically proven to decrease stress and anxiety, rejuvenate condfidence, increase morivation and improve relationships.

Most of us don't breathe naturally. In natural breathing the Solar Plexus expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Most people actually do the opposite, which then increases - rather than release - the emotional tension, which when allowed to build up, lowers our immunity and renders us more vulnerable to stress and illness! Why don't we automatically breathe in the natural way then? As babies we did breathe naturally. As children we then learned that shallow breathing appeared to reduce the feeling of emotional pain. Consequently we adpoted this manner of breathing as a protective mechanism, whenever we were upset, hurt, anxious, stressed etc. These emtions do not of course 'go away'. Instead they accumulate in the form of tension, in the solar plexus, and subsequently cause all sorts of physical ailments, as well as pysychological stresses, such as asthma and ulcers. Long term shallow breathing also depletes our intake of oxygen, which results in anxiety and depleted confidence. Think about it - that oxygen needs to reach every part of your body!

There are several C D's and downloads on the market which can aid a state of deep relaxation and meditation. There are guided meditations whereby you listen to the soothing voice of the facilitator who talks you through the necessary steps bring you into a state of deep relaxation, usually using visualisation. Alternatively you can buy relaxaing music which will aid a state of deep relaxation and enable you to clear your mind completely. Also available are meditation C D's which comprise of repetive tones designed to alter brain function to Theta or Beta states of deep meditation. On the Resources page you will find a selection of recommended C D's.

Alternative Therapies

An increasing number of people are finding Alternative Therapies to be invaluable in maintaining ongoing health and wellbeing holistically - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

There are an increasing variety of therapies available from the more tangible touch therapies such as the various types of massage to therapies with more of a spiritual base such as Reiki and Seichem.

Research in recent years has shown that positive thinking does indeed affect health and well being. Thus the more spiritual therapies which work by the channeling of Universal Energy from the healer to the recipient are of great benefit in overall health and wellbeing. These therapies are of a holsitic nature - that is they heal on all levels; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Energy Healing works with the chakras in the body to balance the body's energies thus aiding good overall health.

Below is some brief information about some of the many alternative therapies available;

Acupuncture; Traditional Chinese medicine maintains that good health is dependant on the body's energy - known as qi - which flows through a series of meridians (channels) located just beneath the skin. This flow of qi can be disturbed by stresses, anxiety, fear, negative thinking patterns, infections, traumas etc. The insertion of very fine needles into these energy channels will stimulate the body's own healing responses and aids restoration of the body's natural balance.

Bach Flower Remedies; A system of flower remedies discovered by Homeopath Dr Edward Bach in the 1920's and 30's. Upon his death in 1936 Dr Bach had developed a system of 38 flower remedies which work by treating the individual as opposed to the dis-ease itself or its symptoms.

Bowen Technique; This gentle technique was developed in Australia by Tom Bowen in the 1970's and 80's. Using gentle moves on soft tissue at a series of key points on the body, it stimulates energy flow, releasing tension, strains and blockages, therfor empowering the body's own resources to heal and re-balance itself naturally.

Colour Therapy; Colour Therapy involves the therapeutic use of colour and light as a means of harmonising mind, body and spirit. Colours are differentiated light, and our physical and mental well-being are affected by our relationship with the colours (or lack of them) in our environment. CT uses colour to diagnose and to heal through the Chakra system (the 7 main energy centres in the body which correspond to the 7 colours of the spectrum) - see article opposite for more info on the Chakras.

Craniosacral Therapy; Craniosacral Therapy developed from the work of an American Osteopath Dr William Sutherland in the early 20th century. He discovered intrinsic movements of the bones in the head and further research revealed different rythms in the body. With observation these movements were noted to be a direct expression of health and wellbeing. This is an extremely gently method of healing and therefor safe for those in pain, pregnant women and small children.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT); EFT is a combination of mind/body medicine and acupuncture (without the needles). It is an emotional form of acupuncture whereby the meridian points are stimulated by tapping of the fingers as opposed to using needles. It works on the idea that emotional stress conributes to dis-ease, pain and illness on all levels. It is particularly beneficial in resolving habitual negative patterns of behaviour.

Homeopathy; Homeopathy is a system of medicine which is based on treating the individual with highly diluted substances given in mainly tablet form, which triggers the body’s natural system of healing. Based on their experience of their symptoms, a homeopath will match the most appropriate medicine to the patient.

Hypnotherapy; Hypnotherapy is a distinctive form of therapy which attempts to address the subconscious mind. It involves being put into a state of deep relaxation whereby the therapist will use various talking techniques to uncover the problems rooted in the subconscious which are contributing to negative patterns or ill health.

Indian Head Massage; An ancient Ayurvedic healing system dating back some 4,000years. It works on a physical and psychological level. By massaging different points on the head, face, neck, shoulders and back energies are rebalanced and the mind is relaxed. By stimulating the flow of oxygen and blood around the body it encourages the release of toxins.

Kinesiology; Also known as human kinetics this is the science of human movement and refers to the study of muscles and movement in the body. As a therpay Kinesiology percieves the muscles as indicators of stress and imbalances in the body. Muscle testing is used to to detect and correct those imbalances, thus addressing the underlying cause of dis-ease in the body.

Massage; There are many varying types of Massage therapies however the most common massage therapy is Swedish Massage. A massage therapist uses long smooth strokes, kneading and other movements which focus on superfidial layers of muscle. Massage heals through touch and manipulation of tense muscles. Release of tension and relaxation bring about healing on all levels.

Reflexology; This therapy involves massage of the feet. Pressure is applied to the feet with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It has its base in a system of zones and reflex areas on the feet which corespond to the different organs and functions of the body.

Reiki Healing; Developed by Dr Mikao Usui in Japan, Reiki is a Japanese word which means universal life energy. Reiki Healing harnesses this life force energy which is channeled through the healer to the recipient. This energy clears away blockages and negative energies, promoting healing on all levels. A form of energy healing Reiki works through the Chakra sysytem (more info opposite).

Seichem Healing; Like Reiki this is a healing method which uses universal energy and works through the Chakra system. Seichem originated in Southern Indian and means Living Light Energy. It addresses the subtler aspects of cause, releasing deeply held thoughts in the etheric body which create the symptoms or blockages in the physical body.

Shiatsu; A traditional Japanese method of healing. Shiatsu means 'finger pressure' and like acupuncture it works on the meridians - energy channels. The therapist uses palms, fingers, thumbs, knuckles, elbows knees and feet to work along the meridians or acupuncture points. Shiatsu balances the energy flow throughout the body and strengthens the vital organs.

Chakras

The word Chakra is sanskrit for wheel or disc and there are seven major chakras / energy centres in the body and several more minor ones. Each of these centres correlates to major nerve ganglia branching forth from the spinal column. In addition the Chakras also correlate to levels of consciousness, archetypal elements, developmental stages of life, clours, sounds, body functions and much more. Each of the seven major Chakrasis a centre of activity that receives, assimilates and expresses life force energy. The Chakras are instrumental in our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual functoning. Although there are 40 significant Chakras in the body the seven main ones which corespond to the seven colours of the specrtrum, are the most significant:

Root - The Root Chakra is colour red and is located at the base of the spine. It is our foundation chakra and is instrumental in forming our physical identity, survival instinct, stability, security and self preservation. Physically the root chakra governs the spine, feet, legs, immune system and the nervous system.

Too much energy in the root chakra can result in lethargy, obesity, overeating, materialism andgreed. Too little results in anxiety, insecurity, fear of abandonment, restlessness and lack of self discipline.

When the root chakra is balanced we have good health, vitality, trust, security, safety, stability and the ability to relax.

Sacral - The sacral Chakra is colour orange and is locaed in the lower abdomen. It corresponds to our emotional identity, creativity and sexuality. Physically the sacral chakra governs the skin, sexual organs, large intestine, lower vertebrae, pelvis, kidneys, appendix, bladder, prostate, hip area and lymphatic system.

Too much energy in the sacral results in excessive emotions, addiction, aggression, manipulation, emotional dependency. Too little - poor social skills, fear of change, distrustful, over sensitive, self negating, frigidity and a tendency to bury emotions.

When the sacral chakra is balanced - emotional stability, friendly, optimistic, ability to experience and enjoy pleasure and healthy boundaries.

Solar Plexus - The Solar Plexus chakra is colour yellow and is located in the solar plexus just below the ribs. It corresponds to our ego and sense of self / self esteem. Physically the solar plexus governs the respiratory system and diaphram, digestive system, liver, stomach, gallbladder, kidney, pancreas, adrenal glands, spleen, small intestine and lower back.

Too much energy in the solar plexus chakra - aggressive, domineering, controlling, arrogant, blamming of others, manipulative, hyperactive and excessively competitive. Too little - lethargy, week will, low self esteem, depression, passiveness, slugishness, lack of self discipline, emotional coldness, victim mentality, blaming of others, digestive problems.

When the solar plexus is well balanced - self esteem, self acceptance, tolerance, confidence, reliability, responsibility and sense of humor.

Heart - The heart chakra is colour green and is located in the heart centre. It corresponds to our ability to give and receive love, acceptance, relationships and unconditional love. Physically it governs the heart, lungs, blood pressure, thymus gland, lymph gland and the immune system.

Too much energy in the heart chakra - jealousy, co-dependency, critical, possessive, demanding and over sacrificing. Too little - anti social, withdrawn, judgemental, intolerant, depression, narcissism, fear of intimacy, bitterness, fear of letting go.

When the heart chakra is balanced we are compassionate, loving, self loving, empathetic and peaceful.

Throat - The Throat Chakra is colour blue and is located in the throat. It corresponds to communication, self discipline, self expression and speaking ones truth. Phyically it governs the throat, thyroid, and parathyroid glands, neck, vocal cords, mouth, teeth and gums, jaw muscles.

Too much energy nin the throat chakra - over talkative, inability to listen, defensive, arrogant, self righteous, addictive. Too little - difficulty expressing thoughts and feelings, timid, unreliable, devious.

When the throat chakra is balanced - good listenenr, creative, clear communication, ability to express self.

Brow - The Brow Chakra is colour indigo and is located in the centre of the forehead between the eyebrows. Also known as the third eye chakra it corresponds to intuition, imagination, ability to see ones life clearly. Physicaly the brow chakra governs the brain, nervous system, eyses, ears, nose, sinuses, face, the pineal and pituatary gland.

Too much energy in the brow chakra - hallucinations, nightmares, obsessions, delusions, difficulty in concentrating, headaches, proud, egotistic, dogmatic. Too little - poor memory, poor vision, insensitivity, lack of imagination, inability to remember dreams, denial, undisciplined, fear of success.

When the brow chakra is balanced - intuitive, perceptive, imaginative, good memory, ability to recall dreams, charismatic.

Crown - The Crown Chakra is colour violet and is located at the crown of the head. The crown chakra correspond to spiritual awareness, connection to the divine. Physically it governs the central nervous system, skin, muscular and skeletal system.

Too much energy in the crown chakra - over intellectualisation, spiritual addiction, confusion, disassociation, migraines, depression, manic depression. Too little - learning difficulties, rigid belief systems, apathy, materialism, greed, domineering, inability to make decisions.

When the crown chakra is balanced - intelligent, thoughtful, spiritual awareness, open minded, wise, understanding.

Enter supporting content here