Alternative Therapies R-S

Reflexology
Used by the Egyptians and Chinese centuries ago, Reflexology was introduced to the West by Dr William FitzGerald as Zone therapy and later developed by Eunice Ingham into what we now know today as Reflexology. Both FitzGerald and Ingham's therapies was based on theories that the feet are divided into a number of reflex zones corresponding to all the zones of energy in the body. Problems in various organs/parts of the body are mirrored by problems in the relevant zones of the feet.

Reflexologists are trained to note any 'gritty' areas or areas of tension on the feet which help them to identify problems in the body. Treatment involves massaging/ stimulating these areas in order to unblock and increase the flow of vital energy to these 'unhealthy' parts of the body and to promote healing.
For further informaton, visit the Association of Reflexologists website www.reflexology.org

Reiki
Originated and developed in Japan by Micao Usui - a technique for reducing stress and promoting relaxation as tools to aid healing. The word reiki originates from the Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy".
Reiki practictioners believe that this life force energy flows through our bodies and when this energy is low or becomes blocked, it can cause problems and illness. Practioners use their hands to channel energy to their clients in order to promote healing and well-being. Everyone is said to be capable of performing Reiki, with the ability to do so transferred to a student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki master which is said to allow the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy". Despite scepticism on the part of many, there have been claims of positive effects of Reiki in papers published in some medical journals. Cited benefits include relaxation and increased immunity, reduced heart rate, improved blood pressure, reduced pain, anxiety and depression. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reiki

Shiatsu
From Japanese shi meaning finger and atsu meaning pressure. It is a technique where the therapist's fingers, palms, forearms, and in some cases even the knees and feet, are used to apply pressure to particular parts of the client's body for the purposes of correcting imbalances in the body, promoting health and contributing to the healing of specific illnesses. Pressure is often applied to the acu points as in accupressure. Modern shiatsu tends to incorporate other disciplines such as physiotherapy and psychology with emphasis on treating the 'whole' person.

The principle aim of the therapy is to promote the prevention and recovery of illnesses by stimulating the immune system and natural healing power that people already possess.
For further information, see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiatsu

Spiritual Healing
Spiritual Healing is a natural energy therapy. It complements conventional medicine by treating the whole person - mind, body and spirit. Spiritual Healers act as a conduit for healing energy, often described as 'love and light' which relaxes the body, releases tensions and stimulates self-healing. The benefits of healing can be felt on many levels, not just the physical, and the effects can be profound.
National Federation of Spiritual Healers, (NFSH).

According to NFSH, the 'spiritual' part of spiritual healing relates to 'spiritus' - the life force energy and breath that is within us all rather than having deep religious connotations. As Healing energy is all around us - 'universal' - part of nature itself, it is available for everyone to use for the greatest good. Healers learn to use their ability to tap into this natural energy and pass it on to others.
For further information, visit:
http://www.nfsh.org.uk

Stone Massage
Hot stone massage has been used for thousands of years worldwide by healers, including Tibetan monks.
During the massage hot, and sometimes cold, stones are used. The stones are usually basalt - black volcanic rock that retains heat well. The therapist places heated or cold stones on different parts of the body and uses one of the stones to perform massage strokes. As the stones cool, they are replaced with other heated stones. A deeply relaxing massage that helps to relieve stress as tense muscles relax more easily due to the heat from the stones. Using a combination of heated and cold stones helps to stimulate circulation and eliminate toxins from from the body.
To try this therapy for yourself, consider purchasing a mini hot stone kit with 8 stones suitable for a foot massage and a 32 page book on Hot Stone Massage by Lisa Helbig. Available from Amazon.