I started my reiki journey in 2006 and over the years have gone down various roads. I always come back to healings and energy work. I started a little group in lockdown for my clients and friends on Facebook to offer free distance healings. I am still bewildered each time I do these as to the powerful effects it can have. Just affirms to me that time is irrelevant and we are all connected.
Reiki is a wonderful self healing discipline and is such a gift to be able to share with others.
In the past few months, we have been inundated with increasingly alarming reports and information about the global spread of COVID-19 In a situation like this, it is all too easy to feel powerless and fall into fear. However, the good news is that Reiki is here to guide us through. In my eyes, the health situation represents a call for humanity to recognize and accept the inherent Oneness of All, which we so far have woefully and stubbornly resisted; a great imbalance exists which must be corrected if humanity is to continue. Balance is a crucial component of wellness, and we know that Reiki restores balance as it grounds us to Mother Earth, centres us in our hearts, and connects us to Spirit. As Reiki practitioners, we can make a compelling contribution toward restoring this balance and dissipating the intense energy of fear and hopelessness circulating globally, simply by inviting Reiki to guide us and lead the way through the darkness.
It is understandable to feel fear and worry currently and allow yourself to feel this way but move on from this feeling and know that the universe is working for us at all times. Top Tips to Shift the Energy Surrounding this pandemic Self-Reiki and Self-Care Self-care includes good hygiene practices such as bathing, hand washing (channel Reiki while doing so), a nutritious diet, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, etc. When we combine those practices with daily self-Reiki, we are better able to maintain a state of health. Even a few minutes a day of self-Reiki can make all the difference, as it raises our vibration and boosts our immune system. Incorporate Reiki into Daily Life Reiki easily integrates into our everyday lives and raises our vibration as it does so. Some suggestions include: channelling Reiki to your food and drink, initiating Reiki during household chores, inviting it into your workspace, intending that Reiki surround and fill you as you travel, and at the end of the day, intending that it flow as you sleep. These are just a few examples; Reiki will likely guide you to others. And remember to keep Reiki with you throughout the day to elevate your vibration and the energy of everything you do. Fill your Home with Reiki It is always helpful, to surround and fill your living space with Reiki. This is easily accomplished through intention, as well as symbols if you are Reiki 2 or above. Reiki’s extremely high vibration envelops your home and its occupants with loving, protective energy, as it raises the frequency of everything it touches. Distant Reiki! Reiki’s energy is unrestricted by time and space, which makes it accessible to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Because of the current health situation, I have suspended all in-person sessions and events. However, I have made myself available for distant Reiki sessions and hope many others will do the same. Send Reiki to Situations and Events! On the other hand, permission is not an issue when sending Reiki to a situation, event, or place, which gives Reiki practitioners a degree of latitude when working with distance healing. We are all aware of the turmoil and chaos that exist in today’s world and are also mindful that Reiki, in its infinite wisdom, can help lessen their effects. Therefore, sending Reiki to situations, whether local, national, or global, is highly recommended. Reiki raises the vibration of all it encounters, with no exception. For example, sending Reiki to the pandemic with an intention for deep healing and blessing is perfectly acceptable, and strongly suggested. Practitioners can send Reiki individually or as part of a virtual group; consider participating in online group distant healing events. Group events radically increase the healing potential and create a powerful group energy signature that carries a very high vibration. **This is the reason I am sharing reiki every night at 9pm with my group and the world. My reiki practice has increased during this time and I have chosen to focus my energies on improving the energy of this planet.**
I am a complementary energy healing therapist. Since 2005 I have studied various healing modalities and have used my knowledge to devise specific treatments using various techniques from my training to give the best treatment to myclients.
My interest in this specific treatment is due to my close family relation having been diagnosed in 2007 with fibromyalgia.
Itec
Massage/Sports Massage, Itec Reflexology advanced, Master Reiki practitioner, Indian Head
Massage, Hopi Ear Candle, Hot Stones, Master Herbalist.
Menu
How They
Diagnose Fibromyalgia
Some of the
Medication you may be on
Your
Individual Fibromyalgia Story
What is
functional medicine
Fibromyalgia
Natural Treatments Address the Root
Functional Medicine
– What to do and what to get checked
Fibromyalgia Self Care – Diet/Allergens/Deficiencies
Eat a whole food,
anti-inflammatory diet. Include 8 to 12
servings of fresh vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds and whole grains every
day.
Focus on anti-inflammatory foods including wild fish and other sources of omega-3 fats are flaxseeds and omega-3 eggs, red and purple berries (these are rich in polyphenols); dark green leafy vegetables; orange sweet potatoes; and nuts.
Add anti-inflammatory herbs, including turmeric (a source of curcumin), ginger and rosemary, to your daily diet. Eliminate inflammatory foods such as refined, omega-6 and inflammatory oils, including corn, soy and safflower oils.
Check for
hidden infections. These include yeast, viruses, bacteria and Lyme.
Check for hidden food
allergies. You can go to your doctor or
you can get these done online. Also work
with a doctor to look for nutritional deficiencies such as low vitamin D.
Test for
heavy metal toxicity. Mercury
and other metals can cause autoimmunity.
Fix your gut. About 60 percent of your
immune system lies right under the single-cell-layer lining of your gut. If
this surface breaks down, your immune system will get activated and start
reacting to foods, toxins and the good bugs in your gut. The easiest way to
begin healing your gut involves eating a whole food, anti-inflammatory diet
(see tip 1 above) and removing gluten and other foods that cause sensitivities
– including corn, dairy, soy.
Exercise
regularly. Regular exercise is a natural anti-inflammatory. You don’t have to
go to the gym, run on a treadmill and pump iron to stay in shape. Just start
moving around more. Go for walks with your friends or family. Go out and do
some gardening. Play Frisbee in the park with your kids. Anything you can do to get out and move your
body can be considered exercise.
Practice
deep relaxation. Stress amps up your immune system response. Incorporate
calming techniques, such as yoga, deep breathing, biofeedback, or massage,
daily to relax.
Sleep for 8 hours every night. The research is clear: Lack of sleep, or even poor-quality sleep damages your metabolism, causes cravings for sugar and carbs, makes you eat more and drives up your risk of numerous conditions from diabetes to autoimmune disease. Getting enough sleep and sleeping well are essential for vibrant health and reversing inflammation.
Avoid drugs: Almost all of us use drugs every day to manage our energy. These include sugar, caffeine, alcohol and more. Think about taking a “drug holiday” for six weeks and see how much better you feel.
Remember feeling well: When I get off track, I simply remember what it is like to feel great and what I must do to get there — eat better, sleep more, exercise more, or do nothing more!
Fibromyalgia can be a diagnostic challenge.
Fibromyalgia is medically classified as a “syndrome”, meaning it is a group of
traits, signs and symptoms that occur simultaneously. Fibromyalgia symptoms
vary widely from person to person, and the following is a list of possible
symptoms.
Widespread Pain
Headaches
Painful” Tender Points”
Muscle Soreness
General Fatigue
Limited Tolerance to Activity
Trouble Concentrating
Anxiety
Disrupted Sleep
Digestive Problems
Can Massage Help?
A recent consumer survey, commissioned by The
American Message Therapy Association (AMTA), found that 91 percent of survey
respondents agreed that massage can be effective in reducing pain, and nearly
half of those polled (47 percent) have had a massage specifically for the
purpose of relieving pain. Massage can directly reduce muscle soreness, by
cleansing muscle tissues of metabolic wastes. The application of heat help calm
pain for most fibromyalgia sufferers. I tend to use an infra red sauna blanket within
my treatments.
Testimonials from Massage Clients
“Before weekly massages, my muscles never knew what
relaxed was. I still involuntarily tighten my muscles, but I have less pain.
Now that I know what relaxed muscles feel like, I can monitor my muscles to
un-tighten them.”
“The change in my body after seven months of
routine massage was tremendous. My headaches are less frequent, and I take less
medication than I have in years.”
“I utilize massage as a preventative therapy. By
seeking help with painful areas before they become unmanageable, I’m able to
keep on top of the most painful flares. I also find that when I am
over-stressed, massage is a very helpful leveler.”
Having Fibromyalgia and dealing with the pain and limitations also creates a lot of mental stress. Massage can provide great relief from stress and offer a chance for someone to take charge and provide necessary self-care. Research shows that Massage can help the body achieve deeper sleep and sleep quality. During Phase IV sleep, the body’s repair mechanisms go to work, and can improve inflammation responses, digestion and cognition and emotional stability. And who doesn’t feel better after a particularly good night of rest?
What should I know before I get a massage?
Massage can help, but it can also hurt. Everyone
responds differently to massage. Some people get great relief from massage with
deep pressure. However, others wind up sorer after a really firm massage than
they were before. This is because for some people, Deep pressure creates
inflammation. It is not uncommon to be a little bit sore for 24 hours after a
massage, but if you are a lot sore, or if it lasts for longer than one day, you
need to tell your therapist to ease up next time. Trust that you know your body
better than anyone else, and if you don’t like something, it’s probably not
good for you.
When you come to me for a treatment it is very
important to always speak to me during the treatment so I know what pressure is
working for you and what isn’t. There is
time for a silent energy healing session at the end of the bodywork treatment
to help balance the energies and nervous system.
If you have been diagnosed woth fibromyalgia you may notice pain in these areas.
Back of the neck
If you have fibromyalgia, you may have tender points at the back of the neck, where the base of the skull and the neck meet. Neck pain can also be caused by injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, or activities that strain the neck, like slouching or sleeping in an uncomfortable position.
Elbows
Fibromyalgia patients may also feel tenderness on their forearms, near the crease of each elbow. The pain tends to be below the crease and toward the outer side of the arm. Other causes of elbow pain can include tendonitis or repetitive strain injuries.
Front of the neck
In addition to the back of the neck, doctors will check potential fibromyalgia patients for pain at the front of the neck. This pair of trigger points is located well above the collarbone, on either side of the larynx.
Hips
Hip pain is common in those with osteoarthritis, but people with arthritis tend to feel it in the joint. In contrast, people with fibromyalgia may have a tender point near where the buttock muscles curve to join the thighs.
Lower back
The lower back is one of the most common body parts to be the source of pain. Overall, more than 1 in 4 U.S. adults has experienced low back pain. However, people with fibromyalgia may have pain trigger points at the very top of the buttocks, right at the bottom of the lower back.
Knees
While knee trouble is common in people with fibromyalgia, the inside of each knee pad may feel tender touch
Upper back
Tender points are often sites on the body where tendons and muscles meet. Such is the case for this pair of tender points, located where the back muscles connect to the shoulder blades in the upper back.
Shoulders
In addition to tenderness in the upper back, some people with fibromyalgia have tender points just above that, halfway between the edge of the shoulder and the bottom of the back.
Chest
People with fibromyalgia may have tender points on either side of the sternum, a few inches below the collarbone (near the second rib). The sternum, also known as the breastbone, helps protect the heart and lungs.
Holistic therapies are an amazing ways to help ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Mindfulness meditation dna healthy diet.
It is commonly accepted, and
scientifically proven, that a healthy diet can have a positive effect on
overall health. Similarly, what you eat can play a role in how you experience
fibromyalgia—possibly triggering flare-ups and/or providing relief. Diet,
therefore, is often discussed along with other non-pharmacologic
(non-medication) treatments for fibromyalgia.
Although there is no specific diet
for all fibromyalgia sufferers, it has been shown that vegetarian diets tend to
help fibromyalgia. Researches suspect that this is because such diets are low
in fat and protein, and high in fibre, beta carotene, vitamin C, and minerals
and antioxidants.
Fibromyalgia Nutritional Research
The following provides an overview of
recent research into nutrients that may be beneficial additions to a
fibromyalgia diet:
Antioxidants as
part of a diet to help fibromyalgia:
Antioxidants are molecules that stop oxidation (a chemical reaction that can produce
something called free radicals that can damage cells). The body’s antioxidant
system provides defense to keep these free radicals in check. Dietary
antioxidants help our bodies to maintain our antioxidant systems. Examples of
antioxidants are vitamins C, A, E, and melatonin to name a few. There may be a
relationship between higher oxidation and the occurrence of fibromyalgia
symptoms, but further research is needed in this area.
Ferritin and iron
as part of a fibromyalgia diet:
There has been research into a possible connection between fibromyalgia
symptoms and low blood levels of iron and ferritin (the storage form of iron).
Iron is important in the formation of serotonin and dopamine, chemicals in the
brain that are involved in pain perception. However, there is no evidence at
this time that iron supplementation would help in the treatment of fibromyalgia
symptoms.
Amino acids in the
fibromyalgia diet: Amino acids are the building blocks
of proteins and make up a large part of human muscles and cells. There has been
some research showing that patients with fibromyalgia seem to have lower levels
of certain amino acids in their blood.
Coenzyme Q10 as
part of a diet to help fibromyalgia:
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant (see above) that is important for cell function.
There is some evidence that including coenzyme Q10 in the diet may improve
fibromyalgia symptoms.
Fibromyalgia Diet Food List
Fibromyalgia sufferers should eat a
diet that’s high in lean protein and fibre, and lower in carbohydrates. Foods
that help fibromyalgia include fruits with a low glycaemic index, vegetables
and whole grains. A well-balanced diet can improve energy level and staying
physically active can lead to better overall health.
The lists below provide examples of
the types of foods that may help fibromyalgia symptoms. However, as people with
fibromyalgia often have food sensitivities, what relieves symptoms in one
person may trigger a flare-up in others. It’s important to listen to your body
and to create your own fibromyalgia diet food list.
This Body Treatment
combines Massage movements, Reflexology points to both hands and Feet, Scalp
Massage and Trigger Point Myofascial Release Techniques to shoulders and neck.
The Treatment finishes with energy work – Reiki healing techniques.
Mini Treatments – 30 minutes £20
If you do
not have the time for full treatments or would like some mini treatments in between
your Full Bodywork Treatment this can also be tailored to your needs.
Consultations – First session a consultation is
carried out which takes approx. 15 minutes.
Ann is trained in the following and has over 14
years experience
Massage
– Remedial and Sports
Reflexology
Indian
Head Massage
Reiki
Master
Hopi
Ear Candle
I
concentrate my skills on this specific condition as my sister was diagnosed
over 10 years ago and more and more people are suffering with Fibromyalgia. I want people to know that there IS something
that you can do to ease your symptoms and lead a better life.
When starting out with anything, it is always best to master the very basics before moving on to the more complicated movements.
As Bruce Lee famously said —-
So where do we start?
Qigong styles can be as simple as swaying one’s arms about or counting one’s breaths and as complicated as holding a difficult position (such as sitting with legs crossed in the so called ‘full lotus position’) for hours or imitating the movements of a wild animal. And there are lots of them. According to some statistics there are over 100,000 styles of chi kung (or the ‘ways to practice life energy’) in China today. Sounds like a lot when you hear it, but the truth is, there could be as many as 6 billion of them if everyone on this planet would be committed enough to develop their own unique style.
One of the main reasons why there is such a variety of techniques is undoubtedly due to its very long history. But there are many other reasons too, such as: different styles have been created for different purposes (Qigong can be used in almost every aspect of life, making it lot easier and more enjoyable); many and varied origins of the techniques (eg. styles coming from Buddhism, Taoism, Confucian, Kung Fu, Chinese medicine) and many others.
The following Qigong styles introduced here are among the most powerful and most widely practiced ones in recent years in China. Many of them were being kept secret for a very long time only to come out publicly available in theMy last couple of decades while the others were created in recent times
So where do we start?
Eight Strands of Brocade Qigong
Eight Strands of Brocade Qigong (Ba Duan Jin) is one of the oldest Qigong styles, dating back over 3,000 years. It is a dynamic set of eight special exercises, gentle but firm, done with natural breathing and concentration, that promotes the flow of chi and blood, stretches the muscles, strengthens the joints and bones, improves coordination, flexibility, circulation, and is beneficial to all the systems and organs – central nervous system, digestive system, respiratory system, urinary tract…
To the onlooker it may appear that the practitioner is just stretching his/her limbs, bending and twisting their body but in reality every observed physical action is an attempt to favour the flow of chi in particular meridian(s). Thus the whole set is designed to rebalance all meridians and benefit all organs. This style is unique due to its stress on simplicity, repetition, relaxation, rhythm and harmony.
My favourite Video – just beautifully simple –
SpontaneousFive Animals Play Qigong
Imagine Reiki, Shiatsu, Kahuna, Rolfing, Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and Spiritual Healing all rolled into one technique, tailor made to suit your individual needs. That is exactly what Spontaneous Five Animals Play Qigong (Wuqinxi) is. It can treat a wide range of diseases, promote longevity and induce psychic abilities.
All one needs to do is focus their mind on certain acupuncture points on the body for a few minutes and the rest comes without having to consciously remember any steps or movements – making it a pure energy (chi) exercise.
The energy moves the body spontaneously according to each individual’s health needs. That means you will move your sore back or neck in the most appropriate way for its recovery. You will find the right acupuncture points and apply Chinese massage on them without any prior knowledge of Chinese medicine, do spontaneous Reiki-like energy healing and imitate some of the (or all) 5 different animals (tiger, bear, deer, crane and monkey) to get rid of your ailments. The Chinese found, thousands of years ago, that imitating certain animals’ movements is very beneficial to certain ailments, all stemming from pure observation and realisation that some animals are stronger than others, some are more agile, some faster, some see better, some hear better, live longer,…
Other spontaneous reactions that may occur during practice are: hitting or slapping certain body areas, shaking, jumping, whistling, humming, laughing, crying, reciting mantras, doing Tai Chi or Kung Fu like movements and grounding (ie lying still on the ground for a period of time allowing the Earth to pull the negative chi energy out the practitioner’s body thus assisting the healing process). For more information regarding Spontaneous Five Anim als Play Qigong, please refer to Qigong Chinese Health magazine – issue 1, page 10-15 or click on the link: Five Animals Play.
Tai Chi Qigong (Shibashi)
Tai Chi is a martial art, Qigong is a practice of Qi (life force). Tai Chi Qigong (also known as Shibashi*) is a style of Qigong that has ‘borrowed’ the movements from Tai Chi thus it is beneficial to both Tai Chi as well as to Qigong practitioners. This dynamic form of Qigong is a set of 18 gentle, slow paced movements that is not only easy to practice but is even pleasing to the eyes. Invented in the late 1970’s by Lin Hou-Sheng, a well known Qigong master from Shanghai, this style is as popular in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia as it is in China. In recent years, slowly but surely, it has spread to other Asian countries as well as to the west.
Tai Chi Qigong is very effective in strengthening muscles and joints, releasing tension, reducing stress, energizing, uplifting, regulating blood pressure… It gives a great workout without the need to do anything fast and strenuous, can improve coordination of movements and is generally beneficial to mind, body and spirit. If done regularly over a period of time, it can bring many positive health results, even control body weight.
Try out these videos and get into practicing this daily, it incorporates your meditation, movement and exercise and you will start to feel your energy flowing through your body. This will also helps in every aspect of your life.
This article by Ben Greenfield explains the invisible energetic force that surround us and is affected by our thoughts feelings and environment. I came across this article today whilst reading his email on another hack we can use for sleep.
My hack is qi gong, meditation, cbd and turning off all electronic an hour before bed…
Anyway the invisible force article excerpt below
You may not be able to fully articulate or grasp how, but you understand on some level that there are invisible variables we are in tune with. Things like emotions, thoughts, and beliefs play a big role in the health of our mind, body and spirit.
We can label these invisible forces in different ways- energy, frequency, vibrations or “spirit”. Depending on your willingness to keep an open mind, you may dismiss these type of concepts immediately as “woo-woo”. However, this “field of the invisible” has an undeniable effect on your mind and body.
A simple example of the powerful link between energy and emotion that you may have experienced is lying next to someone you love at night with your back turned. You have this sense or “intuition” that something is wrong. It is a tangible feeling that is there, even though you can’t quite put your finger on why something seems off. When you turn over to discuss this feeling, you likely uncover an intense discussion behind those “bad vibes” you sensed.
A great book is Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton and also the HeartMath Institute has some great studies on our heart brain connection