Alternative Therapies are Trending in..

In my constant search for knowledge on healing and therapies, I kept collating a lot of experiential knowledge. This is a very comprehensive compilation which will provide you an peek into some forms of alternative therapies. 

Therapies

In this amazing and spectacular universe, Man has always been in a constant search of cure. Cure as such is a very wholistic word. Cure the mind, body, energy, karmic effects, etc. There seems to be no end to this search as the spectrum of cure has various shades and colours. This is where Alternative therapies are Trending.  

Since the ancient civilization, until now therapies are from Allopathy, Homeopathy, Ayurveda, healing using various mechanisms. Each civilization, cultures have developed its own system of cure. The subjects are so deep and the knowledge shared from generations is so much, many a times the core of the subject is lost somewhere in the transition. Yet there are tremendous efforts taken and dedicated to preserve this invention or discoveries.  

The major 5 different ways of administering medicines are orally, through ear, through eyes, through nose and through skin

Mouth : this includes all therapeutic methods like Ayurveda, Allopathy, homeopathy and yunani medical systems

Ear: includes sound therapy and music therapy , Auricular therapy

Eyes: includes chrome therapy, sun rays therapy, Hypnotherapy, art therapy  etc.

Nose: Includes Aromatherapy

Skin : Massage therapy, Accupressure, Acupunture, Reiki etc

Therapy is a blend of science and mystery, intuition and skill.

A lot of people now prefer Accupressure, acupuncture, and similar alternative therapies, since these have very little side effect or have nil, are cost effective and see cure from multiple dimensions. Many being from the root causes.  They also feel less stressed because of the non invasive mechanisms. 

Accupressure

When there is uneasiness in our body, automatically we tend to reach out to that body part with our hand.  Our mind directs us to place our hand on the affected area. Many a times it does provide a little relief. Some pains even vanish by simple movements or massages by the hand. 

the Concept on which accupressure works is to maintain internal pressure with respect to external pressure in order to stimulate dead or inactive cells and helps attain harmony inside the body naturally. When treating through accupressure, it is done with a fine combination of intuition, knowledge of anatomy of the body and the pressure that one should apply. The success lies in the adequate pressure, strength and the way it is applied. 

Effects
In general the therapy enables the person to feel relaxed, gain good sleep and have a good appetite. It also helps improve immune system, regenerate weak cells. Improve circulatory functions, blood circulation, cardiovascular system, digestive function, improve metabolism, muscular system. Locally, it works as sedation, is effective in motor recovery and acts as analgesic to the body. 

Therapeutic Action

There are various therapeutic actions , to list a few
It maintains and harmonises the energyies, synchronises body mind and soul

Various types of Accupressure 

Shiatsu - a japanese massage technique
Sujok - A Korean accupressure therapy
Meridianology - a traditional chinese accupuncture
Moxibustion - a traditional chinese medicine technique involves burning of herbsto facilitate healing. 
Reflexology: practiced in Asia
Marma Sparsh Chikitsa: traditional indian accupressure technique.

Reflexology

One of the acupressure system is Reflexology and works on the reflex action of the system.  The therapist can follow the following system of reflexology.

 

Hand and foot reflexology

Face reflexology

Spine reflexology

Ear reflexology

 

Reflexology is a study of impact of pressure on the specific area and the result is seen in the actual part of the body.

Hand and Foot Reflexology:

The body is divided into horizontal and vertical zones. These zones help in locating the organic framework of the body lying in one of it 3 main compartments.  Organs above the shoulder lie in first horizontal zone. The organs between the shoulder and diaphragm line lie in the second horizontal zone and the organs. Location of specific organ should be determined by its position in vertical and horizontal zones and that specific position in hand and foot is called as a reflex point of the specific organ between diaphragm line and waist line lie in third horizontal zone .

 

Reflexologists only work with subtle energy flows to revitalize the body and use natural internal healing mechanisms. Through stimulation of the circulatory and lymphatic systems and by the release of toxins, reflexology promotes the body to heal itself.

This is very effective in painful conditions of the body or other disorders by relaxation of the part. The therapy also helps in preventive, curative and promotive aspect of life.  Apart from curing, or diagnostic perspective, this can be used as a preventive mechanism  and retain health in balanced and harmonious condition

One has to ensure that the treatment  should begin by stimulation of the brain and complete with kidney stimulation.  The patient should not be treated just before or after heavy meals, exercise or bath.

Precaution should be taken not to administer the therapy on fractures and cracks and not be practised during menstrual cycle.

Face reflexology is another method where pressures are applied at specific regions of the face, however face is very sensitive and hence care should be taken while applying pressure, mild and firm.

Spine reflexology is very effective. This is a technique which helps iin cases like slip disc, lesion, frozen shoulders, cervical spondylitis and head aches.

Some of the methods are :

Massaging which is mostly used. Any nervous disorder related to brain and spine can be normalised by massaging spinal cord. Massaging should be performed from bottom to top ½ inch away both side of spinal cord. The pressure should be mild. Preferably apply warm or hot oil for easy movement of hands. Ensure not to press the spinal cord.

Other techniques are to apply pressure back- shu point;

Cupping  where suction is applied to the diseased parts of the body.  This increase the regional circulation and thereby promote healing. Thus it eliminate the toxic and waste materials from the body and restores harmony inside the body. This technique helps in balancing spinal cord and muscular system of back.  The mechanism with which it works is on applying it creates a vacuum and after removal it allows to blood to rush up toward vacuum area and resulting in the improvement of neuro muscular system of the spine. This is effective for Back pain, Musclar cramps, Lumbar and cervical spondylitis and other disorders related to spine. 

 

While using cupping on the spinal cord the following precaution should be adopted. It should be applied for minimum of 15 minutes on both sides of spinal cord. IT should be done on muscular area. and Never be applied directly on spinal cord. The patient should remain in a comfortable position on application of cupping. The patient should not have fever, convulsion, oedema, ulcers, abscesses and should not be pregnant.

Spine reflexology helps to correct the deformities in all parts of the body. Helps in relaxing the tendons, ligaments, muscles of the verterbra and ribs. It regulates the neuro system. Helps remove the accumulated body wastes, toxins.

 

Ear Reflexology

 

The concept of this therapy is associating it with the shape of foetus.  It is believed that ear is the place where all the channels meet. This mechanism makes use of the external ear to diagnose and treat illness.  The distributions of ear reflex points simulate a foetus within the womb with a head. The lobe represents the facial area and the antiragus  the head and the anti helixes the trunk.

The ear is a skin covered fibro cartilaginous plate in which concavities are on its inner surface.

 All area of ear must be examined in good light. Even if the therapist is unaware to ear reflexology, he can stimulate the affected point simply by using pressure and identifying the most painful point. Generally 3 kinds of excoriation and vesicle are available in ear reflex region. Frist is yellow that indicates sub chronic state of disease, second is pinkish or red excoriation and vesicles indicates acute disease of related organ and third is black which shows chronic disease of related organ. Sometimes there is no specific identification marks on ear that time reaction point of the diseased organ can be found by pressing the ear with a diagnosis stick or head of match stick. If needle is being used for tonification then reserve end of the need can be used for identification of the points. In recent times, electro exploratory technique is used where a detector is used to find the point. This is more accurate for internal organ disorders

Procedures :

Locate and identify the reflex point.
Stimulate with diagnostic stik for 2 -3 seconds at a time. apply mild pressure in clockwise to tonify and anticlockwise to sedate. If una ble to identify if the organ is hyp or hyperactive then apply mild push or pull pressure at the reflex point.

One could use mustard seeds or similar seeds. You can even use mustard seed paste.  Needles are also used. Ensure to clean the ear well and not to penetrate the cartilage. use short  sterilised needles . Donot penetrate yang and yin surface of the ear at a time.

 

Organ Clock

 Organs and its channels achieve peak level during specific hours.  This clock can be used in diagnosis of the imbalance

 

Time

Organ

Meridian

3am to 5 am	Lung	Lung Meridian
5am to 7 am	Large Intestine	LI Meridian
7am to 9 am	Stomach	Stomach Meridian
9am to 11 am	Spleen	Spleen Meridian
11am to 1 pm	Heart	Heart Meridian
1 pm to 3 pm	Small Intestine	SI Meridian
3pm to 5 pm	Urinary bladder	UB Meridian
5pm to 7 pm	Kidney	Kidney Meridian
7pm to 9 pm	Brain	Brain Meridian
9pm to 11 pm	Spinal cord	SC Meridian
11pm to 1 am	Gall Bladder	GB Meridian
1 am to 3 am	Liver	Liver meridian

 

Excess or deficit energy corresponds to the disorders in that organ or meridian.  For Eg most asthma attacks are during 3 to 5 am.

 Chakra Acupressure

This is a integrated system of healing to harmonise the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical plance of human body.  This therapy creates, controls, maintains and regulates the five basic constituents of human body which has control over the five sense organs. Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel. There are many chakras, however six major chakras are used to treat majorly and then the seventh is the sahasrahara chakra which sits above the head and is connected to the divine. Each of the other chakras are connected to the specific area of the body, corresponds to a specific gland or set of glands and nerve plexus and relates to one or more aspects of consciousness.  T

he first chakra is at the coccyx area and the root chakra. This governs the emotions and physical set-up. This deals with material and monetary existence and meeting basic needs. It determines stability, strength and stamina. 
Imbalance in this chakra can cause problems in abdominal area.  A good root chakra indicates that the kidneys and bowels are healthy. The person will be fearless and stress free with a courageous attitude, will be self confident, strong willed and able to trust others.  When there is an imbalance, the person could be a workaholic. and may also be sad. 

The second chakra is at the sacrum area and is called as sacral chakra. it includes the adrenal glands, reproductive organs and kidneys.  It corresponds to sexuality, relationships and creativity, also corresponds to the nurturing abilities, sensation.  A well balanced sacral chakra gives a high level of general vitalityand good sense of humors. The lower abdominal, urinary and reproductive systems will be healthy. Creative problem solving and the ability to work creatively with others will be easily achieved.

The third chakra is associated with solar plexus, the spleen, the pancreas, liver, the gall bladder. This chakra relates to emotions, power and will. it corresponds to production and storage of energy. Imbalance in this chakra can lead to low self esteem, fickle minded, experience uncontrolled extreme emotions such as violent passions, jealousies, anger and frustration, doubts, fears and confusion. A balanced chakra reflects inner strength, great deal of energy, good metabolism, enthusiasm, extrovert and clear thinking

The fourth is heart chakra connected to cardiac plexus, the thymus gland and the brain. it deals with social awareness, love and openness, a sense of devotion, peace, forgiveness, acceptance, kindness and joy.
Imbalance in the fourth chakra could result in heart conditions, including high BP, respiratory disorders, asthma and arthritis of the arms.  Emotionally sensitive, arrogance, selfishness sadness etc. A balance heart chakra person will have balanced relationships and maintain a good balance between material and emotions in life.

The fifth chakra corresponds to thyroid gland and the throat region and the cervical region. It corresponds to the neck and organs of the neck, including the boice box and airway in the throat. This chakra is involved in the verbal expression of all the thoughts and feelings encompassed by the lower chakras. It affects speech and expression, truth and honesty, feelings and intuition, formation of speech, communication and creativity, full of ideas.

imbalance will manifest as sorethroats, loss of voice and neck and throat conditions, headaches , flu and thyroid problems.

The sixth chakra is called the third eye chakra and is associated with the pituitary glad which is the master of all endocrine glands. This corresponds to brain and nervous system. The ears, nose, eyes and sinuses relate to it. intuition, imagination, visualisation and even clairvoyance. The intuition is the link between our intellectual and psychic abilities.

The seventh or the crown chakra relates to the pineal and pituitary gland governs the spiritual power.

To treat the Chakras, align with the breath of the patient with that of yours. Place  ring finger 2mm away from the correspondence point and move finger clockwise direction for about 2 mins for tonification and anticlockwise for sedation. Finally , touch the point and take deep breath along with patient for 3 -5 mins. Repeating the procedure twice a day and for self treatment adopt treatment procedure during sunrise and sunset.

Read my other blogs to know more on healing techniques.
Experience the Magic of Mudras for Healing

Chakras and Crystal Healing techniques for chakras

Mudras for Healing

Healing through Mudras

Introduction to Mudras

Mudras are very subtle physical movements of the hands, face, and or body. some complex mudras involve the whole body with a combination of asanas.  Mudra activates and creates a circuit of prana in the body. This channelises the prana in a specific way to create subtle effects and beneficial changes in body

Your Health in Your Hand - Acharya Keshav Dev  talks about how people can fold their fingers in various Mudras (Gestures).  Here are few mudras that you can practice and gain its benefits

MRIT SANJIVINI MUDRA also known as APAN VAYU MUDRA
Benefit : In the case of severe heart attack, this life giving divice Mudra provides instant relief within a few seconds and is a magical Cardiacs, First Aid for Heart Problems.

How to do:   Fold the forefinger down and touch the mount of the thumb. The little finger should be held erect. It regulates complications of the heart. In a severe heart attack, if administered as a first aid measure within the first two seconds, it provides instant relief.

APAN MUDRA
Benefit : Provides relief in urinary problems and eases difficulty in labor and delivery. Also, facilitates the discharge of waste matter from the body and purifies the system

How to do: Join the middle finger and the ring finger with the tip of the thumb; the forefinger and the little finger should be held upright.

PRAN MUDRA
Benefit:  Energy Bank - Improves Vitality of the body; Good for improving eyesight.

How to do: Touch the points of the little finger and the ring finger to the tip of the thumb lightly. This is a life-giving mudra, it energizes the body and improves its vitality. A must for those who feel nervous, tired and weak.

LING MUDRA
Benefit: Regular practice of this Mudra can keep you away from Frequent Cold, Congested Chest and Incurable Infections.Generates heat in the body and destroys accumulated phlegm in the chest. It helps in weight reduction too, but has to be practiced with restraint. 

How to do: Join both the palms and lock the facing fingers together, keeping one thumb upright. The upright thumb must be encircled by the other thumb and the index finger.

The intake of at least eight glasses of water, and butter and ghee (clarified butter) as cooling agents in sufficient quantities is a must.

Due to the heat it generates, it may not be possible to practice this mudra with as much ease and flexibility as the other mudras. It might prove taxing and result in a feeling of lethargy

GYAN MUDRA

Benefits : Yogic Tranquilizer. Regular practice ensures Mental Peace, Concentration of the mind and Sharp Memory, Spiritual enhansment develops creativity. It cures insomnia and mental disorders, and dissipates tension, depression and drowsiness. This is a must for those who aspire to develop telepathy or wish to acquire extrasensory abilities

How to do:The thumb and the index finger are brought together in gentle contact, not pressing hard, while all other fingers are kept upright. This is the mudra most people are familiar with. 

Great thinkers such as Buddha, Mahavir, Guru Nanak, Christ are generally depicted in this pose.

SHUNYA MUDRA

Benefits : Cures ear aches injust a few minutes.This mudra is suitable for ailments of the ear, and helps those of the nose and the throat ailments. Even five minutes of this mudra will help reduce an earache

How to do: Bring the middle finger down to touch the palm and bring the padding of the thumb on top of it, keeping the other fingers straight up. Do this for 40 minutes a day. .

VARUNA MUDRA

Benefit: Regular practice ensures an optimum level of water in the body and heals all ailments connected with dehydration.

How to do: It is like the Gyan Mudra. Touch the tip of the little finger with the tip of the thumb while the other fingers are kept upright. 

SURABHI MUDRA

Benefit: This controls rheumatic inflammation and sharpens your intellect.

How to do: Join the little finger of one hand with the ring finger of the other and vice versa. Similarly, join the forefinger with the middle finger of the other hand and vice versa. Leave the thumbs free. 

Therefore , now we know that Mudras can bring about magical change and improvement in our body and has the ability to generate power to wholistically development of mind ; body which brings peace and happiness.

Mudras help in moulding the Physical, Mental and even the Moral aspects of the individual. Some Mudras can balance the elements of the body within 45 minutes while some are fast enough to act within a few seconds. Mudras have extra ordinary powers, practice of mudras brings about a quick and fundamental reversions of the destructive changes in the human body. 

Detailed description of Mudras are found in Tantra Shastra, Upasana Shastra, Nritya Shastra, Art of Sculpture etc.

Keep visiting this blog post for more updates. 

Chakras

CHAKRAS:

There are certain centers where energy is concentrated. Since this energy moves like a wheel in a circular fashion, these vortices are called "chakras".

There are 7 major chakras and several minor chakras. Each of the seven major chakras corresponds to an important gland. 

They located in the center of the body starting at the base of the spine and running to the top of the head. There are seven colors associated with the 
chakras: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. 

Each color is associated with one or more of the chakras. Employing the use of an appropriate color with a specific chakra can enhance the speed of the healing process significantly.

The seven chakras are:

1. Root/base chakra

2. Sex/navel chakra

3. Stomach/solar plexus chakra

4. Heart chakra

5. Throat chakra

6. Brow/third eye chakra

7. Crown chakra

Chakras and their psychological properties

Chakras are centers of energy, located on the midline of the body. There are seven of them, and they govern our psychological properties. The chakras located on the lower part of our body are our instinctual side, the highest ones our mental side.

The chakras can have various levels of activity. When they are "open," they're considered to be normal. Some chakras are not open enough or are depleted or under-active, and in order to compensate, other chakras are excessive or over-active. For Body and Mind to be in harmony, the chakras are to be in balanced operative state. 

1 - Root Chakra

It is a portal through which Earth energy is absorbed into our system.  

Represents that vibration of the pranic force which aligns our consciousness to the physical livingThe Root chakra is:  being physically there and feeling at home in situations.An open root chakra indicates that you feel grounded, stable and secure. You don't unnecessarily distrust people. You feel present in the here and now and connected to your physical body. 
If you tend to be fearful or nervous, your Root chakra is probably under-active. You'd easily feel unwelcome.
An over active root chakra is indicative of being very materialistic and greedy. You're probably obsessed with being secure and resist change.

Key Words: Survival, Stability, Thriving, Grounding  

2 - Sacral Chakra

This chakra is also known as ‘’Sex’’ Chakra. It represents that vibration of the Pranic force which aligns our consciousness to the feeling of pleasure.The Sacral chakra is about feeling and sexuality. When it is open, your feelings flow freely, and are expressed without you being over-emotional. You are open to intimacy and you can be passionate and lively. You have no problems dealing with your sexuality.

If you tend to be stiff and unemotional the Sacral chakra is under-active. You're not very open to people.
Key words: Sensuality, Sexuality, Pain, Pleasure

If this chakra is over-active, you tend to be emotional all the time. You'll feel emotionally attached to people , can be very sexual.

3 - Solar Chakra

A healthy solar chakra indicates that you can easily flow with the flow of life while remaining in charge of your life. Fears, anxiety, worry, anger, frustration and all modern day “stress” related issues arise out of this feeling of lack of control. Through front Solar Chakra, we accept control from others and through back solar chakra we take charge of our life and situations.

Key words: Control, power, position, taking charge 

4 - Heart Chakra

It is concerned with love for life, living, the universe, nature, people…all creation. Though a well functioning solar plexus chakra helps one in becoming a good therapist, a well functioning heart chakra is necessary for becoming a good healer. All animals operate out of lower three chakras.

 Through front Heart Chakra, we receive love and through back Heart Chakra we express love. Front Heart Chakra gets blocked due to unpleasant association with love, e.g. hurt, pain, etc. Back Heart Chakra gets blocked when one is unable to forgive.

Key words:  Love, Acceptance, Forgiveness

5 - Throat Chakra

Throat Chakra is related to communication. Effective communication is largely related to self worth, self esteem and self belief, self-expression and talking. When it is open, you have no problems expressing yourself, and you might be doing so as an artist.

When this chakra is under-active, you tend not to speak much, and you probably are introverted and shy. Not speaking the truth may block this chakra.

If this chakra is over-active, you tend to speak too much, usually to domineer and keep people at a distance. You could be a bad listener

6 - Third Eye Chakra
This chakra is related to higher vision and its implementation. „Clairvoyance‟ is related to a fully functional Third Eye Chakra . Is also known as Agna Chakra. It is about insight and visualization. 

When it is open, you have a good intuition. 

If it is under-active, you're not very good at thinking for yourself, and you may tend to rely on authorities. You may be rigid in your thinking, relying on beliefs too much. You might even get confused easily.

If this chakra is over-active, you may live in a world of fantasy. sometimes even leading to halucinations.

The Third Eye Chakra represents that vibration of resource energy which aligns our consciousness to being visionaries and implementers. People with open third eye chakras are usually creative and are capable of finding alternative answers .

Key words:  Vision and implementation

7 - Crown Chakra
The crown chakra represents that vibration of resource energy which aligns our consciousness to one-ness with the universe. The Crown chakra is about wisdom and being one with the world. If you are unprejudiced and quite aware of the world and yourself, it indicates your chakra is open.
If it is under-active, you're not very aware of spirituality. You're probably quite rigid in your thinking.

If this chakra is over-active, you are probably intellectualizing things too much. You may be addicted to spirituality and are probably ignoring your bodily needs.

Oneness encourages us to understand how we manifest our universe in general with our thought process and the soul's need to go through certain experiences 

Key words:  Oneness

Chakras and Crystal Healing

Understanding chakras is an integral aspect of crystal healing.  As said earlier chakras are swirling energy systems where information is stored and received. All chakras are interconnected  and each one has a particular function for our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being. Chakras allow the emotional, mental and spiritual force to flow into our physical bodies. If a chakra is unbalanced, it can cause energy blocks that may result in physical disorders that affect the functioning of the other chakras and our overall well-being. Therefore, it is vital that each chakra is cleansed and balanced. Each chakra has a specific bodily function, location, vibration, and color. Using crystals and stones is a simple and an excellent way to cleanse and balance your chakras.

Few details listed will assist you to work with the chakras. Although there are specific crystals listed, generally you may use any crystals or stones that correspond to the color of the chakra you wish to work with. The key is to go with your intuition and response.

The position of the chakra with Colour ,Function , Gland , Corresponding Crystal are given below

Chakra	Colour	Key words	Body	Crystal
Root	Red	Physical Survival, Energy, Groundedness	Gonads, Ovaries	Ruby
Sacral	Orange	Creativity,Emotions, sexual drive	Adrenals, Spleen, Liver	Carnelian
Solar Plexus	Yellow	Identity, self-confidence, personal power	Pancreas	Amber, topaz
Heart	Green	Relationships, Love of all kinds	Thymus	Emerald
Throat	Blue	Self expression; communication	Thyroid	Lapis
Ajna/ Brow/3rd Eye	Indigo	Perception, knowledge, clairvoyance	Pineal, Pituitary	Amethyst
Crown	Violet/ White	Connection to the Divine, Intuition	Pineal, Pituitary	Diamond

How to LAY these Crystals

The rule is you should be grounded and centered before beginning to lay the crystals.  These techniques may work best if you meditate to clear your intentions prior to working with the crystals. Use your intuition to decide which technique would be most beneficial for you or try them to see what feels and suits you the best.

Balancing the Chakras

Technique - 1. You will need seven clear quartz crystal points all about the same and weight, either natural or tumbled. Lie down and place a crystal on each of the 7 major chakra centers. If a cryatal rolls to a different position three times, leave it where it is. It is an indication that the body is moving it where it needs to be. You will find some of the crystals will feel very heavy, like they are still there. Some crystals will feel very cold, others extremely warm or even electric. You may also feel like you are floating or receive inner visions of color or patterns. Each individual is different so trust your information you receive. Leave the stones in place for at least three or four minutes. The body will find its own balance.

Technique 2. You will need 7 clear quartz crystal points and place them on  mat next to you pointing inward, toward your body at each chakra center. Lie still for three to four minutes. This will release stress. Then turn the points outwards to recharge and energize the chakra centers. Lie still for another three or four minutes.

Technique-  3. You will need one  of each red stone, orange, yellow, green, light blue, dark blue, white, golden or violet, dark stone. All stones should be approximately the same size and weight. This method is the same as the first, except that the colored stones are used instead of clear quartz crystals. The dark stones should be placed at the feet for grounding. The remaining stones should be placed at chakra centers according to color as mentioned in the table . For example: red on the root chakra, orange on the sacral chakra, and so on .

Keep visiting this page for more updates on chakras