Reiki--A tool for dealing with Stress

Reiki, an energy therapy, heals mind, body and spirit by using the "universal life force" found all around us. So what is this universal life force? It is what gives us life, what is found in nature and what maintains our planet Earth. It is energy. Sometimes we choose not to see it but it is always there (and scientifically proven).

Reiki is a Japanese form of alternative therapy that has a steady and increasing stream of followers in Western cultures. An attuned Reiki Master is energetically open, serving as a conduit for the universal energy to travel through to the receiver. The life force then follows the energetic pathways in the body (chakras and meridians), locating areas that need healing. Thus the various sensations of heat or cold, tingling, magnetism (a push or a tug) and general relaxation are all signs of the power of Reiki. All who experience Reiki feel more refreshed, relaxed and calm. Right brain oriented individuals can sense the subtleties of Reiki, such as flow or blockage of energy, sensations within the body, and colors or visions associated with the healing process. Due to the relaxing and calming results of Reiki, blood pressure and pulse both decrease, thus improving health.

Now for those of us who simply see the word stress and immediately feel STRESSED, I encourage you to try Reiki as a form of stress reduction and a therapy to enhance your health. Sometimes Reiki energy is described as a key because it opens energetic pathways and clears energetic blocks in the body. Why not let the key to stress relief be a Reiki key?

Adriana Kugman is a Reiki Master Teacher providing Reiki sessions and classes for Reiki I, II and Master.

Hypnotherapy, Hypnosis, Meditation? What is best for you?

Recently this question has been presenting itself repeatedly. Call it coincidence, the universe in harmony, the collective unconscious manifesting or just a common question, it clearly shows that people are interested in something and that something needs explaining.

Hypnosis is the process of entering a trance-like state. Hypnosis is what most stage performers do, such as quacking like a duck, envisioning all people in a room naked, and other nutty and funny things. Hypnosis gets you to a place where all other stimuli besides the hypnotist's voice and commands are blocked out. This is a passive experience.

Hypnotherapy, which is what I do, involves entering a trance-like state (hypnosis) and communicating the experience to me while I communicate my expertise back to you (therapy). The back and forth communication ensures that I can support you during your process. You would be doing this for emotional, physical or spiritual guidance and support. The advantage of hypnotherapy is that you are an active participant in the process, thus building self-confidence in the ability to heal yourself.

Meditation is the mother of hypnosis and hypnotherapy. Meditation is really a moment when you can allow your mind to either focus on something or focus on nothing. Either way, what occurs is a concentration that progressively relaxes that body. Through meditation you feel better and physically become healthier (meditation lowers blood pressure). A guided meditation, where you allow your thoughts to form from the ideas given by another, say a teacher, instructor or guru, induces a trance-like state, thus being the foundation for hypnotherapy.

To gently introduce yourself to these concepts, I recommend participating in a guided meditation group. A group setting has its advantages. First of all, it is more affordable and economical, as the price per person is lower. Second, you are with peers--people that have this same interest, so you fit right in. Third, you can make friends and network. The guided meditation can be on specific topics, health or career related, or more general, well-being, green peace. A group guided meditation session helps you practice your skills. As you gain confidence, you might want to tackle specific topics with hypnotherapy sessions.

For more information on guided meditation and hypnotherapy, or to form your own guided meditation group, contact Adriana Kugman at http://www.spiritbeyond.com/.