A Short Journey into `Healing`

About six years ago, when faced with serious illnesses in the family and also myself, I got interested in complementary healing techniques. And I realized that there were many. Where was I supposed to start? Which techniques were more effective for which ailments? Where could I find therapists? Were there methods that we could use on our own? And were there methods that we could learn?

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First of all, I would like to state that we as human beings all have the power to heal. It is a birth right in a sense. Whether we accept this fact or not is another thing. If there is an illness, there usually something we can do about it. Because illnesses are usually the way our body and soul communicates with us. For example, a pain is not the problem itself; it is a sign that there is another issue at another level. However, we usually turn to drugs to quiet our pain. Maybe your body is telling you to drink more water, or asking you to sleep a little more, or asking you to look at your feelings of guilt, or maybe a problem in an organ. Healing requires that we find and look at the cause rather than the symptom and solve the core problem.

Sometimes we have consistent neck pains and problems for no physical reason. Could there be a mental or emotional reason? The answer maybe ‘yes’ for some of us. The famous author Louise L. Hay defines one of the main causes to be “refusing to see the other sides of a question, or stubbornness and inflexibility.” If we are able to allow ourselves to see that there are endless different ways of doing things and that it is ok to be flexible, and affirm that to ourselves, even by repeating a sentence such as “I am safe. It is with flexibility and ease that I see all sides of an issue”, we might start to see a difference in the neck problem. In a similar fashion, problems in our muscles might mean that we have a resistance to new experiences. Our muscles represent our ability to move in life and an affirmation such as “I experience life as a joyous dance” may help to connect with life.

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The two people I met at the beginning on my journey to healing were two British ladies. I met one after the other. The first was a massage and reflexology therapist who also had training in aromatherapy. The second lady was teaching healing techniques with crystals and she was also doing readings with Tarot. Later on, I met my Bio-energy and Reiki Master. Studying with these therapists and teachers and many others along the way, I learned that there are various methods that we can use to improve our health and well-being. The aim of all these methods is to bring the body to a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual balance. Each method is effective in a different aspect; therefore, the effectiveness of a method depends on the problem of the patient. Also, the method that allows a person to open up and be comfortable seems to be more helpful. Some people come to a balance by understanding their issues by talking to a psychologist, where as when a person has a very strong physical disease such as cancer, than bio-energy and Reiki maybe more helpful in restoring balance, as well as an aid for pain or side effects of chemotherapy.

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In these few years, I also learned the importance of detoxifying our body in healing and in maintaining our health. What we ate and drank determined a lot. I learned that by just increasing my water intake by %50, any aches in my body decreased – and I did have serious problems with my ankles and feet at the time. Also, my energy level increased tremendously.

I also learned that water is the most effective painkiller for headaches. When you start to have headaches, if you drink two to three glasses of water, I can almost assure you that in most cases the pain will be gone in less than 20 minutes. Of course, if the pain persists, you should always consult your doctor as soon as you can.

Also, by eating more raw fruits and vegetables we could increase the amount of minerals and enzymes in our system, which improve our immune system and energy levels tremendously. I recommend once a week put the vegetables you like in a blender with some celery added and drink this as a cold soup dish. Or steam cook vegetables of your preference and eat by adding to your salad or with a little olive oil and lemon sauce.
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I also experienced the effectiveness of the aromatherapy oils in improving our emotions. Oils maybe added to massage oils for the desired effect. You may also add various essential oils to the bath water depending on when you are taking the bath and on your condition. If you are relaxing for the night, you may add a few drops of lavender oil to your bath water. However, if you would like to start the day a little more energetically, you may want to add a few drops of lemon oil or bergamot. Or if you seem to have congestion Eucalyptus may be good idea. You may also put a few drops of Eucalyptus oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale. Also, to relax at night, you might want to sprinkle water mixed with a few drops of lavender oil to your bed linen or pillow. Just a little spray will be enough.

However, never inhale essential oils directly from their bottle and never apply directly to your skin. Only essential oils of lavender and tea tree oil may be applied directly to skin in some designated cases. Although in many books there are detailed descriptions as to which oil is good for which condition or state, please never use an oil that is not pleasing to you. Our body usually knows what is good for us. Also, if you have varicose veins, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, or if you are pregnant, please never use essentials without consulting your doctor and a professional aromatherapist first.

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Complementary treatment techniques are quite varied:
Massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, crystal treatments, reiki, bio-energy, use of affirmations, positive thinking techniques, acupuncture, yoga, meditation and special diets.
These methods when used properly help us in reaching a state of balance and high energy where healing can take place faster and more effectively. They give us a chance to keep our body, heart and soul in shape, as well. I have been writing about some of these methods and I will continue to do so. I hope that the information provided in these pages is a helpful introduction to the topic.

As always I would like to remind you to consult your doctor first in case of any heath problems. Any of these complementary treatment techniques should only be used with the consent of your doctor, and only as a supplementary aid to your medical treatments.

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Wish days filled with love and light. Love is the greatest healer of all.
Take care,
Z.
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Affirmation of the Week:
“I have the strength to remain calm in the face of change.” By Louise L. Hay
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Quote of the Week:
“Words are a form of action, capable of influencing change.”
Ingrid Bengis
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Suggested Reading:
“Your Body Can Talk” By Susan L.Levy & Carol Lehr.
The Turkish translation of this book is sold under the name “Vücudun Gizli Mesajları”