Appointments available in Shelby Township and in Birmingham.
To schedule an appointment for yourself or your pet please call: (586) 719-4582 or email CaroleGrace@Gmail.com
Healing Touch treatments run approximately an hour.
Healing Touch for Animals runs approximately 45 minutes to an hour. I currently do not see pets at either location.
Quantum Healing and Medical Intuition runs approximately an hour and a half to two hours.
Distant treatments for Healing Touch and Reiki.
Cash or Pay Pal accepted, no personal checks or credit cards.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
From Baltimore Dog -- Ancient Wisdom Meets The 21st Century By Harriet Meyers
Healing Touch
Ancient Wisdom Meets The 21st Century
By Harriet Meyers
Image Rigel is recovering from major surgery. He has a metal plate and six screws stabilizing his “knee” joint. The surgeon says it is critical for him to take it easy. But try telling that to an eight-year-old English Setter. The first thing he wants to do when he gets home is jump right up onto his favorite living room chair.
Shari Sternberger, Rigel’s owner, takes a hands-on approach to helping him heal. She’s a schooled and certified Healing Touch Practitioner for animals and people. She’s trained to assist with surgeries, injuries, wound healing and illness, reduce anxiety, address behavioral issues and more. And since she can’t tell Rigel to take a load off and sit still, she’s doing all she can to help him recover as quickly as possible.
Age-old Insight
Centuries ago, enlightened cultures knew how to heal the body using chakras and meridians — centers of energy that link the body and mind. Today we are beginning to understand the wisdom of these treatments.
Image Healing Touch is a holistic therapy that uses age-old techniques to balance and align the energy fields that surround the body. Our bodies and those of our dogs and other animals radiate, absorb, conduct and transmit this energy.
The theory is that by balancing the energy within and surrounding our bodies, we facilitate physical and psychological health, healing and well being. In the case of Rigel’s surgery, the balance of energy contributes to increased circulation, muscle relaxation, the release of toxins, an enhanced immune system and a body primed for and receptive to healing.
Yellow Labrador Star ruptured the cranial cruciate ligament in both hind legs, requiring the identical surgery twice in a six-month period (tibial plateau leveling osteotamy known as TPLO). Both TPLO operations were handled by the same surgical team in the same veterinary hospital, yet recovery the second time around was easier and faster.
“The only difference in treatment the second time was the therapy Shari performed, said Star’s owner, Denise Iannatuono. “But the difference in Star was absolutely incredible.”
After asking for Denise’s permission, Shari “went into Star’s energy field” through a process she uses to conduct distance work. She concentrated on helping the dog prepare for and receive the surgery, seal the wound, manage the pain and heal.
Partnership with Medicine
Shari emphasizes that Healing Touch works in partnership with conventional healthcare. “It does not replace traditional medical or veterinary care, medical diagnosis or medical treatment, nor do we prescribe medications or perform surgery. What it does do is add a non-invasive, gentle, compassionate treatment to the range of options for patient care,” she said.
The human medical community has recognized Healing Touch as an alternative treatment since 1989, and today more and more hospitals throughout the United States and the world have incorporated this therapy into their patient care systems. Healing Touch for Animals® (HTA) was founded by Carol Komitor, a certified massage therapist, certified hospital-based massage therapist, equine sport massage therapist and veterinary technician for 13 years.
Rigel was prepped for surgery early in the morning, but he was fifth in line, so he had a long waiting period. Every hour, the vet’s staff sprayed him with essential oils of rose and lavender provided by Shari, keeping anxiety levels down for the dog and the veterinary staff, too. Before, during and following surgery, Shari used her skills to enhance the surgery’s success.
“He had a tough time at first with the pain medications,” Shari said. She introduced pain management techniques to make him more comfortable and energy work to make it easier for his body to accept the medications. At his follow-up check, the vet tech said Rigel’s range of motion was a little better than normal.
Modern Applications
Image Non-traditional holistic treatments sometimes generate questions and skepticism from people who want cold, hard proof that they work. For the past 10 years, medical centers and hospitals have conducted research that is proving that Healing Touch has much more than a placebo effect.
For example, Stanford University is currently running a clinical trial with breast cancer patients to test whether energy therapy can reduce the strong side effects of chemotherapy. The National Institutes of Health has studied the treatment’s impact on healing. Other hospitals are considering whether treatments help pre- and post-cardiac patients.
When it comes to our dogs, the proof is in the pudding. HTA reports that the therapy has reduced anxiety and stress, helped mitigate emotional traumas, prepared dogs and horses for competition and aided in preparation for medical treatments and with follow-up care.
“After her first surgery, Star was barely functioning for several days,” said Denise. “When we picked her up from the vet the second time, she immediately tried to jump into the truck. The first night, I slept on the first floor with her. When I woke during the night, she was missing. I frantically searched the entire first floor. Then I heard the thump of a wagging tail coming from my second floor landing. I could not believe that she was able to walk up a full flight of stairs to the second floor.”
Shari started her schooling for Healing Touch for Animals in 1999, taking classes and participating in an elaborate certification program. She’s the eleventh person to earn certification in HTA and abides by a strict code of ethics. In addition to studying and working with people and animals, she volunteers at a veterinary hospital. She works with pre- and post-op patients, calms puppies at their first vet visits and soothes dogs and their owners during the euthanasia process.
“I’ve always had an extremely strong connection with my dogs,” said Shari. In 1990, Shari and her husband helped found National Capital Therapy Dogs, Inc. (NCTD), the local affiliate of the Delta Society to share the human-animal bond with patients in healthcare facilities.
“I enjoy working with animals. They are energetically clean and pure, and they give me a very clear message when they’re finished with the treatment,” said Shari. “The joy comes when I see the positive outcomes we achieve by including Healing Touch in a patient’s treatment plan.”
Learn More About Healing Touch
Shari Sternberger is a certified Healing Touch Practitioner for animals and people with a private practice in Highland. You can learn more about what she does by visiting her website, www.elementsofenergy.com .
To learn more about Healing Touch for Animals, go to www.healingtouchforanimals.com .
If you’re interested in Healing Touch for people, visit the Healing Touch ProgramTM site at www.healingtouchprogram.com .
Ancient Wisdom Meets The 21st Century
By Harriet Meyers
Image Rigel is recovering from major surgery. He has a metal plate and six screws stabilizing his “knee” joint. The surgeon says it is critical for him to take it easy. But try telling that to an eight-year-old English Setter. The first thing he wants to do when he gets home is jump right up onto his favorite living room chair.
Shari Sternberger, Rigel’s owner, takes a hands-on approach to helping him heal. She’s a schooled and certified Healing Touch Practitioner for animals and people. She’s trained to assist with surgeries, injuries, wound healing and illness, reduce anxiety, address behavioral issues and more. And since she can’t tell Rigel to take a load off and sit still, she’s doing all she can to help him recover as quickly as possible.
Age-old Insight
Centuries ago, enlightened cultures knew how to heal the body using chakras and meridians — centers of energy that link the body and mind. Today we are beginning to understand the wisdom of these treatments.
Image Healing Touch is a holistic therapy that uses age-old techniques to balance and align the energy fields that surround the body. Our bodies and those of our dogs and other animals radiate, absorb, conduct and transmit this energy.
The theory is that by balancing the energy within and surrounding our bodies, we facilitate physical and psychological health, healing and well being. In the case of Rigel’s surgery, the balance of energy contributes to increased circulation, muscle relaxation, the release of toxins, an enhanced immune system and a body primed for and receptive to healing.
Yellow Labrador Star ruptured the cranial cruciate ligament in both hind legs, requiring the identical surgery twice in a six-month period (tibial plateau leveling osteotamy known as TPLO). Both TPLO operations were handled by the same surgical team in the same veterinary hospital, yet recovery the second time around was easier and faster.
“The only difference in treatment the second time was the therapy Shari performed, said Star’s owner, Denise Iannatuono. “But the difference in Star was absolutely incredible.”
After asking for Denise’s permission, Shari “went into Star’s energy field” through a process she uses to conduct distance work. She concentrated on helping the dog prepare for and receive the surgery, seal the wound, manage the pain and heal.
Partnership with Medicine
Shari emphasizes that Healing Touch works in partnership with conventional healthcare. “It does not replace traditional medical or veterinary care, medical diagnosis or medical treatment, nor do we prescribe medications or perform surgery. What it does do is add a non-invasive, gentle, compassionate treatment to the range of options for patient care,” she said.
The human medical community has recognized Healing Touch as an alternative treatment since 1989, and today more and more hospitals throughout the United States and the world have incorporated this therapy into their patient care systems. Healing Touch for Animals® (HTA) was founded by Carol Komitor, a certified massage therapist, certified hospital-based massage therapist, equine sport massage therapist and veterinary technician for 13 years.
Rigel was prepped for surgery early in the morning, but he was fifth in line, so he had a long waiting period. Every hour, the vet’s staff sprayed him with essential oils of rose and lavender provided by Shari, keeping anxiety levels down for the dog and the veterinary staff, too. Before, during and following surgery, Shari used her skills to enhance the surgery’s success.
“He had a tough time at first with the pain medications,” Shari said. She introduced pain management techniques to make him more comfortable and energy work to make it easier for his body to accept the medications. At his follow-up check, the vet tech said Rigel’s range of motion was a little better than normal.
Modern Applications
Image Non-traditional holistic treatments sometimes generate questions and skepticism from people who want cold, hard proof that they work. For the past 10 years, medical centers and hospitals have conducted research that is proving that Healing Touch has much more than a placebo effect.
For example, Stanford University is currently running a clinical trial with breast cancer patients to test whether energy therapy can reduce the strong side effects of chemotherapy. The National Institutes of Health has studied the treatment’s impact on healing. Other hospitals are considering whether treatments help pre- and post-cardiac patients.
When it comes to our dogs, the proof is in the pudding. HTA reports that the therapy has reduced anxiety and stress, helped mitigate emotional traumas, prepared dogs and horses for competition and aided in preparation for medical treatments and with follow-up care.
“After her first surgery, Star was barely functioning for several days,” said Denise. “When we picked her up from the vet the second time, she immediately tried to jump into the truck. The first night, I slept on the first floor with her. When I woke during the night, she was missing. I frantically searched the entire first floor. Then I heard the thump of a wagging tail coming from my second floor landing. I could not believe that she was able to walk up a full flight of stairs to the second floor.”
Shari started her schooling for Healing Touch for Animals in 1999, taking classes and participating in an elaborate certification program. She’s the eleventh person to earn certification in HTA and abides by a strict code of ethics. In addition to studying and working with people and animals, she volunteers at a veterinary hospital. She works with pre- and post-op patients, calms puppies at their first vet visits and soothes dogs and their owners during the euthanasia process.
“I’ve always had an extremely strong connection with my dogs,” said Shari. In 1990, Shari and her husband helped found National Capital Therapy Dogs, Inc. (NCTD), the local affiliate of the Delta Society to share the human-animal bond with patients in healthcare facilities.
“I enjoy working with animals. They are energetically clean and pure, and they give me a very clear message when they’re finished with the treatment,” said Shari. “The joy comes when I see the positive outcomes we achieve by including Healing Touch in a patient’s treatment plan.”
Learn More About Healing Touch
Shari Sternberger is a certified Healing Touch Practitioner for animals and people with a private practice in Highland. You can learn more about what she does by visiting her website, www.elementsofenergy.com .
To learn more about Healing Touch for Animals, go to www.healingtouchforanimals.com .
If you’re interested in Healing Touch for people, visit the Healing Touch ProgramTM site at www.healingtouchprogram.com .
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Study Of The Effects Of Healing Touch Therapy
Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine News
Study Of The Effects Of Healing Touch Therapy
Main Category: Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
Article Date: 02 Jul 2008 - 1:00 PDT
Often, a gentle hand on your shoulder when you're upset is all it takes to ease your mind and calm your nerves.
Now, UC researchers are looking at a similar occurrence by pairing a complementary therapy known as Healing Touch with mild sedation to see if the technique truly calms patients undergoing minor procedures.
Healing Touch is a series of techniques that balance energy for wholeness within a person's body, mind and soul. It is an energy therapy that can be used in conjunction with other traditional medical treatments.
Nathan Schmulewitz, MD, the lead author of this investigator-initiated study and assistant professor of digestive diseases, says people undergoing procedures often have problems falling asleep because of anxiety.
Schmulewitz specializes in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), a technique for imaging and accessing deep structures in the chest and abdomen which are near the GI tract. EUS is used as a screening tool for cancer or other suspicious polyps.
He says if a patient is unable to fall asleep with intravenous sedation, it might be necessary to use stronger anesthesia which is expensive and not often covered by insurance companies.
"In addition, stronger sedation can prolong recovery for the patient and can cause slight amnesia following the procedure," Schmulewitz says.
This study is looking at whether coupling Healing Touch with mild sedation prior to an EUS procedure can help relax patients, avoiding problems with anesthesia and making the procedure run more smoothly.
Judy Bowers, a nurse at University Hospital, Healing Touch practitioner and co-author of the study, has been doing this therapy for about seven years and has administered it to over 40 patients involved in this study.
"By restoring balance within the energy system, you create an optimal environment for healing," Bowers says. "This is complementary medicine, not alternative medicine, so it can be easily incorporated in a medical model."
Although there are many healing touch therapies, this study is only looking at three: the Chakra Connection, which facilitates movement of energy from one energy center to another, Magnetic Clearing, which clears the field of congested energy, and Mind Clearing, which involves a light touch on the face, head and neck.
As part of the study, a third party calls the patient two days after the procedure to ask a number of questions about how Healing Touch affected the patient during the EUS and recovery.
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The results are being analyzed, but Bowers says she's observed some fairly positive responses.
"Some of the patients are asleep before they even receive the intravenous sedation," she says, noting that she stays with patients throughout the procedure in order to continue sharing her energy with them and maintaining the balance.
Schmulewitz says if the results are positive, this could be an inexpensive, effective way to reduce costs and improve care at University Hospital.
"It will be a fairly easy way to enhance patient care with acceptable and specific means and without increased risk of injury," he says.
----------------------------
Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
----------------------------
Source: Katie Pence
University of Cincinnati
Study Of The Effects Of Healing Touch Therapy
Main Category: Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
Article Date: 02 Jul 2008 - 1:00 PDT
Often, a gentle hand on your shoulder when you're upset is all it takes to ease your mind and calm your nerves.
Now, UC researchers are looking at a similar occurrence by pairing a complementary therapy known as Healing Touch with mild sedation to see if the technique truly calms patients undergoing minor procedures.
Healing Touch is a series of techniques that balance energy for wholeness within a person's body, mind and soul. It is an energy therapy that can be used in conjunction with other traditional medical treatments.
Nathan Schmulewitz, MD, the lead author of this investigator-initiated study and assistant professor of digestive diseases, says people undergoing procedures often have problems falling asleep because of anxiety.
Schmulewitz specializes in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), a technique for imaging and accessing deep structures in the chest and abdomen which are near the GI tract. EUS is used as a screening tool for cancer or other suspicious polyps.
He says if a patient is unable to fall asleep with intravenous sedation, it might be necessary to use stronger anesthesia which is expensive and not often covered by insurance companies.
"In addition, stronger sedation can prolong recovery for the patient and can cause slight amnesia following the procedure," Schmulewitz says.
This study is looking at whether coupling Healing Touch with mild sedation prior to an EUS procedure can help relax patients, avoiding problems with anesthesia and making the procedure run more smoothly.
Judy Bowers, a nurse at University Hospital, Healing Touch practitioner and co-author of the study, has been doing this therapy for about seven years and has administered it to over 40 patients involved in this study.
"By restoring balance within the energy system, you create an optimal environment for healing," Bowers says. "This is complementary medicine, not alternative medicine, so it can be easily incorporated in a medical model."
Although there are many healing touch therapies, this study is only looking at three: the Chakra Connection, which facilitates movement of energy from one energy center to another, Magnetic Clearing, which clears the field of congested energy, and Mind Clearing, which involves a light touch on the face, head and neck.
As part of the study, a third party calls the patient two days after the procedure to ask a number of questions about how Healing Touch affected the patient during the EUS and recovery.
javascript:void(0)
The results are being analyzed, but Bowers says she's observed some fairly positive responses.
"Some of the patients are asleep before they even receive the intravenous sedation," she says, noting that she stays with patients throughout the procedure in order to continue sharing her energy with them and maintaining the balance.
Schmulewitz says if the results are positive, this could be an inexpensive, effective way to reduce costs and improve care at University Hospital.
"It will be a fairly easy way to enhance patient care with acceptable and specific means and without increased risk of injury," he says.
----------------------------
Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
----------------------------
Source: Katie Pence
University of Cincinnati
Healing Touch Augments Radiation Therapy
R E S E A R C H
Healing Touch Augments Radiation Therapy
Healing Touch can decrease pain, improve vitality and increase physical functioning in women undergoing radiation for gynecological or breast cancer, according to recent research.
“Healing Touch and Quality of Life in Women Receiving Radiation Treatment for Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial” was conducted by staff at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, and the School of Social Service, St. Louis University, in St. Louis, Missouri.
The study involved 62 women receiving radiation treatment for newly diagnosed gynecological or breast cancer. The women were randomly assigned to receive either Healing Touch or mock treatment, along with standard care, and were blind to their actual group assignment.
Subjects in both groups received a total of six 30-minute sessions; each one took place immediately after radiation treatment. The first session happened no more than one-third of the way through the radiation schedule. The next four sessions happened on a weekly basis, and the last session was given four weeks later.
During the sessions, subjects laid fully clothed on a massage table. A three-by-three-foot opaque screen was placed between the subject’s head and her body so she could not see who was providing the session or what they were doing.
Each Healing Touch session consisted of four phases: healer preparation, such as centering; pretreatment energetic assessment; Healing Touch intervention; and post-treatment energetic assessment.
The mock treatments were provided by laypeople with no training in or knowledge of Healing Touch. These people were instructed to walk around the table and stand at the end of it, keep their hands by their sides, and not focus any thoughts on the subject, but to think of simple math problems.
The study’s primary outcome measure was health-related quality of life, which was assessed before and after the study using the SF-36, a 36-item questionnaire from the Medical Outcomes Study at the Rand Corporation. The SF-36 measures nine health-related areas, such as bodily pain, general mental health, vitality, and limitations in social activities due to physical or emotional problems. Scores range from zero to 100, and higher scores are associated with better functioning.
The overall average score for all subjects at baseline was 53. After intervention, the Healing Touch group had an overall average score of 63.3, whereas the mock-treatment group had an overall average score of 54.3.
The Healing Touch group scored higher than the mock-treatment group in all nine areas of the health-related quality-of-life assessment. Subjects in the Healing Touch group showed statistically significant improvements in pain, vitality and physical functioning.
“Subjects who received Healing Touch demonstrated better [health-related quality of life] following radiation treatment than their counterparts who received mock treatment,” state the study’s authors. “The significant effects of [Healing Touch] on vitality, pain and physical functioning in this study lend support to the potential value of [Healing Touch] in improving the health-related quality of life of women with gynecological or breast cancer who undergo radiation therapy.”
- Source: Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, and the School of Social Service, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri. Authors: Cynthia A. Loveland Cook, Ph.D., R.N.; Joanne F. Guerrerio, R.N.; and Victoria E. Slater, Ph.D., R.N. Originally published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 2004, Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 34-40.
Healing Touch Augments Radiation Therapy
Healing Touch can decrease pain, improve vitality and increase physical functioning in women undergoing radiation for gynecological or breast cancer, according to recent research.
“Healing Touch and Quality of Life in Women Receiving Radiation Treatment for Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial” was conducted by staff at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, and the School of Social Service, St. Louis University, in St. Louis, Missouri.
The study involved 62 women receiving radiation treatment for newly diagnosed gynecological or breast cancer. The women were randomly assigned to receive either Healing Touch or mock treatment, along with standard care, and were blind to their actual group assignment.
Subjects in both groups received a total of six 30-minute sessions; each one took place immediately after radiation treatment. The first session happened no more than one-third of the way through the radiation schedule. The next four sessions happened on a weekly basis, and the last session was given four weeks later.
During the sessions, subjects laid fully clothed on a massage table. A three-by-three-foot opaque screen was placed between the subject’s head and her body so she could not see who was providing the session or what they were doing.
Each Healing Touch session consisted of four phases: healer preparation, such as centering; pretreatment energetic assessment; Healing Touch intervention; and post-treatment energetic assessment.
The mock treatments were provided by laypeople with no training in or knowledge of Healing Touch. These people were instructed to walk around the table and stand at the end of it, keep their hands by their sides, and not focus any thoughts on the subject, but to think of simple math problems.
The study’s primary outcome measure was health-related quality of life, which was assessed before and after the study using the SF-36, a 36-item questionnaire from the Medical Outcomes Study at the Rand Corporation. The SF-36 measures nine health-related areas, such as bodily pain, general mental health, vitality, and limitations in social activities due to physical or emotional problems. Scores range from zero to 100, and higher scores are associated with better functioning.
The overall average score for all subjects at baseline was 53. After intervention, the Healing Touch group had an overall average score of 63.3, whereas the mock-treatment group had an overall average score of 54.3.
The Healing Touch group scored higher than the mock-treatment group in all nine areas of the health-related quality-of-life assessment. Subjects in the Healing Touch group showed statistically significant improvements in pain, vitality and physical functioning.
“Subjects who received Healing Touch demonstrated better [health-related quality of life] following radiation treatment than their counterparts who received mock treatment,” state the study’s authors. “The significant effects of [Healing Touch] on vitality, pain and physical functioning in this study lend support to the potential value of [Healing Touch] in improving the health-related quality of life of women with gynecological or breast cancer who undergo radiation therapy.”
- Source: Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, and the School of Social Service, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri. Authors: Cynthia A. Loveland Cook, Ph.D., R.N.; Joanne F. Guerrerio, R.N.; and Victoria E. Slater, Ph.D., R.N. Originally published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 2004, Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 34-40.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Young Living Essential Oils
Contact Information
Brandi Rainey, Director of Marketing Communications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Essential Oils Enhance Integrated Medical Efforts
Lehi, Utah—As the general population turns to alternative health care, holistic practices such as yoga, tai chi, meditation, and massage therapy are becoming increasingly popular. An ideal way to support and maximize the benefits of such practices is by using Young Living's therapeutic-grade essential oils. Known for their stress relieving, muscle soothing, and mind clarifying qualities, Young Living essential oils can add balance and harmony to any daily routine.
A year ago, Gillian Keiper founded the Concentric Healing Institute, also known as CHI, in Boulder, Colorado. As a private occupational school, all programs must be approved by the Colorado Department of Higher Education's Division of Private Occupational Schools. Here, massage therapy, qigong, esthetics, aromatherapy, and reiki are practiced using Young Living's essential oils. According to Keiper, “I find that when you add oils, it enhances all the treatments we have in the school.”
As a licensed esthetician, reflexology, and reiki master, Keiper leaves oils sitting out for students to use freely so they can better understand the effects of the oils. In massage therapy, whether it's a Japanese foot massage, deep circulatory massage, or hot stone treatment, essential oils are incorporated into the practice. Stones, for example, are soaked in hot water infused with oils. Clients who come in are asked about how they are feeling that particular day. Based on their response, the appropriate oils are selected for use in therapy. “The Swedish massage is wonderful, but when we give them Peace & Calming® oil blend, it just enhances the treatment,” says Keiper.
Even esthetics facials are infused with essential oils. A typical treatment begins with towels soaked in peppermint oil that are placed on the feet as part of a cleansing ritual. Energy work, or reiki, follows. Using Young Living's oil-enhanced skincare products, the face is cleansed and then steamed using a fragrant oil such as lavender, which is saturated with various soothing properties. A gentle facial massage is performed and then a mask is applied. When the mask is removed, a towel soaked in essential oils is placed on the face. Young Living's Essential Beauty Serums are combined with a vitamin oil and applied to the skin. Clients are then given a light treatment. Red light is good for stimulating collagen while blue light is ideal for acne-prone skin. Qigong, a traditional form of Chinese medicine, utilizes various breathing patterns and physical postures to promote general health maintenance. Meditation is part of this process and includes the incorporation of essential oils to increase focus and foster relaxation. An aromatherapy program to be launched in July headed by Chalyce Saunders will utilize Young Living's essential oils in daily instruction.
“In our classes, we use the Everyday Oils pack right now. In addition to that, we use wintergreen, lemongrass, and Believe oils. I've had really good success with those who have muscle trauma,” says Saunders. Holistic practices such as aromatherapy and massage therapy are becoming popular for several reasons. According to Saunders, “The benefits are way better than the alternatives we have now. You can use them on your children, on your animals; you can use them internally without having to worry about the side effects. It's a form of alternative care.” Keiper adds, “You don't just treat the symptom, you treat the whole body in holistic fashion. That's what we do.” Currently, free classes are being offered at CHI about how to use the oils and the benefits the oils produce. As Saunders points out, “People are starting to realize that people are not getting the results they need and want. With the essentials oils they are.”
Brandi Rainey, Director of Marketing Communications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Essential Oils Enhance Integrated Medical Efforts
Lehi, Utah—As the general population turns to alternative health care, holistic practices such as yoga, tai chi, meditation, and massage therapy are becoming increasingly popular. An ideal way to support and maximize the benefits of such practices is by using Young Living's therapeutic-grade essential oils. Known for their stress relieving, muscle soothing, and mind clarifying qualities, Young Living essential oils can add balance and harmony to any daily routine.
A year ago, Gillian Keiper founded the Concentric Healing Institute, also known as CHI, in Boulder, Colorado. As a private occupational school, all programs must be approved by the Colorado Department of Higher Education's Division of Private Occupational Schools. Here, massage therapy, qigong, esthetics, aromatherapy, and reiki are practiced using Young Living's essential oils. According to Keiper, “I find that when you add oils, it enhances all the treatments we have in the school.”
As a licensed esthetician, reflexology, and reiki master, Keiper leaves oils sitting out for students to use freely so they can better understand the effects of the oils. In massage therapy, whether it's a Japanese foot massage, deep circulatory massage, or hot stone treatment, essential oils are incorporated into the practice. Stones, for example, are soaked in hot water infused with oils. Clients who come in are asked about how they are feeling that particular day. Based on their response, the appropriate oils are selected for use in therapy. “The Swedish massage is wonderful, but when we give them Peace & Calming® oil blend, it just enhances the treatment,” says Keiper.
Even esthetics facials are infused with essential oils. A typical treatment begins with towels soaked in peppermint oil that are placed on the feet as part of a cleansing ritual. Energy work, or reiki, follows. Using Young Living's oil-enhanced skincare products, the face is cleansed and then steamed using a fragrant oil such as lavender, which is saturated with various soothing properties. A gentle facial massage is performed and then a mask is applied. When the mask is removed, a towel soaked in essential oils is placed on the face. Young Living's Essential Beauty Serums are combined with a vitamin oil and applied to the skin. Clients are then given a light treatment. Red light is good for stimulating collagen while blue light is ideal for acne-prone skin. Qigong, a traditional form of Chinese medicine, utilizes various breathing patterns and physical postures to promote general health maintenance. Meditation is part of this process and includes the incorporation of essential oils to increase focus and foster relaxation. An aromatherapy program to be launched in July headed by Chalyce Saunders will utilize Young Living's essential oils in daily instruction.
“In our classes, we use the Everyday Oils pack right now. In addition to that, we use wintergreen, lemongrass, and Believe oils. I've had really good success with those who have muscle trauma,” says Saunders. Holistic practices such as aromatherapy and massage therapy are becoming popular for several reasons. According to Saunders, “The benefits are way better than the alternatives we have now. You can use them on your children, on your animals; you can use them internally without having to worry about the side effects. It's a form of alternative care.” Keiper adds, “You don't just treat the symptom, you treat the whole body in holistic fashion. That's what we do.” Currently, free classes are being offered at CHI about how to use the oils and the benefits the oils produce. As Saunders points out, “People are starting to realize that people are not getting the results they need and want. With the essentials oils they are.”
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
University of MN article - What is Healing Touch
Healing Touch is an "energy therapy" that uses gentle hand techniques thought to help re-pattern the patient's energy field and accelerate healing of the body, mind, and spirit.
Healing Touch is based on the belief that human beings are fields of energy that are in constant interaction with others and the environment. The goal of Healing Touch is to purposefully use the energetic interaction between the Healing Touch practitioner and the patient to restore harmony to the patient's energy system.
In a Healing Touch session, the practitioner begins with a centering process to calm the mind, access a sense of compassion, and become fully present with the patient. The practitioner then focuses intention on the patient's highest good and places his or her hands lightly on the patient's body or makes sweeping hands motions above the body.
Healing Touch practitioners believe that this process balances and realigns energy flow that has been disrupted by stress, pain, or illness. The process eliminates blockages in the energy field so that the patient is in an optimal state for healing to occur.
Healing Touch
Healing Touch complements other healing techniques a patient may already be using, including conventional medical practice in hospitals, clinics and in-home care, or other body-mind oriented therapies such as massage, guided imagery, music therapy, acupressure, biofeedback, and psychotherapy. It is not intended as a cure.
What are energy therapies?
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), this category of complementary therapies involves the use of various types of energy fields. In general, the goal of energy therapies is to bring energy into the patient or balance the energy within a patient.
There are many kinds of energy therapies, some which use treatments such as light, sound, and magnets. These treatments are relatively easy to measure. Other kinds of energy therapies, such as Healing Touch, Reiki, Qigong, and therapeutic touch, are "intended to affect energy fields that purportedly surround and penetrate the human body." These therapies cannot be as easily measured or researched.
Even though the results of these therapies have not been measured quantitatively in a reliable way, some new instruments, such as the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) are showing promise for research with energy therapies.
Moreover, and importantly, many of the techniques used in energy therapies come from practices in shamanistic and Asian traditions with thousands of years of use. For example, more than 2,000 years ago, Asian healers believed that the flow and balance of life energies were important in maintaining health, and that illnesses were due to energy imbalances. They developed therapies and practices, such as acupuncture, yoga, and Qigong to correct these imbalances. Modern energy therapies such as Healing Touch are based on the same principles.
Where does healing touch come from?
Janet MentgenHealing Touch was developed as a touch therapy program by Janet Mentgen, a nurse who has used energy-based care in her practice in Colorado since 1980. Mentgen and some of her colleagues developed a training program that incorporated the techniques of many well-known healers, as well as concepts borrowed from ancient shamanic and aboriginal healing traditions.
An evolving Healing Touch curriculum supports students in broadening and deepening their skills as energy healers as they move from the beginner to advanced level.
References
Engebretson, J., Wardell, D. (2007). Energy-based modalities. Nursing Clinics of North America, 42, 243-259.
Hutchison, P. (1999). Healing touch. An energetic approach. American Journal of Nursing, 4, 43-8.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Energy Medicine: An Overview. Retrieved February 2007, from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/backgrounds/energymed.htm.
Umbreit, A. (2006). Healing Touch. In Snyder, Mariah & Lindquist, Ruth (Eds.), Complementary/Alternative Therapies in Nursing (5th edition). New York: Springer Publishing Co.
Expert Contributor:
Marilyn Bach, MS, APRN, BC, CHTP
Healing Touch is based on the belief that human beings are fields of energy that are in constant interaction with others and the environment. The goal of Healing Touch is to purposefully use the energetic interaction between the Healing Touch practitioner and the patient to restore harmony to the patient's energy system.
In a Healing Touch session, the practitioner begins with a centering process to calm the mind, access a sense of compassion, and become fully present with the patient. The practitioner then focuses intention on the patient's highest good and places his or her hands lightly on the patient's body or makes sweeping hands motions above the body.
Healing Touch practitioners believe that this process balances and realigns energy flow that has been disrupted by stress, pain, or illness. The process eliminates blockages in the energy field so that the patient is in an optimal state for healing to occur.
Healing Touch
Healing Touch complements other healing techniques a patient may already be using, including conventional medical practice in hospitals, clinics and in-home care, or other body-mind oriented therapies such as massage, guided imagery, music therapy, acupressure, biofeedback, and psychotherapy. It is not intended as a cure.
What are energy therapies?
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), this category of complementary therapies involves the use of various types of energy fields. In general, the goal of energy therapies is to bring energy into the patient or balance the energy within a patient.
There are many kinds of energy therapies, some which use treatments such as light, sound, and magnets. These treatments are relatively easy to measure. Other kinds of energy therapies, such as Healing Touch, Reiki, Qigong, and therapeutic touch, are "intended to affect energy fields that purportedly surround and penetrate the human body." These therapies cannot be as easily measured or researched.
Even though the results of these therapies have not been measured quantitatively in a reliable way, some new instruments, such as the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) are showing promise for research with energy therapies.
Moreover, and importantly, many of the techniques used in energy therapies come from practices in shamanistic and Asian traditions with thousands of years of use. For example, more than 2,000 years ago, Asian healers believed that the flow and balance of life energies were important in maintaining health, and that illnesses were due to energy imbalances. They developed therapies and practices, such as acupuncture, yoga, and Qigong to correct these imbalances. Modern energy therapies such as Healing Touch are based on the same principles.
Where does healing touch come from?
Janet MentgenHealing Touch was developed as a touch therapy program by Janet Mentgen, a nurse who has used energy-based care in her practice in Colorado since 1980. Mentgen and some of her colleagues developed a training program that incorporated the techniques of many well-known healers, as well as concepts borrowed from ancient shamanic and aboriginal healing traditions.
An evolving Healing Touch curriculum supports students in broadening and deepening their skills as energy healers as they move from the beginner to advanced level.
References
Engebretson, J., Wardell, D. (2007). Energy-based modalities. Nursing Clinics of North America, 42, 243-259.
Hutchison, P. (1999). Healing touch. An energetic approach. American Journal of Nursing, 4, 43-8.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Energy Medicine: An Overview. Retrieved February 2007, from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/backgrounds/energymed.htm.
Umbreit, A. (2006). Healing Touch. In Snyder, Mariah & Lindquist, Ruth (Eds.), Complementary/Alternative Therapies in Nursing (5th edition). New York: Springer Publishing Co.
Expert Contributor:
Marilyn Bach, MS, APRN, BC, CHTP
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