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Aches and pains, cramps, discomforts and many other ailments can all come to an end. If those prescriptions and traditional medications aren't working, the solution for relief might be found in the form of alternative medicine. In the United States, people practice alternative medicine less frequently than in other nations, according to the book "Healing the Pain" by Diane Molving. In fact, in the United States, herbal remedies can not be sold as medicine, whereas in Europe, herbal medications are a part of the medical field. Alternative medicine is based on anecdotal evidence, not continuous testing and studying. Without this type of testing for safety and feasibility, these methods of treatment will remain separate from the Åmedicinal field in the United States. However, several forms of alternative medicine are becoming more and more popular in the United States. like massage therapy and chiropractic. In Oxford, several methods are available. Among these are reiki, herbal medicine and aromatherapy. Each of these practices has a history that surpasses their use in the United States. There are also specialists in each field that are willing to aid people in the fields of reiki, aromatherapy, and herbal medicine. In addition, each of these have the ability to assist just about everyone in leading a healthier, happier life.
REIKI The practice of reiki (pronounced ray-key) began in Japan. Dr. Mikao Usui was trying to explain the unexplainable when he came across the universal energy. This energy, reiki, is the life force for all things. Usui worked with reiki and asked Chujiro Hayshi to trav el with him. Hayshi accepted this offer and began to learn the practice of reiki. At the beginning of World War II, he taught the principles of the universal energy to Hawayo Takata. Takata would introduce reiki to the United States in the 1930s. Reiki is a "good, pure-loving kind of energy," said Gail Doorenbos of La Boheme. She described reiki as one of the most terrific experiences of her life. The Reiki One website explains that reiki is similar to recharging a battery. When a battery is low, there is little energy. When a person's energy, or universal life force, is low, reiki can help restore it. This will help a person run on a full battery and help them to be in their best health and spirits. |
Reiki is intended to assist in recharging one's energy, but not it is not intended to replace other means of medicine. Like other alternative medicines, it allows a person to be more responsible for their healing and well-being. A full session of reiki will last about an hour to an hour and a half. It is non toxic and has no side effects, said Doorenbos. These sessions do not require a licensed practitioner, but the person performing reiki should have some training. There are three levels of training in reiki. The first degree teaches a person how to use the universal energy without taking away his or her own energy. The second degree teaches other ways to use reiki, such as practicing reiki from a distance. After completing the third degree, a person will be a reiki master. This allows him or her to teach the art of reiki. After each degree is completed, the student should be given a certificate by the reiki master. When looking for a practitioner, look for this certificate to be sure the reiki practitioner has finished some level of training.
HERBAL MEDICINE Much of Eastern medicine is based upon herbal medicine. Herbal medicine, sometimes called phytomedicine, has existed for a long time around the world. "Wherever people have lived, they relied on the plant world for substances that would provide relief for illness and injury," according to "Healing the Pain." Herbal medicine is just that, using parts of plants to help provide relief and improve one's health. "It helps people take more responsibility for their own health. Herbs are generally balancing, " Doorenbos said. The flu, aches and pains, diabetes, PMS and nail fungus are a few examples of ailments with which herbs can be useful. Herbs may take a while to prove helpful, and won't always cure everything. Herbal medicines come in various forms. They can be found fresh or dried, as tinctures or ointments, capsules and more. They can be used in teas or also in aromatherapy. The side effects are usually minimal. However, some herbs should not be mixed. See an herbal practitioner when attempting to use more than one herbal remedy. A practitioner can also aid in choosing the best herb for an illness, pain or injury. Some people also need to be cautious of possible allergic reactions, according to Doorenbos. Only a few states require licensing for this kind of practice according to Doorenbos. Mississippi is not regulated at this point in time, she said. "When going to someone you want to know their credentials, what they've done," she said.
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| **Article by Mica Foret for Oxford Health and Fitness,August/September 1999 | ||
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2000 Gail Doorenbos. All rights reserved. |
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