Holistic

Asthma – Complementary Self Help

Posted on by Holistichealthcarewx

Asthma

Roughly 34 million Americans now have asthma, about 7 million to 8 million of which are children. Asthma is behind 12.8 million missed school days and 10.1 million missed work days in the U.S every single year. In addition, asthma costs the U.S. about $14.7 billion a year in medical costs, prescription drugs and lost productivity — leading many people to search for home remedies for asthma.

Here’s something that might surprise you: Although asthma medications can help control symptoms in the case of an emergency attack, they can actually sometimes make asthma symptoms even worse long term. Most asthma medications also have a host of side effects due to how they affect the endocrine system and the immune system. Research shows some asthma drugs might contribute to problems including mood changes, acne, yeast growth and weight gain — plus over time they might hinder normal immune functions that make allergic and asthmatic reactions more frequent.

What are some effective, holistic ways of treating asthma that can help prevent attacks instead? Home remedies for asthma that don’t require taking prescription medications or even using inhalers include limiting irritant exposure, reducing food allergies, improving gut health, supplementing with vitamin D or getting more naturally from the sun, and maintaining a healthy weight.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a condition characterized by difficulty breathing and narrowing of the airways leading to the lungs (including the nose, nasal passageways, mouth and larynx). In people who have asthma or allergies, the blocked or inflamed airways that cause asthma symptoms can usually be cleared with help from certain lifestyle changes and treatments.

Asthma is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is also related to allergies, whether seasonal/environmental or food-related. A characteristic of asthma is that symptoms tend to occur suddenly in response to stimuli that irritate the immune system and air passageways, which is described as having an asthma “attack.”

Following are home remedies for asthma that can help treat this often inhibiting condition.

Home Remedies for Asthma

1. Best Foods for Treating Asthma

Eating a healthy diet supplies asthma sufferers with antioxidants and nutrients to combat environmental toxins, control inflammatory responses and reduce dietary triggers. Eating a wide variety of foods can ensure that you or your child gets all the nutrients needed to support strong immunity. There have been numerous studies that show consuming the right foods can be the one of the best home remedies for asthma.

Some of the most beneficial foods to include in your asthma diet plan are:

• Brightly coloured carotenoid foods: This compound gives fruit and vegetables their orange or red colour and can help reduce asthma attacks. Carotenoids are the basis of vitamin A, which is involved in the maintenance of healthy mucous membranes that line the air passageways. Severity of asthma correlates with low vitamin A, so increase your intake of things like root veggies, sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy greens and berries. A study of 68,000 women showed that those who ate more tomatoes, carrots and leafy greens had much lower rates of asthma and that people prone to asthma tended to have low levels of circulating carotenoids in their blood.

• Foods with folate (vitamin B9): Folate reduces allergic reactions and inflammation. It might be capable of lowering wheezing by regulating inflammatory processes as well. High-folate foods include green leafy vegetables, beans and nuts.

• Vitamin E and vitamin C foods: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and helps detoxify the body, which is why some research suggests that consuming more vitamin C reduces wheezing and inflammation. Vitamin C is found is leafy greens, citrus fruits, cruciferous veggies and berries. Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant found in nuts, seeds and healthy plant oils.

• Foods with magnesium: Low levels of magnesium are associated with increased risk of developing asthma, and increasing magnesium has been shown to reduce severity of asthma attacks and symptoms like muscle-spasm anxiety. It’s been found that magnesium can induce bronchial smooth muscle relaxation and allow air to get into and out of the lungs more easily. Sources include greens, nuts, seeds, beans, cocoa and certain ancient grains.

• Broccoli, broccoli sprouts, Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables: These contain many antioxidants and a key compound called sulforaphane. Researchers from UCLA state, “A major advantage of sulforaphane is that it appears to increase a broad array of antioxidant enzymes, which may help the compound’s effectiveness in blocking the harmful effects of air pollution. We found a two-to-three-fold increase in antioxidant enzymes in the nasal airway cells of study participants who had eaten a preparation of broccoli sprouts. This strategy may offer protection against inflammatory processes and could lead to potential treatments for a variety of respiratory conditions.”

• Garlic, onions and mustard seeds: All are considered natural antimicrobials. They may help to fight bacterial infections and improve overall immune health. They also contain the antioxidant called quercetin, which inhibits inflammation.

• Raw milk and cultured dairy: Raw dairy seems to protect children from developing asthma and hay fever symptoms. The healthy probiotics in raw milk strengthen the immune system, and research shows that probiotic foods improve digestion and help stop allergic reactions that occur as proteins and other allergens pass through the digestive lining.. Mothers can prevent their children from developing asthma if they ingest probiotics while pregnant or breast-feeding.

• Prebiotics and high-fibre foods: These plant fibres help us eliminate toxins and feed healthy probiotic bacteria. Whole grains, nuts, beans, seeds and raw vegetables are loaded with prebiotic materials and are great sources of fibre.

• Omega-3 is foods: These are mostly found in oily fish, such as mackerel, sardines, orange roughy, salmon, trout and tuna. Nuts and seeds can also provide a good dose. Omega-3s help lower the incidence of asthma significantly because they reduce airway inflammation and immune system reactivity. Foods with vitamin B5 (or pantothenic acid): It’s needed in larger quantities by asthmatics because they seem unable to utilize this vitamin correctly. It’s also been found that theophylline, a drug used to treat asthma, causes vitamin B5 deficiency. Pantothenic acid is also involved in adrenal function, and stress plays a large role in asthma.

2. Avoid Foods that Can Make Asthma Worse

There are many ways in which processed and refined foods contribute to asthma. Lack of fibre reduces probiotic bacteria, depletes stomach acid and hinders proper digestion. The lack of nutrients in these foods stresses the entire body and makes it less able to neutralize toxins. The lack of fresh fruit and vegetables in the Western diet contributes to high levels of inflammation, deficiencies and overall poor nutrition.

Foods to reduce or eliminate from your diet include conventional dairy, added sugar, trans fats or refined oils, gluten, and processed carbohydrates. Here’s why avoiding these foods should be utilized along with other home remedies for asthma:

• Children who eat foods fried in refined/processed vegetable oils and consume hydrogenated fats are much more likely to have asthma. These trans fats contribute to the presence of dangerous free radicals in the body.

• Children who are bottle-fed with powdered and pasteurized infant formulas are significantly more at risk of developing asthma and allergies than those who are breast-fed.

• The high sugar content in many processed foods contributes to the overgrowth of yeast or candida albicans. Yeast can be a trigger itself, but worse, it steals valuable nutrients from the digestive tract.

• Hidden food allergies are often triggers for asthma attacks. The most common food allergies are to pasteurized milk products, gluten, soy, eggs and nuts. Wheat gluten and soy are present in a wide variety of foods. They hide on labels as hydrolysed vegetable protein, lecithin, starch and vegetable oil.

• Food preservatives and food colouring can trigger asthma attacks. Avoid MSG, tartrazine (yellow food dye), sulphites and sulphur dioxide, to name just a few.

• Avoid animal products treated with hormones and antibiotics as well as pasteurized foods and drinks. Farm-raised fish is laden with these chemicals and has high mercury levels that correlate with increased incidence of asthma.

3. Supplements for Asthma (Especially Vitamin D)

Another rising star in home remedies for asthma is vitamin D, which seems to slow declining lung function and supports immune health. It also stops lung “remodelling,” the narrowing of breathing passages over time. Calcitriol, the form of vitamin D we make in the body, is a natural anti-inflammatory, yet many people are chronically ;ow vitamin D due to spending less time outside and eating low-nutrient diets. The daily recommended dose is about 600 international units for adults, which can be obtained through a combination of sun exposure and a healthy diet.

Recently, a study published in the Cochran Database of Systematic Reviews, which tested 435 children and 658 adults with mild to moderate asthma, found that those taking vitamin D supplements experienced fewer severe asthma attacks, required less use of oral steroids for treatment and also reduced their risk of needing to be hospitalized for acute asthma attacks.

Other supplements that can help lower attacks and symptoms include:

• Vitamins C: Increases immunity and acts like an antioxidant, reducing free radical damage and inflammation.

• B vitamins: Help support cognitive functions and immune health. Vitamin B3 and vitamin B12 have been found to be low in asthma patients but are nutrients that lower antihistamine levels and reduce wheezing.

• Zinc: Supports adrenal health and aids the body in coping with stress, which has been tied to worsened asthma symptoms.

• Magnesium: Can help reduce asthma symptom severity, including pain, anxiety and emotional stress.

4. Essential Oils for Treating Asthma Symptoms

Many people with asthma frequently cough, wheeze and have trouble breathing, all of which essential oils — particularly essential oils for allergies — can help manage. As mucus (phlegm or sputum) or other substances accumulate in the airways, these symptoms kick in as reflexive actions that try to facilitate unobstructed breathing.

Try making a homemade vapor rub (see Essential Oils for Allergies) with eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil to open up airways. Frankincense oil can be used to lower inflammation and swollen lymph nodes, and lavender can be used to help mitigate symptoms, such as anxiety and mood changes.

5. Other Home Remedies for Asthma

Avoid Irritants Inside Your Home

There might not be much you can do about pollution outdoors, but minimizing pollutants in your home can greatly lessen susceptibility to outdoor asthma attacks. Believe it or not, the Environmental Protection Agency tells us our indoor environments are two to five times more toxic than our outdoor environments! Here are tips to help you remove many sources of irritants that are likely found in your home:

Try to keep a window open even during the winter to bring fresh air in. If you can afford it, use a heat recovery ventilator (air-to-air heat exchanger) to bring outside air in.

• Avoid second hand smoke from wood-burning stoves and cigarettes.

• Switch to natural cleaning products or use baking soda, lavender oil and vinegar to make your own. There are many simple recipes available online that can keep added chemicals out of your home and save you a bundle of money.

• Avoid antibacterial soaps and disinfectants.

• Avoid aerosols and petroleum-based ingredients in your health and beauty products. Instead use natural products made from essential oils.

• Use a dehumidifier in damp areas, and fix water leaks to reduce mold.

• Buy a water filter to remove chlorine from your tap water.

• Install flooring or carpets that you can vacuum beneath to reduce dust mites.

• Wash bedding weekly, and keep upholstery and carpets regularly vacuumed.

• Use sheets and pillow cases that are non-allergenic and don’t contain down or feathers.

• Keep furry friends out of the bedroom to limit the amount of pet hair you’re exposed to. Clean and brush pets regularly to remove some of their fur that can wind up around your home.

• Cockroaches are another asthma trigger, so speak with a professional exterminator if you suspect you might have some in your home.

Chiropractic Care for Asthma

Asthma has also been linked to a condition known as forward head posture (FHP). FHP occurs when your head shifts out in front of your body, and as a result the nerves in the lower part of your neck and upper part of your back from vertebrae T1-T4 become compressed and compromise lung function. To correct FHP, I recommend you seek the assistance of a corrective care chiropractic physician who can help improve your posture through chiropractic adjustments and spinal rehabilitation exercises. By retraining the spine and moving it back into its ideal alignment, pressure is taken off the nerves reaching out to the lungs.

Manage Stress

The Western lifestyle includes high degrees of emotional stress, and studies show that stress management techniques help reduce asthma severity. It’s well-known that stress increases the severity and frequency of asthmatic attacks because it hinders immune function and raises inflammation. In fact, studies show that roughly 67 percent or more of asthmatics have diminished adrenal capacity, increased anxiety and other mood disorders related to stress. Mood disorders are considered “adaptive diseases” — that is, they result from a person’s inability to deal with stress.

Try natural stress relievers, including massage, deep abdominal breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery and art therapies. These can all help reduce stress and give asthmatics the tools to modulate their stress responses. This lowers susceptibility to future attacks and lessens reliance on asthma drugs.

The British Guideline on the Management of Asthma recommends Buteyko and pranayama yoga (forms of deep breathing) for asthma management. A review of seven studies found that these breathing exercises reduce the severity and length of asthma attacks.

Exercise and Movement

A growing body of literature indicates that lifestyle changes in recent decades, specifically decreased physical activity and dietary changes, are key contributing factors causing an increase in asthma prevalence and severity. Obesity is linked to higher risk for asthma and other breathing problems, including sleep apnoea. Although vigorous exercise can sometimes cause symptoms in people who already have asthma, staying active is generally very beneficial for improving immune function, preventing obesity, dealing with stress and lowering inflammation.

Asthma Symptoms

Common symptoms and signs of asthma include:

• Sneezing and coughing

• Wheezing, including sounds emanating from your chest as you try to breath

• Running out of air as you try to speak or inhale

• Difficulty exercising

• Pressure and tightness in the chest

• During attacks it’s possible to show signs of poor circulation and oxygen, including having blue- or purple-coloured toes and fingers or skin changes

• Feeling lightheaded, dizzy and weak

• Symptoms of anxiety, such as sweating and rapid heartbeats

• Symptoms similar to those caused by allergies, such as watery and red eyes, itchy throat, or a runny nose — some people can look inside their throats or noses and see redness and swelling

• Swollen glands and puffy lymph nodes in the neck — sometimes people with asthma even feel like they’re choking

• Dry mouth, especially if you begin breathing through the mouth more often instead of the nose

What Causes Asthma?

There are many different theories about what causes asthma, but toxins and irritants (both from the environment and spending lots of time outdoors) are now recognized as primary root causes. Other factors that contribute to asthma development include poor nutrition, pollution, antibiotic abuse, possibly vaccines, autoimmune disorders, other medical disorders that affect the lungs, genetic susceptibility and high amounts of stress.

For some adults, asthma symptoms are caused by exposure to chemicals and pollution during work (dust, debris, etc.), known as “occupational asthma.” This accounts for about 15 percent of all asthma cases.

The Western lifestyle correlates with increased numbers of asthma sufferers, which is not surprising considering the poor diet quality and high-stress environment. Asthma is rare in remote areas of Asia and Africa but much more common in industrialized, Western nations where people commonly eat inflammatory, low-nutrient diets.

Risk factors for developing asthma include:

• Spending lots of time indoors: This can reduce someone’s ability to effectively build the immune system and also increases exposure to certain allergens or irritants that can accumulate indoors (like dust mites, mould spurs, pet hair and other microbes).

• A sedentary lifestyle

• Obesity, allergies and other medical conditions that affect the lungs and cause low immunity

• Sometimes childhood infections can affect lung tissue and cause the airways to narrow or become inflamed.

• Genetics: Studies show that asthma tends to run in families, although it usually isn’t completely genetically acquired.

• Poor posture: Compression of the lungs caused from poor posture might also contribute to symptoms.

• Exposure to environmental toxins: This can include fumes, pollution and chemicals released from construction sites.

Conventional Treatments for Asthma

Doctors use medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, “anti-IgE” drugs and inhalers (bronchodilators) to help control asthma attacks and prevent emergencies or complications. Most of these drugs can help open up the airways very quickly but have serious drawbacks as well. Some research even suggests that inhalant albuterol medications can alter genes in children and make future asthma attacks up to 30 percent more likely.

Dr. John Mills, chief of infectious diseases at San Francisco General, said, “Conventional drugs used for treating asthma, particularly steroids, can impair immune function and lead to more serious health problems. Doctors tell you that steroids (cortisone, prednisone) only cause side effects after many years. But new research shows that permanent damage is immediate and devastating. Studies show that steroids cause permanent, debilitating effects after a single dosage. Steroids are probably the most sleazy of modern day medications.” Here’s the good news: You can help treat asthma naturally by lowering environmental and dietary toxin intake, eating more nutrient-rich foods, addressing the nervous system’s role in lung functioning, and learning to better manage stress. All these home remedies for asthma come with little to no serious adverse side effects as well.

Precautions When Treating Asthma

If during an attack asthma medications aren’t able to help someone experience improvements immediately, then it’s important to visit the ER or call an ambulance right away. Although it’s rare, asthma attacks can sometimes become fatal, so being cautious is always best. Signs of a severe asthma attack that requires immediate intervention include a pale face, sweating, blue lips, very rapid heartbeat and inability to exhale.

If asthma symptoms ever start recurring multiple times per day, make sure to see your doctor. Also mention to your doctor if symptoms ever become frequent or severe enough to interrupt sleep, work, school or other normal day-to-day activities. Keep an eye out for side effects of medications or other signs of allergies, which might make asthma symptoms worse, including a very dry mouth, stuffy nose, dizziness, pains and a swollen tongue.

Final Thoughts on Home Remedies for Asthma

• Asthma is a condition that affects breathing, which is caused by narrowed airways (bronchospasm), a swollen or inflamed respiratory system, and abnormal immune system reactions.

• Common symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and pain or pressure in the chest.

• Risk factors and underlying contributors of asthma include an inflammatory/poor diet, low immune function, food or seasonal allergies, and exposure to household or environmental irritants.

Eliminating food allergies, spending more time outdoors, and avoiding exposure to pollution or irritants found inside the home are all home remedies for asthma symptoms.

Found this and wanted to share this very informative article.

Children’s Herbal Bath for Rashes and Hives

Hope you have found this article to be informative.

Thank you for taking the time reading this.

Warm Wishes,

Catherine W Dunne 05/03/2023 Ireland

Thymus and the significance of T-cells and Covid-19

Posted on by Holistichealthcarewx

By Rev. Dr. Catherine W Dunne MSc.D, RGN, WMA, ACHH, RGMT, RMP, RHP, Healing Minister, Reiki 20th Degree GMT, Lemurian Seed Reiki GMT, Chakra Master Practitioner, Master Pendulum Practitioner. Co-Founder of Aumvedas Academy and Teacher. Owner of Holistic Health Care Wexford. Author of Reiki Grandmaster Series Attunements numbers 19&20.

Thymus and the significance of T-cells and Covid-19

It is fascinating to learn that scientists are now regarding the emerging discovery of T-Cells as equally important to antibodies in the fight against Covid-19.

SCIENCE

Your thymus is a small gland in the lymphatic system that makes, and trains special white blood cells called T-cells. The T-cells help your immune system fight disease and infection. Your thymus gland produces most of your T-cells before birth. The rest are made in childhood, and you’ll have all the T-cells you need for life by the time you hit puberty.

What is the thymus?

The thymus is a small gland that’s part of your lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system is made up of a network of tissues, vessels, and organs such as your tonsils, spleen, and appendix. Your lymphatic system is a part of your immune system. It helps defend against infection and disease.

What does the thymus do?

The primary function of the thymus gland is to train special white blood cells called T-lymphocytes or T-cells. White blood cells (lymphocytes) travel from your bone marrow to your thymus. The lymphocytes mature and become specialized T-cells in your thymus.

After the T-cells have matured, they enter your bloodstream. They travel to your lymph nodes (groups of cells) and other organs in your lymphatic system, where they help your immune system fight disease and infection.

Your thymus gland is also part of your endocrine system. Your endocrine system makes and releases hormones that control the functions of your body. Your thymus produces and releases several hormones including:

  • Thymopoietin: fuels the production of T-cells and tells the pituitary gland to release hormones.
  • Thymosin and thymulin: help make specialized types of T-cells.
  • Thymic humoral factor: keeps your immune system working properly.

During what age is the thymus gland most active?

The thymus gland is most active during childhood. Your thymus actually starts making T-cells before you’re born. It keeps producing T-cells and you have all the T-cells you need by the time you reach puberty. After puberty, your thymus gland slowly starts to decrease in size and is replaced by fat.

ANATOMY

Where is the thymus located?

The location of your thymus gland is in your upper chest behind your breastbone (sternum). It sits between your lungs in a part of your chest called the mediastinum. Your thymus is just in front of and above your heart.

What does the thymus gland look like?

The thymus gland is pinkish grey. It is made up of two irregularly shaped parts (lobes). The lobes have lots of small bumps called lobules on the surface.

How big is the thymus gland?

The thymus gland is quite big in babies and children. It reaches its biggest weight of about 1 ounce during puberty. After puberty, it begins to shrink, and in older adults, it’s rather small.

CONDITIONS AND DISORDERS

There are disorders that can affect the thymus gland, but this is not the place to be listing them.

Many conditions and disorders can affect your thymus gland. The issues range from genetic disorders present at birth to diseases most commonly seen in adults.

Does this sacred gland hold the secret to overcoming Covid-19?

T-cells: the missing link in coronavirus immunity?

Scientists who have spent months focused on the role of antibodies in fighting Covid-19 are beginning to suspect that a lesser known part of the immune system is equally crucial: T-cells. Evidence is emerging that T-cells, which can “remember” past infections and kill pathogens if they reappear, have a big influence on how long patients remain resistant to reinfection by Covid-19. The cells, whose size and complexity dwarf tiny antibodies, also appear to affect how well vaccines work and even the level of immunity in the community required to suppress new waves of disease. “Antibodies do look slightly precarious and transient in the blood, while there is a lot of evidence that T-cells are long lasting,” said Mala Maini, professor of viral immunology at University College London. People who recovered from Sars, the disease most closely related to Covid-19, in 2003 still show cellular immunity to that coronavirus 17 years later. T-cells, which circulate in the blood, might protect people who have been infected and recovered from the new coronavirus but have no detectable antibodies shortly thereafter.

Immunity to any infection arises from a complicated interplay of different cells and proteins such as antibodies, which are produced in various human tissues. Some are designed to recognise invading germs. Others have the job of destroying them. T-cells come in several different types, including killer T-cells, helper T-cells and memory T-cells. Then there are B-cells — another essential category of white blood cell. Among other roles B-cells are the immune system’s antibody factories. Al Edwards, associate professor at Reading University’s School of Pharmacy, offers an analogy. “T-cells are tasting the virus whereas the antibodies are feeling the virus,” he said. “T-cells can promote antibody responses and antibody responses can promote a T-cell response. These two systems work together.”  “Even if you’re left with no detectable circulating antibodies, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have no protective immunity, because you are likely to have memory immune cells (B and T cells) that can rapidly kick into action to start up a new immune response if you re-encounter the virus,” added Prof Maini of UCL. “So you might well get a milder infection.”

Holistic Healthcare – TCM

T-Cells are produced in a small gland called the thymus, which sits just above the breastbone, on top of the heart. From the Western medical perspective, the thymus gland is linked to our lymphatic and immune systems, helping us to fight infection. It is especially active during childhood and then starts to deteriorate after adolescence. The thymus gland is also an important centre in the body’s meridian system, mapped out in ancient Chinese medicine, and the chakra energy centres in the subtle body.

The location of the thymus is also significant. It is positioned within the heart meridian, as well as the lesser-known higher heart chakra, representing the transpersonal aspect of the heart, unconditional divine love and compassion. It is therefore unsurprising that the thymus can hold a lifetime’s worth of unprocessed emotions such as anxiety, sadness, and grief, stuck in layers of the physical and energetic body and affecting our vibrational frequency.

Our ancestors knew the innate intelligence and wisdom of the sacred thymus! The ancient Chinese, Indian yogic, Egyptian, and Mayan traditions all recognised that to open our thymus is to open and infuse our lives with forgiveness, love, and compassion. For this reason, many of them performed special healing techniques and ceremonies to activate the thymus.

Thymus self-care is particularly important and potent at a time when the fear response is on high alert, and we encourage you to cleanse this energetic centre to optimise its function and stimulate the production of T-Cells.

The thymus is very sensitive to both positive and negative sounds, and sound therapy can help to restore balance to your chakra.

There are also a few simple practices that you can try at home to stimulate the flow of energy, move through blockages, and bring about harmony and equilibrium:

  1. If you have a singing bowl at home you can try lying down, placing the bowl directly on to your body and simply allowing the acoustic vibrations to move through your sternum.
  2. Practice Qigong  
  3. Try tapping on your energy meridians, particularly those directly under your collar bones (tip: these spots will probably feel sore if you press into them).
  4. Thymus patting/tapping: Using your fingertips or side of your fist, tap up and down and counter-clockwise, about 2-3 inches along your sternum, between and above your breasts. The thymus is located behind the third rib, but any vibrations along the length of the upper sternum will stimulate it. Do this for 15-20 seconds and continue to take regular slow breaths. Do 1-3 times a day or up to 4 during times of acute illness. It can be all you need to ward off a cold or illness as the thymus is stimulated to release all those infections fighting white blood cells.

Thymus and Heart Chakra

The Heart Chakra has been referred as the seat of the soul. The Heart Chakra represents unconditional Divine Love. Unconditional love is free of ego; therefore a healthy higher heart facilitates spiritual growth and deep inner transformation.

Opening our thymus chakra enhances our willingness to forgive and to show compassion. Unlocking it corresponds to flinging open a window for your soul to work through in the material world. Often, people who get in touch with their ascended heart will desire to hand its gifts on to others because, as receptacles of divine love, they also feel it flowing from them like water from a spring.

In our everyday lives we can connect to our heart, through sound through music, it reminds us of past love, events, memories, and moments that have captured our soul.

So, for a thriving thymus chakra, listen to music, sing like nobody is hearing, dance like nobody is watching or play a musical instrument.

In my Energy Healing treatments I hold space for healing, I use the divine  universal energy to restore depleted energy in my clients and restore vitality to each Chakra. It’s possible to dissolve blockages and become aligned once again with your true self.

Thank you for showing an interest.

Catherine

CWD Ireland 26/01/2023

Healing the Seven Chakras with Herbs

Posted on by Holistichealthcarewx

by Catherine W Dunne 06 Dec 2022 Ireland

Healing the Seven Chakras with Herbs

As you may know by now, my passion are the Chakras. There is so much to them that still have not yet been discovered.
Many of you are aware of vibrational medicine. For those of you not familiar with this, Vibrational Medicine is not just Sound Frequency therapy.
Everything around us is Energy. To quote Einstein, as I do in many of my online courses:

ENERGY = VIBRATION + FREQUENCY

Sound, colour, perfume, flavours, toxicity, potency, cells, matter, liquid, light, magnetism, air, living, dead, ….. all are a form of Energy.

Plants have been used as medicines for thousands of years to cure various ailments, gain wisdom and to help us connect with nature. There are scripts from 2500 BC about various plants and their healing properties. In India, there are several Vedas that mention about treating diseases using herbs and plants. Plants have vibrational frequency that is in tune with our body and psyche. These vibrational qualities of plants can assist in balancing, healing and energizing the seven major chakras. The components of herbs interact with our energy system and remove toxic elements from our blood, enhance blood circulation and regulate the flow of oxygen. If one uses the herbs appropriately, one can maintain a balanced state of mind, body and spirit, Here are some of the common herbs associated with the seven chakras –

First Chakra – Root Chakra – Dandelion Roots

Root Chakra is located at the base of the spine. It connects us to the earth because that is where we receive all of the vital nutrients essential to our survival, and it is also where body toxins are released. The root chakra doesn’t just ground us physically, it also grounds us temporally by keeping us in the present moment. An imbalanced root chakra can lead to problems in the legs, feet, rectum, tailbone, immune system, depression, autoimmune deficiencies. Dandelion root tea are found to be highly effective in the treatment of depression, gallbladder, or high blood pressure. Adding in foods like: carrots, potatoes, parsnips, radishes, onions and garlic, and anything else that roots itself, can have a soothing effect for our root chakra.


Second Chakra – Sacral Chakra – Gardenia flowers

Sacral Chakra is located below the navel near the abdomen between the ovaries for women and near the prostate gland for men. The fundamental quality of this chakra is pure creativity, attention, sensual expression, unencumbered by the ego. When this Chakra is blocked it can lead to eating disorders, urinary tract problems, reproductive disorders, occasional headache, fever, and emotional imbalances. Calendula is an easy to grow herb that enhances your creativity in all areas of life. Another herb which is highly beneficial for the sacral chakra is Gardenia. One can put Gardenia roots and oil to multiple use, and its flowers are found to be very soothing for the senses as well, no wonder it’s also known as the happiness herb. Sandalwood helps in curing many kinds of infection as it instigates new cell growth. You can apply sandalwood oil on your body before taking a shower or you can use it to create a good aroma in your house. Other herbs & spices that are beneficial are Coriander, fennel, liquorice, cinnamon, vanilla, carob, sweet paprika, sesame seeds, caraway seeds.  

Third Chakra – Solar Plexus  – Rosemary Leaves

The 3rd chakra or the solar plexus chakra is the power centre of emotions and positive self-control. If this chakra is blocked we tend to feel unworthy and have a low self-esteem. Our emotional state is one of depression and anxiety. We tend to be doubtful and mistrusting toward others. This can lead to a plethora of physical problems: poor digestion, ulcers, diabetes, liver or kidney problems, anorexia, bulimia, and even intestinal tumours. To unblock the energy flow, one can use lavender, bergamot, or rosemary oil. Bergamot is great for the digestive system as it quickens the procedure of digestion causing less strain to the intestinal tract. In Mediterranean region, people consider rosemary as an essential herb for the stomach and intestines. One can put rosemary leaves in several dishes, or you can use rosemary oil to cook dishes. Marshmallow too relaxes the third chakra and softens our efforts to control life. It helps you to relax your diaphragm and reconnect to our breath. Other useful herbs & spices are Anise, celery, cinnamon, lily of the valley, mints, ginger, mints (peppermint, spearmint, etc.), melissa, turmeric, cumin, fennel.  

Fourth Chakra – Heart Chakra – Hawthorne Berries

Heart Chakra is the centre of love, compassion, and forgiveness of our body’s energy system. When this chakra is blocked, we tend to feel disconnected and have trouble loving ourselves and others. We tend to experience poor circulation on the physical level, lack empathy on the emotional level, and lack devotion on the spiritual level. Many issues of love, grief, hatred, anger, jealousy, fears of betrayal, of loneliness, as well as the ability to heal ourselves, and others are centered in the fourth chakra. A tea or tincture of Hawthorne berries increases trust in the process of life and encourages you to feel safe following your heart. It also helps to strengthen the heart and blood vessels. You can also use Cayenne, jasmine, lavender, marjoram, rose, basil, sage, thyme, cilantro, parsley for a healthy heart.

Fifth Chakra – Throat Chakra – Red Clover Blossom

Throat chakra is largely responsible for self-expression and communication. When this chakra is clear our speech becomes uplifting, wise and we can communicate our intent clearly. An unbalanced throat chakra leads to thyroid problems, laryngitis on the physical level, co-dependency on the emotional level, unclear thoughts on the mental level, and insecurity on the spiritual level. We often speak without thinking and have trouble expressing ourselves in an authentic way. It is also responsible for nervousness, fear, and anxiety. Red clover blossoms assist in allowing a free flow of communication and self-expression. A cup of red clover tea can unlock the emotions and thoughts that are waiting to be spoken. Research conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Centre, shows that lemon balm is capable of healing several ailments including thyroid. Eucalyptus oil is another beneficial oil for decongestion, simply rubbing few drops of oil on the throat will help. Other herbs & spices that can help with the throat chakra is Coltsfoot, peppermint, sage, salt, and lemon grass.

Sixth Chakra – Third Eye Chakra – Eyebright Flowers

Sixth Chakra or the Third Eye is associated with intuition and the pineal gland. Eyebright When this chakra is blocked we tend to lack in imagination and intuition resulting in poor decision making and self-deception. Physically, third eye weakness may manifest as eye/ear problems, headaches, migraines, insomnia, or even nightmares. Mint, jasmine, and eyebright are herbs used to open the sixth chakra. Eyebright helps to see both the light and dark sides as part of the whole and is also used to cure eye problems. Mint has been found useful in curing depression, migraines, and memory loss. It also increases connectedness between mind and body. These are the herbs & spices that can energize and heal any imbalances in the third eye chakra, Juniper, mugwort, poppy, rosemary, lavender, and poppy seed.

Seventh Chakra – Crown Chakra – Lotus

The Crown Chakra connects us to the universal divine energy. This chakra is associated with wisdom, enlightenment, and transcendence. When our crown chakra is cleansed and open we experience divine union and cosmic love, stretching out forever. Our unique frequency is in tune with the cosmic orchestra. When our crown chakra is blocked or closed we feel disconnected spiritually, as though we are living without any direction or purpose. On a physical level, it can lead to depression, nervous system disorders, migraines, amnesia, ADD, dyslexia, and in the most extreme cases cognitive delusions and mental illness. Lavender flowers and lotus assist in opening your seventh chakra. Lavender brings you into alignment with divine wisdom on a daily basis and is a popular herb for enhancing meditation. While lotus leaves and stems are widely used in Japanese and Chinese cuisine, and each part has its own set of benefits. Lavender is your best bet because it works well on all the chakras. You can include plants in your life through taking herbs internally in the form of tea, or externally as a bath or aromatherapy, you can enhance the benefits by consciously connecting with their vibrational qualities.


Hope you enjoy this little “nugget” of information.

As mentioned above, I teach online courses. I have a very detailed courses, maybe too detailed…. 😉
Chakra – Energy Healing
In this one you would begin this journey by studying the 7 Major Chakras in our body.
Exploring the causes of blockages, hyperactivities and their effects on us. Students will learn how Essential Oils and Foods benefit the Chakra, learn about the maintenance and balancing of our Chakras by uses of Yoga. Moreover, students will challenge their own perceptions about the causes of illness and what it takes to heal.
Armed with this understanding, students will begin to interact with the energetic system of the body to understand how to read, interpret, and heal illness.

I teach this via the facebook “classrooms”, something, we the teacher of Aumvedas Academy, have been doing since 2016.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I do appreciate your feedbacks.
Until my next blog, enjoy your week.

Catherine

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Thank you for your response. ✨

Intuitive Healing

Posted on by Holistichealthcarewx

Hi.
Thank you for coming back to read another blog of mine. Today I want to share an experience I made, during a Intuitive Healing session.

I have several Healing Modalities “under my belt”, so I would consider myself well experienced in what I do. But I am also a Nurse and so can draw more in depth conclusions.
Intuitive Healing is akin with Spiritual Healing. Small difference being, we are dealing with a human being, in this life time and this life time’s problems, hurt, sorrows, pain, happiness, euphoria, depression…….. Love and the lack of. So we are dealing with accumulated emotions. Emotions, if negative and left to exist, grow like a cancer and eat you inside out, until you either have a”burn-out” or “call it quits”.

I recently had a client in, who had for 40 years always been a public servant; serving, attending to the general public. Most times, she enjoyed this position and other times felt resentment as could never offer their children the holidays, that other parents perhaps could and would. But she was a hard working person; juggling work and home simultaneously. Despite her efforts she increasingly felt unsupported by family members.

One year, after work pulling at her strings, children pulling at her strings, extended family pulling at her strings, feeling there was no escaping …. the ceiling was coming down …. she became ill. She needed surgery and not a small, insignificant surgery. It was that type of surgery where you would require recuperation post surgery. Ideally 3 weeks. Not 3 days. No sooner had she been discharged home, it was expected of her to return to work, to be present, this was her duty! “If she was well enough to be discharged …. she was well enough to work again!” This was the work’s philosophy. Just let this sink in for a moment. Imagine that the sick certification, excusing you from work, did not exist. Imagine, if you had had hysterectomy (6 weeks recuperation and no lifting is recommended), or carpel tunnel surgery or got bone pinned or heart valve replacement or thyroid surgery or collapsed lung or robotic prostate surgery….. you get the idea.
You return to work with all expectations as before surgery and more. No support. Just keep giving. Now you see CAM and find a Reiki practitioner and you attend and you come home with such positive experience. You felt Human again. You felt energised. You can face the “Music and dance” again. And it goes well for a while. You are coping.

But, there is still this one thing nagging on you. The lack of family support, the constant digging in the ribs, the constant words in your ears: ” more is expected of you” …. ” you are the face of this business” …. ” it is your duty to greet the general public, to welcome them in, so show them around….” …… ” if something goes wrong, only you are to be blamed….” and the actual story and background I am not discussing here.

Years go by, the pressure is weighing you down, you remember how beneficial that Reiki treatment was and seek out another. But all goes horribly wrong. Not the Reiki session, but the session that occurred in the next room, with this child screaming in terror, you are told that this child is possessed and is being cleared … all is okay … don’t worry. But something happened to you. Again, the actual story and background I am not discussing here.

Being born to parents who spent their childhood in WWII. Affection and Emotion was left out … never having been told “I love you, my child”. As an adult, you find the love you later marry and have children with. But his parents were no different to your parents. Same circumstances. WW2 has a lot to answer for. Any war, for that matter. And again, the actual story and background I am not discussing here.

The years move on. Work is getting tougher, and so is life. You try your best and that is still not good enough. Resentment, anger, frustration are born. These emotions fester and linger and are never dealt with. Well you think they are, but they are never addressed. Your body is showing signs of physical unwellness. You seek out medical help, seek out holistic help and it works to a degree but the body refuses to heal.

In TCM Anger resides in the Liver. In TCM we have three brains: upper, middle and lower dantien = head, heart and bowel. Liver meridian point for Anger is T5.
My client arrived, requesting Vibrational Therapy. She had also read Dr Brad Nelson’s Emotion Code and had practiced his exercises (including the use of magnets) and all went well, but woke this morning feeling just like she had after that “bad” Reiki experience all them years ago. Memories came flooding back. Didn’t want to leave her bed, for only she had an appointment with me.

I had all my tuning forks laid out. Had the candles lit. Diffusing some nice, refreshing, invigorating essential oils. We had a cup of tea first … chatted …. got to learn of the above history. Thank God I had a full box of tissues handy.

Anger, frustration, resentment.
This glass is full to the rim but where to or how to empty this safely?
What or how much hate lies at the bottom of this glass and how much at the top?
What is the easiest approach to healing the past in this life time?
We discussed our options.
Kept returning to this full glass.

Intuitive Healing is akin to Spiritual Healing:
To quote the King James Bible: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ” 1 John 3:18….
How much do you love yourself?
I say: In order to empty that full glass of anger, frustration and resentment, one needs to start forgiving oneself, before forgiving those who were/are unjust towards you.
“Ya…. but …. I have already forgiven them….”
And did the problem go away in your body? If the glass is full to the rim, can you still add more without it overflowing?
“NO!”
Exactly. So all them years ago, your “house of cards” came tumbling down when you experienced that “Burn-Out” effect and started that downward spiral into depression. The “house of cards” fell because the foundation was pulled from under your feet. Like an earthquake, the foundation was shuck and the vibrational energy travelled up and all came crumbling down. But the “house of cards” that is YOU was never rebuilt to its original form. In fact, the broken layers were just thrown on top of each other, just enough to make you function, but were never healed. So the glass is full.

This was my approach. Visualise this full glass being a multicoloured candle, like a chakra candle. In order to reach the bottom, we have to burn away slowly from the top. So let’s light this candle.
Visualise the top layer of your full glass, the emotion here is the “smallest” of all in this glass. Baby steps. We will work our way down and even the Top of a Mountain, belongs to the Base of a Mountain. So visualise what that top layer represents to you and what colour do you give this?
“Dark Violet, nearly black”.
Very good. What colour would you like it to be for it to be released and set free as it no longer serves you today?
“Baby blue”.
Excellent. Breathe in that Baby Blue colour to that top layer and exhale that violet-black and continue so until your outbreath is equal to your inbreath. Ly down on to your front and need to address your Anger. T5. I need to “rock” your foundation, well not YOUR foundation, but that at the bottom of that glass. 32Hz weighted tuning fork. NOTE to self: Wear a thumb support. Moved on to 64Hz weighted. Working the meridinas on both sides of body. Yin and Yang. What goes in, must go out.
528Hz into Aura. Now roll onto your back. Magnets. Dantiens. Starting at the lower. Scanning with my hand I feel heat and vibration, vibration like bubbling water. Not good. Liver Running magnets over lower dantien – I feel some resistance to “let go”. I move on to Head. I see her grimace. I continue. She’s still focusing on her breathing exercise. Her face relaxes. Nearly smiling. I move back to lower dantien. I work the magents over her. I repeat and repeat and then, something quite unexpected happened.
She exhales . .. and this time (and if you are in the medical field you’ll understand this) on her breath was a strong metabolic odour. She’s not a diabetic. She does not have liver disease.
I asked her what colour was her outbreath …. baby blue!
Job done! And this was just the top layer.
She returned to “the here and now”.
“WOAAAAAAAA
OMG
If this was just the top layer…… how will I do and feel when all layers are gone?”

I gave her instructions what do for herself at home.
This session took about 2.5hrs.


Thank you for dropping by and reading my blog. Until the next story, stay well.

Catherine

Christmas Gift Voucher available

Posted on by Holistichealthcarewx

  • Upper Body Massage
    upper back, shoulder, neck massage    : €30/30 min             €50/60min
  • Hawaiian Full Body Massage: Full body Massage with hot oil.
    €70/60min              €80/60min with added Essential Oils
  • Deep-Heat Tissue Massage: Using Infrared Therapy Lamp and massage to target soft tissue injury or treat trapped nerve pain or sore joint.
    €30/30min
  • Aromatherapy Massage:Therapeutic, ralaxing Upper Body Massage
    €40/30min               €60/60min
  • Reiki: €50/60min
  • Reiki and Chakra Balancing: Assessment of the Chakras and Balancing/Clearing/Re-energising Chakra(s) with Reiki.
    €60/60min
  • Intuitive Energy Healing: Intuitive Healing is allowing me to assess
    your body and decide which treatment or a combination of treatments, to use. This may include Vibrational Therapy and/or Acupressure/Pendulum/Oils….
    €130/120-150min

Development of the Chakras

Posted on by Holistichealthcarewx

Development of the Chakras

More ideas from my unfinished book, which I started in 2016, that I would like to share with you. CWD 30/10/2022

How to Work with Chakras
It is finest to work with only one level of one body of chakras at one time. The most effective method is to begin at the physical level of the physical body; firstly, it is needed to go forward to the emotional of the physical, the mental, etc. staying, until one has finished all seven levels of the physical body. Having concluded work on the physical body, it is advised to move on to the emotional, mental and so on, through all the bodies.

It is best to work on only one body at one time, because one may become too baffled, spacey or bewildered, performing too many bodies at once.

Cleansing and Opening Chakras
1. With one’s hand, it is best to find the location of the chakra or chakras in the body. Directions needs to be followed, looking at the areas portrayed in picture. Commonly, the energy of the chakras will feel different from that of the adjoining areas.

2. The chakra spot needs to be massaged gently. This helps open it and release early blocks. If there is much pain, it is best advised not to massage, instead, it is needed to hold the hand over the chakra and send energy into it. The extra energy helps liberate the block. Further assistance in release can be accomplished by imagining the energy going from one’s hands into the chakra; energy follows imagination. After a few moments, the chakra must be released. It is however advised not to press hard on the xiphoid process, as it can be injured easily.

3. Either one needs to lie down or sit comfortably. It is needed to let oneself go wholly and allow thoughts or feelings come to oneself. When energy is ejected from the chakra, information comes to one’s consciousness; it may be a strong message, a memory of an accident, or an attitude. One must let his/her mind ramble. The time essential for these messages to come through, alters from a few moments to as much as 15 or 30 minutes. One can do what feels comfortable to them, but never can they stop the method too soon. If nothing comes and one feels comfortable with letting it go, it is absolutely perfect; but if one is restless, uncomfortable or irritable, one perhaps should quit. It is advised to remember that the blocks may have existed for a long time and one might or might not desire to re-block or hold things back. When the purification is completed, one will mostly experience a liberation of energy and feel rejuvenated and stimulated.

Energy Flows
In the beginning, it is best to try to jet the energy come directly to one’s chakras, forbearing from spinning the chakras in both directions. The energy must be allowed to simply come out in a direct fashion, until the area feels free and clear. If one wishes, in later work, one can spin one’s chakras so that the energy going over the top of the chakra goes to the left side (clockwise from the outside). As long as the energy gushes or twirls away from the body, one will be in a superior emotional or spiritual level. But if the energy twirls back into the body, it can cause negative or gloomy feelings. Sometimes, one might desire to twirl energy over the top of he chakra to the right side of the body (counterclockwise from the outside), putting one in touch with the mental or high mental vibrations for as long as the energy diversifies away from the body (twirling back into the body it will again cause gloomy attitudes and negative sensings).

It is advised to experiment with the flow of one’s own chakras. In the start, it will be a little complicated to be conscious of direction, but with patience, one will develop greater understanding and more command over one’s life.

Posture
People generally sit or stand in a fashion that blocks substantial extra chakra flow. One can, for example, have problem dealing with one’s “I Amness” and feeling superior about oneself, in which case one may round one’s shoulders or bend one’s body to shut off those feelings. Another probability is that one can curve in one’s chest as a way of blockading the several chakras on the breastbone and compromise one’s will to live (level five of the physical body). Then, one needs to observe one’s posture. If he/she senses that by the way one carries oneself, one is blockading the chakras, it is advised to work on those particular chakras to find out what thoughts or feelings they contain, one could gain much perceptiveness into one’s attitude towards one’s own self.

Awareness
Awareness of position and change, achings, hurts, or tensions can all be tiny signals that something is going awry with the energy pattern in some place in the body. It is always the chakras of those areas that will be influenced. Individuals can shut them off subconsciously through fear, turning away from things, or holding back. By doing so, one can pull the energy into the body, causing heaviness, gloominess, or obstructed muscles.

When one feels beaming and jubilant, the energy flows out, radiating from the bodies and opening one’s chakras. During a specifically joyous, happy, up-time, energy in blocked areas inclines to liberate; thus several days later, one finds oneself miserable, dispirited and in need of dealing with the released energy. But if one goes with it, works with it and allows it to continue the purification, it should not be long until one is feeling quite elated again.

Recommendations
It is recommended to develop the fifth eye before working with the third eye, as anything the third eye can do to the fifth eye, can perform better. The threat in working powerfully with the third eye first is that it is so allied with ego, it may nurture spiritual conceit. The fifth eye aids developing the bigger picture beyond the individual picture. It is also advocated to develop the “will to live” heart chakra, firstly, in order to heighten heart potency. Developing the compassionate heart chakra first might lead to turning exceedingly compassionate and exhausted; it is not beneficial to give too much from a heart chakra, until the power is built from inside and one learns to channelise energy through it.

Front Chakras versus Back Chakras
The primary concern is with the spinal chakras, opening in the front rather than in the back. Unless the front areas are purified and vitalised, energy from the spine will be blocked; as the front chakras open, the nadis or connections from the front chakras to the spinal openings mechanically open up. In addition, working on the spinal openings may bring an extravagant interest in phenomena, injurious to a person’s development, exciting possibly, but not of principal importance in growth.

Opening up Body Energy
Firstly, one must stand in the centre of the room. It is advised to get the feeling of letting one’s energy go out from the entire body to fill the whole room, even the corners. This is a method of releasing energy from and balancing the chakras. Performing this, toughens up the aura. One can hold back other people’s energies and possibly then become conscious from the outer edge of one’s aura about how others feel or think, as opposed to having the energy come in and influence the body. In addition, as the aura is reinforced, one’s outgoing energies are toughened and customised by the general energy in one’s own aura and will not affect others as profoundly.

Sending and Receiving Energy
Chakras are energy broadcasting and receiving stations. One transmits energies, turning it into messages or feelings for other people. But, one is incessantly receiving from others, sometimes imperceptibly or subconsciously, and at other times in a very alert state. More often than not, the energy of others is an encroachment on one’s own energy designs and may leave one contemplating on possessing moods, thoughts, feelings to work out, which are not essentially one’s own; or the interfering energies may just slow one down. One might also think that he/she has an ailment, ache or tension.

Exercise
Exercise is pretty important in helping to level the energy passing through the body. Several problems work themselves out just by physical exercises. Yoga is an especially good form of exercise to maintain better chakra condition. Free-form dance is also extremely helpful; as one dances, one accentuates various movements of the body, liberating blocked energy. Rest is also essential, allowing the system to balance energies and make its own modifications; often if an individual just leaves the body alone for a while, allow it take rest, it does much to mend itself and free choked up areas.

Thank you for showing an interest and please do leave comments. I see them as little nuggets and thought provoking.
CWD 30/10/2022 Ireland

Who heals the Healer?

Posted on by Holistichealthcarewx

Doctors, Nurses, Therapists, Clergy, and other Healing Providers

CWD 25/10/2022 Ireland

Who heals the Healers?

We are all in danger of burnouts, but Doctors and us Nurses really do “feel” that pulling at the very essence of our being.

These are very stressful times and many are sick. Physically and emotionally. Usually you would attend your Family Doctor – GP for physical or organic help, or you may attend a Clergy or Therapist for emotional help … or, God forbid you end up on the hospital trolley in A&E (ER). And as you are now in their presence, looking for help, have you given the Healthcare Provider – Doctors, Nurses, Therapists, Clergy – a Thought of Your Time? Who Heals the Healer?

We are by no means immune to cases coming in and some touch us profoundly and we “bring it home”; something we were all taught, never to do. And to quote Rag’n’Bone Man: “I’m only human after all” – at the end of the day, that is exactly who we all are: Human.

Healing for Healers is a unique approach to address compassion fatigue, to listen to your body, and to connect to your inheritance. This includes both your inherited burdens and the true gifts of your lineage. You learn how to release what does not serve you, repair deep wounds, restore balance to the body, and replenish your energy and life force. As healers and care providers it is imperative to have a safe and containing place to receive this kind of support. It is possible to give and care for others while still honouring and providing for your own needs and health. 

Example once told to me:

 “Your healing space feels very relaxing and soothing. I think my patients would feel comfortable here“, said Dr. Emily Rawlings, as she stands in the middle of my office and looks around. She came to learn about my integrative practice of psychotherapy and intuitive healing as a resource for her patients. Her attention turns to the large coloured painting on the wall of a multi layered heart. She comments on how beautiful it is and how appropriate for the work that takes place here. She pauses for a moment. “I should also come here but it so hard to find the time for myself.” A tear wells up in her eye and she quickly wipes it away as if to dispel the unexpected sting of emotion. “Many of my patients are so ill and I come home so tired”. She lets out a deep sigh. “I get afraid that there won’t be enough left of me for my kids. Sometimes I just feel numb.” I notice her momentary sad and defeated expression. She then straightens out her slightly bent body and looks back at me with the composure of a strong competent doctor. 
The kind of Tired that Dr. Rawlings is talking about is not the kind that gets better with a good night’s sleep. Hers is a compassion fatigue. This is a tiredness that lives in our hearts and in our bodies from the empathy that we express for the people we are treating every day. It can take too much out of us emotionally when we are “feeling” with our patients their fears and their feelings of desperation. How can we bring support and caring to our patients when our own inner energetic container is over full? As healers and care givers it is vital to have a mechanism to replenish and restore ourselves. We also must release any lingering feelings that we unintentionally hold on to from our patients. Dr. Rawlings continues to provide her heart felt caring through her will, drive, and commitment to healing. With a depleted body, she pushes beyond, past her ‘tired’, ignoring her body’s aches, pains, and signals to listen. 



Thirty plus years ago, I chose a path that led me to care for people who were suffering deeply. The suffering had many forms such as severe burns, physical and emotional violence, and severe mental illness. People needed so much support to navigate the difficulties that life sent their way. Along with the feelings of pride, fulfilment, and joy that I received from this meaningful work, I also experienced the heaviness that comes from sharing in the depths of the human condition. I felt courageous and gratified that I carried this burden for so long without really knowing its impact. As my life became more complex and dense with responsibility, the heaviness increased. I desperately needed to address it. 

Energy healing along with deep body listening and body dialogue offered me this opportunity. I was guided to connect with my body by sensing and feeling what it was holding. I was also guided to learn how to release this holding.

During this process I discovered that I was not just a great holder but I was what I call, an ‘inherited holder’. This means one who comes from a long line of strong women holders. How then could I give up my ‘inheritance’? This made it more difficult to discern what was truly serving me in my life and what burdens were not really mine.

What is an Integrated Practice of being a Nurse and Intuitive Energy Healing?

The Intuitive Energy Healing approach to therapy recognizes that throughout our lives, our bodies store memories and traumas in the form of blocks. These blocks or ‘stuck’ energy impact both our physical and emotional health. Negative energy stored for long periods of time manifest as symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, pain, and illness. They also arise as struggles in relationships, in the work place, and in creative expression. Hidden beneath layers of energy blocks are unconscious beliefs formed from earlier life experiences which limit our capacity to make real or healthy choices.

Together the healer and client identify where the blocks are held, discern the underlying beliefs, and find the pathways for release. During this process the client may experience significant and unexpected changes which create openings for growth and healing. The client and healer reflect upon the process and content of the session, building connections between body and mind.


What can I expect in a typical session? 

What Methods are used?

Every Intuitive Healer has their own methods and usually it is what they are most comfortable using.
In my case, I use Reiki Energy, Divine Energy, Chakra Energy, Radiesthesia Energy, Colour and Sound Vibrational Energies, Crystal Energy, Acupressure, Aroma Therapy and Massages, to name a few. I may only use two or three, or all of them; this depends on the client’s need for therapy. I am guided and follow intuition.

A typical session begins with traditional talk therapy focusing on those concerns which led the client to seek treatment. In order to deepen the work, we move to an energetic exploration of the body enabling client and healer to identify and clear blocks which are obstacles to healing. The body work may incorporate components of breath work, vocalisation, visualisation, guided imagery, movement, and hands on or hands over energetic healing. The healing moves back and forth between identifying and releasing blocks, and the reflection, understanding and integration of what has occurred. Sessions often close with a take-home exercise individually designed to help the client internalize the discovery process. A session can last up to 2 hours. Most require up to three such sessions to reach their goal, others feel the effects after the 2 hours.

If this resonates with you, call and leave a message, send and SMS or PM me directly – I will get back to you. Catherine.

Many thanks for taking the time reading this blog.
CWD 25.10.2022/Ireland

What is Lomi lomi Massage?

Posted on by Holistichealthcarewx

What is Lomi lomi Massage?

Lomi Lomi massage
Lomi Lomi massage
Lomi Lomi, traditional Hawaiian massage

Lomi lomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage that uses a combination of massage techniques, nut oils, and sometimes elements of prayer, breathing and dance to restore energy and soothe the body. It is also known as the ‘loving hands’ massage. This name helps to explain its principles – the massage works gently yet deeply into the muscles with continuous, flowing strokes, allowing the recipient to relax and give in to the nurturing touch.

Lomi lomi works from the belief that memories are not just stored in the brain and mind, but also in every cell of the human body. The long, continuous strokes of the massage are designed to help the body let go of its old patterns and behaviours, which can cause as many stresses and strains as muscle tension.

Hawaiian Lomi Lomi

‘Lomi lomi’ translates to ‘rub rub’ in Hawaiian, and reflects the broad, flowing strokes made with the therapist’s fingers, thumbs, palms, arms and elbows. Macadamia, palm and coconut oils are usually used as moisturisers in lomi lomi massage, to keep the strokes smooth and to nourish the skin.

Many believe that the healing art of Lomi lomi was brought to Hawaii by the earliest Polynesian settlers, while others believe that it is deeply infused with the practice of ‘living aloha’ – a carry-over from ancient Hawaii and the mystical land of Mu. The Hawaiian lomi lomi massage can also be referred to as Kahuna bodywork.

Benfits of Lomi lomi massage

Lomi lomi aims to treat the body and mind as one whole being. It is thought to:

  • release tension
  • assist blood and lymph flow
  • eliminate waste and stimulate toxins
  • rejuvenate the body
  • instil a sense of peace, harmony and wellbeing.

In Hawaii, lomi lomi is used to treat children with upset stomachs and soothe women in labour. A lomi lomi therapist will not aim to heal themselves, but to be the facilitator for healing – to enable healing to take place.

Before you go

The nature of lomi lomi means that you probably won’t be able to wear very much, so check with the spa about what you can bring. Bikini bottoms are usually OK – or the spa might even provide disposable paper pants – not a fashion item.

It’s worth remembering that the oils used in massage are not kind to hair or make-up, so you might not want to return to work straight after your treatment. But that’s fine – if you clear your diary for the afternoon, you’ll be able to spend longer in post-lomi lomi heaven.

Avoid eating heavy meals or drinking alcohol in the hours leading up to your massage.

Precautions

Your therapist should ask you about your medical history before your treatment begins. It’s important to tell them if you are – or think you may be – pregnant.

What to expect from a lomi lomi massage

Traditionally, lomi lomi massage is performed with the recipient lying on a hand-woven mat on the floor. However, you may find yourself on a conventional massage table, or lying directly on the vinyl of it. Instead of being covered with towels, you might just have one towel or a small sheet to preserve your modesty. These steps are taken to avoid interrupting the continuous flow of the massage.

The Lomi lomi healing practice usually begins with a period of stillness between therapist and recipient, sometimes with the therapist’s hands resting lightly on the recipient’s back. During this moment of stillness, a traditional lomi lomi practitioner would say a blessing or prayer, asking for whatever healing is needed.

The therapist will work intuitively with your body, with fluid, rhythmic strokes to release and shift tensions. There is no set format for the massage itself, so no two Hawaiian massages are the same. The treatment may be slow and relaxing or faster and more invigorating, depending on how your body responds. You might find that the therapist massages two different parts of your body simultaneously – this is to stop your brain from focusing on any one area and therefore helps to aid relaxation. Sometimes, lomi lomi is carried out by two therapists at once to intensify the effect.

Your massuese may make full-body or under-body strokes, lightly stretch your limbs and carefully rotate your joints. These techniques are thought to free up your energy flow, and she will perform them very gently, staying within your comfort zone and level of resistance.

Don’t be surprised if your therapist – particularly if she is a traditional lomi lomi practitioner – hums at various points during your massage. Humming is supposed to create amplified and vibrating energy, promoting the release of blockages within the body. Dance techniques and hula movements are important, too, in keeping the energy flow high.

Hot tip!

One of the luxuries of any traditional massage is the thought of its geographical origins. Think of lomi lomi as your own little piece of Hawaii, imagine yourself in a treatment room next to miles of sandy beach and feel its holiday-effects work their magic!

Afterwards

You will feel blissfully relaxed after your Hawaiian massage, and nurtured from top to toe. Make time to wallow in the afterglow, and have a dip in the pool or a leisurely shower before you return to the real world. If you’re lucky enough to be in Hawaii, why not sit yourself between sand and ocean and let the waves lap you into a deeper, warm, luxurious calm.

Different kinds of lomi lomi massage

Lomi lomi massage is an intuitive skill, so no two treatments will be the same. Some forms of lomi lomi use baths, bone-adjusting techniques and even humming and dancing.

Some variations include:

  • ‘A’e’: ‘a’e’ is Hawaiin for ‘walking the body’. In this form of lomi lomi, the therapist balances herself with a pole or ceiling bar while she gently walks the length of your body
  • Four-handed treatments with two therapists

To book a 1 hour massage call or sms on WhatsApp 0851103506