Reiki
I have been using Reiki since I was 16 years old. Reiki is a beautiful, gentle and holistic healing modality. Through several "attunements" from a Reiki Master, you are then able to channel universal healing energy, (some people would call it "Qi" - pronounced Chee) by the laying on of hands on the body - the energy goes to where the body needs it the most. I have found it particularly soothing for period pain (like a hot water bottle but 100 times better), chest pain from constant coughing, (particularly when I have an infection) and for upset tummies (either from forgotten enzymes, or just general irritation from food). Every night before I go to sleep I put my hands on my chest and let the energy channel away to my lungs. Mum is also attuned to Reiki, and when I have been really sick, an hour session with her really brought me a lot of relief. Reiki also works on plants and animals - I have used it with success on my horse too.
In May 2003, I presented a talk about Reiki at the Annual New Zealand Cystic Fibrosis Conference. Here is a copy of my talk I presented.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a treatment that has been used for over thousands of years in China and other Asian countries. It is used for the treatment and prevention of disease through the application of needles to the body. These very fine and thin needles are inserted into the acupoints along different meridians, the pathways of energy. According to traditional Chinese medical theory, the physiological coordination of tissues and organs is ahieved by an interconnected web of channels called meridians (of which there are 14). These pathways are the means in which "Qi" (as mentioned above in the Reiki section) energy travels around the body. Chinese medicine is a fantastic healing source, as its aim is to restore harmony to the body, mind and spirit by balancing the Yin and Yang, and by regulating the Qi. I have been having accupuncture for about 3 months from a very special friend, and I believe this has also contributed to my improving health. For more information on acupuncture, click on this LINK.
Acupuncture and Cystic Fibrosis
Colloidal Silver HOW DOES IT WORK?
*UPDATED, 29th of November, 2005*
Colloidal Silver consists of submicroscopic particles of silver in suspension in distilled water. It is said to disable the enzyme that one-celled bacteria, fungi and viruses use for their metabolism - in other words, it starves them of oxygen. A condition called agyria, or greyness of the skin, can result from overdosing on POORLY MADE products (for a long while there has been a story about a woman who supposedly had this, make of it what you will!).
You can tell a high quality made product by its colour (should be pale lemon to light yellow), additives (should be none), conductivity, packaging, concentration (between 5-10mg/L), stability (prolonged shelf life) and its particle size (less than 0.014 Micron).
Colloidal Silver is widely used (from emails I have received, and funnily enough from horse forums I am involved in) but as most scientific persons don't believe in it, as far as I know, no clinical trials have been done to help prove whether this works or not.
In CF, the principal would be that Colloidal Silver would help kill our bugs that can create infection. Years ago I used it and at the time to good effect but now I am not sure whether it helped or whether it was coincidence. Its fairly expensive and to not be sure about it whether its helping or not, I do not take it anymore, particularly since I have started a medication which now helps me enormously. When all options of antibiotic use are dried up, in human or animal, I think it is worth trying Colloidal Silver - I believe at least it won't harm you, maybe just your hip pocket! :)
Qigong
Qigong is known as the mother of self-healing. It is an ancient Chinese method of channelling the bodies life force energy for health and peace of mind.
There are three main categories of Qigong, which are Martial, Healing and Spiritual.
For more information on Qigong (which I now practice daily) see Master Simon Blow's website, whom I did a wonderful workshop with.
Massage
Massage has been a divine tool for me - from the amount of coughing that my body goes through, I'm bound to build up tension in the muscles. I particularly find my neck, shoulders, back and stomach are constantly tight, and a regular massage brings a lot of relief. Massage is also fantastic for clearing out toxins in the body and for general relaxation.
Naturopathy
Naturopaths recognise the ability of the body to heal itself and act to identify and remove obstacles to recovery. The naturopathic practitioners will detect and eliminate the underlying causes of illness, rather than suppress the symptoms. Methods of treatment are chosen to work with the patient's vital force, respecting the intelligence of the natural healing processes.
Yoga
*Updated November 2005*
Most people have heard of Yoga and associate it with people doing extraordinary flexible things with their bodies that most of us can't do! lol. There are many different forms of yoga (some also incorporate meditation techniques) - I see yoga as a collection of exercises which help control the body and mind. I have a lovely yoga tape I do periodically which has 4 different ladies doing different levels of yoga (according to their flexibility!). It's made to help aid with weight loss, but I find it wonderful for helping opening the muscles of my chest for better breathing and also help relieve tension in my muscles from constant coughing. In turn this helps your posture. And because it isn't cardiovascular (though if you have a lung function on the lower side you will puff and pant a bit!), it is a great exercise to do when you are not feeling well and don't have a lot of energy. I used it a lot when I was recovering from pneumonia, when I wasn't able to do a lot of walking or horse riding. Make sure you check with your physiotherapist if you have doubts about any of the exercises. If you need a starting point, the video I use is called " Yoga Conditioning for weight loss" (just ignore the title, I know we don't need to lose weight!! lol) with Suzanne Deason. It is produced by Gaiam.
Kiniesiology
- is a system which is used to analyze our structural, chemical and mental aspects of our health. It uses muscle testing, postural analysis, gait analysis, along with other standard methods of diagnosis to assess and treat functional health problems as opposed to pathological health problems.
Oxygen Energiser
This machine is designed to give you a full body massage, including the internal organs and all body systems. You use it by lying down, putting your ankles on the machine, and it gently sways your body like a crawling centipede. This action activates the nervous system which opens up the bronchioles and thus promotes movement of oxygen into the lungs. It also promotes blood flow to the lungs there by increasing oxygen exchange and blood oxygen levels which in turn, help promote cellular metabolism. It helps tired and sore muscles, poor digestion, back pain, bone spurs, nervousness, general pain, poor functioning of internal organs, tracheal inflammation, period pains, many chronic conditions and eliminates body toxins. It also aids in the unblocking of Chi pathways and ensures a maximum flow of this healing source through all body organs. I have heaps more information of this amazing product if you would like to know more about it. I have been using my oxygenator for about 5 years, and have really enjoyed all its benefits. I have found it particularly useful for getting up phlegm in the morning.
Reflexology
Is a strong massage of the feet at certain points which correspond to various areas and organs of the body. My girlfriend has just done a reflexology course and I have been putting her to good use!!! She focuses particularly in the areas that correspond to the stomach and lungs. Plus, its a damn good treat!!
Meditation
There are many many ways to "bliss out" and achieve some peace and harmony. There is no correct way to meditate - just as long as it achieves some time out for yourself. I try to find some time every day....sometimes it may involve just a walk in the garden....or actually sitting down, lighting a candle, putting some nice relaxing music on, and trying to quieten my mind. Sometimes I focus on a positive affirmation or mantra, or on a particular visualisation to help with emotional/health issues. What I can recommend is that meditation, in whatever form, keeps me more balanced, calm, and peaceful.
And Finally
There are many more healing modalities around - some of which I have dabbled in (and still are using them) or have heard of, such as posture perfect, rebirthing, rolfing, shiatsu, yoga, chiropractic, alexander method, aromatherapy, aura and colour healing, ayurvedic healing, bach flower remedies, colon therapy, cranio-sacral therapy, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, iridology, magnetic healing, neurolinguistic programming and polarity therapy. Plus, I'm sure there are many more that I haven't heard of!!
The important thing is if you find something helpful, then by all means stick with it, even if other people may find it unusual or strange. A lot of people won't try complementary strategies because of fear. At the same time skepticism is a totally healthy attitude, and is important in protecting you. There are practitioners out there who can be quacks, and there are ones who are 100% bonafide and have your best interests at heart. There are also varying levels of talents with some treatments, and there also people who you may just hit it off with, or others you don't feel comfortable with. I find the best way to find a great pracitioner in any given field is by word of mouth and recommendation.
Trust your own intuition and own healing abilities. You may also find with many complentary modalities is that they work well with each other. So you can have one or many going on at the same time.
One Last Thing
I want to throw one more thing in the bowl for you to think about. Over the past 12 years, I have been opened to a very different way of thinking to why DIS-EASE occurs in our body. Therefore, I have never thought as myself being a victim of CF, (the old WHY ME? syndrome) or being punished by God - I believe that I was born with CF for a reason, and so far it has taught me SO MUCH about myself as a human being. And when I get an infection, my body is trying to TELL ME something - the SYMPTOM is trying to tell you something. Its not just about a bug in the body making mucus and making me feel crap! How often have you got a headache and reached for a panodol? Has it ever occured to you why you might have a headache? Am I stressed? Did I not eat enough today? Your body is so clever - and we label it "wrong" or "bad" when its trying to rid itself of something or tell your something. How many people say to you " Gee thats a bad cough". Is it really? What about saying back to them, "Actually, my body is really clever. I have a build up of mucus, and my lungs need to clear it, so my bodies response is to cough". I don't think there is anything bad about this!! Do you????
Have a think about it. Your bodies are marvellous, intelligent barometers.
Books that you may find helpful on your healing journeys I have listed here. There are so many, but I have personally read all of these listed here
"You Can Heal Your Life", by Louise L.Hay
"Conversations with God" Books 1,2 and 3 by Neale Donald Walsch - are a totally confronting set of books, but actually for me, just confirmed my spiritual path I was already leading.
"Signposts" by Denise Linn
"The Celestine Prophecy" by James Redfield
"Under the Influence of Modern Medicine" by Terry A.Rondberg
"The Chakra-Handbook" by Lotus Light and Shangri-la
"Ask Your Angels" by Alma Daniel, Timothy Wyllie and Andrew Ramer
"Understand Your Dreams" by Alice Anne Parker (1500 basic dream images and how to interpret them) "Hands-On Spiritual Healing" by Michael Bradford
"Reiki - Universal Life Energy" by Bodo Baginski and Shalila Sharamon
"How to Get What You Want and Want What You Have" by John Gray (Author of Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus) - a fantastic practical and spiritual guide to personal success.
"Colours of the Soul" by June McLeod - Transform your life through Colour Therapy.
"Reincarnation" by Genevieve Lewis Paulson & Stephen J Paulson.
"The Liver Cleansing Diet" by the best selling author, Dr Sandra Cabot.
"The 12 Stages of Healing - A Network Approach to Wholeness" by Donald M. Epstein D.C (Recommended Reading)