Holistic health is a term used by alternative medicine advocates to describe medical care that views physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life as closely interconnected and balanced. Advocates of the holistic health philosophy typically seek or use a wide variety of alternative practices, the most common of which include acupuncture, ayurveda, chiropractic, naturopathy, yoga, aromatherapy, homeopathy, massage, Tai Chi, Chinese herbology and medicinal herbs. The Holistic philosophy is not new, it has been around for thousands of years. It refers to the theory that whole entities such as human beings have an existence and a reality greater than the sum of their parts. Applying the term holistic to concepts of health and fitness means that achieving and maintaining good health involves much more than just taking care of all the various components that make up the physical body. When the concepts of holistic health are put into practice within the health care system, the approach to therapy takes on a new dimension. We see traditional medical care expanded to encompass a broad spectrum of therapies coordinated to meet that totality of a particular individual. The role of the patient changes in learning how choices, actions and attitudes affect the present condition, and how one can be an active participant in the healing process. The ideal of Holistic Health is the realization of our human potential as total beings, and our desire to live fulfilling and satisfying lives. The goal is not just to be “well” in the physical body, but also to be in harmony with our environment and ourselves at all levels, body, mind and spirit. Also, life-style, social responsibility and relationships are taken into consideration when creating the optimum health that Holistic is about. HOW DOES MASSAGE TREAT STRESS? Massage relies on touch, one of the most neglected senses. The touch sustained through massage can boost self-esteem and enhance personal inner comfort. Massage can boost the immune system, which is weakened by constant stress, they can stimulate the circulation and lymphatic system, increase energy levels and induce calm in both mind and body. Massage can release endorphins, the pain-relieving happy hormones and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows the body down, encourages deeper breathing, lowers heart rate and switches digestion back on. WHAT IS INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE? Indian Head Massage, also known under the term Champissage, is an alternative medicine massage therapy in which the head, neck and facial areas are massaged with the purpose of manipulating energy channels. The goal is to clear blocks in these energy channels that cause a build-up of negative energy that are purported to cause ailments. Like many other alternative medicines, there is a belief that energy flows in the body. When the energy does not flow properly, negative energy builds up, causing common ailments, including stress, pains and aches, and hair loss. WHAT IS REIKI? Reiki is a form of spiritual practice, often compared to faith healing, proposed for the treatment of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual diseases. Mikao Usui developed Reiki in early 20th century Japan, where he said he received the ability of 'healing without energy depletion' after three weeks of fasting and meditating on Mount Kurama. Practitioners use a technique similar to the laying on of hands as well as gestures in the air, which they say will channel ki energy from a disembodied spirit or spirits. They say the energy then flows through their palms to bring about healing. The name Reiki derives from the Japanese pronunciation of two Chinese characters that are said to describe the energy itself: 'rei' (meaning 'spirit', 'soul' or 'ghost') and ki (Chinese qi, here meaning 'energy' or 'life force'). Some schools teach that Reiki energy enters the practitioner through the 7th (crown or Sahasrara) chakra, goes through the 4th (heart or Anahata) chakra and then flows through her or his hands (secondary chakras) into the body of the recipient. Others state that Reiki energy enters through the 1st (root or Muladhara) chakra at the base of the spine, fills the aura, becomes centered in the 4th chakra, and flows out through the practitioner's hands. Reiki energy is an "intelligent" energy, which "knows what to do," or "where it is needed the most." The Reiki energy will go where it needs to for healing. If the intended recipient does not accept the energy on some level, the energy will not be absorbed. Some schools teach that Reiki spirit guides keep watch over Reiki energy and assist the practitioner. It is said by them that any intention to do harm will block the flow of Reiki energy. In a Reiki session, the practitioner asks the recipient to lie down and relax. The practitioner then acts as a channel for Reiki energy. Usually the practitioner moves their hands close to or on various parts of the recipient's body. Usui taught that practitioners can also channel Reiki energy through other parts of their bodies (for example, their eyes or their breathing). Intention is the primary method for directing the flow of the energy. Reiki energy can be used for healing either in physical proximity or from a distance. Reiki energy usually awakens within someone after a Reiki Master performs an "attunement." There have been claims of positive effects of Reiki treatment in papers published in some medical journals promoting alternative medicine. Cited benefits include relaxation and increased immunity, reduced heart rate, improved blood pressure, reduced pain, anxiety and depression.
