an A-Z of alternative therapies

Healing, also called spiritual healing, has over the last few years, finally lost its mystical, magical associations. It has become one of the most important and popular means of alternative treatments today.

Spiritual healing provides the energy required to balance the body, mind and spirit, and unblock the healing mechanism. A healer is effectively a channel for healing energy, which goes to the parts of the body where it is needed.

Many healers believe, quite correctly, that we all have the power to heal if we choose to develop it.

Healing does not always work at a physical level; the illness may remain, but the patient finds that his or her ability to cope with it improves.

The healer effectively treats the whole person, removing an energy blockage and promoting a feeling of relaxation.

At the first session, you may be asked informal questions about your complaint, medical history and lifestyle.

You will then be asked to sit or lie down, and the healer will sit or stand beside or behind you.

The healer may spend a few minutes "attuning" himself or herself, relaxing and focusing their mind before mentally attuning to you. The healer may lay his or her hands on the body, but sometimes holds them in the air above or behind you. Most consider their hands as amplifiers or conduits of healing power and place them so as to stimulate the healing energies of the body.

You may feel a sensation, either hot or cold, which is replaced with a feeling of calm and well-being.

Patients usually feel very relaxed after a session and may want to sleep.

Many healers require only 1 session, but the average number is between 4 and 6.

• Safe for every age group.
• Safe for every level of health.
• You should make the therapist aware of any existing medical condition.