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Everything that happens in our lives is a reflection of where we are. Pain and disease are the body's way of expressing suppressed needs and emotions. If, for example, we have a need to be loved, our body will manifest dis-ease in a weakened area in order to create this experience. In this way the body gives us clues as to the emotional cause of the problem. Whenever we are unwell we should therefore ask ourselves, 'what is my body trying to tell me?' and 'what benefits are there from holding on to this condition?'. A willingness to explore these issues opens the door for healing to take place on all levels.

To be healed is to become whole, to embrace all the parts of ourselves that we have hidden or denied. As we do this we can begin to discover who we truly are, to once again find meaning in our lives. Without meaning, our lives are empty, devoid of purpose, and lacking in direction, making us feel that there is little point in us being here. Meaningless causes lethargy and depression whereas finding meaning gives us purpose and direction, stimulating optimism, well being and health.

It is interesting to note the spelling of the word 're-mission'. When we have reconnected with our mission, i.e. 'our true purpose and our being', the symptoms disappear and we are said to be in 're-mission'. True healing can therefore only occur by fully accepting every part of ourselves, including our behaviour and by forgiving others who we perceive to have caused us pain.

Detailed below are two methods of healing which can be used to help release this pain, whether it be physical, emotional, mental or spiritual.

Crystal Therapy

Various cultures throughout history have used crystals for healing purposes, including the ancient Egyptians and Native American Shamans. For millennia, crystals and gems have been used as talismans and symbols of authority and power. The word crystal comes from the Greek word 'crystallos' which means clear ice or frozen water. In ancient times it was believed that crystals were made by the Gods who froze sacred waters as they poured down from heaven.

Today there is a resurgence of interest in crystals, as people have started to re discover their intrinsic healing ability. Many people find holding a crystal to be a calming and relaxing experience, whilst others find crystal energy invigorating and energising. There are many ways of incorporating them into our daily lives, such as in the practice of Feng Shui where their vibrations can cleanse and redirect energy in a positive way. Crystals can be placed under a pillow to encourage the remembrance of dreams. They can also be used in conjunction with other therapies, including Reiki, in order to enhance the patient's therapeutic experience and also to aid 'grounding' after the treatment.

Each crystal has unique healing properties, but all emit a piezoelectric charge which has the ability to absorb and transmute negative energy. The piezoelectric energy of the crystal, when used for healing, interacts with the natural energetic field of the body to bring about a realignment in much the same way that a tuning fork retunes an instrument by emitting a single, constant note. Scientists have long known that crystals have the ability to store electrical pulses and can, under certain circumstances, project these pulses out, such as when they are exposed to sunlight, pressure or electricity. This is how knowledge and information is stored in devices which we use every day. At the heart of every computer, watch, satellite and telephone there is a Quartz crystal that is maintaining a precise vibrational pulse of energy that enables the entire device to work.

During a treatment the patient lies fully clothed upon a treatment couch whilst crystals are placed at varying points around or on the body. A full case history is taken allowing the practitioner to choose the crystals appropriate for the patients needs. These are then left in position for a period of time enabling the crystals to do their work. Some patients may experience slight tingling or feelings of warmth. Others may see colours or images in their minds eye, often relating to their current situation. These may give clues as to the cause of their problem. Other patients simply find the experience relaxing, without necessarily feeling a thing. Whatever is felt is right for them. A series of simple muscle tests may also be used to check the flow of energy within the body.

Reiki Healing

Reiki is a powerful, yet gentle healing method involving the laying on of hands, the exact origins of which are unknown. It was thought to have been used by Tibetan monks and was re-discovered in Japan in the early 1900's by Dr Mikao Usui.

Dr Usui set up his own Reiki clinic in Tokyo in 1923, after an earthquake devastated the city and left thousands homeless. His reputation as a healer quickly spread and he travelled around the country teaching and healing others, eventually initiating a further 16 teachers, including Dr Chujiro Hayashi who in turn founded his own school and clinic in Tokyo.

One of Dr Hayashi's patients was Mrs Hawayo Takata, who came to Japan from her native Hawaii in 1935 to receive treatment for a tumour. While being prepared for surgery, she heard the voice of her late husband saying that the operation was not necessary. After conferring with her Doctors she was taken to Dr Hayashi's clinic, where she was subsequently cured within 4 months. Mrs Takata stayed with Dr Hayashi for a year, becoming the first foreigner to be given the Reiki attunements. She then returned to Hawaii and set up a Reiki clinic there. It was through her that Reiki was introduced to the west. Today there are in excess of 10,000 Reiki practitioners throughout the world.

Reiki in Japanese means 'Universal Life Force Energy'. It helps restore balance and brings clarity and peace of mind to those suffering from physical, mental, spiritual or emotional pain. It is so relaxing that a one hour treatment is said to be equivalent to 4 hours of deep sleep. When the body relaxes, the heartbeat and respiration automatically slow down, kick starting the immune system and helping the body to detoxify and begin its repair work. Answers to deep seated emotional problems are often found when we are in this state, as at this time, we are most in touch with the wise part of ourselves which knows exactly what we need.

Reiki is particularly beneficial to those suffering from depression or ME, although it can be of great benefit to all conditions. The only contra-indication is broken bones that have not yet been set by a qualified medical practitioner, or certain heart conditions, where the hands should not be placed directly over the heart.

During a treatment the patient lies fully clothed upon a treatment couch while the practitioner places their hands on various parts of the patient's body, starting at the head and gradually working towards the feet. The sensations experienced vary according to the condition being treated and most often include heat, cold and tingling. A treatment normally lasts about sixty minutes.