Friday, December 11, 2009

December Update

As of the 1st of December, I am no longer affiliated with the Integrated Wellness Center in South Lake Tahoe. They have decided to close their doors, so I will be freelancing for now. I'd like to thank Dan and Maricel Brady and I wish them the best in their future business endeavors.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

The Far Infrared Amethyst Bio-Mat™


Far Infrared Amethyst Bio-Mat™ Professional. Image courtesy RichWay International, Inc.

The Biomat is an FDA licensed medical device that combines state of the art Far Infrared light and Negative Ion technology with the healing power of Amethyst crystal. This trilogy delivers professional therapeutic results in a home or professional setting. The Biomat is a revolutionary healing tool, ideal for health care professionals or anyone interested in improving their overall health and wellbeing.

The Biomat is approved by the FDA as a medical device capable of the following functions:
  • Improves immune system function
  • Improves circulation and cardiovascular function
  • Relieves pain
  • Burns calories and controls weight
  • Eases joint pain and stiffness
  • Reduces stress and fatigue
  • Improves skin
  • Removes bodily toxins and assists in detoxification
Many insurance companies consider the Biomat as a viable treatment option for pain as well as other muscular-skeletal problems. The Biomat delivers the benefits of a Far Infrared sauna for a fraction of the price. This unique device delivers both Far Infrared as well as generating 6.8 microns of Medium “Human” Infrared. According to NASA research, Human Infrared normalizes a variety of important physiological functions, especially glandular functions. This Human Infrared feature of the Biomat makes the Biomat different from any other infrared device on the market.

In addition, traditional infrared saunas and devices use 120 volts of AC current. AC current has been proven to be highly detrimental to human health, AC (alternating current) disturbs the human biological field. The Biomat protects the body from harmful AC current by providing a 5-tiered buffering system in which the AC current is converted into DC (direct current) which is bioelectrically compatible with the human body.

How are Far Infrared Rays created in the Biomat?

The method of generating Far Infrared Rays (FIR) through the Biomat is accomplished by putting pulses of energy (DC current) through a carbon ceramic material called the Japanese Kurera’s Super Fiber. As the FIR passes through the Amethyst crystals, the crystals emit Long Wave Far Infrared Rays, 8-12 microns, that penetrate 5-7 inches deep through the body. Therefore, the rays not only benefit the muscles on the surface of the body, but also all the cells, including blood vessels, lymph glands, and nerves in the deepest parts of the body.

What are Far Infrared Rays and where do they come from?

Far Infrared technology was first brought to us by nature herself. All living things emit certain amounts of FIR. Traditionally, we receive our daily dose of FIR from sunlight, which is composed of all the energy wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum. Far Infrared Rays are a form of energy that are part of the electro-magnetic light frequency of sunlight that is not visible to the human eye. These Far Infrared Rays are safe, gentle and beneficial--unlike the damaging effects of short wavelengths such as gamma rays and X-rays. NASA discovered how to generate FIR in the 1960s to keep astronauts healthy in space. FIR waves are the safest and most beneficial electromagnetic energy available to the human body.

What are the benefits of Far Infrared Rays?

Far Infrared Rays relieve Pain and Stress:

Far Infrared Rays relieve pain and stress by expanding blood vessels and increasing circulation. Better circulation allows more oxygen to reach injured areas of the body and helps reduce pain and speed up the healing process. The FIR rays not only benefit the muscles on the surface of the body, but also at a cellular level, including the blood vessels, lymph glands, and nerves in the deepest parts of the body. These rays vitalize the biological function of our cells and relieve pain associated with neuralgia, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and chronic fatigue, as well as help eliminate toxins and carbon dioxide from the blood. In addition, Far Infrared wave treatments have been used for Cancer, Chronic Pain, Stress, Numbness, Joint Pain, Rheumatism, Low Blood Pressure, Diabetes and Asthma. The Far Infrared wave speeds up Cellular Metabolic processes, like stimulating the activity of mitochondria, and triggering enzyme activity as well as the healing, regeneration and normalization of damaged cell tissue. Also, light waves are essential for bone growth as well as preventing osteoporosis.

Far Infrared Rays Effect Hormonal Balance of the Body:

Dr. George Brainard found that light affects Hormonal Balance of the body, in the levels of melatonin, prolactin, cortisone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones, and that light is essential to the functioning of the entire endocrine system. Far Infrared Rays promote vasodilation, bringing nutrients and oxygen to soft tissue regions, stimulating the removal of toxins, and decreasing inflammation and edema from the soft tissue. Detoxification strengthens the immune system, revitalizes skin tone, and helps normalize eczema and acne. Additionally, Far Infrared Rays help reduce muscle spasm through heat, and reduce swelling, inflammation, and soreness through direct action on both free nerve endings and peripheral nerves. Other benefits include improving the balance of the blood pressure and blood sugars.

Far Infrared Rays Help Weight Loss and Eliminates Toxins:

You can safely get a full cardio workout and burn up to 600 calories in 30 minutes with the Biomat. It is perfect for those who aren’t well enough or disabled to get the daily exercise needed to stay healthy. Perspiring is part of the complex thermoregulatory process of the body that increases the heart rate, cardio output and metabolic rate. The process requires a large amount of energy and reduces excess moisture, salt and subcutaneous fat. Fat becomes water soluble at 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and the body sweats out fats and toxins. Far Infrared Rays support the body’s natural process of detoxification.

Amethyst Crystal

The Biomat is further enhanced with Amethyst Crystals, known for their calming and healing effects since ancient times. Amethyst crystal has come to be known as a power crystal with prolific healing powers that can be characterized as purifying, pacifying, and transitional. Known for its power to detoxify the body from alcohol and other harmful elements. Amethyst also produces Far Infrared Rays. These rays revitalize the biological function of the cells to relieve pain and symptoms associated with neuralgia, fibromyalgia, and arthritis. Amethyst has been deemed as “nature’s tranquilizer” by many health practitioners because of its effectiveness in relaxing not only the mind, but also the nervous system.

The Amethyst Effect was scientifically demonstrated through spectral analysis demonstrating that a change in Infrared light when refracted through amethyst crystals. Scientists experimented passing Far Infrared Rays through a variety of substances, including various gems, glasses and plastics. Amethyst was found to be the only substance which clearly changed the spectrum of Infrared light. Wave forms mimicked patterns similar to the human voice, according to scientists. While no theory has been proposed regarding the Amethyst Effect, scientists hypothesize that the infrared light passed through the amethyst releases over 20 million years of information which is made available to the human body for healing purposes.

The field for Far Infrared Crystallography explains this effect in further detail. Far Infrared Rays refracted through amethyst crystals organizes the Far Infrared Rays into geometrical patterns with higher bio-compatibility. Korean researchers propose that the addition of the amethyst allows for greater increase in the utilization of the light by the human organism.

Some Key Benefits of Amethyst Crystal
  • Clears blockages and aligns the Chakras
  • Violet Flame of Transmutation - Transforms lower frequencies to higher frequencies
  • Balances and stabilizes energies
  • Calms emotions and stress
  • Stone of Vision - heightens intuition
  • Relieves posture, bone and joint ailments
  • Helps sleep problems and insomnia
  • Helps heal the central nervous system, convulsions, neuralgia and fibromyalgia
How are Negative Ions created in the Biomat?

The Biomat features the Kurera Super Fiber from Japan. When the Kurera Super Fibers interact with DC (direct current) energy, the potential field surrounding the material is converted into a negatively charged field. When 1000 volts of electricity is slowed down and converted into DC energy, the Kurera Super Fiber generates a discharge of Negative Ions into the air and converts positive ions into negative ions inside the body. When 600-1000 volts of negative potential is applied to your body, more calcium and sodium minerals are circulating in the blood stream. This process changes an acidified body to an alkaline body. Although it uses a high voltage, there is no danger because there is no current flowing. This device is sometimes called a static electric treatment or high potential device.

What are Negative Ions and where do they come from?

An Ion is a particle which has electricity. Ions are molecules that have gained or lost electrical charge. They are created in nature as air molecules break apart due to sunlight, radiation, and moving air and water. The power of Negative Ions can be experienced near the ocean or waterfalls. While part of the euphoria is simply being around these majestic settings, the air circulating in the mountains and the ocean are known to contain tens of thousands of Negative Ions. At Yosemite Falls there are over 100,000 Negative Ions per cubic centimeter, whereas a typical home or office setting there are less than 100 Negative Ions per cubic centimeter.

Why are they called Negative Ions?

Negative Ions have a positive effect on people. Positive ions have a negative effect on people. An atom that has one of it’s normal orbiting electrons removed is called a Positive Ion. An atom with an extra electron added is called a Negative Ion. So the definition of terms is reversed. It is a misnomer for which Benjamin Franklin is responsible. Back in his time, electrons with a negative charge and atoms were not understood correctly. Even so, science has kept the terminology and therefore they are called “Negative Ions.”

How do the Negative Ions affect the cells?

The human body consists of billions of cells, and each is enclosed by a cell wall. This cell wall performs many important roles, which include absorbing nutrients, (vitamins and minerals), and hydration. The cell wall is also responsible for eliminating acidic waste material and toxins. When the amount of Ions in the blood is increased, the function of the cell is activated. When there are more positive ions, the cell walls close and the cell’s ability to absorb nutrition and eliminate toxins is disabled. Through research done by Dr. Tanaka in Japan, it was discovered that when Ionization is introduced, the Ions in calcium and natrium (salt) in the blood increases, and the blood is purified. The blood then becomes more alkaline. Why is that important? Bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells cannot live in an alkaline environment.

What are the health benefits of Negative Ions?
  • Negative Ions rejuvenate the cell channels
  • Relax and Balance the autonomic nervous system - restoring innate healing systems
  • Purifies the blood transforming it from acidic to alkaline
  • Relief of Allergies, Asthma, and Emphysema through the dilation of the bronchiole system
  • Charges the Immune System
  • Relieves pinched and stressed nerves
  • Supplies cells with a negative charge - removing positively charged toxins.
  • Nature’s antioxidant, supplying neutralizing free radicals
  • Nature’s master power switch
  • Ionization recharges the human energy field with exhilarating power
The Biomat is safer than heating pads because there aren’t any harmful electro-magnetic waves. Studies have shown that the use of common electric heating pads may cause carcinogenic cellular activity. The Biomat uses remote computer frequencies that generate Far Infrared light-waves and negative ions. Heat is created through these natural, beneficial light-waves from vibratory signals and conducted into the amethyst crystal bed via its high-tech messaging system. This advanced technology works without electric coils and functions through a state-of-the-art Electromagnetic Wave Interceptor. The Biomat energetics penetrate 80 times more deeply than electric heat.

Unlike an electric blanket, the pad does not get hot when it is turned on. When you lie down on it, it warms the inside of the body, and the part of the pad making contact with your skin becomes warm. When any part of the pad gets higher than the selected temperature, the sheet current is cut off by thermal sensors distributed throughout the pad. It comes with an external control box where the AC (alternating current) is converted to DC (direct current) and the pad can be adjusted to the desired temperature.

If you have any questions regarding Biomat benefits, usage or if you are interested in purchasing a Biomat or other Negative Ion products, please let me know.

Tashi Deley (I Honor the Magnificence in You).
Junel, Reiki Master/Biomat Technician

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Richway Amethyst Crystal Biomat

I recently became a distributor for the Richway Amethyst Crystal Biomat. Check out the following video for more information or feel free to contact me.


Friday, July 17, 2009

Reiki Healing Music

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Fibromyalgia and Reiki Therapy

The Fibromyalgia Symptoms website has an article on the effectiveness of Reiki treatment for relief of fibromyalgia symptoms such as pain and fatigue. It also mentions that reiki can reduce anxiety and depression.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

More Science

There was an excellent article by Nicole Mackay published in the Summer 2005 issue of the Reiki News Magazine. The following is an excerpt from that article:
. . . A literature review of previous studies shows an apparent link between Reiki treatment and the ANS. One of the most commonly reported effects of Reiki is that of relaxation or a reduction in stress. The ANS is the motor system for emotion; if Reiki were to ameliorate stress it would therefore also have some effect on the ANS. A paper authored by Ramnarine-Singh (1999) states that the physiologic system sensitive to energy-based therapies is the ANS, as it affects the body’s physiological response to stress, and suggests that physiologically Reiki and Therapeutic Touch (TT)—a therapy similar to Reiki—can be measured by recording blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, electroencephalography, electrooculography, galvanic skin response, and hand temperature. Wardell and Engebretson (2001) measured the biological effects of Reiki on the ANS and found significant reduction of anxiety and systolic blood pressure, and a significant increase in salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels, using healthy volunteers for their study. Anxiety was assessed through muscle tension measurement using electromyography as well as monitoring of salivary IgA levels. Vaughan (1995) also investigated the ANS, looking at systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and skin response, and found a definite trend towards the lowering of diastolic blood pressure.

Turner et al. (1998) investigated the use of TT for reducing anxiety levels in burn patients, finding a significant reduction in the TT group in comparison with a placebo group. Evanoff and Newton (1999) found that energy-based therapies significantly reduced pain in a randomized control trial of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. TT/Reiki has also been investigated within the field of cutaneous wound healing. Ramnarine-Singh (1999) highlights the apparent link between energy-based therapies and the ANS, stating that the previous “psychological” research is difficult to interpret because of the subjectivity involved. It calls for new studies measuring physiological responses within the ANS. Studies by Quinn (1984) and Vaughan (1995) support this hypothesis. . . .

Friday, June 5, 2009

Fibromyalgia Treatment Center Grand Opening Tomorrow

I am excited to announce that I recently became affiliated with the Integrated Wellness Center and Spa in South Lake Tahoe. Tomorrow, June 6, we are having a grand opening from 10-3 pm.

There will be free Fibromyalgia testing, free food, free bio-identical hormone consultation and so much more.

Integrated Wellness Center and Spa
2608 Lake Tahoe Blvd
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Contact (530) 544-1600 for more information.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Scientific Studies

There are scientific studies that show the efficacy of reiki treatment. Reviews Nest quotes the following:

Reiki has been proven effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life in advanced cancer patients4,5, changing blood hemoglobin and hematocrit levels6, reducing levels of free radicals7, reducing anxiety and lowering blood pressure8, etc. etc. - the list goes on. Reiki even proved effective in improved growth of heat-shocked bacterial cultures9. There's a vast body of recent research, mostly pointing to the effectiveness of the method.

Adding to that, our hands-on experience with several courses also proved that if you use a good course, Reiki is valid.

So - how does Reiki work? Is it by "channeling universal life energy" as the believers say, or by relaxation and placebo effect as some say10? In all truth - we don't know. All we know is that it DOES work. . . .

4 "Using Reiki to manage pain: a preliminary report.", K . Olson and J. Hanson, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alta., PMID: 9765732.
5 "A phase II trial of reiki for the management of pain in advanced cancer patients", K . Olson, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management , Volume 26 Issue 5 Pages 990 - 997.
6 "Reiki Healing: A Physiologic Perspective", Wendy S. Wetzel M.S.N., R.N., Journal of Holistic Nursing, Vol. 7, No. 1, 47-54 (1989), DOI: 10.1177/089801018900700109.
7 "The Effect of Reiki on the Level of Free Radicals", Nancy L. Garrison, PhD Dissertation, August 2005.
8 "Biological correlates of Reiki Touch healing", Diane Wind Wardell PhD RNC and Joan Engebretson DrPH RNC, Journal of Advanced Nursing, Volume 33 Issue 4 Pages 439 - 445.
9 "In Vitro Effect of Reiki Treatment on Bacterial Cultures: Role of Experimental Context and Practitioner Well-Being", Beverly Rubik PhD., Audrey J. Brooks PhD. and Gary E. Schwartz PhD., Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, January 1, 2006, 12(1): 7-13. doi:10.1089/acm.2006.12.7.
10 "A Study to Test the Effectiveness of Placebo Reiki Standardization Procedures Developed for a Planned Reiki Efficacy Study", Ahlam A. Mansour PhD., Marion Beuche, Gail Laing PhD., Anne Leis PhD., and Judy Nurse, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, April 1, 1999, 5(2): 153-164. doi:10.1089/acm.1999.5.153

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Reiki: An Introduction

The following article is from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine portion of the National Institutes of Health website.

Introduction

Reiki is a healing practice that originated in Japan. Reiki practitioners place their hands lightly on or just above the person receiving treatment, with the goal of facilitating the person's own healing response. In the United States, Reiki is part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). This fact sheet provides a general overview of Reiki and suggests sources for additional information.

Key Points

  • People use Reiki to promote overall health and well-being. Reiki is also used by people who are seeking relief from disease-related symptoms and the side effects of conventional medical treatments.

  • Reiki has historically been practiced as a form of self-care. Increasingly, it is also provided by health care professionals in a variety of clinical settings.

  • People do not need a special background to learn how to perform Reiki. Currently, training and certification for Reiki practitioners are not formally regulated.

  • Scientific research is under way to learn more about how Reiki may work, its possible effects on health, and diseases and conditions for which it may be helpful.

  • Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
History

The word "Reiki" is derived from two Japanese words: rei, or universal, and ki, or life energy. Current Reiki practice can be traced to the spiritual teachings of Mikao Usui in Japan during the early 20th century. Usui's teachings included meditative techniques and healing practices. One of Usui's students, Chujiro Hayashi, further developed the healing practices, placing less emphasis on the meditative techniques. An American named Hawayo Takata learned Reiki from Hayashi in Japan and introduced it to Western cultures in the late 1930s.

The type of Reiki practiced and taught by Hayashi and Takata may be considered traditional Reiki. Numerous variations (or schools) of Reiki have since been developed and are currently practiced.

Practice

Reiki is based on the idea that there is a universal (or source) energy that supports the body's innate healing abilities. Practitioners seek to access this energy, allowing it to flow to the body and facilitate healing.

Although generally practiced as a form of self-care, Reiki can be received from someone else and may be offered in a variety of health care settings, including medical offices, hospitals, and clinics.
It can be practiced on its own or along with other CAM therapies or conventional medical treatments.

In a Reiki session, the client lies down or sits comfortably, fully clothed. The practitioner's hands are placed lightly on or just above the client's body, palms down, using a series of 12 to 15 different hand positions. Each position is held for about 2 to 5 minutes, or until the practitioner feels that the flow of energy—experienced as sensations such as heat or tingling in the hands—has slowed or stopped. The number of sessions depends on the health needs of the client.

Typically, the practitioner delivers at least four sessions of 30 to 90 minutes each. The duration of Reiki sessions may be shorter in certain health care settings (for example, during surgery).
Practitioners with appropriate training may perform Reiki from a distance, that is, on clients who are not physically present in the office or clinic.

Uses

According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, which included a comprehensive survey of CAM use by Americans, more than 1.2 million adults had used an energy healing therapy, such as Reiki, in the previous year. The survey also found that approximately 161,000 children had used an energy healing therapy in the previous year.

People use Reiki for relaxation, stress reduction, and symptom relief, in efforts to improve overall health and well-being. Reiki has been used by people with anxiety, chronic pain, HIV/AIDS, and other health conditions, as well as by people recovering from surgery or experiencing side effects from cancer treatments. Reiki has also been given to people who are dying (and to their families and caregivers) to help impart a sense of peace.

Effects and Safety

Clients may experience a deep state of relaxation during a Reiki session. They might also feel warm, tingly, sleepy, or refreshed.

Reiki appears to be generally safe, and no serious side effects have been reported.

Training, Licensing, and Certification

No special background or credentials are needed to receive training. However, Reiki must be learned from an experienced teacher or a Master; it cannot be self-taught. The specific techniques taught can vary greatly.

Training in traditional Reiki has three degrees (levels), each focusing on a different aspect of practice. Each degree includes one or more initiations (also called attunements or empowerments). Receiving an initiation is believed to activate the ability to access Reiki energy.

Training for first- and second-degree practice is typically given in 8 to 12 class hours over about 2 days. In first-degree training, students learn to perform Reiki on themselves and on others. In second-degree training, students learn to perform Reiki on others from a distance. Some students seek master-level (third-degree) training. A Reiki Master can teach and initiate students. Becoming a Master can take years.

Reiki practitioners' training and expertise vary. Increasingly, many people who seek training are licensed health care professionals. However, no licensing or professional standards exist for the practice of Reiki.

If You Are Thinking About Using Reiki
  • Do not use Reiki as a replacement for proven conventional care or to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem.

  • Find out about the Reiki practitioner's background, including training and experience treating clients.

  • Be aware that Reiki has not been well studied scientifically, but research on whether and how Reiki may work is under way.

  • Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about CAM, see NCCAMs Time To Talk campaign.
NCCAM-Funded Research

Some recent NCCAM-supported studies have been investigating:

  • How Reiki might work

  • Whether Reiki is effective and safe for treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia

  • Reiki's possible impact on the well-being and quality of life in people with advanced AIDS

  • The possible effects of Reiki on disease progression and/or anxiety in people with prostate cancer

  • Whether Reiki can help reduce nerve pain and cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes
Selected References

Barnes PM, Powell-Griner E, McFann K, Nahin RL. Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults: United States, 2002. CDC Advance Data Report #343. 2004.

DiNucci EM.
Energy healing: a complementary treatment for orthopaedic and other conditions. Orthopaedic Nursing. 2005;24(4):259–269.

Engebretson J, Wardell DW.
Experience of a Reiki session. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2002;8(2):48–53.

LaTorre MA.
The use of Reiki in psychotherapy. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care. 2005;41(4):184–187.

Miles P. Reiki for mind, body, and spirit support of cancer patients. Advances in Mind-Body Medicine. 2007;22(2):20–26.

Miles P, True G.
Reiki-review of a biofield therapy history, theory, practice, and research. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2003;9(2):62–72.

Nield-Anderson L, Ameling A.
Reiki: a complementary therapy for nursing practice. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services. 2001;39(4):42–49.

Reiki. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed on February 25, 2008.

Monday, June 1, 2009

What is Reiki?

Reiki is the Japanese word for Universal Life Force Energy. Reiki is an ancient healing art rediscovered by Dr. Mikaomi Usui about 100 years ago. We all have Reiki energy (Universal Life Force Energy), it is our birthright.

We are Reiki, all of us are made of Universal Life Force Energy. Even science now recognizes that all things animate and inanimate are energy vibration.

Reiki is the art of channeling Universal Life Force Energy to promote spiritual, emotional, mental and physical healing in yourself and others.

An attuned Reiki practitioner has her body’s energy channels cleared and becomes connected to the source of energy.

During a Reiki healing, the practitioner lays her hands on the energy channels of the body (also known as chakras), channeling pure healing energy through her body, out her hands, and into the client. Each channel is connected to physical, mental, and emotional areas for the client.