Acupressure has been around for thousands of years and is recognized as a form of Chinese energetic healing which involves applying pressure to specific meridian points, or energy pathways to increase flow of vital “chi” or relieve possible blockages.
 
Acupressure is often used for the treatment of nausea and travel sickness, with proven success. Wearing a wrist band with a small plastic disc positioned correctly on the wrist can significantly reduce nausea and is a great alternative to medications. But there are so many more potential uses of acupressure.
 
Other uses of acupressure include the treatment of pain, allergy and sinus problems, gastrointestinal issues, hormone imbalances as well as a quick and easy fix for anxiety and/or stress. Although acupressure treatments are often carried out by a trained or certified professional, there are many techniques that can be carried out on your own, such as for anxiety.
 
When applying self-acupressure, use the pads of your index or third finger and apply firm but not painful pressure to a specific region on the body. A common site used for the treatment of anxiety is located on the lower arm. Measure three finger widths down from the crease in your wrist, in the center between the bones and apply pressure for two to three minutes while you slowly inhale and exhale. The calming effect can be felt very quickly.
 
This particular point is known as P 6 or the Inner Gate (acupressure.com) and can be very helpful not only in making you feel calmer, but also to help you feel more grounded and in balance. 
 
Definitely worth a try.
 

Anyone who has ever owned a pet can easily understand how beneficial an animal can be to our own sense of health and well being. Having a furry friend look up at you in hopes of a scratch behind their ears or a rub on their tummies can elicit a flood of oxytocin – the feel good hormone.  This in turn produces a calming effect, which has been scientifically proven to improve cardiovascular health and reduce blood pressure.
 
Pet therapy has gained recognition in healthcare; many retirement, nursing homes and hospices have recognized the advantages of having animals in residence to lift spirits, decrease depression, loneliness and anxiety. Spending time with an animal encourages a bond that benefits both people and animals. 
 
Dogs specially trained for service are active in areas of trauma treatment and disabilities. The benefit of pet therapy is also evident in children with behavioural issues and learning disabilities.
 
Probably the greatest benefit of spending time with animals is the social connection  that is established. Everyone loves to feel loved, and animals often do that better than humans do. The feeling of being loved unconditionally can be soothing to the soul and maximize healing.
 
Because of all of these benefits, pets have a way of increasing our resilience to stress, can make life a little brighter and provide a sense of purpose.
  

Lomi Lomi is a type of Hawaiian massage, derived from ancient Polynesian culture. The word ‘Lomi’ in Hawaiian means “to knead, to rub, to soothe.” The Hawaiian philosophy of ‘Huna’, which is a fundamental assumption that everything seeks harmony and love, is at the heart of this type of massage. The approach utilizes ‘loving hands’ to work muscles deeply but gently with long, continuous flowing strokes.

The purpose of this type of massage is not just to induce a state of relaxation but to allow space for an individual to let go of self-limiting beliefs, patterns and behaviors that might be holding them back.
 
Hawaiians believe that thoughts and beliefs can become stuck in various cells of the body and so engaging in this type of massage helps release of unwanted emotions and feelings.
 
Most people are familiar with the term ‘Aloha’ meaning either ‘hello’ or ‘goodbye.’
When in fact it’s meaning goes much deeper and is referred to as ‘the joyful sharing of life energy in the present”, which is the very foundation of Lomi Lomi massage.
 
What better way to indulge in a little ‘me’ time, then with a Lomi Lomi massage to promote relaxation and an overall feeling of well being?

​Reiki for all Woes
 
Reiki is a Japanese healing technique, founded by Mikao Usui, that employs the ‘laying of hands’ by a trained practitioner. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words: ‘Rei’ meaning “God’s wisdom or the Higher Power” and ‘Ki’ which means “life force energy.”
 
In a traditional Reiki treatment, a person lies on a massage table and the practitioner utilizes this spiritually guided life force energy. It is a holistic approach that involves the physical body, the mind and the soul to promote a state of relaxation that is conducive to healing. Rarely is direct touch employed. It is an excellent tool for stress reduction and can promote feelings of wellbeing. Treatments usually last an hour. Depending on the degree of relaxation experienced, participants might even leave the session feeling as if they have gained insight on a particular difficulty in their life.
 
It is also a simple technique to learn. The ability to do Reiki is passed on to a student during an ‘attunement’ given to them by a Reiki Master. This allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of ‘life force energy’, regardless of their intellectual or spiritual capacity. Reiki is not a religion, nor does it have a certain dogma that must be believed.
 
Reiki does not affect traditional medical treatments nor does it have any side effects. It can enhance healing and promote recovery through the life force energy and because of its ability to induce a state of relaxation. It is an excellent tool to use for chakra clearing.
 
 
Whether you are dealing with illness, stress or anxiety, Reiki can be an effective tool in promoting a sense of well being.