YOGA

Means union, or the yoking together of body and spirit. It is one of the more ancient methods of healing and of raising consciousness. It is a powerful tool to attain illumination, and like India herself (from whence this comes), there are many levels of expression. Yoga is a general term for many different types of practices.

The West is already familiar with Hatha Yoga, the practice of physical postures. However, there are more: Kriya Yoga includes breathing techniques, Tantric Yoga recognizes and aligns with the sexual energy, in the most profound awareness that sexual and spiritual are one, Bhatkti Yoga accentuates the path of devotion, Raja Yoga or the Royal Path, Kundalini Yoga also uses breathing techniques, and is concerned with the sacred energy of the spine, and so on. In each one, there is a profound technique of ancient knowledge, which can help you find what you are seeking on your life path.

(See also: YOGA, Alternative Health, Holistic Health, Body Mind and Soul)

TAI CHI

Tai Chi (pronounced tie-chee) emphasizes complete relaxation, and is essentially a form of mediation, or what has been called "meditation in motion." Unlike the hard martial arts, Tai Chi is characterized by soft, slow, flowing movements that emphasize force, rather than brute strength. Though it is soft, slow, and flowing, the movements are executed precisely. 

Tai Chi history is not well documented; however, aspects of it date back at least 2000 years B.C. in ancient India. In the 13th century A.D., a Taoist (pronounced DOW-ist) monk, Chang Sang Feng, developed what is known as Tai Chi. Then Tai Chi came to be associated with different families in China, and each family’s name designated a different style of Tai Chi. The Chen family developed the Tai Chi style upon which all other modern styles are based. A man by the name of Yang, who studied with the Chen family, later modified the Chen style, thus developing the Yang style of Tai Chi Chuan. The Yang style is the most common traditional style of Tai Chi Chuan practiced today. The Yang style has three different forms that are practiced: Simplified form, short form, and long form.

Chi is an ancient Chinese concept that designates a form of energy. The term literally means "breath," as does the ancient Greek word from which we get the word "spirit." According to the philosophy of Tai Chi, this energy, which flows throughout every body, can become blocked. Tai Chi philosophy states that illness is due to the flow of the chi through the body becoming blocked. The Chinese recognize several means for freeing up the flow of chi. Two of the more commonly known forms in this country are acupuncture and Tai Chi.

Tai Chi, as also used as form of meditation to develop self-understanding. Learning to control oneself enables one to deal with others. This self-control can come about through two principal notions found in the Tao Te Ching (pronounced DOW tay ching) and I Ching (pronounced EE- ching). These two notions are the fundamental concepts of yin and yang. The philosophy of Taoism (DOW-ism) understands everything in terms of these two opposing principles. Though these two principles are seen as opposites, the one necessarily merges into the other, creating the natural balance of self and world, hence the classic symbol of Tai Chi . The Tai Chi form is meant to enable one to bring the principles of yin and yang back into their fundamental, natural harmony. The ultimate effect of this harmony, according to Taoism and Tai Chi, is one's physical and spiritual well-being.

(See also: TAI CHI, Alternative Health, Holistic Health, Body Mind and Soul)

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is an ancient oriental healing technique based on the Taoist philosophy of balancing energy meridians within the body, thus allowing the body to heal itself.

Fine needles are painlessly inserted at key points corresponding to body organs to relieve pain and cure disease and dysfunction. Related techniques include the use of low voltage, electric current (electro acupuncture) or massage at key points (acupressure).

(See also: ACUPUNCTURE, Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

FENG SHUI (pronounced Fung Schway)

Also known as Geomancy, is the art of placement. The meaning of which, is literally, “wind and water.” It was studied and developed in China about 4,000 years ago. Everything in creation is “energy.”

The natural elements have their own electro-magnetic energy field, just like humans do. These magnetic fields interact with each other, and with awareness we can harmonize them, and in this harmony everything can serve its purpose for the highest good of the individual and the whole. Natural elements and electromagnetic energies do affect the quality of people's lives.

The ancient Chinese learned how to live in harmony with these forces in order to maximize their health, wealth and harmonious relationships. This art form is used to locate the most suitable site for a new building, to make simple interior adjustments and major architectural choices for homes and places of business. An office with improved Feng Shui can help increase internal and external harmony, productivity and income, more harmonious relationships, resolve conflicts and help one feel more energized in life.

(See also: FENG SHUI, Alternative Health, Holistic Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Ayurveda is the oldest surviving complete medical system in the world. Derived from its ancient Sanskrit roots - ‘ayus' (life) and ‘ved' (knowledge) – and offering a rich, comprehensive outlook to a healthy life, its origins go back nearly 5000 years. To when it was expounded and practiced by the same spiritual rishis, who laid the foundations of the Vedic civilisation in India, by organising the fundamentals of life into proper systems.

The main source of knowledge in this field therefore remain the Vedas, the divine books of knowledge they propounded, and more specifically the fourth of the series, namely Atharvaveda that dates back to around 1000 BC. Of the few other treatises on Ayurveda that have survived from around the same time, the most famous are Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita which concentrate on internal medicine and surgery respectively. The Astanga Hridayam is a more concise compilation of earlier texts that was created about a thousand years ago. These between them forming a greater part of the knowledge base on Ayurveda as it is practiced today.

The art of Ayurveda had spread around in the 6th century BC to Tibet, China, Mongolia, Korea and Sri Lanka, carried over by the Buddhist monks travelling to those lands. Although not much of it survives in original form, its effects can be seen in the various new age concepts that have originated from there.

No philosophy has had greater influence on Ayurveda than Sankhaya’s philosophy of creation and manifestation. Which professes that behind all creation there is a state of pure existence or awareness, which is beyond time and space, has no beginning or end, and no qualities. Within pure existence, there arises a desire to experience itself, which results in disequilibrium and causes the manifestation of the primordial physical energy. And the two unite to make the "dance of creation" come alive.

Imponderable, indescribable and extremely subtle, this primordial energy – which and all that flows from it existing only in pure existence – is the creative force of all action, a source of form that has qualities. Matter and energy are so closely related that when energy takes form, we tend to think of it in terms of matter only. And much modified, it ultimately leads to the manifestation of our familiar mental and physical worlds.

It also gives rise to cosmic consciousness, which is the universal order that prevades all life. Individual intelligence, as distinct from the everyday intellectual mind, is derived from and is part of this consciousness. It is the inner wisdom, the part of individuality that remains unswayed by the demands of daily life, or by Ahamkara, the sense of `I-ness’.

A Sanskrit word with no exact translation, Ahamkara, is a concept not quite understood by everyone as it is often misleadingly equated to `ego’. Embracing much more than just that, it is in essence that part of ‘me’ which knows which parts of the universal creation are ‘me’. Since ‘I’ am not separate from the universal consciousness, but ‘I’ has an identity that differentiates and defines the boundaries of `me’. All creations therefore have Ahamkara, not just human beings.

There arises from Ahamkara a two-fold creation. The first is Satwa, the subjective world, which is able to perceive and manipulate matter. It comprises the subtle body (the mind), the capacity of the five sense organs to hear, feel, see, taste and smell, and for the five organs of action to speak, grasp, move, procreate and excrete. The mind and the subtle organs providing the bridge between the body, the Ahamkara and the inner wisdom, which three together is considered the essential nature of humans.

The second is Tamas, the objective world of the five elements of sound, touch, vision, taste and smell – the five subtle elements that give rise to the dense elements of ether or space, air, fire, water and the earth – from which all matter of the physical world is derived. And it is Rajas, the force or the energy of movement, which brings together parts of these two worlds.

It is worth noting that even at the stage of the dense elements the philosophy of creation –which according to Sankaya is now and in the present, without any past and any future – is still dealing with aspects of existence beyond our simple physical realms. The point of contention being that we are the first and foremost spirit experiencing existence. To use Ayurveda in daily life, one has neither to accept nor even understand this philosophy. But it does provide a deeper insight into how Ayurveda works towards betterment of your health.

Ayurveda therefore is not simply a health care system but a form of lifestyle adopted to maintain perfect balance and harmony within the human existence, from the most abstract transcendental values to the most concrete physiological expressions. Based on the premise that life represents an intelligent co-ordination of the Atma (Soul), Mana (Mind), Indriya (Senses) and Sharira (Body). That revolves around the five dense elements that go into the making of the constitution of each individual, called Prakriti. Which in turn is determined by the vital balance of the three physical energies - Vata, Pitta, Kapha and the three mental energies - Satwa, Rajas,

Ayurveda thus offers a unique blend of science and philosophy that balances the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual components necessary for holistic health.

(See also: Ayurveda, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

HERBOLOGY

Also known as HERBALISM, is found in practically all the ancient cultures throughout the world, and utilizes plants and trees, and their derivatives for preventative and curative medicine.

It is recognized that herbs constitute the oldest form of healing therapy that we know of. The Whole Herb retains the subtler ingredients and energies necessary to balance the active elements, while transporting the balanced substances into the body, which can be a healing catalyst so effectively.

Herbs are prepared for internal and external use in various ways, including teas, tinctures, extracts, oils, ointments and compresses. Herbal therapy is used to strengthen the immune system, and heal the body naturally.

(See also: HERBOLOGY, Alternative Health, Holistic Health, Body Mind and Soul)

classical Indian medicine (ancient Indian medicine, Ayurveda, classical Ayurveda, classic Hindu medicine, traditional Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine): A group of certain of the ancient indigenous medical ways of India that stems principally from two ancient treatises - the Caraka Samhita and the Susruta Samhita. Both describe Ayurveda's source as divine.

(See also: Classical Indian medicine, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

ACCUPUNCTURE:

·      The modern name is derived from the Latin words Acus (needle) and Punctura (penetration). It is, however, an ancient Chinese art of healing that sticks needles into a patient's skin or even muscles to correct imbalances in the `yin' & `yang' of the body.

·      Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, one of the oldest medical texts in the world, comprises a special section called `Magic Gate', which is devoted to this therapeutic style.

·      Although modern acupuncture charts more than 2000 points in the body - located along invisible energy called `meridians', 12 channels in each half of the body and 2 major channels (Ren & Du) along the middle line - traditionally there were only 365.

·      The western explanation for this is that a needle inserted at specific acupuncture points of the body releases certain chemical substances, that activate neuro-transmitters, which then pass on nerve impulses to the brain to obtain the desired effects. Must be performed by trained practitioners only.

The fundamental difference between these two systems being:

ACUPUNCTURE

·      A form of surgery where needles are penetrated into specific points of your body.

·      To cure chronic aches and pain.

ACUPRESSURE

·      A form of physiotherapy that indulges in massage and stimulation of precise points of the body.

• To ease all kinds of aches and pains and provide relief from tension, exhaustion and disease.

(See also: ACCUPUNCTURE, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Enneagram system (Enneagram, Enneatype system): System of spiritual psychology based on an ancient Sufi typology of nine (ennea in Greek) personality types or primary roles:

(1)           the achiever (reformer) - orderly, rational, and self-righteous;

(2)           the helper - generous, manipulative, and possessive;

(3)           the succeeder (motivator, status-seeker) - ambitious, hostile, and pragmatic;

(4)           the individualist (artist) - intuitive, self-absorbed, and sensitive;

(5)           the observer (thinker) - analytic, original, and provocative;

(6)           the guardian (loyalist) - defensive, engaging, and responsible;

(7)           the dreamer (generalist) - accomplished and manic;

(8)           the confronter (leader) - combative, dominating, and self-confident; and

(9)           the preservationist (peacemaker) - easygoing and receptive.

Each type has a prime psychological addiction (fixation or blind spot), respectively: anger, pride, deceit, envy, greed, fear, gluttony, lust for life and power, and laziness. These addictions include Christianity's seven deadly sins.

(a)           Recognition of one's type is tantamount to spiritual awakening. in the process of neutralizing the prime addiction:

(b)          achievers become pathfinders,

(c)           helpers become partners, succeeders become motivators,

(d)           individualists become builders,

(e)           observers become explorers,

(f)             guardians become stabilizers,

(g)           dreamers become illuminators,

(h)           confronters become philanthropists, and

(i)             preservationists become universalists.

(See also: Enneagram system, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

Sex & Ayurveda

Sex has always been an issue of dichotomy. An integral part of our lives and essential for the continuation of the species, it is far more than just a technical necessity. While social structures in India are quite strict on this, the study of

 sex - from both its physical and psychological perspectives - has been practiced here from ancient times. Unlike in the west, where this is a fairly recent phenomenon and they are yet to find the proper line of distinction between sex

 in general and pornography in particular.

On the other hand Maharishi Vatsayan's Kamasutra is yet unparalleled as the  most comprehensive documentation ever on the practice of sex. Unfortunately,  its classic treatment of the act and the art has often been misrepresented. The ancient Ayurvedic text of Charaka Samhita provided complete sexual solutions over 3000 years ago And the time-frozen, stone-carved, erotic sculptures in the temples at Khajuraho and Konarak leave millions of visitors utterly awe-struck by their sheer beauty, elegance and variety. An undying testimony to how intrinsic sex was to the daily lives of people in ancient India.

The importance of sex in our lives has remained quite unchanged. The crucial points to be kept in mind in relation to the same being:

·      Sex is an integral part of our daily habits (Dinacharya).

·      Night and after two hours of dinner is the ideal time for intimacy, as it is kapha time.

·      An absolutely satisfying sexual union, when developed over time, bestows you and your partner with health and vitality.

·      For best results, each of the partners should be physically, emotionally and spiritually involved with the other.

·      Touch, smell, food, music and ambience play a vital role in developing, increasing and prolonging intimacy.

·      Perverted or unsatisfying sex has adverse effects on your mental and physical health, as it aggravates your vital energies (doshas) and reduces immunity. An aggravated vata will make you more emotionally vulnerable and fear-prone, increased pitta will move you to anger and even frustration and enhanced kapha will make you more possessive.

·      The frequency of sex depends on your constitution and seasons - kapha types indulge in sex more frequently than your vata & pitta types thanks to the extra stamina they possess.

·      Vata types might find satisfaction in changing partners. While the difficult-to-quench-their-desires pitta types are usually in quest for more intensity.

For more and better sex therefore, one can practice Vajikaran therapy (virlification) - that part of Ayurveda which enhances male fertility and potency. However, any misuse of the same may open up a deluge of emotional and psychological complications. Use of similar medication (aphrodisiac supplements) instantly induces sexual pleasure and excitement, increases sexual stamina and promotes fertile seminal secretions.

(See also: Sex, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

REIKI:

·      Discovered and propounded by Dr.Mikao Usui in 1800, it is the ancient Japanese art of healing by the 'laying on of hands' - Reiki meaning universal energy in Japanese.

·      A powerful and spiritual experimental technique that opens up the vision, heart, palm chakras, third eye and other psychic abilities.

·      Providing holistic, positive energy without any side effects, it can be undergone independently or with other medical treatments.

·      Treating the root-cause of a disease, it enhances the body's natural ability to heal itself. And maintains equilibrium of both body and mind to promote complete relaxation, thereby raising the life-force energy.

·      The therapist first makes a body-scan of the seven chakras to determine individual needs. Actual therapy follows when the universal energy flows through the therapist into the client.

The various stages in the entire process being:

THE FIRST DEGREE STAGE

This is the primary stage where you get attuned as the universal energy activates in you through transmission for approximately four hours over some days. When the attunement is established, information is given on four levels of energy - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. At this stage, you are opened up to a higher level of universal resonance that can be ventured up to unlimited heights through suggested use and applications.

THE SECOND DEGREE STAGE

Slightly more advanced, great changes in the energy levels are achieved here and symbols are introduced to unlock the chakras that will improve your health.

THE THIRD DEGREE STAGE

In this most advanced and powerful stage you are taught the intricate process of passing on the reiki energy and ways of enhancing personal growth, transformation and increased enlightenment.

(See also: REIKI, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE: The basis of much ancient healing wisdom which also shows a similarity to other traditional in both thought and delivery of treatment. The belief stems from the concept of Ying and Yang – Yin being about the feminine traits, quiet calm and introspection whilst Yang represents loudness, light and masculine traits. These must be balanced to achieve health and well being.######Treatments include exercise and Manipulation (TUINA), Herbal medicines, Healing (QI GONG)and Acupressure amongst others.

(See also: TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Acupressure: An ancient Chinese system of healing based on applying finger pressure and massage to meridians (energy points) which release muscle tension related ailments.

(See also: Acupressure, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Qigong (also spelled chi gong, and chi gung; originally called daoyin):

1. (Chi Kung, Chinese Energetic healing, Chinese Qigong therapy, Chinese yoga, internal Qigong, Kiko, Qi Gong, Qigong healing) Chinese form of self-healing whose aim is to stimulate and balance the flow of qi (chi, vital energy) through meridians (energy pathways).

It involves contemplation, visualization (imagery), assumption of postures, and stylized breathing and body movements. Gong (or kung, as in kung fu) is a Chinese word that pertains to skill.

The word qigong literally means breathing exercise, to work the vital force, practicing with the breath, or working with the energy of life. Interpretations of the word include energy skill and energy mastering exercise.

2. A vast group of systems and methods of ancient Chinese and twentieth-century origin that encompasses Qigong therapy.

(See also: Qigong, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

tai chi (tai chi chuan, Tai Ji, tai ji chuan, Tai Ji Juan, tai ji quan, Taiqi): A variation of self-healing. Tai chi is an ancient, yoga-like Chinese system of ballet-like exercises designed for health, self-defense, and spiritual development.

Practicing tai chi facilitates the flow of chi (life energy) through the body by dissolving blockages both within the body and between the body and the environment. Traditional tai chi involves about 108 to 128 postures, including repetitions. The difficulty lies in concatenating the postures into circular movements. Quan means boxing.

(See also: Tai chi, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

CHINESE ENERGETIC HEALING

Is yet another aspect of the comprehensive approach that Ancient China developed thousands of years ago. This aspect has its roots in Qi Gong (Chi Kung). It develops the life force energy to such a high degree, that it raise the vibration of the practitioner to such a level that the recipient is influenced to do likewise, in their own self-healing.

This requires no touch and reaches beyond space and time. In this way the practitioner is not limited in the application, and a recipient can receive the benefits remotely, anywhere. By working with and on the level of Universal Life Force, what may be perceived as miracles, occur with regularity.

(See also: CHINESE ENERGETIC HEALING, Alternative Health, Holistic Health, Body Mind and Soul)

REIKI: practitioners of this ancient Tibetan healing system use light hand placements to transmit healing energies to the recipient.

While the practitioners may vary widely in technique and philosophy, Reiki is commonly used to treat emotional and mental distress as well as chronic and acute physical problems, as well as to assist the recipient in achieving spiritual focus and clarity.

What is Reiki?

 Reiki is the hands-on practice of channeling the life force energy which we all possess. This energy is used to balance and heal people in a positive, life-affirming way. Every person has the innate ability to use this energy and pass it along to others. Reiki does not stem from or require any particular religious belief, though we can see from the stories of Buddha and Jesus Christ that hands-on healing is nothing new to the human experience. People trained in Reiki techniques have had their metaphorical light switch "turned on" by a master teacher; in turn, they can heal others.

The 5 Reiki Principles

• Just for today, I will give thanks for my blessings.
• Just for today, I will not worry.
• Just for today, I will not be angry.
• Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
• Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing.

 *These principles are adapted from "The Reiki Handbook" by Larry Arnold and Sandy Nevius (Harrisburg, PA, PSI Press, 1982)

What can Reiki help cure?

There are many reasons to see a Reiki practitioner. Reiki is commonly used to allieviate symptoms of stress, headaches, depression, and tension. Reiki can help a person's emotional healing process or ease the effects of a crippling disease. Reiki is always positive, and can be used on all ages of people, including prenatal infants.

What is the history of the Reiki healing system?

Many people believe that the Reiki healing methods are similiar to those used by Buddha and Christ. The tradition may have been passed down by spiritual people in India and Tibet, and was relatively unknown to the "Western" world until recently.

One modern story of Reiki begins with Mikao Usui, a Christian minister and university president from Kyoto, Japan. In the late 1800's, Usui apparently embarked upon a several-year quest to find out more about this ancient healing system, attributed to the Buddhist philosophy of healing the mind, body, and emotional self through spiritual means. This experience culminated on Mt. Koriyama (in Japan), when after a 21-day period of meditating and fasting, Usui "received" the Reiki symbols and instructions on how to activate the healing process through their use. Usui then travelled throughout Japan teaching and healing people.

Usui's successor was Chujiro Hayashi, who made about 16 Reiki masters before his death in 1941. This included the first female Reiki masters, Chie Hayashi (Chujiros' wife) and Hawayo Takata.

 It was Hawayo Takata who brought the Reiki techniques out of Japan to Hawaii and the mainland United States and Canada. Before her death in 1980, she had made 22 Reiki masters. From then on, students and practitioners of Reiki have grown exponentially.

What happens during a Reiki treatment?

A typical session will last between a half-hour and an hour. You should wear comfortable clothing and try to refrain from eating for at least half an hour before your appointment. Most practitioners work on massage tables, though if you prefer to sit up that is fine. Your practitioner will ask you to take a few deep breaths and relax into a mild meditative state. They may play relaxing music or light a candle to assist you. Then they will place their hands on your body in several different areas (such as the top of the head, over your eyes, on your belly, or the soles of the feet) in succession. Usually they will spend a couple of minutes in each position, depending on where they feel they should direct the "flow" of energy. All you need to do is relax and breathe normally.

You may feel warmth emanating from the therapist's hands; this is a normal reaction. It is also common for your body to tingle slightly. You may even have surges of emotions and memories. However, you may not "feel" anything at all; but after the session is over, you may notice that you are more relaxed or centered than before. Remember to keep an open mind, even if you are not sure of the benefits that Reiki can have for you. If a person is "closed" to the idea, it blocks the flow of energy.

(See also: Reiki, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Shamanism: This ancient method of healing was practiced by healers (shamans). Combining ancient and modern healing/wisdom practices, to develop inter-dimensional consciousness (“walking between the worlds”), spirit helpers, power animals, and ritual, “journeying” for soulful wholeness.

(See also: Shamanism, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Foot Reflexology: An ancient cousin of acupuncture. It involves pressing reflex areas on the feet. Its principle is that these areas correspond to organs and systems of the body. Foot Reflexology really cleanses the mind and body and revitalizes energy. A common theory of reflexology holds that massaging certain areas of the feet restores health by breaking up and dispersing crystals.

(See also: Foot Reflexology, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

Jin Shin Jyutsu

An ancient Japanese healing art rediscovered by Jiro Muri in the early 1900's and brought to America by Mary Burmeister in1965. Jin Shin Jyutsu balances and harmonizes your body's energy systems by using 26 safety energy locks with the hands and fingers.

The practice, applied by a practitioner and as self-help, can eliminate stress, create emotional equilibrium, relieve pain and alleviate acute or chronic conditions. The art can also be used preventively, to sustain a sense of harmony and well-being. Ultimately, it may restore you to a knowledge of yourself and of your long-dormant innate ability to improve the quality of your life.

(See also: Jin Shin Jyutsu, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

EAR CANDLING/EAR CONING

Is an ancient technique of creating a long cone or funnel usually out of cotton muslin, which has been soaked in paraffin or bees wax, and various herbs. This was practiced by ancient civilizations such as, the Aztecs, Incas, Mayans, Native Americans, and more recently in Europe.

The Ear Cone or Candle is about one foot long, and the narrow end fits into the ear of the person lying on their other side. The candle is lit at the far end, the heat of which creates a “chimney effect,” which cause the hot air to rise, and thus creates a vacuum with the ear. This is sufficient to lift out any fungus, yeast infection, wax, bacteria, or the sloughed off cells that accumulate within the ear canal and Eustachian Tube.

This healing art is extremely profound, for it is reputed to initiate a healing process that continues for several days after the coning. This can alleviate allergies, sinus conditions, hearing loss, earaches, tinitus and balance problems. The process also helps to balance cranial fluids, and drain the lymphatic system. Please note that it is recommended that a trained practitioner should carry out this process for you, or at least learn the technique.

(See also: EAR CANDLING/, Alternative Health, Holistic Health, Body Mind and Soul)