Monthly Archives: May 2016

Spiritual Flu

Are you suffering from a Spiritual Flu?

The spiritual flu, also known as flukey flu or vibrational flu, is a result of what can happen when we go through an energy shift and the increase in Chi (energy) results in a clearing of toxins which have been held in our cells and energy channels.

Similar to when it rains heavily and the current of a river increases, the resulting rush of water clears debris in its path, so too when an addition of energy occurs in our body; the rush of energy will clear any blocks being held in the cells and meridians.

Such clearing results in detoxification, which our bodies are naturally designed for. On a daily basis several of our internal systems work to neutralise and eliminate toxins, which is matter that doesn’t serve our body.   For example, our lungs expel carbon dioxide, our digestive system releases waste product, our kidneys secrete and filter toxins out of the blood and the liver transforms the chemical nature of many toxins.

Toxins enter our cells and meridians two ways;

  • External environment
    Such as the air we breathe, the products we put on our skin, the food or drink we consume, the chemical products we use, what we read or watch and via toxic actions (smoking, working too much, not getting outside).
  • Internal environment
    For instance negative beliefs, thoughts and words we say to or about ourself, stress and negative emotions.  As well as toxic behaviours such as being judgemental, getting caught up in drama and speaking ill of others.

Whilst our body is designed to naturally detoxify, and will do so, at times the output cannot keep up with the input, so the detox processes become overburden which results in our body holding onto such matter.

An energy shift will occur any time our vibration is raised.  Either via conscious work we undertake, for example if we have a kinesiology balance, forensic healing, massage or reiki; or they occur unconsciously due to an emotional upheaval, changes in collective consciousness, major planetary alignments / retrogrades or unseen forces (such as angels, spirit guides).

In order for our vibration to shift, either consciously or unconsciously, a flood of energy enters are system and causes toxic matter to move and release.  The greater the backlog of toxins the more intense the release and it is this which can cause spiritual flu.

Whilst spiritual flu has very similar symptoms to a normal flu, it differs in that the symptoms are superficial, so generally despite their physical manifestations a person feels well.  Although in my experience the spiritual flu usually leaves a person feeling quite tired, noting that sleep aids to boost our immune system and deep sleep is also thought to be when a person processes their emotions and memories.

During a spiritual flu, it is important to support your physical and energy bodies, otherwise the symptoms can worsen and become more substantial.  Things you can do are:

  • Drink lots of water, particularly with lemon
  • Take supplements, specifically vitamin C and B
  • Use natural products, such as essential oils
  • Sit in the sunshine
  • Journal
  • Meditation
  • Stimulate the lymphatic system (massage, walking, skipping)
  • Rest and where possible, sleep!

It is important to give yourself time out to process and appreciate the hidden gift in your spiritual flu, which is a transition to a more aligned you!

In most instances symptoms will last for three to five days, however sometimes due to a number of blocks there can be a damming effect.  If symptoms aren’t shifting after three days I suggest undertaking additional energy work and/or stimulating your lymphatic system.  If symptoms worsen or if you are concerned please see your medical practitioner.

If you need support in shifting your energy then please call us for an appointment:  http://www.theinnersageaustralia.com/appointment/

Decisions

Difficult decisions made easy

“We are the creative force of our life, and through our own decisions rather than our conditions, if we carefully learn to do certain things, we can accomplish those goals.”
Stephen Covey

From the moment we are born our choices are made for us; our name, religion / spirituality, what we wear, what we eat, where we live and even who we play with.  Making decisions is not a part of what we have to do.

Whilst we are born with free will, which is the ability to act at one’s own discretion, it is not until our parents invite us to activate our free will, or we defy them, that we commence learning the skill of making decisions.

To be decisive is the act of choosing which, of at least two alternatives, is the best for you and perhaps others.  Those who are skillful at making choices learn how to quickly way up the options and know that with making a decision are consequences.  Sometimes good consequences, sometimes less than good consequences.

Which can be one of the main reasons people don’t make decisions; they are not ready for the consequences of their decision or perhaps they don’t feel capable of making the right decision.

Rather than make decisions people will:

  • deny the problem exists;
  • justify their reason for not making a decision;
  • perhaps even blame someone else for their predicament; or
  • see-saw between choices.

All of which is self deceiving behaviour as any of these actions mislead the person into thinking they aren’t strong enough for the outcomes or to face what is happening around them.  If only they realised by not making a decision is a choice in itself and a choice to remain dis-empowered.

To make choices is to be responsible and accountable, thus being at control of our life.  We are also prepared for the outcome of our choice and know that if we do not like that outcome then we simply just make another choice.

At times in order to make choices we may seek others input and advice, which is healthy as long as we understand that any advice give by another is based on their beliefs, values and rules about what is right.  Which means their advice is right for them not necessarily right for us.

three c's

Whilst this can be quite a robust process, it is a suggested template to aid in making quality decisions, particularly in challenging situations.

  1. Get Detailed
    (a) Our perception of the way a situation is, doesn’t mean it is the truth.  So to ensure you fully understand the situation, considering it from several different angles i.e. others perceptions.  Also consider all contributing factors, endeavour to get to the root cause of the situation.  By doing so it helps to make sure your choice at hand is the real issue or if there is something deeper to consider.
    (b) Now consider what it is  you want, what is your goal? your ideal?  When we know what it is we want and be specific about it, then we are able to move closer to that ideal.  Such clarity also aids our decision and can open us up to more options.
  2. List your alternatives (choices)
    When we delve into the problem and see it from different perspectives,and are clear on what we want, then we are able to then create a range of alternatives from which to choose.   In this step BE creative and brainstorm, let go of logic, in order to generate as many choices as you can.
  3. Explore your options
    Once you have finished brainstorming it is now time to review the options for their feasibility as well as their pros and cons.  Discard the options which are not practical or have a low degree of probability.
    With those options now left consider the benefits and drawbacks of each.  To some element every decision has an element of risk, when we understand what is the “worse” that could happen and if we can manage that “worse” then we are fully informed.
  4. Decide!
    If the previous steps have been followed, at this stage ideally we have an in depth grasp of the situation, are clear about what we want, have a list of suitable options, so now its time to make a decision as to which alternative outweighs the others.
    So select the one which outweighs the others and remember to also listen to your gut (intuition) if there are a couple.
  5. Create an action plan
    Now you have your decision its time create an action plan on how to implement it.  Sometimes decisions may be overwhelming, or you might not know where to start, so the best way to implement it is to break your decision down into manageable chunks / action steps.

Remember that making choices is a skill which can be likened to a muscle.  The more we exercise the skill the stronger it gets and being a skill means it can be mastered and over time strengthened!

However what happens when there is no best alternative and there is two or more options that are equally as good, i.e. one option does not outweigh another, when all quantitative factors are equal?

This is when we need to refer and rely on our values, the reasons that lie within us and align to who we are and what we want to be.  We have the power to create reasons and thus unmeasurable values for each of our choices, which means we are the architect of our own life.

All the aforementioned methodologies stop you from being a drifter in life and from being at the effect of what happens to you.  It means you now get to write your own story via the choices you make, or don’t make.

If you need additional support in making decisions easier consider an appointment with us, either face to face or via Skype.  http://www.theinnersageaustralia.com/appointment-randwick/

Meditation

Meditation in the moment

Scientifically and spiritually, the benefits of meditation are well reported.  Meditation is documented as helping increase focus, learning and memory, balancing our emotions as well as having many physical benefits such as increasing our immunity, energy levels and reducing blood pressure.

Yet despite these known benefits most people still aren’t meditating and the two most common excuses people give me for not doing so are:

  1. I don’t have the time; and/or
  2. I don’t know how to

Meditation is the simplest of practices however it is often over complicated by thought processes (which is an oxymoron as that it exactly what it can help with).    It is not an activity of only sages, devotees and mystics who can sit crossed legged for hours at a time chanting “om”, although you can do so if that suits you.   Meditation in a practice which everyone is able to do, in some shape or form, and is something most of us have all done perhaps without realising.

What is Meditation?
Meditation is the act of contemplation, reflection and/or prayer where a person focusses their mind with the intention of slowing down and knowing that thoughts will rise, however choosing not to engage with these thoughts.  It is the process of being; in that exact moment in time, free of busyness and distractions, not in the past and not in future, just present moment.

Meditation is the essence of mindfulness, which is described as a state of being actively in the present, observing thoughts and feelings from a distance without judgement of them.  Its living and being awaken to what you are doing at that precise point of time.

What this means is that meditation can therefore be achieved at any time a person brings mindfulness to whatever they are doing.  By placing their full attention on what they are doing, which brings them to living in the that exact moment.  To allow thoughts to flow without judgement and to observe them without hooking onto a thought or following it down the rabbit hole.

Have you ever brushed your own, or someone else’s hair, and just been in that moment with each stroke, focused on smoothing out the hair?  or perhaps sat outside on a beautiful day and  found yourself immersed in the beauty surrounding you and sensing the sun’s rays warming you or the wind gently cooling you?  have you walked along a beach picking up shells or cooling your feet in the water, finding yourself immersed with the smell of the ocean and sound of the waves?  Possibly you’ve found yourself lost in the book you’ve been reading, taken to another time and place…..

In any of these, or similar scenarios, had you noticed that your mind was nowhere else other than where you were at that time?  Because that is meditation.  Whilst personally I am fond of sitting still with the intent of meditation, freeing my mind of thought, any time we have been lost in the moment, or totally focused on what we were doing, we were practicing mindfulness and therefore meditation.

Suggestions to aid with being present

  • Accept that as your mind begins to slow down and be in the moment thoughts will rise and that you have a choice whether you engage with them
  • Write for five minutes before meditation, our mind becomes free to be present because it now knows what it needs to remember has already been recorded
  • Focus on your breathe…it is a natural process that is happening every moment your awake or asleep, bring your attention to the air you take into your lungs and hold, allow that oxygen to disperse into your body and then breathe out…letting go of the stuff you no longer need
  • Concentrate fully on whatever it is that you are doing.  For example if you are washing the dishes focusing on each plate, bowel or cup and being reverent in cleaning each item.
  • Guided visualisations are a great tool to aid with meditating and it is still meditating if you use them

Ideal activities for meditation when you have no time

Consider the activities you are doing already, where you can slow down to be 100% focused on that task at hand and therefore present such as:

  • Washing the dishes
  • Talking the dog for a walk
  • Going to the park with the kids
  • Sitting on the toilet
  • Preparing, cooking and/or eating meals
  • Walking along the beach
  • Prior to sleep

As previously mentioned most people find it challenging to find time for sitting down to meditate.  The longer your can meditate the more effective the benefits, however some time spent is better than none at all.

Healers

Nourishment essentials for healing professionals

Healers come in all shapes and forms, they can be nurses, doctors, counsellors, psychologists, naturopaths, kinesiologists, energy healers or they can be the friend who listens.    Having known many healers, as well as being one myself, it is my experience that most healers are so busy  focussing and caring for others that they tend to “forget” to care for themselves.

There are many ways for healing professionals to care for themselves such as eating small meals frequently, exercising regularly, connecting with nature and/or mediation.  However, due to the work they do and the transfer of energy that occurs healers often deplete essential nutrients.

Whether healing professionals are conscious of this or not, any interaction with another involves energy transmission.  Healers transfer energy, which could be chemical energy, electrical energy, thermal energy, light  or mechanical energy.

Yet too, depending on the strength of their boundaries, protection and cleansing, practitioners can also find themselves with taking on energetic residue from their clients.

Our nervous system is a collection of fibres and specialised cells which transmit signals between the brain and other parts of the body.  In addition to it’s physiological functions, the nervous system is also the pathway used to distribute and receive subtle energy.  Hence the importance of specifically supporting this system.

The following are suggestions as to what we consider to be nourishment essentials for those in the healing field, however as a Kinesiologist we do not diagnose, treat or prescribe so if in doubt please refer to your health professional.

Spirulina
Spirulina is a cyanobacteria, which refers to the colour of the micro-organism, cyano being blue.  It is a rich source of numerous vitamins such as B-1, B-2, B-3, B-6, B-9 (folic acid) as well as vitamins C, D, A and E.

Spirulina is also a source of various minerals  including  potassium , calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus,  selenium, sodium and zinc.  In addition to these beneficial nutrients it also contains essential and non essential amino acids, chlorophyll and carotenoids.

Due to Spirulina’s nutritional make up, it assists us our body to convert food into fuel, supports our nervous system as well as aids the detoxification process by binding with heavy metals and free radicals for removal.


Magnesium

Magnesium (as well as other minerals) play an important role in the body by regulating glands, muscle and nerve function, protein synthesis, blood glucose and blood pressure regulation.   In addition magnesium is critical for energy production, building hormones and maintaining cells.

Magnesium is important in metabolising nutrients into usable energy, allowing ions to move in and out of our cells.   Due to the role magnesium plays in conduction of nerve impulses, it aids the nervous system with sending messages.

Stress is known to deplete our magnesium stores.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is critical for our immune system in its resistance to  pathogens, aids our healing processes and as an anti-oxidant it also helps limit the damage from free radicals..  Vitamin C also aids in the formation, as well as use of collagen in the body (which is the “glue” that holds our body together and gives strength and elasticity to our skin, muscles, joints and ligaments).

Cortisol, a hormone released during stress, competes with collagen for vitamin C, hence why when under any form of stress it is important to ensure you are digesting vitamin C.  Noting as it is water soluble our bodies cannot store vitamin C, hence another reason it is important to ensure we ingest vitamin C daily.


C
alcium
One of the better known benefits of calcium is that it gives our bones and teeth strength as well as shape.  However the nervous system also needs calcium in order to effectively transmit messages.

It aids in maintaining appropriate blood pressure and adequate calcium also helps balance our mood and pH levels.  pH balance is important as too much acidity can provide an environment for harmful organisms to flourish.


Water

Approximately 60% of our body composition is water and nearly all of the body’s systems depend on water to operate, so it makes sense that in order for the body to function effectively it is essential for it to be adequately hydrated.

Our body uses approximately 2.5 litres of water per day, however it is important to note that when we are under “stress” (whether nutritionally, physically or mentally) we use more water.   This includes the additional demand we put on our system when giving healing energy or mental focus to others.

Author of  ‘Your Body’s Many Cries for Water’, Dr. Batmanghelidj, indicates that the optimal daily water intake is 1.5 litres per 50kg of body weight.  Electrolytes assist in hydration and a natural way to boost your water with electrolytes is to add lemon, lime or sea salt to your water.

Oxygen
Oxygen is the most essential nutrients we need, we can’t exist without it, our basic building blocks (cells) need oxygen for energy and growth.  Breathing, particularly deep breathing, increases the oxygen in our blood as well as aid in releasing toxins.

Breathing nourishes our nervous system and thus reduces tension and stress, increases energy and stamina, strengthens our posture and improves energy flow to the brain aiding attentiveness, focus and clarity.

When the healer adequately cares for themselves, they can minimise (if not eliminate) burnout.  Thus ensuring they have an abundance of vitality and stamina not only for others, yet most importantly for their own body and soul.

Time tells where your energy blocks could be

Chi, which is also known as ki, qi, prana or simply energy, is the universal vital life force (or life breath) which exists and permeates all living things.   We are born with Chi, and based on the laws of energy, Chi cannot be destroyed it can only be transformed.

The Chinese believe Chi is the force which energises and nourishes our body, and that it is vital to our well-being.  Chi can be  increased or decreased (by becoming blocked or imbalanced) based on our internal and external environments as well as our experiences.

When Chi is imbalanced or blocked it can impact on our health (as in the Triad of Health ~ Structurally, Emotionally / Mentally or Chemically).  Disruption to our flow of Chi can be caused by poor diet, lack of exercise, poor breathing and posture, scar tissue as well as other chemical, physical or psychological stresses.

Whilst there are many aspects which can affect our chi, one contributing factor is the flow of our energy via our meridians.  Meridians are the unseen channels which energy is transported throughout the body.

Meridians exist deep within the body, however we can influence the flow of energy at a superficial level, for example with acupressure, acupuncture or kinesiology.  Meridian based therapies have been found in ancient texts dating back to 2698 BC.

There are twelve major meridians, ten which relate to physical organs and two which relate to functions.   During a 24 hour period the energy fluctuates through the body with peak energy in each meridian during a two hour period.

The meridian timetable is also known as the Horary Clock and can be an effective tool for detecting energy imbalances.  If, at a particular time of the day,  you find you get headaches, that your mood changes or your energy dips,  it could be that the energy is blocked in the relating meridian.

Horary Clock Explained

Chinese-clock

Stomach (7am to 9am)
The Stomach meridian is also considered to be the ‘Sea of Nourishment’.  The stomach digests foods and fluids, thus providing our system with energy. It also moves food and fluids to the small intestine where nutrients are extracted and assimilated.   The stomach meridian works closely with the spleen to transport this energy through the meridian system, to the lungs where it merges with the energy obtained from breathing.

Indicators of low or blocked meridian energy could be anxiety, not feeling hungry or still feeling unsatisfied after eating, stomach cramps, jaw tension, nausea, indigestion, burping and gas.

It is the optimal time for having breakfast and thus digesting food.  If imbalanced what is it that you are not digesting or assimilating, literally or metaphysically?  Are you nourishing yourself, your ideas or goals?

Spleen (9am to 11am)
The Spleen meridian is also called the ‘Minister of the Granary’ being a storehouse of energy.  The spleen provides enzymes to the stomach and small intestine, therefore governing the extraction and assimilation of nutrients from food and fluids.  It also regulates and filters blood together with kidneys to balance bodily fluids.

Muscle tone and condition is influenced by the spleen.  Evidence of deficient spleen energy can be detected by weak limbs and muscle atrophy.  An imbalance in this meridian can result in a craving for sugar, fatiguing easily and anaemia.

It is optimal time for exercise or being task orientated.  If imbalanced are you breaking tasks down into manageable parts?  Are your overwhelming your system with toxic matter/s?

Heart (11am to 1pm)
The heart is referred to the ‘Queen’ of our organs.   In Chinese, the word for heart is “hsin”, which also means mind.  The Internal Medicine Classic notes: ‘The heart commands all of the organs and viscera, houses the spirit, and controls the emotions.’

When our heart meridian flowing, we are able to control our emotions.  However when blocked or imbalanced we are emotionally vulnerable.

Physiologically, the heart circulates and distributes oxygenated blood to all other parts of the body, as well as transport de-oxygenated blood to the lungs for expiration.  Thus all other organs are dependant on the heart for sustenance.

Internally, from a functional aspect the heart is associated with the thymus gland, which supports the reason extreme emotions can suppress and affect our immune system.

Thus this is an optimal time to take a break, so the heart has more energy to direct to fundamental functions.  If imbalanced what is the conflict between heart and mind?  What keeps circulating that needs to be expelled?  What engages your heart, what action or task could you do that nourishes you?

Small Intestines (1pm to 3pm)
The Small Intestines are also considered to be the ‘Minister of Reception’.  Their roles is to received broken down food from the stomach for further digesting in order to extract and assimilate the pure nutrients.  Moving impure nutrients (waste) to the large intestine.

The small intestines belong to the Fire Element, along with the heart, circulation-sex and triple warmer meridians, and controls basic emotions which is indicated in the Chinese term “duan chang” (broken intestines) which in English is equivalent to “Broken Heart”.

The small intestine meridian influences the pituitary gland, which is the master gland and regulates growth, metabolism, immunity, sexuality as well as the endocrine system.

This is an optimal time for eating lunch.  If there are blocks or imbalance in this meridian what are you not absorbing, physically or metaphysically?  What are you doing that doesn’t nourish you?  What could you be doing which does?   What could you be more receptive to?

Bladder (3pm to 5pm)
The Bladder is also referred to as the ‘Minister of the Reservoir’, as it is the reservoir for short storage of, as well as, excretion of the excretory waste received from the kidneys.

This is the only function of the bladder, however as the bladder meridian flows along the back (from the eyes over the head and down to the heal) with two parallel branches that flow along both sides of the spine, it also relates to the balance and functioning of the autonomous nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system is a part of the nervous system and regulates essential involuntary bodily functions, such as smooth muscles (of the heart, eyes and stomach) and glands.  The autonomic nervous system has two parts, the sympathetic nervous system which governs increases heart rate, blood vessel constriction and blood pressure; and the parasympathetic nervous system which decreases the heart rate, increases intestinal and gland activity, and relaxes sphincter muscles.

During the bladder time it is an optimal time for drinking water.  If there are blockages or imbalance in this meridian are you drinking enough water?  Are you going outside your comfort zone and being “stretched”?  What do you need to allow to flow more freely?  Where are you on auto-pilot that you need to be more aware of?

Kidney (5pm to 7pm)
The Kidney is considered the ‘Minister of Power’, as it is one of the most important pools of vital energy.  The kidneys filter blood, helping to remove excess salt, water and waste products.  They also product hormones which play significant roles in the production of blood cells and regulation of blood pressure.

Prenatal energy (called ‘yuan chee”) is stored in the kidney meridian system, hence why kidneys are also known as the Root of Life.  The Chinese consider the adrenal glands, adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex to belong to the Kidney organ system, which are glands that produce hormones to regulate metabolism, excretion, immunity, sexual potency and fertility.  The Chinese also relate the kidneys to the reproductive functions and thus are a prime source of sexual energy, which the Chinese regard as a main indicator of health.

Indicators of weak or impaired kidney energy may be anaemia, tinnitus or immune deficiency, as well as poor memory, inability to think clearly, and backache.  The Chinese also consider the kidneys as the seat of courage and willpower, so weak kidney energy may result in feelings of fear or paranoia.

This is also a key time for drinking more water as well has having a light dinner.  It can also be a consideration of eating smaller meals more regularly.  Metaphysically it can relate to having to filter and remove things or perhaps consider where you are feeling pressure.  Do you have sufficient energy or are you using your reservoirs?

Circulation Sex (also known as Pericardium (7pm to 9pm)
The Circulation Sex meridian is one of the function meridians which is also know as the ‘Queen’s (heart) Bodyguard’, as in Chinese medicine this meridian protects the heart and its functions.  On an energetic level it protects the heart from intense emotions such as anger from the liver, fear from the kidneys, and grief from the lungs.

Pericardium energy, which the circulation sex meridian is also know, relates to emotional feelings linked with love and sex, therefore linking the physical and emotion aspects of sexual activity.

Thus making this time ideal for sex, connecting with your partner and/or delving into emotional “stuff” linked with relationships.  If there are blocks or imbalances in this meridian consider how you feel about relationships, reproduction and sex.  What do you feel, or are you, protection yourself from?  What do you see as your legacy?

Triple Warmer (9pm to 11pm)
The other function meridian, the Triple Warmer meridian relates to three heats of our body; metabolism (including adrenals), immune system and temperature regulation.  It is responsible for the movement and transformation of fluids in our system, as well as the regulation of nourishing and protective energy.

The triple warmer meridian has also been associated with the hypothalamus, which is a region of the brain which coordinates the autonomous nervous system and pituitary gland. Thus controlling body temperature, thirst, hunger, sleep, mood, sex drive, fluid balance as well as other basic autonomous functions.

Optimum time for nourishing ourselves by meditating or going to sleep.  Metaphysically, what is getting a ‘rise’ out of you?  What makes you “hot under the collar”?  Where can you get energy to power what you need to do?  What are you resisting?  or need to resist / be immune to?  Also consider building your immune system and/or taking care of your adrenals (eat small meals regularly, take adaptation herbs).

Gallbladder (11pm to 1am)
The Gallbladder meridian is also considered the ‘Honourable Minister’ as its function (cause) is to support the liver by storing bile produced by the liver, bile which is used to break down fats.   Chinese medicine considers tension headaches (of the shoulders and neck) to be caused by a block in the gallbladder meridian.

In Chinese, the word for ‘daring’ is da dan (‘big gall’) and thus the gallbladder meridian is believed to rule our willpower, determination, daringness and assertiveness.

A time when most people are asleep, yet for those who are not this is an optimal time to consider what you are storing (literally or metaphysically) and what can be eliminated.   If you were to be daring, and could achieve anything, what would it be?  Now break that down in manageable steps, how could you make that happen?

Liver (1am to 3am)
The liver is known as the ‘General” and it is the organ (although also considered a gland) which produces bile for breaking down fats.  The liver is also is responsible for filtering the blood, detoxifying it, nourishing it and storing it.  As well as converting sugar to glycogen for when the body requires itL

The liver is linked with the peripheral nervous system, which carries messages from the brain to our limbs controlling muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons.

An imbalance in the liver meridian can result in an inability to relax, proper coordination, blurry vision, weak fingernails.   It is also considered to the ‘seat of anger’ and is linked to intense feelings such as rage, anger and frustration.

The liver meridian is at it’s peak between 1am and 3am, therefore this is the better to be eating fatty, sugary foods or drinking alcohol (not that I would suggest doing any of these at any time).  It is also an ideal time for exercise, if you happen to be awake, as it helps release tension and stored emotions, boosts oxygen as well as increases blood flow.  Metaphysically consider how you are handling multiple responsibilities?  Are you becoming overwhelmed?  What needs detoxifying in your life?  What do you need to purify and cleanse?

Lung (3am to 5am)
The Lung meridian is known as the ‘Prime Minister’, our lungs play a major role in the function of respiration, allowing us to inhale oxygen and dispels carbon dioxide.  It works with the heart to circulate blood and the Internal Medicine Classic states: ‘Energy is the commander of blood; when energy moves, blood follows.  Blood is the mother of energy; where blood goes, energy follows.’  Demonstrating the intimate relationship of the heart and lungs.

When vital energy is low in the lung meridian, we shallow breath or our breathing is irregular.  We may have trouble adjusting our body temperature and thus shiver, or we may find our resistance to colds and flu lacking.   Pale skins or poor complexion are also indicative of weak lung meridian energy.

This is an ideal time for deep breathing, yoga or meditation.  Metaphysically what is stopping you from having the space to breathe?  Are  you feeling constricted, inhibited from expressing yourself?  What are you grieving, or what is causing your grief?

Large Intestine (5am to 7am)
The Large Intestine is known as the ‘Minister of Transportation’, as it temporarily stores and transports digestive wastes for elimination.   As it is a meridian of the metal element, which is known for decay, it is the final area for absorption of residual fluids, minerals and vitamins that have been broken down by previous organs.

The large intestine meridian also supports the lungs (the other meridian belonging to the metal element) in regulation of the skin’s pores and perspiration.  Yet too it is dependant on the lungs with regulating abdominal pressure and thus assisting with bowel movements.

Thus if this meridian is low on energy, blocked or imbalanced symptoms may include sluggish bowel movements sluggish bowels, constipation or diarrhoea.

This is the best time for bowel elimination as well as deep breathing exercises.  Metaphysically consider what you are retaining which you could let go of, or are you letting go of too much?  What are you hanging onto which is toxic?  Are you being too hard on yourself and/or others?

There are several healing modalities which use Chinese Medicine principles, including acupuncture, acupressure and Kinesiology.  As Kinesiologists we do no diagnose, prescribe or treat so please remember to consult your doctor or counsellor when showing concerning signs of emotional or physical imbalance.

Kinesiology, Healing

Healing ~ your body holds the key

In today’s world there are a plethora of healing modalities available.  Some rooted in ancient philosophies and teachings, whilst others which have been developed from our growing knowledge of the workings of the human body.  Each modality has their advantages and downsides, so whilst in some circumstances one modality may be best (or better) for a person or situation, it could be that another modality could be more ideal.  Its a matter of what works for you and moves you towards your goal.

Kinesiology is healing modality which combines many techniques which has lead to Kinesiologists being referred to as “energy medicine specialists”.  Kinesiology includes both body work and verbal discussion in order for a client to be re-balanced and move them towards their goal.

One of the main things I love about Kinesiology is that the “guess” work is minimised as muscle testing is used to determine what the cause of the stress or imbalance is.  Your body really does hold the key, which means a client can’t hide the truth, to the practitioner or themselves, of what the cause truly is.

How does muscle testing work?  Muscles are able to move due to working with various other body systems, notable the nervous system.  Our conscious mind transmits a command to our central nervous system which converts it into electrical impulses. The electrical impulses are then transported through the somatic part of our peripheral nervous system to the nerves responsible for controlling the necessary muscles.

When a client processes information that is beneficial for the them the muscle remains strong, however where the information causes a stress the muscle goes weak, thus identifying energy blockages or stress related information.

Using muscle testing the kinesiologist will find an emotion and then work with the client to discover how that emotion relates to them.  While the client is considering how the emotion is relevant, the kinesiologist can use muscle testing to confirm the right  information, so instead of wondering whether “x” is the issue, the Kinesiologist can confirm if it is “x”, “y” or even “z”.

This information the kinesiologist is accessing is data that is stored in our bodies, at a cellular level, due to the emotional responses a person has to situations and information.  The brain releases peptides which connect to the peptide receptors that are throughout our body.  Dr. Candace Pert [1], a neuropharmacologist, explains:

“A feeling sparked in our mind-or body-will translate as a peptide being released somewhere. [Organs, tissues, skin, muscle and endocrine glands], they all have peptide receptors on them and can access and store emotional information. This means the emotional memory is stored in many places in the body, not just or even primarily, in the brain. You can access emotional memory anywhere in the peptide/receptor network, in any number of ways. I think unexpressed emotions are literally lodged in the body.  The real true emotions that need to be expressed are in the body, trying to move up and be expressed and thereby integrated, made whole, and healed.

Dr. Pert says “Let the emotions bubble up. Let the chips fall where they may…the process of catharsis is not complete without saying things as the first step to experiencing things…To feel and understand means you have worked it all the way through. It has bubbled all the way to the surface. You’re integrating at higher and higher levels in the body, bringing emotions into consciousness. Once integrated, the natural wisdom of the receptors ( a take on Walter Cannon) will release interrupted healing and restorative and regenerative processes can take over.”

“By simply acknowledging emotions, they are expressed. In being expressed, emotions can be released, even old emotions stored in body memory.  Allowing my emotions to surface into awareness and to be able to name my emotions is the beginning of emotional exploration.  I am moving forward, trying to find my position within the family, within the community, and in life.”

Kinesiology, using your body, determines the emotion stored in body memory, the associated event or situation and then via muscle testing determines the right technique (correction) the body needs in order to release the stored information and bring it back into alignment.

Often kinesiology can be an effective way to healing and restoring health and wellbeing.  If you feel kinesiology would be beneficial for you then click here to make an appointment:  http://www.theinnersageaustralia.com/appointment/

[1] “Molecules of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine”, Candace Pert.
http://candacepert.com