New_Age_Healing

While there is no central belief or doctrine within the New Age, most individuals practice one or more methods of alternative healing.

Below are some common alternative healing modalities:

Iridology is the study of the irises of the eyes. It is believed that changes in the body, illness, aptitudes, and emotional states are reflected in the irises of the eye. Likewise, Sclerology is the study of the whites of the eyes, which is believed to mirror the conditions of the irises.

Reflexology is the study of the feet. It is believed that different parts of the body are mapped out on the feet, and massaging these parts will bring relief to the corresponding body part.

Therapeutic Massage and Body Work is a practice that relieves tension in the muscles and fascia of the body. There are different types of massage and body work, including Rolfing, Myofascial Release, and Cranio-Sacral Therapy. Some massage work concentrates on breaking up the fascia, or the connective tissue, which is thought to house stored memories and unprocessed negative emotions. Other types of body work focuses on movement as a part of healing, such as Feldenkrais and Trager Work. Therapeutic Touch was made popular by Dr. Dolores Kreiger, and many nurses and health professsionals are realizing the benefits of touch upon patients.

Homeopathy and Herbs are used to treat illness and prevent disease. Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the Law of Similars--"like cures like". (Which is how modern day vaccinations work, but homeopathy isn't dangerous like vaccinations can be.) Herbs have been used in ancient cultures, and there was a time not too long ago where only "New Agers" grew herbs and used them to treat illnesses. Now, many are rediscovering the healing properties of herbs, and use them in liquid form, capsules, tea, and other forms.

Acupressure and Acupuncture are also popular alternative healing methods. Acupressure is an ancient Chinese healing method that involves applying pressure to certain meridian points on the body to relieve pain. The human body has fourteen "meridians" that carry energy throughout the body. These meridians start at the fingertips, connect to the brain, and then connect to the organ associated with the specific meridian.

Aromatherapy is the idea that certain scents correspond to emotional and physical states. Aromatherapy can be used as Essential Oils, candles, incense, bath salts, creams, and so on, and is said to help bring balance to the users.

Energy Healing

This is a part of alternative healing, but is more focused on working with energy and things that may be unseen to the naked eye.

Chakras are the 7 energy centers of the body. The word chakra comes from the Sanskrit word meaning "wheel", and each is believed to correspond to specific organs, illnesses, behavior patterns, and so on. These wheels of energy can be open or closed, and balance is sought. A wide open chakra can be just as damaging as one that is perpetually closed. Some individuals with chakras by identifying issues and illnesses that correspond to one of the 7 chakras, and thereby achieve healing and balance. Others meditate and focus on each of the 7 chakras and attempt to balance them energetically. Still others chant specific sounds for each chakra (like "OM"), or use hand positions called mudras.

Auras are colored energy fields that surround the body. Some claim that specific aura colors correspond to specific personality patterns, while others believe that health and beliefs are reflected in the aura. Even abuse and low-self esteem are said to show up in the aura.

Reiki is an energetic healing modality that works with the universal life force, called chi or qi. It is believed that Reiki harmonizes and balances the body's energy system and results in a feeling of relaxation and well being, as well as emotional and physical healing. A Reiki practitioner must be attuned and uses seven basic hand positions that are situated over important points along one or more of the "organ meridians" that carry the energy around the body. There are many versions of Reiki and Reiki-like healing, but Usui Reiki appears to be the most common and well known.

Flower and Vibrational Essences are subtle treatments that address the energetic root of emotional and physical distress and illness. They are not used as herbs, but are flowers, leaves, roots, etc. that are steeped in water, and preserved with glycerin, brandy, vinegar, or other preservative. Bach Flower Essences are probably the best known. Edward Bach, a medical doctor, bacteriologist, and homeopath, discovered the Essences in the late 1920s and early 1930s. His intention was to develop a method of healing which would treat the emotional and spiritual imbalances which lead to physical disease. He discovered the Essences for this method of treatment in certain wildflowers.

His method of relating particular flowers to a mental or emotional condition was intuitive. Although trained in the rational methods of science and medicine, he now began to manifest a deep sensitivity. When he was looking for a flower to heal a particular negative state (like rigidity and judgmentalism) he would find himself suffering that condition. He would feel rigid and perfectionistic, for example, and often had related physical complaints (perhaps a tension headache or upset stomach) until he found the flower which he intuitively knew would heal the condition.

There are also fallen leaf essences, as well as crystal and rock essences that work in the same way. Another popular Flower Essence system is the Australian Bush Flower Essences discovered by Ian White.