Many people are seeking safe and practical approaches to health care, and are integrating CAM modalities with their conventional care for:
- Health promotion
- Pain relief
- Treatment of chronic illness
- Spiritual or developmental growth
- Changing unhealthy habits and feeling better as they age
Also known as “energy work” these modalities create a balancing effect on energy in your body, which elicits a calming effect in the mind as well. My focus is on the practices of Reiki and Jin Shin Jyutsu because they may be safely used for anyone in medical settings as well as at home. Used successfully in Asia for centuries, they’re gaining popularity throughout the world as people discover their benefits.
Like the name “Izumi Joi”, Reiki and Jin Shin Jyutsu originated in Japan. They enhance the skills I’ve acquired in conventional training as a Registered Nurse, as well as contribute to the knowledge and experiences I gained earning a Master’s Degree in Holistic Health Education and yoga teacher certification. It's wonderful to teach others these modalities for self-care, as well as offer to clients.
Research related to energywork and mind-body medicine (such as meditation) is growing. I find it fascinating because it perplexes our current mode of thinking and study design, yet seems to work; the effects are difficult to measure objectively with our current technologies and funding limitations, yet the potential uses for preventive health, active patient involvement, and healing are encouraging. Practices such as yoga, acupuncture and meditation that were once discounted by westerners are now considered therapeutic, and energy therapies are gaining ground at the cutting edge as well. Many articles point to the importance of developing an almost-daily routine of self-care in order to effect and maintain change as we age; whether it’s exercise, nutrition, or time for inner reflection, it’s crucial to find something easy that allows you to take as much time as you want, or can be beneficial within a few miniutes.
Energy work is an invaluable tool for accessing your “Izumi Joi”; Reiki and Jin Shin Jyutsu in particular are easily taught as short daily routines for self-care, and are beneficial when experienced with a practitioner.
I'm interested in hearing about what your experiences with energywork are like: have you tried it? What piqued your interest enough to try it the first time? What effects did you notice and were they immediate or over a period of time?
