Managing Your Mental Health

It is well known that mental health disorders are on the rise throughout the world. We read it on newspapers, magazines and is the theme of many talk shows. We live our lives in a constant race to be able to meet the growing demands of our modern world. This can result in the cultivation of anxieties, fears, depression, inferiority and similar emotions. Therefore, learning the management of negative mental health is a must for all of us.
 
Modern Psychiatric Care                                                     

Although treatment for the mentally ill has progressed in the past few decades, still mental illness is certainly one of the major health problems today. The National Institute of Mental Health estimated in 1984 that one in every five Americans has a mental disorder.  This same study revealed that during a six-month period 8.3% of Americans suffered from an anxiety disorder (including phobias), 6.4% had a substance abuse problem (abusing alcohol or drugs), and 6% had an affective disorder (disorders of mood). As you see this study was done a while ago. This statistics are constantly on the rise, and with health-care options not being available to all, these numbers are growing each day exponentially.

During the past mental health professionals have debated the nature of mental illness. Trying to answer to what degree is mental illness biological or organic in nature and to what degree is it psychosocial? Until recently, most psychiatrists took one side or another on this issue. But generally speaking, it was found biological factors primarily determine the type of symptoms of disorder that a person experiences (e.g. delusions, insomnia), while psychosocial factors are primarily responsible for the content and meaning of these symptoms.

Psychiatrists tend to utilize medications to deal with the biological aspects of these psychological problems and psychological therapies to treat the psychosocial condition. Their determination of what drug to use is based on their understanding of brain function, the biology and physiology of the human brain. Nerve cells transmit messages by sending electrical impulses and chemicals called neurotransmitters to one other. This action triggers other nerve cells to fire messages or to inhibit this firing, depending on the frequency and intensity of the message transmitted and the sensitivity or ability of the nerve cell's receptors. Psychiatric medications are chosen to influence these mechanisms and their interaction.

Homeopathic Understanding of Mental Illness

The homeopathic understanding of health is closely connected to its understanding of the mind in general. Homeopaths don't separate the mind and body or the spirit in the usual way; they believe  that body and mind are dynamically enmeshed and that both directly influence each other. This acknowledgement of the enmeshing of body and mind is not simply a vague, impractical metaphisical concept it is a way of empowering by inner introspection, awareness and meditation. Homeopaths base virtually every homeopathic prescription on the physical and psychological symptoms of the sick person. As in conventional medicine Psychological symptoms often play a primary role in the selection of the correct medicine.

On the following posts we will discuss some alternative and/or complimentary ways of dealing, treating and hopefully for some maybe even preventing mental illness. 

Stress reduction technique and a great way to start your morning !

I like this video, it is very informational. Also because of the way it was put together, with the music and colors, I find it to be a an example of how Reiki itself works. It promotes relaxation through information. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Reiki, Powerful Tool for Mind, Body and Spirit Healing  

Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) is the Japanese word for Universal Life Force Energy. It is a very simple method that uses universal life energy, this is the energy which sorrounds our entire universe and all living things. This universal life energy is called qi or chi in China, prana in India, and ki in Japan and this is where the Reiki name derives. It circulates and permeates throughout the body and the energy field surrounding the body. Long been known to healers and mystics, this energy field is now verified by scientists. Recent scientific experiments have proven the existence of this life force energy. Scientists have stated that everything in the universe, at a sub-atomic level, is made up of energy. We can surely say that health is the harmonious flow of life energy, while imbalances in this flow, due to unhealthy habits or negative emotions can lead to illness. So this subtle energy is responsible for the processes in our body on all levels: physical, emotional and mental.

The interest in alternative medicine is growing rapidly today. There are many  healing methods available, Reiki has become very popular around the world, especially since science has verified the existence of the universal life energy that Reiki is based on. Reiki is a powerful holistic healing system; it heals on all levels, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

Reiki is a holistic healing system, because it addresses the whole person: the physical, mental, emotional and the spiritual levels.Based on the knowledge that the body is not made up of individual unrelated parts to be healed, but an amazing and all encompassing web of energy, and in order to truly return to health, all the levels of our being must be addressed. Reiki is channeled through the hands of the practitioner into the body of the receiver and balances the energy flow in the body. People use Reiki for a variety of health conditions, such as:

• Chronic pain
• Stress
• To speed recovery from surgery
• To cope with side effects of chemotherapy or radiation for cancer
• Improving immunity
• To promote the sense of peace in people who are dying
• Highten sense of well-being and/or spirituality

Levels Reiki works at:

The physical level: Reiki strengthens the immune system. It helps to relive pain. It balances and harmonizes the function of glands and organs. It heals by opening the blocked energy channels, the meridians, and balances the chakras.  With continuous practice, good health and well-being is maintained.

The mental level: Reiki enables the person to become more positive and reach a different outlook on life. If feel more empowered you find it easier to overcome obstacles and achieve goals.

The emotional level: Reiki reduces stress and improves relaxation; this in turn strengthens the immune system and maintains health. Reiki clears energy blockages and suppressed emotions.

The spiritual level: Reiki enables you to feel more connected to your higher self. It aids meditation, increases intuition and provides limitless benefits of spiritual growth.

How is Reiki administered?

Reiki is given by the laying on of hands. A standard treatment includes placing the hands on positions around the head, shoulders, stomach, and feet. In addition, the practitioner may use other positions for specific concerns the client may have. Each position is held for between five and ten minutes and the entire treatment lasts between 45 minutes to an hour and a half. A treatment is deeply relaxing and benefits both the client and the practitioner. Aromatherapy, crystals and other ways of relaxation such as meditation music and candles maybe incorporated to a treatment session.

Who can practice Reiki?

This techinique does not require any previous experience or special ability Reiki is so simple yet so powerful, and this is what makes it a unique healing system, anyone can learn!. The Benefits of Reiki are infinite. It enables you to take an active part in your own wellness, and increases your growth on all levels.