Relax with holistic therapies

Dec 23 2009 by Marie Turbill, Evening Gazette

In these stressful times we all need to find new ways to relax. When it comes to capturing a few moments for yourself friends, Christine King and Antonia Martinez, believe holistic therapies are a great option.

In this busy world that we are living in people need to de-stress and unwind, says Antonia. Holistic therapies, in their many various forms, can offer peace and relaxation.

The girls, both from Middlesbrough, met on a crystal therapy course and are now such firm believers in the positive effects of holistic therapies they organise their own biannual Mind Body & Spirit fairs. We used to go to these shows and realised that we were having to travel further and further afield, says Christine. They wanted to bring something similar to Middlesbrough. The show attracts stall holders from all over the UK and offers visitors the chance to find out more about holistic and complementary therapies in a handy one-stop-shop.

1. Calm your mind, body and spirit with some crystal therapy.
Antonia explains: Throughout history crystals have being used for healing, or as protective talismans, in our modern lives. They contain natural minerals and in some respects some of the components that we have in our own bodies."

She says by laying the crystals on the body our aura or energy field absorbs some of the healing benefits from the crystals.

2. Try reflexology and putting your feet up will never have felt so good.
Reflexology is a gentle massage of the foot working on the idea that each part of the body relates to a different zone of the foot. Christine says if there is an ailment or problem you will feel something like a little grain under the skin in the related zone of the foot.

3. Relieve the stresses and strains of a busy life with Reiki.
"Reiki" means universal energy. It is based on the belief that an unseen life force energy flows through us. And usually involves the laying on of the hands but can also be given off the body.

People experience Reiki in many ways but most people find it relaxing and can help the physical and emotional aspects of ourselves and our lives, says Antonia.

4. Chill out with some Indian head massage.
As it sounds this is a massage of the head along with the shoulders and neck. The great thing about Indian head massage is that you can do it for anybody at any time, as you dont have to take your clothes off. It is totally relaxing, says Christine.

5. Sniff out some peace and quiet with some aromatherapy.
This is the use of aromatic essential oils which can either be used for massage, added to the bath or used in an oil burner. Different oils have different effects on the body, says Christine. Some may stimulate while others help you to relax.

6. Understand what your aura is saying about you with an aura reading.
The aura is a coloured light that is said to surround living things and can be seen by aura readers. The colours of the aura are an indication of your mood, wellbeing and spirituality.

7. Bring mind, body and spirit back into balance by trying some yoga.
This is a combination of meditation, physical postures, breathing, and exercise. There are lots of yoga classes available across Teesside, call your local leisure centre for details.

8. Ever considered communicating with your guardian angel?
Angel therapy is a new age therapy based on the notion that communicating with angels can be key to healing. Want to find out more? Check out An Encyclopedia of Angels by Richard Webster, Llewellyn Publications.

Want to find out more about holistic therapies? There are many books available on the subject among the most popular are Signs From Above: Angelic Messages to Guide Your Life Choices by Doreen and Charles Virtue, Hay House UK, and The Crystal Bible: A Definitive Guide to Crystals by Judy Hall, Godsfield Press, s12.99.