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PART ONE

HELPING

YOURSELF

The Four Methods

We all live such complicated lives today that it is easy to overlook disharmonies in our bodies as they arise. If we would recognize these and treat them from the beginning, we would prevent serious diseases that may require expert medical attention. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure, and it is your responsibility to watch for early symptoms of disharmonies in your body that can cause discomfort. Relieving ourselves of these disharmonies will also increase our energy to lead happier and more creative lives.

Many people simply present themselves to medical authorities, know nothing about their own state of being, and don't ask any questions. Unfortunately, you must be responsible for monitoring your body's needs and for noting how it is responding to any medical treatment. You should always ask yourself: "How does this make my body feel?" "Is this having a positive effect on my state of health?" "Am I having any negative short-term or long-term results from this treatment?" You must become actively involved in the needs of your own body.

This book offers you four approaches to self-healing. They are simple to do, and are offered in layman's language. They can all be used at the onset of discomfort. It is important to understand that these methods are not to be used in lieu of seeking expert medical advice. These techniques are meant for situations that are minor enough to be handled by yourself.

Although these holistic techniques are very simple, they all take a certain amount of dedication to continued practice for a period of time. To succeed with these disciplines, you must be willing to dedicate a certain amount of time and attention to self-healing. The body heals itself in a beautiful and natural way, but it must be given time and nurturing attention if these methods are to work for you. Consider this before starting and do not expect instant results from any of these methods.

It is very valuable to use the synergistic approach. This means that in using a combination of healing techniques at one time each will act as a magnifier for the other. In other words, you can say affirmations as you press acupressure points or you can apply color therapy as you visualize wellness. You can also add any of these techniques as you are using any of the more traditional techniques for wellness.

It is important to live wellness. Those who have the effervescence of wellness promote wellness. Those who have faith in the body's natural ability to heal itself—especially with some of the following healing encouragements—and who can relax in the joy of healing will be well. Allow yourself the natural time that it takes for your body to respond.

Again, the techniques in this book are not intended to replace medical advice. It is important to ask for the diagnosis and wisdom of a professional medical expert. If your ailment is not something that you can handle, obtaining the knowledge and technology of professionals shows responsibility to yourself. Pregnant women must also be careful when using acupressure. I have indicated the points that should never be used by pregnant women and those that can have an adverse effect and should be avoided during pregnancy. Be sure to check with your doctor or just select other acupressure points in the list given for any particular symptom. If your symptoms persist, be sure to seek medical advice.

Acupressure

Acupressure is a system of healing that has been handed down for 6,000 years. It has stood the test of time as an effective method of healing. It originated in ancient China as a technique used by the villagers to help themselves and their families and friends, this was, of course, in a time of civilization when there were no doctors and there was a need for people to heal themselves in times of physical distress.

Acupressure uses finger pressure on specific spots of low electrical resistance on the body, which stimulates the free flow of energy through the system. When energy flows smoothly and freely, the body functions in a healthy fashion. When energy is blocked along the energy pathways, tension is created and the body becomes deprived of energy. The result of this stagnation of energy is the symptoms that we begin to experience, which can later turn into debilitating disease.

It is important, therefore, to act responsibly to alleviate symptoms at their onset while we can still do something about them for ourselves. It is much easier to rebalance the body's energy at an early stage than to reestablish health after illness has set in. Since you have this wonderful knowledge at your fingertips, take advantage of it to free yourself from aches and pains and to make yourself whole.

The body has about 700 specific acupressure spots or points that can have an effect on the state of our health. However, there are specific points along the acupressure meridian system that are particularly effective for individual symptoms. I have not described all of the points and their applications here, but I have included specific points that you can use on yourself for specific symptoms. For more information on acupressure, refer to the books listed in the bibliography.

BE RELAXED

While working on your body, keep your mind as positive and peaceful as possible. It is a disservice to yourself to infuse distressful or negative thinking into the powerful intake points of the body. Perhaps some pleasant music or positive conversation with a friend would help. It is also important to keep the body as relaxed as possible. Sit comfortably; if you get in uncomfortable positions, or ones that stress the body, it is counterproductive to your healing. If the point you need to press is difficult to reach, see if someone will press it for you.

BE SPECIFIC

When locating the points you wish to use, be as specific as possible. The energy points radiate out to about the size of a dime, but if you are not careful you will miss the location and not gain the benefit. There are directions in part 2 of this book for locating the points. There is also an illustration for each point. Your bones can be used as guides for locating the points. You can also use the standard body measure called a "body inch." A body inch is the measure of the width of your thumb at its Joint or of the distance between the first and second joint of the middle finger. Three body inches is the width of your four fingers at the major joints.

This is a very precise and accurate technique for finding the points on any individual. If you are working on someone else, use their hand or thumb, which is specifically proportional for them.

Study the diagrams carefully and then locate the point on your body. You may wish to mark it on yourself with a pen until you become familiar with the location.

TREAT YOURSELF REGULARLY

It is important to work on each of the selected points at least twice a day. You can check in part 2 of this book for specific instructions on repetition frequency. The changes in the body's energy are subtle and it takes repeated application of pressure to make a significant difference in your state of health. Since you also wish to make a permanent change in the condition of your body, repetition over a period of time is necessary. You may need to keep up the good work for several weeks. Even after the symptoms disappear, it is important to continue working with the pressure points for a while in order to solidify the healing effect. If conditions worsen or are not being relieved, see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.

HOW TO APPLY PRESSURE

Energy moves through the body in a systematic and timely manner. In the system of acupressure, the energy in each individual meridian is most readily accessible and powerful during specific two-hour time periods of the twenty-four hour day. The time period for each meridian is given in the body clock to the right.

Ideally, you can derive the most benefit from the various acupressure points if you work with them at the peak time of day for that specific meridian. Sometimes this is not convenient, especially if the time of greatest energy activity is in the middle of the night. The second most ideal time would be the time directly opposite of the desired meridian's time. For example 3-5 P.M. is an alternatively powerful time to work on the lung meridian points. It is perfectly acceptable, however, to work on the points at any time of the day, or whenever symptomatic needs arise.

Pressure should be as firm as possible, without inflicting pain. This system is called acu-pressure, not acu-touch or acu-torture. It is important to make an impression on the point without causing discomfort.

You can use the thumb or any finger with which you can comfortably apply pressure. Since you are not used to applying pressure with your fingers, they may get tired. If this happens, you may switch fingers or let up on the pressure for a few seconds and then re-press on the same point. The pressure should last for approximately two minutes on each point. This is an average time. If the point becomes uncomfortable, stop earlier. If the body tissue under this point feels like it softens or releases, or there does not seem to be any pressure being exerted before the two minutes are up, press a little more firmly.

Work on both sides of the body. Work on the side where the greatest problem is first, but then work on the other side. The body is bilateral and therefore benefits most when both sides are released.

You may also wish to work on more than one point in any session. You can work on several points for one condition or on several points for several conditions in any one session.

SUGGESTIONS FOR BEST RESULTS

 Never work on a full stomach or while you are too hungry.

 Keep the room you are working in at a moderately warm temperature.

 Make sure that your hands are clean and your nails are short.

 Avoid working on any skin surface that has a cut, scar, or infection.

These precautions will allow the energy released by your acupressure treatment to move freely, without being inhibited by body tension. This will maximize the benefits from each session.

Color Therapy

COLOR IS ENERGY VIBRATING

Energy, the basis of all matter, occurs at specific frequencies and in precise wavelengths that have been scientifically measured. There are many individual wavelengths of energy moving at a variety of frequencies in the complex world we live in. The configuration of each specific wave of energy gives it an individual nature that can be described as its "vibration." As light energy vibrates at a specific rate, it gives off a particular color. Each color, then, is light energy vibrating at a particular frequency with a specific wavelength.

Our world is an array of color because of the multiplicity of the vibrations of energy that exist. As we view our world and see the infinite variety of colors, we become aware of the tremendous variation in the energy around us.

THE BODY IS ENERGY VIBRATING

Your body is made up of points of electro-magnetic energy or elements that combine to become atoms and cells of vibrating, living consciousness. It remains healthy when there is perfect harmony and rhythm between these elements. Every element, organ, or system of your physical body contains cells vibrating in perfect harmony for their specific function.

This was first researched in India, in 1873, by Dr. Kinshah Ghadiahi. He founded the Spectro-Chrome Institute where he showed that specific colors relate to and affect specific organs or functions of the body. In 1878, Dr. Edwin Babbitt, of England, developed "color disks" to stimulate healing. He used these to treat various organs and body systems, effectively showing the physical body to be susceptible to changes in vibrational forces from the outside. Experiments were done by focusing light through specific color disks, which were then focused toward the body. It is from these great pioneers that the system of color therapy has been developed.

In more modern times, bioelectric energy, or body energy, has been observed through Kirlian photography. This technique, developed in the 1930s, is used to photograph the energy field surrounding the human body. This photography captures a beautiful imprint of the body's energy pattern (often done in color), which can indicate the condition of the body as a whole, or conditions of specific parts of the body.

SPECIFIC COLOR VIBRATIONS FOR SPECIFIC BODY AREAS

Each color represents energy vibrating in a specific manner, and each color also has individual qualities that make it different from any other. Just as each color looks different from any other color, it represents energy that acts in a unique manner.

Through the use of various color therapies it is possible to infuse the body or an area on the body with a specific color or a precise energy that is appropriate for it and will correct the energy vibration that is resulting because of body imbalance. Therefore, when you use corrective color therapy, you can alleviate symptoms of disease and stress in the energy system.

HOW TO USE COLOR THERAPY

There are many techniques of color therapy that have been known for centuries as well as some that are relatively new because of modern technology. Four practical techniques are presented here, which you can use at home with simple equipment. There are two basic approaches to color therapy. The first one uses outside sources of energy through colored lights or filters. The second uses your mind or breath as the generator of a specific color energy.

COLORED LIGHTS AND FILTERS

Using Direct Light

Transparent colored light bulbs are available in any large supermarket or lighting store. They usually come in red, green, yellow, and blue. The bulb can be screwed into a regular lamp, or you may wish to use a reflector lamp, which can be purchased from your local hardware store. Reflector lamps further enhance the strength of the color you are using. If you need other colors than these four, you will need to combine the colored light bulb with a filter (described in the paragraph below). The light from colored light bulbs should be directed toward your body from a distance of about three to five inches.

Colored filters can be made from pieces of glass or plastic. You can buy plastic filters, which are sometimes called "gels." This material is available in most art stores. You can also use any piece of transparent colored glass, plastic, or cellophane from around the house. The colored filters will need a light source behind them. You can sit so that the sun shines through the filter, or you can shine an artificial light through the filter and onto the body. The filters can also be held close to the body at a range of three to five inches.

Whether you use colored light bulbs or any type of filter, the light can be shone on the body at the area of need or shone on your face for general diffusion of energy throughout your body. In most cases, light therapy is used for about twenty minutes in any one session. If the colored light is used for more than thirty minutes in one session, it will have the effect of overstimulating or oversedating the body's energy fields. This can result in nervousness or depression. It is far better to repeat the color therapy session each hour for a maximum of twenty minutes each time, rather than overdoing it in one sitting. In part 2 you will find more specific details for each symptom.

Color Infused Water

Infusing the vibrations of various colors into water is a powerful technique. It is simple to do, and can be used by itself for healing. It is also an excellent adjunct to other techniques given in this book.

How to prepare and use infused water:

1 Fill a clear or specifically colored glass with clear spring water.

2 Place it where the sun will shine through the colored glass or through a filter in front of a clear glass.

3 If you use an artificial light, direct it through the glass at a close range of two or three inches.

4 Keep the light source shining through the water for one hour.

5 When it is ready, sip the water slowly, letting each sip stay in your mouth for a few seconds.

6 Repeat the process as directed for each condition in part 2 of this book.

Several doses of infused water may be prepared at once and stored, covered, in the refrigerator. The vibrations will remain in the water for several days.

COLOR AND THE USE OF MIND AND BREATH

Visualizing Color

Visualization is a technique that has been used successfully for centuries and is extremely popular in some of today's conventional healing modalities. When you add color to your visualization, it becomes an even more powerful tool.

When you envision color, there is a vibration sent to the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind is the activating source that alters the body's vibrations and allows it to heal. It identifies the vibration of energy that you desire for healing through the color that you visualize. Through your visualization you direct a particular energy to be sent to correct unbalanced bioelectric energy in the unhealthy part of your body.

Visualization of color is sometimes difficult. You may need to find an object of the color you want or use the color guide provided on the back flap of this book. Concentrate on it to help you focus during your visualization. This method of color therapy is especially powerful if it is repeated several times a day or as directed in part 2.

Breathing in Color Vibrations

There is a very simple technique you can use for breathing color vibrations for healing:

1 Imagine that you are holding a very beautiful rose of a specific color.

2 Take a deep breath as if taking in the fragrance of the rose.

3 When you do this, imagine that the breath brings with it all of the color of the rose, leaving the rose clear like glass.

4 Breathe this color into the lower part of your abdomen. This is the area of the body where energy is generated and magnified.

5 As you exhale, envision the color moving from the lower abdomen, into the body area that needs the benefit of the energy vibrations represented by that particular color.

6 Repeat this breathing process three times.

7 Follow the three breaths of a specific color with one breath using white, which is the universal color containing the entire spectrum of colors.

8 As you exhale, allow the vibrations of the white energy to disperse throughout your entire body. This has a general energy balancing effect.

Repeat this breathing process as directed for different symptoms. It is a wonderful tool to incorporate with other techniques such as acupressure or visualization.

When body disorders develop, the vibratory rate that is normal for that area has been altered. It can be corrected through any of the color techniques discussed above. Remember, when you apply color the vibrations of the body correct themselves and the body can return to a state of health.

Affirmations

Affirmations are positive statements of health and well-being that can be used to set energy into action. They can be used to influence all of your needs and desires, but they are especially helpful when you want to heal yourself. They send patterns of thought to the subconscious mind for new behavior by sending new directions for action. This is similar to placing a new message over the old message on a cassette tape. Your subconscious mind, now having a different set of orders, begins to set up new reactions and produces new body conditions accordingly.

I, ME, OR MINE

Affirmations should be stated with yourself in mind. They can be started with "I" at the beginning, such as "I am healthy." They can also be stated with "me" at the end; "Health comes to me." Another way to include yourself in the affirmation is to use the word "mine," such as "Health is mine."

BE SPECIFIC