Sunday, November 19, 2006

What is Hypnosis?

What is Hypnosis?
The truth about hypnosis


A relaxed, focused state of concentration. That is the definition. But the actual state of hypnosis is a little harder to define. Until recently it was assumed that it was similar to sleep, or that the mind was somehow unconscious. In reality, there is a specific state that the brain enters into when it is receptive to suggestion. This has been discovered on scans during hypnosis. It is not an unusual state of mind, and may feel like you are not in a trance, or in hypnosis. For most people they simply feel relaxed. There is a change in the brain wave activity, similar to that time just before sleep when the alpha state is entered. Your brain's waking state is a beta brain wave, just as you are going to sleep it changes to alpha and then to delta and theta in deep sleep. The alpha state is a very dreamy, pleasant state. During this time the mind is very open to visualizations and creating a rich sensory experience. The more real the experience becomes in the subconscious mind during this state, the more effect it will have on your waking behavior.

What is Art Therapy?

What is Art Therapy?

At some point in their lives, people may find themselves overwhelmed by the intensity of their emotions which are difficult to face either by themselves or with others. Art therapy offers an opportunity to explore these intense or painful thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment. It involves using a wide variety of art materials, for example paints, clay and batik, to create a visual representation of thought and feelings. Art Therapy can be an individual activity but is often used very successfully in group situations.

Who is it for?
It’s for everybody.
For managers and staff under pressure
For people who are generally stressed and overworked
For people with mental health problems
For people with severe learning difficulties
For children and young people who have problems conforming
in school and with personal problems at home
For people who feel they are problem free but would like
the opportunity to explore issues within themselves


What skills do you need?

The simple answer is none. Art therapy requires no artistic ability. The Art Therapist offers guidance and support and the opportunity to explore issues of concern using a variety of art materials.



Why invest in Art Therapy?

As an individual, on a personal level it could be used as a means of exploring inner issues. It is a safe way to express strong and sometimes sensitive or destructive feelings. It can be used for stress and anxiety management. To enhance communication between individuals, groups or professional teams. It is used to explore change. It is of particular benefit to people experiencing difficulties with written and verbal communication.
As a professional manager of vulnerable people in the community, Art Therapy could be used to instil confidence and promote life enhancing change in the people for which you have responsibility.

What is Aromatherapy?

What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy Products



Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.

Essential oils which are the pure "essence" of a plant, have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely. There are many essential oils. The Essential Oil Profiles area details over 90 essential oils. Absolutes, CO2s and hydrosols are also commonly utilized in aromatherapy. Click on the links to learn more about them. The term "essential oil" is often used as a blanket term to also include CO2s and absolutes.

It is important to note that perfume oils also known as fragrance oils or "fragrances" are not the same as essential oils. Perfume oils and fragrances contain unnatural chemicals and do not provide the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Unfortunately, many companies improperly use the term aromatherapy on products that contain unnatural and perfume oils, so it's important to look at the ingredient label when seeking true aromatherapy products.

The Benefit of an "Aroma"
Essential oils that are inhaled into the lungs are believed to offer both psychological and physical benefits; not only does the aroma of the natural essential oil stimulate the brain to trigger a reaction, but the natural constituents (naturally occurring chemicals) of the essential oil are drawn into the lungs and can also supply physical benefit. If not done correctly and safely, however, the use of essential oils can also have severe consequences.

The Benefit of Physical Application
Oils that are applied to the skin are believed to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The components of the various oils are believed to aid in a variety of health, beauty and hygiene conditions. Since essential oils are so powerful and concentrated, they should never be applied to the skin in their undiluted form. To apply essential oils to the skin, "carrier oils" which are pure vegetable oils are used to dilute the essential oils and "carry" them to the skin. Common carrier oils include sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil and grapeseed oil. A more detailed definition of Carrier Oils is found on the What are Carrier Oils page. A detailed list of carrier oils and their properties can be found on the Carrier Oils Used in Aromatherapy properties page.

Other Benefits
Essential Oils can supply other benefits as well. Some oils, for instance, act as a natural repellent and pesticide. You may recall using "citronella" candles during the summer to keep mosquitoes away. Citronella essential oil is the ingredient in the candles that provides this benefit. Visit the Essential Oil Uses page for more information on the variety of ways that you can use essential oils.

Essential Oil Blends
Essential oils may be blended together to provide an especially pleasing aroma. Oils can be blended together to also provide a specific therapeutic action. A synergistic essential oil blend of the correct oils in proper proportions is considered to be greater in total benefit than each oil working independently. AromaWeb's Recipes area offers a variety of recipes and synergies.

About Aromatherapy Products
Not all ready-made aromatherapy products labeled with the word "aromatherapy" are pure and natural. Products that contain artificial ingredients do not provide true aromatherapy benefits. At worst, they provide no benefit. At best, they provide only a fraction of the benefit that natural products supply. Buyers seeking true aromatherapy products must look at the ingredients within a product to ensure that the product does not contain fragrance oils or unpure (chemical) components. A general rule-of-thumb is to be wary of products that do not list their ingredients and those that do not boast of having pure essential oils (look for products that contain pure essential oils on their ingredient list and avoid those that have words like fragrance). A note, however, is that some sellers of good-quality aromatherapy blends do not list their ingredients because they are worried that others may copy their creation. By asking the seller more about the blend, and listening to how they respond, you should have a better idea about the quality of the blend being sold. Good suppliers really should be happy to tell you the ingredients when asked as some people should avoid particular oils due to health problems.

what is alpha waves?

alpha waves

Alpha waves are oscillating electrical voltages in the brain. They oscillate in the range of 7.5-13 cycles per second. Because alpha waves occur in relaxed states such as meditation and under hypnosis, they have been mistakenly identified as desirable. Alpha waves also occur under unpleasant conditions and when one is not relaxed.* They are not a measure of peace and serenity, nor are they indicative of an altered state of consciousness. Alpha waves are indicative of lack of visual processing and lack of focus: the less visual processing and the more unfocused, generally the stronger the alpha waves. If you close your eyes and don't do any deep thinking or concentrating on vivid imagery, your alpha waves will usually be quite strong.

There is no evidence that "When asleep, the brain goes into a “repair and rebuild” mode under alpha wave energy," as an ad for a protein supplement claims. Nor is there evidence that the brain is more insightful, creative or productive while producing alpha waves. Some think that increasing alpha waves can enhance the immune system and lead to self-healing or prevention of illness. This belief seems to be based on the notion that since alpha waves increase while meditating and relaxed, they are indicative of lack of stress, which can only be good for you. However, alpha waves can occur when one is not relaxed. Hence, increasing alpha waves is no guarantee that one is reducing stress, much less is it proof that one is enhancing one's immune system.

what is allopathy ?

ALLOPATHY - a system of medical practice that combats disease using treatments that produce effects different from those produced by the disease treated.

what is Alexander Technique ?

The Alexander Technique teaches how to recognize and overcome habituated limitations within a person's manner of movement and thinking. The first and most common limitation addressed is unnecessary muscular tension.

The Alexander Technique is usually learned from an Alexander Technique teacher in one-on-one sessions by an Alexander student, using specialized hand contact and verbal instructions. Alexander Technique is also taught in groups, often using short individual lessons in turn as examples to the rest of the class.

What is ADD?

What is ADD?

An attention-deficit disorder (ADD) is a developmental disorder characterized by developmentally inappropriate degrees of inattention, overactivity, and impulsivity. Symptoms are neurologically-based, arise in early childhood, and are chronic in nature in most cases. Symptoms are not due to gross neurological impairment, sensory impairment, language or motor impairment, mental retardation, or emotional disturbance.

Three main traits characterize ADD: (1) poor sustained attention or vigilance; (2) impulsivity or difficulty delaying gratification; and (3) hyperactivity or poorly regulated activity. Increased variability of task performance and problems complying with rules are often key features.

What are some signs of inattention?

* Difficulty following instructions
* Difficulty sustaining attention
* Loses things necessary for tasks
* Insufficient attention to details
* Appears disorganized
* Makes careless mistakes
* Appears sluggish/drowsy
* Appears forgetful
* Often engages in daydreaming rather than attending
* Appears apathetic, unmotivated to complete tasks
* Appears "spacey", preoccupied
* Appears confused, lost in thought

What are some signs of overactivity-impulsivity?

* Difficulty awaiting turn
* Interrupts/intrudes
* Blurts out answers
* Difficulty playing quietly
* Difficulty remaining seated
* Excessive writhing or squirming
* Fidgeting
* Excessive talking

How prevalent is ADD?

Attention-deficit disorders affect approximately 3-5% of the childhood population. It has been estimated that 50-80% continue some degree of symptomatology into adulthood.

What is the difference between an Attention-Deficit Disorder and an Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

ADD with and without hyperactivity are separate and unique childhood disorders. They are not subtypes of an identical attention disturbance. It has been noted that children with ADD/-H are more frequently described as depressed, learning disabled, or "lazy" while children with ADD/+H are more frequently labeled as conduct or behavior disordered.

What is Acupressure?

What is Acupressure?

Acupressure is a way of accessing and releasing blocked or congested energy centers in the body. These energy centers or Acupoints lie on energy pathways called Meridians. When acupoints or meridians become blocked or congested you experience pain or discomfort on a physical level. On an emotional level you may become frustrated or irritable, and on a spirit (energetic) level you may experience a sense of feeling ungrounded, vulnerable, and have difficulty knowing your purpose in life.

By using deep but gentle finger pressure on specific acupoints the blocked energy starts to release, allowing your body/mind to relax. As your body/mind relaxes, you have an opportunity to explore thought patterns, memories, and belief systems. Through mindful exploration, the way you experience your universe can change, allowing you an opportunity to manifest your purpose in life with less discomfort and stress; with a greater sense of wellbeing.

What is a Colonoscopy?

What is a Colonoscopy?

The term "colonoscopy" means looking inside the colon. It is a procedure performed by a gastroenterologist, a well-trained subspecialist.

The colon, or large bowel, is the last portion of your digestive or GI tract. It starts at the cecum, which attaches to the end of the small intestine, and it ends at the rectum and anus. The colon is a hollow tube, about five feet long, and its main function is to store unabsorbed food products prior to their elimination.

The main instrument that is used to look inside the colon is the colonoscope, which is a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera and a light on the end. By adjusting the various controls on the colonoscope, the gastroenterologist can carefully guide the instrument in any direction to look at the inside of the colon. The high quality picture from the colonoscope is shown on a TV monitor, and gives a clear, detailed view.

Colonoscopy is more precise than an X-ray. This procedure also allows other instruments to be passed through the colonoscope. These may be used, for example, to painlessly remove a suspicious-looking growth or to take a biopsy-a small piece for further analysis. In this way, colonoscopy may help to avoid surgery or to better define what type of surgery may need to be done.

A shorter version of the colonoscope is called a sigmoidoscope, an instrument used to screen the lower part of the large bowel only. The colonoscope, however, is long enough to inspect all of the large bowel and even part of the small intestine.

Colonoscopy is a safe and effective way to evaluate problems such as blood loss, pain, and changes in bowel habits such as chronic diarrhea or abnormalities that may have first been detected by other tests. Colonoscopy can also identify and treat active bleeding from the bowel.

Colonoscopy is also an important way to check for colon cancer and to treat colon polyps - abnormal growths on the inside lining of the intestine. Polyps vary in size and shape and, while most are not cancerous, some may turn into cancer. However, it is not possible to tell just by looking at a polyp if it is malignant or potentially malignant. This is why colonoscopy is often used to remove polyps, a technique called a polypectomy.

What is colour blindness ?

If your clothes don't match, someone might have teased you about being color-blind. But some people really are color-blind. It doesn't mean they can't see any color at all, like a black and white movie. It means that they have trouble seeing the difference between certain colors.

Being color-blind can make it tricky to match your shirt and pants, but it's not a serious problem. People who are color-blind can do normal stuff, even drive. Most color-blind people can't tell the difference between red or green, but they can learn to respond to the way the traffic signal lights up. The red light is generally on top and green is on the bottom.
Cones and Color

To understand what causes color blindness, you need to know about the cones in your eyes. Cones in your eyes? Yes, but they're very small. These cones are cells on your retina, an area the size of a postage stamp that's at the back of your eye.

You have "red," "blue," and "green" cones, which are sensitive to those colors and combinations of them. You need all three types to see colors properly. When your cones don't work properly, or you don't have the right combination, your brain doesn't get the right message about which colors you're seeing. To someone who's color-blind, a green leaf might look tan or gray.
Color Blindness Is Passed Down

Color blindness is almost always an inherited (say: in-her-ut-ed) trait, which means you get it from your parents. You get inherited traits through genes (say: jeenz), which determine everything about your body, including how tall you'll be and whether your hair will be straight or curly.

Eye doctors (and some school nurses) test for color blindness by showing a picture made up of different colored dots, like the one above. If a person can't see the picture or number within the dots, he or she may be color-blind.

Boys are far more likely to be color-blind. In fact, if you know 12 boys, one of them is probably at least a little color-blind. So girls, the next time a boy asks you if something matches, you'd better lend him a hand!

What is counselling ?

COUNSELLING - for helping the client resolve conscious conflicts with the focus on setting goals and problem solving. A wide variety of techniques may be used including verbal communication. Counsellors assist the client to focus on constructive behaviours which will help the client reach specific goals. A counsellor's training background may be from a variety of fields, including education, health care, and psychology.

What is acupuncture ?

ACUPUNCTURE - an ancient Chinese therapy based on the principle that healing can be best facilitated by maintaining an unobstructed flow of vital life energy, called Chi or Ki, in the body. For each organ there is a corresponding pathway or energy meridian which can be mapped out on the body. Small needles are inserted into the body at specific points to treat various conditions by manipulating the energy which flows through the body along these meridians.

what is colour therapy ?

Colour therapy is a part of Chromotherapy, which is a larger healing science.
Does your grandmother keep water in green or blue bottles to drink every
morning? She’s practicing Chromotherapy–the water takes on the properties of
the colour and heals any ailment.

The Deal: Colour therapy is the simpler half of Chromotherapy; something you
can practice everyday. The colours that we wear or like are a sort of snapshot of
our personalities and their general make-up. People who are happy and cheerful
will wear happy, cheerful colours. In India, colours are highly symbolic. Have you
ever thought about why widows wear white? White is the colour of purity; it
means your previous existence is now over, you are purified and have a new
lease of life.

The Technique: Here are broad rules for choosing colours:

Blue and green are soothing colours and likely to relieve pain. Ever
wondered why hospitals are full of these colours?
Red, with its various shades, is a stimulant. It pumps up the nervous
system and is an effective anti-depressant.
Orange has an effect similar to red but less intensely so.
Yellow relaxes you. If you have a stressful job, you might want to wear
more of this colour.
Brown, violet and grey are neutral colours. However, the darker the hue,
the more depressing the effect is likely to be.
Black creates both mental and physical depression. And it’s been
scientifically proved. People exposed to black for long periods of time
found that their blood pressure and pulse rates dropped alarmingly.
However a bit of black acts as a visual magnet.
Pink, especially bubble-gum pink, appears to be a colour with many
unusual properties. Focusing your eye on pink can relax you, make you
lose the urge to overeat and calm your body.
Yellow and green are excellent shades for bedrooms. A bit of red around
kitchens and dining rooms may stimulate appetites. A cheerful pink could
be a great colour to decorate a child’s playroom with.

Which colour attracts you most. Even the colour of your choice can reveal a lot
about your personality and your preferences. Decide which one of the colours–
blue, brown, red, black, violet, grey, green, yellow–attracts you most and read
on.

Blue: You are likely to be a sensitive kind of person, surprisingly well in control
of your life and largely content with it. So much so that statistically people who
like blue are generally overweight!

Brown: You’re more insecure than most people you know. And this is likely to
manifest itself in a chronic desire for a settled lifestyle. The good news is that
you’re probably in terrific health.

Red: A strong and passionate nature. Tons of energy, along with a desire to live
life to the full. Yeah great, but you need to take it easy a bit; you’re living too
much on your nerves.

Black: This choice means despondency and a deep-seated dislike of one’s
current lifestyle. Also a dogged determination to change all that and make things
better. People who wear black often are unconsciously putting defensive barriers
against the world to hide behind.

Violet: Lots of conflicts mark your personality, so that sometimes you are very
impulsive and at other cool as ice. Chances are that you’re also a great worrier
about your health.

Grey: This is eternal escapist’s favorite. Grey is for a person who seeks to avoid
emotional conflicts and commitment. However grey-lovers are usually reliable
people in crises.

Green: Selfishness. This however, also makes for positive achievements.
Greenies are likely to be successful people in terms of material benefits.

Yellow: The colour of the sun, yellow suggests a positive outlook towards life
and a happy and content person.


Watch out:

Remember that colour preferences are known to change over time and
circumstances. Some days you feel like wearing black and on others you don’t.
The above tests can be conclusive only if you persistently wear a particular
colour.

What is Kabbalah?

What is Kabbalah?



Although its origins are rooted in deep antiquity, from the time of ancient Babylon, the science of Kabbalah has remained virtually hidden from humanity since it appeared more than four thousand years ago.

This very concealment has sustained Kabbalah’s undying allure. Renowned scientists and philosophers of many countries, such as Newton, Leibniz, and Pico della Mirandola, have investigated and tried to understand the science of Kabbalah. However, to this very day only a few know what Kabbalah really is.

The science of Kabbalah does not speak about our world, and therefore its essence escapes people. It is impossible to comprehend the invisible, the imperceptible, and that which has not been experienced. For thousands of years, humanity was offered a wide variety of things under the name “Kabbalah”: spells, curses, and even miracles, all except for the science of Kabbalah itself. For over four thousand years, common understanding of the science of Kabbalah has been cluttered with misconceptions and misinterpretations. Therefore, first and foremost, the science of Kabbalah needs to be made clear. Kabbalist Yehuda Ashlag defines Kabbalah in the following manner in his article The Essence of the Wisdom of Kabbalah:

This wisdom is no more and no less than a sequence of roots, which hang down by way of cause and effect, in fixed, determined rules, weaving into a single, exalted goal described as “the revelation of His Godliness to His creatures in this world.”

Scientific definitions may be complicated and cumbersome. Let’s try to examine what is being said here.

There exists the upper force or the Creator, and governing forces descend from this upper force into our world. We do not know how many forces there are, but this is actually unimportant. We exist here in our world. We are created by some upper force that we call “the Creator.” We are familiar with various forces in our world, such as gravity, electromagnetism and the power of thought. However, there are forces of a higher order that act while remaining hidden from us.

We call the ultimate, comprehensive force—“the Creator.” The Creator is the sum of all of the world’s forces and the highest level in the line of the governing forces.

This upper force gave birth to the upper worlds. There are five worlds in total. The so called Machsom—a barrier that separates the upper worlds and our world—follows them. From the upper force—the Creator, also known as “the world of Infinity”—the forces descend through all the worlds, giving birth to our world and human beings.

The science of Kabbalah does not study our world and humans in it, as traditional sciences do. Kabbalah investigates everything that exists beyond the Machsom.

Kabbalist Yehuda Ashlag says that “this wisdom is no more and no less than a sequence of roots, which hang down by way of cause and effect, in fixed, determined rules...” There is nothing other than forces descending from above in accordance with precise laws. Moreover, these laws, as Ashlag writes, are fixed, absolute and omnipresent. Ultimately, they are all directed so that one can reveal the ultimate governing force of nature while being in our world.

Until a person fully reveals this force, until one knows all the worlds one has to climb, obeying the same laws as the descending forces, and until one reaches the world of Infinity, such a person will not leave this world. What does “will not leave” mean? This person will continuously be reborn into our world, evolving from one life to the next until reaching the state where the desire to attain the higher force emerges.

What is Spirituality?

What is Spirituality?

The essence of spirituality is the search to know our true selves, to discover the real nature of consciousness. This quest has been the foundation of all the great spiritual teachings, and the goal of all the great mystics.

Throughout the history of humanity it has been said that the self we know -- the individual ego -- is a very limited form of identity. Ignorant of our true selves we derive a false sense of identity from what we have, or what we do -- from our possessions, our role in the world, how others see us, etc. Because the world on which it is based is continually changing, this derived sense of identity is always under threat, and our attempts to maintain it are responsible for much of our "self-centered" behaviour.

Behind this identity is a deeper identity, what is often called the "true self". This can be thought of as the essence of consciousness. Although our thoughts, feelings and personality may vary considerably, the essence of mind remains the same. We are each very diffferent people than we were twenty years ago, but still we feel the same sense of "I". This sense of "I-ness" is the same for everyone, and in that respect is something universal that we all share.

When we discover this deeper sense of self we are freed from many of the fears that plague us unnecessarily. We discover a greater inner peace, an inner security that does not depend upon events or circumstances in the world around. As a result we become less self-centered, less needy of the other's approval or recognition, less needy of collecting possessions and social status, and become happier, healthier and more loving people. In many spiritual teachings this is called "self-liberation".

Most spiritual teachings also maintain that when one comes to know the true nature of consciousness, one also comes to know God. If God is the essence of the whole of creation, then God is the essence of every creature, and every person. This is why the search to discover the nature of one's own innermost essence is the search for God.

What is homeopathy?

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a gentle, holistic system of healing, suitable for everyone, young and old. Homeopathy focuses on you as an individual, concentrating on treating your specific physical and emotional symptoms, to give long lasting benefits.

The therapy is based on the theory of treating “like with like”. Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted natural substances that if given in stronger doses to a healthy person, would produce the symptoms the medicine is prescribed for. In the assessment of you, the patient, homeopaths will take into account the range of physical, emotional and lifestyle factors in order to prescribe the right medicine(s).

Homeopathy is a complementary therapy
Homeopathy has been widely used throughout the world for more than 200 years. In 2000, the House of Lords’ Select Committee on Science & Technology cited homeopathy as one of the five Group One therapies, having “an individual diagnostic approach” along with osteopathy, chiropractic, herbal medicine and acupuncture. (1)

Homeopathy can be safely used alongside most conventional medicines.

How long has Homeopathy been used?
Homeopathy has been used in the UK for over two hundred years, but has an honourable tradition dating back to ancient Greece. It was Samuel Hahnemann, a brilliant doctor working in 1796 who developed the scientific and philosophical foundations of this gentler way of healing. These scientific principles form the basis of successful homeopathic practice today.

Are homeopathic remedies safe?
Homeopathic remedies are a unique, potentised energy medicine, drawn from the plant, mineral and animal worlds. They are diluted to such a degree that not one molecule of the original substance can be detected (after the 6c potency).

They work by gently boosting the natural energy of the body, and are very safe, even for pregnant and sensitive patients. There is no danger of addiction or toxicity.(2)

How are the remedies discovered?
The clinical indications of our medicines are discovered in all of three ways:

• The toxicity symptoms (or poisoning picture, eg. vomiting and diarrhoea caused by arsenic)

• The ‘signature’ of the medicine, an ancient medical idea based on the ‘affinities’ of certain substances (eg. Deadly Nightshade, Atropa belladonna has large shiny black berries that resemble the dilated pupils of the eyes in high fever)

• The ‘proving’, in which the highly diluted substances are tested blind on a group of healthy volunteers who then record the symptoms they experience. Where there is agreement amongst provers, the symptoms are documented in a Repertory.

All this information is used to match the remedies with your symptoms.

How are the remedies made?
There are five regulated homeopathic pharmacies in the UK (see Find a Pharmacy). The raw extracts (from plants or animals) or triturations (from minerals and salts) are made into a ‘tincture’ with alcohol which forms the basis of the dilution procedure. Dilutions are made up to either 1 part tincture to 10 parts water (1x) or 1 part tincture to 100 parts water (1c). Repeated dilution results in the familiar 6x, 6c or 30c potencies that can be bought over the counter: the 30c contains less than 1 part per million of the original substance.

If they are so dilute, how can they work?
After each dilution the mixture is vigorously agitated in a machine that delivers a calibrated amount of shaking. This is called succussion. It is thought that this process imprints the healing energy of the medicinal substance throughout the body of water (the diluent) as if a message is passed on. The message contains the healing energy. Even in ultra-molecular dilutions, information specific to the original dissolved substance remains and can be detected. (3)

What can homeopathy treat?
Homeopathy has a wide application, from acute fevers, sore throats and toothache, to chronic illnesses such as arthritis, eczema, asthma, anxiety, mild depression and chronic fatigue syndrome. There has been some very good research evidence to support this (see Research section).

What happens when you see a homeopath?
Your homeopath understands that establishing good health involves treating both mind and body, so time is taken to listen to your emotional and physical symptoms. To stimulate your body's own healing process, a remedy closest to your individual symptom picture is prescribed. Healing beings from within your body, strengthening your health and immune system, without any danger of damaging side effects.

What is feng shui ?

feng shui

Feng Shui (pronounced "fung schwee" and meaning literally "wind water") is part of an ancient Chinese philosophy of nature. Feng shui is often identified as a form of geomancy, divination by geographic features, but it is mainly concerned with understanding the relationships between nature and ourselves so that we might live in harmony within our environment.

Feng shui is related to the very sensible notion that living with rather than against nature benefits both humans and our environment. It is also related to the equally sensible notion that our lives are deeply affected by our physical and emotional environs. If we surround ourselves with symbols of death, contempt and indifference toward life and nature, with noise and various forms of ugliness, we will corrupt ourselves in the process. If we surround ourselves with beauty, gentleness, kindness, sympathy, music and various expressions of the sweetness of life, we ennoble ourselves as well as our environment.

Alleged masters of feng shui, those who understand the five elements and the two energies such as chi and sha (hard energy, the opposite of chi), are supposed to be able to detect metaphysical energies and give directions for their optimal flow. Feng shui has become a kind of architectural acupuncture: wizards and magi insert themselves into buildings or landscapes and use their metaphysical sensors to detect the flow of good and bad "energy." These masters for hire declare where bathrooms should go, which way doorways should face, where mirrors should hang, which room needs green plants and which one needs red flowers, which direction the head of the bed should face, etc. They decide these things on the basis of their feel for the flow of chi, electromagnetic fields or whatever other form of energy the client will worry about. (If you and your lover are having trouble in the bedroom, call a feng shui master. You probably need to move a few things around to get the bedroom chi flowing properly. Only a person with special metaphysical sensors, however, can tell what really needs to be done.)

In short, feng shui has become an aspect of interior decorating in the Western world and alleged masters of feng shui now hire themselves out for hefty sums to tell people such as Donald Trump which way his doors and other things should hang. Feng shui has also become another New Age "energy" scam with arrays of metaphysical products from paper cutouts of half moons and planets, to octagonal mirrors to wooden flutes, offered for sale to help you improve your health, maximize your potential and guarantee fulfillment of some fortune cookie philosophy.

According to Sutrisno Murtiyoso of Indonesia, in countries where belief in feng shui is still very strong, feng shui has become a hodgepodge of superstitions and unverified notions which are passed off in the university curriculum as scientific principles of architecture or city planning. Mr. Murtiyoso wrote me about a university lecturer who had written an article in Indonesia's biggest newspaper "advocating feng shui as a guiding principle to Indonesia's future architecture." This upset Mr. Murtiyoso: "if it is done by a so-called 'paranormal', I wouldn't be that mad. But a 'colleague', an architect . . . I just can't imagine how my people can face the next millennium still under this ancient spell. How can we progress....through this techno-jungle." If I were Mr. Muriyoso, I wouldn't worry until the architects start advocating ignoring the laws of physics in favor of metaphysical principles. We still bring in our priests to sprinkle holy water and utter incantations at the dedications of skyscrapers. So far, none have collapsed that I know of. And if being superstitious were a hindrance to progress, we'd all still be wandering the savannas with our hirsute ancestors.

further reading

What is vastushastra ?

Aum Ganeshay Namah. The Vedic origins of Vastushastra can be traced to the shape of 'AUM' . Lord Ganesha, the Goddess of Learning, has always been associated with the primordial sound and word 'AUM' which is considered to be omniscient and omnipotent. Vastushastra, a super science, evolved some 5000 years ago in India. Ancient in comparison to Chinese discipline of Feng Shui which is 3500 - 4000 years old. Vastushastra essentially deals with practice of architecture and building / construction science, but it touches every facet of life on this earth and the universe. The ever present link between man and the cosmos is the basic theme of Vastushastra. Vastushastra principles provide guidance for making optimum use of cosmic energy to achieve cosmic harmony. Pyramids, mirrors, bells, gems, precious stones, metals, colours, yantras, trees, flowers serve as catalysts in reestablishing the connection between man and the divine energy. With all its sublime and mysterious ways, the basic parameters used in Vastushastra compliant designs are: geomagnetic flux, solar energy, sound energy, and water sources. Vastushastra has a scientific background. The concept of dik-kal (dik=direction, kal=time) is reflected in modern science in terms of physics of space-time. Mass-energy equivalence is the backbone of all Vastu remedial measures. But this concept is now identified only with Prof. Albert Einstein on account of the famous equation E=mc². It is time Vastushastra is made free of its mystic garb and developed as a logical and scientific discipline.

What is Ayurveda?

What is Ayurveda

Ayurveda means the "science of life". It originated in India more than 5,000 years old and is believed to be the oldest healing science in existence, from which all other systems emerged. This ancient healing system has three main focuses:
1) Healing illness
2) Prevention of disease and
3) Longevity or age reversal.

Laws of Nature and Spirituality In short, Ayurveda simply explains the laws of nature that cause health or disease. The first cause of illness is said to be the loss of faith in the Divine or experiencing a spiritual lacking. From here illness develops due to internal conditions (e.g., foods and liquids) or external conditions (e.g., seasons, lifestyle). The main factors that cause poor health (also described as imbalance) are 1) poor digestion and 2) Weak immune systems.

When food is not properly digested it sits in the body. Nutrients are not absorbed and the food decays and forms toxins. These toxins cause most diseases in the body. Therefore, it is important to have good digestion.The immune system can become depleted by poor nutrition, overwork, drugs and other excesses. The finest essence of nutrition develops a life sap that protects the immune system; much like the sap of a tree heals the bruises in its bark.

In addition to promoting physical health, it is the life sap that becomes transformed through meditation to produce mental peace and spiritual development. With all the immune disorders that are prevalent these days, it is even more important that persons develop their immune sap.

What Makes Ayurveda So Unique?
This spiritual science offers numerous unique benefits:
1. It looks at people as individuals, not as a generic group.
2. It heals from the root-cause of an illness, not merely treating the symptoms.
3. Only natural therapies are offered.
4. No side effects develop from the therapies.
5. Therapies are inexpensive and effective.

How Does Ayurveda Work? tridosha Theory:
The basic view of Ayurveda is that all of life (people, food, animals, nature, the universe, and diseases) are combinations of three energy-elements: air (called Vayu or Vata), fire (called Pitta), and water (called Kapha). When these elements are balanced, one is healthy. Illness is defined as an imbalance of these elements; all disorders excesses of one or more element.

People and the Elements: A person's constitution (dosha) is predominantly one or more of these elements. Each element relates to certain body types, foods and health concerns. By nature, whatever a person's constitution is, they have a tendency for it to become excessed. For example an air constitution person (Vayu dosha) is thin and bony. Physical symptoms of excess air include dry skin, cracking bones, gas and constipation. Mental symptoms of excess air include fear, worry, anxiety and nervousness.

When an air constitution (Vayu dosha) person is balanced they are creative, adaptable and have no physical health concerns. Ayurveda notes that certain foods increase air and other foods reduce air. In general, eating cooked or steamed foods, and eating every 3 or 4 hours reduces excess air. Foods like carrots, rice and mung beans reduce excess air. Broccoli, baked beans and barley increase air (e.g., they cause gas). Excessive or non-moderate lifestyle also increases the air element.

Fire constitution people (Pitta dosha) tend towards excess heat. When healthy they are strong, make good leaders and are warm and goal oriented. When the Pitta dosha is imbalanced, mentally they become hot tempered, impatient, irritable. Physically they develop heat-related disorders such as acne, rashes, diarrhea, ulcers, toxic blood, liver, kidney, gall bladder, heart and spleen disorders.Water constitutions (Kapha doshas) tend towards excess water.

When healthy they are strong, muscular, calm and loyal. When water becomes excessed, they develop lethargy, and a hoarding or greedy nature. Physically they develop congestion, overweight, edema, heart and kidney problems, etc.

Review:
Health means balance. Each constitution has a natural tendency to become imbalanced or excessed. By eating foods and living a lifestyle that reduces the excesses, one remains balanced. Balancing produces healing, prevention, and reverses the aging process.Many people have two or even all three elements in their constitution. In these cases, both elements tend toward excess. Thus foods and lifestyles that reduce both elements need to be followed.

What Diagnostic Measures Does Ayurveda Use?
Perhaps the most well-known diagnostic tool these days is pulse analysis. The position and quality of the pulse felt under different fingers tells the Ayurvedic doctor the dosha (Vayu, Pitta, Kapha) that is imbalanced. Further the health of 12 organs are also learned by pulse diagnosis. Vaidyas who have trained in India more than 20 years ago also learned how to read subtler pulses as well.

Other forms of diagnosis include client health history forms, observation of the client's body, movements, voice, and other non-verbal behavior. Diagnosis is also conducted through touch, questioning, and inference/intuition.

What Therapies Does Ayurveda Offer?
Using a holistic approach, Ayurveda offers therapies for each of the five senses because different people learn better through different senses. Therapies include,

Taste: Herbs and nutrition.
Touch: Massage (abhyaٌga), Yoga, and exercise.
Smell: Aromatherapy.
Sight: Color therapy.
Hearing: Music therapy, mantra meditation, chanting.
Spiritual: therapies include meditation, living ethically, and working in a career that one loves or is purposeful.

Environmental factors are also considered from this holistic outlook. These therapies include house, apartment and office structure and astrological effects. These are sciences unto themselves.

Vedic architecture (Vastu Shastra) and Chinese Feng Shui (pronounced fung shway) deal with the laws of nature that integrate the earth, the person and the planets and stars. The exterior and interior design of buildings can also enhance balance or cause imbalance. Vedic astrology (Jyotish) is the science of understanding the laws of nature of the planets and stars, and how they influence us.

What Does Holistic Mean?
Holistic has two meanings.
1) It looks at the whole of one's life. Health and disease are byproducts of all aspects of one's life: nutrition, career, mental frame, family and social activities and spiritual life. If one area is weakened, all areas begin to suffer. If a person is unhappy at work, it will affect all other areas of life.

2) Holistic means holy. Ayurveda reminds us that to have and maintain true health; persons need to take some quiet time for spiritual development. The goal of life is Self-Realization. This is a state of unshakeable Divine mental peace.

This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, prescribe or heal any health condition. It is not intended to substitute for care from healthcare professionals.

Swami Sadashiva Tirtha, D.Sc., is the author of the Ayurveda Encyclopedia. He is the founder of the International Vedic Institute - School of Ayurveda. See details at http://vedicschool.com

What is Platinum Jewelry?

Platinum is an extremely rare metal, even rarer than gold. There isn't much of it around and it has only been found in select locations across the planet. Platinum is a strong, dense metal, which allows it to be used in many different ways. Besides jewelry, it is also used to make catalytic converters, and it is helpful in the medical field because it resists oxidation. As the perfect material for pacemakers, platinum not only makes lovely jewelry, but also helps save lives.

Despite its strength, platinum is a very supple, workable material, making intricate designs and details far easier to achieve than with gold. Since it is so pure, platinum jewelry is the perfect hypoallergenic accessory for those who cannot wear gold. Part of the reason people cannot wear gold is often associated with the alloys involved in the jewelry making process. Since platinum jewelry contains very little alloy, it is a good choice for those who are sensitive to metals.

Platinum jewelry is made from very pure platinum. As compared to gold, platinum falls between the 18-karat and 24-karat range, with 18 karat being approximately 75% pure and 24 karat being the purest. Since 18-karat jewelry is 75% pure, that means that the other 25% of the piece is an alloy, such as silver, zinc or copper. This simply means that platinum requires very little alloy to be combined with it in order to make platinum jewelry.

Platinum jewelry is very sturdy and resilient, making it ideal for everyday wear. Platinum jewelry, like other types of metal jewelry, can become scratched, but a scratch won't damage platinum in the same way that it damages other precious metals. Platinum jewelry will maintain its color, brilliance and weight even when scratched, while other metals may lose their luster or become blemished or discolored.

Because this metal is so versatile and so rare, platinum jewelry makes a very special gift that will be cherished for a lifetime. Many people own gold jewelry, while far fewer boast jewelry made of platinum. If you want to choose something truly unique and exceptional for that special someone in your life, consider platinum jewelry.

What is Diamond?

What is Diamond?


Diamond is a colourless exceptionally hard mineral (but often tinted yellow, orange, blue, brown, or black by impurities), found in certain igneous rocks esp. the kimberlites of South Africa. It is used as a gemstone, as an abrasive, and on the working edges of cutting tools. Composition: carbon. Formula: C. Crystal structure: cubic. Name derived from the Greek adamas meaning invincible. Relative density 3.50- 3.52. Cleavage eminent along octahedral faces. Fracture conchoidal. Tenacity brittle. Lustre brilliantly adamantine. Refractive index 2.417- 2.419. Birefringence and pleochroism: none (cubic). Dispersion strong 0.044. Diamond crystals form as cubes, octahedra , the most common gem form, and dodecahedra. Colourless to yellow diamonds which have a strong absorbtion line in the violet end of the spectrum are members of the Cape series.

Where is it found?

The most famous diamond bearing country is South Africa. The first diamond was reported in 1866. By 1869 an 83.5 carat diamond had been found and was named The Star of Africa. It was subsequently cut into a pear shape brilliant weighing 47.74 carats. The Golconda area of Southern India has been the source of some Argyle Mine North Western Australiafamous diamonds such as the Koh-i-nor (mountain of light 186cts cut to 108.92 cts and now in the Tower of London) and Jehangir. Diamond is widespread in Brazil, most stones being small but of good gem quality. Alluvial diamonds have been found in most states of the USA. White and fancy coloured diamonds such as pinks and pinkish browns are mined at Argyle in North Western Australia. Other important producers are Russia, now the fourth largest producer, and China.

what is gold ?

Gold is a remarkable, rare metal, with an unparalleled combination of chemical and physical properties. It is the only yellow metal and bears its name from the Old English word for yellow, 'geolu'. It is also the only metal that forms no oxide film on it's surface in air at normal temperatures, meaning that it will never rust or tarnish.

Gold's chemical symbol, Au, comes from the latin word for gold, aurum. In the Periodic Table of Elements, gold is classified as a transitional metal with the following characteristics;

* Symbol: Au
* Atomic number: 79
* Atomic mass: 196.96655 amu
* Number of protons/electrons: 79
* Number of neutrons: 118
* Melting point: 1,064.43°C (1,337.58°K, 1,947.97°F)
* Boiling point: 2,807.0°C (3,80.15°K, 5,084.6°F)
* Density @ 293°K: 19.32 grams per cubic centimeter
* Crystal structure: cubic



Gold may be alloyed with various other metals to give it special properties. In its pure form, gold has a metallic luster and is sun yellow, but when mixed or alloyed with other metals, such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), tellurium (Te), and iron (Fe), creates various color hues ranging from silver-white to green and orange-red. Usually, red, yellow and green golds are made by adding varying amounts of copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) to produce alloys of 10 to 14 carats. White golds have traditionally been made by alloying nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) with gold, but more recently silver (Ag) and palladium (Pd) have replaced the zinc. These color variation treatments to gold are mostly used in jewelry.

Fineness is a metallurgical term indicating the purity of gold and is expressed in parts per 1,000. Minted coins and bars have a fineness of 999.9 parts per 1,000. The purity of gold in an item or the amount of gold in an alloy is measured with a unit called a carat. An item of fine or pure gold is 24 carat, with lesser carat values indicating the proportion of fine gold content as a fraction of 24. For example, an 18 carat gold item contains 18/24 (or 3/4) fine gold and 6/24 (or 1/4) alloy by weight.
Properties of Gold

An unparalleled combination of chemical and physical properties make gold invaluable to a wide range of everyday applications. One of the most important of these properties is gold’s virtual indestructibility.

Gold is the most non-reactive of all metals. It is called a "noble" metal (an alchemistic term) because it does not oxidize under ordinary conditions, meaning that it will never rust and never tarnish.

Gold's physical properties of high electrical conductivity and chemical inertness make it an excellent and reliable conductor, particularly in harsh environments, where temperatures can range from -55°C to 200°C. The use of gold in circuitry ensures reliability of equipment operation, particularly in the vital activation of safety airbag mechanisms in motor vehicles or deployment of satellites and spacecraft.

No other metal is as ductile or as malleable as gold. A single ounce of the metal can be drawn into a wire five miles long. Gold can be hammered into sheets so thin that light can pass through.

High purity gold reflects infrared (heat) energy almost completely, making it ideal for heat and radiation reflection. Gold-coated visors protected astronauts’ eyes from searing sunlight on the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Gold is also an excellent conductor of thermal energy. It is used in many electronic processes to draw heat away from delicate instruments. For example, the main engine nozzle of the space shuttle uses a 35% gold alloy.

what is dreams ?

A dream is the experience of envisioned images, sounds, or other sensations during sleep. The events of dreams are often impossible or unlikely to occur in physical reality, and are usually outside the control of the dreamer, (except in the case of lucid dreaming, in which the suspension of disbelief is broken and the dreamer realizes that he or she is dreaming—being sometimes even capable of changing the oneiric reality around him or her and controlling various aspects of the dream). Dreamers may experience strong emotions while dreaming. Frightening or upsetting dreams are referred to as nightmares. The scientific discipline of dream research is oneirology.

Dreams have a long history both as a subject of conjecture and as a source of inspiration (artistic or otherwise). Throughout history, people have sought meaning in dreams. They have been described physiologically as a response to neural processes during sleep, psychologically as reflections of the unconscious, and spiritually as messages from God or predictions of the future (oneiromancy).

In antiquity, dreams were thought to be part of the supernatural world, and were seen as messages from the gods.

Likewise, the Torah (known in Christianity as the first 5 books of the Old Testament) and Qur'an both tell the same story of Joseph, who was given the power to interpret dreams and act accordingly.

This continued into the Early Middle Ages. A story from Nevers, which is reproduced in the Golden Legend, states that one night the Emperor Charlemagne dreamed that he was saved of dying from a wild boar during a hunt. He was saved by the appearance of a child, who had promised to save the emperor from death if he would give him clothes to cover his nakedness. The bishop of Nevers interpreted this dream to mean that he wanted the emperor to repair the roof of the cathedral dedicated to the boy-saint Saint Cyricus.

In the Later Middle Ages, dreams were seen as temptations from the Devil, and thus were seen as dangerous.

However in India, scholars such as Charaka (300 BC) gave alternative explanations for the reasons behind dream. In Charaka Samhita, the explanation of dreams is as follows : "The cause of dreams are seven. They are what you have seen, heard, experienced, wish to experience, forced to experience, imagined and by the inherent nature of the body".

In the later 19th century according to the theories of Sigmund Freud, dreams were a reflection of human desires and were prompted by external stimuli.

Many tribal peoples believe that the human soul temporarily leaves the body during the dream-state, wandering in other worlds and meeting other souls, including those of the dead. These nocturnal journeys have provided a great deal of material for myth-making. In North America and Southeast Asia such voyages are thought to expose errant soul to the danger of abduction by a sorcerer or malevolent spirit; when this happens, local shamans are customarily employed to search for and retrieve the lost soul.” (Willis, p.33)

what is chakras ?

Within our bodies there are focal points of energy that we use, whether consciously or unconsciously, to affect reality and allow us to fully experience and realize events that unfold before us. These focal points are called Chakras.

Chakras are located in important parts of your body such as your head or heart. Any organs within the area of these Chakras are used to control; and are, therefore, directly affected by the properties of that Chakra. There are seven Chakras located throughout the body, each with their own unique attributes and characteristics:

The Root Chakra is located directly at the base of the spine, also known as the coccyx. This Chakra is closely related to the body and our ability to master it. One’s health, constitution and security are linked to this Chakra. In addition, the realization of how our bodies connect to the material world is focused here.

Color: Red
Gems: Ruby, Garnet

The Naval Chakra is located in the lower abdomen. This Chakra is associated with the acts of giving and receiving, and is tied into the more physical feelings of love, passion and sexuality. The feeling of pleasure is also linked with this Chakra, so one may feel focus and feedback in this Chakra during moments of harmony, generosity, group creativity and selflessness.

Color: Orange
Gems: Amber, Coral

The Solar Plexus Chakra is located just above the navel and below the chest. This Chakra is a focus point for our force of will and our sense of transformation. Concentration and control of our personal energies originate from this point. One’s sense of power and authority, as well as self-control and discipline of the ego converge here. This Chakra can be used to sense the very use of one’s internal energies to affect what is outside the body.

Color: Yellow
Gems: Amber, Gold

The Heart Chakra is located at the center of the chest and is the focus for love and understanding. Feelings that stem from this love such as forgiveness, compassion, balance and harmony radiate from this point. This Chakra also nurtures the rarified feeling of unconditional or divine love, love that goes beyond the physical.

Color: Green
Gems: Emerald, Malachite

The Throat Chakra is located in the throat area between one’s chin and the top of the sternum. This Chakra is linked to one’s powers of communication. Through this Chakra, one can realize truth and knowledge; honesty, kindness and wisdom and how these elements can be conveyed through thoughtful speech.

Color: Sky Blue
Gems: Turquoise, Blue Topaz

The Brow Chakra is located in the forehead, right above our eyes. This is also known as the region of the "Third Eye" in Buddhist and other belief systems. This Chakra is related to our perception beyond the physical realm. Intuition, insight, imagination and clairvoyance can all be associated with this Chakra. One can also focus their realization of their own soul, divine wisdom and peace of mind in this point.

Color: Indigo
Gems: Lapiz Lazuli, Sapphire

The Crown Chakra is located at the very top of the head. As one might guess, this Chakra is associated directly with dealings of the mind and spirit. This Chakra is deeply tied to the exploration of one’s consciousness and place in space and time. Oneness with the universe, your spirit and will, inspiration, divine wisdom… all the things that deal with the Higher Self are rooted in this Chakra.

Color: Violet
Gems: Amethyst, Diamond, Quartz Crystal

what is crystal healing ?

The Science of Crystal Healing

Crystal are a tool for natural healing which can be health practitioners to accelerate their own methods. The human body is a series of energy systems. Crystals are devices for adjusting and balancing these systems.

This book is the cumulative experience of taking channeled material and putting it into actual practice. Years of teaching and using the techniques to alleviate pain and accelerate the natural healing process. I am sure of one thing; there is no limit to the possibilities of the influence of crystal on all energy forms.

Here, for the first time, is presented in one book the most complete information on crystal healing that has ever been made available to the general public. It represents over 13 years of research and experimentation by DaEi walker and some of the most knowledgeable quartz crystal researchers in the world.

In the beginning, it was necessary to substitute ingenuity when there was a lack of proper test equipment. Without a proper laboratory, we could not choose quantitative proof. Yet it was important to uncover the principles and properties of the crystal techniques and to prove their validity. Equipment to measure the subtle life force energies were often not available, usually because they did not exist.

If the energy could not be measured, the effect it had on the human body could be. Therefore, this inductive means of study became our laboratory. Unconventional devices such as dowsing rods were used to measure the expansion or contraction of the body’s energy field. An acupuncture meridian measurement device was used to measure the conductivity of the meridian points on the body. Energy changes were recorded through the process of high energy physics photography, sometimes called Krilian photography. Even blood platelet changes were photographed under a microscope after a crystal healing.

We were not trying to prove anything to anyone except ourselves. We wanted to know what where the limits of each of the ideas given. Each new piece of the puzzle suggested more ideas and more experience.

The essence of the body is energy. Crystals functions as transformers and amplifiers of various energies into biological energies that rebalance and re-energize our biological system on the cellular level, as well as on our emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. The premise on which this biological transfer of energy is based is that the body is a series of synchronous, oscillating, solid and liquid crystal systems to which our crystal healing techniques are able to transfer energy directly, as from one crystal to another. This transfer of energy aids the system in attaining a certain functional strength in which it can regenerate

visualize. This is a major way or type of language that can communicate with and rescript our computer mind.

From all this a pattern has emerged, a map of the processes of healing and human consciousness. We do not understand it all, but each day we know a little more and the picture clears slightly. When will it end? Not in our foreseeable future. We are delaying into the nature of the mind and brain as it operates within the body. The possibilities are infinite.

I urge you to join me in the greatest journey of your life. The journey to your inner self, through the doorway of the crystal.

It needs to be pointed out that all of the techniques used throughout the book have been thoroughly tested by repeated clinical trials and experimental verification that is acceptable to many working in the field of crystal healing. The main problem in providing hard core scientific data that would be acceptable to scientists at large is that the sensitive equipment necessary to measure these energy changes is not available today. Although Crystal Healer lists many ailments of which these techniques may accelerate the healing. Please remember that he is not claiming crystals are the panacea that will heal all diseases. Crystal healing is about rebalancing and reenergizing, so if the system is capable of healing, or it is the time to be healed, the healing process will more readily take place.

A few basic principles about the case and use of crystals

Clearing is the process of changing negative emotions to positive emotions. Anyone who holds a crystal and is having bad feelings, negative emotions, may imprint those emotions into the stone. The most effective method for clearing a crystal is to hold or touch it with your hand. Repeat the Light Invocation three times.

"I invoke the Light of the God within. I am a clear and perfect channel. Light is my guide."

By the time you have completed the third repetition, the negative emotion will be gone. Test this for yourself, and ask a friend to help you. Measure his or her energy field using a dowsing rod, (see Section-Research Methods- Tools Used in Research) and write down your results. Hand your friend a crystal and measure the energy field. Write down your results. Hold the crystal to your forehead and recall a time you felt angry. Hand the crystal back to your friend, and measure the energy field again. Have your friend say the Light Invocation three times out loud, and once more, measure the energy field. Negative emotions cause a reduction in human energy fields. If the negative emotion charged crystal causes a reduction in the measurable field, you know the crystal is holding or storing negative emotions. If the energy measurement increases after the Light Invocation beyond the original measurement, two things are possible. First, the Light Invocation does, indeed, clear out negative emotions. Second, the Light Invocation also increases the overall energy field.

Cleansing is a process of reducing the negative emotional energy level of the crystal to the point where the emotional energy can no longer affect you. Salt is the recommended method. Bury the stone in either dry salt or submerged in a saline solution of 1/2-cup sea salt to one gallon of water for at least one day. Cleansing is usually not necessary or even desirable if clearing can be done. The Light Invocation will leave all the energy in the stone. It simply changes those emotions from imbalanced to balanced, from bad to good.

Crystal Kit

Every person who works with crystals should have a basic kit containing these crystals :

Pendant (Crystal or sphatic Mala) - To be worn around the neck to rest on the heart chakra. This increases the immune system energy reserve by stimulating the thymus gland.

LASER CLEAR CRYSTALS - The basic healing tool of every healer for intensive healing, energy amplification, psychic surgery. Negativity cleaning & balancing.

PYRAMIDS - Concentrated Amplified Energy-transmission, charging, for Home, Office, Factory, Pooja (Worship) & Business Place for clearing negativity of any kind. Permanent positive energy to enhance business growth, prosperity, relationship peace and harmony.

MALA (NECKLACE)

For Abundant Energy Flow & Fastest Recovery Confidence, Creativity & Energy. Physical, Mental & Emotional Balancing. Protection from Evil effects and Negativity.

CRYSTAL BALLS & EGGS

Crystal balls and eggs are powerful tool for scryling or crystal gazing. Deep concentration will, visualization & telepathy to unfold the hidden secrets of past and future. For all types of Healing (holding in hands) during treatment to increase the healing power of healer and the healeey. Keep in pockets and purses for personal power and protection.

IDOLS

Crystals shaped in idols are most powerful due to its godly form - Idols are considered to be more sacred than ordinary crystal, Laxmi, Mahameru available in many different forms are excellent for worship higher positive energy, peace, love & harmony.

SRIYANTRA MERU & COIN SHAPED

Multiplication of health, wealth & Prosperity (to be charged every day through invocation, Reiki and symbols) Coin shaped crystals are also used for chakra activation & balancing.

SURYA (SOLAR) POWER

Very Powerful Crystal for chakre activation, balancing, spot healing, energy and protection (can be used as pendant or embodied in golden chain)

DOUBLE TERMINATOR

Rare and Difficult to Obtain they are both powerful transmitter & receiver used in distance healing energy. Balancing & crystal grid for higher energy transmission.

PENDULUM FOR DOWSING

Crystal pendulums are excellent dowsing tool for accurate information, chakra cleansing and recharging.

Programming Crystals

Crystals can receive and hold thought forms. When this is done consicously, it is called programming. The term "Programming" is used because this process is similar to computer proggramming. Information or commands are stored in the molecular structure of the quartz crystal as magnetic charged data. Thoughts are energy, and they are magnetic in form. All data is programmed crystals are stored as thought forms. Thoght form are pictures and/or other sensory data, powered or intensified by emotion.

The Brow (between both the eyes) method is an effective way of programming a crystal. First, determine the purpose of the program. Then think of the end result you would have if the program worked. Place the crystal against your brow. The direction the crystal is pointing doesn’t matter. Close your eyes and go inside your crystal. (See Merging, Section) Picture the end result happening inside your crystal. Create it with as many of your senses as you can. See it, smell it, tough it, hear it, taste it, make it real. When it feels real, come out of your crystal and open your eyes.

Some examples of programming: if you want a healing crystal, see someone picking it up. Watch frowns leave their face, replaced by happy grins. See the individual dancing, running, leaping, full of good health and happiness.

If the crystal is for a person with a special problem, see the person functioning and happy without the problem.

It it is to be used for meditation, fill it with your special prayer or mantra. Call in all the masters, teachers, healers, angels, and archangels you want. Invoke the Light and the Rays of the Light. Infuse the crystal with the feeling you have when you reach the place of Silence, when your senses disappear and you experience true peace within.

Perhaps you simply want to program the crystal with love. Think of all the people and things you love. Create the unconditional love feeling you have when you hold a small baby, a cuddy puppy or a kitten. Fill the crysta with a soft, soothing pink color.

Remember the rules for programming. First, determine what you want. Second, picture the end result. Third, hold the crystal against the Brow chakra. Fourth, go inside the crystal and picture the end result with great intensity.]

Reprogramming can oftne increase the working ability of the crystal. Repeat all the steps with great intensity and feeling, as often as you want.

Amulets are crystals programmed for protection and personal power. People who are moving strongly on their spiritual path are drawn to and use amulets.The Crystal wareness Institute is recovering the ancient science of amulets. A special Crystal Mandala Power Amulet is being tested which has the ability to amplify life energy fields more than 100 times normal levels.

Crystal Energy Grid Systems

Geometry is a visual affirmation of mathematical relationships. It shows the way energy looks when it takes form. Mathematics defines relationships between one object and another. Since all objects are ultimately energy, it can be said that all energy as it moves through our three dimensional universe. What, then, is energy which moves beyod three into four dimensions or more? If we move out of the universe of form, governed by three dimensions and controlled by space and time, we move out of body into mind. The fourth dimension, then, must be the dimension of pure thought. Energy is always energy, regardless of dimension. Whatever energy we perceive in our dimension of form must exist in the dimension of thought. The highest dimension of energy must be God. As the energy drops into denser dimensions, each dimension changes the way it expresses and is perceived, but the energy is always energy.

The energy of pure thought is magnetic in nature when it moves through three dimensions. Not ferrous magnetic, another type of energy akin to gravity. This is why thoughts can be retained by crystals, similar to magnetic storage for computers. All form exists in four dimensions as thought.Those thought forms are pictures of geometric designs. If we desire to bring energy from the fourth down to the third dimension, we must create geometrical thought forms and activate them with our minds. Crystals serve to anchor these fourth-dimensional, geometric, energy grid fields into our universe. They can create a gate through which energy flows that energy is the force which is life for all Biological forms.

Crystal energy grids offer a most puzzling phenomenon. A very large source of energy can be produced, apparently from nowhere. This energy can be locked into any area you want. It will cause energy changes in any object within the field. Crystal grids can be used for a wide variety of purposes. They can charge objects with life-force energy. They can be used to create powerful emotional changes in anyone who comes into the area. This includes using them for conscious dream work during sleep. Last, but not least, they can be used for absent healing.

Charging

Crystal grids can be used to charge an object or an area with life-force energy. Any object within these grids will have its energy increased. It will absorm and retain a large amount of life-force energy. This energy can be passed on to you or any other living biological form.

Four-Sided Grid

The four-sided crystal energy grid pattern looks like a pyramid. Place four crystals in a square. Put a fifth one in the center. It does not matter which direction the crystals are pointed. They can be any type of crystal, but they all should be of the same type. For practical purposes, they should all be members of the quartz family. All five can be clear quartz, or smoky quartz, or amethyst, but all five should be the same, not mixed.

Number the crystals one through five. Make the upper left crystal one. Number two is the lower left corner, Number three is the lower right corner, and number four is the upper right corner, Number five is in the center.

Hold a crystal in your right hand. Point the crystal at the number five stone in the center. Imagine you see a beam of light move from the center crystal to number one to form a rod of solid light connecting the number five crystal to number one. Send another rod of light over from number one in the upper left corner down to number two in the lower left conrer, connecting one and two. Now complete the triangle by sending anohter connecting rod of light from number two to the center, number five. The sequence of connections numerically is 5-1-2-5.

Next, send the light back to number two, over to number three in the lower right hand corner, and back to the center, number five. The second triangular sequence is 5-2-3-5.

The fourth and last connecting triangle is from five to four to one and back to five, 5-4-1-5.

You can see that this forms all four triangular sides of a pyramid, viewed from the top. Point your activating crystal to the center stone and say the Light Invocation out loud three times, "I invoke the Light of the God within. I am clear and perfect channel. Light is my Guide."

A dowsing rod can be used to measure this activated energy field. It will average a 30-feet radiates from the center of the grid.

Waiting and treatment rooms can be energized by setting up a four sided crystal energy grid in the room. Attach a crystal to each of the corners of the room. Use some form of tape, and put the crystals six inches from the floor. Tie thread around the fifth crystal and then wrap the other end around a thumbtack. Push the thumbtack into the ceiling so the crystal hangs in the center. You may choose, instead, to tape the crystal to the ceiling. Activate the grid the same way as before. The center crystal is number five and each of the corners are numbers one through four. Remember, each time you connect the three numbers, you are making a triangle. Each triangle is the side of a pyramid. Connect all the triangles together and you create a geometric form, a pyramid. This activates life-force energy into the area. The energy is held in place with the crystals.

Six-Sided Grid

Take seven crystals. Arrange six of them equidistantly in a circle. You have a hexagon, a six-sided geometric form. Place the seventh crystal in the center of the hexagon.

Number the crystals from one to seven. The top outer crystal is number one. Number two is the crystal to the left of number one. Numbers three, four, five, and six are the next four crystals around the circle, counting from right to left. Crystal number seven is in the center.

Activate the grid by pointing a crystal at number seven in the center and drawing an imaginary band or rod of light out to crystal number one, over to number two, and from two back to seven. You can see that this is a triangle, just like we did with the four-sided grid. The sequence is 7-1-2-7.

Retrace a line of light back to number two from seven, from seven over to three and back to number seven. The second triangle is complete and that sequence was 7-2-3-7.

Next, send a beam of light back to number three, over to four and back to seven. This new sequence is 7-3-4-7.

Continue to make triangles around the circle by sending a beam of light from seven back to four, over to five, and back to seven. The sequence is 7-4-5-7.

Go back to five, over to six, and back to seven, 7-5-6-7.

To complete the grid, go from seven to six to one and back to seven, 7-6-1-7.

You now have a six-sided pyramid. It also resembles a crystal as seen straight on. Point your activating crystal at crystal number seven in the center and repeat the Light Invocation out loud three times. "I invoke the Light of the God within. I am clear and perfect channel. Light is my Guide."

The grid is activated.

Warning : Do not move the crystals after you have attached and activated them. It will break the energy flow. If you do, you must reactivate the whole grid. Treatment tables canbe moved as long as this does not move the crystals where they are attached to the table. Once the crystal is positioned in its time space, it must not be moved from that spot or the grid is inactivated.

Reactivate the grids every 30 days to strengthen the thought forms in them.

What is reiki ?

Reiki (Pronounced ray-key) is a laying-on of hands healing technique thousands of years old. It is thought to have originated as a Tibetan Buddhist practice that was re-discovered in the late 1800's by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist. It is a very simple yet powerful technique that can be easily learned by anyone.

The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words-Rei and Ki- Rei is the upper Japanese kanji character on the cover of this book, Ki is the lower character :-



Rei - Spiritual Wisdom

Mrs. Takata said the world Rei means universal and this is the definition most have accepted. However, Mrs, Takata also indicated that this interpretation is a very general one. The kanji ideograms have seven levels of meaning. They vary from the mundane to the highly esoteric. So while it is true that Rei can be interpreted as universal, meaning that it is present everywhere, this level of interpretation doesn't add to our understanding of Reiki.

Research into the esoteric meaning of the Japanese Kanji character for Rei has given a much deeper understanding of this ideogram. The word Rei as it is used in Reiki is more accurately interpreted to mean supernatural knowledge or spiritual consciousness. This is the wisdom that comes from God or the Higher Self. This is the God-Consciousness which is all knowing . It understands each person completely. It knows the cause of all problems and difficulties and knows what to do to heal them.

Ki- The Life Force

Ki means the same as Chi in Chinese, Prana in Sanskrit and Mana in Hawaiian. It has also been called, odicforce, orgone, and bioplasma. It has been given many other names by the various cultures that have been aware of it.

Ki is the life force. It is also called the vital life force or the universal life force. This is the non-physical energy that animates all living things. As long as something is alive, it has life force circulating through it and surrounding it, when it dies, the life force departs. If your life force is low, or if there is a restriction in its flow, you will be more vulnerable to illness. When it is high, and flowing freely, you are less likely to get sick. Life force plays an inportant role in everything we do. It animates the body and also is the primary energy of our emotions,thoughts and spiritual life.

The Chinese place great importance on the life force or what they call Chi. They have studied it for thousands of years and have discovered there are many different kinds of Chi. The '' Yellow Emperors classic of Internal Medicine" which is over 4,000 years old, lists thirty-two different kinds of Chi.

Ki is used by martial artists in their physical training and mental development . It is used in meditative breathing exercises called Pranayama, and by the shamans of all cultures for divination, psychic awareness, manifestation and healing. Ki is the non physical energy used by all healers. Ki is present all around us and can be accumulated and guided by the mind.

Spiritually Guided Life Force Energy

It is the God consciousness called Rei that the life force called Ki in the Practice we call Reiki. Therefore, Reiki can be defined as spiritually guided life force energy. This is a meaningful interpretation of the word Reiki-It more closely describes the experience most people have of it; Reiki guiding itself with its own wisdom, and being unresponsive to the direction of the practitioner.

What Reiki Is

¨ Reiki is a powerful natural system that unlocks the inner flow of vital energy.
¨ Reiki is an evolutionary process that increases the natural flow of events and patterns of manifestation in

life.
¨ Reiki is always available. Once attuned to the Reiki energy, you never lose it.
¨ Reiki is safe to use anytime, any place, any situation.
¨ Reiki is easy to use.
¨ Reiki is an individual experience.
¨ Reiki restores and balances natural energy.
¨ Reiki is for preventing disorders, maintaining positive wellness and helping the healing process.
¨ Reiki is a powerful tool for personal development and spiritual enlightenment.
¨ Reiki is for you and everyone alive who is desirous of a higher quality of life.
¨ Reiki is beneficial when used with medical or other procedures.
¨ Reiki is a completely self-contained natural healing system. It is complete and whole in and of itself, yet
acts synergistically with other types of healing.
¨ Reiki is spiritually guided.
¨ Reiki is transcendental energy. It works with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels.
¨ Reiki is correspondent to the 4 elements: Earth/physical, Water/emotional, Air/mental, and Fire/spiritual
energies.
¨ Reiki is counterclockwise spiraling energy.
¨ Reiki is safe, it cannot be used to manipulate or control.

What Reiki Is Not

¨ Reiki is not difficult to use.
¨ Reiki is not a religion or cult.
¨ Reiki is not a dogma or specific doctrine of beliefs.
¨ Reiki is not "laying-on-of-hands"; it works whether you believe in it or not.
¨ Reiki is not a form of mind control or hypnosis.
¨ Reiki is not psychic healing or psychic surgery.
¨ Reiki is not massage technique.
¨ Reiki is not just for when you are ill.
¨ Reiki is not imagination or wishful thinking.
¨ Reiki is not channeling (it's more like a funnel!).
¨ Reiki is not limited to a select few people.
¨ Reiki cannot be taught by just anyone.
¨ Reiki is not taught by only one organization.

Benefits of Reiki

¨ Heals cause, eliminates effect of the imbalance.
¨ Does not conflict with religious beliefs.
¨ Is an alternative, natural healing and helping method.
¨ Can be combined with other healing methods.
¨ Minimizes feelings of helplessness when faced with a crisis situation.
¨ Releases accumulated daily stress.
¨ Lasts a lifetime.
¨ Promotes from within qualities of loving, caring, growing, compassion, trusting, self-actualizing,
goodwill, peace and serenity.
¨ Is an intelligent energy which goes to greatest need.
¨ Reiki starts to flow when you touch something, it's always on.
¨ Reiki does not interfere with medical treatments, enhances medications, quickens healing time, reduces
need for anesthetic.

what is aura ?

Everyone has an aura. Everyone has already seen or experienced the auric fields of others. The problem is that most people ignore the experience or chalk it up to something that it is not.

Mystics from all parts of the world speak of seeing lights around people's heads, but you do not have to be a mystic to see the aura. Anyone can learn to see and experience the aura more effectively. There is nothing magical about the process. It involves recognizing it for what it is and not ignoring the experience. It simply involves a little understanding, time, practice and perseverance.

Children are very good at seeing and experiencing the aura. Those experiences are often translated into their drawings. Around the figures, they will shade in unusual and different colors. These colors often reflect the subtle energies they have observed around what they are drawing.

Have You Experienced the Auric Energy Field?

1. When you are around some people do you feel drained?
2. Do you associate certain colors with people? ?(For example, "You always seem like a yellow person to me.")
3. Have you ever felt when someone was staring at you?
4. Have you ever been able to sense how someone is feeling, in spite of how this person was acting?
5. Do certain sounds, colors and fragrances make you feel more comfortable or uncomfortable?
6. Do you find that some people excite or energine you more than others?
7. Are some rooms more comfortable and enjoyable to be in than others? Do you notice the difference in one room from the next? Did you ever notice how your brother's/sister's room feels different from yours?

How about your parents's or children's?

The human aura is the energy field that surrounds the physical body. It surrounds you in all directions. It is three dimensional. In a healthy individual, it makes an elliptical or egg shape about the body. I have heard it proposed that the auras of the ancient masters could extend outward from the body for several miles. It is often believed that this is one of the reasons they could draw such large numbers of followers in any area where they traveled. It is worth noting that a common depiction of many masters included the halo, a portion of the aura that is most easily seen by the average individual.

The aura is weakened by:
1. Poor diet
2. Lack of exercise
3. Lack of fresh air
4. Lack of rest
5. Stress
6. Alcohol
7. Drugs
8. Tobacco
9. Negative habits
10. Improper psychic activity

FEELING AND EXPERIENCING SUBTLE ENERGIES

The in and out movement of the hands causes the energy surrounding them to accumulate between them, making it more perceptible to you. The hands are becoming more sensitive to the subtle energies.

As the hands become more sensitive, you can use them to detect the auric energies emanating from other parts of the body as well. These detections may feel like heat, pressure, tingling etc.Hold your dominant hand about a foot and a half above your bared forearm.

Slowly lower your hand toward the forearm. Pay attention to anything that you might feel. How close do you come to the forearm before you can feel the energy from it? Remember that the feeling may be one of pressure, heat, coolness, thickness etc. It will feel much like what you experienced between you hands. It may not be as strong, but you should be able to feel it. If you cannot, slowly repeat it. Remember that you are reawakening your ability to consciously be aware of the subtle energies around you.

The Meaning of Colors

Color can be constructive or destructive. It can stimulate or depress, repel or attract. It can even be male or female in its character. It can reflect positive or negative, and when perceived within the aura it provides a key to the personality, moods, maturity and health of the individual. It reflects physical and spiritual aspects.

It takes a great deal of practice to interpret the color shades seen within the aura. Each color has its general characteristic,but each shade of that color change that characteristic a little. The location of the color, the intensity and even the from the color takes in the auric field must be considered.

This text is not intended to provide all of the subtle nuances of color interpretation within the auric field. You will examine basic colors and the energies they commonly indicate on physical and other levels. This gives you a starting point to begin to understand what is revealed by the colors of the aura.

The colors closest to the body reflect aspects of the individual's physical condition. They also indicate those energies manifesting and energies further away often indicate the energy that the person will be able to determine time elements of certain energy patterns by the color and the location of the color with respect to the physical body.

The Rainbow colors

Red

Red is the color of strong energy, fire and primal creative force. It is the life-promoting energy. It is hot. It can indicate strong passion, mind and will. It is a dynamic color that can reflect anger, love, hate and unexpected changes. It can indicate new birth and transmutation.

It is a color that affects the circulatory system of the body, the reproductive system (sexual energy) and an awakening of latent abilities and talents.

Too much red or a muddiness can reflect overstimulation, inflammation or imbalance. It may reflect nervousness, temper, aggression, impulsiveness or excitement.

Orange

Orange is the color of warmth, creativity and emotions. It is an indication of courage, joy and socialness. It is a color which can reflect an opening of new awareness-especially to the subtle realms (the astral plane) of life.

Depending on the shade, it can also indicate emotional imbalances and agitation. Some of the muddier shades of orange can reflect pride and flamboyance. It may reflect worry and vanity.

Yellow

Yellow is one of the first and the easiest aura colors to be seen. Pale yellow around the hairline can indicate optimism. Yellow is the color of mental activity and new sunshine. It can reflect new learning opportunities, lightness, wisdom and intellect. The more pastel shades often reflect wisdom and intellect. The more pastel shades often reflect an enthusiasm for something (especially in the pale yellow to white spectrum). Yellow is a color which represents the power of ideas and awakening psychic abilities and clairsentience.

Deeper and muddier shades of yellow can reflect excessive thinking and analyzing. It can reflect being overly critical, feeling of being deprived of recognition and being dogmatic.

Green

Green is the color of sensitivity and growing compassion. It reflects growth, sympathy and calm. It can reflect a person who is reliable, dependable and open-minded. Bright green moving toward the blue spectrum in the aura indicate healing ability. It is a color of abundance, strength and friendliness.

The muddier or darker shades of green can reflect uncertainty and miserliness. The muddier shades often reflect jealousy and possessiveness as well. It can indicate self-doubt and mistrust.

Blue

Blue, next to yellow, is one of the easiest colors to see in the aura. It is the color of calm and quietness. It reflects aevotion, truth and seriousness. It can indicate the ability for clairaudience and for the development of telepathy.

The lighter shades of blue reflect an active imagination and good intuition. The deeper shades of blue can indicate a sense of loneliness, which on one level reflects a life-long quest foe the Divine. The deeper shades of blue reflect levels of devotion. Royal blue shades indicate the person has found or is about to find his or her chosen work.

The muddier shades of blue can reflect blocked perceptions. They can indicate melancholy, rushing and worrying, domineering, fearfulness, forgetfulness and oversensitivity.

Violet and Purple

Violet is the color of warmth and transmutation. It is the color for the blending of the heart and the mind, the physical with the spiritual. It reflects independence and intuition, as well as dynamic and important dream activity. It can reflect one who is searching. The purple shades often reflect an ability to handle affairs with practicality and worldliness. The paler and lighter shades of violet and purple can reflect humility and spirituality. The red-purple shades can indicate great passion strength of will. They may also reflect a need for greater individual effort.

The darker and muddier shades can reflect a need to overcome something. They can also reflect intense erotic imaginations as well. Tendencies toward being overbearing, needing sympathy and feeling misunderstood are also reflected in muddier shades.

Other Colors of the Aura

Pink

Pink is a color of compassion, love and purity. It can reflect joy and comfort and a strong sense of companionship. When seen in the aura, it can indicate the quiet, modest type of individual, along with a love of art and beauty.

Depending on the shade of pink, it can also reflect an immaturity, especially the muddier shades. It can reflect truthfulness or a lack of it. It can also reflect times of new love and new vision.

Gold

Gold is a color that reflects dynamic spiritual energy and a true coming into one's own power. It reflects the higher energies of devotion and great inspiration. It indicates a time of revitalizing.

Muddier shades of gold can indicate the person is still in the process of awakening higher inspiration and has not clarified it yet within his/her life. It reflects the alchemical process still being active; i.e.' the person is still working to turn the lead of his/her life into gold.

White

White is often seen in the aura, prior to any actual colors. It is often seen as a diaphanous shades. White has all colors within it, and when it does appear strongly within the aura, it is often in conjunction with other colors. This is how you can know whether it is an actual energy color or just a poor perception of the aura. When the white does stand out as a color in the aura, it reflects truth and purity. It indicates that the energy of the individual is cleansing and purifying itself. It often reflects an awakening of greater creativity as well.

Gray

Gray is a color of initiation. It can indicate a movement toward unveiling innate abilities. Those shades of gray that lean more toward the silver reflect an awakening of the feminine energies. Those are the energies and abilities of illumination, intuition and creative imagination.

The darker shades of gray can indicate physical imbalances, especially if seen next to specific areas of the physical body. They can also indicate a need to leave no task undone. Much gray in the aura can indicate a person who is secretive and who is the lone wolf type.

Brown

Brown often appears in the auric field. Although many people think of as reflecting a lack of energy or an imbalance, this is not always so. Brown is the color of the earth. When it shown itself in the aura, especially in areas above the head and around the feel, it can reflect new growth. It indicates establishing new roots and a desire to accomplish. It is a color that can reflect industry and organization.

On the other hand, brown across the face or touching the head may indicate a lack of and need for discrimination. It seen in the areas of the chakras, it can indicate that those centers need to be cleaned. It will reflect in such cases a clogging of their energies. Brown is often difficult to interpret, as it can easily reflect problem areas in the physical, but you must be careful about jumping to conclusions when you see it. Feedback from the other person is the best means of understanding it.

Black

Black is one of the most confusing of colors in the auric spectrum. I have heard individuals say that, when black shows up in the aura, it is an indication of death or terrible disease. I have not found that to be true.

Black is a color of protection. It is a color which can shield an individual from outside energies. When seen in the aura, it can reflect that the person is protecting himself or herself. It can also indicate that person has secrets. There is nothing wrong with that, as long as it is not taken to extremes. Black can also indicate that a new understanding of burdens and sacrifices is going to manifest.

Black can also indicate imbalances. Physical imbalances often show up as black or darkened areas in the aura around the physical body. the location provides clues to this. In the outer edges of the aura, black can indicate holes in the auric field. I have seen this in the auras of those who were victims of child abuse and those who are or were strong substance abusers ( alcohol, drugs, tobacco etc.).

Silver Twinklies

Another aspect that I have observed should be mentioned. I have often seen within the aura what look to be soft, twinkling lights. They are usually very sparkly and silver in color. I have found that they indicate one of several things. These "twinklies'" as I call them, are almost always a sign of great creativity and fertility. When they appear within the auric field of a person, it indicates that greater creativity is being activated within the individual's life.

Strengthening and Protecting the Aura

TECHNIQUE # 1

PREVENTING YOURSELF FROM BEING DRAINED

We have all experienced being drained by an-other person. You may talk to him or her on the phone or in person, and, when you finish, you are exhausted. Your stomach may ache etc. What you are experiencing is an energy drain.

Some individuals draw or suck off the energy of others. Most of the time this happens because the individuals involved do not realize it. In many cases they are using your energies to supplement their own rather than building up their own. All they may realize is that, when they finish talking with you or being with you, they feel better. This does not give them a right to take your energy, however, and you should not allow it.

This does not mean that you should accuse this person of being a vampire or say that you will not speak to him or her again because he or she is sucking off your energy. If you do, this person will think you have gone off the deep end. In that case, your problem will be solved, because he or she will probably not care to see you after that. Most people still are not open to the subtle aspects of energy, and you must keep this in mind when dealing with them.

It is easier just to correct the situation without saying a word about it. You can control whether another shares your energy or not. One of the simplest methods is to close your circuit of energy. There are currents of energy flowing through your body and around it within the auric field. You can close them down so that your energies only circulate around your own auric field and throughout your body. You prevent your energies from being drawn off from the aura, and you prevent your aura from drawing in another's energy.

Assuming the posture shown on the next page is all it takes. You cross your feet at the ankles and bring your thumbs and fingers together so they are touching. (If you wish, you can use just your thumbs and index fingers.) This close your circuit. Your energy will not go out from you.

The next time you encounter your friend who drains you, assume this posture. Simply rest your hands casually on your lap, touch your fingers and cross your ankles. It is casual and simple, and no one will suspect you of anything. You can also do this when on the phone with such people.

If you do this, you will get some feedback through other friends as to the effects. You may hear comments such as, "You are just not as nice,' "You are not as open as you has nothing to do with being mad at people. You will still be talking with them as nicely and as often as ever. What you are not doing is allowing them to take your energy! You simply are not allowing them to drain you. Because they are not getting "high" from you, they are assuming something is wrong. No one has the right to take your energy without your permission.

TECHNIQUE # 2

ENERGY BREATHING TECHNIQUE

Fresh air and proper breathing are essential to a strong and vital aura. Breathing for maximum energy to the aura should be done through the nostrils. Many people have a bad habit of mouth breathing, not realizing that nostril breathing is more natural and healthy.

Mouth breathing makes an individual more susceptible to diseases. It impairs the vitality of the aura. It can even weaken the constitution. Between the mouth and the lungs, there is nothing to strain the air. Dust, dirt and other impure substances have a clear track to the lungs. Mouth breathing also admits cold air to the lungs, which can lead to inflammation of the respiratory organs.

Nostril breathing, on the other hand, is more vitalizing and healthy to your entire energy system. The nose provides specialized surfaces for the absorption of prana from the air.Prana can be likened to the vitalizing aspect that exists within air. Many Eastern breathing techniques require a conscious focus upon the tip to the nose and the entire nasal area during inhalation. This enhances the prana absorption, raises the vitality of the entire aura and stimulates the entire energy system of the human being.

The nostrils and the nasal passages are designed with hair to filter and sieve the air. They also warm the air through the mucous membranes. This makes the air fit for the delicate organs of the lungs, and breath is them more energizing and strengthening to your auric field.

In yoga, the moon breath is termed the Ida and the sun breath is termed the Pingala. The balance of the two is Susumna. Your energy has polarity, positive and negative, male and female, sun and moon. This breathing technique quickly energizes the aura and balances the polarity of the body. It also enhances your ability to remember and assimilate information. It balances the hemispheres of the brain. It can be used before studies to shorten learning time. It can also be used as a quick-me-up during the day.

The basic technique is comprised of alternate breaths, breathing in one nostril and then breathing out the other. (Remember that conscious attention to the tip of the nose, especially during the in-breath, will magnify the effects of this technique.) The rhythm is aided by holding the nose with the thumb and fingers.

1. Begin with your right thumb and fingers over your nose and exhale. Place your tonque against the roof of your mouth behind your front teeth.

2. Use your thumb and close your right nostril; then inhale through your left nostril for a slow count of four.

3. Keeping your right nostril closed, clamp your fingers down over your left nostril, pinching your nose closed between your thumb and fingers. Hold for a court of 16. (If you have never performed any concentrated rhythmic breathing, the count of 16 may be too long for you. If this is the case, reduce it or count faster. With practice, you will develop the ability to hold your breath for more extended periods. Try indhaling for a exhaling for a count of three. Work to find the rhythm that is most effective for you and then build upon it.)

4. Release your thumb, opening your right nostril. Keep your left nostril closed with your fingers. Exhale slowly out through your right nostril for a count of eight.

5. Release your nose, raise your left hand up and, with your thumb, close off your left nostril. Inhale for a count of four through your right nostril and then clamp your fingers closed on it. Hold for a count of 16.

6. Release your thumb and your left nostril. Keep your right nostril clamped with your fingers. Exhale for a slow count of eight through your left nostril.

7. Repeat four to five breaths, alternating each side. Breath in one nostril, hold and exhale out the other. Reverse it and repeat the procedure. Do at least four to five breaths for each side for a quick pick-me-up. This will saturate your entire body and aura with quick energy.

TECHNIQUE # 3

THE CLEANSING VORTEX

This exercise is a visualization exercise for cleansing and purifying your entire auric field. It is an excellent exercise to perform at the end of a day, especially at those times when you have interacted with a great many people. It helps sweep out energy debris, preventing it from accumulating and creating imbalance within the auric field. It only takes about five minutes to be effective.

1. Take a seated position and perform a progressive relaxation. Performing the breathing technique just described is beneficial as a preparation for this exercise. You may want to use a simple prayer or mantra as well. Remember that the exercise as presented here is a guideline, and you should learn to abapt it to your own energies.

2. About 20 feet above you, in your mind's eye, visualize a small whirlwind of crystalline white fire beginning to form. It looks like a small, visualize it so that it is large enough to encompass your entire auric field. The small end of the funnel should be visualized as capable of entering through the crown of your head and passing down the middle pillar of your body .

3. This whirlwind of spiritual fire should be seen as rotating and spinning clockwise. As it touches your aura, see it as sucking up and burning off all of the energy debris you have accumulated.

4. See, fell and imagine it moving down, over and through your entire aura and body. Know that it is sweeping your energy field clean of all the extraneous energies you have accumulated throughout the day.

5. As it moves through your body, allow this energy vortex to exit out through your feet down into the heart of the earth itself. See the vortex as carrying this energy debris into the lower realms, where it is used to fertilize and benefit the lower kingdoms of life upon and within the planet.

Mr.Shashi kiran