I often get questions about alternative medicine and natural health, energy medicine or energy healing, and, “is that what we will be doing in our sessions?”
A lot of the work we will be doing falls under the general heading of Energy Work, but in general you will hear me refer to it all as Healing Work. The work I do is not of one method or modality, but is eclectic and individualized for each person’s specific needs. You may need something different than someone else, or you may need something different from one session to another.
There are literally hundreds of healing modalities out there. This is a general overview of a few of them, and more specifically, what you may experience in a session with me. Please feel free to call or email me if you have questions not addressed here. Thank you.
What is Energy Medicine, also known as Energy Healing? Is it the same as Reiki? Are you a Reiki Master?
Energy healing is one of the oldest forms of healing in the world. There are a variety of modalities, and you may also hear energy medicine referred to as Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, Reiki, or any number of other things. There are subtle differences in each modality, yet all have a basic common goal: To rebalance the energy system of the human body to facilitate healing. Reiki is one of many forms of energy medicine. I am a Reiki Master, and utilize many other modalities as well.
What is the philosophy behind energy medicine?
The human body generates an electromagnetic field. Measurements of this field are often used in conventional medicine to diagnose illness and disease. Examples of these measurements include Electroencephalograms (EEGs), Electrocardiograms (EKG's) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
An imbalance in the energetic system or auric field can eventually lead to physical disease, emotional stress, or spiritual imbalance. Restoring balance in the energetic field aids in healing of the physical body, and often is accompanied by a sense of “feeling better.”
What Is It?
Energy healing is a broad term for any type of healing that unblocks, restores, or balances the flow of energy in the body. It is grounded in the belief that, in addition to its physical and biochemical systems, the human body is made up of a complex system of invisible energy. It is believed that this vital life force continually flows throughout the body in organized patterns, just as blood does. When a person's energy flows freely in a balanced, symmetrical manner, good health can be restored and maintained. However, when the energy flow becomes blocked, restricted, disordered, or weakened, an imbalance occurs and an excess or deficiency of energy results. This can lead to symptoms of emotional and physical distress and eventually to chronic pain and disease.
Energy healing can also release emotional energy and create increased awareness of mind-body patterns that contribute to energy imbalances. Most people who receive a healing session note an immediate decrease in their stress level, which has long been recognized as a major contributor to wellness.
How Does It Work?
Those who work with energy healing believe that the treatments work by manipulating the energy that pulsates in and around all living beings. Energetic intervention by a practitioner can serve to correct imbalances in energy flow, restore symmetry, and re-establish the free flow of energy through the body's energy pathways. These pathways are known in energy medicine as Meridians, Chakras, and Etheric levels. See the glossary for more information.
What can I expect from our healing work sessions?
The work we will do is eclectic and personalized, without the “cookie-cutter” approach that may come from just one school of thought or training program. Your healing work is individual and reflects your personal journey, where you have been, where you are now, and where you would like to be going. As you release old traumas, fears or resistance, you will probably find you have a greater sense of clarity, along with an increased sense of calm focus, intuition, and spiritual connection. After a healing session you may experience significant and substantial shifts in your mood, as well as in body, mind and spirit. You may feel a reduction or elimination of your symptoms, or even a sense of acceptance, of being filled, and deep letting go.
What does energy work feel like?
In reference to the work we will be doing, it is very common for people to say they feel relaxed, warm, nurtured, “opened up,” or as though a great weight has been lifted. People often fall into a deep sort of meditative sleep during a session, which they say feels like “floating.” Many clients say they have dreams or visions during a healing session, and describe no longer feeling “lost” or “stuck.” After the session, you will probably feel very relaxed at first, and often have an increase in energy for a few days following the session, followed by a sense of clarity about the issue you are addressing.
What if I’m not ready to let go of something but know I need to do so? I feel like I’m ready to let go of some things, but don’t know how to do it alone.
There is no agenda here, we will let the work unfold as you are ready to release or move through the issue that brought you here. We will do this in a way that utilizes a variety of healing modalities and is grounded, gentle and honoring to your body, your emotions, and your spiritual path. We will never force anything, period. People generally find this work helps them move through the places that feel stuck because we allow and invite it to happen, rather than forcing it to happen.
Know that we do not seek to change a thing or release something because it is or was wrong or bad, but only because you are ready for a change and whatever you are ready to release no longer serves you. Changes and releases come when something is no longer a reflection of who you are, who you want to be, and where you are going. The healing work and coaching we do is a gentle process of unfolding, and will help you to let go and move into the new, at a pace you set, that feels comfortable and safe for you.
You do not have to do it alone. We will assess your needs before we start working, and if we can’t help you, we will do our best to refer you to someone who can.
Can you give me advice for after a healing session or treatment?
I suggest that you drink lots of water and herbal teas to help eliminate the toxins releasing from your system. If you are interested in detoxing or feel the need for additional cleansing, there are other services and products available to assist in that process as well. I also encourage you to refrain from stressful or strenuous activity or heavy exercise for several hours following a treatment. It is best to give yourself some time and space following the session, rather than just rush back to work. Be gentle with yourself and let the healing work integrate.
Do I have to be in St. Louis to work with you, or can we work at a distance?
Blessings Enterprises is based in St. Louis, MO, but is a nationwide practice. Energy work and coaching can successfully and easily be done in person, on the phone or virtually. Whatever mode of communication is comfortable for you is fine with me.
How long does it take?
A typical healing session usually lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the condition being addressed. For basic stress reduction, the sessions are often shorter and a few sessions may be all that are needed, with follow-up sessions scheduled if needed or desired. Chronic issues, conditions or diseases may require more long-term treatment. All of this is at a pace and schedule you set, and you can stop or take a break whenever you want to do so. We will discuss your particular needs before the session, and you are always in control of how often you come and how long you are here.
Affirmative Life Coaching and distance sessions are usually an hour. Coaching sometimes follows a different schedule than healing work, but you are always in control of your time and schedule and we will assess your needs regularly.
Is there anything I should do to prepare for a session?
There is nothing special that you need to do before a healing session with me. It’s ok to eat a snack or meal before coming, just make sure your stomach is not too empty or too full. I will pay attention to your comfort level during the session and you are always free to let me know how you are feeling physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
If you want to work at a distance, it is helpful if you can have some quiet time for us to talk before, during or after the session. Some people find it helpful to have an intention for our time together; others just want to go with the flow. Either is fine, do what works for you. An intention or some thought into what you would like to address is helpful to prepare for Affirmative Life Coaching sessions.
When should I come for a healing session? Why do people come initially?
This type of work is wonderful as healing and preventive care for a person's body, mind, and spirit. Why wait until your shoulders or back hurt from pent up emotions, or the headaches that start at the back of your skull begin to pound, or the stress of every day life makes you want to come completely unglued? I believe we can work with the body, mind and spirit, not just at it. So anytime you feel out of balance, “stuck” or overwhelmed are great times to come for a session.
Regular healing work is a wonderful way to cope with stress, both physical and emotional, and to keep it from causing discomfort or harm to your body, mind or spirit. This work is also a very effective way to increase the immune response during cold/flu season, as well as for chronic headaches or pain, allergies and sinus problems, fibromyalgia, depression and anxiety, as well as many other common conditions.
People also find this type of work is a helpful adjunct to counseling or therapy, or when they feel “stuck” with some issue and want to release it and move forward. Many clients come initially with a feeling they describe as being “lost,” or “stuck,” and say this work helps them feel reconnected, grounded, clear and calm. This work is especially helpful during times of stress, grief or transition, recovery from addiction, when quitting smoking, when detoxing, or when you are ready to release an old pattern that no longer serves you.
People also come for basic alternative healthcare. We stock herbs and homeopathic remedies for the most common ailments: colds/flu, aches and pains, sleep related issues, hormone imbalances, anxiety and other mood related issues, cleansing and detoxification products, and immune system boosters. These are all proven, effective and reasonably priced natural health products.
What kinds of problems can energy work address?
Energy work can address a variety of issues and problems, in addition to being wonderful preventive care for adults and children. Of the various healing modalities, Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch and Reiki have been the most widely publicized, and have in general been picked up by the medical establishment. As a result, these modalities have been clinically studied and successfully used in hospitals, hospices, rehab centers and outpatient facilities.
This type of work has been found to accelerate healing, speed recovery from surgery and trauma, reduce pain, anxiety and depression, lessen stress, and assist with emotional and spiritual healing. Studies show energy work also lowers blood pressure and increases the immune response, which also contributes to overall health and wellness.
Where do Americans go for healthcare?
The best data on the prevalence of alternative medicine use in this country comes from two studies conducted by Eisenberg, et al. In a 1990 survey, they found 34% of Americans used one of 16 defined alternative medicine therapies. Their 1997 follow-up study found this number had increased to 42% and was widely distributed across demographic groups.
That same year, the estimated number of visits to alternative medicine practitioners exceeded the number of visits to all primary care physicians by approximately 243 million, with well over half of those visits intended to “prevent future illness from occurring or to maintain health and vitality”. Of those individuals surveyed in 1997 who reported seeing a medical doctor for one or more specific conditions, nearly one-third also used an alternative therapy for the same condition.
(Source: http://www.cwru.edu/med/epidbio/mphp439/Sources_of_Healthcare.htm )
It is my goal to provide exceptional natural health products and services at a reasonable cost, and to make this form of healing affordable. I believe true health is more than just the absence of illness or disease-- it is a holistic state of balance with the inner and outer, the awareness of our own inner needs and the desire to honor them. True health is not a luxury, but rather a luxurious way of living fully, of nourishing the body and soul, and enjoying life.
Numerous studies show alternative and complimentary healthcare methods to be safe, effective and inexpensive compared to traditional medical tests and treatments, with far less side effects. For the millions of people who are uninsured or underinsured, alternative treatments are an effective way to maintain good health and address common ailments. Preventive health care is certainly cost effective, and research confirms the safety and efficacy of many natural healthcare products and services.
What are Essential Oils? What’s a carrier oil vs. an essential oil?
Essential oils are used in aromatherapy and other forms of healing. They are the subtle, volatile liquids that are distilled from plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, bushes and seeds. Also called volatile oils, they vaporize quickly and easily, and are absorbed quickly. Essential oils contain the plant hormones and delicate chemical constituents of the plant. They are increasingly being used in many common cosmetics and in a variety of everyday products. In healing, they are widely used for a variety of conditions. I use only the highest quality therapeutic grade essential oils, organic when available.
For example: peppermint oil is an essential or volatile oil that is obtained by steam distillation from the peppermint leaf and is easily evaporated. Olive oil is a fixed or fatty oil that is obtained by pressing the olive fruit and does not evaporate. Olive oil is the carrier oil, and peppermint the essential oil.
Where do you get your supplies and other products? Can I buy them from you?
I use organic or ethically harvested products whenever possible, thus the vast majority of my essential oils, carrier oils, and other supplies come from Mountain Rose Herbs and Nuwati Herbals. I also make custom oil blends from herbs and plants I grow here.
I use local products whenever possible, thus we also carry and use products that support local businesses, people and the planet. As an alternative health provider it is our goal to educate our clients and carry the highest quality natural health products available. We make and use custom blended oils and stock products from Nuwati Herbals, Mother Earth Pillows, Heel Homeopathics, and Cardio Cocktail. We also carry a variety of detox kits and Detox Foot Patches.
It is our goal to provide exceptional alternative health care products and services at a reasonable price. As a result, there are many products I do not stock here, but will be happy to order for you. I no longer carry Cardio Cocktail because retail costs have become too high. However, it is such a great product I like to see it available to anyone who is interested in utilizing it. If you would like to order Cardio Cocktail, I will give you my distributor number so you can get your own account to order it wholesale.
What is Life Coaching? How is your practice different from other coaches? What is your education, and how is coaching different from therapy?
My experience and educational background includes psychology, philosophy, theology, spirituality, comparative religions, addictions, eating disorders, death and dying, grief work, hospice and bereavement, and many other areas of study. I also have years of in-depth study into shamanism, Native American medicine, kinesiology, aromatherapy, energy anatomy and healing, alternative medicine and natural health care. I have a BS in psychology, a Master of Social Work degree (MSW), and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Having said all of that, Life Coaching is not therapy, nor is it intended to replace therapy. I have found healing work and Affirmative Life Coaching can be of assistance and make breakthroughs where traditional talk therapy alone could not, but this is not therapy or counseling. We will discuss your needs before we start to work together, and determine if the type of work we do here is a good fit for you and your needs. If talk therapy or other forms of healing would be of greater benefit for you, I will refer you to other trusted practitioners in the community.
Please see Affirmative Life Coaching for more information.
Can I do Energy Work and Affirmative Life Coaching with you at the same time?
Of course you can! Many clients choose to blend Affirmative Life Coaching with Healing Work. We will discuss your intentions for our time, and find the balance that is best suited for your needs, schedule and budget. I have found that most people need a supportive and non-judgmental place in which to voice fears, hopes or dreams, or work through specific issues. Healing work and Affirmative Life Coaching are ways through which this process can take place. As always, we will regularly assess your needs and tailor our sessions accordingly.
What is a Green Business, and how does that impact our sessions?
Blessings Enterprises, LLC, is a Coop America Certified Green Business and part of the nationwide Green Business Network. We are the only Certified Green Alternative Health Provider in Missouri.
Coop America describes it beautifully:
The businesses in Co-op America's Green Business Network™ are rewriting the rules of commerce. As green businesses, they challenge themselves to bring the goals of social and economic justice, environmental sustainability, community development, and improved quality of life for people everywhere into all of their activities—production and service, supply chain management, employment and investment, community and vendor relations.
Green businesses minimize waste, recycle, make products built to last, and focus much of their work in life-supporting products and services—affordable housing, sustainable agriculture, education, clean energy and efficiency, fair trade, pollution control, and community health care.
A few examples of direct impact on the sessions are the use of local and organic supplies whenever possible, wild crafted and ethically harvested herbs and other botanicals, and the use of non-toxic cleaners in the space. We also bring a commitment to honest and fair trade, sliding scale fee availability under certain circumstances, support of local business and people, and a desire to partner with likeminded clients and businesses.
We are proud to be part of Coop America’s Green Business Network™ and look forward to bringing that commitment to our sessions.
