Holistic Therapies continued
Here is a brief introduction to three more healing modalities.
Ear Candling
You may come across ear candling as an alternative treatment offered at a spa or holistic therapy center. It is primarily used for hearing problems caused by an accumulation of ear wax but is also used for blocked sinuses and blocked energy in general. Also known as ear coning, it is believed to have its roots in ancient cultures such as the Mayan empire. The candle itself is either made from beeswax or paraffin wax and shaped into a cylinder 10 to 15 inches in length and of varying widths. It is said that smoke from the heated candle creates a vacuum in the ear canal which allows ear wax and other debris to be removed from the ear. Although ear candles can be purchased for home use, there has been no evidence to show that ear candling is effective, and many believe it has more risks than benefits.
Pilates
Pilates has grown in popularity in leaps and bounds in the last five years and there are now more than 14 thousand Pilates instructors in the USA alone. A physical exercise system with many similarities to yoga, Pilates was first introduced by German born Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Based on the belief that the mind controls the muscles of the body, Pilates is a series of exercises focused on strengthening core muscles to provide body alignment and support to the spine. It also teaches awareness of breath and works on the deep torso and abdominal muscles. Pilates is performed either on a mat or with special equipment which provides resistance training. There are now two schools of Pilates: classical which follows a set routine with equipment conforming to the original principles of Joseph Pilates; and contemporary which has been adapted from the original method and varies from lesson to lesson and instructor.
Pranic Healing
Pranic Healing, also known as Pranic Energy Healing, is an holistic therapy developed by Master Choa Kok Sui in the 1980s as a system of energy medicine using prana, the Sanskrit word for life-force energy or qi. The technique requires no physical touch as it works only on the body’s energy field or aura. The principle behind pranic healing is that disease begins with energy disruptions before manifesting in the physical body. Pranic healing is known as External Qigong in China and Reiki in Japan.