Understanding Energy Medicine and BodyTalk

We are energy beings and we have the ability to tap into our energy reserves and direct them for healing. We have more power to heal our own bodies than we realize. The healing energy modality that works for you….is the one that works for you. That statement sounds very Zen, like meditating on the sound of one hand clapping, but it is profoundly true. Don’t leave energy techniques out of your arsenal as you address any disease.

For anyone who doubts the energetic power of the mind-body relationship for physical and emotional healing, look into the research on acupuncture, heartmath, biofeedback and non local prayer groups. Also, there many books written by physicians detailing the miraculous healing of patients they had sent home to die.

As part of my personal healing protocol for cancer, I work with a BodyTalk practitioner. BodyTalk is a complimentary energy medicine technique. To me, the power (energy) of the mind, body and spirit to heal is obvious. Through bio-energetic processes, the body heals itself every day by healing cuts, knitting bones, replicating cells, etc. The premise of energy medicine is that the body's energy is focused on maintaining life.

Energy is also known as Chi, Ki, Qi, Prana, Force and it is all around us manifesting all living things – birds, flowers, trees and people. We live in a world of energy that we can connect with through various energy healing modalities to heal ourselves and others.

Science has proven that all materials in the physical world are, fundamentally, manifestations of various forms of energy. Everything in the universe is made up of different vibrant frequencies of energy vibrating. At the quantum level, solid objects are made up of vibrational energy fields.

Throughout history ancient people observed and recognized different energy fields and created methods to direct their power for healing and wellness. Fengshui is an ancient Chinese art of harmonizing the energy of people and environment. They believe by harnessing the energy in the environment one can create optimal conditions for living and increases the possibility of success in business ventures, careers, relationship with people, as well as health and wellness.

In the ancient world, Egyptians used cosmic energy through the pyramids for many purposes such as healing, the formation of rains for crops, etc. Every culture has a history of shamans, or energy healers, who were able to heal people through laying on of hands, or could energetically divine where to dig for water wells, or could heal emotional problems through dreams and meditation.

David Feinstein, Ph.D., and Donna Eden in their excellent article, Six Pillars of Energy Medicine: Clinical Strengths of a Complementary Paradigm, tell us the role of energy medicine in the therapeutic process: “six properties of energy medicine give it strengths that could augment conventional health care models. These include the ways energy medicine 1) can address biological processes at their energetic foundations (reach), 2) regulates biological processes with precision, speed, and flexibility (efficiency), 3) fosters healing and prevents illness with interventions that can be readily, economically, and non-invasively applied (practicality), 4) includes methods that can be utilized on an at-home, self-help basis, fostering a stronger patient and practitioner partnership in the healing process (patient empowerment), 5) adopts non-linear concepts consistent with distant healing, the healing impact of prayer, and the role of intention in healing (quantum compatibility), and 6) strengthens the integration of body, mind, and spirit, leading not only to a focus on healing, but to achieving greater well-being, peace, and passion for life (holistic orientation).”

All healings are self-healing and our bodies are endowed with extraordinary abilities to heal. Since we are energy it is possible for us to perform self-healing and to effect healing of others, even over distances.

There are many types of energy healing modalities. Here are descriptions of ten common modalities listed on the website, lotus-happiness.com: Quantum Touch ®, EFT, Reiki, Restorative Touch™, Brennan Healing Science®, Healing Touch, Pranic Healing, ThetaHealing®, Longevitology, The Wonder Method. It is recommended that you research any modality you choose to try and that you follow your inner knowing and personal guidance when choosing a modality or practitioner with which to work. I am doing nonlocal healing sessions with a BodyTalk practitioner in California on Facetime. We met at a past life seminar, a few years ago, and had an instant energetic connection so it is easy for me to work with her. 

What is BodyTalk Therapy? It is based upon the proven principles of energetic medicine, and is a holistic approach to healing that integrates the practices of kinesiology, yoga, psychology, Western Medicine, Ayurveda (traditional healing modalities of India), and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The aim is to enhance and stimulate the body’s natural abilities to reach true physical, emotional and spiritual health. 

The Bodytalk practitioner’ working belief is that a natural state of communication exists between the atoms, cells and all internal systems within the body. These communication lines can become crossed and compromised as a result of every day stress. Ultimately, this decreases overall individual wellbeing. Bodytalk realigns these areas of communication to stimulate and reactivate the body's natural self-healing capability.

Techniques employed to realign the areas of communication in your body include:

1.     Direct communication – with the body via the use of muscle testing (a technique often used in Kinesiology) allowing the body to diagnose itself. 

2.     Breathwork – (based on yogic philosophy) breathwork ensures that the brain, heart and immune system become fully engaged in the session to ensure lasting results. 

3.     Tapping - most often used upon the head gets the body focused on healing. Trigger points on the body are tapped encouraging the brain to focus on their links and repairs.

4.     The Cortices technique –correct imbalances between the left and right halves of the brain, for improved efficiency and overall health. 

5.     Switching - the brain occasionally goes into a ‘switching mode’ as the result of stress, which compromises normal brain function. The practitioner employs the Switching technique to restore normal brain function. 

6.     Hydration – is used to correct the body’s ability utilize all available water thereby improving the efficiency of all body processes.

7.     Body Chemistry technique – corrects immune system imbalances and heightens its ability to recognize ingrained bacteria, viruses and parasites to restore health without pharmacological medication. 

8.     Reciprocals technique – recreates the integrity of the body’s structures. 

Bodytalk has been used to treat and alleviate the symptoms of:

·       Headaches, Migraines 

·       Back, Neck, Joint pain, Arthritis & stiffness 

·       Fibromyalgia, Chronic fatigue 

·       Chronic viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections 

·       Food, chemical, environmental allergies 

·       Digestive disorders & IBS 

·       Constipation, Bladder problems (bed-wetting) 

·       Hormonal disorders, Period pain and P.M.T 

·       Abnormal Blood sugar levels, Food cravings 

·       Fears, phobias 

·       Emotional trauma, Addictions, Eating disorders 

·       Children’s disorders such as Hyperactivity, Sleep problems, infections, Learning disabilities, Dyslexia and Behavioral problems 

The goal of BodyTalk is to rebalance and re-aligning the communication between the body’s cells and systems to facilitate optimal functioning once again.

The key Principles of BodyTalk Therapy are three key principles are: 1. The body is inherently wise and, as such, fully capable of healing itself, 2. Stress hinders optimal functioning and disrupts the natural healing process, 3. The cells and systems within the body communicate constantly. The body has the capacity to effectively heal itself.  However, the constant stressors, such as pollution, the plethora of toxins in our environment and food, the frenetic pace of society, and emotional and physical trauma take a tremendous toll on our physical, psychological, and spiritual health and wellbeing.  These stressors cause a breakdown in functioning and communication within the body compromising its natural ability to heal.

Australian healthcare practitioner Dr. John Veltheim developed the BodyTalk System in the mid-1990s.  Dr. Veltheim trained in both chiropractic and Chinese medicine, as well as, Reiki, bioenergetics, sports medicine, philosophy, and applied kinesiology. 

Over the twenty years, this system has been taught to countless practitioners world-wide.

Many individuals report immediate responses such as:

·       Reduction in overall stress

·       Increased feeling of calm

·       Release of tension

·       Reduction in a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms that were present prior to treatment

·       Greater mental clarity

·       Increased energy levels

·       Improved ability to focus

·       Improved cognitive functioning

·       Better circulation

·       Greater overall body functioning

·       Reduction in pain

·       Reduced recovery time due to faster healing

·       Less anxiety

·       Enhanced spiritual awareness

·       Easier pregnancy and delivery

·       Improved sleep

BodyTalk therapy can be a very effective for treatment for the suffering caused by unresolved trauma and PTSD.  Unresolved psychological trauma can be devastating. When left untreated, the trauma remains stored in the body both physically and emotionally. The individual remains in survival mode and is vulnerable to situations, emotions, and memories that trigger the unresolved trauma.  This creates chaos in the individual’s life. These symptoms may be subtle (e.g. chronic muscle tension or a general feeling of dread) or obvious (e.g. flashbacks or nightmares related to the trauma).  It is important to receive effective treatment as soon as possible following a traumatic event.

http://www.lotus-happiness.com/10-types-energy-healing-modalities/

https://www.bodytalksystem.com/learn/bodytalk/

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nV6QFgd2XI4

Feinstein, D., & Eden, D. (2008). Six pillars of energy medicine: Clinical strengths of a complementary paradigm. Alternative Therapies, 14(1), 44-54.

https://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/body_talk_therapy

Jaw Disorders Create Headaches, Vertigo, and Tooth Pain

When we are in severe pain, we just want the pain gone---that is why pain medication is so tempting. We say, just end the pain so I can get on with my real life. Every day we see professional athletes play through the pain. We accept that value, work through the pain, for ourselves and push on with our daily work ignoring pain.

What we forget is that pain is a symptom. Pain causes the body to automatically create compensation patterns---muscles tighten up in an effort to relieve the aggravated, painful nerves, or injured muscles.

During the 1950’s I saw my mother suffer daily with headaches; her only answer was Aspirin to lessen inflammation. I believe her daily headaches could have been improved or eliminated if she had found a way to deal with the cause of her pain. One cause of headache pain that often goes unrecognized is jaw disorders and misalignment.

The lower jaw (mandibular jaw) joint connects with the skull in front of the ear. These joints, one either side of the face, are called Temporomandibular Joints (known as TMJ). The TMJs work in unison to permit movement of the lower jawbone. You can feel the TMJ move by placing your fingers on the bones in front of the ear during mouth movements.

The painful jaw disorders, often called TMJ (after the misaligned joint), should more correctly be called TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder.) Those with TMD pain often seek initial help from a general medical practitioner, or general dentist.

Common Symptoms of Bruxism (jaw clenching and teeth grinding)---a common cause of TMD

Teeth worn down

Chipped teeth

Sensitive teeth

Receding gums

Loose teeth

Headache and neck pain

Common Symptoms of TMD:

• Headache-typically happens on the forehead region, temple region and in the back of the head, (is an easy symptom to confuse with other condition like migraine)
• Neck And Shoulder Pain-the regular function of  TMJs is related with the balance of jaw and skull, (discomfort of TMJ causes imbalance problems that will twist the jaw into a straitened position this refers pain to the neck muscle, shoulders and back--Since muscles work as a team, contacted muscles of the jaw will make the head lean in not a normal position causing compensation from the back, shoulder and neck muscles.)
• Facial Pain- an imbalanced lower jaw lower jaw causes all of the surrounding tissue like bones, muscles, nerves and face muscles to contraction and strain when trying to compensate the unaligned jaw.
• Ear Problems- There is a variety of symptoms in the ear that may appear, ringing ears or tinnitus. (TMD is often confused for ear infection usually experienced ear pain in the morning; pain around in front or below the ear; the ear may feel clogged, muffled or full ears; Eustachian-tube dysfunction responsible for regulating the pressure in the middle ear; hyperactivity of the muscles cause problems when opening or closing the Eustachian tube; other symptoms include loss of hearing, impaired hearing, dizziness (vertigo) and loss of balance)
• Clicking, Popping, or Grinding sounds- result from a dislocated disc—for many people with TMD that feel pain when the disc dislocates, the pain makes it difficult to speak or eat.
• Locked Jaw- If symptoms are left untreated over time they can create a locked jaw in either an open or locked position, causing great pain. A dentist can help close your mouth with an easy maneuver, or will prescribe pills to end the muscle spasms.
• Sensitive and Sore Teeth- are a common symptom of TMD, especially if misalignment of the teeth is causing TMD as in the case of clenching or grinding of teeth due to stress. (TMD is difficult to diagnose and the dentist can perform a root canal therapy or even extraction on your teeth, which aggravates the situation).
• Jaw pain-TMD creates an imbalanced bite causing improper pressure in the jawbone. Over time pressure may dissolve the bone, or create bony projection as compensation. This may bring pain relief but may cause permanent damage to the jaw and the facial structure. 

•  Abnormal alignment of teeth or incongruous restorations. When teeth are abnormally aligned the jaw doesn’t close correctly causing the teeth to slide until finding the best positions so the chewing muscles can relax. If the misalignment is serious the jaw never finds the right position and muscles stay contracted all day long and over time creates TMJ pain.
•   Physiological growth. For children under 6 years old bruxism is a normal developmental and natural response to the changes in the jaws and teeth. (If this behavior persists longer than needed [after most adult teeth have emerge] it is an unhealthy habit and it is recommended the adolescent visit the dentist).
•  Abnormal posture of the body--Leads to an abnormal position of the spinal column and tension and contraction of the neck muscles. The stressed neck muscles create imbalance of the jaw and as well as TMJ muscle clenching, or teeth grinding.
•  Sleep disorders—Research studies indicate those who suffer from sleep disorders (sleep apnea, snore loudly, daytime sleepiness, sleep talking, sleep paralysis, frightening dreams) may have a greater risk of grinding their teeth.

Health And Lifestyle Risk Factors

·      Drugs and medications---Some studies have shown some psychotropic drugs (medicines that affect your mood), such as antidepressants and anti-psychotics may cause teeth grinding and clenching.

·      Complications of other conditions and diseases—include: Parkinson, Huntington are neurological disorders that affect the central nervous system and motor skills.

·      Trigeminal Neuralgia---symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia include: a very sharp, short, electric-type pain triggered by touching a specific area of the skin, may insight nausea (by washing, shaving, applying makeup, brushing the teeth, kissing or even by cold air)

·      Whiplash trauma

·      Fibromyalgia

·      Arthritis

·      Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

·      Sports Injury-- The joint is damaged by a blow or other impact

The standard allopathic treatments for TMD are: Dental splint (bite guard), Botox injections (to relax the muscles of the jaw), Surgery on the jaw, Dental surgery, Prescription-strength medications (pain medicines, muscle relaxers, or anti-inflammatory medications). These treatments are symptom relief therapy and require continuation of the therapy for life. Alternative therapies include: Chiropractic adjustment, Physical therapy, Acupuncture, Deep tissue massage, and Stretch exercises.

TMJ Disorders are painful and stressful. We tend to want relief from the pain NOW! As a result one may not make an informed choice when choosing a treatment modality. I caution you to do your research as some treatments such as dental surgery have lasting effects that cannot be undone. It is possible to sacrifice a healthy tooth and still the TMD continues.

I recommend you consider Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) Chiropractic. There are several different kinds of chiropractic techniques, theories and philosophy. Major Bertrand DeJarnette originated Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT).  DeJarnette, a Chiropractor, Osteopath, and Engineer developed his technique in the 1920’s. His study created a system of adjusting patterns in the body: the most significant pattern was the relationship between the sacrum and occiput, which is at the base of the skull.

The SOT Chiropractor uses indicators across body systems to diagnose and treat the causes of pain. In the case of TMD, muscle tension in the sacrum may be initiating the muscle tension in connective tissue fibers at the base of the skull. The SOT Chiropractor is trained in adjusting the bones, and trigger points  of the skull from inside the mouth. (Trigger points are sensitive areas of the body that when stimulated or irritated cause a specific effect, especially a tender area, in a muscle that causes generalized musculoskeletal pain when over-stimulated.

Suggestions to Help TMD Symptoms:

•                Avoid overuse of jaw muscles---Eat soft foods, cut food into small pieces, stay away from sticky or chewy food, avoid chewing gum.

•                Stretching and massage--- a doctor, dentist or physical therapist can recommend stretching, and strengthening exercise, and demonstrate how to massage the muscles yourself. (Good techniques can be found on the internet)

•                Alternate heat or cold packs--Applying warm, moist heat (to increase blood circulation) or ice (to diminish inflammation) the side of your face may help alleviate pain.

•                Relaxation techniques--Consciously slowing your breathing and taking deep, regular breaths can help relax tense muscles, which can reduce pain.

•                Acupuncture-- Requires specialist trained in acupuncture

•                Biofeedback-- Requires specialist, therapist, or psychologist trained in electronic devices, or techniques that monitor muscle tension to help you practice effective relaxation techniques.

•                Cognitive behavioral therapy—to help manage stress or anxiety, a psychotherapist can help change bad behaviors, manage stress and anxiety a learn relaxation techniques.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/basics/symptoms/con-20043566

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders

http://www.tmjssymptoms.com/

http://www.tmjandheadache.com/tmd-symptoms/

http://www.sotousa.com/wp/?page_id=14959

http://www.drcharlesblum.com/About%20Us/Dentists%20and%20Chiropractors.pdf