Different Modalities in Healing

There are healing modalities, and there are healing modalities. A lot of these new techniques cropping up are oftentimes modifications and derivatives of the same old principles of the body-mind connection and the power of the body to heal itself.

Most, if not all of these modalities are anchored on the basic principle of holistic health. “Holistic healing means taking a holistic approach when seeking treatment for imbalances and choosing to live a more balanced lifestyle. What primarily distinguishes holistic healing apart from alternative medicine, complementary medicine, and integrative medicine is that physical health is not necessarily the main focus. Even so, it is often the experience of physical discomfort that will first prompt a person's pursuit of holistic healing. It is true that our pains and other physical discomforts demand our attention. This is where the saying "sticking out like a sore thumb'" originated from. It is difficult to ignore the obvious when we are physically hurting. Common sense tells us that we should seek help to alleviate our discomforts. Holistic healing is not an "alternative" to conventional medical care. Sometimes going to a medical professional is the best solution to addressing a dis-ease. “http://healing.about.com/od/faq/p/holistichealing.htm

But among the many modalities, these are what I found most helpful as someone who is in the healing practice for decades now.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) - developed by performance coach and ordained minister, Gary Craig, this works like an acupressure to release negative emotions stored in the body. It is a quick and easy self-treatment to eliminate energy disturbance causing emotional distress by tapping with fingers on a series of acupuncture treatment points plus simple verbal and eye-movement activity.

Healing Touch* - developed by registered nurse, Janet Mentgen, RN, BSN; an energy-based approach to healing using the hands to identify and clear energy disturbance; done with or without direct hand touch; restores harmony and balance in the body's energy centers (chakras) and energy field (aura).

Spiritual healing – this is based on ancient Oriental techniques of transmitting positive energies to a person in order to facilitate healing.

Reflexology* - Reflexology may be generally defined as the practitioner’s application of specific pressure by hand, thumb and fingers to a reflex map resembling a human body which is believed to exist on the body's extremities. Only when defined and offered as a healing intervention in the human energy field, is reflexology an appropriate modality for CHE healing ministers' practice. Applications must be limited to clients' hands, feet and outer ears, without use of mechanical tools.

Reiki* - natural healing method developed in Japan by M. Usui Sensi; introduced in USA by recovered patient, Mrs. H. Takata; Usui System endeavors to remain faithful to its origins; uses hands to reduce stress, invite deep relaxation, and infuse universal spiritual life energy for improved health and enhanced quality of life. User friendly. Websites: www.reikialliance.com and www.reiki.org .

There are also other tool-based healing modalities such as the use of crystals, the use of scented candles (aromatherapy), the use of magnets and others.