Tag Archives: reiki

Healing Anxiety with Reiki

Anxiety is a condition that many people suffer from. It may be during a particularly traumatic, stressful period of life or it may be a more long term condition resulting from earlier long term stress or trauma. The person may or may not be aware of the underlying cause. In most cases, when we’re stressed, the body will go back to normal when the cause of stress has passed. For others, if the cause is more long term, the body becomes conditioned to be in a ‘fight or flight’ mode; in other words, in an anxious state, so that it becomes a habit. Our adrenal glands become accustomed to flooding the body with the chemicals adrenaline and cortisol, putting a long term strain on the kidneys and other body systems.

Experiences with Reiki Treatment

Recently I’ve been seeing particularly good results when treating clients suffering from anxiety with Reiki. Here are some examples:-

One lady reported that she felt “lighter, like something had been lifted off” her after just her first treatment. Her partner and daughter had both noticed an improvement in her mood over the days following her treatment. This lady had experienced long term anxiety and depression. Now her sadness had lifted and her head felt “less busy”. During treatment I release heaviness around the heart chakra and energy blocks in the solar plexus representing lack of self-worth and self-belief, and gave plenty of grounding to the root chakra. Subsequent treatments are addressing the longer term, deep rooted causes of her anxiety and depression. She had a couple of treatments quite close together but is now just having subsequent treatments on a monthly basis.
Another client had been experiencing anxiety with migraines for a few years when I started treating her. This lady was just about managing to cope with work with the migraines but had some deep-rooted emotional issues as well which had been suppressed long term. In her treatments I cleared the heart, solar plexus and sacral chakras and worked on the physical level of the sacral chakra (the abdomen) too. The third eye and root chakras also needed particular attention. After each treatment she reported that her anxiety levels had dropped considerably, lasting for a longer period of time after each treatment.
When I worked on another client with anxiety I discovered that his solar plexus chakra was wide open and the heart and root chakras were very low in energy. I worked on the kidneys to calm them and reduce physical stress-related symptoms. An energy block was released from the back of the third eye chakra – negative thoughts are often stored here. This area should always be worked on, in addition to the solar plexus, with clients who suffer from low self-worth and hold a myriad of negative thoughts about themselves. The third eye chakra relates to perception, among other things, and how we see the world around us, what we are focusing on and where we see ourselves going. Negative thoughts can cause blockages in this chakra.
Reiki can also help children to settle into a new school or help them if they’re having difficulties causing anxiety. Typically in this case you need to balance the solar plexus, heart and root chakras and release any fears/worries held in other chakras. These treatments were sent by distance healing. The children were all completely unaware that they had been sent healing but the parents noticed improvements over the next few days which enabled the children to settle into new routines.

Treating Anxiety

The main chakras to focus on is almost always the solar plexus. This relates to personal power, personal strength, self-belief, self-worth, self-esteem – how we really feel about ourselves in spite of any confident outward appearances. The solar plexus is connected to the mind/mental body which is why many people experience butterflies, nausea and IBS when they are worried about something.

The root chakra is also very important. Focusing Reiki energy here will strengthen this chakra, bringing the person’s energy down, literally bringing them out of their head (where you spend a lot of time when you have anxiety) and back down to earth. The root chakra relates to grounding and focus. When you have strong physical grounding and a strong connection to earth, you are better able to cope with things and not let them get on top of you. The adrenal glands are governed by the root chakra, so treating the root chakra also helps to calm the adrenals.

You will also need to work on the heart and sacral chakras to help clear emotional issues contributing to the anxiety, as well as the third eye chakra to calm and clear the head.

It is worth pointing out here as well that distance treatments are just as effective as hands-on treatments in cases of anxiety. This may be because you are already working on the mental level (ie. the mind) by visualising the person and the Reiki can flow more easily over this mental connection.

At the beginning of the treatment I always ask for the Reiki healing energy to flow to release the person’s anxiety, boost inner strength and self-belief, and restore peace and harmony. This sets your intention and makes it clear what you would like to happen. Energy always follows thought. You can phrase your request to suit your/your client’s needs but it will no doubt be something along these lines. You can also call upon the Angel of Healing to release and resolve the underlying causes of a person’s anxiety. This is very powerful and signals to the angelic realm that you wish to work with them. Do this regularly so they know you are sincere and I’m sure you will soon see an extra depth to your treatments.

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Healer/Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at 15 Wheeler Gate in Nottingham city centre. She is also currently studying Raw Food Nutrition to find out more about the healing power of natural food. Helen offers several healing treatments such as Reiki, Angelic Reiki, Faery Reiki, Angel Therapy and Fairy Blessing Guided Journey, as well as Usui Reiki and Faery Reiki training courses. She has been on the spiritual path for 15 years and has extensive knowledge of healing and the healing journey. For further information about her Reiki courses, therapies and workshops, please visit her website http://helenshortland.com or visit and ‘like’ her Facebook page Helen Shortland Holistics & Enchantment.

Increasing the Reiki Power

Leave a reply

There are several ways you can increase the Reiki power while giving a Reiki treatment. When working over problem areas you may want an extra boost in order to shift blocks or to speed healing. Here are three suggestions you can try:-

Visualisation – while giving Reiki to the area, actually visualise the area healing or the energy block being dissolved and released. You may also like to incorporate colour into your visualisation, for example orange for physical energy and to clear congestion/catarrh, green to release tension and balance emotions, blue to calm and relax (ideal for high blood pressure) and red to warm cold areas such as hands and feet. A rich sapphire blue is good for helping to reduce pain.
Joshin Kokyuu-Ho – this breathing technique creates a strong connection to the Reiki power and is used to intensify the flow of energy. It is taught in the Reiki Level 1 course but here is a reminder: Inhale slowly through the nose and at the same time imagine you are breathing in Reiki energy through the crown chakra. (You may be aware of a slight pressure on the top of your head.) Draw in the breath and the Reiki energy down into your belly to the energy centre 2 or 3 finger widths beneath the naval. Hold the breath here in the belly (Tanden) for a few seconds. As you are doing this, imagine energy from the Tanden spreading throughout your entire body and energising the whole body. Exhale through the mouth. Imagine the breath and Reiki energy flowing out of the mouth and also from the fingertips, tips of toes and from the chakras in the palms and feet.

Use Joshin Kokyuu-Ho to channel pure white light into a person’s energy field. I have used this method to clear the mental/emotional auric bodies of worry and negativity and raise the person’s vibration. Hold your hands around the head area while performing Joshin Kokyuu-Ho and visualise white light filling the person’s entire mental and emotional bodies, not just around the head. This is ideal for clients who worry a lot, have anxiety and/or depression.

Attunement breathing technique – Reiki Master Teachers can practice the breathing technique taught for attuning someone to Reiki. Hold in the Hui Yin point and place your tongue behind your top teeth to prevent energy flowing out your central channel. You will then have more energy to project out your hands.

Boosting Your Own Energy Levels

There are also ways to boost your own energy levels generally so that you have more energy at all times, not just during treatments. If you are generally more energised you will be less likely to feel tired or depleted if giving several treatments in one day. Suggested methods are as follows:-

Regular meditation practice, whichever method you prefer.
Practising Chi Kung or Tai Chi to increase your personal energy.
Regularly practising the Reiki Three Diamonds energy enhancing technique to build, strengthen and maintain Earth Ki, Heaven Ki and Heart Ki.
A healthy nutritious diet including plenty of fruit, salad and vegetables.

Reiki Three Diamonds Workshop

I am intending to run a Reiki Three Diamonds workshop in the Spring of 2017 at 15 Wheeler Gate Nottingham.

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Healer/Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at 15 Wheeler Gate in Nottingham city centre. Helen offers several healing treatments such as Reiki, Angelic Reiki, Faery Reiki, Angel Therapy and Fairy Blessing Guided Journey, as well as Usui Reiki and Faery Reiki training courses. She has been on the spiritual path for 15 years and has extensive knowledge of healing and the healing journey. For further information about her Reiki courses, therapies and workshops, please visit her website http://helenshortland.com or visit and ‘like’ her Facebook page Helen Shortland Holistics & Enchantment.

Deeper Chakra Clearing following Attunement

Leave a reply

During the middle of 2016 I was drawn to Faery Reiki and given the opportunity to recharge my energy body on a much higher vibration. This attunement cleared my chakras on a deeper level than before, clearing out stuff that had developed in the years since my previous Reiki attunements. Along the way I gained greater insights into the purpose and role of the 7 main chakras. I now feel like there is a higher vibration of energy in each chakra – blocks have been cleared, resulting in the chakras now being filled with more light, consciousness and awareness. During this clearing I received messages from my guides and angels that related to each of the chakras, which I am including here in this blog.

Root Chakra

“Good solid grounding is essential for whatever you are trying to create or manifest.”

Clearing began with the Root Chakra. I had always been prone to anxiety (especially since my spiritual crisis in 2014/15) and living in my head a lot and therefore needed grounding and strengthening of the root chakra, the connection to Earth. Many spiritual people spend a lot of time in meditation and reciting mantras and affirmations but if your Root Chakra is weak or blocked, all that spiritual energy cannot flow down your central channel and out the Root Chakra where it can bring about positive change in the physical world. Instead it remains in the energy field around the head (as a mental activity) or around the heart chakra (if you are connecting with it emotionally). This was one of the most enlightening insights I received at this time. Many spiritual people neglect their Root Chakra and focus solely on reaching up to the higher dimensions but a balanced energy system with an open Root Chakra is essential if we want all our spiritual endeavours to improve our day to day life. In addition to practising Faery Reiki, I was drawn to try a Shamanic Reiki session, which was equally grounding, being focused in the dimension that is closest to the earth plane. Once we start on the healing journey, I am convinced we are drawn to what we need at the time for our own healing.

By clearing and strengthening the Root Chakra, anxiety can be practically eliminated or at least considerably lessened. When your Root is clear and balanced, you feel strong, safe and secure in yourself, able to cope better with any challenges or problems that arise. I also discovered that I had developed a much stronger connection to animals and a deeper appreciation of nature. There were still many aspects of my life I was unsure of but I was happy to go with the flow and let things unfold.

Sacral Chakra

“Stop trying to fit in with the norm, the expectations of family, society etc, and just be yourself.”

A couple of weeks after the clearing of the Root Chakra I was aware than a period of intense creativity had begun. I was receiving ideas and inspiration for new courses to take myself, workshops to run, a new direction to take my business in and plans for the future relating to life in general.

Issues of power and control are related to the Sacral Chakra and I had some old anger issues come up to be released at this time. I received messages from my guides about not worrying if some people appeared to be walking out of my life. Some friendships did indeed go but others deepened. When you are being yourself, and open about who you are and what you do, you vibrate at a level of truth. This attracts new people to you who match your new vibration. Fear of loss and rejection can stop you making healthy choices but healthy choices are essential to your wellbeing. I was initially rather reluctant to start promoting my work with the faery realm, worried that people would think I was literally ‘away with the fairies’ but the amount of new clients I attracted for my Faery treatments at this time was amazing!

On a physical level I was given to understand how gynae and digestive problems are connected: this is because our reproductive and digestive systems are both governed by the same chakra – the Sacral Chakra. A diet of sugary and/or processed food is bad for gut health/digestion and makes menstrual problems such as period pain and PMT much worse. This was a time to become more aware of what I was consuming and making a few changes to improve things.

Solar Plexus

“Stay calm, stand in your own power, stay strong.”

When this chakra was activated a couple of weeks after the Sacral chakra, issues relating to conviction of principles and self-belief were highlighted. If someone challenged me in the past, the first thought that went through my head was always “Oh, I must be wrong then”. During the clearing of the Solar Plexus Chakra I was given a test when I really could have doubted my own abilities but it soon appeared that there were many other factors involved and it was simply a matter of the timing being wrong. My self-worth and self-esteem improved. I was no longer prepared to put up with certain types of behaviour so I developed some assertiveness strategies at this time.

Heart Chakra

“Get past your own hurts and see the love in others.”

Several teachings came through while this chakra was activated and cleared. It is essential not to let your ego stop you from doing something new or something different. After all, it may all turn out better than expected and you may be surprised at the kindness of others. How many times do we come out with excuses like “I can’t possibly do that”, “I’ll never be good enough” or even “I’m too old”. So often we just expect the worst, from ourselves and others. The lesson here is to get over your own ego and give others, and yourself, a chance.

“Know what’s in your heart – this knowledge is power.”

So often our egos cloud our connection to our soul, causing blocks to recognising and realising our dreams. This powerful message ‘Know what’s in your heart – this knowledge is power’ highlights the importance of knowing what is actually in your heart, ie. what you really want to do with your life. Knowing this gives power to set your intention. You are beginning to align with truth. Once you know where your heart lies, the energy from the heart centre can move up to the throat chakra to enable you to follow a new path. Until the Solar Plexus was fully cleared of blocks, I had had too many doubts in the Solar Plexus which impaired the flow of energy from the Solar Plexus to the Heart. Once these issues were cleared, I was free to follow my heart.

Throat Chakra

“Speak kindly of others – this purifies your Throat Chakra. Anything else lowers your vibration.”

When the Throat Chakra is clear you can put into action the creative impulses from the Sacral Chakra, free from the self-doubt of the Solar Plexus and the confusion of the Heart. When the Solar Plexus and Heart Chakras are clear, the energy of these creative impulses moves up the central channel free from the emotional wounds and limiting beliefs of the Solar Plexus, fully aligned with what is in your heart.

The teaching I was given (above) by my guides at this time is one we can all use to keep the energy in the Throat Chakra high and strong. This teaching can be very challenging at times but every action has a reaction and the energy we give out always comes back to us.

The Throat Chakra is concerned primarily with self-expression, living your truth and your path in life. While this chakra was clearing I was drawn to a book containing information which negated something I had been told several years back. I made a very interesting discovery relating to someone else’s erroneous belief that I had bought into, assuming that they knew more than I did. Discovering that I had been informed incorrectly helped to clear away a ‘limiting belief’ which had hindered my development in the area of mediumship/channelling which I really wanted to develop further. This is a strong reminder never to hand over your power to others, especially when deep down you know what they are saying feels wrong.

Third Eye

“Your path is unfolding. Don’t get side-tracked in other people’s lives and dreams; stay focused on your own. See clearly what is for you and what is for someone else.”

While this chakra was clearing I was drawing more like-minded people into my life and connecting with people with a similar vision – inspiring women with spiritual ambitions. Developing discernment is a major function of the Third Eye Chakra – understanding what is your path, in other words what is right for you, and what is someone else’s path. A clear, balanced Third Eye literally enables you to see clearly. It also enables you to detach from drama and all things which no longer serve you.

I was now beginning to feel much clearer about the direction I was heading in. I knew what I wanted to do, to raise my energy higher to achieve a stronger connection with Spirit, but sometimes when you are so focused on the big picture you want it all now without doing the work along the way and giving it the time it needs. My guides told me that I needed to deal with the small things and enjoy the steps along the way, rather than focussing on what I would be doing one day in the future. When you’re full of grandiose ideas, it is often very easy to neglect the boring day to day stuff of life. This was a reminder that being in the present is essential for bringing the grounding we need to manifest those great plans.

Crown

“See the underlying inter-connectedness in all things.”

Our external world can be regarded as a mirror of both our true desires and our fears. Have you ever noticed how often things keep going wrong when you are on the wrong path in life? In the symbolic language of the universe, things going wrong is a sign that you have veered away from your real path in life. Having a series of bumps in your car, for example, can be interpreted as the universe giving you a push or kick up the backside!

At this time I asked for a new spirit guide to help me on this next stage of my journey. I was then drawn to a book which helped me improve my connection to spirit and to take further energy attunements to raise my vibration higher. As my Crown Chakra cleared I also noticed an improvement in my manifesting abilities – things I really wanted to do suddenly became possible.

Overview

By the end of my journey of clearing through the chakras I understood how each chakra is affected by the energy of the chakra below it. Ultimately it all starts with the need for a strong, healthy Root Chakra which can provide a solid, stable foundation for future growth and happiness. Without this, the energy flowing up into the chakras above the Root becomes weak and distorted which prevents these chakras from developing and functioning as effectively as they should. The Root Chakra, I believe, is the most important chakra of all yet it is so easily damaged by trauma, emotional upheaval and not feeling safe in our early years. It is also easily neglected by those seeking to develop spiritually and ‘go higher’. It seems that healing is a universal process that virtually everyone here on Earth will feel the need to address at some point in their lives if they wish to achieve their highest and greatest potential.

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Healer/Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at 15 Wheeler Gate in Nottingham city centre. Helen offers several healing treatments such as Reiki, Angelic Reiki, Faery Reiki, Angel Therapy and Fairy Blessing Guided Journey, as well as Usui Reiki and Faery Reiki training courses. She has been on the spiritual path for 15 years and has extensive knowledge of healing and the healing journey. For further information about her Reiki courses, therapies and workshops, please visit her website http://helenshortland.com or visit and ‘like’ her Facebook page Helen Shortland Holistics & Enchantment.

An Introduction to Faery Reiki

Leave a reply

fairy forest 2 free fotolia

Fairies, also known as the nature angels, are part of the elemental realm of air, fire, water, earth and ether. They reside in a dimension very close to our earth realm where they perform their divine mission of protecting nature and the animals. Faery Reiki strengthens your connection to the faery realm and the elements. It helps to cleanse and release negative emotions (Water), connect to your higher self for inspiration (Air), release negative karma and aid manifesting of dreams and goals (Fire), provide grounding, balance and stability (Earth) and helps release doubt, fear and anger (Ether/Spirit). Faery Reiki balances the emotions, improves inspiration and motivation, increases your sense of wellbeing and helps clear blocks in the root chakra to improve creativity and manifesting of success and abundance. Each session includes a short Fairy Oracle card reading to give insight into a particular area of concern in your life.

How Faery Reiki has changed me

Connecting to the Faery Realm has probably been the biggest development on my spiritual journey since I was first attuned to Usui Reiki in 2001. Since my attunement I have noticed subtle but strong prompts: all my make-up, toiletries and skin care products must be totally cruelty-free from now on. I now feel a much closer connection to animals and have an even greater appreciation of nature than before. I’ve also found a new hobby or mission of buying the most sorry-looking plants I can find and reviving them with Reiki, water and lots of TLC, as well as an urge to pick up litter when walking round my local park. I can just imagine the kind of caring, compassionate world we could live in if large groups of people all over the world all felt the same.

Client Experiences

Having performed several treatments now, various patterns or similarities are emerging in terms of clients’ experiences during a Faery Reiki session. People usually report seeing their own visions of fairies, nature spirits and/or power animals. Many go on their own journey to the Faery Realm, often receiving their own guidance or sense of knowing regarding current matters of concern. One lady I treated had a very powerful visual experience: I will let her describe her experience in her own words in this extract from her testimonial:-

“I then lay on her couch where she took me through the most creative journey of colour, texture and what I can only describe as pure magic. For an artist I can only describe this as paradise. I was cleansed with air, fire and water and felt them all right from the core of the earth up into the universe. My fairy … opened a door into the natural world and I had a front row seat. For 30 minutes I was transfixed by light and the most amazing colour that I would struggle to replicate with any artists’ paints. The words whispered were “Look after our Earth”. If this is my job then I will abide. Whether you feel there is a vocation or just want to tap into this faerie realm , go onto Helen Shortland’s Facebook page to read all about what she offers. It’s not to be missed.”

Clients also seem to receive their own particular fairy blessing, whether it be creativity, emotional stability, peace etc. This energy is truly powerful and life-changing. A Faery Reiki session is a truly fascinating experience – ideal for anyone wanting to reconnect with the nature kingdom and the magic of life.

Special Introductory Offer

This unique 1 hr session, including short fairy card reading, is available on special introductory offer of £25 until end of July, after which it will be £30. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to try it for yourself!

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Healer/Teacher, Faery Reiki Master, Spiritual Consultant and Holistic Therapist based at 15 Wheeler Gate in Nottingham city centre. Helen has been on the spiritual path for 15 years and has extensive knowledge of healing and the healing journey. For further information about her Reiki courses, therapies and workshops, please visit her website http://helenshortland.com or visit and ‘like’ her Facebook page Helen Shortland Holistics.

A Call for Lightworkers to shine their Light to all Humanity

Leave a reply

bright aura

I received this ‘inspired communication’ early one morning a few days ago and it seemed to come through with a real sense of urgency, a sense that time is running out and that we need to act now. Since then Turkey has downed a Russian plane and we seem to be heading ever closer to being drawn into a 3rd World War. Recent events in Paris have brought home to us how close this threat really is. It has been said that every war is fought up to the limits of the technology that is available at the time so now, in 2015, that means that the next one will be nuclear, threatening the destruction of the planet and annihilation of humanity. All because certain groups of people choose to focus on differences in ideology rather than what unites us as human beings.

For several years now more and more angels have been drawing closer to the earth plane and over the last decade more and more frequencies of healing energy have been transmitted to the earth plane by high level beings of light in other dimensions. I believe that the angels have been drawing closer to us recently because they know what is coming up for us. The explosion of interest in healing modalities such as Reiki, Angelic Reiki, Seichem, Sekhem and Tera Mai amongst others has all been designed to help as many people as possible raise their vibration not just for themselves but for the planet as a whole. The angels have been preparing us and supporting us for years. There is a Plan and we are part of it.

Now it is time for all Light Workers (healers, angel therapists, spiritual teachers etc) to unite and start to consciously work to raise the vibration of humanity. Whenever we hear of another terrorist attack on the news, it is very easy to sink down into the lower, heavier vibration of fear and hate. You can literally feel your energy level drop. Now more than ever, however, Light Workers need to stay strong in their own power of high energy vibration and send this light out to others, to the very people who appear to threaten our security and safety. Reiki practitioners will remember from the Level 2 training that whenever you are in conflict with someone, the best thing to do is to send them Reiki with the intention to heal the relationship/situation for the highest good of both of you. This sends light to the other person’s higher self. Even if the healing is not fully sent with love, the act of sending light is the act of sending an increase in consciousness which the higher self receives and acts upon at a subtle level, causing a shift in energy between the people involved. Now we need all the Light Workers on the planet to send this healing light of consciousness to world leaders, politicians and, yes, to the terrorist groups themselves. I understand that some will feel resistance to this idea but the situation can only be helped if the higher self of all these people is reached and allowed to check and inspire their actions. When you send love and light to someone, the intention is to connect and uplift them into their higher self or soul, in other words into a higher consciousness. Remember that we are all bigger, and so much more, than the part of us in physical incarnation. If enough people set the intention to send healing to the terrorist groups, we can make a difference. 144,000 people is said to be the number of people working with the light required to shift the energy vibration of humanity into a raised level of consciousness.

It is worth mentioning here that everyone who comes into incarnation comes here with a plan for their life. Some people come here to do good works, others come here to be part of the chaos and destruction. Sending people hate is pointless; our only hope is a willingness to heal the situation. The threat we face now is part of the World Plan. If we manage to overcome our differences now and find a way to live in harmony, then we can truly live in the promised Golden Age that is possible for humanity to achieve. If not, the opposite will occur.

So why do I think sending people light and upliftment will work or at least have a positive effect? Well there have been many times in my life when I have been aware of the forces of light and dark playing out in my life. Whenever I feel I am being dragged down into a fear-based mindset, I have been prompted to affirm to the universe “I choose light!” As ridiculous as this may sound, it always works. My energy field immediately brightens and I feel a shift, allowing angels to draw near bringing peace and calm once more. It is also excellent to use if you are under any form of psychic attack. If everyone currently on the planet at this time did this, the planetary vibration would be high enough to override all the fear and darkness on the planet today. Think how many angels would be able to draw close to us all then! Two spiritual truths I have learned over the many years on my spiritual path deserve mention here: “Where there is light, there can be no darkness” and “A higher vibration always wipes out a lower one”.

So how can we make a difference and send healing at this time? Whether you are a trained/attuned healer or not, it doesn’t matter. Anyone can visualise their own aura lighting up – do this so that it is bright enough to feel like it is shimmering with pure white light. Now visualise the aura of another person or group of people lighting up in the same way, with the intention that they receive the love and wisdom of their higher self. All you need to do is visualise them surrounded with light. I have even practiced this technique at the bus stop on a couple of occasions with interesting results! There seems to be a greater sense of consideration, care and courtesy between the people I surrounded with light than the ones I didn’t. You can try this technique with anyone you are in conflict with, or with anyone you just wish to lift up into a higher vibration. It can be done either in person or by visualising them remotely. Another spiritual truth to bear in mind here: “The more harmony you create in your own life, the more harmony you have to spread to others”.

If you are already a Light Worker, your mission in life is to spread light – the light of conscious awareness, love and healing. And that time is now. The world needs your light now. In the words of Light Worker Rebecca Campbell “The purpose of all light workers is to quite simply BE THE LIGHT”. Visualise and intend your own aura to lighten up, then do the same for others.

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Healer, Angel Therapist, Holistic Therapist and Meditation Teacher based at 15 Wheeler Gate in Nottingham city centre. Helen has been on the spiritual path since 2001 and has extensive knowledge of healing and the healing journey. For further information about her Reiki courses and therapies please visit her website http://helenshortland.com or ‘like’ her Facebook page Helen Shortland Holistics.

IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING DURING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

Leave a reply

The week 11^th – 17th May 2015 is Mental Health Awareness Week. The Mental Health Foundation will be staging events across the country to raise awareness of how anxiety and sleep deprivation can affect mental health.

Various complementary therapies are particularly beneficial for positive mental health and greater wellbeing. Reiki healing, for example, calms the mind and emotions and restores balance, peace and harmony. Healing is channelled through the practitioner into the body, chakras and energy field of the receiver using a light touch. Many people report feeling lighter after a treatment as worry and grief are released from their energy field during treatment. Indian Head Massage and Back Massage are very effective in terms of relieving tension and anxiety held in the neck, shoulders and upper back. Reflexology can be beneficial in relieving the physical manifestations of stress, calming the adrenals and rebalancing the physical body.

Alternatively you may like to try some Mindfulness techniques to restore calm, control and perspective. Mindfulness Meditation helps you to be in the present moment, not worrying about the future or the past or getting caught up in negative emotions. Here are some suggestions which can easily be incorporated into your daily life. Making them a regular habit is the key to success!

Take a 2 or 3 minute breathing space when necessary at work or at home. Stop what you are for 2 or 3 minutes and focus solely on your breathing.
Become mindful of how you talk to yourself. Become aware of statements such as “I can’t do that”, “I’ll never be good enough”, “I can’t cope”, “I’m not attractive enough” or “I’m not clever enough”. Nothing destroys self-esteem quicker that negative self-talk. The way you talk to yourself reflects deep held inner beliefs which, when negative, need examining and releasing. Every time you catch yourself making a negative comment about yourself, stop the thought and choose a different one, such as “I can do this”, “I am as good as everyone else here” or “I always do my best”.
Practice being fully present in the present moment. Note where your mind actually is when carrying out routine tasks such as preparing or eating a meal, drinking a cup of tea, brushing your teeth, walking the dog or out with a friend. Make the effort to focus completely on what you are doing instead of letting your mind wander off worrying about something else.
Practice a simple Mindfulness breathing technique for a few minutes two or three times a day, such as just after waking up, on the bus journey to work, at lunch or before you go to bed. Place one hand on your chest and feel your breath moving into and out of your body. Notice the natural rhythm. Be aware of the coolness of the air as you breathe in and the warmth of the air leaving you as you exhale.

Notes:

For more information about Mental Health Awareness Week please visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk.
Reiki healing, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology and other complementary therapies are available with Helen Shortland,

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at 15 Wheeler Gate in Nottingham city centre. For further information please visit her website http://helenshortland.com or ‘like’ her Facebook page Helen Shortland Holistics.

TREATING ANXIETY THE NATURAL WAY

Leave a reply

More and more people nowadays are suffering from some form of anxiety. As the pace of life continues to increase, so do your stress levels. Life events such as employment stress, exam pressure and family break-ups leave people feel tense and agitated. Other causes of anxiety are more deep-rooted and stem from unresolved painful events in childhood. Reports of hazards and disasters in the news also add a general sense of fear and worry. Anxiety-related disorders such as panic attacks are on the increase but many suffer symptoms without realising it including irritability, headaches and digestive disorders such as gastric ulcers.

How anxiety affects the body

The autonomic nervous system, over which you have no conscious control, is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. In response to intense physical or emotional stimulation, your sympathetic system induces a ‘fight or flight’ response, increasing adrenalin production from the adrenal glands, so that you can respond to danger. In our evolutionary past this helped us to avoid predators but extended, long term stimulation results in a racing heart rate, sweating and irritability.

The parasympathetic system is suppressed during ‘fight or flight’. This system governs vital bodily functions including digestion, assimilation of nutrients and waste elimination, so is it any wonder that excessive anxiety can result in digestive disorders?

Restoring balance

Various traditional herbal remedies can treat symptoms of anxiety. For example, lemon balm and skullcap are relaxants, helping you to unwind and gain a restful night’s sleep. Vervain and skullcap can also help to nourish, strengthen and balance your nervous system. Linden is helpful in protecting against the formation of gastric ulcers. Wild lettuce has an antispasmodic effect which helps to relax muscles.

Holistic therapies such as Reiki can help to rebalance the mental/emotional bodies, calming the mind and balancing the emotions. A more physical therapy such as reflexology can help to balance the symptoms of stress within the physical body. Therapies such as hypnotherapy and CBT are also worth investigating as they help to change your response to certain ‘triggers’.

Notes:

1. Therapies including Reiki and Reflexology are available with Helen Shortland.

2. Herbal remedies and a wide selection of herbal teas are available from Little London Herbal Stores, 9 Kings Walk, Nottingham, NG1 2AE. Tel 0115 9472854 or visit www.all-ages-vitamins.co.uk.

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. Please ring her on 07748 591690 to book a treatment or visit her website http://helenshortland.comfor further information.

FIGHTING FATIGUE THE NATURAL WAY

Leave a reply

Characterised by tiredness, lack of enthusiasm and difficulty concentrating, fatigue can have many causes but is a complaint with no single, simple treatment. We all have days when it is difficult to get out of bed but chronic fatigue can be frustrating, leaving sufferers unable to cope. There are however several herbal remedies which can help fight fatigue, as well as various complementary therapies to help bring the body and mind back into balance.

Identifying Causes of Fatigue

Identifying the cause of your fatigue can help you choose the correct remedy. Common causes include:-

Stress – Physical, mental, money or work related worries can keep you awake at night.

Emotional upset – Marital issues, divorce or bereavement can leave you feeling emotionally drained.

Insomnia – This is a medical condition that can be debilitating if left untreated.

Illness or infection – An underactive thyroid or the effort of fighting off illness can leave you feeling drained.

Food intolerance – Often difficult to identify but fatigue can be a major symptom of some food intolerances.

Blood sugar – Imbalance in blood sugar levels can lead to a serious lack of energy.

Depression – This condition can alter sleep patterns or prevent sleep altogether.

Herbal Remedies

Some herbs, called tonic or adaptogenic, can increase vitality and promote wellbeing. They balance the body’s hormonal, digestive, cardiovascular, nervous and immune systems. Alfalfa, ginseng and cordyceps improve strength and stamina. Liquorice, which balances the adrenal glands, can help fatigue caused by weakened immunity. Other herbs you can try include:-

Oats: Rich in minerals and B vitamins, a daily bowl of porridge or a tincture of oat seeds raises energy levels and promotes sleep. Oats combat exhaustion caused by stress, alcohol or drugs and are effective for mental or physical fatigue.

Sage: Stimulates the nervous and digestive systems and is also a good all-round restorative. Try sage tea or a simple infusion of fresh sage leaves, or try a massage with clary sage essential oil. Avoid sage if you are epileptic or pregnant.

Astragalus: Excellent for treating chronic fatigue, it stimulates the immune system and endurance.

Schisandra: Improves digestion of fatty food, regulates sugar levels and the functioning of the liver and kidneys.

Complementary Therapies

Therapies can help with both the physical and mental/emotional causes of fatigue. A course of treatment is usually recommended.

Reiki healing is an excellent all-round therapy for stress. It restores balance in the physical body (helping to balance the adrenals and nervous system) as well as strengthening mental/emotional energy. Reflexology, which stimulates the reflex points on the soles of the feet, aims to bring the whole body back into a state of balance. An excellent remedy for mental/emotional stress and fatigue is Meditation: this wonderful practice boosts mental alertness and focus and eases depression.

Lifestyle Changes

Changing your lifestyle can often relieve fatigue, especially if your lifestyle is contributing towards it! Regular exercise actually increases energy levels, while a new mind-stretching interest can stimulate the mind, leaving less time for lethargy. Being out in nature or taking a walk in the countryside can also boost your energy and wellbeing.

Recipe – Oaty Fruit Muffins

Delicious, low fat, and ideal for maintaining blood sugar levels.

225g plain flour

60g rolled oats

5ml baking powder

5ml bicarbonate of soda

4 medium bananas, mashed

120g caster sugar

90ml skimmed milk

90ml vegetable oil

1 egg

Preheat oven to 190C/Gas mark 5.
Mix dry ingredients together (flour, raising agents, sugar and oats) in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add milk and vegetable oil. Then add mashed bananas.
Add wet ingredients. Blend mixture with a metal spoon.
Spoon mixture into muffin cases, sprinkle with handful of oats and bake for 20 minutes until golden on top.

Notes:

1. Reiki, Reflexology and meditation workshops are available with Helen Shortland.

2. All herbal remedies are available from Little London Herbal Stores, 9 Kings Walk, Nottingham, NG1 2AE. Tel 0115 9472854 or visit www.all-ages-vitamins.co.uk.

HEALING WITH THE ANGELS

Leave a reply

During my 12 years as a Reiki healer, and subsequent attunements in other healing modalities, I have noticed higher and higher vibration energies coming through and adding to the Reiki energy. I have been guided by Archangel Raphael right from the beginning of my healing journey since he came to me in deep meditation after I called in the highest guide possible for me and my work. Nowadays this angelic energy comes through whether I am giving a Reiki or an Angelic Reiki treatment and adds to both the Reiki and Angelic Reiki healing vibrations. The clairvoyant readings I give often indicate which angelic energies a person needs but a healing treatment actually channels those energies into their energy field.

The Angelic Healing Energies

Each of these angelic colours relates to a particular archangel. Archangels are the overseers of guardian angels and are extremely large, powerful and loving beings. Each archangel radiates a particular aura colour relating to their specific purpose. Here is a list of the colours, their meanings and a note of which particular archangel they relate to:-

Creamy white (Azrael) – heals grief.

Pale green (Chamuel) – heals anxiety and brings peace.

Copper/orange (Gabriel) – heals issues around childbirth and fertility as well as creative projects.

Bluish white (Haniel) – heals female cycles.

Violet (Jeremiel) – heals emotions.

Dark pink (Jophiel) – heals negativity, trauma and chaos.

Green and pink stripes (Metatron) – heals childhood issues and learning disorders.

Purple (Michael) – heals fear and nervousness.

Royal blue (Michael) – brings courage and confidence.

Pale blue (Raguel) – heals personal and professional relationships.

Emerald green (Raphael) – heals physical problems.

Rainbow stripes (Raziel) – releases spiritual and psychic blocks, often connected to past lives.

Turquoise (Sandalphon) – heals aggressive tendencies.

Pale yellow (Uriel) – heals unforgiveness and resentment.

Dark blue (Zadkiel) – heals memory and mental functioning.

White (guardian angels) – raises vibration and lifts you above negativity.

Gold (Christ energy) – releases guilt and develops faith in self.

Pearlescent (Divine Feminine) – motherhood issues and issues with children/offspring.

Client Experiences

Many of my clients report seeing coloured light during their healing treatments. Many report seeing purple which helps them to release any fears they have been holding onto. Blue is another colour that is frequently seen during treatments: I often see it around a person’s shoulders bringing them courage to shoulder their responsibilities. A client with high cholesterol, who had suffered a minor stroke about a year previously, saw a bight emerald/lime green ball of light during his treatment. He had suffered an on-going weakness in his right side following the stroke but during the treatment felt an incredible power and energy in his right arm as the healing energy focussed itself in that area.

Calling on the Archangels Yourself

Everyone is able to call upon the archangels and you can invoke them by your own intent. The easiest way is to just visualise the Archangel (with its coloured aura) with you or your loved one, saying or thinking their name silently or aloud and asking them to help you. You can also ask God to send the archangel to you or a loved one or pray to the archangel for their help. Archangels have unlimited energy, with no restrictions of space or time, so can be with many different people at once. You can also visualise the archangel’s aura colour around a situation or person in need of healing. For example, for someone suffering with grief you would visualise creamy white light around that person, especially in the heart area. This calls forth the healing power of Archangel Azrael.

Once you start asking for help, the angels and archangels will be able to help you. Practice this often and you will soon start to develop a stronger and closer relationship with these wonderful beings of love, light and healing.

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. She runs a range of spiritual themed workshops including Developing Intuition and Connecting to your Spirit Guide. Please ring her on 07748 591690 to book a treatment or visit her website http://helenshortland.com for further information.

Upcoming workshops:

Developing Intuition workshop Sat 26^th April 2014, 2.30-5pm, £15.

Connecting to your Spirit Guide workshop Sat 22^nd February 2014, 2.30pm-5pm, £15 (now fully booked).

Please email me at helenshortland@live.co.uk for further information/booking.

What is “Healing”?

Leave a reply

We are all accustomed to hearing about the healing journey, spiritual healing, energy healing, Reiki healing etc but what exactly does ‘healing’ mean? The term ‘healing’ means becoming whole, ie. being aware of yourself on all levels (physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually) and accepting, expressing and integrating all that you are. It is not denying aspects of yourself and living your life according to the expectations and needs of others but loving yourself enough to be who you really are.

The word energy is derived from the Greek words ‘en’ meaning in or inside and ‘ergon’ meaning work, force, power or effort. Healing energy can therefore be interpreted as doing our inner work so that we can become whole.

Physical Healing

We have all had aches and pains, cuts and bruises, infection and illnesses. We may have needed antibiotics, stitches or painkillers to help and taken time out to rest and recuperate but essentially our bodies heal themselves.

Emotional Healing

We have all suffered emotional pain and injuries too. We have all experienced unpleasant painful feelings such as anger, fear, sadness, loneliness and rejection. Our natural response is to deny these feelings as we are too ashamed to admit to them. After all, emotional pain is harder to see and therefore easier to ignore. However when these feelings are suppressed in the subconscious mind, the body always responds in some way – muscular tension, pain and stiffness, and the autonomic nervous system floods the body with anxiety-stimulating stress hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol.

We learn through experience that society does not deem it appropriate to express painful emotions and we even call them ‘negative’ to reinforce the idea that they are unwanted. However, when these emotions are not expressed, they become stored in our body, energy system and unconscious mind. When painful emotions are suppressed or denied, the act of suppression leads to anxiety, worry or depression, physical illness or addition. People usually turn to painkillers, medication or self-medicate with alcohol or drugs.

Pain from the past continues to affect the present. It can take years to even acknowledge that painful emotions exist. But until we can finally admit to ourselves that something is wrong, we will find it very difficult to heal. We remain in this pattern of suppression and denial until we are ready to release and transform.

Becoming Whole

Becoming whole means being in good health and balance of all levels – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Wholeness involves acknowledging and accepting all that we are. First it is necessary to discover and accept the more ‘negative’ aspects of our character and all the painful emotions we carry.

Few people genuinely love or understand themselves enough. It is so much easier to judge ourselves and find ourselves lacking in some way, not being worthy enough or lovable enough. Understanding is key: understanding where those painful emotions came from and the beliefs we have around them. We must forgive ourselves for the mistakes we have made and we must also forgive others for the mistakes they have made towards us. If you cannot forgive, you must at least learn to detach from the pain and let it go. It is the only way to heal, the only way to set yourself free from the pain of the past.

Moving Forward

The best way to develop love, understanding and forgiveness is through a spiritual practice such as meditation; a form of healing such as spiritual, energy or Reiki healing; healing meditation connecting with the energy of love; or even counselling. Meditation helps you enter the witness state of detachment from thoughts and feelings and experience stillness and clarity of mind. Healing treatments can help you connect with the divine energy of source, make you aware of what’s in your heart and fully experience your feelings. Counselling can help you identify painful emotions and explore their origin. By making the connection with your heart, the soul is more able to connect with the body and infuse the body with more light, or soul energy, that helps you release and move forward. I do believe that the body wants to heal itself; we just need to get out of the way and let it happen.

A Life-long Process

Healing is a life-long process. It involves learning about ourselves and being willing to change. I believe that meditation is one of the most profound methods of self-healing we can do and is something that can be practiced regularly by everyone. You can meditate upon your thoughts and emotions and discover where they came from. Vipassana Meditation teaches you how to choose and master your thoughts, thereby influencing your moods and feelings, which has a direct bearing on the physical body. If you practice healing meditation, you can direct a beam of bright white light into areas of tension, pain or illness and visualise the body healing itself. By being willing to change, accept and integrate all parts of ourselves, we can all lead healthier and happier lives.

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. For further information about her courses, workshops and therapies, please visit her website at http://helenshortland.com.