“Americans are becoming increasingly bankrupt–mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually–but it doesn’t have to be that way.” – Laura Bonetzky-Joseph, author of The Secrets to Healing (click)
In Japan, the energy-healing practice of Reiki has been reported to heal everything from major illnesses like Cancer and autoimmune disease to mystery ailments like chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, and stress. So why aren’t we seeing these same results in the U.S.?
As an experienced healer, multi-generational intuitive, speaker, podcaster, seeker, spiritual mentor, Jikiden Reiki® Shihan (teacher), social justice warrior, and a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, and litigation abuse, Joseph knows first-hand both the destructive power of trauma, and the healing power of Reiki when properly understood and utilized.
“Unresolved trauma is an unrecognized epidemic that many times is the root cause for issues such as chronic illness, cancer, pain, autoimmune disorders, and anxiety,” says Bonetzky-Joseph, “Over a number of years, I suffered from more than one of these conditions, until I discovered a better way to eliminate them from my life.”
Laura’s journey to healing began when she started looking into aspects of her issues that the healthcare system couldn’t figure out. “For over 14 years,” she says, “I systematically implemented a spiritually based, holistic approach to my healing that literally saved my life—in ways that you might say defy all logic.”
There is a method, however, to this medical mayhem.
“There is a direct connection between stress and illness,” explains Bonetzky-Joseph. “Medical research has repeatedly shown us over time that two-thirds of all visits to family physicians are due to stress-related symptoms. This has worsened since the recent pandemic. Many people feel they are spinning their wheels, not getting better & searching for answers with no feeling of end in sight, spending a fortune on medical care that is bankrupting Americans at alarming rates, with symptoms getting worse in some cases.”
That’s why she wrote this book. Because it doesn’t have to be that way.
“When we address the ROOT systems including the capitalism of ‘disease’ that is a traded commodity on Wall Street, we can learn NEW ways of accessing healing, recovery, empowerment, and become our own superheroes,” Bonetzky-Joseph reassures.
“In this book, I share with you my half a century long journey, the Japanese teachings I have learned along the way, Reiki stories, and why this powerful medicine, often not prized in a monetized culture, might be exactly what you are seeking.”
It is Laura’s hope that by addressing the capitalist healthcare system, the root issues of chronic illness and disease, that folks will not only find inspiration in these pages, but some healing, practical actionable steps, and reprieve.
Weaving her own personal lived experience AND professional learned experience together, Joseph has created something that is vitally missing in our society, and more specifically in the Reiki industry, spiritual communities, and trauma fields. The Secrets to Healing is intended as a bridge between those gaps.
“My work addresses the unspoken, untapped, challenges and pathways to reclaim our health, vitality and power,” explains Bonetzky-Joseph, “I am someone who has walked this path, trained with credible teachers and shared my work with others.”
The Secrets to Healing is an invitation back to self – an unpacking of our colonized mindsets that is blinding us from becoming our own superheroes of our story and reclaiming our life, health, vitality through the spiritual medicine of the traditional Japanese system of Reiki.
For folks struggling with cancer or chronic illness, this book may hold the answers to restoring wholeness that may be missing in their current care, yet is complementary to existing care.
For folks who are survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, this book may hold the answers to how to break the repetitive cycle of abuse and trauma, offer sustainable methods to heal the trauma manifesting as illness, or offer tools on how to present yourself more effectively when dealing with custody courts.
For Reiki teachers, this book is a must-have resource book for every Reiki certification.
Laura Bonetzky-Joseph is here to help folks who suffer from a history of chronic illness, cancer, trauma, and/or abuse to address root issues, transform pain, bridge science, research and the practical magic so that they can experience sustainable healing and wholeness by rediscovering the body’s ability to heal itself and the power that lies within so that they can become their own superhero. Since 2006, she has helped thousands of people heal issues and restore wholeness – personally, mentally, physically, spiritually, professionally.
Bonetzky-Joseph’s mission is to help others rediscover the power that lies within and become their own superhero by addressing root issues, transforming pain, bridging science, research and the practical magic of sacred, ancient traditions… with honor and integrity. She does this while also advocating for holistic health, domestic violence survivors, and policy changes. She is a bridge between the amazing modern advances of modern medicine with the ancient ways of healing and empowerment through rooted sacred spiritual practices.
And Joseph practices everything she preaches. Even in the writing and publishing of this book, Bonetzky-Joseph has had to make use of her Reiki training.
“I have struggled with a lot of fear, writing this book,” she admits, “fear and anxiety surrounding all the lack aspects – lack of being seen, heard, and understood. Fear of retaliation for speaking my truth, of having my voice silenced once again. I had to put the teachings I preach to use to address my anxiety and fears of lack. I upped my own self-care strategies, put a team in place to support me (mentally, physically, and spiritually) who clearly understand my triggers and my somatic perpetuation of wanting to flee and go back into hiding again.”
But fear is far from the only obstacle she’s faced in the process of getting this book out into the world. “I have had to overcome the multitask of end-of-life care and subsequent passing of both my parents while also running my business, dealing with toxic family structures, moving, closing my father’s business and estate, and maintaining a healthy life work balance,” says Bonetzky-Joseph.
“Triggers and CPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) can be a beast, and can show up unannounced at any time. There is something strange that happens when the body reacts differently than the mind, like a two-year-old having a temper tantrum in the middle of the grocery store line. I have had to give myself grace when needed. I have had to push myself when it was needed. I have had to check myself on how much I am living what I am preaching and especially on the last precept – Do your duties fully – and contemplating on what that looks like in completing this book,” Bonetzky-Joseph confesses, “I have had to remind myself that if I want folks to believe in me, I need to believe in me better and stronger. I must believe in the medicine I offer more convincingly.”
Bonetzky-Joseph believes it is her extensive, intersectional training and dedicated practice that have allowed her to thrive and reach her goals despite the obstacles she’s had to overcome. And she wants these same results to be available to everyone.
“I believe in a world where universal balance is restored. When we can understand the intricate nature and power of the universe resides within us, we can restore our own innate healing and power. With that knowledge and understanding comes stewardship, great personal responsibility, and understanding that the balance of ALL life is needed for us as humans to become fully whole on a planet that sustains us.”
“If you can heal trauma,” Bonetzky-Joseph reassures, “you can heal anything.”
Joseph offers spiritually-based integrative holistic health enrichment private sessions, workshops, groups, retreats, and guest appearances at our location or yours.
Here’s what her clients have to say:
“Laura Joseph, what can I say?? She’s just Awsum! She helped me in soooo many ways, from spiritual & emotional healing, I’ve been to her retreats (omg, life changing!), I’ve had sound healings, mediumship readings, reiki session, empath workshop, & even had training to practice Jikiden Reiki! There’s not much this girl hasn’t done! Not only has it been great to be a client, but I am especially grateful for the friendship & kinship that has developed from that as well!” – Monica McCall
“Laura is truly one of a kind. Her knowledge and experiences she shared only enhanced my learning throughout the seminar. I look forward to practicing and evolving under her guidance as I take this incredible journey as someone who can now begin to give Jikiden Reiki. Thank you, Laura!” – Maribel Carubia, Jikiden Reiki Training (click)
“I highly recommend it for anyone being told they’re ‘too sensitive,’ weighed down by their emotions or their environment, or feel as though they don’t fit in. Laura is excellent at what she does and she has knowledge, compassion, insight and understanding that is truly unmatched.” – Debbie Gillis
“It can be challenging to open up, be vulnerable in a group. The class felt safe & nurturing & it became increasingly easier to share personal experiences.” – Jeannine Whitehead
“Without the help I have received here I do not know where I would be today or who I would be.” – James Fennessy
After 20 years since Laura embarked on this journey and 10 years writing, it is finally happening. The 2nd book in 2022 (her 1st book) and her first solo book, will be released on 10/10/22.
This book takes a real honest look at how we address and heal the growing chronic illness and trauma rates through the eyes of a domestic violence and sexual assault survivor, Reiki teacher, wellness professional, and advocate with over 20yrs experience working in a medical environment & legislative policy.
Laura weaves her personal story, work, training, and social justice work in this must have book.
I assure you … there is no book on the market like it that addresses the root issues and solutions like she does through this lens.
This book also includes a special insert on Shintoism by our dear friend, Reiki teacher, mentor, and Vice Representative of the Jikiden Reiki Institute, Kyoto, Japan, Frank Arjava Petter.
ABOUT TICKETS:
The cost to attend is solely for the purchase of the book.
Every attendee registered will receive an autographed copy of “The Secrets to Healing: An Invitation to Healing Trauma and Other Root Causes of Chronic Illness Using the Japanese Reiki Gokai”
NOTE: If you have already purchased your book and would like to attend, please reach out via text message 857-880-0365 with a photo of you holding the book or receipt of purchase, and if tickets are still available, we will grant you a ticket at no extra cost – unless you wish to purchase an extra book as a gift.
Again, the purchase of a ticket for this event is for the book.
Light refreshments served.
Plus, we will be offering raffles prizes and gifts throughout the event.
This is a ticketed event due to space limitations & advanced book orders.
Due to immense interest in this event and book, we advise to purchase your tickets early to ensure you do not miss out.
We will also have limited copies of our first co-authored book, “Feisty: Dangerously Amazing Women Using Their Voices to Make An Impact” available for purchase as well.
To learn more about these books, services, podcast, social media and more, click here
This recording was NOT planned as you can see in the video. Dr. Adrienne McClain offered to share in the raw what she experienced after 2 sessions working with Laura as she found them to be quite powerful.
In this brief 6-minute video, she shares:
Her experience working with Laura.
What she didn’t anticipate would happen.
What shifted that landed her a job offer and new clients.
Why to work with Laura.
What separates Laura’s work from others.
Why others should work with her.
To learn more about Laura’s work, social justice work, podcast and more scroll through this website or visit: https://linktr.ee/HealingWithSpirit
Scroll below you will also find additional resources & information.
Listen to this episode here
or watch it on YouTube here:
ABOUT Michaela Daystar:
Michaela Daystar founded HeartScapes after 11 years of helping university students increase their capacity for social justice. At the intersection of self-reflection, spiritual practice, and social action, she teaches the system of Reiki as a pathway to understanding, healing, and expressing our true self, and adapts trauma-informed principles for Reiki practitioners. Michaela continues her studies of Reiki with the International House of Reiki and holds a master’s degree in Social Justice Leadership. www.heartscapesinsight.com
Vision: To break the unrecognized endemic of unresolved unhealed trauma & create sustainable systems for recovery, healing & empowerment.
Mission: To help others rediscover the power that lies within and to find that treasure buried in the depths of the shadows. To help them become their own superhero.
We hope by addressing the intersectionality and connect the dots like a web of many of society’s challenges, we can help others understand the trauma infection that impacts all areas of life – addiction, domestic violence, racism, homelessness, sexual abuse, chronic health issues, cancer, environmental issues, climate change and more.
In this NEW collaborative program, we hope by highlighting these infected areas and what they share in common, a new perspective of solutions, healing, and resolutions can be birthed. Click here for more information:
Learn the mechanics of HOW and transform your life in this 3 part interactive experiential virtual workshop series
If you clicked on a link and you are reading this, there is a reason. Thank you and thank yourself too (you will be glad you did).
Let’s uncover what’s blocking you from BE-ing in your full power, and harness it with simple easy to learn time tested exercises backed by a facilitator with immense personal & professional experience of almost 20 years.
Heal old stories & trauma (personal, generational, karmic & past life) stealing your joy, purpose, and life. Learn HOW to turn triggers into super powers.
This is a three part interactive experiential virtual workshop series NOT a lecture series that is designed to help you make breakthroughs you have been seeking but maybe never considered THIS as a possibility.
This event is NOT pre-recorded. This event is a LIVE interactive experiential virtual event on Zoom.
We will dive deep in the operating systems of our subconscious minds to reveal what needs upgrading or purging preventing us from BE-ing in the fullness of our power..
This program comes at a time where the craziness of the world perpetuates more divide and harm knowingly or unknowingly avoiding the key root issues.
Are you ready to change and up level yourself?
Join me and learn how to harness & master these three super powers.
We chose these dates with the 1st New Moon of 2022 on January 2, 2022 at the start of our course and the 1st Full Moon of 2022 is on January 17, 2022 at the completion of our course.
This is a GREAT course to kick off the new year with 2 POWERFUL moon cycles to start the year off strong and the timing can not be more perfect with this moon cycle.
This course also makes a GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT to ask for or give as a gift to someone you love this holiday season.
Who This Program Is For:
This program is anyone called to it for whatever reason and/or for those
seeking deep guidance, direction and breakthroughs through a series of experientials.
who feel like they are doing everything right, but not matter what they “do”, they can’t seem to make the breakthroughs they are seeking. They want to understand what is missing and make a change.
for those who want to improve outcomes, results, and manifestations.
who want to break cycles, but don’t know how because everything else they tried has not worked or worked effectively enough.
who are struggling with triggered responses
Part 1: The POWER of the Word
Tuesday, January 4, 2022
7-9pm (NY-EST)
(1st New Moon of 2022 on January 2, 2022)
Words have energy do they not?
If you are saying to yourself right now, “yeah yeah yeah. I have heard this. I do this work. I have done affirmations and mantras.” I want to challenge you. Let’s uncover what is unseen buried in the subconscious mind through a series of experientials.
Words have spiritual power is also what makes gaslighting so effective to create harm, but why haven’t we mastered the power of the word to empower us? Learn what is missing and how to harness this simple power to breakthrough imaginary walls and empower our very BEing.
We will use some very simple Japanese concepts rooted in Shinto teachings. There is a reason why Japan did NOT have a written language until Buddhist was imported in 4th century.
Part 2: The POWER of the Pause
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
7-9pm (NY-EST)
The RBG Superpower
This is the most widely known concept, but the most misunderstood. Shift the power of the word and shift the energy driving it by learning not just to pause, but learn how to master the pause.
Bring clarity into the problem and identify HOW you can move towards an effective solution.
Learn what is missing and how to harness this simple power. THIS was the power that Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) mastered that enabled her to win five our of six supreme court cases. Are you ready?
Part 3: The POWER of Processing
Tuesday, January 18th
7-9pm (NY-EST)
(1st Full Moon of 2022 is January 17th)
Feel. Understand. Let Go.
How many times have you heard “just let go and move on” Well if we knew HOW to do this effectively, we would, right?
Emotions are energy in motion. This is a step I witness most folks wanting to avoid, escape from, or numb ourselves from. Learn why this is a crucial step that is needed and why processing our junk effectively matters.
By Learning HOW to effectively process our “stuff”, we gain clarity. We gain understanding. We make sense of things. We deal with our “stuff” in a healthier way so it is NOT running like a toxic operating system running in the background of our minds sabotaging our efforts.
How we process starts with our own tool box.
Join us an learn HOW.
Are you ready?
About Your Facilitator:
Laura Joseph is New England native located just south of Boston. She goes by the pronouns she/her. She is a seasoned multi-generational healer, speaker, intuitive, holistic health practitioner, educator, truth seeker, social justice junkie, trauma survivor, trauma recovery specialist, seer, & earth based medicine woman.
Laura is currently working on getting certified in addictions counseling and is learning every day through various teachers on the topics of privilege, anti-racism, diversity, inclusion and decolonizing the mindset.
What started out as trying to learn how to fix the broken me after succession of various form of abuse Laura endured culminated by domestic violence, let to her career practicing spiritually based integrative holistic health enrichment since 2006.
This program is born out of the accumulation of teachings, personal growth, healing & recovery and her professional experience helping thousands of others in their path.
What is NEXT?
Investment: Special Limited Time Offering $199 (Savings of $50)
Patreon Member? Get up to 40% off. Click here to learn how to become a member today
Limited scholarships available. To qualify, please write a one page paper as why you need the scholarship, your commitment to self development, Why you feel this workshop could help you and what you hope to gain, and attach any supporting documentation or reference. Click here to inquire
These are virtual gatherings for those practitioners and teachers already certified in Jikiden Reiki® for extra visual support, community building, reciting Gokai together, talk about Jikiden Reiki® & more.
These will be weekly and will change as the group finds its grove and needs. Please NOTE these are held at EST.
These are FREE for now, but will change as we grow as a fundraiser for the forming of the Jikiden Reiki® Association of Ma
For more about Jikiden Reiki® services, click here.
For more about Jikidren Reiki® training, click here.
Pre-requisite: You must be a certified Jikiden Reiki® Practitioner or Teacher from a verifiable Shihan (teacher) through the Jikiden Reiki® Institute, Kyoto, Japan. If you are unsure if you qualify, please contact us.
To register and to choose dates you wish to participate in, click here.
As someone who has been practicing spiritually based integrative therapies since 2006, looking into using complimentary alternative medicine (CAM) for holistic treatment options as part of an addiction treatment program intrigues me. Personally, in my own recovery, not from addictions, but from complex post traumatic stress disorder or CPTSD, these therapies I credit for saving my life, reduced my need to be medicated and potentially reduced my risk for addictions.
In this post, I was hoping to learn more about how effective these therapies are in treatment for addiction, but have found limited scientific data.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)[1], approximately 23 million Americans require treatment for a substance use problem, but only 2.5 million people in the U.S. receive treatment which includes:
pharmacotherapy, including medications to treat addiction or related mental health conditions;
or a combination of pharmacotherapy and behavioral therapy.
As we are learning to understand, due to the complexity of how addiction affects each person, there is not one single treatment right for everyone.
With that said, even the best treatments cannot guarantee complete remission of addiction and drug-seeking behaviors, which is why integrating CAM approaches as part of the treatment option might improve the recovery outcomes.
Types of CAM approaches are separated into two categories:
Natural products such as mineral, vitamins, herbals, Adaptogens like Ashwagandha and probiotics.
Mind and body therapies such as yoga, chiropractic, osteopathic, meditation, massage, acupuncture, Thai chi, expressive arts, reiki, Chinese medicine, Ayurveda medicine, homeopathy, naturopathic medicine and more.
CAM treatments can benefit addiction treatment in at least three ways[2]:
addiction prevention,
increasing treatment compliance,
and boosting treatment outcomes.
In the case of prevention, CAM interventions can be implemented to treat underlying conditions that commonly occur in association with addiction, such as mental illness and chronic pain. If these issues are addressed and managed early, addiction may never develop. For mental illness, there is good evidence to support that CAM strategies are effective in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.[3]
The Benefits of Adaptogens
Adaptogens like Ashwagandha[4] root are natural substances that help the adrenal system regulate hormones and manage stress. Over recent years, I have seen how well Ashwagandha works for so many especially those with diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, addictions, and sleep issues that have astounded me and have had reports of some in recovery who have used this as part of their treatment effectively.
One of the attributes of ashwagandha is its ability to induce calmness and clarity by regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and the stress hormone cortisol. Research has shown that consuming ashwagandha may “substantially” reduce chronic stress to help your body adapt to and alleviate the stomach-churning anxiety stress can cause. (Mercola)
Research indicates there’s a likelihood that ashwagandha may be useful for helping patients in opioid withdrawal as well as reducing or eliminating dependence on benzodiazapene drugs such as Xanax and Valium[5].
Equine Assisted Therapy
Statistics, data, and research is lacking in the field of complimentary alternative medicine. However, CAM approaches can be helpful by keeping the individual engaged and active in their course of addiction treatment.
One such technique is horse-assisted therapy (also known as equine-assisted therapy), an intervention that actively involves horses during the therapy process. Results show that people stayed in treatment for twice as many days and were much more likely to complete treatment than those in traditional programming.[6]
Mindfulness Based Approaches
According to NCCIH, mindfulness-based approaches have shown some success when applied to the treatment of substance abuse and addiction by improving distress tolerance.[7]
Available data suggest that mindfulness-based interventions may help significantly reduce the consumption of several substances including alcohol, cigarettes, opiates, and others compared to control groups; however, many studies have had small sample sizes, methodological problems, and a lack of consistently replicated findings.
Other types of CAM treatments studied with effectiveness include[8]:
Mindfulness meditation has been effective in reducing cigarette use and reducing cravings.
Mindfulness Based for Reduction in Pain: A 2016 review also found that mindfulness-based interventions effectively reduce pain intensity, improve functional status, improve pain-related psychological consequences, and improve quality of life; they can also be used as adjunct therapy aimed at improving health-related quality of life in individuals with substance use disorders interested in self-management strategies.
Mindfulness Based For Reduction of Consumption: A 2014 systematic review of 24 studies found evidence suggesting that mindfulness-based interventions can reduce the consumption of several substances including alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana, cigarettes, and opiates to a significantly greater extent than wait list controls, non-specific educational support groups, and some specific control groups.
Hypnotherapy study in 2014 found that hypnotherapy patients were more likely than nicotine replacement therapy patients to be nonsmokers at 12 weeks and 26 weeks after hospitalization.
Yoga has been shown to reduce cravings and to ease withdrawal from nicotine, with stronger results in women.
Thai chi seems to enhance mindfulness and one’s ability to break the cycle of nicotine addiction.
Acupuncture has been studied with a number of addictions.Most notably, electric acupuncture has helped to reduce relapse rates for people addicted to opioids.
Several studies have used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the effects of mindful attention on the anterior cingulate and prefrontal cortex in smokers, the areas of the brain associated with cravings and self-control.
In a 2017 study of 23 participants who completed either mindfulness training or cognitive behavioral treatment for smoking cessation, the researchers found that stress reactivity in several brain regions including the amygdala and anterior/mid insula was related to reductions in smoking after treatment.[9] The findings suggest that reduction in stress reactivity may be one of the underlying mechanisms of mindfulness-based treatments.
The Benefits of Tibetan Singing Bowls
Tibetan Singing Bowls[10] have been used by Tibetan monks for centuries for healing and meditation purposes. These bowls create a range of sounds to restore the normal vibratory frequencies of diseased and out-of-harmony parts of the body, mind and soul.
A 2016 study examined the effects of sound meditation, specifically Tibetan singing bowl meditation, which “concluded that Tibetan singing bowl meditation may be a feasible low-cost low technology intervention for reducing feelings of tension, anxiety, and depression, and increasing spiritual well-being. This meditation type may be especially useful in decreasing tension in individuals who have not previously practiced this form of meditation.”[11]
Although the study results are brief, I find it promising. I began using Tibetan singing bowls in my work in 2015 as something I felt drawn to do on an instinctual basis for my own healing. As someone who has a history of trauma resulting in CPTSD, I welcome this study.
I went through the traditional medicinal route and felt I was given a band-aid with a wound that continued to grow and fester with no relief in sight. So since 2005, I began looking into me. Who I am, and how can I heal especially when my very trust in humanity was so broken. I went up into the spiritual unknown to build my trust in my spirituality.
“If we accept that sound is vibration and we know that vibration touches every part of our physical being, then we understand that sound is heard not only through our ears but through every cell in our bodies. One reason sound heals on a physical level is because it so deeply touches and transforms us on the emotional and spiritual planes. Sound can redress imbalances on every level of physiologic functioning and can play a positive role in the treatment of virtually any medical disorder.” — Dr. Mitchell Gaynor
Reiki For Addiction
Other potential viable options also include reiki. Since traditional nonwestern forms of reiki (Jikiden Reiki[12]) has been prevalent in my own personal healing path as well as with those I have treated and/or taught who are in recovery, I looked into reiki research. Jikiden Reiki® is the “direct teaching” of Reiki from Japan that is free from Western influence. The word Reiki itself means “soul energy”, which is the natural, vital healing force found in all life.
Jikiden Reiki® sessions focus on removing toxins from the body and guiding it towards wholeness. Jikiden Reiki is known for its effective treatment of acute and chronic conditions, as well as to address deep rooted beliefs, habits, traumas and addictions. Reiki has been effective treatment option like alleviating pain, pre-op and post-op surgery recovery, anxiety, skin conditions and post-traumatic stress.
Unfortunately, I was unable to find a quality study on the effectiveness of reiki for addiction, but found numerous individual accounts of addiction and recovery on how reiki helped their own recovery as evidence.
According to the Rehab Center which offers reiki therapy, states “alternative medicine, like Reiki therapy, for addiction has been successful for some individuals, but is likely only effective when it meets the unique needs and beliefs of the person”.[13]
Benefits include according to this site:
may help an individual with some aspects of recovery
boost energy
lower stress
reduce pain
help with symptoms of withdrawals
reduce agitation
promote relaxation,
may also help a person remain calm during the early and stressful stages of addiction treatment.
According to Sober Nation, if done within the few first days of detox, Reiki therapy may help make withdrawal symptoms more tolerable to endure. Secondly, people are better able to deal with stress of recovery and life in a healthier manner.[14]
Additionally, Reiki therapy for drug and alcohol addiction also helps those newly recovering deal with anger and resentments which are common triggers that can lead people back into active addiction. I have personally witnessed this aspect in my own practice when reiki is used effectively from a qualified practitioner. Reiki therapy also helps repair the physical and psychological damage that addiction causes and allows the individual to get back on a path towards a healthy lifestyle.[15]
I did find one recovery site that had concerns regarding reiki “detoxication” which can be explained simply from my experience.[16] Most Americans are trained in some form of “westernized” reiki which is NOT the full scope of training as it was taught in Japan with many added “new age” concepts. When the traditional training is adhered to which takes decades to master, the so called “reiki detoxification” mentioned has been reduced by 90% with a 90% reduction of intensification from my own personal experience of doing THIS work since 2006.
Final Thoughts
Overall, there is a lack of evidence to support the use of many forms of CAM despite numerous individual claims of benefit. I can personally attest to this so-called phenomena. For this reason, most of the sites I researched urged “caution” in initiating CAM treatments due to lack of safety.
This only makes me question is this due to the lack of research or money lobbied by big business, wall street and Big Pharma. I say this because known therapies such as meditation and yoga have repeatedly been shown to be effective and safe and have been effectively practiced as part of a spiritual based practice for thousands of years.
I also feel that how is it possible to quantify and make quantitative something that is spiritually based like yoga, reiki, Thai chi, or meditation just to name a few which can vary based on personal beliefs, spiritual beliefs, and experiences that at the end of the day are all personal.
This is not a one shoe fits all approach. It takes someone skilled at knowing their clients, their needs and belief systems to know which approach is best suited for them. It is part of what I consider the spiritual journey. These therapies are different from other forms of spiritually based therapies as they are free from religious indoctrination and dogma and tap into the something that links all spiritual beliefs that are our innate BE-ing.
Based on what my research is showing and from my own personal experiences, the results of implementing complimentary alternative medicine as part of a treatment plan can be very promising with much less serious if not deadly side effects seen in traditional medical approaches and can be used as part of a treatment program during ALL stages addiction treatment.
I am hoping you found this guide helpful. This is just the tip to what is possible and plausible.
I would LOVE to hear from you as to what you found most resourceful for you
With appreciation,
Laura
Spiritual Medium, Healer, Speaker, Writer, Metaphysician, Advocate, Holistic Health Practitioner, Facilitator, Trauma Specialist, Empowerment Specialist and Spiritual Badass.
For more information about classes, click here and our events calendar, click here.
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There is so much frenzy going on regarding the cornonavirus. I won’t belabor what is wrong.
So with that said, I felt I wanted to share with you MY tips to keep yourself healthy and boost your immune system. We forget that our bodies are designed to heal themselves. What I want to propose are ways to help strengthen your mind, body, and spirit during this crisis.
First, outside the basics of what is already flooded everywhere on the internet and social media such as good hand washing, minimize social contact, stay home if sick etc, there is more. I will NOT go into all that, but instead I will go into the OTHER stuff that sometimes is not addressed in the mainstream.
Are you ready for some of my home remedy tips?
Before we start, I would like to say, I do NOT do all of these at once. I pause. I listen to my body for what it needs intimately. Over the years in healing myself and my body, I have learned the power of building a relationship with my body and know what various emotional triggers, sensations, pains etc represent to me.
I encourage you to build a relationship with your body as it knows best what it needs. The body carries within it, infinite wisdom for your healing needs.
With that said, I will usually do a combination of these based on what I feel my body needs at that time. In this post I will address:
The herbal and vitamin tips
Things to increase
Eat more …
Things to avoid
and final thoughts
Here are my general recommendations:
The Herbal and Vitamin Tips
Elderberry: Elderberries have been used traditionally, and in some observational and clinical studies, as supportive agents against the common cold and influenza. (NCBI)
Turmeric (click here) has long been recognized for its medicinal properties. It aids in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and hyperlipidemia. (NCBI). My favorite way of taking this is: turmeric root shaved 1 tsp (if only have access to spice powder then substitute), dash of cracked pepper in 6-8oz of hot water. Seep for 5min. Drink all. This is a chemical thing. Personally. I have found this combo work as effectively as other anti-inflammatories without the added side effects of liver and/or kidney damage. Click here for other top 10 evidence based benefits.
Vitamin D and Vitamin K2: Vitamin D has important roles in addition to its classic effects on calcium and bone homeostasis as well as immunity. I personally take 6000 IU of Vitamin D3 with added K2. Vitamins D and K are both fat-soluble vitamins and play a central role in calcium metabolism. Studies suggest that optimal concentrations of both vitamin D and vitamin K are beneficial for bone and cardiovascular health. (NCBI)
Zinc and vitamin C: Supplementation of vitamin C was found to improve components of the human immune system such as antimicrobial and natural killer cell activities, lymphocyte proliferation, chemotaxis, and delayed-type hypersensitivity (PubMed). Likewise, zinc also plays a role in immune function.
Probiotics: A prospective study of probiotic supplementation results in immune stimulation and improvement of upper respiratory infection rate (NCBI). Considering the coronavirus attacks the lungs, this might be something very easily dismissed in its role by the mainstream. We forget that gut health is paramount for overall health.
Honey: Honey clasps several medicinal and health effects as a natural food supplement. It has been established as a potential therapeutic antioxidant agent for various biodiverse ailments. Studies show it exhibits strong wound healing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, and antidiabetic effects. It also retains immunomodulatory, estrogenic regulatory, antimutagenic, anticancer, and numerous other vigor effects. Research also shows that honey, as a conventional therapy, might be a novel antioxidant to abate many of the diseases directly or indirectly associated with oxidative stress (PMC). Personally, I choose raw organic unfiltered honey that is local or manuka honey for therapeutic treatment. Manuka honey has shown it kills bacterial pathogens.
EZC Pak – This is a physician directed tapered immune support pack with high concentrations of organic Echinacea, Zinc, and Vitamin C. EZC Pak (click here) is one of the main things I personally took (on top of the other recommendations above) in December 2019 with some odd virus that was unlike anything I have ever had after travelling abroad in the fall. It was so odd, I actually researched “international diseases” for travelers aka warnings etc. Was it COVID19 I had? … I am not 100% sure, but my symptoms matched it perfectly, and I am sure this is also was killed my beloved Ava.
Things to Increase:
Rest & Sleep:
Have you noticed that when you do not get enough sleep, you are prone to getting sick? Not getting enough sleep can lead to higher levels of a stress hormone. It may also lead to more inflammation in your body.
Most of our body’s ability to repair itself happens when we are at rest. So ensuring we get enough rest is important. Also, increasing the dosage of sleep might be needed as forecast moving through the energies of 2020.
One new study has explained how sleep contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system (Medical News Today).
Meditation
Meditation boosts antibodies. A recent study confirmed that, after being given weekly meditation training for 8 weeks, 48 biotech workers had significantly higher levels of antibodies than the control group.
Meditation stimulates immune system brain-function regions. Mindfulness meditation has shown increases in electrical activity in the prefrontal cortex, the right anterior insula, and right hippocampus, all parts that control positive emotions, awareness, and anxiety. These are also the areas of the brain that act as a command center for your immune system. When stimulated, they make the immune system function more effectively (The Chopra Center)
DON’T KNOW HOW OR STRUGGLE: Practice being present and try some mindful breathing or go into nature and UNPLUG from your devises. Sometimes 5-10 min a day is all the body needs.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese complementary alternative mind body medicine therapy that works with the human body’s bioenergy field.
Our bodies are designed and fully equipped to heal themselves, but many of are so use to looking for external solutions, we may have forgotten. Reiki taps into those innate healing abilities. By doing to, it can also promote the body’s natural immune response.
Jikiden Reiki practitioners, for instance, are trained to sense levels of toxins present in the physical body. Reiki is then used to intensively promote detoxification and a return to the body’s normal homeostasis. When minor sicknesses, such as coughs and colds are being treated, they will typically move through the body much faster than usual.
Yoga
Yoga is a mind and body practice with a 5,000-year history in ancient Indian philosophy. Various styles of yoga combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation. (Medical News Today)
Research published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine suggests that yoga can be helpful way to boost your immune system and decrease inflammation in the body. (Psychology Today)
Massage
There is growing body of research indicates massage therapy can benefit the immune system. Researchers have reported people who undergo massage experience measurable changes in their body’s immune and endocrine response. (Science Daily)
Thai Chi, Exercise, etc
With age, our immune systems become less nimble and not quite as ruthless. The number of T cells drop. The B cells also start to wind down, making fewer antibodies that respond to outside intruders and more errant ones that turn on the body itself.
Small studies have yielded some evidence that exercise seems to re-energize the immune system (Harvard Medical School)
Tai chi might have a strong effect on the immune system because it manages to bring exercise, relaxation, and meditation together in “one behavioral intervention,” the researchers said. They theorized that tai chi enhances T cell activity by quieting the nervous system’s “fight or flight” response, which can, in certain circumstances, interfere with the immune system. (Harvard Medical School)
Shin Rin Yoku
This is a Japanese term otherwise known as “forest bathing”. Current literature supports the comprehensive health benefits of exposure to nature and green environments on human systems on something that has been incorporated as part of the Shinto culture in Japan to decrease undue stress, potential burnout and “technostress.” (NCBI)
Studies have also found that “forest bathing” has “positive physiological effects, such as blood pressure reduction, improvement of autonomic and immune functions, as well as psychological effects of alleviating depression and improving mental health” (NCBI).
bone broth is the secret ingredient in our mother’s chicken soup with all sorts of yummies for our immune health,
seaweed ( I like sneaking it in soups),
organic “berries” such as raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries
fresh rosemary,
holy basil,
fresh parsley,
ginger root – in teas, soups, dishes,
raw garlic has been shown to help fight viruses and bacteria. I eat this generously on the daily whether on toast or in dishes. It is one of my favorite go to foods.
… Things to Avoid …
Stress – Avoid or Minimize
Stress or at least work towards minimizing and taking steps to release stress when necessary. When we’re stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced. That is why we are more susceptible to infections. Check out Stress, Illness and the Immune System.
WHAT TO DO: You can try CBD to help cope with stress which targets the endocannabinoid system.
Some studies suggest that cannabinoids like THC and CBD are immunosuppressant, which can explain the relief experienced by medical cannabis users with autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation. Other studies have shown that regular cannabis use can increase white blood cell counts in immunodeficiency disorders such as HIV, suggesting an immune-boosting effect.
Research shows that dietary habits influence disease risk. Poor diet quality is implicated in almost every disease and health issue. Processed foods harm your gut bacteria and promote insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and overall disease risk (NCBI).
WHAT TO DO: Research indicates that diets abundant in plant foods and low in processed products strengthen your health (Healthline). Choose whole grains and things that do NOT come in a box.
Alcohol: Avoid or Minimize
Clinicians have long observed an association between excessive alcohol consumption and adverse immune-related health effects such as susceptibility to pneumonia and more recently to a greater likelihood of acute respiratory stress syndromes (ARDS), sepsis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and certain cancers; a higher incidence of postoperative complications; and slower and less complete recovery from infection and physical trauma, including poor wound healing (NCBI).
Alcohol can cause dehydration and lower immune system function, which may worsen cold symptoms as well as adversely affect other cold and flu medications. Therefore, reducing alcohol consumption would be a wise move at this moment unless you are a hot toddy type of person.
EXCEPTION: Some suggest the warm beverage’s ingredients of a hot toddy are known to alleviate cold symptoms. Whiskey, specifically, also contains the antioxidant ellagic acid, which studies suggest may help treat viral and bacterial infections (Fatherly)
Processed Sugar: Avoid or Minimize
A high-sugar diet (HSD) induces Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity, which severely threaten human health including immune response. (PubMed). Eating or drinking too much processed sugar curbs immune system cells that attack bacteria.
WHAT TO DO: When it comes to viral infections, eat healthier forms of sugars found in fruits, vegetables, and honey (as mentioned above), which are rich in nutrients like vitamins C and E, plus beta-carotene and zinc. Go for a wide variety of brightly colored fruits and vegetables, including berries, citrus fruits, kiwi, apples, red grapes, kale, onions, spinach, sweet potatoes, and carrots (WebMD)
Dairy: Avoid or Minimize
Dairy is a known inflammatory food and gut disruptor that can aggravate health conditions, such as: eczema, asthma, acne, mood disorders, autism, many autoimmune conditions, especially type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and more.
ALTERNATIVES: Healthier options include goat milk, flax seed milk, hemp milk. If you MUST do the dairy thing, I suggest things like yogurt and butter are generally ok, but avoid milk, cheese, ice cream.
… Finally,
What I have provided here is just a guide. There are so many other alternative and complimentary therapies that would be beneficial. I just wrote about what is in my filters of knowledge and expertise backed by research and other credible information.
I would sincerely like to know if what you found here was helpful to you during these crazy frenzied times we are currently in.
I was told my my wise Osteopathic physician father who has been practicing medicine for over 40+ years tell me, prevention is the best medicine.
Prevention includes making life style changes as well because a pill, an herb, a treatment session is still just a band aid in many situations if you do not correct the underlying culprit.
And as I stated earlier, this is a BIG year energetically where we are being called to do the needed inner spiritual work.
Spiritual bypassing will no longer be an acceptable route to take moving forward. If you missed my 2020 energetic forecast earlier this year, you can click here for the full post including tips to help you navigate these energies.
Please note that content on this website is intended for informational purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, not is it meant to diagnose or treat a health problem, symptom or disease. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this website. Information provided on this website DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and any doctor affiliated with our website.
Alcohol and the Immune System; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Dipak Sarkar, Ph.D., D.Phil., M. Katherine Jung, Ph.D., and H. Joe Wang, Ph.D. ; 2015
Biofield Science and Healing: An Emerging Frontier in Medicine; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Shamini Jain, PhD, John Ives, PhD, Wayne Jonas, MD, Richard Hammerschlag, PhD, David Muehsam, PhD, Cassandra Vieten, PhD, Daniel Vicario, MD, Deepak Chopra, MD, FACP, Rauni Pritten King, RN, MIH, CHTPI, and Erminia Guarneri, MD, FACC; 2015
Therapeutic Manuka Honey: No Longer So Alternative; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Dee A. Carter, Shona E. Blair, Nural N. Cokcetin, Daniel Bouzo, Peter Brooks, Ralf Schothauer, and Elizabeth J. Harry; April 20, 2016
Vitamin D and the Immune System; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Cynthia Aranow, MD, Investigator ; 2012 Aug 1
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Curriculum:
Receive 2 more Reiju
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Practice sessions and practical demonstrations
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As an experienced healer, multi-generational intuitive, speaker, podcaster, seeker, spiritual mentor, Jikiden Reiki® Shihan (teacher), social justice warrior, and a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, and litigation abuse, Joseph knows first-hand both the destructive power of trauma, and the healing power of Reiki when properly understood and utilized.
“When we address the ROOT systems including the capitalism of ‘disease’ that is a traded commodity on Wall Street, we can learn NEW ways of accessing healing, recovery, empowerment, and become our own superheroes,” Bonetzky-Joseph reassures.
The Secrets to Healing is an invitation back to self – an unpacking of our colonized mindsets that is blinding us from becoming our own superheroes of our story and reclaiming our life, health, vitality through the spiritual medicine of the traditional Japanese system of Reiki.
“I have struggled with a lot of fear, writing this book,” she admits, “fear and anxiety surrounding all the lack aspects – lack of being seen, heard, and understood. Fear of retaliation for speaking my truth, of having my voice silenced once again. I had to put the teachings I preach to use to address my anxiety and fears of lack. I upped my own self-care strategies, put a team in place to support me (mentally, physically, and spiritually) who clearly understand my triggers and my somatic perpetuation of wanting to flee and go back into hiding again.”
Part 1: The POWER of the Word
Part 3: The POWER of Processing
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
The Benefits of Adaptogens
According to NCCIH, mindfulness-based approaches have shown some success when applied to the treatment of substance abuse and addiction by improving distress tolerance.
likely than nicotine replacement therapy patients to be nonsmokers at 12 weeks and 26 weeks after hospitalization.
Tibetan Singing Bowls
Other potential viable options also include reiki. Since traditional nonwestern forms of reiki (Jikiden Reiki
Final Thoughts
I am hoping you found this guide helpful. This is just the tip to what is possible and plausible.
