Today marks the beginning of the last year in a half century for me and I’m feeling quite vulnerable these days.
I originally had planned to talk about all the amazing incredible things that I want to accomplish and do and adventures I will take before I begin the next half century, and what should I do to transition with a BANG … BUT we’ve been given quite the curveball of a bang now. Haven’t we?!?!
All of my events and classes have been canceled thru April 15th. Some into May already.
My trip to Ireland next month has been canceled and unsure the scope of future travel plans elsewhere including Japan this fall.
HOWEVER …
I am surrendering all my fears and worries whether my business will survive this storm, and trusting all is as it’s supposed to be.
I should have known better cuz I wrote about this stuff in my 2020 forecast Jan 3rd. I was hesitant and careful at how I delivered the message as I didn’t want to create fear, but a guide on how to navigate.
BUT WOW.
My luv who showed up ending my day Aaaamazing bringing SOME of my favorites
So today, I stop. Pause. Reflect. And cocoon myself in while I re-calibrate.
I do what I have been preparing and trained to do over the last 49 years but especially the last 15 years.
I look for the opportunity, gifts, and blessings in the midst of chaos. So today I bless my junk.
I surrender into the flows and web of life like a life raft floating down a bumpy river. Sometimes it’s calm and other times it’s raging rapids.
I close my eyes, focus on my breath and remember my purpose.
I tap into the wisdom within, the wisdom of my ancestors and the original stewards of the land I reside on, the Massachusett people … being open to receive all that is to be received.
I honor the teachings. I show respect. I trust in the path unknown before me, and I allow life to unfold FOR me.
Today, my clients and classes are canceled. I will be planning opportunities for online bookings, classes, and meditation.
So instead, I will focus on Usui Sensei original reiki teachings for some much needed spiritual medicine. I recite the gokai every morning, every night, and every time I feel stressed.
Kyo dake wa (Just for Today) Ikaruna (Do not anger) Shinpai suna (Do not worry) Kansha shite (Be grateful) Gyo-o hageme (Do your duties fully) Hito ni shinsetsu ni (Be kind to others)
I bow in gratitude to all who have helped shape who I am and continuing to grow up to become to be.
I don’t know what the future holds. None of us really do.
I surrender to the abyss of opportunity and possibility.
All I do know is that I am upping the dosage of my spiritual medicine, herbals, rituals, meditation, reiki, vibrational healing, self care and more.
I have decided to post about this important herb as a resource for our growing community searching for healthy alternatives. Over recent years, I have seen how well it works for so many especially those with diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, addictions, and sleep issues that have astounded me.
I began talking to others and exploring success ratios to my astonishment, which led me to begin working with many practitioners in the traditional broken American healthcare system educating them regarding my experiences personally and professionally. I am pleased to see some doctors, nurse practitioners and psychiatrists/licensed mental health prescribers beginning to consider this herb as a viable alternative to barbiturates, tranquilizers, anti-depressants, or other drugs such as the gabapentin.
As a matter of fact, I was recently diagnosed with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, and I had stopped taking the Ashwagandha root personally too. As a result, I have decided as part of my own personal treatment plan to start taking this again (including my daily meditation, thyroid anti-inflammatory diet, jikiden reiki practice, and mindfulness as well as increasing my daily Vitamin D3 to attain a more optimum level).
So, here is more information compiled from some trusted sources (listed below) for you regarding this amazing herb.
Disclaimer: Always consult with your healthcare practitioner before using supplements if you have any health conditions.
What is it?
Ashwagandha, one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic healing, has been used in India for nearly 5,000 years for a wide variety of conditions. One of the best known is its use as an adaptogen, meaning that it helps you manage emotional and physical stress.
The name Ashwagandha is from the Sanskrit language and is a combination of the word ashva, meaning horse, and gandha, meaning smell. The root has a strong aroma that is described as “horse-like.”
In Ayurvedic, Indian, and Unani medicine, ashwagandha is described as “Indian ginseng.” Ashwagandha is also used in traditional African medicine for a variety of ailments. Don’t confuse ashwagandha with Physalis alkekengi. Both are known as winter cherry.
A member of the Solanaceae family, or nightshade family, ashwagandha is related botanically to potatoes, pepper, and tomatoes.
Why Use Ashwagandha?
Do any of these common symptoms sound familiar?
Stress
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Poor memory
Trouble sleeping
Low libido
Frequent illness
Anxiety
Low endurance (mentally or physically)
Joint pain
Neurological condition
The use of ashwagandha can help alleviate these symptoms and support an energetic and rejuvenating sense of well-being.
Ashwagandha as an Adaptogenic Herb
In Ayurveda, there are specific herbs with adaptogenic benefits—ashwagandha is one of them.
Adaptogens are substances (a combination of amino acids, vitamins, and herbs) that modulate your response to stress or a changing environment. Adaptogens help the body cope with external stresses such as toxins in the environment and internal stresses such as anxiety and insomnia.
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.
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 not only reduce cortisol levels but also, as an adaptagen, can “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.
Benefits of Ashwangdha
Ashwagandha contains many useful medicinal chemicals, including withanolides (steroidal lactones), glutathione (powerful antioxidant), alkaloids, choline, fatty acids, amino acids, and a variety of sugars.
While the leaves and fruit have valuable therapeutic properties, the root of the ashwagandha plant is the part most commonly used in Western herbal remedies.
Medical researchers have been studying ashwagandha for years with great interest and have completed more than 200 studies on the healing benefits of this botanical.
Animal studies have found constituents of the herb, including alkaloids, steroidal lactones, and saponins, to reduce inflammation and calm the nervous system.
Ashwagandha, today, is used for arthritis, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), balance, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trouble sleeping (insomnia), tumors, tuberculosis, asthma, a skin condition marked by white patchiness (leukoderma), bronchitis, backache, fibromyalgia, menstrual problems, hiccups, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic liver disease. It is also used to reduce side effects of medications used to treat cancer and schizophrenia. Ashwagandha is used to reduce levels of fat and sugar in the blood.
Ashwagandha is known to help people strengthen their immune system after illness, chemotherapy, or surgery. It is a highly effective, evidence-based remedy for anxiety and stress—by lowering cortisol levels and mimicking the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.
Some people also use ashwagandha for improving thinking ability, decreasing pain and swelling (inflammation), fertility problems in men and women and also to increase sexual desire.
Ashwagandha is applied to the skin for treating wounds, backache, and one-sided paralysis (hemiplegia).
Ashwagandha contains chemicals that might help calm the brain, reduce swelling (inflammation), lower blood pressure, and alter the immune system.
Stress.Taking a specific ashwagandha root extract (KSM66, Ixoreal Biomed) 300 mg twice daily after food for 60 days appears to improve symptoms of stress.
Reducing side effects associated with medications called antipsychotics. Antipsychotics are used to treat schizophrenia but they can cause levels of fat and sugar in the blood to increase. Taking a specific ashwagandha extract (Cap Strelaxin, M/s Pharmanza Herbal Pvt. Ltd., Gujarat, India) 400 mg three times daily for one month might reduce levels of fat and sugar in the blood in people using these medications.
Anxiety. Some clinical research shows that taking ashwagandha can reduce some symptoms of anxiety.
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Some clinical research shows that a combination herbal product containing ashwagandha may improve attention and impulse control in children with ADHD. The effect of ashwagandha alone is unclear.
Bipolar disorder.Taking a specific ashwagandha extract (Sensoril, Natreon, Inc., New Bruswick, New Jersey) for 8 weeks might improve brain function in people being treated for bipolar disorder.
A brain condition called cerebellar ataxia.Preliminary research shows that ashwagandha in combination with an alternative form of medicine known as Ayurvedic therapy might improve balance in people with cerebellar ataxia.
Fatigue in people treated for cancer (chemotherapy).Early research suggests taking a specific ashwagandha extract 2,000 mg (Himalaya Drug Co, New Delhi, India) during chemotherapy treatment might reduce tiredness.
Diabetes.There is some evidence that ashwagandha might reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
High cholesterol.There is some evidence that ashwagandha might reduce cholesterol levels in patients with high cholesterol.
Male infertility.Some preliminary clinical evidence suggests that ashwagandha might improve sperm quality, but not sperm count, in infertile men. It is not known if taking ashwagandha can actually improve fertility.
Osteoarthritis.Early research shows that ashwagandha taken along with a zinc complex, guggul, and turmeric might improve arthritis symptoms. The impact of ashwagandha alone is unclear.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).Early research shows that ashwagandha root extract might reduce symptoms of OCD when taken with prescribed medications for 6 weeks better than taking the prescribed medication alone.
Parkinson’s disease.Preliminary research suggests that a combination of herbs including ashwagandha improves Parkinson’s symptoms. The effect of ashwagandha alone in Parkinson’s is unknown.
Rheumatoid arthritis. Early research shows that ashwagandha powder taken for 3 weeks followed by 4 weeks of sidh makardhwaj (a mixture of gold, mercury, and sulfur) slightly improves symptoms in some people with RA. The impact of ashwagandha alone in RA is unclear.
Increasing interest in sex.Early research shows that taking ashwagandha extract daily for 8 weeks along with receiving counseling increases interest in sex and sexual satisfaction in adult women with sexual dysfunction better than counseling alone.
According to Ayurveda, our bodies are woven from food. The nutrients we ingest are metabolized into the energy and information that form our cells, tissues, and organs. Every day our bodies need essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to maintain our body’s delicate balance.
Ashwagandha is classically taken as a fine powder mixed in honey or ghee. In western countries, it typically ingested in capsule form.
The typical recommended dose is 500 to 1,000 mg. For people who suffer from insomnia and anxiety, having a cup of hot milk that contains a teaspoon of powdered ashwagandha or an ashwagandha capsule before bedtime is beneficial.
Special Precautions:
(discuss with your physician before taking Ashwagandha)
Prescription Medications – American Pharmaceutical DRUGS
Before I go to precautions with Ashwagandha, let’s look at the side effects of some commonly prescribed medications before we judge the side effects of this powerful herb.
Let’s compare. Then you decide which is safer.
What I see as the alternatives being prescribed daily in our traditional healthcare system carry MORE serious concerns.
Many traditional medicinal prescriptions carry side effects ranging from leading to addiction to causing dementia or increase risk for suicide. Yet the medical community is concerned about recommending Ashwagandha because why????
Commonly prescribed medications that carry serious side effects include:
Gabapentin (Seizures, Nerve Pain, Fibromyalgia, Anxiety, Depression, Pain): dementia, addiction (which is rarely listed but increasing problem), suicidal thoughts, life threatening rash, organ failure, blurred vision, kidney problems, could make moods worse, aggressive behavior, chest pain, bloody stools, and more.
Lamictal (Seizures, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety) :carries a black box label that can cause life threatening rashes to meningitis to suicidal thoughts. Irritable bowel type symptoms which is NOT listed. – – – My story: I was given this drug for PTSD and Anxiety. My IBS symptoms went from 7 days a week to 1-2x a mo instantly when I stopped this drug several years ago. This drug is also listed on Psycom as “The side effects of Lamotrigine are relatively harmless as compared to other options”REALLY? “Lamotrigine induced mania is usually treated with Topiramate or lithium” (Pscycom)REALLY? Another DRUG to treat a side effect of this drug?
Paxil (Depression, PMS, PTSD, Anxiety): decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, numbness/tingling, easy bruising/bleeding, fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures.
Xanax (Anxiety, PTSD): hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, slurred speech or difficulty talking, loss of coordination, trouble walking, memory problems, and can lead to addiction.
Adderall (ADD/ADHD): Psychosis Caused By A Drug, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, high blood pressure, seizures, anger outbursts, and can lead to addiction.
Pregnancyand breast-feeding:Do NOT use ashwagandha if you are pregnant. There is some evidence that ashwagandha might cause miscarriages.
Diabetes: Ashwagandha might lower blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely.
High or low blood pressure: Ashwagandha might decrease blood pressure. Ashwagandha should be used cautiously if you have low blood pressure or take medications for your blood pressure.
Stomach ulcers: Ashwagandha can irritate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
“Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Ashwagandha might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid using ashwagandha.
Surgery: Ashwagandha may slow down the central nervous system. Healthcare providers worry that anesthesia and other medications during and after surgery might increase this effect. Stop taking ashwagandha at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
(discuss with your physician before taking Ashwagandha):
Ashwagandha may increase the sedative effects of benzodiazepines such as Valium, Ativan, Xanax, and other depressants. It may also interact immunosuppressant medications. Talk with your doctor before beginning a supplement regimen that includes ashwagandha.
In animal studies, high dosages have been linked to toxicity, including impacts on thyroid function; however, human studies are limited.
Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with ASHWAGANDHA – Ashwagandha seems to increase the immune system. Taking ashwagandha along with medications that decrease the immune system might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system. Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.
Sedative medications (Benzodiazepines) interacts with ASHWAGANDHA – Ashwagandha might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Drugs that cause sleepiness and drowsiness are called sedatives. Taking ashwagandha along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness. Some of these sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and others.
Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with ASHWAGANDHA – Ashwagandha might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking ashwagandha along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness. Some sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others.
Minor Interactions:
Thyroid hormone interacts with ASHWAGANDHA – The body naturally produces thyroid hormones. Ashwagandha might increase how much thyroid hormone the body produces. Taking ashwagandha with thyroid hormone pills might cause too much thyroid hormone in the body, and increase the effects and side effects of thyroid hormone.
Medical Caution:Always consult with your healthcare practitioner before using supplements if you have any health conditions. Laura Joseph and Healing With Spirit are not licensed medical physicians. Ashwagandha is not recommended for women who are pregnant.
Need More?
Need some guidance or direction?
Want a holistic health consult?
Laura has been providing spiritually based integrative holistic health enrichment services, classes, and programs since 2006. She has experience as a domestic violence advocate, college educator, and over 15 years working in the healthcare industry with multiple certifications in areas in holistic health, spiritually based practices, healing, and more.
Her primary office is located inside Cohasset Medical in seaside Hingham, MA.
Please subscribe to our channel and scroll for complete playlists on spiritual vlogs, spirit messages, energy updates, nature meditations, mindfulness in nature, reiki and more.
Good morning from Webb Memorial State Park in Weymouth, MA.
Please join us as we will be talking about the current cosmic energies, what is happening, how it is affecting all of us individually and collectively and why the wisdom of the body holds the key to the answers you seek.
We will also talk about trauma, the health links, healing trauma, and what is happening now.
We will end with some mindful breathing and meditation in nature. Please stay til the end. There is some magic to be seen.
I hope you will join me and together let’s raise the vibration.
( Recorded on Facebook Live August 9, 2019)
Please
✔ Join in the conversation
✔ invite others to join
✔ Share on your wall or group
Did you know we now have a YouTube channel?
Please subscribe to my channel and scroll for complete playlists on spiritual vlogs, spirit messages, energy updates, nature meditations, mindfulness in nature, reiki and more.
Please subscribe to our channel and scroll for complete playlists on spiritual vlogs, spirit messages, energy updates, nature meditations, mindfulness in nature, reiki and more.
Thank you to all who have come forward to share their stories as this gave me the courage to do this video.
Do you bless your junk?
Have you been feeling all these cosmic changes and shift storms especially since the solar eclipse?
Truths are being revealed and shadows are coming to the light.
Learn how to take your old traumas (personal, generational, and karmic) and stories and bless them. Learn how to let go so you can Free Yourself of your past.
This video was inspired after the countless courageous women who stood up against abusers especially those in a position of power and are finally being heard.
This is my journey of healing from multiple abuses from rape, sexual harassment, and domestic violence that resulted in PTSD.
I hope this inspires you on your healing path, and I thank you for reading and watching.
Please be kind and leave a positive comment here or on Youtube. .
OTHER VIDEOS
This video is the first in a series “Today I Bless My Junk”
As always, please support my healing journey and my desire to help break the cycle of abuse through healing. There many ways you can do this.
Take action on the things I mention in this video series
Share these videos
Leave supportive comments and let me know what pearl you took away with you
Let me know what you would like to see the next video to be on
Book me for a speaking engagement. I speak on many topics. One of the most common is on healing trauma through holistic and spiritually based practices.
Become an ally – Help me become a better speaker, communicator and video producer. Want to volunteer your services to help make that happen? Email me and let’s collaborate.
As always, thank you for your support and being a part of my spiritual journey.
Are you still carrying around old traumas and don’t even realize it? Do you know how trauma affects your quality of life, health, and soul in the long term?
Do you suffer from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, adrenal stress, anxiety, addictions, cancer, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal disorders? This is just a few illnesses and chronic health issues linked to trauma.
Here are just some of staggering statistics:
7.7 million are diagnosed with PTSD in USA. Many who have PTSD are not diagnosed and treated symptomatically.
40 million are diagnosed with anxiety. Only 33% seek help.
In light of recent cumulative events over the last couple of years and the stigma associated with trauma, I believe these numbers are higher.
Please … join me Wed Nov 1st for a presentation and some experientials on Healing Trauma. (Please scroll for complete event details.)
I will also be sharing my own story including healing and how to heal from trauma which can manifest symptoms emotionally, physically, and spiritually and can show up years and decades after a traumatic incident.
The information I will share is backed by scientific and/or medical research and my own personal and professional experiences.
What you will learn, will enlighten you no matter what form of trauma may be lurking in your past here in this life, generationally, or karmicly.
Please join me as I would really LOVE your support on a topic I’m very passionate about.
Together we CAN make change for a better world beginning with US.
In the meantime, don’t forget to pause, breathe and take a moment for yourself.
Healing Trauma Through Spiritually Based Practices
THIS Wednesday, Nov 1st
12pm- 2pm
Hingham Public Library, Hingham, MA
Are you still carrying around old traumas and don’t even realize it? Do you know some of the symptoms of trauma? Can you recognize some of the symptoms of abuse?
The topic of abuse … domestic abuse, child abuse. sex abuse … is never an easy one to discuss never mind heal from in a way it does not control your life. It can even be very dis-empowering and even energy draining.
Many victims of abuse struggle with moving forward. Many times we are judged harshly for choosing to love someone who ultimately would hurt us. Many times we are left with devastating scars. Many times we feel we’ve done everything in our power to heal, but somehow the traumatic experiences still haunt us. Just because we were hurt by another, doesn’t have to mean a life sentence. Many times the traditional therapies we have sought out doesn’t seem to be working no matter what we seem to try.
Join us for a deep conversation and how to heal those traumatic wounds as Laura shares her healing journey from abuse, her struggles, her triumphs, and why spiritually based practices saved her life. She will discuss how she overcame the dark days and how she reclaimed her power.
What you will learn
The many faces of trauma
Trauma defined
Effects of trauma
Emotional, physical, and spiritual symptoms of trauma
Gaslighting
Causes of PTSD
Trauma and the effects on the brain
ACE Study
Trauma and abuse
The “Three-legged stool”
Understanding the human existance
The holistic process theory of healing
Stages to healing
Healing trauma
Medical research and studies to various holistic and spiritually based therapies shown to heal trauma
Experience various exercises
and more …
Please join us supporting a topic I have been so passionate about since 2006. My goal is to help survivors empower themselves while finding long term healthy solutions to healing from abuse. With these techniques, I hope to break the cycle of abuse through power of healing.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
• This event is for survivors of abuse,
• loved ones of survivors of abuse,
• as well as anyone who works with abuse victims such as LCSW, and advocates.
There will also be time for Q&A.
This event is FREE. RSVP Requested but not required. Call/text your RSVP to 857-880-0365
Come experience the healing and sample various methods of healing techniques and leave feeling inspired. Spend this time with us and explore methods of self-care and healing that will empower you beyond your story and past and break free from the chains of abuse or traumatic event/s.
Discover the power that lies within us all.
When we address trauma (sometimes hidden), we are less likely to get sidetracked by projecting – in this political age that’s very valuable.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Laura Joseph, RMA, RMT is a survivor of repeated abuses, but most notably domestic abuse and systemic abuse. Experiencing many difficult life lessons resulting and complex PTSD and Trauma, Laura had a feeling there was something wrong with her until she rediscovered her gifts, learned spiritually and holistic based therapies, and learned to embrace her sensitivities.
She has a background as a college educator, domestic abuse advocate, Reiki and Meditation Instructor, and allied health professional with a focus on trauma informed holistic care where she has been a frequent guest speaker throughout New England discussing her experiences healing trauma associated with abuse through spiritually based modalities. She has over 15 cumulative years in the holistic and allopathic health fields and has incorporated spiritually based practices and healing since 2006.
Laura believes our body is designed to heal itself. We sometimes need to be reminded how. She is very compassionate and passionate and teaches from the heart what she feels will help humanity heal and break the cycles of abuse through healing.
Laura brings her 12 year journey of acceptance into self discovery, self care, and self love.
She has published many articles on the topics of Holistic Health, Spirituality, Healing Trauma, and Reiki. She is also a frequent guest speaker, writer, and artist.
Laura has a private practice near the ocean on the Weir River in Hingham, MA, where she provides spiritually based holistic health enrichment services and classes. She is also a founding member of Massachusetts Survivors Outreach.
Laura brings her passion, compassion, and wit to assist in bringing out the best in you.
There are days where you receive amazing news from one of your students. Then there are days where I question myself, as to whether I feel more like a mother bear watching her cub bloom or a teacher watching her student flourish. Either case, this was a story that made my heart smile when I heard it for the first time.
This is a story by one mother, who just happened to sign up to learn reiki when her son got injured playing hockey. Could this have been some divine intervention? The timing of everything could not have been more optimum.
When this mother came to us on the first day of class and told us about her son’s injury, we guided her on how to administer reiki for his shoulder injury. By the next day, she was elated that not only was he open to receive reiki, but that he loved it and asked for more daily.
After a few months had past, we happened to see Suzanne, the mother, and she told us how her son went from needing surgery and out of playing hockey for the season to no surgery and playing hockey. She believed this was the result of the reiki she administered to her son. Here is Suzanne’s story in her own words:
I was blessed to have the opportunity to earn my Shoden Level of Jikiden Reiki during a weekend Seminar with Laura Joseph September 23-25, 2016. My youngest son had suffered a complex shoulder injury playing hockey the weekend before on September 18. He was hit from behind into the boards sustaining a left shoulder dislocation, humeral fracture with a floating fragment and was found to have a torn labrum. He was seen in the ER that same day and we were told he would most definitely require surgery but with the amount of swelling he had, we were advised to follow up with the orthopedic surgeon in 10 days. My son had considerable pain, bruising and swelling with severe limitations in his mobility. He was also informed he would not be able to return to play hockey for the rest of the season.
After having been attuned I could not wait to go home and practice Jikiden Reiki on him. He was very open to receiving and I practiced on him nightly. We were seen by the orthopedic surgeon on September 26th who ordered a comparison x-ray from the original done in the ER on the 18th. He was amazed at the alignment of the bone and how the fragment had settled back into its original place.
My son still had bruising, pain, swelling and mobility limitations. The surgeon was still recommending surgery but wanted an MRI to be sure of the extent of the injury. We had the MRI that weekend and we were seen by the orthopedic surgeon a few days later. All the while I continued to perform Jikiden Reiki on my son each night. His swelling decreased as did his pain and bruising. We returned to the orthopedic surgeon on October 6th and had a repeat x-ray done and were informed of the MRI results. The surgeon was “optimistically pleased” with the x-ray results commenting again at how nicely and quickly the bone was healing. He informed us of his concern with the result of the MRI and the revelation of a labrum tear.
However, for the first time, said he was willing to hold off on the surgery to see how the healing progressed. He did warn us that surgery might still be a reality.We continued with our nightly Jikiden Reiki sessions and my son continued to report that his shoulder felt better. We returned again to the orthopedic surgeon on October 27th. At this time another x-ray was done. The surgeon was again “pleased” with the healing process and my son’s mobility even though very limited. The surgeon decided to allow my son to begin Physical Therapy in 2 weeks but reinforced that this did not mean a return to hockey.
My son was evaluated by a physical therapist on November 14th who reviewed the original ER X-ray, and MRI and stated he was “shocked” that with this type of injury, surgery hadn’t already taken place. He also informed us that my son assuredly would not be playing hockey again this season.
My son participated in physical therapy 2-3x’s per week and we continued our nightly Jikiden Reiki sessions. We were seen again by the orthopedic surgeon on December 15th. This time the surgeon was more than pleased with the progress my son had made. He actually allowed him to return to the ice to skate without contact with his hockey team.
We continued with our reiki sessions and continued with PT. His physical therapist was amazed at the progress he was making with his strength and mobility. We returned to the orthopedic surgeon on Jan 4th and to everyone’s amazement my son was cleared to return to full contact hockey.
He played in a tournament the last weekend in January and finished the season.I truly believe my son was able to avoid surgery and heal so rapidly as a result of the gift and practice of Jikiden Reiki.
With Gratitude, Suzanne McCarthy
For more information about reiki classes by Laura at Healing With Spirit, please visit her website.
Please subscribe to our channel and scroll for complete playlists on spiritual vlogs, spirit messages, energy updates, nature meditations, mindfulness in nature, reiki and more.
There are days where you receive amazing news from one of your students. Then there are days where I question myself, as to whether I feel more like a mother bear watching her cub bloom or a teacher watching her student flourish. Either case, this was a story that made me smile when I heard it for the first time.
This is a story by one mother, who just happened to sign up to learn reiki when her son got injured playing hockey. Could this have been some divine intervention? The timing of everything could not have been more optimum.
When this mother came to us on the first day of class and told us about her son’s injury, we guided her on how to administer reiki for his shoulder injury. By the next day, she was elated that not only was he open to receive reiki, but that he loved it and asked for more daily.
After a few months had past, we happened to see Suzanne, the mother, and she told us how her son went from needing surgery and out of playing hockey for the season to no surgery and playing hockey. She believed this was the result of the reiki she administered to her son. Here is Suzanne’s story in her own words:
I was blessed to have the opportunity to earn my Shoden Level of Jikiden Reiki during a weekend Seminar with Laura Joseph September 23-25, 2016. My youngest son had suffered a complex shoulder injury playing hockey the weekend before on September 18. He was hit from behind into the boards sustaining a left shoulder dislocation, humeral fracture with a floating fragment and was found to have a torn labrum. He was seen in the ER that same day and we were told he would most definitely require surgery but with the amount of swelling he had, we were advised to follow up with the orthopedic surgeon in 10 days. My son had considerable pain, bruising and swelling with severe limitations in his mobility. He was also informed he would not be able to return to play hockey for the rest of the season.
After having been attuned I could not wait to go home and practice Jikiden Reiki on him. He was very open to receiving and I practiced on him nightly. We were seen by the orthopedic surgeon on September 26th who ordered a comparison x-ray from the original done in the ER on the 18th. He was amazed at the alignment of the bone and how the fragment had settled back into its original place. My son still had bruising, pain, swelling and mobility limitations. The surgeon was still recommending surgery but wanted an MRI to be sure of the extent of the injury. We had the MRI that weekend and we were seen by the orthopedic surgeon a few days later. All the while I continued to perform Jikiden Reiki on my son each night. His swelling decreased as did his pain and bruising. We returned to the orthopedic surgeon on October 6th and had a repeat x-ray done and were informed of the MRI results. The surgeon was “optimistically pleased” with the x-ray results commenting again at how nicely and quickly the bone was healing. He informed us of his concern with the result of the MRI and the revelation of a labrum tear. However, for the first time, said he was willing to hold off on the surgery to see how the healing progressed. He did warn us that surgery might still be a reality.
We continued with our nightly Jikiden Reiki sessions and my son continued to report that his shoulder felt better. We returned again to the orthopedic surgeon on October 27th. At this time another x-ray was done. The surgeon was again “pleased” with the healing process and my son’s mobility even though very limited. The surgeon decided to allow my son to begin Physical Therapy in 2 weeks but reinforced that this did not mean a return to hockey.
My son was evaluated by a physical therapist on November 14th who reviewed the original ER X-ray, and MRI and stated he was “shocked” that with this type of injury, surgery hadn’t already taken place. He also informed us that my son assuredly would not be playing hockey again this season. My son participated in physical therapy 2-3x’s per week and we continued our nightly Jikiden Reiki sessions. We were seen again by the orthopedic surgeon on December 15th. This time the surgeon was more than pleased with the progress my son had made. He actually allowed him to return to the ice to skate without contact with his hockey team. We continued with our reiki sessions and continued with PT. His physical therapist was amazed at the progress he was making with his strength and mobility. We returned to the orthopedic surgeon on Jan 4th and to everyone’s amazement my son was cleared to return to full contact hockey. He played in a tournament the last weekend in January and finished the season.
I truly believe my son was able to avoid surgery and heal so rapidly as a result of the gift and practice of Jikiden Reiki.
With Gratitude,
Suzanne McCarthy
For more information about reiki classes by Laura at Healing With Spirit, please visit her website.
I am ecstatic to see this observational medical study on the use of Tibetan singing bowls. The study was published involving 62 women and men with the mean age 49.7 years of age. I found the results quite interesting.
“Poor mood and elevated anxiety are linked to increased incidence of disease. This study examined the effects of sound meditation, specifically Tibetan singing bowl meditation, on mood, anxiety, pain, and spiritual well-being. Sixty-two women and men (mean age 49.7 years) participated. As compared with pre-meditation, following the sound meditation participants reported significantly less tension, anger, fatigue, and depressed mood (all Ps <.001). Additionally, participants who were previously naïve to this type of meditation experienced a significantly greater reduction in tension compared with participants experienced in this meditation (P < .001). Feeling of spiritual well-being significantly increased across all participants (P < .001). 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.”
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 a someone who has a history of trauma resulting in PTSD due to repeated abuses stemming from child abuse to rape to domestic violence to systemic abuse, 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 for humanity was so broken. I went up and build my trust in my spirituality.
For me, I understand these ideas:
The human body is made up of mostly water
We are beings that self generate electricity, and therefore vibrate energetically a frequency and vibration out creating a ripple effect.
There is a mind/body connection to all illness and disease
75 – 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress related problems [1]
How we resonate with our external experiences affect our internal experiences and vice versa. How we resonate with our internal experiences affect our external experiences.
So no wonder the bowls have a magical feel to them. When I searching for ways to heal my own trauma, I was led on a very spiritual path. Over the years as I worked with myself and others on healing, subconscious changes began to take affect. The more I began to trust my instincts and intuition, the more breakthroughs I was led to.
Needless to say, I was led to these bowls. I believe it was a culmination of all the personal spiritual and professional work I have done over the years. I feel it was a calling, and the day I was gifted my first bowl, I knew I was onto something special. It mesmerized me and calmed me.
Laura’s Tibetan Medicine Bowl
After the gift of my 5th bowl by another healer as well as my Tibetan bells, I had an epiphany. I was using them in a reiki healing attunement meditation for a group of over 20 healers. I was told how incredibly powerful and amazing the experience was. I was asked if I taught this. I responded ‘no’, because every time is different, and I would not know how to teach something like this. I realized how I would just allow myself to be divinely guided in the whole process from acquiring these beauties to where to place them to order of sound to implementing them in meditations and healing sessions. I could not even tell you what each bowl’s musical note represents. I just know this bowl goes here to acquire this result.
All I know is the effect they have on me and those around me. This is a modality that has been used by Tibetan monks for hundreds if not thousands of years, but originated in India.
You can go to bodhisattva.com for a wonderful interview of Lama Lobsang Molam, a monk at a monastery in Swyambu, Kathmandu, Nepal, by Rain Gray on the history of the Tibetan bowls. Here is an excerpt of that interview:
“They say this is a relic that came from India and was used by the previous Buddha, so this is a very precious relic. So, that’s why everybody wants to listen to that singing bowl, the singing, you know, sound. So, many people are making offerings to this singing bowl, and offering money to that singing bowl. So, he said that if someone has pure or not pure karma, you know, if someone has negative karma, their self they have to round, they have to play it with a stick. If someone has a lot of negative karma, this bowl won’t give any sound. It gives sound but, not so nice, it’s very small and not clear. If the person who rings it has pure karma, it gives a lot of singing and a big sound, wang, wang, wang, wang, like this. It gives a big sound. So their saying this is the story of . . . their saying like this. Even he saw, you know. So in Tibet they have three singing bowls only.”
If you have been questioning on how to break through that wall and feel stuck, going to a Tibetan bowl meditation may be of benefit. Tremendous healing can be accomplished with the use and help of these sacred gems.
CAUTION:
I would air one word of caution, however. For those with severe PTSD or anxiety, please find the right teacher. Finding the right teacher who not only understands trauma, but has some training and/or experience with it is important.
Because the bowls create a very powerful frequency and vibration, it creates a metaphoric glass shattering effect which can trigger some emotions that many with PTSD or severe anxiety may still want buried. You must be ready to release those fears, traumas, and karmic cords in order to heal. Finding the right teacher is key.
What We Offer:
Healing With Spirit offers private sessions and a variety of classes that many times incorporates the use of Tibetan singing bowls such as, but not limited to:
Self Care for the Empath Workshop
Reiki Vibrational Healing Attunement Meditation Groups
A Soul Partnership Workshop
Private Reiki Sessions
Vibrational Healing
Sound Bath Meditations
Chakra Clearings and Balancing
Private sessions are offered via in office, phone, and skype. For more information, please contact me at Healing With Spirit.
To schedule a private reading, to book a private party, event, or speaking engagement, please visit www.laurahealingwithspirit.com Speaking Engagements – Fundraisers – Events – Classes – Services
America’s #1 Health Problem; The American Institute of Stress; http://www.stress.org/americas-1-health-problem/
Tibetan Singing Bowl History, An Interview with Lama Lobsang Molam; Bodhisattva Training Co Inc; By; Rain Gray; http://www.bodhisattva.com/singing_bowl_history.htm
Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-being An Observational Study; Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Tamara L. Goldsby, PhD, Michael E. Goldsby, PhD, Mary McWalters, BA, Paul J. Mills, PhD
Tamara L. Goldsby, PhD, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA. Email: tgoldsby@ucsd.edu
Copy right 2016 All rights reserved. Laura Joseph, Laura Healing With Spirit. May not be copied or reproduced without expressed written consent
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a simple form of energy healing from Japan known as “Shinshin Kaizen Usui Reiki Ryoho”, which translates as “Usui treatment fo the improvement of body and mind”.
Some of you reading this may have had the opportunity to experience the wonderful benefits of traditional non-westernized Japanese reiki with Jikiden Reiki.
Jikiden Reiki® personally changed my life more than any other modality including my dedication to my more western Reiki for 10yrs. Nothing I have ever seen where I bared witness to such amazing healing results from non healing wounds last over 3mo suddenly closed in hours to incurable cancer not being found on scans to long term severe eczema suddenly gone to ptsd finally in the past to traumas no long reoccurring to increasing the quality of life in end of life issues etc etc.
I wish I had the words to describe what I’ve seen happen where traditional medicine failed except to call them miracles in a westerners eye.
For a long time, I have a passion of healing traumas associated with abuse … domestic abuse, child abuse, and sex abuse. For the first time, I truly feel we can end abuse through healing one frequency and vibration at a time using this form of healing.
Beginning this month, I am honored to take my Jikiden training to a whole new level. I am now authorized to begin offering Jikiden Reiki Training in the Massachusetts area.
I recently returned from San Diego from my 10 day intensive training with Arjava Petter!!!! I am now officially certified as a Shihan kaku in Jikiden Reiki and accredited by the Jikiden Reiki® Kenkyukai (Institute) in Kyoto, Japan.
What an amazing journey this has been so far. I met a lot of great new friends. I had an incredible class, and got to have a little adventure to boot. What else can one ask for?
There are sooooooo many people to thank who helped make this dream a reality … who supported me and my desire to help others in their healing process especially those struggling to heal from trauma associated with abuse.
You all know who you are. My heart is filled with so much gratitude.
Laura and Frank “Arjava” Petter
2016 Jikiden Reiki Shihan Kaku Training
SO WHAT’S IN STORE FOR YOU?
I am already a reiki master teacher in the Western version of Usui Reiki, but felt a calling to Jikiden Reiki a couple years ago and I am honored to have been studying with such authentic teachers who are also some of the world’s leading reiki historians.
The lessons I am learning is molding my teaching style to be more authentic and my own personal healing more profound.
Since I personally switched from practicing Westernized Reiki to Japanese Reiki, I have seen a huge difference and shift in my personal practice, spiritual growth, mediumship, and results my clients are experiencing. It’s like a coming home. So much is NOT taught and learned with western reiki and I am excited to bring back to Massachusetts the original/direct teachings.
Westernized Reiki training is not standardized. It varies widely from teacher to teacher. Most Reiki teachers receive their entire training in just one weekend. Many start teaching Reiki classes immediately without the benefit of experience. This often leads to the passing of misinformation to students. Unfortunately, many students who take classes from these types of teachers leave unsure and confused. They feel something was missing from their training.
Laura administering Reiki to a silver
back gorilla.
One of the benefits I cherish with Jikiden Reiki is the thoroughness in training and qualifications of it’s teachers to be authentic as Chiyoko Sensei and Dr. Hayashi Sensei taught. I look forward to now being authorized to begin teaching Jikiden Reiki. The term “Jikiden” means direct teaching in Japanese, so it is free from Western influence.
Jikiden Reiki® classes are presented with credibility and clarity from authentic Japanese lineage. This lineage goes from Dr. Hayashi to Mrs. Chiyoko Yamaguchi, Tadao’s (current President of Jikiden Reiki Kenkyukai) mother, who learned Reiki in 1938. Because this lineage has not gone through Mrs. Takata, it lacks the Westernization of Reiki.
It is entirely free of Western influence. Its roots go back almost to the discovery of Reiki itself. It differs from “Western” style of Reiki in approach, attitude, and ideas.
This is what I’ve been practicing in my office for over a year now with incredible results after practicing western reiki for over 10yrs in its original beauty and simplicity.
What I have learned over the past year?
Well because Jikiden Reiki is non-westernized, there have been numerous personal developments I have experienced on top of what I have witnessed with others.
Here is what I noticed in myself:
I have had a long battle with sugar my whole life and trying to reduce it or eliminate it has been difficult. What I have noticed without conscious effort, is that I no longer crave sugar. I have unconsciously eliminated 95% of sugar from my diet.
I crave healthier foods. Ironically, I have been craving things like spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, flax seed, cucumber, etc salad. I say ironic, because eating more vegetables have been difficult for me as well my whole life.
I have had a reduction of systemic bouts of yeast.
Enhancement of my mediumship connections to those on the higher side of life with less “preparation work”.
A near elimination of all spiritual based practices on cord cutting, clearing spiritual or energetic attachments
A significant reduction of the need of spiritual based protections such as using or wearing protective stones, rituals, prayers, etc.
A significant reduction in psychic attacks
Elinination of taking on “other’s” stuff energetically.
Improved sleep
Improved ability to handle my own personal elimination of toxic releases stemming from old traumas associated with abuse.
Improved relationships.
Bottom line, every area of my life has significantly improved without much conscious effort.
Who is Jikiden Reiki For?
Jikiden Reiki® is for anyone interested in learning Reiki and for current practitioners who wish to deepen their practice & understanding.
Currently, I use reiki in a medical setting as a viable treatment option for issues such as anxiety, post traumatic stress, spinal stenosis, cancer, eczema, dementia, depression, arthritis, inflammation, wound healing, kidney stones, breaking bad habits and much more by removing accumulated toxins from the body.
If you are interested in scheduling a private session or attending a Jikiden Reiki Training Seminar, please email me or visit my website.
With love and appreciation,
Laura Joseph
Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Shihan Kaku Jikiden Reiki® Practitioner and Teacher, Public Speaker, and Teacher
Please subscribe to our channel and scroll for complete playlists on spiritual vlogs, spirit messages, energy updates, nature meditations, mindfulness in nature, reiki and more.
Yesterday I had a pretty deep conversation with a good friend of mine regarding the struggles to survive fleeing an abusive relationship where I lost my sense of self for over 20yrs. This in depth conversation brought to the surface certain pains and traumas from the abuses the victim part of myself would assume to forget.
However, in reflecting about this conversation and previous ones, it got me thinking about my path on where I was, where I am, and where I am going. I look back now through a different lens amazed how far I have come since I made that crucial decision to leave an abusive partner who displayed narcissist sociopathic tendencies that nearly killed me more than once. I am happy to say, his wish was not granted, and not literally buried six feet under.
The Healing Journey
I am still here to not only talk about it, but to share bits and pieces of my healing path to reclaiming my power back in hopes to inspire others on their healing journey.
Probably one of the decisions I made early on was to never doubt my gut or intuition again as it tried to warn me of the dangers that lay ahead at that time. One of the things that saved my life was my connection to spirit followed by the healing path.
I first had to learn how to trust again and have faith in the unknown which is not simple feat when dealing with the after effects of abuse especially “gaslighting”. I had been beaten down physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. So how do I learn to trust again so I can heal?
How Reiki Helped Me
By embracing Reiki in its full embodiment not only helped me regain sense of self, but my sense of purpose. It helped me to heal the past while staying present, and not let my triggers of the past cause worry or fear of the unknown. It was not easy and I still feel I am a work in progress learning, healing, and growing every day.
This process didn’t happen over night, but over the course of 11 years. I had to learn to surrender to the Universe, which is probably the most difficult task in the entire process. The mind/ego wants to shield and protect you from any repeats of what had happened to you in your past. It is like an loop constantly repeating itself that has to be broken in order to heal and move forward in your life.
I knew I could not trust the system, domestic abuse groups, family, community, and the like as the mighty power of a skillful abuser can sway anyone in their favor creating an avalanche of being re-victimized. So if I could not trust people, who could I trust? Well it was spirit after all that tried to save me from this fate and I ignored the signs. So I went back to my faith knowing I could trust Spirit. That started the surrendering process leading into my healing.
I started with meditation and started going to church again rediscovering myself in the process. The more I learned to trust in the divine, the more healing took place in my life, which led me down the reiki path. Receiving reiki and learning reiki was the single most best decision I made for myself as it not only changed my life, it saved my life.
However, what I have learned over the years in studying the various different forms of Reiki, is it is not learned in one day as some may believe. I have been learning Reiki now for 11 years and I practice Reiki daily embodying all that Reiki has to offer.
You can not learn that after one class and receive your certificate. You must master Reiki completely and incorporate it into your life so you can BE REIKI. This process takes years of discipline to develop.
What I wrote in the picture are truly five things you can start to do today that over time will change your life. They stem from the teachings I learned in reiki so I know this to be true. I personally say these in Japanese as a mantra every morning when I wake and every evening when I prepare for sleep. By chanting these precepts, you begin to change the way you see yourself and the world around you.
Moving Forward
This year is the grand year of transformation, a nine year in numerology. It is the year of completion, and I personally look forward to fully and unequivocally shining in my own light at full strength once again. I wrote about the importance of this year in 6 Tips To Guide You Towards Soul-fillment in 2016 if you wish to read more on that topic.
Reiki is more than taking a one day class, receiving a certificate, and laying hands on someone. I think this is the greatest travesty of misconception of what our Western society believes is important. Reiki is so much more. It is a way of being and a way to self discovery back to soul. Our bodies are designed to heal themselves, so all we have to do is tap into that source energy. Reiki helps facilitate that. I have been practicing Reiki over a decade now, and even after all this time, I feel like I have so much to still discover about the magic Reiki offers all of us inside and out.
Healing trauma is not easy, but I am so grateful for the system of Reiki and all the teachers I have had along the way to guide me in my spiritual path to healing and self discovery.
For those who are struggling now or feel like you can’t see above water, please keep the faith. I remember days, where I felt like it was the end, and I am not only here, but I am beginning to thrive. You can too. I am here to help you best I can and so are so many other wonderful reiki healers.
Tips on Finding a Qualified Practitioner
If you struggle with healing from trauma associated with abuse, here are some tips in choosing a reiki practitioner.
Make sure you find a qualified practitioner who has trauma informed care as part of their training.
Make sure you find a practitioner who has been practicing Reiki for a long time as trauma has its own intricate needs.
Ask questions about the Reiki practitioner’s training and belief system
What system of reiki did they study?
What was included in their studies?
What level of Reiki have they completed?
How long have they been practicing Reiki?
Do they practice reiki every day? (My apologies as many reiki practitioners may disagree, I feel THIS is the most important question). If they are not practicing reiki every day, how can they possibly understand how to help you? This goes beyond just reiki, but understanding trauma and all its intricate components.
What is their level of experience and training in working with people with trauma?
How many clients have they used Reiki for healing trauma?
Ask how they use Reiki in healing trauma.
This is just a simple guide, but you can also check out the article I wrote on Reiki Can Do No Harm or Can It? for more tips and guidance.
I hope what I wrote helps someone out there in need who needs something to help them survive in order to thrive. Please share the love and compassion.
Ashwagandha contains many useful medicinal chemicals, including withanolides (steroidal lactones), 
(Per 
The Back St
