As Redmond states, the frame drum is an ancient technology that is still utilized for a simple reason: It works. Among indigenous peoples around the world, drumming is still used to entrain human brain waves to the beat of the drum to induce a trance state.
Shamanism is a term to describe a general practice of using the wisdom of the natural world and the Earth’s energies to heal oneself and to add beauty to one’s life. Shamanism includes many spiritual practices and does not have one doctrine of belief to follow. The ceremonies… are Earth-based and draw upon the wisdom in nature and your inner self in order to bring healing into your lives.
Lomilomi is one of the most ancient, sacred art forms in Hawaiian Medicine. Although lomilomi is commonly recognized as a massage, to Hawaiians, lomilomi is much more. Lomilomi is a spiritual ceremony that opens up the physical body to allow more of the person’s spirit’s energy to shine through, therefore, increasing their ability to walk out their life’s purpose. Lomilomi is a way of showing reverence for the body by connecting with the spirit of aloha- the breath and unconditional love of Spirit. Lomilomi restores the body’s natural state of relaxation by reminding it how to release stuck energy. Lomilomi teaches the receiver and giver both how to live in a state of aloha where the energy of Spirit moves through the body with ease and grace.
How is Lomilomi different from a massage by an RMT?
Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) work to relieve pain and tension; they are a valuable resource and are often covered by medical plans. Lomilomi is not yet recognized on medical plans in Canada. One RMT who came for a session said she’d never experienced anything like that in her life. She said that RMTs are trained to relieve pain but lomilomi has the potential to get to the heart of what is creating the pain in the body and release it with awareness of the client.
What can I expect in a lomilomi session?
Well, with spiritual ceremonies, we can expect the unexpected! Every session is different. Every person is different. The lomilomi practitioner’s job is to listen to what is needed with her spirit, body, and heart and let the Divine move though and do the work. Auntie Margaret used to say, “Lomilomi is praying work.” Unlike a regular massage session, there is prayer, singing, and other ceremonial aspects woven into each session.
Simply put, reiki is Universal Energy- the unconditional love of Spirit/God/The Divine. Reiki is a healing modality that originated in Japan borne of a vision quest undertaken by Dr. Mikao Usui. After 40 days, Usui came back to his community with knowledge of how to tap into this spiritual energy to initiate and catalyze healing. Although all healing modalities work with the energy bodies to some extent, reiki impacts these bodies in a gentle but powerful way to shift ingrained patterns that are not serving the client’s highest good. In a reiki session, the practitioner gently lays hands on the client’s fully clothed body and acts as a channel of this Universal Energy into the client’s auric field. This can also be done long distance without the client being physically present and, for those who do not feel comfortable with touch, can be done hands off. Since it is not possible for lower vibrating energy (that produces pain, tension and suffering) to exist when higher vibrating energy is present, the Universal Energy flushes out these more dense energies out of the energetic field.
Reiki is a particularly effective way to relieve stress, tension, bring more inner peace and balance into one’s life. For people who are needing more long-term support due to illness or disease, a crystal healing grid can also be set up by request that will continue to deliver healing energy to the client long-term. Hour-long reiki sessions are now offered over phone, in person, and on Skype.
The following is taken from the Canadian Reiki Association’s FAQ page (www.reiki.ca):
What can be expected after a session?
Over the next little while, you may notice that you are detoxifying the waste that has built up in your system. You may want to allow more time in the ‘little room’ (the washroom) in the morning. Increase your water and/or herbal tea intake so that the toxins are flushed out more readily. You may want to rest more and allow time for that. Most people feel an immediate improvement in their level of pain. Energy and alertness increase daily and a feeling of overall well-being may be noticed.
Reiki Principles:
Just for today, I will not anger
Just for today, I will not worry
Just for today, I will be grateful
Just for today, I will work hard on myself
Just for today, I will be kind to others