Reiki Healing

If you are familiar with alternative treatments, you may have heard of Reiki. It is a Japanese technique used for various types of healing which can be done by a Reiki practitioner or you can even learn self healing. A simple explanation is that hands are placed on or just above the body in various positions to move ki(energy) to facilitate healing. Reiki was discovered over 100 years ago Dr. Mikao Usui of Japan and made its way to the United States in the 1960's. These ideals were added later to add spiritual balance and enable the client to accept they can heal from within themselves. . "The secret art of inviting happiness The miraculous medicine of all diseases Just for today, do not anger Do not worry and be filled with gratitude Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people. Every morning and evening, join your hands in prayer. Pray these words to your heart and chant these words with your mouth Usui Reiki Treatment for the improvement of body and mind The founder , Usui Mikao I received my first session from Reiki Master, Catalina Rivera, who has been practicing for 13 years and studied Reiki in Santiago, Chile. I wasn't sure what to expect at a session so I laid on the table and relaxed in my comfortable clothing, kept my eyes closed and ready to accept any and all healing. As she began to place her hands on me I felt a feeling of warmth and energy at the same time. I grew more and more relaxed throughout the session and even fell asleep. When I awoke I felt alert and clear headed with a deep feeling of relaxation. Everyone will feel different. I didn't have any major aches or pains the day of the treatment so more of an overwhelming feeling of calm and good health is what I felt. It seemed to last for a couple days. I would highly recommend trying Reiki and learning more about it. It is used in many hospitals now for cancer and pain management. If you want to learn more about Reiki you can hear Catalina speak at the November 7th Holistic Moms Meeting at the Oyster Bay Community Center in Oyster Bay, NY from 7-8:30. She can also be reached at catita79@gmail.com Photos Courtesy of Photo Bucket

National Costume Swap Day is Saturday October 12th but Beware of Toxic Costumes!!!

If you still have not figured out what your child will be for Halloween, you can swap last years costume for another at National Costume Swap Day this Saturday October 12th. This is a great way to recycle last years costume without spending money. Some costumes only are worn once, unless you are my daughter and like to dress up in them year round! If you do opt to buy a costume or swap, be aware of what kind of fabric it is made from especially if it is plastic. The off-gasing of chemicals in plastic/vinyl/PVC masks or other parts of the costume disrupt a young child's endocrine system and are extremely toxic. Natural fabrics are much safer for costumes. Making your own costume is even better. Some costumes have fabrics, glitter and accessories which can be irritating to children's skin and may even contain LEAD or is stuffed with who knows what "fillers" to make puffy animal costumes. Here is one option for a fairy or a knight. Whatever your child dresses up as, keep them safe! To find a Costume Swap near you go to Eco Mom Alliance.