A Different Way To Relax

WHAT HOLISTIC RELAXATION PRACTICES CAN DO FOR YOU

If you’re like me,  you consider relaxing to be an activity for your day off when you do nothing but snack and watch movies. Sure, that day was great, but then you wake up the next morning and your to-do list begins to pile up again. These daily stressors take a toll on our minds and bodies. One lazy day will not repair all the hours, days, and weeks of stress. We take relaxing for granted, not realizing how much damage we really are causing. There are plenty of relaxation techniques out there, but maybe you haven’t found the right one.

I first heard about E.F.T. (emotional freedom technique) and healing touch from a coworker, who invited me to come along to a class. There I met the instructor Kristine McPeak, a PT assistant, E.F.T. practitioner, healing touch level 3 student, and reiki level 2. It was immediately evident that she was passionate about helping others de-stress and achieve relaxation. By the end of the class, Kristine proved to be an excellent conductor of positive energy, and it was hard not to feel comfortable around her. With 15 years of experience, she opened her private business along side her position as a PT assistant at a nursing home. Kristine continues her training and aspires to teach these techniques to other holistic nurses in the U.P.

Kristine McPeak uses gentle healing touch techniques to help Penny Aldrich, owner of Superior Vitality, relax and relieve stress. (photo by Alyssa German)

So what exactly is E.F.T. and Healing touch?

Both of these techniques are complimentary to traditional medicine.

E.F.T. (emotional freedom technique) is a self-tool that lowers stress as it releases blocks and distractions. It helps return the mind, body, and feelings to a state of balance and harmony. Based on acupuncture, it involves tapping with the fingertips on specific points of the face and upper body while mentally focusing on a distressful memory or thought.

What it helps with:

• Eliminates stress and cravings
• Neutralizes emotional pain including fear and persistent sadness.
• Reduces or removes chronic pain
• Resolves headaches, acid indigestion, and promotes physical health
• Improves sports and physical performance
• Resolves physical problems and illness

Memories and thoughts causing emotional stress are often resolved in a single session. The memory or thought will still remain intact but it will no longer have the emotional charge. I asked Kristine which technique she liked the best. Her answer was healing touch since it also provides relaxation for herself. However, she finds E.F.T. to be the most rewarding, especially when a client has a break through.

Healing Touch supports overall balance and relaxation of the body, mind, emotion, and spirit due to stress, illness, injury, grief, medical conditions, surgery, or medical treatments. Healing touch consists of focusing on calming the mind and body by using a variety of light touch or hands off techniques. It feels like an actual massage but doesn’t require oils or the removal of clothing. The specific techniques Kristine uses are mind clear, spiral meditation or chakra self-connection, and pain drain.

Healing Touch Relaxation Benefits:

• Releases endorphins
• Relaxed muscles
• Circulation improved
• Oxygen levels improved because of increased blood flow
• Nutrients are absorbed more efficiently
• Increased enzyme activity for proper digestion
• Hormone regulation is improved
• Body releases toxins
• Healthy cells are regenerated
• Sense of well-being leads to improved healing
• Stable physiology and improved immune system

What Healing Touch helps with:

• Reduces stress and decreases pain
• Calms anxiety and depression
• Strengthens the immune system
• Enhances recovery from surgery
• Deepens the spiritual connection
• Supports cancer care
• Creates a sense of well-being
• Eases acute and chronic conditions
• Helps the death and dying process

More holistic practices have been slowly making their way into our society. It may be hard to accept the spiritual theories behind these practices, and it may take some extra time to open the mind. Relaxation can be a difficult thing to achieve, but we deserve it. Even if we have to step out of our comfort zone and try something new, it’s worth exploring all our options.

Interested in E.F.T. and H.T.?

Next H.T. class is December 2, 7pm at Peter White Library, Shiras Rm.

Next E.F.T. class is December 16, 7-8pm at Superior Vitality (714 N. 3^rd St, limited space, please RVSP 906-869-4953

Follow Kristine McPeak’s business on facebook at PeaceSHINE

Or email her at laughinggirl66@gmail.com

by Alyssa German

Creative was a word I never thought of to use to describe myself with. Now in my final semester at NMU, I've met a completely different side of myself that was awakened by my career choice. I really only considered photography as a dream job but after two switches of my major, it seemed like photography was always staring me in the face and I just kept running in the opposite direction. Choosing an art filled direction has been one of those ultimate life-changing decisions. I now find myself experimenting many of my interests and let me tell you, it's a long list.

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