Tag: negative emotions

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Aromatherapy: Find an Expert Aromatherapist

There are a lot of people who use the term “aromatherapist” to describe what they do. Learn how to find one who really knows how to help!

Types of Aromatherapy Education

Traditional aromatherapists may have no formal training – the kind that results in a certificate. These individuals are likely to be highly educated on which oils to use for what maladies, and probably know of more than one oil to treat common ailments. A traditional aromatherapist may use products from several brands, and have their own philosophy related to the ingestion of essential oils. Sometimes, these individuals will ask a fee for their knowledge, other times they are just the wise person in your tribe.

Sales-based aromatherapists have been trained by a specific company to sell essential oils. They have been issued a certificate, and have received some formal training. They likely limit their practice to a single brand, and are unlikely to know much about oils not carried by that brand. They may or may not have an understanding of how the oils function, and are unlikely to be able to suggest oils for very specific needs. These individuals may also have a very hard stance on the ingestion of essential oils, pro or con, based on the philosophy of the brand. These individuals are highly unlikely to charge a professional fee for your visit, but are likely to offer high-priced oils.

Independently Certified aromatherapists have undergone formal training through an organization that is not in the business of selling the oils themselves. These individuals are likely to be able to explain how and why certain oils work for specific ailments. They may have developed a philosophy on ingesting oils that is based on a risk-versus-benefit model, rather than a staunch stance expected to work for every client. An independently certified aromatherapist may also have an understanding of the basic chemistry of oils, and some knowledge of their potential to interact with other foods or medications. They will very likely charge a fee for their professional services, as well as for any blends they create for you.

Which is Right for Me?

That depends on what is wrong with you! OK, there’s nothing “wrong” about you, probably, but your choice will depend on your level of need. If you’re interested in diffusing some nice-smelling oils that might help you be calm or feel an energy boost, any of the above will be perfect!

If you are interested in addressing a specific need or ailment, if you are on medication for a diagnosed condition, or if you don’t feel you respond to essential oils suggested by your friendly MLM oil salesperson*, you may wish to seek out someone who has been differently trained to work with these specific situations.

How Do I Find an Aromatherapist?

You probably have a friend on social media, or within your real-life group, who sells essential oils or knows who does. If you’d like to try out some lavender to see if it helps you sleep, just post that to Facebook and pick someone who answers. Or ask about it at church. Trust me, they’re out there.

If you’re looking for a traditional or independent aromatherapist, you may have to dig a little more deeply. Traditional aromatherapists are usually also herbalists, midwives, acupuncturists, or have jobs in other alternative healing methods. They may work at spas, massage therapy offices, or from their homes. Traditional aromatherapists may be more difficult to find – you might ask someone you know who takes herbal supplements, or enjoys alternative methods of healing. Independently Certified aromatherapy professionals may be found in the same way. Certified aromatherapists may also be found using the various registries available from the educating institutions, like these, but it is important to remember that not all professional aromatherapists choose to pay to maintain these associations:

National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists

International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists

How Do I Know?

Ahhh… This is the good stuff. In order to really know if an aromatherapist is the right one for you, you’ll need to ask some questions of them. It’s OK! They likely understand that this is a normal part of the process, and should not feel threatened to answer your inquiries.

It is acceptable to ask directly about their education and where they get their information. Ask specifically about your needs, and their experience with those issues or similar ones. Definitely inquire about their philosophy on ingesting oils, and more importantly, why they take that stance (For an independent analysis on the safety of ingesting essential oils, check out this no-nonsense article!). Most important, listen to their answers! Those responses should come from the person, and not be parroted information from a brochure or corporate memo, no matter where they were trained!

Most Important

There are two “most important” issues.

First, you should feel comfortable with your aromatherapist. You should feel secure that their knowledge matches your needs.

Second, you should see an improvement in your issues. If you do not, your aromatherapist should be able to do some tests and make some adjustments based on your responses, so that different oils with the same compounds can be used. This improvement may not be immediate. If you are using aromatherapy to support medical treatments or for more general use, this may not apply as readily. Again, this may come down to feelings – do you feel like your medical therapy is working better since you added aromatherapy?

Once you find the right aromatherapist for your needs, what’s next? Find out in the rest of the Aromatherapy series!

*MLM salespeople are not scammers. Scammers are scammers. MLM salespeople have not fallen victim to a pyramid scheme. They are normal people who believe in a product or brand, and choose to be in business for themselves as an ambassador for that brand. They can be very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. For more on the real truth about Multi-Level Marketing companies and essential oils, please click over here: Choosing Quality Essential Oils: To MLM or Not to MLM

For More on Aromatherapy:

“What is Aromatherapy?”

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Reiki: What to Expect After Your Session

Now What?

You’ve learned what Reiki is. You chose a practitioner, prepared as much as you chose, and experienced a peaceful time. What’s supposed to happen now?

You may notice any, all, or none of the following. It is not necessarily an indication that Reiki isn’t working for you, or that you’re not with the right Reiki healer. Each of us comes to the table with different needs. More subtle shifts in energy will likely be more noticeable than larger ones, in a twist no one expects! But note any of these – it will help both you and your practitioner to be prepared or know where to focus for next time.

You May Feel Sleepy

This is maybe the most common easily-noted effect of Reiki treatments. Many people prefer to schedule their appointments for a time when they are able to go home and sleep or nap immediately afterward.

You May Feel Energized

In a previous article, I briefly discussed that your Reiki experience will be personalized to your needs. In some cases, an individual opens emotional or physical healing that has them leaving the table feeling lighter, more capable, or stronger.

This is not a result of the Reiki itself. If Reiki just gave people physical energy, it would be far more popular than coffee. It isn’t. No practitioner can just personalize their practice to give you some pep. But when a client is able to release heavy emotions, or find a great reduction in physical pain, they may feel a surge of energy. Yay!

You May Feel Thirsty

Reiki can boost the body’s natural digestion and detox. In order to detox, your organs need water. Ideally, they need it all the time! As your body is aligned to a place where it wants to eliminate waste, your thirst is telling you to help it do that job.

Don’t make your body tell you this. Just drink plenty of water before and after your Reiki session.

You May Feel Empowered

If you have come to your session full of stressors and questions, you may find some clarity with Reiki. Use this carefully! Don’t make any major decisions, like quitting a job or moving cross-country, for a day or two after your session.

You May Feel Healed

Be careful! I mean, yay! For real, Reiki is amazing and some people have shown dramatic improvement in physical ailments after receiving Reiki. This is the goal! But there’s a “but” …

Minor issues such as a strained muscle or tension headache might, in fact, be rendered healed after Reiki. When it comes to more serious ailments, however, please take a beat before making decisions.

Before you stop taking any medication on the basis that you feel better, please check with the doctor who prescribed the medication. You may wish to have testing completed, or to ease off the medication slowly to avoid detrimental side effects. Before you go ahead and do some kickboxing with your torn rotator cuff, make sure it IS good and doesn’t just FEEL good right now.

Reiki is healing. It is just important to remember that, as with any medicine or healing modality, you sometimes want to make sure things are OK rather than just making that assumption.

See More on Reiki

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out:

“What is Reiki?”

“Finding a Reiki Practitioner“

“Prepare For Your Reiki Session“

“What to Expect During Your Reiki Healing Session.“

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Reiki: What to Expect During Your Session

When You Arrive

Many Reiki practitioners operate from their own homes, or travel to your home. This is perfectly fine, but may change the exact parameters of how the welcome occurs. 

If you are in a setting like a spa, chiropractor’s office, or dedicated Reiki studio, you should expect to be greeted warmly. These spaces are not always calm and serene! Don’t worry – in most of these spaces, you will be shown to a private room similar to those used for massage or other therapies. 

Beginning Your Experience

Your comfort is important, so your practitioner will likely ask about the room temperature and lighting. You may be offered aromatherapy, crystals, or other supporting services, if these options were not discussed during your initial consultation or when you made the appointment. Not all Reiki practitioners incorporate these paths within their practice; if they might be important to you, make it one of the questions you ask before you set your appointment!

Your practitioner will also review any specific issues you would like to address. They’ll briefly cover their process, so that you know what to expect within their personalized practice. 

Do I Undress?

Nope! Some Reiki practitioners will offer clients a moment to remove belts, and any jewelry that might be uncomfortable. Many will remind individuals who wear bras and pantyhose that those items may be best removed – if doing so will make the client more comfortable. If the client chooses to remove any items of clothing, the practitioner will step out of the room and provide time for that to happen. 

Beyond those minor things, Reiki is performed while everyone has clothes on. (Some spaces and organizations offer nude Reiki. These may include family-friendly nude campgrounds and adults-only resorts. Seek this only according to your comfort level.)

Now What?

In most cases, you will lie on a table similar to, or exactly like, a massage table or doctor’s exam table. Reiki can be performed with the client in any position, so if your experience needs to differ from that, you can experience just as much peace and healing. This article is focused on a typical in-office experience. 

Your practitioner will spend a few moments in prayer or meditation, either silently to themselves, or aloud with you. They may recite a poem or prayer to open the session.

Hands Off?

At this point, most practitioners will begin, either at your head or your feet. Most will use very light touches as they work to transfer and balance energy. This will not be the touch you might feel during a massage; there is no manipulation of muscles or manual movement of your body. Most practitioners will lift their hands away from the body when they reach sensitive areas, such as the genitals, breasts, and neck. If there are any places on your body that you would prefer not to have touched, please feel free to speak up! Your practitioner wants to know!

In some places, it is not legal to perform Reiki with your hands touching the client unless you have a massage therapy license or similar. Practitioners in these areas may choose to use an alternate method, completing the entire session without touch. While this can be more challenging for the practitioner, it is perfectly valid Reiki and will have the same impact as otherwise. If it is important to you to have one style or the other, feel free to ask!

During This Time

You may be silent. You may speak. You may sneeze, cough, cry, feel angry, or fall asleep. You may experience any of a full range of human emotions and needs. You may need to use the restroom. This is OK! You are a human, and you are expected to have emotions and needs. You are not a disruption to the session, and it is your needs that are paramount during this time!  Your practitioner can get started again when you are ready. 

Your practitioner may also speak. They may ask you questions about what you are feeling, or check in to make sure you are comfortable. Depending on your needs, they may help you to turn over, or adjust your headrest. Other than that, you are free to meditate, sleep, or whatever you like!

What Does Reiki Feel Like?

Reiki Feels different to different people. As your energy shifts and balances, you may feel warmth in one or more areas of your body. You may feel deep emotions, and should feel safe to do so. Some clients feel very mild physical tingling. Many clients feel only deep peace. 

As your practitioner works using Universal Energy to help you heal, there are almost an infinite number of sensations or feelings that you may experience. If anything feels uncomfortable, if you experience something you don’t understand, or if you feel any pain that did not exist prior to your session, know that you always have the authority to stop! Ask what’s happening, ask your practitioner to move to another place on your body, or stop the practice for a few moments to chat. It is your session!

As Your Session Ends

Your session itself will likely end several minutes before your “end time.” This is because a short discussion to help clear any emotions or issues that have arisen is often a necessary part of Reiki. If you removed a belt or bra, you will be given an opportunity to get your outfit back in the order you chose that morning. You should be offered some water, and time to adjust before you’re expected to make your way out into the real world. 

If your path might include additional appointments, you’ll likely be offered the opportunity to make your next appointment. If you’d like to return, it’s a good idea to go ahead and schedule! Your practitioner may work in several locations, so an appointment when one is convenient for you is best made early. 

Up Next:

Reiki: What to Expect After Your Session

Also see: “What Is Reiki?”

 “Reiki: Finding a Practitioner”

 “Reiki: Prepare for Your Healing Session”

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Reiki: Prepare for Your Healing Session

There really isn’t anything you have to do prior to your session. We’re here to discuss some of the ways that you may prepare to get the most from Reiki. Many clients are only able to do a couple of these things, while others rush in still anxious from their workday without having given any of them a thought. That’s OK! Your Reiki will still work!

If you have the time and inclination, consider some of these beneficial ways to prepare:

Eat Something

If you are hungry, your focus is likely to be on food! Your attention is not necessary in order for Reiki to be effectively performed. But you are likely to get more from the experience if you feel as comfortable as possible. Most humans do not feel comfortable when they are hungry!

Drink Something

Preferably, drink water. Reiki can encourage your body to eliminate waste more efficiently, and you need to be hydrated for that to happen. You will likely be offered water after your session, but it’s relatively important to go hydrated.

Reiki will not stop working because you had a Pepsi instead, but maybe have a water.

Meditate or Pray

Depending on your spiritual or religious path, meditation may take many forms. You might pray for a peaceful and successful session. You might use a repeated mantra, listen to guided meditation, or take an intentional walk. The idea is to take some time to connect with your spiritual side, and with any energy, spirit, deity, or entity that helps you to feel the potential for healing.

Give Yourself Time

Allow yourself a little extra time so that you can ignore the slow car in front of you, catch the next bus, or take that far-away parking space. You may also be asked to fill out some paperwork prior to your first session, so be sure to allow for a little extra time that day!

Dress Comfortably

Reiki is performed while everyone has clothes on, unless it is performed during a massage or other procedure where it would be normal to disrobe. You may or may not be given an opportunity to remove belts, uncomfortable bras, jewelry, or binding clothing. If you are able, just go comfy!

Know Your Needs

If you haven’t had an opportunity to talk to your practitioner in advance, you will likely be given that opportunity before they begin. It’s really part of the session! It can be helpful if you are able to express your reasons for seeking Reiki healing. Your practitioner will be able to tailor their practice to specifically address certain needs.

Things you might tell your practitioner include:

  • Specific emotional issues
  • Injuries, stiffness, pain, or tension in any area
  • Recent surgeries or medical procedures
  • Concerns you may have, even if they have not been diagnosed by a medical doctor

Up Next

We’ll look at what happens during an actual Reiki session in Reiki: What to Expect

If you haven’t checked out our other articles on Reiki, be sure to click back for “What is Reiki” and “How to Find a Reiki Practitioner.”

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Reiki: Finding a Reiki Practitioner

There are many, many people certified and trained to perform Reiki. People from all walks of life, all colors, shapes, sizes, and belief systems have taken the class.

So how do you know which one is right for you? Aren’t they all doing the same thing? Read on, my friend, we’re going on a journey for those answers!

Is All Reiki The Same?

In theory, yes, all Reiki is the same. In practice, that is not the case.

All Reiki practitioners will have learned that a poor diet and unwell body can inhibit mental clarity and energy flow within the practitioner. When this happens, the client may not receive the full benefit of the session.

That’s just an example. Beyond diet, lots of habits or issues can impact a practitioner’s effectiveness! Excessive alcohol use, lack of regular Reiki meditation and practice, and a chaotic lifestyle are other issues that might mean an individual isn’t in the best shape to practice Reiki.

Why does all of that matter? Because there are two distinct ways in which people generally experience Reiki. One is when they are at some sort of gathering, and they express difficulty with an issue that might be aided by Reiki. A friend jumps up and says, “I know Reiki! Come on!” They go to a private space, have a Reiki session, and wait to see what happens. When someone tells me that Reiki “didn’t do anything,” this is frequently the setting in which it was received.

In the other scenario, a client makes an appointment with a professional Reiki practitioner. That practitioner maintains a nutrient-dense diet, and stays well hydrated – almost as if it were their job 🙃. That practitioner regularly meditates on the Reiki Principles, and applies them within their daily life. They are intentionally prepared for the session, mentally and physically, and will call to reschedule if they are not. You, the client, arrive for your appointment and are given space to explain your needs. Your healing is tailored to the areas you would like to be addressed. When your session is over, you are offered water, and given time to discuss any feelings or concerns that have arisen. Your practitioner calls in a day or two to inquire about any specific areas that were addressed.

These experiences are not the same. They will not feel the same, and they will not heal the same. It is true that Reiki is available to all; that is fundamental to Reiki. It is untrue to say that all who practice Reiki do so with equal outcomes.

How Will I Know?

If the practitioner is a friend, you’ll know! If you’re regularly partying with this friend, see them participating in drama, and know that they regularly pack their bodies with fast food and soda, there are some clues! Don’t ignore your friend’s Reiki work necessarily – they’re trying something, and you might still benefit. But maybe this isn’t the person with whom you give Reiki a serious try. As their Reiki practice grows, so might their desire to shift their habits. Allow them grace for growth and space for learning.

What If I Have No Friends?

What happens if you don’t know anyone who is certified and trained, or don’t know anyone you’d trust?

Spas, massage therapists, chiropractors, wellness centers, herbalists, midwives, and even medical centers may hire or have contracts with Reiki professionals. It is perfectly acceptable to call one and ask! Much of the time, you’ll at least be able to get a recommendation. Local groups on your favorite social media platforms are also great places to ask for recommendations!

Once you have your recommendation, call or message the practitioner to ask for a consultation. In most places, this is free. During this consultation, ask questions! Ask if they do anything special that helps their Reiki practice, and, as we’ll discuss later, ask about their training.

Even more important than asking questions is just getting a “vibe.” If you aren’t comfortable with the practitioner, or if they give you a sense of an anxious, depressed, or scattered mental space, take a beat. Thank them, and leave without scheduling your appointment. Think about what really bothered you. Consider whether it was really the practitioner, or if you were hungry, annoyed, or had a headache and need to reevaluate them mentally.

It is likely that they will follow up with you. If you have decided that you want to make an appointment, then do so. If not, it is OK to say, “No, thank you. I have decided to pursue a different path.” Then you call a different massage therapist or spa and ask if they know of someone else. Easy peasy.

Aren’t There Levels? Do I Need a Reiki Master?

Since this article is being written by a professional Reiki Master, I’m going to say “yes!” But no. Or maybe. Yes, there are levels. Maybe it matters. Here’s why:

Most of the time, a Reiki Master will have had instruction and practice over several years. This kind of dedication generally indicates that they are willing to follow a lifestyle that supports their Reiki journey. Of course, that is not always the case.

Sometimes, a Reiki Master has not had years of Reiki practice and training. In some cases, this indicates that they bought a certificate online and watched some videos in order to become “trained.” In other cases, this means that the practitioner has had many years of similar study, is already adept and comfortable with energy work, and has proven their value as both a practitioner and an instructor. That last one is rare, and that practitioner will still have been required to take all of the training.

So, do you need someone with a certificate declaring them a “master” ? Not unless you believe that sheet of paper has special powers. It may be an indication that you have found a Reiki practitioner who is dedicated to the practice, and will provide excellent service. It may mean that this person paid extra to get their certificate, because it means they can make extra money teaching Reiki classes.

Ask them how they were trained – it’s OK. They expect it, and some even know each Reiki master who has trained under which other Reiki master in their “lineage” all the way back to the doctor who refined this method. Check out the practitioner’s website or brochures, to see if the focus seems to be on healing versus business. They have to make a living, so expect that they advertise and advocate for themselves! But once they get you to their space, what is the focus? You can figure out pretty quickly how you feel about the depth of their practice.

Some professional Reiki practitioners are simply happy practicing with a Level 1 certificate and training. THIS IS NOT BAD! This is personal choice, and it does not mean that their abilities or knowledge are lesser. Read that again. It is entirely possible to acquire knowledge and ability outside of formal education in every area of life. Reiki is not an exception. Far more important is a practitioner’s dedication to maintaining Reiki practice and study, and to a living a lifestyle that supports their practice.

Most Important

Without question, the most important factor in choosing a Reiki practitioner is YOU! If you are comfortable with someone, and feel as though they might help you on your healing path, they’re probably the right person for you. In the rare event that you do not feel more peaceful, the session feels awkward to you, or you don’t see a benefit after a session or two, it’s OK to seek out new recommendations. No Reiki practitioner should push you to continue if you are uncomfortable or are not feeling a benefit.

Next Up

How to Prepare for Your Reiki Healing Session

And if you haven’t already, click back to “What is Reiki?” for a no-nonsense explanation complete with studies and evidence and whatnot.

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Use Music to Modulate Negative Emotions

Most people have used music to modulate emotion. Specific songs or musical works may help you feel calm, evoke joy, or bring deep peace. Many people also listen to music that matches their negative emotion, hoping to let out the anger or find empathy in their despair. But does it work? Or can listening to angry music just make you more angry? Turns out, there’s more than one right answer!

How We Listen

When it comes to using music to modulate negative emotions, there are three types of listening. The way that you listen can make a big difference in how the listening impacts your emotions! Take a look at these three ways individuals use that sweet combination of melody, harmony, and rhythm as they attempt to work through sadness, anxiety, depression, and anger:

Solace

“Solace” is when you use music that matches your emotional state. This is listening to sad songs when you’re feeling sad, and “just need a good cry”. You may listen to songs about depression when you are depressed, so that you feel less alone or better understood. This type of listening may help you feel supported, accepted, and slightly more in control of your emotions.

Diversion

“Diversion” is what happens when you’re sad, but listen to happy music to help pull you out of a funk. Some people with anxiety successfully use this type of listening to assist in pulling themselves out of particularly bad moments or anxiety attacks. This type of listening may look a lot like playing your favorite song or songs over and over until you feel better.

Discharge

“Discharge” is listening to music that matches your emotion, in hopes of better letting go of that emotion. This may look like an angry person cranking up some Nine Inch Nails, Nirvana, or Linkin Park. It may look like a sad person drowning themselves in break-up songs, but wallowing rather than becoming empowered like one would if they were listening for Solace.

The Study

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience published a study called “Maladaptive and adaptive emotion regulation through music: a behavioral and neuroimaging study of males and females”. Based on research by a research team at the Center for Interdisciplinary Music Research at the University of Jyväskylä, the University of Helsinki, and Aalto University in Finland. The team sought to discover whether the effects of music on a person could be both positive and negative. More specifically, they wanted to know whether music could actually harm a person’s mental health.

The researchers in this study didn’t just look at each participant’s mental health and music habits — they also looked at each participant’s neurological response to music. The researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a brain imaging technique that uses blood flow to determine which areas of the brain are active. During the brain scan, the participants listened to clips of happy, sad and fearful-sounding music. I’m not going to go into detail about what parts of the brain show which things – it is all available in the linked study. But the team found something surprising!

The Findings

What did they find? The answer is sometimes “yes”! Listening to music CAN be harmful to a person’s mental health. No, this doesn’t mean your nay saying relative was right, and that rock-n-roll music will lead to the downfall of society. It doesn’t even mean that specific music is always bad for all people.

What they found was that the way in which you listen is what really matters. There was also a clear deviation between male participants and female. According to the study, men (but not women) who used the “Discharge” method of listening had higher levels of anxiety and neuroticism than women, or than participants who listened differently. In other words, venting negative emotions through music doesn’t help modulate the negative emotions. Surprisingly, it may make them worse!

How to Listen

If you’re attempting to use music as a resolution for negative emotions, or to work through them, listen carefully. As you listen ask yourself how you’re feeling, and how you think you’ll feel after this song. Or the next one. Is this music helping you to express emotion, or to feel safe and grounded? Or is this music simply feeding your rage or anxiety? Only you can know, but listening appropriately may be vital as you use music to heal. Even if you don’t intentionally turn on the playlist, check in with yourself when a song comes on the radio or Sirius. If the goal is emotional wellness, you might choose to leave the Nine Inch Nails for when you’re feeling a little less open to negative emotions.