The history of equine acupuncture has a long history, dating back to the years 2000-3000 in China. The practice has been popular in the Far East for centuries, but received little attention among Western veterinarian practices until recently.

The primary purpose of equine acupuncture is to treat the horse’s muscoloskeletal system. It is also a treatment used for chronic disease. The acupuncture stimulates certain pressure points in the body, causing a specific reaction.

Equine Acupuncture Theory

Health is often defined as a balance and harmony between a living creature and its internal environment, within its external environment. there is complete mental, physical, and social balance, and goes beyond the mere absence of disease.

Equine acupuncturists observe the entire horse, and not just the point of the body that is diseased or injured. The practitioner will consider why the disease developed, and will observe the horse in its natural home surroundings.

Acupuncture treatment is meant to restore a state of balance, which is also known as homoeostasis. The treatment has an effect on the area of the brain known as the hypothalamus. It affects mechanisms in the brain that control blood pressure, pulse, respiration, hormone secretion, white blood cell production, and intestinal motility.

Equine Acupuncture Meridians

There are 12 main pairs of meridians and 2 unpaired meridians.

• Heart – Small Intestine
• Lung – Large Intestine
• Liver – Gall Bladder
• Pericardium – Triple Heater
• Kidney – Bladder
• Spleen – Stomach
• Conception Vessel
• Governing Vessel

One of the most often treated meridians from the list is the bladder meridian. Located on each side of the spine, it contains some of the most important points in the body. Each of these points is located along the meridians, and they control the flow of energy through the body. Problems occur when the flow of the energy is blocked, or it is not in balance. The goal of acupuncture is to balance the energy flow by removing the blockages.

Preventative Equine Acupuncture

Instead of medicine and painkillers, acupuncture releases enkephalins, endorphins, and serotonin, which all act as natural painkillers. Acupuncture is also useful in preventing disease and injury. Horses that are in prime condition and compete take part in a variety of exercises that can cause injuries that go unnoticed. Over a period of time, these injuries can build up, and can cause the horse greater injury because they will handle their body in ways that compensate for these smaller injuries. Through treatment and regular examinations, these injuries can be spotted early. Once the blood supply and normal functions are returned to the muscles, these injuries heal more quickly and the horse can continue to compete.

Equine Acupuncture Benefits

Acupuncture can be used to treat almost any medical condition, with only a few exceptions. Malignant tumours, end stage organ failure, and irreparable fractures will respond poorly, and possibly grow worse if acupuncture is administered. It is important to use acupuncture in conjunction with traditional veterinarian care, in order to assure that the horse is getting full, safe treatment.

In equine practice, acupuncture is commonly used for the relief of muscoloskeletal pain and to influence the function of internal organs. It is especially useful for treating:

Conditions that respond positively to Equine Acupuncture:

• lung problems
• pneumonia
• allergic bronchitis
• chronic cough
• infertility
• reproductive problems
• Scars
• ovarian pain associated with heat cycles
• kidney
• heart
• internal medicine problems
• liver
• diarrhea
• digestive tract problems
• excess gas
• neck problems
• constipation
• nerve inflammation
• pain and stiffness
• wobblers
• neurological disorders
• behaviour problems
• nerve damage
• navicular
• arthritis
• chronic pain
• musculoskeletal disorders
• laminitis – acute and chronic
• colic (acute and chronic)

Electrodermal Screening is founded on the theory that improper energy flow through the body causes imbalances and malfunctions. A result of over thirty years of research, the procedure has been appraised and approved by many doctors and dentists in the US, and is being widely used in other countries, such as France, Germany, Canada, and England.

Electrodermal Screening History

German doctor, Reinhard Voll began to develop this new approach to health in the late 1940s. During his studies of the Chinese meridian system, he realised that if the traditional acupuncture theory was correct and energy did flow throughout the body, then there had to be some way of measuring this energy as it reached the skin’s surface. In time his theory proved successful, and he created a device using an ohmmeter and a brass probe, which he placed on acupuncture points to measure the skin’s ability to conduct energy.

After many years of research, Dr. Voll began to discover that energy flowing through acupuncture points on the feet and hands had to fall within a certain range in order for the corresponding tissue or organ to be healthy. Moreover, he discovered that when homoeopathic medicines were placed close to the patient the energy readings were very liable to change.

Electrodermal Screening Description

Nowadays, Electroermal Screening is used to extract a considerable amount of information about a person’s health in a quick, non-invasive, and cost-efficient manner. Using a computer database, the body can be evaluated for dysfunctional structures, and possible cures ranging from over 25,000 entries.

Pathogens, toxic chemicals, heavy metals, allergens and emotional influences can all be identified, and by reassessing an abnormal reading when a mineral, vitamin, homoeopathic, or herbal remedy is added to the circuit, a cure can be identified. This technology is also useful to select certain substances such as dental materials and medications most suited to the individual.

Electrodermal Screening Device

The instrument utilised in Electro-Dermal Screening is designed as a communication processor, and because it only requires the measurement of a slight change of skin resistance, it is considered extremely safe to use. Moreover, since there is no system that is completely accurate, the most effective way of using the results provided by EDS is to use them in comparison with other test results as second or third opinion.

Electrodermal Screening Process

Since EDS is an extremely sensitive procedure, it is hard to learn and requires practice and patience in order to acquire a near accurate reading. In fact some refer to it as an “art” form, and the time required to perform a screening test on a patient is anywhere between one to two hours. Computerising the system has helped to provide an excellent visual display, and enables the practitioners to printout information and graphs. Nonetheless, it does little to speed up the process and the time which the practitioner needs to conduct the test.

Electrodermal Screening Benefits

One of the greatest benefits of EDS is that it can be used to assess many functions, systems, and organs of the body. It is also efficient in detecting allergies and sensitivities to foods, plants, animals and environments, and it is useful in screening the quality of teeth, dental conditions and many other malfunctions within the body.

How human energy is generated, transferred and expended, interaction of various body systems, including the cardiovascular, musculo-sketal, nervous, and endocrine systems, as well as environmental effects, training methods, and ergongenic aids are just some of the topics studied.

Specialising into various clinical areas, Exercise Physiologists are substantially suited to rendering professional services in fitness development and rehabilitation, disease prevention, health furtherance and functioning self-reliance.

American Society of Exercise Physiologists

In 1997, for the advancement of exercise physiologists, The American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP), was formed that would provide a forum for collaboration among exercise physiologists. The Society would provide leadership, set standards in university curriculum and provide stimulating interaction among peers.

Through unification, the ASEP aims to further the professionalisation of exercise physiology, promote an exchange of ideas and information, implement the furtherance of academic programs that would meet the diversity of the profession, interact with associations involved in the fields of health and fitness, and increase awareness of the physiology profession. Adhering to a formal code of professional obligation the ASEP will uphold quality standards and maintain integrity among exercise physiologists.

Exercise Physiology Concepts – ATP

Regardless how long energy is expended, power comes from one compound — adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The body stores this compound in a small quantity that powers only a few seconds of exercise, therefore the body needs to continually replace ATP. How the body carries out this function is the key factor to comprehending energy systems.

An ATP molecule is made up of three (tri) phosphate groups and adenosine. Combining water with the molecule (hydrolysis) causes the last phosphate group to split away, energy is released and the ATP molecule has become adenosine diphosphate or ADP.

Chemical reactions, through a process called phosphorylation, add a phosphate group back, replenishing the ATP the body stores. Aerobic metabolism is when this process happens in the presence of oxygen, the metabolism is anaerobic without oxygen present.

Exercise Physiology Concepts – V02 MAX

The maximum capacity of the body to utilise oxygen during maximum exercise is VO2 max. Expressed as millilitres per kilogramme of bodyweight per minute (ml/kg/min), VO2 max measures an individual’s aerobic capacity.

Recent studies have revealed that there is a genetic component to VO2 max. It has been demonstrated through adaptation that our beginning VO2 max and our capacity for improvement from fitness training is genetically influenced.

An adult male, for example, with a starting VO2 max of 45 ml/min/kg who optimally trains for several years can expect to see improvement and his VO2 max may climb as high as 60-65 ml/min/kg. However, professional athletes can have a VO2 max as high as 75 to 85 ml/kg and even without training for several years will only drop as low as the average male’s highest VO2 max.

After several months of exercise most persons will show a significant improvement in their VO2 max, yet studies reveal that a small group of individuals may show very little increase in their VO2 max.

Exercise Physiology Concepts – Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

Not to be confused with the “pumped up” soreness that occurs during or immediately following heavy exercise, Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is a tenderness that occurs 24-48 hours after intensive exercise, ranging from a mild discomfort to debilitating pain.

There is no accepted supposition as to what causes delayed onset muscle soreness, though many theories abound. Equally numbered are the treatment claims that will bring relief but none are universally accepted, neither is a preventative measure for DOMS agreed upon.

Varying degrees of discomfort and swelling reduction has been obtained through the use of timely massage techniques, however muscle function is not affected. Clinical trials have indicated that ice baths, ultrasound, stretching, homoeopathy or electrical current treatments have no therapeutic affects on DOMS.

Though not confirmed by clinical trials and certainly not recommended to be taken in large doses, reports have indicated that Vitamin C may decrease the effects of DOMS.

Equine Shiatsu operates under the same philosophy as regular Shiatsu, applying the philosophy of energy movement and meridians to horses instead of humans. The movements have just been tailored to suit the equine form.

Equine Shiatsu Biography

Pamela Hannay, a pioneer in the practice of animal Shiatsu has taught at the Ohashi Institute in New York and Europe for over twenty years. She is authored Shiatsu for Dogs, and Shiatsu for Horse and Rider. Her practice with animals began in 1983 when a client asked her to help a horse with pain from a severe injury. After six months of therapy from Hannay, the horse recovered and she began sharing her work with other equine enthusiasts.

Equine Shiatsu Basics

Instead of the use of needles, as in Acupuncture, finger, palm and elbow pressure is applied in Shiatsu. The movements are intended to move the energy around the meridians and clear any blocks to the energy. Shiatsu promotes relaxation and well-being, and helps to balance the body’s energy naturally.

When a horses energy is out of balance, there are a number of ways they may display this. The horse may just seem out of sorts, appear to be in pain, or exhibit behavioural problems. Similar to how a person may feel when things just “aren’t right,” a horse will display qualities of imbalance and discomfort.

Equine Shiatsu Bladder Meridian

It may be difficult for a horse owner or trainer to determine if a horse is out of balance. There may be physical signs pointing to their needing adjustment along a specific meridian, but it can be difficult to detect it to the untrained eye.

The Bladder Meridian is one of the horse’s most important meridians. This is the area a horse will most likely need adjusting. The average owner or caretaker may not understand that this is the case if the horse is having no issue with urination. The thing that is important for the caretaker to understand is that this meridian is important to the horse’s back muscles, hindquarters, hind legs and pasterns. It is the largest meridian on a horse, beginning on the face and running to the hindquarters, ending on the coronary band.

Equine Shiatsu Benefits

Horses predominantly communicate through their body language, and as such, are particularly sensitive to touch. This makes Shiatsu and ideal therapy to treat a horse because the respond to tactile communication.

Certain movements on the horse will influence the energy in a horse, and sometimes help to reestablish a flow of energy that is clogged or blocked. Similarly as with human athletes, racing horses may find Shiatsu especially helpful, due to the physical exertion they experience on a regular basis. Shiatsu is beneficial for overall health, but it also helps to promote healing and improved disposition and behaviour.

Equine Shiatsu Examples

Shiatsu sessions for a horse will generally take one hour. The first session may be longer due to the pre-massage intake session, to discuss the health and lifestyle of the horse. Caretakers are encouraged to watch the massage and learn from the horses responses. Many times, caretakers will become accustomed to touching a horse a certain way, and they need to understand if that way is the most beneficial. They can also learn different ways in which to touch the horse depending upon the horse’s particular needs at any given moment.

The Shiatsu practitioner will use pressure, through strokes of hands, arms and elbows to move the energy along the horse’s body and stimulate the meridians. During the massage, horses may show a variety of responses including stretching, yawning, licking and chewing. The Shiatsu massage will be beneficial to both horse and caretaker, and the effects should be seen immediately.

Gerda Alexander, originator of this holistic discipline, calls it the western approach to obtaining unity of the total person, freeing creative powers and achieving a profound knowledge of self in relation to others.

Eutony refers to well-balanced tension; eu meaning good and tony signifying muscle tone. Eutony can be an aid to improved health and wellness regardless of your age or fitness level.

Gerda Alexander

As a young woman, Gertrude Alexander, (1908-1994), was a Danish teacher suffering critically from Rheumatic fever and Endocarditis. Seeking movement that would not complicate her maladies, Alexander researched herself, learning daily about what we are in the body. These observations lead her to formulate the movement forms of self-growth called Eutony.

In accord with her peer, Moshe Feldenkrais, rather than focus on physical exertion,
emphasis was placed on intelligence, sensitivity, and self-awareness. Instead of promoting physical modifications via exercises, Alexander concentrated on movement itself, using lessons and experiments; she sought ways to heighten personal comfort, independence, and wellness.

Eutony Theory

The methodology of Eutony affirms to produce a harmoniously balanced state as one develops the ability of self-awareness and competence to regulate muscular tone in adapting to the activity of the present moment.

To assist the student to reclaim the fluctuation of tone several principles and tools are put to use in the sessions held. Such principles include awareness of the body skin, perception of the internal body, and bones. Other tools involve conscious contact, movement techniques (active and passive), control positions, evaluation of muscular flexibility, and voice and bone vibrations.

Eutony Techniques

Focusing attention and awareness on movement only produces increased circulation and complete beneficial changes to small muscle tonus.

Working with “intention of movement” rather than actually executing the stretches, gliding the bone towards the edge without disturbing the skin and other muscles is most effective in freeing arrested development in deep muscle tonus, balancing muscle tone and producing optimal circulation. Lactic acids and waste by-products resulting from metabolic demands and motor innervations can be avoided when the tonus is prepared for movement.

Circulation, hypo and hypertension troubles are benefited with this technique as well as paralytic conditions in the back and limbs.

Eutony Session

During a Eutony session, which lasts 60-90 minutes, a student, through various “control positions” and self-examination gains understanding of his/her present muscular tonicity. The eutonist will then guide the student, incorporating the use of objects such as balls, pillows and sticks as well as contact between student and guide, to an understanding of the principles. Repetition of the initial control positions complete the session letting the student observe the differences in awareness and muscular tonus.

Eutony varies widely in length and treatment for students.It is claimed as a successful treatment of muscular skeletal disorders and maladies related to psychological enigmas and has a good report among doctors who have become familiar with Eutony.

Eutony Argentina

In the early 70s, while giving seminars in Buenos Aires, Gerda Alexander introduced Eutonia to the Latin American culture. An educational professor and participant of one such seminar, Berta Vishnivetz became interested in Eutonia.

Pursuing her interest, Dr. Vishnivetz graduated in the School as Eutonía de Gerda Alexander. In 1974 she joined and assisted Gerda Alexander becoming a direct collaborator until 1985. Attending the University of Copenhagen Vishnivetz acquired a masters degree and a doctorate in psychology. The university in the Center of Audiologopedagogia currently employs Vishnivetz.

Berta was the founding director of the Latin American School and Argentina de Eutonía, extending to forming eutonistas in three countries. Outgrowing activity from these formations is gaining social recognition as having the capacity and direction to institutionalise this new methodology. Thus it is being duly noted and accepted in the areas of health, art and education.

Jan Thomas

Jan Thomas lives in Queensland, Australia and has been the Channel for the Master known as Chiron. She has also served as Channel for the ancient way of healing known as Chiron Healing, as well as the Channel for the knowledge and Essences brought through by the ancient Crone – Willow. She is a practitioner and teacher of Chiron Healing and wrote training manuals for that method of healing.

In this 21st century, the world is much different than it was during the time of the ancients, but now more than ever, it is necessary to know and understand the things that the people of ancient times knew. Through this, we can align again with Gaia and her energies, and live in the way of the ancients, but here in modern times.

She believes that the path to enlightenment begins by helping yourself, and understanding that if you do not help yourself, no one else can help you.

Chiron Healing

The Chiron Healing Method teaches that matter is energy and views the human body as an energy field that interacts with physical matter. The method of healing’s aim is to restore balance and harmony and used etheric energy to affect systems of the body that include the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Believers feel that the method restores energy from the higher level of human functioning.

The method began in Australia in the late 1970s and was originally developed and taught by Jan Thomas (formerly Jan Trenorden). It was learnt and practised by a small group of health professionals that met frequently to hear Thomas speak. Visit the International Association of Chiron Healers website to learn more.

Essences of the Ancient Civilisations – Physical

The following is a list of physical essences and are used to change things in every day life:

• Dirogeni
• Level 5
• Godnx
• Isis
• Hope
• Atlantis
• Lyonesse
• Mithraic
• Lemuria
• Chironessence
• Ancient Angelsword
• Angelsword

The purpose of utilising this list is to give practitioners a base to journey to a time when they remember ancient lessons and then they can be passed forward for all to benefit from. Practitioners also believe that it is important to draw from a store of knowledge that has been forgotten.

Essences of the Ancient Civilisations – Feeling

The following is a list of emotional essences:

• A’Elgata
• Aotean
• A’Earne
• Coombi
• Chalybeate
• Gaian
• Mantreya
• Oteka
• Honora
• Ragnell
• W.A.E.F
• Ur

The purpose of these essences is to use the knowledge of each civilisation and apply it to the here and now.

Essences of the Ancient Civilisations – Doing with Knowing

The following is a list of Doing with Knowing essences and are for those searching for further truth:

• Aerys
• Charys
• Aesce
• Chlevat
• Diarrhod
• Emrrhod
• Devra
• Herne
• Racatan
• Sovereign
• Maia
• Wistra

These essences are for those that want to know the truth of the past and use it to change the future. By using all of the essences, we are able to add to our storehouse of knowledge. These final essences are those that will lead you to your final truth, according to the theory. It is important to understand that all Mystics, Shamen, Seers, and Warriors felt a certain “oneness” with everything and operated from that feeling.

Through a series of vibrations administered gently in predetermined patterns, the Equine Touch induces an ideal state of homoeostasis. Bringing the horse to this relaxed equilibrium allows for greater success in addressing areas of concern, whether the malady is physical, neurological, emotional or behavioural.

Equine Touch History

In 1997 Jock Ruddock, a pioneer in Vibromuscular Harmonisation Technique began addressing equine problems by using his own unique bodywork methods.

The amazing effects of Jock’s adapted Equine Bodywork gained attention. Jock was treating the horse as a ‘whole’ and called upon the entire body and its natural ability for self-healing. Holding training seminars, Jock pioneered the Equine Touch throughout Europe.

At one seminar, Jock met his future wife Ivana, a teacher at a veterinary university. With further research into the mechanics of the horse, its energy patterns and emotional armour, along with Ivana’s knowledge of veterinary science Jock was able to modify the discipline into the premier equine care that is recognised worldwide.

Equine Touch Description

Gaining a clearer understanding of horses through the aid of the Equine Touch, horse owners are now able to provide help by giving the horse a ‘healing gift’. Through encouragement the horse is lead to a balanced state, which enables the owner to utilise more fully the body’s natural, healing thereby providing relief for the diseased state. The Equine Touch complements all other methods of treatment, from orthodox veterinary medicine, to aromatherapy, and herbal treatments.

Gentle application of predetermined moves over specific points within various muscle groups interspersed with pauses allows the horse to discern and process the effects of the subtle routines.

Equine Touch Theory

Although at times working via other receptors and trigger point release mechanisms, research has shown that the Equine Touch works fundamentally through the fascia, the intelligence network of the body.

The Equine Touch addresses the body physically, chemically, emotionally and some suggest spiritually. When an area needs attention, through the Equine Touch what is required to heal the area is made apparent. This is because the better side of the area is often addressed first.

Equine Touch Benefits

Ideally the horse is led from a state of disease toward homoeostasis by addressing the horse’s body as a whole. Old and sickly equine can benefit as much as young athletic horses.

Sending vibrational energy in a predetermined pattern through the body, aids in releasing muscular tension and energy blockages thereby improving circulation and lymphatic action. The horse, in processing the movements, often becomes very relaxed and is relieved of pain and tension. The Equine Touch can benefit all horses in all disciplines.

International Equine Touch Association

To insure high standards among practitioners and students of the Equine Touch an association, The International Equine Touch Association (IETA) was formed in 2004. The IETA would operate as a separate entity from the Equine Touch Foundation, which served as the teaching branch.

Comprised of practitioners and students from both Equine Touch and Vibromuscular Harmonisation Technique (VHT) members voluntarily committed themselves to be regulated by the Code of Ethics set forth by the association.

In order to practice under the name of Equine Touch and VHT, it is mandatory for practitioners to remain a member of good ranking with the IETA and devote at least two days a year to professional development.

Esoteric healers are educated in numerous balancing techniques and work to open the channels of one’s energy field in order to bring about a flow of healthier energy to promote healing and a sense of wholeness. The invisible field surrounding humans has been observed and studied at length by the International Network of Esoteric Healing (INEH), whose members have honed the science of healing using natural energy.

Esoteric Healing History

In 1960s England, a pioneer in the field of science, radar, and energy led a group of alternative healers who uncovered this new and rather effective way of diagnosing and healing the body all based on energy flow. When it was discovered that the group was able to detect areas of the body experiencing a “congestion” or impediment of their energy flow, they then turned their focus on perfecting the art of redirecting that energy to promote healing and overall wellness.

Two decades later, after years of intense studying of the anatomy of the human energy field and how it relates to meditation and esoteric healing, a group of practitioners came together to form the International Health Research Network, which in 1993, was changed to the International Network of Esoteric Healing.

International Network of Esoteric Healing

The INEH is dedicated to the evolving field of esoteric healing with work based largely on concentrating on etheric energy and learning the rules and laws of healing the body with the mind. A great emphasis is placed on honing one’s intuition, providing training to link the conscious and unconscious minds together to balance the body’s energy, bringing forth the power of the soul to heal the physical self.

Some of the goals of the INEH include:

• Facilitating esoteric healing
• Working in conjunction with various medical practitioners to promote whole body healing
• Sharing knowledge of esoteric anatomy and how understanding it better may help to prevent disease

Esoteric Healing Example

The esoteric healing experience is said to be quite unlike no other. You will be asked to sit or recline comfortably on a chair or couch, and if you wish, visualise yourself floating effortlessly in a pool of warm water, heated by your very own energy. Some report feeling nothing physically and don’t necessarily notice an effect until later, while others say they sense slight movements and notice an immediate difference.

To “protect” the energy field, it’s usually recommended to spend the remainder of the day following esoteric healing as quietly as possible, especially just after your session. Because our own individual fields of energy are influenced directly by our emotional and mental well-beings, it’s important to pay close attention to the feelings you may experience in the days after your treatment.

Esoteric Healing Benefits

One of the most attractive benefits of esoteric healing is that irregularities in one’s field of energy can easily be discovered before they have a chance to penetrate the physical body itself. For this reason, it is said that esoteric healing is a rather effective aspect of both preventative as well as predictive medicine.

Other benefits include increased energy flow to the chakras, resulting in a better functioning nervous and endocrine system, as well as an improvement in blood circulation, elevated mood and a revelation of the ever powerful unconscious mind.

Esoteric Healing Courses

Courses taught by the INEH are available throughout the world to both medical practitioners as well as the average layperson who is seeking information about tapping into the natural energies of the human body on a more profound level as it relates to healing and disease.

The International Network of Esoteric Healing courses are presented to participants in four separate parts, each of which will require an intense seminar of up to five days. All of the sessions are equally balanced between discussions, group meditations, lectures, and hands-on instruction. Students will follow a syllabus that’s based on the original coursework of Brenda Johnson, founder of the INEH.

Simone Matthews

Simone M. Matthews was guided by the Angelic Realm to make the Essence of Angels. The healing combines with other healing modalities. Matthews has helped thousands of people over the years and has dedicated her life to awakening humanity to the teachings of Spirit. Matthews knew at an early age that she had special gifts and she now teaches others to tap into those same gifts within themselves. She is the founder of Universal Life Tools Metaphysical School of Healing, which is based in Queensland, Australia. The school offers two paths of study that include Crystal Light Healing and Essence of Angels. Anyone taking her classes should expect major growth and transformation after the class.

Essences of Angels Description

The Essences of Angels assist us in bringing love, understanding, and guidance into our lives through a set of 12 vibrational remedies. They combine Angelic and Master Crystal vibrations and they are setting a new paradigm in healing. They work well with other healing modalities and are holistic in their capacity to bring enlightenment and healing into the lives of those that use them. There are courses that teach the use of the Essences.

Essence of Angels Workshops

The Essence of Angels workshop is taught by Matthews and will accelerate the spiritual development and intuitive instincts of those that participate. It is a two day workshop, and includes experimentation with each of the Essences, as well as their use and communication with Angels. The Essences can help to unlock each person’s gifts and bring past wisdom to the forefront. The course is beneficial regardless of whether you choose to use the Essences for you personal benefit or whether you share them with those around you.

Essence of Angels Examples

Archangel Azrael Essence is the helper of life transitions and helps us to let go of things we no longer need. The energy is gentle and loving, and leads us to new beginnings.

Archangel Zadkiel Essence is the giver of love and compassion for humanity. He helps us to speak our personal truth and awakens hearts and minds.

Archangel Michael Essences is a true ally for life on this earth. He helps to guide us toward our true path in life and helps us to cut away unneeded attachments.

Archangel Jophiel Essence is helpful for tapping into our personal beauty, and assists with our creative endeavours in home and business. It also reminds us that life is a journey and that we are responsible for creating our own path and story in life.

Each of the Essences help with healing and guidance and those that are seeking truth, their unique path in light, and that want to gain knowledge and great consciousness will be well-served in learning the methods of the Essences.

Esalen Institute

The renowned Esalen Institute, known for its hot springs that pepper the grounds providing a natural alternative to healing, is impressively situated on the rocky cliffs of Big Sur, overlooking the cerulean waters of the Pacific Ocean. After five decades, the non-profit organisation is recognised as a pioneer in the world of experiential and alternative education, including a variety of specific programs covering everything from art and music, to massage and yoga, as well as meditation, spirituality, and more.

Once a gathering place for creative thinkers like Jack Kerouac and Joan Baez, the Esalen Institute is part think-tank, part ethereal retreat, and part venue for exploring alternative practices and healing.

Esalen Massage & Swedish Massage Comparison

Although these two types of massage do in fact use similar strokes, the general philosophy behind the practices are rather different from one another. Developed primarily in the world of gymnastics, Swedish massage addresses specific groups of muscles and joints in order to relieve pain, increase one’s mobility, and promote a therapeutic sense of healing.

Esalen massage, however, was first conceived as a part of Gestalt psychotherapy, which was developed in the 1940s and 1950s and emphasises existentialism and experiential psychotherapeutic exploration. While Esalen massage also caters to the same issues as Swedish massage does, Esalen aims to exist on a deeper level, integrating the mind, body, and the spirit to achieve an overwhelming sense of harmony and peace.

Esalen Massage Therapy

Aficionados of the practice traditionally receive Esalen massage therapy completely in the nude, although the option to be draped with a towel or sheet is available. Esalen massage utilises long, smooth strokes, sometimes full-body length, that are likened to coaxing the tension right out of the muscles, with the therapist varying their techniques based on the person’s individual needs and response, both verbal and physical.

Unless the practitioner is utilising holistic therapy, they will more than likely be dressed in a clinical uniform and will always maintain an air of professionalism. The ultimate goal of Esalen massage is to provide the maximum amount of comfort, relaxation, and healing as possible, allowing us to shatter the barriers between the mind and the power of touch.

Esalen Massage Benefits

While the distinct benefits one receives from Esalen massage therapy aren’t viewed the same in terms of therapeutic outcome the way other types of massage are, including the Swedish version, there are still notable rewards to consider.

The Healing Power of Touch – The healing power of touch occurs in several ways with Esalen massage therapy, the most notable of which is a marked increase in the body’s circulation. A healthy circulatory system allows for the immune system to function properly, thus warding off illness and disease. Esalen massage also bridges the gap between mind and body by promoting a sense of mental and emotional well-being that comes from the power of touch.

Deep Relaxation – This type of intense massage therapy is said to cause one to feel a rather deep sense of relaxation of the mind as well as the body. Because this state of relaxation is so profound, it also has added benefits such as reduced stress and tension that result from this intense mind and body connection.

If you aren’t concerned with the nudity aspect of the Esalen massage and are open to exploring an intense combination of esoteric-like physical and mental relaxation, consider enjoying the experience for yourself.