Metaphysics Course

This blog has essays from the Metaphysics Courses offered through the Universal Life Church. We have a variety of courses that are available in the area of metaphysics.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Metaphysical Healing

I was struck by the author's description of her discovery of her spiritual healing capability, as well as her description of the training that traditional African healers undergo. It is evident that spiritual healing is a calling, and that not all who hear the call are successful as healers. Just as the quality and capability of individual physicians varies, so too are the skills and capabilities of individual spiritual healers different.

The other thing that struck me was the difference in education and training. It appears that spiritual healing is a gift, rather than a learned skill, although I am sure that experience can certainly enhance ability. In contrast, traditional or shamanic healers, as well as conventional Western physicians, undergo extensive training.

As a Reiki practitioner, I use a form of energy healing with a spiritual component, starting and ending with prayer. And I know that experience is a great teacher that has sharpened my skills. I am sure this course will be a great help as well. :thumbsup:

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Metaphysical Healing

Universal Life Church
Metaphysical Healing
Part of the Lesson 1 assignment is to research the types healing practiced in the United States. These are not all inclusive but are considered the most popular practices.

Acupuncture- An ancient Chinese alternative medical treatment used to promote healing which involves inserting thin needles into specific points of the body know as "acupuncture points" to block pain by stimulating the nerves. Treatment is for other conditions besides pain such as allergies and drug withdrawal.

Aromatherapy- Refers to treating a person's mood or health for psychological and physical wellness with the use of essential oils from flowers, trees, and herbs to promote health and well-being, vitality and rejuvenation of the body, mind and spirit. Treatments include massage, facials, body wraps and teas.

Ayurvedic Medicine- The ancient Hindu science of health and medicine. This very personalized and natural healing system focuses on establishing and maintaining balance of the life energies within us, rather than individual symptoms. Use of dietary modification, massage, yoga and herbal preparations.

Chakra balancing- Based on ancient Indian belief that chakras, or energy centers, are located at specific points between the top of the skull and the base of the spine, and each are related to specific organs of the body. Balancing can be done through hands-on techniques, meditation, exercise, yoga or music in conjunction with crystals, aromas, and other contemporary items.

Chiropractics- One of the most popular alternative therapies, grounded on the principle that when the skeletal system is correctly aligned and the nervous system is functioning properly, the body can heal itself. Generally done by hands, manipulating the joints and spine of the patient as they lie on a specifically designed padded table it seeks to relieve pressure on the nerves and restores natural balance and equilibrium.

Crystal Healing- The therapeutic application of crystals and gemstones for mental, physical, emotional and spiritual healing. Based on the belief that crystals have energies and emit healing vibrations that are able to promote healing and improve health.

Feng Shui- The ancient Chinese art of placement based on philosophy of the movement of natural energy through our environments. Focuses on positioning objects, furniture, buildings etc. to create balance and harmony through the healthy flow of chi-(energy). the goal is to achieve optimal health and prosperity in one's life by first supporting one's environment with the rhythms of the cosmic whole.

Hypnotherapy- The use of hypnotism to deeply relax the conscious mind and induce a hypnotic trance during which the subconscious mind is brought into alignment with the conscious mind. Used commonly for treatment of emotional problems (i.e. stress, depression, offering pain relief, conquering phobias and changing habits.

Iridology- The study of the iris of the eye to diagnose under the theory that the iris serves as a map of the body and gives warning signs of physical, mental and spiritual problems. It states that every bodily organ corresponds to a location within the iris and the relative health of each organ can be determined by examining the iris.

Naturopathy- Originating in Europe Naturopathic Medicine is a form of therapy that depends on the natural forces, rather than surgery or drugs, to treat disease. It focuses on the concept that the body is a self-healing organism and will heal itself given the right stimulus. The science treats the whole person rather than the afflicting problem. It is the practice of using natural agents and physical means to provide a healthier balance of internal chemistry which include herbs, vitamins, massage, counseling as well as diet and nutrition.

Reflexology- An ancient Chinese technique based upon the belief that each part of the body is interconnected through the nervous system to the feet, hands and ears. The therapist applies pressure to acupunture points in these areas, restoring balance and opening blocked meridians, to enhance the flow of energy throughout the body also improving nerve and blood circulation, and encouraging the body's immune response.

Reiki- It is a gentile Japanese energy-based modality. Through a series of hand positions either directly on or just above the body, the energy worker allows for the flow of energy through their body which the client then draws off the amount of energy that is required. This hands-on healing results in a relaxing spiritual state of being which then allows cells to heal and replenish.

Rolfing- Rolfing is a deep massage technique that involves optimally positioning the body's organs, bones ad tissues. By manipulating the deep fascia and muscles. as well as educating about the body position and posture, improvements can be made to a person's physciological and psychological processes to relieve stress, treat chronic pain and increase energy.

Shamanic Healing - This ancient healing art emphasizes the caring of the soul and the healing through soul retrieval. It is based on the belief that the condition of the sould must be addressed and if healthy, other healings can then manifest mentally, physically and emotionally.

Shiatsu Therapy- Japanese form of physical and therapeutic massage. Know as the yang process balancing from the outside to inside. this full body massage is normally done clothed.

Swedish Massage- A system of therapeutic massage combined with passive and active exercise for the muscles and joints.

Tai Chi- Ancient Chinese mind-body exercise and fighting system consisting of 108 smooth, flowing, strengthening sequences, meditation and breath regulation. Health benefits include improved blood circulation and enhanced immune functions

Thai Massag- Also referred to as Yoga Massage which emphasizes rhythmic stretching, pressing and loosening of the body. Used for healing, health and transformation.

Yoga- Defined as "to yoke or unite", this Hindu series of mental, spiritual and physical systems is designed to aid in enlightenment and achieving a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility. Yoga improves breathing and focuses on the alignment of the body by increasing awareness, posture, flexibility of body and mind, and calmness of spirit. It is also believed that yoga cleanses the body toxins, improving blood circulation and muscle tone.

There are some more types of healing arts to include Astrology, Huna ,Palm Reading, Tarot Cards, Tea Leaf Reading that have clients but are considered less popular methods of actual healing and are more associated with mystical sciences.
Dr. Dennis W. Zerull

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

METAPHYSICAL HEALING by Rev. Terri

FINAL ESSAY – METAPHYSICAL HEALING
Rev. Teresa Swerdloff

Over these several months I have read lessons and in some cases applied techniques. But I think the most valuable lesson I have come away with is, too often we look for the truth in relationship to the world around us, others and ourselves. With our main focus on others and the world around us and checking to see if we're up-to- par, or fit-in. We might say it's “taking a hard look at what is.”

As I have grown these last few months I realize I am the center of my universe. And I am the most important thing in my day. And how I feel about the people, places and things in my day is the most relevant thing in my reality. There may have been a time when it was beneficial to look at something from someone else's point of view. And I spent most of my life doing just that. But someone else does not truly make any decisions in my life. I have really come into myself during these last few months and feel such a freedom, rebirth.

I found the lesson on anatomy very helpful. I think an expansion on this lesson would be very valuable to students. This lesson prompted me to go out and get diagrams of various systems of the body, and look for more information

I believe this class is a good introduction to Metaphysical Healing. It is a nice cross section of Metaphysical Healing techniques as they are practiced in Africa. I did feel it didn't relate as much as I would have liked to the way holistic practices are here in the United States.

I disagree with our instructor, in that I take complete responsibility for my reality. In doing this I am examining my own belief contents that attract my fears for the future of Healing. I do have to say though I think the point she was making is not to overwhelm the client with the thoughts (especially if they are struggling already) that they create their reality. If they are not ready they may hear this as “It's your fault the reality your creating”.

For me, there is no question but that Metaphysical Healing is where all healing stems from. As science and society has developed, I feel, a belief system in machines (surgical), drugs, and western practice has developed. This belief system is built on a structure of power control and economic gain, followed by (somewhere down at the bottom of the list) a need to heal. I fear the loss of true healing as this system continues to place more controls (legislation) on Holistic practices.

As I see it there will be little difference between Western Medicine and Holistic Practices if this continues. And as I experience this fear I am examining my part in attracting more of this that I do not want and I realize the desire to change my focus to what I do want. -A thriving healthy society- I have simplified this but then one of the things I also noticed throughout this class was when I broke things down to their simplest form, the point became crystal clear....

Love and laughter,
Terri