Alternatives

All the therapies and techniques described on these pages are ones I have experienced myself, and while descriptions of techniques are factual, all opinions are personal.

THE METAMORPHIC TECHNIQUE

universal energyWhy is the Metamorphic Technique such a well-kept secret?  It has been around in this country for more than twenty years;  many people have experienced benefits;  yet whenever I say I am a practitioner, I get the answer, "I've never heard of that!

So what is it?

In very simple terms: it is a light touch on the spinal reflexes along the arches of the feet, which acts as a catalyst to release any blocks which have formed (and we all have them) in the receiver's life force. It is not strictly a therapy, since it encourages a person's innate wellness rather than "curing" illness.

There is a very deep underlying structure of theory behind the technique, but you need not know any of it to benefit. The practitioner does not delve into your psyche (in fact it is important to remain detached and non-interfering) but merely touches your feet in a specific way; also the thumbs, and the top of the head, in a full session, but for a shorter time; the feet are the most important. The technique grew out of reflexology, but is simpler in operation. Those who have tried it have told me, without fail, that they found it transformative.

I have found it effective for depression, lack of energy, sleeplessness, stress, the inability to make up your mind, blocked creativity...and many other things, including improvement after stroke.

A full session takes approximately an hour, does not require any more undressing than taking off your shoes and socks, and can be done more or less anywhere.

So try it! To find a practitioner in your area (and more about the technique, if you are interested) contact:

The Metamorphic Association, PO Box 32368, London SW17 8YB
Telephone information line: 0870 770 7984
Email: metamorphicassociation@aol.com
A link to the Metamorphic Association Website can be found on the Website Links page of this e-zine.

metamorphosis


serene@evenstar8.co.uk

HEALING SOUNDS elements

There are several different techniques using sound and movement for healing:  this "Healing Sounds" is the one taught by Sonia Moriceau.

This is a set of exercises based on the Five Element theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The exercises can be done occasionally, or for the most benefit, regularly - say for ten minutes a day - and, while effective if done alone, can be even more so if done in a group, where the increase of sound adds to the beneficial effect.

The Five Element theory of TCM states that the body is made up of five elements: Earth, Fire, Water, Wood, and Metal. Each element is connected to, or responsible for, two organs of the body (three in the case of Metal), which are: Earth - Stomach and Spleen; Fire - Heart and Small Intestine; Water - Kidneys and Bladder; Wood - Liver and Gallbladder; Metal - Lungs, Large Intestine, and Skin (also considered an organ in TCM). Each element also has an emotion connected with it: Earth - sympathy; Fire - joy; Water - fear; Wood - anger; Metal - grief.

A combination of sound and movement based on the elements therefore affects the whole body, and the emotions, balancing one against the other. Breath+sound+movement=attention=awareness. Where attention is, energy flows.

In these exercises, the sound and movement for Earth is repeated between each of the other elements, providing grounding, and helping to solidify the element before, bringing that element to balance and creating healing within the body.

Try it! I have found it invigorating, calming, and enlivening.


The Exercises.



Stand relaxed, feet slightly apart, knees slightly bent.

hands Element - Earth. Sound - MOOO
Hold your hands as in the diagram at waist level. Turn hands and push up above your head with one hand, down towards the ground with the other, while making the sound. Bring your hands back to centre, and repeat in the opposite direction, making the sound again.

hands Element - Fire. Sound - AAAH
Hold your hands as in the diagram in front of your chest. Raise them, still together, above your head, and bring them back to chest level while making the sound.
Repeat.


Repeat Earth - MOOO.

movement Element - Water. Sound - TWEEE
Place the backs of your hands against your kidneys. Bend forward letting your arms fly forward while making the sound.
Repeat.

Repeat Earth - MOOO.

hands eyes Element - Wood. Sound - SHU!
Place your folded hands just below your waist. Stare ahead taking in everything around while making the sound (short and sharp). Repeat.

Repeat Earth - MOOO.

hands Element - Metal. Sound - ZZZZZ
Place your hands as in diagram in front of your mouth. Pull each hand sharply sideways as far as your arms will reach (imagine undoing a zip in both directions) while making the sound. Repeat.

Repeat Earth - MOOO.

And that's it! Personally, I usually end up laughing - but that's part of the invigoration of it!





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serene@evenstar8.co.uk