How effective is energy healing?

A lot of people swear by it, some deride it. Let’s take a look at a new case study.

Riverdance star Michael Flatley recently spoke in the press about how energy healing has saved his career.

In 2006 the dancer was struck by a strange virus that doctors had been unable to pin down, which left him exhausted and suffering from acute joint and muscular pain. He approached Irish complementary therapy practitioner, Michael O’Doherty for help with his condition when conventional medicine failed him.

O’Doherty, who pioneered the Plexus Bio-Energy system that has reportedly worked wonders for Flatley, has praised Flatley’s positive character and commitment to his own healing, using words such as ‘charismatic’ and ‘inspiring’ to describe his client.

Plexus practitioners detect energy blockages within a client’s energy system and remove these with a selection of hand movements, allowing life energy to flow freely. O’Doherty’s website claims that the technique unlocks the healing ability lying dormant within every cell of the body.

The Plexus system also encourages clients to take ownership of their own life and health through self empowerment and an increased awareness of the need for a harmonious existence. O’Doherty believes that developing our psychic abilities is key if we are to move out of the current discordant consciousness of world crisis:

“Unfolding our extrasensory or psychic potential is the gateway for humanity to mature out of its present ecological and spiritual crisis into a species which is capable of living at peace with itself and in harmony with the Earth and Universe,” he says.

There’s a lot of knowing chit-chat about aphrodisiacs, as well as many urban myths. As food is nature’s pharmacy, what effect do some well-known foods have on bodily attraction?

The term “aphrodisiac” has its roots in Greek mythology when Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, rose from the sea on an oyster and gave birth to Eros. In ancient Greece, emphasis was placed upon fertility and sexual prowess rather than libido levels.

Foods which have traditionally been considered to have aphrodisiac qualities might not always seem that appetising – personally I find oysters a little hard to swallow – but using some imagination and creative presentation, why not tuck into some delicious aphrodisiac treats that are sure to start the blood flowing and set the hormones into a spin.

Strawberries are a perfect finger food — passionate red with sweet, sticky juice that is sure to tantalise your lover. They are also high in Vitamin C, which is needed for the growth and repair of body cells, keeping the skin, teeth and bones healthy. The amino acids in strawberries will help boost both libido and stamina.

Bananas are a fantastic source of energy, so feeding them to your lover will ensure they don’t run out of steam. They are rich in B vitamins which are essential in sexual hormone production and have been known to do wonders for the male libido.

Delicious asparagus is rich in Vitamin E, which is famed for its ability to stimulate increased sexual powers. Asparagus can be eaten as a finger food stem by stem. A bit of Hollandaise can really add to the sauce of this sexy starter.

Figs have always been considered an aphrodisiac food, partly due to their resemblance to sexual organs. They also contain the vital amino acids needed for a healthy sexual performance.

Basil is great for the circulation, and as we all know, sexual stamina is dependent upon blood flow. The sweet, green leaves are also said to boost fertility and our sense of safety, relaxation and well-being. The potent scent of Basil was traditionally said to attract the opposite sex.

Finally, nobody can argue that chocolate has to be the food of love. It contains a stimulant that creates a natural high, which feels similar to the effect of the release of endorphins in the brain. There are a million ways to have fun with chocolate, and containing more antioxidants than red wine, it should be great to stimulate those long lasting passionate encounters.

Rhian Gibbings

With the annual London Marathon approaching this weekend, thousands of amateur runners will have discovered the meaning of Runners’ High.

As the body pushes itself through the “first wind” after around 20 minutes of effort, a feeling of euphoria sets in as body chemicals called endophins kick in. These are responsible for blocking pain, but also have a distinctly narcotic effect, which is why some people become totally addicted to workouts and training.

Endorphins are released during sustained effort and affect sites in the brain called receptors where opiates elevate the runner’s mood. Yes, opiates. It really is that powerful.

Non-runners are also affected in a medical sense. People suffering chronic pain can benefit from endorphins too.

Professor Thomas Tolle, who co-authored a study on the subject, says, “Endorphins are released in areas of the brain that are centres of pain suppression. Now we hope [our study] will impress our pain patients and motivate them to take up sports training within their available limits”.

So, run for pain-free health seems to be the message.